Light in the Darkness

I have to be honest and tell you that my heart has been heavy lately. Sometimes living in this world is overwhelming. The past 2 weeks or so there have been multiple things that have saddened my heart: a death in the family, a health scare, a traumatic injury, an earthquake, a tsunami, learning of people starving, being treated as slaves, held captive...why do bad things happen?

When you start hearing of all the hurt in the world you can start to cave in and become depressed. But, we have to remind ourselves that this isn't ALL there is. There is life after this, and thank God for that! Thousands of years ago our sin tainted this world and now we have to live in that state until Jesus returns. And that is the Hope we should look to and SHARE!

If we ask for it, God will bless us with peace, comfort, joy, and the hope of eternity with Him.

Let's keep that truth alive in our hearts always and never cease to share it with others, even in the hard times.

Praise be to the God that gives and takes away!

Go, Go, Go

Now that Caden is mobile, he is always on the move! He never wants to stop to eat or to cuddle with mommy or anything. I sometimes wish that I had that kind of energy! By the end of the day I am always so beat and usually fall into bed by 9:30.

I feel like I always have a long check list of things to get done- so much so, that I sometimes forget to just enjoy the day.

How often as women do we base our value on how productive we are in the day? I know that I do a lot. And I like the feeling of accomplishing things, but sometimes I just need to tell myself 'no' and plop on the couch instead to take a breather.

Every once in awhile let's take time for ourselves- not only will we benefit from some down time, but it will help give us a better attitude when dealing with our family later in the day.

Broken

My heart is breaking.

God is breaking my heart for His people.

Every month at my church we learn about a different country and focus our prayers and giving to that country. This month is the DRC or the Congo. And my heart is BROKEN for these people!

The Congo is a war torn country. Rebel groups are everywhere causing the people to live in fear. Little boys are being taken by these groups and are forced to participate in the violence...little girls and women are raped, beaten, and killed. The people are dying of hunger and malnutrition. The number of displaced peoples and children is astounding...

I am begging you to come to the Almighty God that we serve and plead for these people! He is the only way that this country can be revived, freed, and at peace. Ask what can I do to help give some hope to the Congolese?

There are a few ways to start:

#1- PRAY. For peace, for their poverty, for their safety, and for a revival.

#2- GIVE. Here are a few genuine organizations trying to make a difference in the Congo. They need support to continue their efforts. Heal Africa, Women for Women, and the International Rescue Committee

#3- SPREAD the word of what is happening in Congo. Friends of the Congo has some very useful resources.

When I hear of the horrors that are going on in other countries, I can't help but think of the line from the song "Hosanna" by Hillsong. "Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause. As I walk from earth into eternity."

May this ring true in our hearts and be a mission for our lives as Christ Followers.

*Image from Kateholt.com*

The Unexpected

We just returned yesterday evening from our trip to Oregon. You never know what to expect when flying with a baby, so I start to feel a bit anxious before we took off.

I was trying to be peaceful and calm yesterday as we prepared to go through airport security when we found out that our flight had been delayed by 1 1/2 hours and we still had 2 hours until the new announced take off. I was so caught off guard and started to panic since Caden's nap time had already passed 15 minutes beforehand and I knew he might have a overtired meltdown at any moment!

However, with a moment to calm down and pray I relaxed a bit and we took the opportunity to spend a few more moments with my grandma and grandpa-in-law. We went to the airport book store and then sat down in a little cafe.

Once we did get through security we waited for the plane to arrive...which was 15 minutes late from the delayed time...but we boarded and were pleasantly surprised! The flight attendant told me that the plane was full, but with the delay is now only two-thirds full, so we could spread out. Plus, once we started to take off Caden fell fast asleep and stayed asleep until we hit home ground.

The delay was upsetting at first, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was one of the most relaxing plane rides I have ever taken.

Next time something unexpected and naturally upsetting happens to you try and take a moment to pray and calm down. Once you have a positive perspective you might be surprised that what you didn't want to happen actually was exactly what you needed. :)

Vacation

Well, I'm leaving on a jet-plane.... :)

I do know when I will be back again, though, Tuesday at 5:35 pm. Haha.

We are visiting some of my in-laws for a few days. They haven't seen Caden for a few months now, and boy will they be surprised to see how much he has changed!

Spending time with family is always a valued thing for us and are looking forward to it for a few days.

My husband and I definitely need a little break from the routine and time to relax.

All this being said, I won't be posting until next week. So, until then have a happy 3 day weekend (for some of you :) )!

All We Need Is LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day!

No matter if you are married, dating, or single we all have some kind of love in our life and that is always worth celebrating. :)

A lot of people talk about how awful Valentine's Day is and how it is a ploy from the greeting card companies. Well, even if that is true I would still celebrate. Like some say, we should show our love to those who mean a lot to us through out the whole year- and I agree! But, sometimes I think we need a little reminder and what is so wrong with having one day each year to give us that little reminder?

With all of that being said, I want to take a moment and ask what are you doing to celebrate today? Today can be a special time for couples to spend quality time together and it can be a fun time for kids and family! I would encourage you to think a little outside the box on this Valentine's Day...

Our church is doing "Valentine's for Orphans." Instead of spending as much on ourselves, we are putting some of that money towards buying supplies for an orphanage in Haiti. We went as a family earlier today to buy diapers and formula for these orphans. It felt so good to show charitable love in a tangible way today. I think this will be a new Valentine's tradition for my family and me.

What ever you do today do it in love. :)

A Priceless Woman: You

What defines you as a woman? What makes you feel valuable? Worthwhile?

The world is constantly telling us who we should be as women and where we should obtain our value from....If you are in shape- you are valuable. If you have the trendy clothes- you are valuable. If many men find you attractive- you are valuable. If you have perfect, well behaved children- you are valuable.

We are bombarded with these messages more than we think. And the thing is, without even realizing it we buy into them.

But, what if you don't fit the stereotype of a "beautiful" woman? What if you aren't a size 2? What if your house isn't always spotless and your kids throw tantrums in public? Does that mean you aren't worthwhile?

As women we need to find our value in something that is steadfast, never changing, and that loves us for who we are. Romans 5:8 says, "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Wow, what love! Freely given to us purely because He desires us!

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1) God declares we are His children. He created us, He died for us, He calls us His daughters!

We have value because God says we do. He has made you the way you are. He knows your heart, even the ugliest darkest places, and yet He still chose you to be His.

Let's live like we are worthwhile. Let's see ourselves from our Father's eyes. Let's blow the stereotypes out of the water and show the world what real, true, priceless women look like.