Old friend, New sister

I heard from an old friend the other day. I say old because the last time I talked to her was in middle school. We continued high school together, but never spoke to one another there. That was probably my fault, but my memory is only as good as what I write down or what I had for breakfast today. If memory serves me right thou I was not the most popular, nor the most athletic, I wasn't the most beautiful or most likely to succeed. I didn't hang out with a lot of people outside of school, but got along with just about everyone during school. I was shocked when this person commented on face book and asked if she could pray for me! My curiosity was pricked. Not that she was a terrible person or some wicked vile criminal, but I knew she was not a believer (back in middle school anyway). Amazing how we hold on to our view of other people by what we knew of them years ago and think they are the same person now. I am ashamed to say I was not the testimony of Christ likeness that I should have been in my middle school days. This particular person commented that she remembers going to church with my family. That took me totally unaware. I don't remember it at all, but now she is speaking of things like her brother in law “going home to be with the Lord" and "finding hope in God!" I praise God for the work He has done in her life and that he uses us in spite of our failures. I am glad he has allowed me to see a small glimpse of the way my life has touched another whether I remember it or not. What joy this has stirred in my own heart and spurred me on to being committed to bring my kids friends to church any chance we get. And to remember that it is God who changes hearts, but allows us to be a part if we will but be obedient! We may not see the effects our lives may have on another for years to come, and maybe never will on this earth, but may that not be our motivator to live the life that God asks of us. May my life always be a testimony of His great love for us!

Chewing on this

So, my mind has been wandering a bit in EVERY direction! I have to admit I have let it. I have not thought about what is TRUE and RIGHT and therefore it has only created more "off the wall things" to dwell on. So I started again this morning, A bit of "free time" for the mind and there it goes- straight for the drop off! Earlier I had someone else at the house who was struggling and my counsel to them was to take every thought captive, to reign in those thoughts that are not true, and not to dwell on them. I could blame it on hormones, or the pregnancy, or the actions of those around me, but I know it is my decision! To let my mind and those thoughts overwhelm me. Shame of me for letting the worst of my sinful nature to rule in my mind for any length of time! So now for a bit of my own medicine- This day I will be obedient to Christ! I will think on things that are pure, lovely, of good report, those things that are right and true, the things of Christ!! I will not let sin reign in my mortal body!

Well, we are three months out. Little Elijah is a mover and a shaker for sure! It is so cool to feel all his little (and not so little) movements. We had our second ultrasound and he is beautiful, and if you know me at all you know that is saying something! On the one hand I can’t wait for is arrival, but on the other…… I am more nervous now than I was with any of the others! I’m not sure exactly why the nerves are playing these evil games, I tell Jack that ignorance really is bliss, and now I just know a little more than I did then. I realize many of the ways I’ve messed up in the past and don’t want a repeat, maybe it’s the talk of a C section (not afraid of the giant gash across my belly, just the huge needle!) Or Maybe I’m nervous because of the simple fact that I hurt now! My back bugs me, my ribs feel as if they were going to crack, and my gut feels like I’m going to lose him when I walk. (sooooo glad I had three in my 20’s!) I have been so enjoying my talks and laughs with Victoria lately I don’t want to lose that precious time with her. She is growing up so fast! Paige and Jamin can still entertain themselves for the whole day outside and I love to sit and watch them. The other day I sat in the basement and just watched as the three of them spent a couple hours building a city out of construction paper. From paper dolls, dogs and cars, down to beds and furniture made out of napkins! They have all been so helpful lately. Jamin even got the Windex and started washing windows for me (granted, it was with the dirty, watery, sloppy washcloth out of the sink, but he was trying!!) They all realize that mom needs a good cry just about everyday for no apparent reason. I think they have put money down on who can spot the tears first! With so many thoughts and emotions going through my head lately, So many fears and worries, doubts and regrets, and so many times I have had to take them to the Lord, I have come to the conclusion that my faith must be growing!! If God thinks I can handle all of this, I’m CERTAIN it must be!