This Abundant Life

What Matters in Mothering...

2012-01-13T14:50:00.003-07:00

"Learn to be a good shepherd to your children. Read the Scriptures and take them to heart. Don’t compare your little flock with the other flocks. Compare your flock with what God wants from you, not from what you think will impress others. Are you being faithful with what He has given you? That is what counts."
- quote from Shepherd Mothers Post @ FeminaGirls

A Few Recipes for Sharing

2011-12-29T12:37:00.005-07:00

Contrary to what this post might look like, I have not been
cooking very much lately, but in the last few months, I have revisited a few recipes that are real favorites and I thought you might like to browse.

Remember, you will see ingredients here like Coconut oil, Sucanat, Kefir, etc. If these are ingredients that you are interested in trying out, these are easy opportunities to do so. But, keep in mind, you can always use the oils, sugars, etc. that you currently have in your home.

Also, I have stolen ALL of these recipes and have never come up with a single one on my own :).

Baked Oatmeal (at the bottom of this menu plan)

Homemade Chicken Stock in the Crock Pot

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (No, I did NOT make my own noodles :)

Chili and Cornbread

Zuppa Tuscana Soup (This is excellent)

Creamy Orange Cooler

Grilled Veggie Sandwich

Berry Crisp

Happenings...

2011-12-04T11:53:00.022-07:00

We've been "busy" around here, doing things that are not actually very busy. I've kind of been taking things one week at a time...not because I'm so good at resting in the moment, although that is something I am making a real effort at, but mostly because this pregnancy has left me with far less (energy, health, sleep, brain power, "normal" feeling moments, etc.) than I ever imagined it would. But, I can already tell, this baby is going to be really cute...and beauty doesn't come cheap!

I love literature and poetry and the written word, in general, so NO, I do not think that pictures always say it best, but right now they certainly DO!

I truly wish that I could kid-nap a professional photographer with awesome camera equipment (like Amy Cooper over at Kacey Luvi Photography) and make her take pictures of us all day...not of the screaming or crying (or the kids misbehaving, either :), but until I figure out how to do that, these will have to do!

Preparing for our Jesse Tree/Advent Celebration

Being adorable and sparkly (or, in other words, constantly changing from one outfit to the other because, apparently, that's what Princesses Do)

Just being all cute (and dirty), in general

Enjoying some time with some precious Goffeneys...I'm pretty sure they love us, too, but were just a tad tired from travel :)

Got to witness my Nephew, Cohen's, baptism!

...I had trouble editing this pic, but he has adorable eyes. He's pretty much the most adorable thing around...however, has was a little concerned about the water messing up his hair :).

Celebrating Thanksgiving and Papa's Birthday.
Guess who it is that Gwendolyn takes after...

...and getting to hang with my sister, Rebekah, and her boyfriend, Mark (He's a great guy!)

Carrying on one of the better Rehrmann traditions of Olive-eating

Taking on Zoo Lights as a Family

And, of course, making a breakfast of french toast and mac and cheese...the breakfast of champions!

I hope this time leading up to the celebration of Jesus' coming, has been fun, so far, for you!

The Advent Season

2011-11-18T13:43:00.005-07:00

This picture has nothing to do with the post...he's just cute.

This year is when it begins! Bic and I are going to do an advent celebration with our children! No more waiting for all the pretty Crate&Barrel and Anthropologie ornaments to fill the Jesse Tree. Well, I'm waiting...not so much Bic. I don't even think he knows that I want them.

I still want those ornaments...and I'm going to get them :), but for now, we are going to use things we have around the house and celebrate the coming of Christ with treats, activities and the beautiful scriptures that God has already given to us. The Kids will love it...they don't even like Crate&Barrel and Anthropologie...silly kids.

I found a great (and FREE) resource with all the Advent readings and some extras. Check it out at Ann Voskamp's A Holy Experience Blog. By signing up to receive her posts, you get an extensive Advent Jesse Tree Printable, for Free! I've skimmed it and I am really looking forward to using it.

Our "Jesse Tree", this year, is a mix between a "calendar" and a "tree." I have a ton of small brown paper sacks and a bunch of varied Christmas ribbon scraps and I'm going to make a little bag for each day of advent and string them (with an ornament hanger) up on decorative garland on our book shelves. Inside I am going to put the scripture for that day and some sort of fun and quick little activity the kids and I can do that day...I still need some ideas for that, if you have any please leave them in the comments.

I saw one idea that said "eat a candy cane off the tree." My kids will LOVE that. fun. simple. delicious. Oh, I'll also number the bags (if I run out of time, it might just be with a Sharpie :). Here's the start...

Happy Holiday Fun planning to YOU!

Holiday JOY

2011-11-16T21:01:00.006-07:00

With the Holidays quickly approaching, I am so excited to really be focusing on My own little family. What are the traditions we want to embrace and enjoy? What are the things we are going to choose to let go of, in favor of what is best for the NOW?

If all we do from this day until January 1st is make sloppy sugar cookies at home and decorate our Christmas tree with the cheap ball ornaments and learn about Jesus and why He came...and it makes my children grin with joy...then that is all I need. But, by golly, I will make a few crafty plans and see what else we just might be able to accomplish!

Come along with me, will you? Come walk with me in this idea that maybe less flawless Pinterest photos and less never-ending Facebook posts, for comparison, is really what we need for a Very Merry Christmas.

Let me elaborate, lest I have already turned you off. ...I can hardly think of a more delicious reality than a beautifully-spread Christmas table...a sparkling tree that looks like it's been slowly crafted over many years, but with a fresh and chic look of a pottery barn ad...delicate, yet hardy homemade Christmas treats, layered in a multilevel display...beautifully and lovingly decorated and wrapped individual gifts hand-crafted for family and loved-ones.

I am a "nest-er" who loves the idea of decorating and...creating...perfect spaces and "moments". But, although there are many things that are good... not all are best. As wives...mothers...women who know and seek the Lord, it is our responsibility to figure out what is best for each season.

"And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.
But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.
But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:39-42

I look forward to the future seasons when there are bound to be more opportunities for spectacular spreads, and perhaps, this is that kind of season for You.

As for me, I'm not going to stop enjoying the creativity that God, Himself, has given me. But, since my natural tendencies are way more Martha than Mary...my focus is gonna need to be in the direction of the sitting.

Here are couple of great Holiday Posts you may enjoy:
- FeminaGirls "Wrap up the Stress"
- Passionate Homemaking "Traditions: Choosing the Best for THIS Season"

Hello Again...and Have Some Soup

2011-11-08T12:24:00.001-07:00

Well, It's been three months since my last blog post. I figure, now's as good a time as any to get going again. I do so enjoy the Blog world, but lately my focus has been very single-minded.

I'm now 15 weeks pregnant and I've been very sick for the last 8 weeks of my life, with all-day, intense nausea. But yesterday I made soup...and it was wonderful!

Now, I've read many blog posts that start out by saying how difficult it's been for some woman in her first trimester of pregnancy, and yet she has managed to continue nourishing her family well, hosted a fundraiser for over-seas missionaries and just happened to have a little time and energy left over to knit new Christmas stockings for all 5 of her children. Believe me, I'm no stranger to the temptation to feel inadequate. But, lest my nourishing soup story and pictures of my darling children tempt you in the same way...let me tell you a little about how it's really been going around here....

I've spent most days sitting on the couch...sitting, not laying, because that would just make the nausea worse. I can't even count the number of hours of television my toddlers have watched and the extent of my care for them has been diaper changes and some food...when absolutely necessary. I've been eating all the food that is easy and quick and full of unhealthy ingredients and simple carbohydrates...not because it makes me feel good, but because it requires less of me.

The Pastor's wife had to take over leading my bible study and I have basically been ignoring even my closest friends just so I don't have to have much conversation with anyone and, last week, my husband took it upon himself to scrub the toilets because he just couldn't take it anymore. And, if you know my husband, you know how bad things must have been for it to have come to that!

But, this day, I went to the store...I purchased real food and I made soup! I've been craving Paradise Bakery's broccoli cheese soup every day, so when Sarah from The Littlest Foodie shared a recipe from the Mangio de Sola blog I knew I had to try it! It really hit the spot and it's so good for my body (and my baby) to be eating this kind of nourishing meal. Take a look here if you want to try it out!

And, here's a few pics of my babies...because they are just so dang cute!

VACATION!

2011-08-11T12:37:00.012-07:00

Our Good Friends, the Williams', took us on vacation this year. It was the first trip we took with our kids...our first family vacation...and they were the perfect family to help break us in to the "this is no lounging-by-the-pool-with-a-book-and-cocktail-in-hand type of vacation."

No, seriously, we had a blast. Ricky and Cara are the most laid-back people we know with the most precious children we know. They make everything easier and more fun. It was so wonderful to create memories with our babies while they are so little. It was so awesome for Gwen to play with her best friend, Clair...and for Augustine to follow little Ricky around to see what big one-and-half-year olds know how to do.

I loved spending some girl time with Cara...talking about silly and serious things and getting to stay involved in each others real lives. And, of course, Bic and Ricky are NEVER at a loss of things to connect them together and make them laugh.

The Little Dudes

That's our Girl! How did she get so BIG?

Rascals!

BFFs! They have been since the beginning.

These girls know that there are some people you just "click" with.

They are, however, not so great at the picture-taking.

There he is. All tired out after he destroyed the couch with his banana.
Don't work too hard there, buddy.

We Love the Williams'! Thank you for your friendship!

Couldn't Have Said It Better, Myself

2011-08-05T20:05:00.002-07:00

Hey Everyone, Check out Jenn's Latest Blog on Isaac's Adoption!

Perspective Gained

2011-08-03T17:22:00.002-07:00

I had to stop in the middle of an exhausting day, yesterday, to re-read this post from the Femina Blog. Really Cool.

Perspective can be everything. Take a look!

The Kelley Family's Story about Bringing Isaac Home!

2011-08-03T08:02:00.002-07:00

Check the Kelley Family's story about adding this Precious baby boy to their Family!

Grab This!

Bear Fruit: NOT a Command

2011-08-01T08:40:00.004-07:00

I wanted to share with you our Church's sermon from yesterday. Even a person with a Mature relationship with Jesus Christ can mistake mis-information or nearly-truth, for truth.

Pete reminded us that there is no command to Bear Fruit. Jesus does not say, "...now, you, go bear fruit." He says, "Abide in me...and you will bear fruit."

John 15:4,5
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

I know there is a lot of "fruit...tree...branches talk here (and even more if you read the whole chapter). But, this was a analogy very real and understandable to the people who Jesus was speaking to. They understood this very well...their lives depended on their crops bearing fruit. There was no Fry's or Safeway around the corner (neither is there one of those around my corner...but that is an entirely different subject for me to complain about at a different time).

Anyway, If you want a better understanding of "vines" bearing fruit...come on over...my tomato plants are pitiful. They are bearing about 1/3 of the fruit they could be...and one plant has NEVER born any. It's because I have neglected the pruning altogether and their climbing structure is pitiful and falling. The vine is weak and the dead branches are chocking out the life from the good branches.

But, that's okay. My tomatoes don't matter. But I matter. My abiding in Christ is directly related to my experiencing Joy.

Pete's Message was a blessing to me...convicting, encouraging. He reminds me that my struggle is not with anxiety...or anger or with being a servant, or with patience. My struggle is in abiding in Christ.

I thank my God that He has provided all I need to be able to abide in Him...His written words, translated and easily accessible...His people, to love and encourage me...His Spirit, already indwelling me, revealing what is true.

Take a little time...while you are surfing the net, looking for coupons, reading Facebook statuses or looking at posted pictures of someone's family vacation...to listen to the talk. I know you will be as encouraged as I am!

Time With My Man

2011-07-28T21:35:00.007-07:00

This last weekend was so wonderful. My husband took me to my favorite Resort, here in Tucson. It was just a couple of nights, but it was AWESOME. It definitely refreshed me and excited me to dig in deep in my roles as Wife, Mom and Keeper of my home. But, it also left me wanting more...more sunshine, more quiet moments, more clean, white towels...and more of my man. Sometimes he gets lost beneath the little tower of snotty noses, piercing screams and potty dances.

I love those little crazies and I missed them, tons, just being away for such a short time...but I'm on a mission now...I want to steal some of those moments from them...and give them back to him.

Have You Ever Seen a Cuter Ice Cream-Eater?

2011-07-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Let Us Not Overlook the Plain and Obvious

2011-07-27T09:00:00.004-07:00

Gwendolyn and I are busy getting ready for Christmas in July with a Birthday Party for Jesus, this Friday (not because we are such a super-spiritual and event-clever family, but because we happen to be a little birthday/Christmas CRAZY in this house).

In our preparation, this morning we were reading the nativity story in her Bible. As we stared at a picture of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in the stable, I began pointing out the various characters. Like a good mother, I spoke of Joseph being Jesus' earthly Father and God also being Jesus' Father and the baby, pictured, being Jesus, etc...etc. As I finished imparting spiritual wisdom and went on to continue reading, Gwendolyn points her finger to the only remaining figure on the page and says, "...and that's a cow."

It's true. That was a cow.

In the tired and, often, unpredictable moments of mothering small children, It's the simple and true things that are of most encouragement to me. Somehow, amidst the hours of readable Facebook statuses, googled coupon codes, interesting DIY projects and on-line shopping sales, it can be hard to notice the very real cow in the picture.

Jesus is my cow. And, I need to spend my time looking at, and listening to, those who can point Him out to me and say, "and that's a cow." That is Jesus. He's your only source of real and lasting Joy and plain-old, regular happiness. Look at Him, and you vision for all your life-roles and daily activities will be clear, fresh and...dare I say it...Exciting!

Here area few of my personal favorite Joy-reminder resources:
Femina
Desiring God Blog
Passionate Homemaking

What are some of yours???

Motherhood as a Mission Field

2011-06-18T18:12:00.002-07:00

Awesome Article from guest blogger at Desiring God.

Liz Jankovic is the Author of Loving the Little Years. This book is changing my mothering!

Check it out:
Motherhood as a Mission Field Blog Post

About Sums Up Our Days at Home

2011-06-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Source: elementsofstyleblog.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

My Awesomes

2011-05-27T12:19:00.007-07:00

Life Is NOT Like a Box of Crayons

2011-05-26T17:26:00.004-07:00

Don't you just love a big, brand new box of Crayons? All those sharpened points of beautiful color, standing straight up...all in a line. You know, the really good brand...you know the one I'm talking about.

I Do. I love them.

I love pottery barn magazine pictures of playrooms I've only half been able to imagine in my mind...but knew they existed somewhere.

I love wooden toys that are shiny and new, and also look like they've been around forever.

This is our collection of crayons. All different kinds and brands (only a few left of the good ones)...most of them stubby and void of wrapping (you can find the wrapping torn up into many little pieces, under the little table...or in the baby's mouth. Oh, and some random washable colored pencils that I absolutely hate and will never buy again. But, best of all...those little, dirty hands, eager to be a part of whatever mommy is doing with the crayons.

This is our playroom. Plastic garage sale bins have bullied out the romantic idea of cloth and woven baskets. And, that poor, poor baby doll...one foot, hanging on for dear life. One Crazy princess and one Baby Dude...conquering the world, one Walmart block at a time.

THIS...this is just what happens when you turn your back to take pictures for the blog.

Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful blessings!

Give Me Poetry!

2011-05-04T06:18:00.002-07:00

This morning, as my husband left for work, I said to him,"I'm reading Galations...and I'm bored."

He smiled...because, Galations may be many things...but it is not boring.

But, even as I continue reading in the book, I am still a little bored. I realized that I need a little poetry in my life...some beautiful passion to cling to all morning. The kind of words that linger well into the afternoon and come back to remind you, at evening's close.

I went to the Psalms and there I read this:

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
- Psalm 4:8

It took my breath away...an actual breath-stopping gasp. Beautiful!

FEMINA Blog

2011-04-29T11:20:00.001-07:00

I can feel myself being more encouraged by the minute.

"Mothers: As you keep feeding your children, behold, they do grow! Keep your homes, build your homes. All your washing and shopping and planning and cooking and cleaning and swatting is used by God to make faithful homes and faithful children."

Check out the whole Blog Post HERE over at Femina.

Let Her Eat Cake!

2011-04-29T10:55:00.002-07:00

photo credit

After watching a Sesame Street episode where they made a cake, Gwendolyn was dead-set on making one of her own. I was actually feeling pretty sick that day, but when the girl gets something in her head...well, it's just easier to let her make a cake.

But, if she was going to make a cake at 7am and eat it all day...it was going to be a "healthier" cake and it was going to be easy to make.

This recipe from Heavenly Homemakers was PERFECT! I used Kefir instead of buttermilk and I DID use the Sucanat and coconut oil. I didn't even frost the thing! It was delicious and, honestly, next time I will try even cutting the sugar way down.

Letters to Friends On Stuff That Matters

2011-04-22T15:24:00.002-07:00

My Dear Friend, Cara, and I decided to join in on this beautiful study at A Holy Experience, on loving Jesus and others with our words. Perhaps you would also enjoy this!

*********
This letter, I just LOVE. I Love CARA, for being real...for being poetic while she's being real...I love her for being tired, like me.

*********

Hey Jenn,

The babies haven’t been sleeping. They come, looking for comfort between our sheets, our full size sheets. As the clock ticks through the wee night hours and the chimes ring downstairs, I try to roll over on my stomach and pull the covers that have been kicked off of both the baby and me just a little bit farther over onto my stomach so I’m not really really cold. And then, in between kicks to the head, I realize the sunrays have begun to filter in through the wooden blinds and I lay there, cold…eyes shut…mind wide open…heart seething frustration and understanding at the same time.

I. Am. So. Tired.

Tonight at a stoplight, my eyes glazed over and all the cars turned into small fuzzy golden orbs of light. The orbs moved closer and my head drifted back to watch the light show progress on past me, slowly, easily.

I so want to let life just pass by. To glaze over the intentions and lean back, eyes half closed, letting the exhaustion win. It could envelope my mind and my heart. I could slowly lose the wild dreams. Those wild and crazy longings to be more. Different. Purposeful.

I could close…my…eyes

But then, I know I would miss it. The wild. The longing. I would hunger for the could-have-been and the yesterdays. And I never want to look back like that.

Only look ahead. Eyes wide and seeing. Thoughtful and Dreaming.

Tonight I will sleep. Because it is necessary…

Start by doing what’s necessary;

Next do what’s possible;

And suddenly you are doing the impossible

~St. Francis of Assisi

But tomorrow, tomorrow I wake early, eyes open, ready to let the wild heart lead.

One step at a time.

CARA

We're Proud of our Harvest!

2011-04-05T19:12:00.005-07:00

The Lettuce...Not the fish : ).

Next up: tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, basil and Sunflowers!

Letters to Friends On Stuff That Matters

2011-03-31T17:15:00.002-07:00

My Dear Friend, Cara, and I decided to join in on this beautiful study at A Holy Experience, on loving Jesus and others with our words. Perhaps you would also enjoy this!

*********

Jenn,

This letter is totally for those of us who change poopy diapers daily. Otherwise, I think it could be categorized underneath “no one really needs to talk about these things, guys”. Just a disclaimer to everyone else, since I know you’re knee deep in poop like me J

Anyways, just a few minutes ago, as I was changing Clair’s diaper, I found myself saying,

“That’s right, I’ll wipe it all clean” and it reminded me of wooden pews and hot muggy mornings, when we would wave fans and sit next to my Grandma and Grandpa in their small country church singing, “Jesus paid it all! All to Him I owe…Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed them white snow”

Coming out of that memory I saw Clair, knowingly hold her legs and lift up, saying “wipe, wipe!” She waved her hand in front of her face and exclaimed “shew!”

How wonderful if we could recognize sin as matter of fact and embrace forgiveness as easily. Like, “oh yes, Jesus! Shew! I’m stinky…wipe? Wipe?” No left over guilt. No reminiscent shame. Just understanding that I once was shewy-stinky…but now I’m clean because He is there, of course, to wipe it all away!

Whew, time to dance naked around the living room in joy, right?

CARA

The Need to Create

2011-03-29T22:09:00.003-07:00

Many Stay-at-home Moms miss adult interaction, the most. You know what I miss the most? Projects. I miss the time and avaialable concentration to be able to sink my teeth into a new project.

I want to "work" on something that doesn't involve dishes and laundry. And, although God is graciously working in my heart to enjoy these precious years with my babies...He has not yet taken away the desire in me to be alone, creating something that I've seen done somewhere.

So, it was rewarding to re-cover this ottoman that I found at a Garage sale. I'm not going to say I got through the process without any yelling. I'm not gonna say my husband didn't have to remind me that I want to love my children. But, I will say that the next time I will be better...more self-controlled. I know this because God is continually working on me...as I work on silly little projects.

$3 for Garage Sale Ottoman
$2.99 for Thrift Store Material
$0 for foam and batting re-used from a previous headboard project.

= $6 cost and lots of Finding Nemo watching for Gwendolyn...and the baby.

"Loving the Little Years"

2011-03-29T13:06:00.003-07:00

I need all the help I can get on how to love my daughter and teach her about how God loves her. Our Gwendolyn is incredibly head-strong, and independent...aggressive and usually defiant. But she is also a little girl who LOVES princesses and ponies and flowers and stories that make her feel adventurous! She's the most passionate person I know, and I don't totally know what to do with that.

I am not naturally good at being imaginative...but, for Gwendolyn, it's an absolute MUST. I've even noticed how, if I get real low to the ground and make my face all interesting and talk in a hushed fashion, and explain things to her that way...she is WAY more interested in going along with what I've requested.

So, I am REALLY enjoying this short book, Loving the Little Years, by Rachel Jankovic. I love how she says, "I didn't write this book because mothering is easy for me. I wrote it because it isn't."

Take a look...

"...Imagine that then you say, "Don't do that. That is bad. Don't be a fusser. Deal with it." How did that help anyone? The child is taught that if the feeling comes over them, they have already failed. That is bad! But what m I supposed to do with it? It doens't just go away by itself. Little girls need help sorting out their emotions - not so they can wallow in them, but so they can learn to control them.
We tell our girls that the feelings are like horses - beautiful, spirited horses. But they are the riders. We tell them that God gave them this horse when they were born, and they will ride it their whole life. God also set us on a path on the top of a mountain together and told us to follow it. We can see for a long way - there are beautiful flowers, lakes, trees, and rainbows....
When our emotions act up, it is like the horse trying to jump the fence and run down into a yucky place full of spiders to get lost in the dark. A good rider knows what to do when the horse tries to bolt - you pull on the reins! Turn the horse's head! Get back on the path! We also tell our girls that God told us if we see one of them with her horse down in a mud puddle spitting at people who walk by, it is our job to haul them up, willing or unwilling, back to the path....
...First of all, the horses are not the problem. there is nothing wrong wiht the emotions...Talk to your daughters about how they might feel, and what you want to see when they do...Take a little break to say, "Hey sweetie, we are going in this store, but we aren't going to buy any toys today. If you start feeling like you want to fuss about it, what are we going to do?" Make a Plan. Use code words. Wink. Encourage. Give lots of praise when you see her overcoming little emotional temptations. .."

Letters to Friends On Stuff That Matters

2011-03-23T20:33:00.003-07:00

My Dear Friend, Cara, and I decided to join in on this beautiful study at A Holy Experience, on loving Jesus and others with our words. Perhaps you would also enjoy this!

*********

Check out my latest letter to Cara, posted on her awesome Blog: A Life Downtown.

So Much to Enjoy!

2011-03-18T17:11:00.003-07:00

I'm feeling so very blessed today...for my beautiful children, my lovely and comfortable home...for the green grass in my yard! I am thankful to the Lord for my husband's awesome job and the hard work he puts in, every single day.

She's smiling INSIDE

My Angel

This One's Just for Fun

From Her Heart to Mine...

2011-03-02T10:46:00.005-07:00

My Dear Friend, Cara, and I decided to join in on this beautiful study at A Holy Experience, on loving Jesus and others with our words. Perhaps you would also enjoy this!

*********
Thank you, Cara, for thinking my very thoughts
...and writing them in a letter to me.

Hey Jenn,

Last Monday, on my way home from small group, I was coming onto the interstate at 1-19 and Valencia and as I merged onto traffic, I was playing back in my mind a phrase I heard myself say a few minutes earlier…“crappy wife”. I said, “Today was just one of those days when you realize you’re a crappy wife”, to which my friend replied, “Oh Cara, you’re not a crappy wife.”

And the reality is, I don’t think I’m really a crappy wife either. I said it in response to the fact that I had an ah-ha moment that morning where I realized that, while so many of the things I do seem so important to me in the moment, crafting, canning, sewing, knitting, reading, I have begun to realize that they serve only to gratify my sense of fitting into a version of motherhood that I aspire to based on what I see other places, but they don’t, in most cases, help ease my burden or my family’s burden at home. They don’t create a welcome home where my husband feels comfortable. They don’t allow me to spend more time with my kids. They don’t necessarily help us save money or pay off debt. So, in focusing on these things all the time, I end up actually feeling less dependable and worthwhile as a spouse and mother, and truly, making more work for both myself and Ricky.

I’m sure there is so much in that realization that I could analyze but what really struck me was how I chose to communicate it. I never actually talked about what I had discovered. I could have embraced the beautiful truths in this discovery;

1. I want to take care of my family,

2. I want to ease my own burden around the fact that there is never enough time,

3. I see the places I could improve and am willing to go there,

4. I believe I am hearing the Holy Spirit direct me as a parent and a wife.

But I didn’t. These are all great things. I should have focused on these things. Instead, I went all bad on myself and projected it out like I needed to promote the broader negative.

I think that sometimes I am so afraid of being successful or of positive growth, which I know sounds strange…but is very true, that I deflect the specific good with general negativity.

I should have said. “I realized this morning that there are some specific things I can do to begin to value Ricky more in my everyday choices. “ not “Today was just one of those days when you realize you’re a crappy wife”

Our pastor, on Sunday, was talking about simplifying the language we use to respond to situations. I would like to try to simplify how I project out what I see or hear in my head, using only truth. It is only in recognizing and embracing truth that we begin to see freedom and growth.

Whaddya think?

CARA

Costco Price Comparison List - Updated!

2011-03-01T20:49:00.002-07:00

Check out the Updated Costco Price List at Pinching Your Pennies!

Awesome!

Trader Joe's Price List

2011-03-01T20:46:00.003-07:00

Healthy Life Deals has a whole Trader Joe's Price List posted...So HELPFUL!

Check it out HERE.

Letters to Friends On Stuff That Matters

2011-02-23T15:12:00.001-07:00

My Dear Friend, Cara, and I decided to join in on this beautiful study at A Holy Experience, on loving Jesus and others with our words. Perhaps you would also enjoy this!

*********

Check out my letter to Cara HERE.

Our Little Man: 6 Months!

2011-02-16T20:29:00.002-07:00

Our Augustine!

Gwendolyn Jeanne

2011-02-16T20:16:00.003-07:00

Dear Lord, make her your daughter. Give her eyes to see your love and a heart to hear your will. Take the Vigor and Might you've given her and let it be used to sing Your Praises.

Give her parents clear minds to lead her into your arms. Amen.

2011-02-15T19:39:00.005-07:00

Just before 8 o'clock in the evening. The babies have been put to sleep, and I'm pretty sure so have the many beautiful plans I had to accomplish...well...much of anything else.

I tell myself, "That's okay." And, today, I believe it.

That thick, leather-bound book beckons to me from my bedroom...and tonight, I'm going to pick it up. I long to be swept away by pure, un-apologetic TRUTH...rich and beautiful. And I long for it to truly define me.

God's Love in Words From a Friend

2011-02-08T13:12:00.007-07:00

My Dear Friend, Cara, and I decided to join in on this beautiful study at A Holy Experience, on loving Jesus and others with our words. Perhaps you would also enjoy this!

*********

Jenn,

How do you wrestle home words? How do you wrap all your thoughts and put them in a box with a bow and a pretty package?

My words are sometimes so empty, but I want them to be full. They are sometimes so flat when I want them to be buoyant. I want them to bring life but they bring death. I want them to hold on but they push away.

And in these moments of missing the mark, I am reminded that my words don’t always have to come out as quickly as they do. They don’t have to flow from spontaneity…They could flow from careful consideration of the other person. They could fight for growth instead of my rights. They could bring change in loving truth, rather than pain in quick wit. It is possible to slow down and see the other side, the other person on that side.

And when words fail, we can be silent. For, in the silence, God speaks. And sometimes, His words through our silent presence are the perfect response.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

…

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

In Him,

CARA

It's February...

2011-02-01T20:52:00.002-07:00

Well, Tax Season is upon us. In years to come (and in my dreams), I hope to be jetting off to visit my dear friends around the country, during Bic's very busy work season. For now, the kids and I are staying busy visiting our local Costco and eating all the samples.

Aren't they way too cute?! Gwendolyn, OF COURSE, was in a bad mood.

What Does Conversation With YOURself Look Like?

2011-01-26T10:27:00.003-07:00

In my bible Study, we are reading through Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney.

Chapter 2 was a real eye-opener for me. Mahaney talks about the "Voice of our feelings."

- "on a daily basis we are faced with two simple choices. We can either listen to ourselves and our constantly changing feelings about our circumstances, or we can talk to ourselves about the unchanging truth of who God is and what He's accomplished for us at the cross through His Son Jesus."

After a computer crass that cost him all his notes for an important sermon, he expresses how he began listening to himself.

- "Almost immediately, the voice of my own feelings started to speak. 'How could God allow this? Why is this happening? ...Oh, great - now you're sinning! You're a pastor? You're going to try and preach to others after that pitiful display of anger? How can you ask God to help you prepare now? This stinks. Look at what you've done!'"

But THIS is what happened when Mahaney began talking to himself.

"Your sin of anger has been atoned for by Another. Jesus died for that sin. Jesus, the One who passed every test, who was tempted in every way but never sinned. He stood in your place and He was punished in your place. God has forgiven you and he's going to help you prepare and preach this message - not because you're sinless but because He is merciful!"

What does the voice of your feelings say to you, on a daily basis? Are you listening?

That Figures...

2011-01-10T06:27:00.003-07:00

I Stayed up late last night...playing on the computer, messing with my pictures without any interruptions.

"I'm sure it will be okay," I thought. "I mean, how early are they really going to get up?"

- 6:15am...both of them.

I have two things to say about this:

It's a dang good thing that they are so cute.

&
2. Praise the Lord for television.

Gwendolyn The Magnificent

2011-01-09T22:31:00.001-07:00

My Blessings are Truly Abundant!

2011-01-09T22:25:00.002-07:00