Refining

I cried yesterday. Several times. I cried overwhelmed tears, happy tears, and I-don't-know-what -is-wrong-with-me tears. wink.
I know that the Lord is refining me right now. It's a hard season... I would be fibbing if I told you otherwise. Please don't misunderstand me; it's also a season filled with blessings and the Lord's presence. Refining is hard and sometimes the sanctification process hurts, but that certainly doesn't mean it's a bad thing. I read the following devotion about refining and it really encouraged me. I hope it will bless you, too!
(Scripture reference- Malachi 3:2-3)
"There was a group of women in a Bible study discussing the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three they came across a verse which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study meeting. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot. She asked the silversmith if he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes of the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver has been fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's the easy part- when I can see my own image reflected in it.' "

Through the Word, I am reminded that the Lord will never give me more than I can bear, and He will never leave me. I am so thankful that God continues to refine me and grow me in His image. I really want there to be less Sarah, and more Jesus in my life. Even when I'm uncomfortable, I pray I will rejoice in the assurance that this season is what the Lord has planned for me... and He knows what is the very best. Have a wonderful weekend! "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever."- Psalm 136:1

Surprise!

Yesterday was our eight year wedding anniversary! God has truly blessed our marriage abundantly. Our marriage would not be what it is today without the Lord, that is for certain. We don't have it all figured out, but we do know the Truth. For the first few years, we tried doing marriage 'our way' and if you know our testimony, you also know that we almost didn't make it. But doing marriage 'God's way' is a life filled with joy! We praise God for teaching us how to love one another!
I was telling Emma Grace and Bella about our anniversary, and they were fascinated. I explained that our anniversary is kind of like a birthday- it's a special day that comes one time every year and we celebrate being married. I pulled out our wedding album and although the girls have seen it before, they still loved looking at all the pictures. Emma Grace said, "Mommy, I wish I could have seen you in that princess dress. It's just so beautiful." I told her that I still have the dress, and if she wants to, she can wear it on her wedding day. However, once the girls heard me say that I still had the 'princess dress', they didn't hear anything else I had to say! wink! They both began to beg me to go put it on. We all giggled at the idea and I led them to my room to show the dress to them. "Pleeeeease put it on mommy!"
It was about 6pm, and I was expecting David home any minute. I looked at that beautiful dress laying across our bed. "Hmmmmm. Well, it is our anniversary, after all. Maybe it would be fun to surprise David and wear my wedding dress to greet him at the door?"
So, to the absolute delight of our two little girls, I slipped into the dress. It still fit! They cheered and I twirled and danced around the living room with them. We all eagerly awaited daddy's arrival. David had told me he would be a few minutes later than usual; he was going to run a quick errand with one of our dear family friends, Jeff. The girls began to squeal when we heard a truck pull into the cul-de-sac. We all ran to the front door to greet daddy! However, when I opened the door, the surprise was on me! wink! It wasn't just daddy, it was daddy and Jeff! We all laughed! I had to explain to Jeff that I don't normally wear my wedding dress around the house. It was an anniversary surprise that none of us will forget! ha ha ha!
Here are a few pictures that Wubs snapped yesterday. We like to document the craziness at our house! wink!
"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine; he browses among the lillies."- Song of Songs 6:3

Seven Days

Today I spent the morning folding laundry, preparing dinner (I like making our dinner in the morning so I'm not trying to cook in the late afternoon when our children always seem to need me the most) and sending a few emails for my job at the church. It felt like I accomplished so much while JJ was napping and the girls were happily playing together! We ate our lunch and loaded up the car to go to the pediatrician. It was JJ's 8 week check-up appointment. We arrived a few minutes early, so we sat in the car to listen to one more song on our VBS music cd. We finished singing and headed inside. Emma Grace and Bella eagerly ran over to the play area while I waited in line to check in at the front desk. It was the strangest thing, though. The receptionist couldn't find our name on today's schedule. It turns out we were more than a little bit early. How early? Seven days. wink.
Here are a few pics of the girls before bed last night!
Jesus answered,"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

The plan...

I had to start this post with a picture taken at one of our favorite restaurants. (Yes, when you have three small children, Chic-Fil-A is considered a restaurant. wink.) Last Friday, we partipated in cow apreciation day. We dressed up like a family of cows to recieve a free lunch. We just taped black construction paper spots all over our clothes and I also made everyone some cow ears to wear. Bella has cow jammies, so she already had her costume! It was lots of fun!
However, the real reason for my post is accountability. God gave me an idea this morning as I was folding laundry. I am going to try to use this idea to lose the last 10 pounds of baby weight, and I am going to blog the results. That will make it more exciting! Maybe you'll even join me. So... here's the plan:
I am going to make a list. (I love lists, by the way. I have a daddy list for David every day, which documents the things I needed or just wanted to tell him while we were apart. And each morning, I make a to-do list to check off my chores, to keep me focused on the little goals I want to try to accomplish.) This new list will record all the foods I put into my mouth, every day. I think this plan just might work! Since becomming a mommy, I can't tell you how many pizza crusts, last few Goldfish, spoonfuls of mac-n-cheese, or 'lids' of Oreo cookies that I've eaten! All those calories count up by the end of the day, but I'm oblivious to the fact that I've even consumed them. I eat scraps of food from the girls' plates without even thinking twice about it. Until today. Yep, starting today, if I eat it, it goes on the list. Then I'll be able to see where all my calories are hiding! Since I'm nursing, I can't really cut back too much on my calorie intake, but I can eat foods that are healthy and helpful for weight loss. My goal? To feel better and hopefully even lose those ten pounds. How long do I have to reach my goal? August 6, my sister in law's wedding.
I realize that it's only 1pm, but so far, the plan is working! I'm really thinking about what I'm putting into my body- for example, I didn't even eat Bella's rejected yellow and orange Skittles! Woo Hoo! wink!
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."- John 1:1

Serving Others

This past Sunday morning, the sermon was about humble service. It was a message that really encourgaed me, but also convicted me of the yucky within my heart. Our associate pastor preached about our motives for serving. Sometimes we serve others for recognition or to recieve glory. Other times we serve out of duty- it is our responsibility therefore we complete the task. Sometimes we serve out of need; we recognize the need for volunteers/ a helping hand/ etc so it is only then that we offer up our time or skills. But we should serve others as Jesus served- out of love. In humble service. Wow. As a wife and a mommy of a six year old, a three year old, and a six week old newborn, I must admit... I often times serve my family out of duty or need. If I am being totally honest with myself (and if I'm being totally honest with you, wink) I would have to admit that there are days when I'm on auto-pilot and I'm not serving with love- I am only going through the motions. I was convicted when I heard this message because I don't want to simply 'get the job done'. I want to bless and intentionally serve my precious family out of love. I am praying that the Lord will continue to refine me in this area. I have so much to learn!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall note perish but have eternal life."- John 3:16

A Wal-Mart Adventure

I haven't been to Wal-Mart in over a month. After JJ was born, we didn't go many places other than the pediatrician's office for the necessary visits. Now I'm getting braver about taking all three children places- it's still quite an adventure when I am without David! We've been to the library, church, Target, and the other day... Wal-Mart.

The Wal-Mart where we live is undergoing a change. I was so lost when we walked in! They have moved around aisles of merchandise and they've added some clearance racks out in the middle of the walkway by the checkout lanes. After I successfully navigated my way through the new layout of the store, we patiently stood in line to purchase our items. Normally I use the U-Scan lanes but those are currently out of order due to the renovation process. However, if I had scanned my items myself, I wouldn't have had the time to do a little 'people watching' while waiting in line.

And I would have missed out on the most bizarre incident I believe I've ever seen at Wal-Mart! wink.

I watched a young woman, maybe about 25 years old, walk over to a clearance rack filled with undergarments. She paused at the colorful assortment of bras, and after thoughtfully considering which one she liked best, she proceeded to TRY IT ON. She was wearing a tank top, so she simply put the bra on over her shirt. She clasped it in the back, smoothed the bra from all angles to be sure it fit snugly and admired it in the small mirror on the rack. I was looking around for someone else who was possibly watching this c-r-a-z-y episode, but people were just walking by. How could you just walk by and not do a double take when a woman is trying on a bra in the middle of Wal-Mart?? Does this not strike anyone else as a little odd?? wink.

So this got me thinking... have you ever seen anything unusual take place at Wal-Mart? I would love to hear about it for a good giggle! Happy Monday!

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."- Psalm 130:5

Vacation Bible School

This week we enjoyed the Big Apple Adventure at our church! Once again, God blessed our week of vacation Bible school, bringing nearly 600 children to learn about Jesus. It was wonderful meeting new friends and learning about God's Word! Here is a little glimpse of our week:All week long, we ate dinner in the Kidztown gym. It was lots of fun to share a meal with our church family. Our girls LOVED the choices offered for dinner and of course, they opted to eat pizza every night! Emma Grace liked being a 'big girl' this year, as she was no longer considered a preschooler but a grade school student! She got to go to large group in the Worship Center and participate in recreation time on the big fields. On one night, a local gourmet popcorn shop came and served the 'big kids' their newest menu item- shaved ice. That was quite a treat on a hot night!Bella and her best friend, Gracie. These two girls love eachother and they enjoyed being in the same class for VBS! (Gracie made me laugh... she was just conviced that if I'd only put JJ down on the ground, he could try to walk! ha ha! She is a sweetheart.) Wubs, doing her Statue of Liberty impersonation. Such a cutie! Bella and Gracie, two peas in a pod!
One night was dress up like your favorite VBS character night and David joined in the fun! His sense of humor is just one of the MANY reasons why I love him so much! It was a great week filled with blessings and sweet memories!
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness."-2 Corinthians 12:9

A Father's Day Interview

We love our daddy so very much! Our girls are experts when it comes to knowing all about their daddy... just keep reading! wink!
What does daddy like to do?
-He likes to give mama sugars, wrestle me and Bella, and play with us. (Wubs)
-Ummm...mow the grass. (Bella)
Where does daddy work?
-The YMCA. Wait! No, no, no! He works at church! (Wubs)
-Church, in his office. (Bella)
What does daddy do when he gets home from work?
-He eats dinner and gives us a snug and a sugar. (Wubs)
-Puts his bag on his bed. (Bella)
What is daddy good at?
-He's good at writing words, giving hugs, and he's so so so soooo good at wrestling. (Wubs)
-He can fix things a lot. (Bella)
What does daddy like to eat?
-Salad, Chicken, Burgers, and water. (Wubs)
-Sandwiches with soda. (Bella)
What do you like to do with daddy?
-Slide on the big slide at Great Wolf Lodge and I looooove playing all kinds of games with daddy. (Wubs)
-Wrestle. (Bella)
What does daddy always say?
-When he sees me he says, 'Hey baby girl!' (wubs)
-No trinkets. (Bella)
What does daddy like to wear?
-Jeans. (Wubs)
-Jeans and blue shirts. (Bella)
Who does daddy love?
-Bella, JJ, me, Mama and Jesus! (Wubs)
-JJ and Bella and that's all! (Bella with a smile and a mischevious twinkle in her eye)
Happy Father's Day, Sweetheart! We love you and we thank God for you every day! xoxoxo!
"Your statutes are wonderful, therefore I obey them. "-Psalm 119:129

A lesson from our 3 week old son

If you are a parent, it's likely that someone has asked you (in regards to your children), "What age is your favorite?" I once heard a woman respond to this question with love by simply saying, "The age that they are at- that is always my favorite." I would have to agree! I love the sweet joys of parenting our five year old, the excitement of our three year old, and the treasures of our newborn! Every stage is an adventure and filled with blessings.

In the wee hours of the night, as I was feeding JJ, he taught me a lesson that I pray I won't soon forget. You see, I had almost forgotten how a newborn studies people. JJ stares at me with those beautiful blue eyes, as if he's memorizing every detail of his mommy's face. And it's not just my face that he is intent on learning... it's my voice, too. He knows the sound of my voice and he kicks his feet when I talk and sing to him! Oh, how that blesses my heart. Without a doubt, our baby knows his mommy. Of course, he still has lots to learn in this big world, but one thing is for sure- he knows I love him!

JJ reminded me that when I am not deeply intent on studying the Lord, I can't be certain of His voice in my life. If I'm not seeking an even more intimate personal relationship with Jesus, I might just miss it when He reveals Himself to me. God can use all things for His glory, even a late night feeding! Thank you, Lord, for using my children to continually remind me how much you love me!

ps- And because all blog posts are more fun with pictures, I've added some snapshots from this weekend. We took the girls to get their very first Blizzard treat!

Jesus said," Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."- Matthew 19:14

The Tooth Fairy!

Emma Grace had been wiggling a very loose tooth for days, and last night it suddenly popped right out. It was a very exciting time at our house! We celebrated, took pictures, and called grandparents! David and I were shocked because we honestly didn't think Wubs would pull out her own little tooth, but she was determined. And although Emma Grace doesn't believe in the tooth fairy, she did ask me if we could pretend. She said, "Mommy, when I lose a tooth, will you sneak into my room and put a surprise under my pillow?" So after the girls went to sleep, Daddy and JJ spent some quality guy time together while I slipped out to the Dollar Store. I got Wubs some little animal toys and I got Bella a package of her favorite treat, Skittles.(I figured that if I get to be the tooth fairy, I get to make the 'rules'. And this tooth fairy brings little sisters a surprise, too! wink.) I have to admit, it was lots of fun writing Emma Grace a letter from the Tooth Fairy and sneaking into their room to put the treats beneath their pillows! The girls were awake at 6am and they came running out from their bedroom with the biggest sleepy smiles! Here are some pictures of the fun!
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." - 2 Thessalonions 2:16-17

Three little cuties

Late yesterday afternoon, while daddy was outside cutting the grass, our three little cuties allowed me to take a few pictures! Sometimes I think my heart will burst, I love my family so much! This last picture cracks me up! I had prompted the girls to close their eyes for a sweet picture of them resting with their brother. This is Bella's attempt to appear like she is sleeping for the camera! ha ha!"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."- Romans 8:29-30

One Year Ago

This week in June, one year ago, we lost our baby. I had been experiencing morning sickness, I had a little baby bump, and our family was so excited about the little life inside my womb. It wasn't until we went for our ultrasound that we found out that our baby hadn't been growing for a few weeks. David and I clung to the Lord and to one another as we healed from this loss. Today I looked back at the pages in our prayer journal from last year, and I read my prayer requests and my praises. Although I don't remember every detail from that painful trial, I do vividly remember how close I felt to God. He carried me through a time where even getting dressed in the morning was a challenge. I had to choose to serve my family. I had to choose to worship God in the midst of a storm I couldn't understand. I had to choose to trust the Lord's plan and His promises.

Today, I can look back and see how God used our miscarriage to bring Him glory. I'm not claiming to understand God's ways... but I can see how He used even the most painful times to teach us, bless us, grow us, and reveal Himself to our family. I am reminded today to praise God in all circumstances- for He alone is worthy.
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."- Colossians 2:2-3

Count me in

Today was our first day back to church as a family. We missed church the weekend that JJ was born, and last Sunday only David and Wubs attended. But today, we all loaded up and made it to the 8am service. (Okay, okay... so we made it at about 8:20am but we gave it our best effort! wink!) Bella went right into her class without any tears. She doesn't usually cry when she goes into her classroom, but we've been spending a lot of time at home and I didn't know how drop off would go. She did super! I think she was ready to play with her friends. JJ was a sweetheart and he graciously allowed many people to hold him and love on him! Wubs was a proud big sister and she eagerly answered questions about her baby brother.

Our new children's pastor, Ryan, preached the sermon today. He had a really good illustration about two children and their two very different prayers. One child prayed, "Dear God- I have kept my end of the deal but you still haven't given me my puppy." The other child prayed, "Dear God- Count me in." It was a cute example, and we all giggled, but wow- I was convicted. There is nothing wrong with asking God for His help, provision, wisdom, etc... but there are times when I second guess why God hasn't 'answered' my prayers, just because I haven't gotten my way. (Whew, I am r.o.t.t.e.n!) I need to remember the Truth, that God's ways are not my ways. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, " declares the Lord. -Isaiah 55:8 It is my prayer that our family would have a 'count me in' attitude. I pray that we wouldn't just include God in our lives, but instead, we would treasure the gift of being a part of God's family and His kindgom purposes. I pray that our children wouldn't just hear us reading Bible stories, attending church, or reciting scripture, but they would see us living out our faith and worshipping God in tangible ways. As always, we are praying for the salvation of our children. Have a great week!

"Oh Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."- Psalm 84:12

Our first field trip as a family of 5!

Today was a beautiful sunny day- the perfect day for a field trip! David suggested that we take little drive down to the farmer's market and do some exploring. We had so much fun together! Emma Grace LOVED sampling the peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. (Bella only likes apples, so she wasn't as interested in the samples until we came upon a table offering cookies to the children. wink!) We purchased some tomatoes, peaches, and onions. We also purchased some glass bottles of cream soda to share and some homemade ice-cream! It was a wonderful time for our family and the girls are already asking when we are going to the market again! Here are some pictures of the fun: Wubs loved trying the fresh fruit! She gladly ate up Bella's rejected samples!Yummy! Homemade ice cream from a vendor named Lumpy's. Bella had chocolate chip and Wubs had mint chocolate chip!Drinking this soda required concentration! The girls aren't used to drinking out of glass bottles so they were being extra careful. I am one blessed mommy! I wish we had asked someone to snap of photo of all five of us so daddy could have been in this picture- bummer! Next time...

"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

Photo shoot sneak peek

My dear friend, Pam, is a very talented photographer. Pam came over to our house last night and took some pictures of JJ. He was a little fussy but Pam was really understanding and we improvised when needed. For some of the shots, JJ is actually balancing on my knees so he'd stay happy, but Pam is going to edit me out! wink! This morning, she emailed me a little sneak peek! (Thank you, friend! I love you lots!) Just look at our handsome little man! Yesterday was our first day without daddy at home. We sure did miss him! But the day flew by... it's amazing how busy life becomes with a newborn! The girls have been wonderful- both of them have really been super helpers. Wubs has been helping me with a happy heart while I'm doing housework, and Bella is eager to 'babysit' JJ for me. Both girls have been understanding when I'm feeding or changing JJ; they wait patiently if they need me or they have worked together as a team to accomplish a task. We don't have it all figured out, but God is really blessing our efforts. I am so very thankful He is in control!

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you..."- Isaiah 66:13a

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