Spiritual Growth

As I was reading my bible the other day I came across some very good biblical wisdom from the apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians. I read, and reflected, on this infinite wisdom and I couldn't help but think/pray for our unborn child. I just sit back and imagine all that life has to offer our 'soon to be born' baby and it overwhelms me. Here is what it says in Ephesians 3:14-19...

"When I think of all this (God's mysterious plans and the inheritance for all of HIS children), I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower **you** with inner strength through His spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your heart as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

What more could I ask for for my child? My deepest desire is to raise God-fearing, God-loving, God-knowing children. I pray that God begins working in our children even now before they enter the physical world... and I pray that he equips us with the tools we need to be strong christian parents (examples).

What am amazing opportunity for all of us to reflect on our spiritual growth... through the precious eyes of a child.

Dear Baby

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

Dear Baby,

I woke up bright and early with every intention of peeing on that stick. I knew I couldn't do it earlier in the week because I spent my Monday with mom and there was a good chance I'd blab if I knew anything out of the ordinary. I decided to lay in bed until Jordan left so I could hold my bladder a little better. He left for clinic at 6:30 am and I immediately jumped out of bed. I grabbed my box and reviewed the directions. I took my pee, covered the stick and watched the time click away. Two minutes... I prayed to God that whatever HIS will for our lives was, that I'd be ok with it. That I trusted His planning far better than my own and I wanted to be open to HIS plans--hence the no birth control anyways. :)

Click... click... click...

Times up.

I picked up the stick and they immediately began to pour out of my eyes. I'm not sure if I ever remember a time of feeling such complete joy more intensely. There was no other way to describe what was happening-- what I was thinking, what I was feeling. I was happy. I was shocked... scared, surprised, overwhelmed and excited. It was an emotional few minutes in the bathroom at 7625 Edinborough Way between me, God, and the beautiful blessing He decided to trust me to grow and care for.

After a few minutes of tears, smiles, joy, laughter, etc. I began getting myself ready for the day. I got ready and went to work assured that May 1st, 2013 would be a great day. A dear friend of mine (and coworker) decided to bless me with a Mayday bouquet of flowers and I was even more assured that God was smiling down on the great things ahead for me.

After what seemed like the longest day ever, I got to go home and prepare for sharing the news with daddy. I had previously bought some pink and blue Michael Jordan booties for our 'someday baby' so I brought them out after school and placed them in our bedroom. I used our "I love you because..." sign and wrote, "I love you because... you're going to be a wonderful daddy in 8 months."
I then placed a pair of pink and blue booties in front of the sign and placed that big blue + sign on the picture frame ridge for daddy to see. When he got home from clinic he was in no hurry to go upstairs. Before we ate supper, I asked him to get me a pair of slippers (which I knew where upstairs). He went up to get them and I followed behind. He saw it immediately.

Again, I teared up as I leaned in to hug him and he giggled like a schoolboy. He was so giddy with joy and anticipation of our first child. We were both just so happy (and surprised) that is was actually happening. We didn't do much the rest of the night except be together, cuddling and giggling. We watched part of a video from his maternal and infant health class. The video was not interesting enough to keep me hooked for too long. I had too many other things to be thinking about...

We had such a great day learning about you, baby. We are very excited to be your parents and can not wait to watch you develop and grow. Praise God for His wonderful work in our growing family!

Love you so much already,

Your Mom

Plans... God's great plans

"The Lord will work out His plans for my life-- for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever..." -Psalm 138:8

Each of us makes plans for our future. We work hard to see those dreams come true. But to truly make the most of life, we must include God's plans in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us.

I've spent a lot of time in the past few months reflecting on plans... planning, making plans, deciding if these plans are the best plans, wondering what plans might be better... all the while reflecting on God's goodness in HIS plans for my life. It says in the Jeremiah 29 that God has plans for my life; good plans, plans for me to prosper and have success. I believe that! God has proven so faithful in these past 11 months. Although the way things are turning out may not have been part of MY plan, God has surely plowed the way for my husband and I. For that we are grateful.

I can't say that I 'planned' to end up in Dawson (although Jordan might whistle a different tune). I wouldn't say that I 'planned' to have a baby this year... or at this time of year. I definitely didn't plan to leave the church I loved, the city I enjoyed and the diverse school that I thrived off of day in and day out. But God did!! :)

And again I say, His plans are far better than mine!

I was quite abruptly reminded of how faithful and loving He is this weekend as my husband graduated from Northwestern Health and Sciences University with his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. What an amazing accomplishment. Although he could have found work about anywhere in this country, God chose to lead us back to Dawson. He opened doors for us around the time Jordan needed to starting applying for his final internship. A teaching position opened up in town for me. A wonderful practice wanted to take Jordan in as an intern and keep him on after graduation as a part of their team. We were able to find, and buy, a home before we needed to be settled this summer. Oh and did I mention that He also decided to bless us with our first child. Wow!! So many things... so many good, good things. And although incredibly overwhelming at times, I can't help but imagine that this is anything but divine intervention. You see these weren't my plans. But I am happy.

I am happy to be part of the Dawson community. I am happy to teach my wonderful group of second graders. I am happy to see my families on a regular basis. I am happy to have a warm, spacious home. I am happy to have my husband working in the same town as me. I am happy that my husband is so happy. And I am so happy about the baby that is growing inside of me.

Are there things I miss about my old life? Yes... of course. But I wouldn't trade any of God's plans for my own... His are too cool; they trump mine any day. And I can only imagine the best is yet to be.

"The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." --Proverbs 16:9

Thanksgiving

Psalm 100 says:

"Shout to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before Him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are His..
We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is GOOD.
His unfailing LoVe continues forever..
and His faithfulness continues to each generation."

Watching my belly go..

Well it's been another large chunk of time. It's not as though I don't think about blogging more often. Actually, most every day I check my blogs and think, "I gotta blog this stuff". BUT... I let the day sneak away from me and the next one comes and goes, too.

After two weeks into the new school year and 4 weeks in our new home, things are finally starting to get easier settle down. Although I'm still as busy as ever, I WAS able to leave school shortly after four today, get home, do laundry (our most recent investment) and get supper ready for Jordan and I. After the hustle-bustle of the day I am finally sitting around watching some tv, reading a little What to Expect When You Are Expecting, and watching my belly go! Baby Wager is getting sooo busy these days! I'm really enjoying the process of feeling baby move and groove inside. We are at the 25 week mark and I'm just finally able to see baby move. It's really quite fascinating to see our little blessing kick, turn, and budge on my ever-growing belly. What an amazing process we are part of.

So... today I'm thankful that baby is healthy and seemingly happy inside my belly. I'm thankful that the Lord is blessing Jordan and I with this baby and the new role of parents that we will have.


"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 that full well."

Psalm 139:13-14

Birthdays and goodbyes

This past weekend was my 27th birthday. Weird to me that I'm already 27. I was able to celebrate with all of my family (excluding my brother) between Saturday and Sunday. It was a busy weekend for us, though. We had our families come to Edina to help us move our stuff out of the condo. We don't get into the house for another week, but had no other time to get back and get stuff packed up before then. So... our weekend was something like this: Saturday am- family time with my cousins and their kids at a park in Bloomington. So nice to see some of our family that we don't get to see all that often. It was a beautiful day to be outside for a picnic. Saturday pm- all the boys started moving our stuff out of the condo and the girls... well I guess we mostly sat around until it was time to clean. We had a team, though. It took about 2 hours to get everything out of that place and maybe another 45 mins to get it cleaned up. Everyone left.
There sat Jordan and I in our newly empty first home. This was much harder than I thought it would be. We had so many wonderful memories in 7625 Edinborough Way. We had such a great first three years in the cities. I remember unloading our wedding decorations to put on the walls. I remember searching for the perfect couch and chair combo for that little living room. Painting the kitchen to match our new dishes. Deciding we should use our wedding money to buy a bedroom set that we can have forever, and placing it in the bedroom at the condo, where it fit perfectly! Then there were the times that we had friends over... for supper, for football games, after going out, to play cards or shake dice, for an extended amount of time (Jacob), for a weekend away trip for our families. Entertaining company in our very own place... with our very own nice things. It was like playing house, but for real. Then, after all the busy, came the quiet. Oh how we loved our quiet time, too. Relaxing on Sunday afternoon with the game on. Making a Saturday morning breakfast together, going for that fall walk, watching the first snowfall through the big sliding door, hearing the birds chirp and the water slowly gush from the waterfall... my heart was so content. What happy memories I have of those first three years. These memories are why it's sometimes hard to say 'goodbye'. It's hard to close that chapter of our lives, even if I am excited about the next one. I'm afraid. What if it never is as good as it was at Edinborough Way?!? What if all I wanted or needed was already right there in our little quiet, secluded life? Then again, what if it's even better? How could I possibly handle that?

I'm still very overwhelmed with the wonderful things that are surrounding us at this point in our lives. There are many things I am so glad we will never again have to miss out on b/c we will now be (literally) a hop, skip and a jump away from almost all of our immediate family. Case in point: Here comes Sunday (my birthday). Dad invites us out to the house for a fish fry. Not only do Jordan and I get to go, but both of my sisters and their families are there, too. What's better yet? Jordan's family is also able to come celebrate because they are close enough to be able to join us for special occasions. All (minus 2 brothers) of my closest family is there to celebrate my birthday. Who can say that they still get birthday parties at 27 years of age? Well... I guess I can say that I can. Perk #1 of our big move. I'm sure there will be many more 'perks' as I go along in the next week and then month of Chapter 2.
So today, I'm thankful for happy memories. I'm thankful for the peace and joy that God blessed us with for our three years in Edina. I'm also thankful that although apprehensive about all the changes, I'm still finding joy and excitement in some of the 'simple' blessings that He is giving me.

"If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity,

and their years in pleasures." -Job 36.11

Oceans (Where feet may fail)

To find peace... and stillness... in my constantly wandering mind and soul.

Thank you, Jesus!

Oceans

Sunday Fun Day!

Well... it's the beginning of another week. This week I feel like I'm already thankful for things that are coming to an end such as: the end of summer school, finishing up with tutoring, getting some packing done, relaxing a little and preparing for all the BIG things that are coming soon.

But... as I reflected on last week, especially yesterday, I couldn't help but find a moment in my quiet, grateful heart to think about how wonderful my Sunday evening with my husband was. We had a relaxing weekend at home (Edina for a short while longer) and had enjoyed doing some of our 'normal' things during a quiet weekend. We took a few walks, went for lunch, attended our favorite church, and watched a movie together. It was nothing special, but you know that I much prefer the 'simple everything/nothing' days to all the hoopla anyways. After spending a great Saturday with many of my extended family members we spent Sunday getting caught up. We cleaned, cooked, relaxed, packed (a little) and took a short nap! Sunday afternoon Jordan suggested that we have a 'date night' since we were finally getting warmer weather back. We headed out to Centennial Lakes and took up a night of mini-golf and Cherry Berry. Not too special... but the perfect way to end one week, or start another. I really do cherish my time with Jordan. We enjoy being together and I am so thankful for THAT.

-Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone;

 I will make him a helper fit for him.”- Genesis 2:18

Chapter 2

Well... it has been months (literally) since my last blogpost. It's not that I haven't thought about blogging, I've thought of it a lot. This blog is all about being thankful. Finding the everyday things to notice in my life and thank God for. I'm still thanking God for my many blessings each day... it just seems like my blessings are much too big to be noted as 'simple, everyday blessings'.

You see, this is what I'm going to call Chapter 2 in my blogging endeavors. In the past few months Jordan and I have had more life-changing, giant surprises and blessings happen to us than most people have in their first 3-5 years of marriage combined. (Actually typing that out makes me think that all of these blessings in a small amount of time is probably more common than I think, but it still seems like we are the only ones that have ever done it!-- So naive, I know.) Anyways... with all the big changes, I've been a bit overwhelmed, to say the least. But I am so happy and trusting about God's plans for us in this time of our lives. So here it is:

1. We found out on May 1st, 2013 that we are expecting our first baby! Praise God! We are due December 31, 2013 and can't wait to see how the Lord provides for us in our growing family.
2. We found out that I was offered a 2nd-grade teaching position back home (Dawson, MN) in early June. This was a life-changing because it made our idea of heading back home to raise a family possible.
3. In late June, Jordan was offered a T-10 internship and possible associate contract with a chiropractic clinic from home. This blessing meant that not only would one of us have a job, but now we would both have a career option in our hometown.
4. We welcomed our fourth baby niece (#6 in nieces/nephews) in early July. What a beauty Miss Madelyn is.
5. And, as of late, we are in the process of buying our first home.

Whew.... Ok. So, as you can tell...these aren't exactly 'everyday blessings' but they are blessings beyond measure. We are feeling so very thankful for the changes ahead of us. The excitement of our future does not cover up the feelings of bittersweet sadness that we have as we prepare to leave our 'first home', my first school, our friends, our church and the memories that we have made at Edinborough Way. I've been telling Jordan for years now, "We've got the world by the tail..." And while I really believe that we did have it great, I know that God has far better things in store for us in our futures.

We are ready to start Chapter 2. Chapter 2 of our marriage, chapter 2 of our education/careers, chapter 2 in our ever-evolving relationship, and now, chapter 2 of this blog. I'm not sure what it will bring... probably much of what it already is: a random amount of gibberish and thankfulness and writing because it is so good for my soul. Or, it might bring a whole new world to my blogging experience as I grow as a young wife, mother, teacher, sister, and friend in this small and safe community.

God is certainly preparing the way. We are trusting Him. We are thankful to Him. Blessings unlimited!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong, and courageous. Be not afraid, nor dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9

"The World Is Your Classroom"

In my quick morning devotional Jesus Calling, I was reminded that my classroom is not a certain place or thing. Although I do teach and I do go to my classroom each and every day, there are so many more opportunities for me to reach the world. Jesus said to me this morning, the world is my classroom... what a great reminder that I don't need to be in a certain place or in a certain frame of mind to make a difference. I can help that elderly person cross the street, I can pick up the five dollar bill that lady in the grocery store dropped (and give it back to her), I can bring sunshine and fun to the areas that I go each and every day. I am thankful that I can make a difference in the lives of other people. I'm thankful that I want to. I'm also thankful that others make a difference to me.

What a great reminder as we say 'goodbye' to April and 'hello' to May! :)

My word is a lamp unto your feet and a light for your path-- Psalm 119:105

Everyday Storms... a Little Wind, a Little Rain

The past two weekends our church has hosted an exceptional preacher. Truly one of God's greatest vessels, I'm sure. During our weekends at church I've been reminded of two things: I'm blessed beyond belief, and God is preparing me at all times and in all situations.

There have been so many times in my life that I get into a moment of half intense appreciation/half complete terror (apprehension) that I've lived this long and seemed to avoid major 'storms' in life: including loss of a loved one, major life change, job loss, lack of control with finances, depression, addiction, abuse, etc. I feel blessed that God has helped me 'avoid' any terrible, faith-testing trials. For that I thank God! But on the other hand, sometimes I think that I've been so blessed up to this point that pretty soon something earth shattering is going to happen: I have no idea how I'll get through it. (Very glass half-full outlook, I know)
I worry, though. What if my faith is not sufficient enough to get me through a life 'storm'? What if I lose my faith in this storm? What if I can't get out of it and things take a domino effect in my life...

Well, I was kindly reassured this weekend that He is already preparing me for any storm that may occur throughout my time on earth. And the cool thing is, He is already there! He knows! He is building me up now, so I can be sure that my faith will outlast my troubles.

I know that I have been blessed greatly. I look at my family and my heart smiles. I think of my friends, both old and new, and my head is filled with happy memories. I ponder on my future and my soul dances. I have so much to be thankful for.

No more worrying about potential storms.
I want to live in the wonderful present that is my life.
I want to keep having The Time of My Life... before my life is running out of time.

Psalm 39:4
"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is.

Surrounding Myself with Greatness

We. are. waiting. for spring!! We get a short teaser for spring every now and then; the next day it snows again. Yikes! Anyways, I'm overly anxious for spring (like many people are) but am still finding the blessings He's bestowing upon me during this time of anticipation and wait. For example, this past weekend I as able to connect with so many people for short lunch/coffee/dinner dates and it was such a rewarding time for me.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to eat supper with my family on Friday for my mom's birthday. What a blessing to be with them. Saturday morning I was able to connect with a great aunt of mine (my past grandma's sister) for a bunch date. She is a beautiful woman of God and it was so enjoyable to sit and visit with her for a few of my Saturday hours. That evening I spent time with a good friend watching basketball and chatting about life's happenings. Sunday included church, coffee date with a few high school friends and a lovely supper with some grandparents. I didn't accomplish much in terms of my 'to-do' list items; however, I ended the weekend with a great sense of peace and contentment. It fills my heart to connect, reconnect and be in relationship with so many wonderful people.

Long story, short... the weather wasn't great. I want spring. BUT I'm thankful for the relationships I have and I am so thankful to be given the time to maintain and invest in the people that surround me.

-Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.-  --Hebrews 10:25

My Mother: My Friend

 

I am thankful for my mother. I am thankful that she is MY mother. I am thankful that she is my friend. I am blessed to know her and strive to be like her more and more each day. I've heard people say that I look just like my mom... many people... in fact almost all people say this to me. I take it as a compliment. She is a beautiful woman.




But what I don't tell people is that although I would be lucky to continue 'looking' like my mom as I continue growing, what I really want is to BE like my mom. I'm not sure how many people can say that they want to be like their moms, but I truly do. My mom is one of the most giving, caring, loving and compassionate women I might ever meet. She will stop what she is doing in the middle of a busy store to help the little old lady that needs an extra hand...she will send an old friend a message to remind her that she is being thought of when times are tough or difficult memories are reoccurring. She prays fiercely....for so many people and so many things.

We find the simple joy and beauty in so many similar things. A sunny day, a beautiful rainbow, a changing leaf, a blooming tree... a smile, a hug, a day filled with nothing (and everything).

Mom, you are my hero. I love you very much and can not imagine my life without you in it. I am so thankful to God for giving you to me as a mother and friend. Today, on your birthday, I celebrate YOU, wonderful, beautiful YOU!

1 Timothy 1:5

 "But the goal of our instruction 

is love from a pure heart and a good 

conscience and a sincere faith."