Where did the week go?

It's so hard to believe that a week ago today we were coming home from the hospital with our precious little boy. The days have flown by! It's been a happy blur of sweet memories as we are finding our new rhythm as a family of five. We have been incredibly blessed throughout this past week with visitors, meals, phone calls, flowers, and more! Only one more day, and David goes back to work. *sniff* It has been such a treat to have daddy at home. We have been taking a break from homeschooling, and the girls are adjusting to our new, slower paced schedule. (We usually have a pretty go go go calendar of activities. I was worried they might start climbing the walls but they seem to be enjoying our time at home.) I am praying that the Lord will give me the strength and discernment I need while I'm navigating my new role as a mother of three. Here are some sweet snapshots from the week! Baby love! We just can't resist JJ! Daddy, Wubs, Jeff and Virginia (dear friends) went to the Mudcats game! Wht a great daddy/daughter date!

Wubs and Bella, looking especially fabulous in some 'fancy' dress up gloves, pocketbooks and headbands! ( Can you guess who picked out her socks all by herself? wink.) Love those poses!

Singing in the rain! We had some wonderfully snuggly rainy days together! "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."- Isaiah 43:1

The Verdict Is In... wink.

Bella has officially decided that she will keep her baby brother after all! The first two days after JJ's arrival were a little hard for our youngest daughter. It must have beeen difficult for her when the realization set in that she was no longer the baby in our family. But we've been lovingly reassuring her and praising her for being such a big helper. She started enjoying her new role as a big sister and now, she is JJ's biggest fan! She is always wanting to hold him, rub his head, cover him up with a blanket, and hug him! Here is a picture from before the verdict was in... Now here are some pictures taken yesterday! And the verdict is in- JJ can stay! wink!

(This last picture makes my eyes tear up. It is a picture of the first time I 'caught' Bella loving on JJ without being prompted. It was early, maybe about 6:15am and you can see the sun shining in the window on Bella's hair. I was resting on the couch with JJ and Bella crawled up to join us while the rest of our family was sleeping. I slipped into the kitchen for a glass of water and when I returned, Bella was whispering to JJ and smiling. I grabbed the camera. Precious. God is just so so so good. )
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."- Romans 15:7

Our sweet son

Joel Joaquin (Baby JJ) has arrived! He was born on Saturday, May 21 at 12:51pm. Our big boy weighed in at 10 pounds, 7 ounces and he was 23 inches long! It was really exciting to meet our sweet son!

Want to hear the story? wink. On Friday night, I woke up at 3am because I felt a gush a fluid. I began having contractions every three to five minutes regularly and we called the doctor at 4am. She told us to come to the hospital, so we woke up the girls. They both bounced out of bed! We dropped them off with friends and by this time, they were wide awake and happily chattering about the arrival of their baby brother!

David and I headed to Rex Hospital, which is about a 25 minute drive from our home. Once we arrived, we checked in and we found out that my water hadn't completely broken, just ruptured. Also, I was only dialated to a 5, so we were sent out for a 45 minute walk to help get things to progress. Even though I was experiencing some pretty strong contractions, I was stuck at a 5 for the entire morning. (We went on three rounds of 45 minute walks and still no change!) I was hopeful to have a natural childbirth (no epidural) and things were still looking good. Anyway, about 11:30am, our doctor suggested that we try breaking my water to see if this would help progress things along. Wowza! That certainly did the trick!! I was really, really hurting and I asked for an epidural after all. The Lord knew the true desire of my heart to go natural and guess what? It was too late for medicine! It was time to push!

Whew! So after several pushes and my doctor being very firm with me (I was in a lot of pain and honestly, I was feeling scared because I could tell JJ was really big) God gave me the strength I needed, right when I needed it most! Baby JJ came out and we were all a little surprised by his size. He is so handsome, just like daddy!

Wubs and Bella LOVE their baby brother! In fact, Emma Grace started crying after she saw JJ. When we asked her if she was okay, she said, "It's.... It's just that I love him so much!" We thank God for the tender heart He has given her. Bella enjoyed holding her baby brother but she didn't have much to say about him just yet. I think she's still processing. wink.

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us,"- Psalm 67:1

Expired... wink.

This morning I feel like I'm an 'expired' pregnant mama. wink. A day past my due date, we are all waiting with great anticipation to meet baby JJ. Emma Grace was born a week earlier than her due date, Bella was actually born on her due date, and now JJ... I am so hopeful he will
come this weekend. I have an appointment for Monday morning if needed, but whew- the thought of going another three days seems like a really long time! I have been having contractions for days now, some that even take my breath away, but they aren't consistent. Several of my precious friends have encouraged me these contractions may mean that once full labor begins, JJ will be born very quickly. Thank you for praying for us! We'll be posting updates, and hopefully very soon- we'll post pictures of our sweet little boy!

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."- Matthew 10:30

The Baby Update

Today was our big doctor's appointment! Thank you all for your prayers! Here's the latest:

I'm dialated to a three, and now, the doctors are going to allow me to go past my due date! (Which is kind of exciting and disappointing all at the same time. I was just so hopeful that today we'd schedule a time for my water to be broken in the next day or so!) The reason they are allowing me to go a few days longer is because baby JJ is healthy and the doctor I saw today said, "You are ready to have this baby. He is coming and I don't think we need to interrupt what is already happening naturally." Soooo... now we wait. wink. God has answered our prayers- it doesn't look like a c-section is a necessary option now! We need to trust in His timing and rest in the assurance that JJ will arrive exactly when the Lord has planned!

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24

Very, very ready!

Two days. That's all, only two days left until our official due date. When I went to the doctor last Friday, the physician that checked me said she would be 'shocked' if I made it through the weekend without going into labor. I had lots of contractions on Sunday morning and afternoon, and I really thought it was the big day, but we didn't need to go to the hospital after all. So, here I sit, waiting and waiting, but I'm feeling very, very ready! wink!


We have two prayer requests. Our first prayer request is for a safe delivery and a healthy baby boy. Our second prayer request is for JJ to come without a c-section. You see, Emma Grace was breech and we needed a c-section. Bella was a born naturally and this is the way we'd like to deliver JJ as well. ( I know many women who have had a c-section and they loved it. But not me. Since I can compare the two birthing experiences, I can say that hands down that a c-section would never ever be a first choice for me. ) Our doctor is more than willing to allow me to have a natural childbirth again, however, I can't be overdue. Once you go past your due date, the complimcations increase for a woman who has previously had a c-section, and JJ is already so big that the risks are also greater with every day that passes the 40 week mark. We are going to the doctor tomorrow to discuss the option of having my water broken in an effort to try to induce me (oh, and that's another thing- after a c-section, you can't be medically induced). It's very difficult not to be anxious! wink! We are just so excited to meet our newest baby and welcome him into our family!


I haven't blogged in over a week (sorry! I was preparing for my maternity leave at the church)

and it occurred to me that I also haven't posted any pictures of the girls lately either! Wubs and Bella have decided to officially switch bunk beds. Bella, although she is our youngest, has always had the top bunk. Emma Grace never wanted to top bunk and so for nearly two years, this is how the girls have slept. Then a few nights ago, the girls started discussing the idea of trading beds. We tried it one night and they loved it! So yesterday, I pulled off all the blankets and sheets, washed everything and made up the new bunk beds! As we were tucking the girls in, Wubs said, "Mommy, you have to take our picture!" So, here is a photo from last night's official bunk bed switch:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know full well." - Psalm 139:13-14

A Special Day

Happy Mother's Day!
Below is a picture of my mom (a.k.a Nana) and my grandmother. I asked Wubs if she knew who was in this picture and she said,"Hmmmm. I think it's Nana and someone I don't know." When I told Emma Grace that it was a picture of Nana and her mommy, she said, "Wow! Nana's mommy? But, where are you?" I explained that in this picture, I was just a twinkle in Nana's eye. Wubs closely examined the picture and exclaimed, "Oooh! I think I see you. Riiiight there!"
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."- Matthew 6:21

The uninvited belly rub

I am over 38 weeks pregnant. I have a very, very big belly. I am uncomfortable and I feel very ready to hold our son in my arms rather than in my womb. I have tried my best to be gracious when unkind comments have been made. I have smiled and politely answered the question, "How are you feeling?" even when I have been asked more times than I can count. But today, today I was pushed to my limit. Today I was rubbed down (a two handed rub down, to be exact) by a stranger at the Dollar Store.

I was standing in the card aisle of our local Dollar Store, with Wubs and Bella beside me. As I was browsing, a woman came up to me and (very loudly) asked, "When is that baby due?!?" I explained that I only have about 13 more days to go and before I could even grasp what was about to happen, she took both of her hands and began caressing my ENTIRE stomach. So as she is giving me this thorough rub down, she is asking me more questions, such as "Were you this big with the other ones?" and "Do you think you'll really make it another week?" I could barely process what she was saying because not only was she standing in extreme proximity to my face, she still had both hands locked and engaged on my belly.

We have worked very hard to train our children to wait to speak until it is their turn... especially while daddy and mommy are in a conversation with another grown up. But THANKFULLY Bella really struggles in this area and she interrupted this uninvited belly rub escapade, by requesting a trip to look at the balloons. "Oh, excuse me but I need to go. Have a nice day." I have never ducked out of a conversation so quickly. I just couldn't take it any more. wink.

The moral to my story... All belly rubs should be administered only after an invitation has been extended. And even if an invitation is granted, the five second rule should always be applied.

"We live by faith, not by sight."- 2 Corinthians 5:7

God uses yuck

God uses yuck, doesn't He? He can use anything to reveal Himself to us, for His glory, including the yuck, disappointment, sorrow, and trials in our lives. That's exactly what He did for me yesterday- He used my yuck. And as much as my heart ached because of my own sin, I am so thankful for the the lesson He taught me.

Four Hershey kisses. That's how it all started. An argument between our little girls over four Hershey kisses.

Disclaimer: I am about to be super transparent here, friends. If I was going to try to justify my behavior before man, or in this case, justify my behavior in this blog post, I would make some excuses. But that would be silly, because the real reason for my behavior is very simple. My own sin. My own selfishness, prideful yuck. It's that simple.

Okay, back to the chocolate dispute. The girls were wanting to eat the chocolate but Bella, our three year old, was holding the ziploc bag of treats. And from what I could overhear, Bella was only going to give Wubs one chocolate. Now Wubs, being our wise little five year old, was explaining that wasn't fair, as both girls should recieve two chocolates each. I had just sat down in our office, in an attempt to get a few emails sent out for my job at church, and I was so hopeful the two girls could settle this matter on their own. But one thing led to another and it was abundantly clear that I needed to intervene. Unfortunately, I didn't help our children in a Godly-mommy manner. I didn't use a kind voice and I used body language that expressed my frustation. Both our children stood in a stunned shock as I proceeded to jerk the baggie from Bella, slap down the chocolates separated into two even groups onto the couch, and angrily speak (far too many words) to express my disappointment in their lack of ability to work together to solve a problem. Yuck. Then I left the living room and went to the office and closed the door behind me. I was fuming! Isn't that stupid? I was all worked up over n-o-t-h-i-n-g. I went back to the living room, picked up the basket of toys the girls had been using and directed Bella to go potty for nap and told Wubs to wait at the kitchen table for homeschool. Both girls did exactly as they were told- neither of them daring to challenge their crazed mother on a rampage. wink.

I put Bella down for her nap, gave Wubs brief instructions to get her started on her math, and I went to take a shower. About 10 minutes had passed since my little outburst, and as soon as I stepped into the shower, the Holy Spirit convicted my heart. I began to sob. What had just happened?? I cried out to God for forgiveness for my behavior.

As I was coming out of the bathroom, Wubs cautiously approached me. I got down on my knees so we could be eye level and I hugged her. Then I just started crying. She started to cry too! I asked her to forgive me, and I explained mommies make mistakes too. I confessed to her that I behaved in a way that wasn't pleasing to God and that I had prayed for God to forgive me. We hugged and cried together... and I have to say... it was one of my sweetest memories to date with my oldest daughter. God used my yuck, to show me my own sin, to keep my eyes on Him rather than my to do list, and to show my daughter my dependance on the Lord. When Bella woke up, I asked her to forgive me as well. Our precious girls- neither of them hesitated when I asked for their forgiveness. And when I was talking to David over dinner last night, I started to cry as I recounted my behavior to him. He reassurred me and he encouraged me. God has certainly spoiled this wife and mommy! I don't deserve their love and I certainly could never earn God's love, but praise the Lord- Jesus already paid the price for my sins! I could never thank Him enough.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. "- James 5:16

It sounded like a good idea at the time...

About a week ago, we had some really hot weather! The girls love to be outside and they wanted to play in their swimming pool. The three of us climbed into the storage space beneath our house to look for their pool. When we found it, I realized it was way too big for me to blow up all by myself. We had a few empty tubs in the storage space and the girls begged me to allow them to 'swim' in the tubs instead of the inflatable pool. It sounded like a good idea at the time- it was a win-win situation! The girls would get to swim and mommy wouldn't pass out from a lack of oxygen! wink! However, we failed to consider one little detail. The water from the hose would be VERY cold! Here are some funny pictures of the girls attempting to enjoy their chilly adventure!

"Bear with eachother and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."- Colossians 3:13

It wasn't the nails...

Our wonderful daddy wasn't home tonight for our bedtime routine, and it's never the same without him! I have to admit... I was really tired while I was putting the girls to bed. We had a busy weekend- a sweet visit from Papa and Nana, an Easter egg hunt, and church activities-so today we worked hard to get back into our daily schedule. I knew Emma Grace and Bella were exhausted; I considered skipping our 'regular' bedtime routine, but we pressed on. And I'm SO glad that we did. Even though I was pooped, the Lord really blessed that extra ten minutes with our precious girls. It's ALWAYS worth it when we take the time to share God's word and truth with our children.

It just so happens that are reading about the crucifixion in our Jesus Storybook Bible. We have been talking about Jesus' death on the cross and His ressurection almost daily during this Easter season. Even though the girls know this story, they were hanging on every word. I watched their little faces as I read about the Roman soldiers that whipped, beat, and spit on Jesus. Emma Grace was heartbroken when we read about the crown made of sharp thorns, and Bella was so sad that nails were driven into Jesus' hands and feet. But then, I read something that really caught their attention...

"Father, forgive them," Jesus gasped. "They don't understand what they're doing."

"You say you've come to rescue us!" people shouted. "But you can't even rescue yourself!"

But they were wrong. Jesus could have rescued himself. A legion of angels would have flown to his side- if he'd called.

"If you were really the Son of God, you could just climb down off that cross!" they said.

And of course they were right. Jesus could have just climbed down. Actually, he could have just said a word and made it all stop. Like when he healed that little girl. And stilled the storm. And fed 5,000 people. But Jesus stayed. You see, they didn't understand. It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there. It was love.

Jesus could have stopped it all... but He loved us too much. We have read the Easter story many times but we have never discussed this aspect. We had a wonderful discussion about Jesus' love for us, and His choice to give His life to rescue us. Reading this beautiful, true love story certainly humbled me and my 'sacrifice' to take the time to read aloud and have a eternally meaningful converstion with our girls, rather than just put them straight to bed so I could rest after a long day. After this time with our girls, I felt refreshed and encouraged. His perfect love teaches me how to love others.

"The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all the tears from all the faces."- Isaiah 25:8

Wordless Wednesday: Fusebeads

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer,"-Romans 12:12

Embarassing Moment

The Lord has been blessing us and providing abundantly for some beautiful changes in our home. We just finished our bedroom (we traded our master bedroom for the girl's old room) and we love it! The girls love their new big bedroom, which they will also share with J.J., and we love our cozy smaller bedroom. We are currently working on our office and living room. All this to say, after my doctor's appointment today, we stopped at Michaels to do a little shopping. Spring flowers are 50% off! We needed to pick up a few more tulips for an arrangement and when I went to pay, I totally went blank when it was time to type in my pin number. I made two failed attempts at entering my pin number and I could feel my checks turning pink! I had to show my driver's license before the clerk would allow me to run my card as a credit card. I think this pregnancy is sucking out what is left of my brain cells! wink! Below are a few pictures of our new bedroom. This room used to be cotton candy pink and filled with princess decor!

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourself."- Phillipians 2: 3

Hippity, hoppity

On Saturday, we went to the Easter egg hunt at our local library with some of our dear friends. (We made it back home before the tornado weather arrived! It was especially dark for mid-afternoon but I just thought a strong thunderstorm was looming.) Due to the stormy weather, the egg hunt was moved indoors. The girls loved talking to the bunny, spending time with their friends, and opening up their eggs!
We are looking forward to celebrating Jesus' ressurection this weekend! Even though our girls enjoy colorful eggs filled with treats, they understand that the real reason we celebrate is because God loves us so much that His only Son died on a cross for our sins. Here are the girl's responses when I asked each of them, "Why do we celebrate Easter?"
Wubs-"Oooooh! I know, I know, I know. We celebrate Easter because He rose again. You know, Jesus rose up out from the tomb? Because He got killed on the cross. These people killed him but God let them. And Jesus died for our sins so that's why."
I asked Bella the same question separately, just to see if she could answer without Wub's help. wink! Bella didn't really understand when I asked her "Why do we celebrate Easter?" so I rephrased the question. "Bella, we celebrate Easter because of Jesus. Do you know what Jesus did for us?"
Bella-"Died for our sins. On the cross. And they put Him in a tomb and an angel comes."
"They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus."- Luke 24:2-3

Cutie Patooties

Sometimes I can't believe that we are about to have another baby! We are all getting very excited! (I still feel a bit nervous about having a boy, but luckily J.J. is going to have the best daddy ever. ) Last week we took a little break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday activities and played at a local park. As I watched our cutie patooties play, climb, and run, I was just amazed at how big they are now. It seems like time has passed so quickly since Wubs was a baby. And now Bella is already three and a half...it doesn't seem possible! Here are some really fun pictures that I wanted to post. "As iron sharpens iron, so one mans sharpens another."- Proverbs 27:17

Lost Little Girl

Our family works in children's ministry. I started to write 'David and I work in children's ministry' but that didn't seem fair since our girls are BIG helpers. They help turn on lights, take out garbage, shop for the monthly supply of Goldfish, carry curriculum bins into the classrooms, etc. They never complain about our frequent trips to the church mid-week or the fact that we are always one of the first families to arrive and some of the last to leave. They love to serve and be with their sweet friends! So, as I was saying, our family works in children's ministry. And it is a blessing! Last night was a regular Wednesday night for us. We were all at church together and after discipleship wrapped up, we all started the 'closing down process' in Kidztown. However, we had a little problem. I thought Bella was being Daddy's helper, and David thought Bella was with me- but neither of us assumed correctly. wink. So as I was turning off lamps in the nursery hallway, and David was on the other side of Kidztown checking doors and turning off lights, I could hear a faint cry of a little child. And I froze because I knew that cry. Our amazing God has equipt mothers with this incredible gift of recognizing the sound of their own child's cry and I knew right away that cry belonged to our Bella. I also instantly realized what must of happened. If you have ever been to Faith, you know that we have a very large church. I can only imagine how big our church feels to a three year old! So, I called and called out Bella's name, reassuring her that mommy was coming. I found her sobbing in a corner by the maintenance room and as soon as she saw me, she ran to me with her arms out. I swooped her up and dried her little tears. I apologized and hugged her. David also realized what had happened and he came to love on her as well. (There goes our parents of the year award, wink.) Our little incident reminded me how scary it can be when you feel alone and you don't know which way to go! Before I accepted Christ, there were many, many times when I felt like I was in the dark and I didn't know which path to take. Praise the Lord for his love and mercy! He opened my eyes to His truth and He has shown me His ways! We are continuously praying for our children, that they will also come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior! Here are some pictures from this morning. Wubs and Bella have a new favorite toy- Squinkies!

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."- Psalm 34:18

An extra peek!

Today at my doctor's appointment, we got an extra peek at J.J! I wasn't expecting an ultrasound but it was our lucky day! The doctor felt my tummy to try to determine J.J's position and since she couldn't decide if he was breech or not, the nurse wheeled in the ultrasound machine. I was so excited to see our sweet boy but I was also nervous! Emma Grace and Bella stood beside me while my belly was covered in jelly (which they thought was hilarious). Then we eagerly enjoyed an extra peek at our baby! And he was head down, bottom up! Praise the Lord!!! After the ultrasound, the doctor measured my belly and looked at my chart from our past pregnancies. Then she said, "Sarah, I think you are going to have about a nine and a half pound baby at delivery." Wow! Before we left, we scheduled our next appointment for one week from today! Can you believe that we're already down to those once a week visits? Our little boy will be here so soon! "Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements and his paths beyond tracing out."- Romans 11:33

One good flip, please

All I need is one good flip from J.J. That's all. One flip that would get him in the 'head down' position. I know it's getting tight in there for our little boy, and I'm not trying to be impatient. There is going to come a point when J.J. won't be able to perform this amazing trick, and I'm getting concerned that we are teetering on that stage of pregnancy. Tomorrow morning I have a doctor's appointment and we'll find out how if there is still hope to deliver naturally as opposed to a scheduled c-section. Emma Grace was a c-section, but I had a v-bac with Bella. I know that God is in control, and if I have to endure another c-section, it is because it is the very best thing for our son. But I can't promise that I won't cry. wink. Praying.... "I am with you always."- Matthew 28:20

Pure Joy!

For the most part, our girls enjoy each other. They can always make one other giggle, they share their toys, they share a bedroom, they have fun participating in many of the same activities... they aren't simply sisters, they are friends. All that being said, our girls are also sinners, just like me and you. Sometimes I feel like we're training and disciplining for the same 'offenses' over and over again. But then, there are those moments of pure joy in parenting! I have to share what happened one night last week, right before bedtime. Our bedtime routine consists of putting on jammies, potty time, brushing teeth, Bible story, prayers, and lots of kisses and hugs. Some nights this routine works beautifully and other nights there is, well, drama. Silly things, like someone's favorite jammies are in the dirty laundry, someone wanted to squirt their own toothpaste, etc, etc. We were having one of 'those' nights and I was pooped. It had been a long day for all of us and I knew as soon as the girls hit the pillow, they would be fast asleep. The problem was getting them to their pillows. wink. So, as we trodded through the bedtime routine, things began to esculate. One little girl antagonized her sister, which caused her sister to retaliate, and soon two little girls were crying. (For the record, I was about to cry too... hormones, I tell ya! ) Bella retreated up to her top bunk and Wubs crawled into her bed while I went to retrieve some books from the library basket. Then the most amazing thing happened!!! Completely unprompted by mommy, Bella crawled down from her bed, still sniffling, and said, "Wubs, I am sorry I hurt you." Then Wubs, still wiping tears replied, "I forgive you." PURE JOY! I was so excited I could have popped with pure joy!!! After time and time again of practicing apologies, asking for forgiveness, and working on forgiving others- it happened! It happened when I least expected it and I had to rejoice! I squealed with praises for the girls, smothered them in sugars, danced a silly dance, and hugged our babies! It's worth it. Every trial, every challenge, every teachable moment- even the ones that seem to be mundane... it's worth it. wink. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."- Ephesians 6:1

A little uncomfortable

I'm getting to that stage in this pregnancy where I'm feeling a little uncomfortable. Up until this point, each pregnancy has seemed so different. With Emma Grace, I don't remember having hardly any nausea and although I was working full time, I don't remember feeling very tired. With Bella, I had terrible heartburn all the time and a strong adversion to specific smells. With J.J., I experienced a metallic taste in my mouth for the entire first trimester. But now... now this pregnancy feels, well, familiar. I remember feeling like this towards the end with both of the girls. I wouldn't say I feel 'bad', I just feel a little uncomfortable. And I've found myself admiring people who are wearing belts. It will be nice to have my waist back again. wink.

And speaking of 'uncomfortable'... I have got to write about what I read in my Bible this morning! I am reading through the book of Acts, and today I was reading about a man who was crippled from the day he was born. He was carried every day to the temple gates so that he could beg from the people entering the temple courts. When Peter and John were going up to the temple to pray, they saw the crippled beggar, and in the name of Jesus, they told him to get up and walk. He stood up and walked and jumped and praised the Lord! He went running into the temple courts, and all the people were amazed because they recognized him. They knew that they were witnessing a miracle! Peter saw their astonished faces and he began to preach the Truth. Many who heard the message believed but there were some who were feeling, well, uncomfortable. In fact, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees were feeling so uncomfortable, that they seized Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. The next day, the high priest Annas, and other men from his family, had Peter and John brought before them. The high priest began to question how the miracle had been performed. Ooooh, and I love this part. Listen to how Peter responds to their questioning: (Acts 4:8-12)

"Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who you crucified but who God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone'. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Wow! I love it when the Holy Spirit gives us just the words that need to be spoken to give God glory!

Here are a few pictures I wanted to post that I took yesterday. The girls were playing Go Fish at the kitchen table while I was cooking dinner .

"By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see."- Acts 3:16

Hibernating

Yesterday, the girls decided they wanted to make a cave in their bedroom! (At first, I thought they were building a tent but Emma Grace corrected me. It was a cave and they were little bears. "Mama, we are hibernating!") I love those sweet little bears! David and I were convicted this weekend about our own 'hibernation' this winter. We seem to always stay so busy, and our calendar seems to stay filled. When we finally do have a 'free' weekend, or a day 'off', we usually stay at home to rest and enjoy our family. Not that rest and spending time together as a family is a bad thing- it really restores and energizes us! But we've been craving a healthier balance with our time. Our pattern tends to look like this: go-go-go-go-go-go-crash. Repeat. We have been like little bears- when we are at home, we are tucked inside our house, eating or sleeping! wink! Now that it's spring, it is our goal to spend some time enjoying the beautiful weather and talking with our neighbors! No more hibernating for us! "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."-Proverbs 15:1 ps- I'm sorry that I have have any spaces between my paragraphs anymore and my 'Quote of the Day' on the side of our blog is all mashed together. It's like our blog has a mind of it's own now! I can't undo the new spacing, nor can I correct it and then try saving it again. It's the strangest thing!

Mission: Disinfection

We're at home. It feels strange, since we are usually at the church from about 7:45am until 1pm on a 'typical' Sunday morning. Since David and I both work in children's ministry, Sundays are always busy and exciting! But today is different. Daddy left for church all alone, and I stayed behind with the girls. Bella has been running a fever since last night and this morning, she has vomited twice. Emma Grace seems fine, but I am a big advocate of the family quaranteen! wink! (I would hate to send Emma Grace to church to spend time with her friends since she might be carrying the 'bug' too.)

So today, in between snuggles, I am officially on mission disinfection! I am washing sheets, towels, and blankets. I'm cleaning the bathrooms and wiping off every surface. I have opened the windows on this beautiful spring day to help air out any germs. I refuse to let this virus take us down without a fight! wink!

"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advise."- Proverbs 13:10