.... watching my oldest daughter turn into a beautiful young girl.
... seeing her smile at me.
... catching these quiet moments in our busy lives.
... and then these moments that warm my heart.
... and this man.
image
Saturday, October 30, 2010
I LOVE . . .
.... watching my oldest daughter turn into a beautiful young girl.
... seeing her smile at me.
... catching these quiet moments in our busy lives.
... and then these moments that warm my heart.
... and this man.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
FFD Wives for Christ
Don't know where it's going.... not sure how we're going to get there...
But I guess I just felt the need for us fire wives who have so much in common to be more connected. We are wives to firefighters, moms to kids, and sisters in Christ. And it has been on my heart to start something.... something to where we can all connect, grow, support and serve together. Whether that's through a bible study, helping each other out with babysitting, delivering meals to families in need, play dates, prayer requests, etc etc etc. And I don't want something that becomes a monthly meeting where we all just smile, take part in surface conversation, eat some brownies and go home. I think it can be more than that. I think it can be real. Genuine. Sincere. I think we can build friendships and fellowship that not only benefits ourselves but others too, and ultimately glorifies God.
Like I said, not sure how we're going to get there... so I'm just following His lead. And hoping others do as well.
http://ffdwivesforchrist.blogspot.com/
But I guess I just felt the need for us fire wives who have so much in common to be more connected. We are wives to firefighters, moms to kids, and sisters in Christ. And it has been on my heart to start something.... something to where we can all connect, grow, support and serve together. Whether that's through a bible study, helping each other out with babysitting, delivering meals to families in need, play dates, prayer requests, etc etc etc. And I don't want something that becomes a monthly meeting where we all just smile, take part in surface conversation, eat some brownies and go home. I think it can be more than that. I think it can be real. Genuine. Sincere. I think we can build friendships and fellowship that not only benefits ourselves but others too, and ultimately glorifies God.
Like I said, not sure how we're going to get there... so I'm just following His lead. And hoping others do as well.
http://ffdwivesforchrist.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 25, 2010
Description Of The Heart
Nothing else can describe my heart better than the song "God With Us" by Mercy Me.
This song means so much to me. And so deeply touches my soul with love for Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Lord Almighty, the Holy One.
Who are we that You would be mindful of us?
What do You see, that's worth looking our way?
We are free, in ways that we never should be.
Sweet release from the grips of these chains.
Like hinges straining from the weight
My heart no longer can keep from singing...
All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.
My heart sings a brand new song
The debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us
Lord You know
Our hearts don't deserve Your glory
But still You show a love we cannot afford
Like hinges straining from the weight
My heart no longer can keep from singing...
All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.
My heart sings a brand new song
The debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us
Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary
But nevertheless, we lay it at Your feet
Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary
But nevertheless, we lay this at Your feet
All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.
My heart sings a brand new song
MY debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us
This song means so much to me. And so deeply touches my soul with love for Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Lord Almighty, the Holy One.
Who are we that You would be mindful of us?
What do You see, that's worth looking our way?
We are free, in ways that we never should be.
Sweet release from the grips of these chains.
Like hinges straining from the weight
My heart no longer can keep from singing...
All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.
My heart sings a brand new song
The debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us
Lord You know
Our hearts don't deserve Your glory
But still You show a love we cannot afford
Like hinges straining from the weight
My heart no longer can keep from singing...
All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.
My heart sings a brand new song
The debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us
Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary
But nevertheless, we lay it at Your feet
Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary
But nevertheless, we lay this at Your feet
All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.
My heart sings a brand new song
MY debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Six Years... Six of the BEST.
Yesterday was September 18. And all throughout the day I would look at the clock and think back to what exactly I was doing at that time 6 years ago.
I remember first looking at the clock at just after 6:00 AM. And remembered sitting on a stool in my mom's bathroom, as my sister-in-law (brother's girlfriend at the time) did my make-up. And I believe my dad was pacing because we had to leave to head to the wedding site in Fallbrook.
Then I remember seeing the clock at about 10:15. I realized I would have been in the bridal room at that time... all my girls there, probably having my hair done, overwhelmed with excitement. And I remembered reaching around the door to the bridal room, hiding behind it so not to be seen, and then grasping Frankie's hand. I was SO elated. SO excited. I had no idea at the time that he was crying. Not until I saw the pictures afterwards...
And then saying our vows. Don't remember much about those moments. haha All I remember is staring at Frankie, and his happy eyes. I couldn't believe it was happening. And then it was over and we were kissing. :)
And then, party time! Barely ate my meal, didn't have any cake (other than what was wiped on my face), and never even made it to the 5-tier chocolate fountain. But we had a GREAT time.
Thank you Frankie, for the last six years of marriage. And the last ten years together. You are my best friend, my everything. Thank you for our daughters. Thank you for working hard so that I can stay at home with them. Thank you for loving me the way you do, for your understanding, your compassion, and for taking care of me. Thank you for making me laugh. You make me so happy, and I really see how blessed I am. Blessed to have a husband that loves the Lord first, and loves his wife as Christ loved the church. A husband who knows what it means to lead his family, and is an example for his daughters. I sincerely never loved you more than I do now. THANK YOU for all you do, and have done to make this the best six years of my life. Looking forward to the next 60 years. Happy Anniversary.
I remember first looking at the clock at just after 6:00 AM. And remembered sitting on a stool in my mom's bathroom, as my sister-in-law (brother's girlfriend at the time) did my make-up. And I believe my dad was pacing because we had to leave to head to the wedding site in Fallbrook.
Then I remember seeing the clock at about 10:15. I realized I would have been in the bridal room at that time... all my girls there, probably having my hair done, overwhelmed with excitement. And I remembered reaching around the door to the bridal room, hiding behind it so not to be seen, and then grasping Frankie's hand. I was SO elated. SO excited. I had no idea at the time that he was crying. Not until I saw the pictures afterwards...
And then saying our vows. Don't remember much about those moments. haha All I remember is staring at Frankie, and his happy eyes. I couldn't believe it was happening. And then it was over and we were kissing. :)
And then, party time! Barely ate my meal, didn't have any cake (other than what was wiped on my face), and never even made it to the 5-tier chocolate fountain. But we had a GREAT time.
Thank you Frankie, for the last six years of marriage. And the last ten years together. You are my best friend, my everything. Thank you for our daughters. Thank you for working hard so that I can stay at home with them. Thank you for loving me the way you do, for your understanding, your compassion, and for taking care of me. Thank you for making me laugh. You make me so happy, and I really see how blessed I am. Blessed to have a husband that loves the Lord first, and loves his wife as Christ loved the church. A husband who knows what it means to lead his family, and is an example for his daughters. I sincerely never loved you more than I do now. THANK YOU for all you do, and have done to make this the best six years of my life. Looking forward to the next 60 years. Happy Anniversary.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Consideration... And Prayer Request
Oh how this is a hot button issue. I had no idea.
So Frankie and I are beginning to consider homeschooling. For the first few years. I don't know, til 2nd grade, til 4th grade, I don't know. It is simply a thought right now. A consideration. Yet also a prayer request. I don't need 241 comments on this blog about everyone's individual opinions on whether or not I should homeschool. I would not base a decision like that upon everyone else's opinions. However, I would like to ask for prayer on it.
I am homeschooling Victoria for preschool this year. Next year she would be entering kindergarten. Frankie and I have been doing a lot of talking lately. Mostly just between the two of us, and now I am branching out talking to moms who have had some experience with it and can give me some deeper insight into it. Our basic thoughts are this: as her parents, we want to control the influences surrounding her. Giving her daily interaction with positive role models and minimal interaction with negative role models. And implementing biblical principles and scripture into her education is extremely important to us. I am not the least concerned about socialization. We go to Sunday school, BSF, gymnastics, playdates, etc etc. Some may say that's sheltering, but you know what? I like to challenge that thought.... so what's wrong with that?? As her parent I feel that's my responsibility. She doesn't NEED to be exposed to everything out there. She will be eventually. So why not establish the strongest foundation possible while she is young and while I still have the ability to control her learning environment? If the theory is to get them out there and just give them the opportunity to make the right choices then why not send them to a party at 16 years old when you know there will be drinking... just to give them the opportunity to make the right choice. No, I feel there is a certain amount of limits you can place on your child to help keep them from stumbling. Once they reach a certain age you can't do that anymore... you HAVE to let go. But right now I don't. So I want to take advantage of it. Not too many years from now, my opinion, Frankie's opinion... they won't hold much weight. Her friends, her peers, the "cool crowd"... those opinions will matter. But if she has had that daily interaction with her father and I for those first few years, and is more grounded... I'm thinking she will be able to make better choices. And not hold so much value to that "cool crowd" opinion.
Does that mean I have decided for certain on homeschooling? No. I am not sure I am fully equipped to do so. But I have a husband that is home during the day, and also desires to go down this path. And having his help is huge.
And another thing to consider: we travel a lot. We left just about everything behind when we picked up and moved to Fresno in February of 2005, only 5 months after getting married and settling into our little condo in Anaheim Hills. I was terrified. I knew no one. I had no family here. No church. I certainly couldn't fathom starting a family here "all alone." Granted, God has worked through all that and we love it here. We have established an incredible life here and I am thankful EVERY day for it. And for Frankie's job. It allows us to go where ever we want... on a Tuesday afternoon. Go to southern california in middle of the week. And stay a week if we want. Go camping for 2 weeks if we want. Not only when the schools have days off. Once we put V in school those trips are going to be extremely limited. Seeing our family will be very limited. Neither of us want that. Again, eventually she will be in school. Can't completely avoid that and don't want to. But for now, it would be a great advantage to be going at our own pace, making our own schedule.
So, what's the point of this post again?? Oh ya, to ask for prayer on this. I am going to do my research, really check into this and really pray about it. I believe with all my heart God will reveal what would be best for our family. Any prayers to get us to that point would be helpful. :)
So Frankie and I are beginning to consider homeschooling. For the first few years. I don't know, til 2nd grade, til 4th grade, I don't know. It is simply a thought right now. A consideration. Yet also a prayer request. I don't need 241 comments on this blog about everyone's individual opinions on whether or not I should homeschool. I would not base a decision like that upon everyone else's opinions. However, I would like to ask for prayer on it.
I am homeschooling Victoria for preschool this year. Next year she would be entering kindergarten. Frankie and I have been doing a lot of talking lately. Mostly just between the two of us, and now I am branching out talking to moms who have had some experience with it and can give me some deeper insight into it. Our basic thoughts are this: as her parents, we want to control the influences surrounding her. Giving her daily interaction with positive role models and minimal interaction with negative role models. And implementing biblical principles and scripture into her education is extremely important to us. I am not the least concerned about socialization. We go to Sunday school, BSF, gymnastics, playdates, etc etc. Some may say that's sheltering, but you know what? I like to challenge that thought.... so what's wrong with that?? As her parent I feel that's my responsibility. She doesn't NEED to be exposed to everything out there. She will be eventually. So why not establish the strongest foundation possible while she is young and while I still have the ability to control her learning environment? If the theory is to get them out there and just give them the opportunity to make the right choices then why not send them to a party at 16 years old when you know there will be drinking... just to give them the opportunity to make the right choice. No, I feel there is a certain amount of limits you can place on your child to help keep them from stumbling. Once they reach a certain age you can't do that anymore... you HAVE to let go. But right now I don't. So I want to take advantage of it. Not too many years from now, my opinion, Frankie's opinion... they won't hold much weight. Her friends, her peers, the "cool crowd"... those opinions will matter. But if she has had that daily interaction with her father and I for those first few years, and is more grounded... I'm thinking she will be able to make better choices. And not hold so much value to that "cool crowd" opinion.
Does that mean I have decided for certain on homeschooling? No. I am not sure I am fully equipped to do so. But I have a husband that is home during the day, and also desires to go down this path. And having his help is huge.
And another thing to consider: we travel a lot. We left just about everything behind when we picked up and moved to Fresno in February of 2005, only 5 months after getting married and settling into our little condo in Anaheim Hills. I was terrified. I knew no one. I had no family here. No church. I certainly couldn't fathom starting a family here "all alone." Granted, God has worked through all that and we love it here. We have established an incredible life here and I am thankful EVERY day for it. And for Frankie's job. It allows us to go where ever we want... on a Tuesday afternoon. Go to southern california in middle of the week. And stay a week if we want. Go camping for 2 weeks if we want. Not only when the schools have days off. Once we put V in school those trips are going to be extremely limited. Seeing our family will be very limited. Neither of us want that. Again, eventually she will be in school. Can't completely avoid that and don't want to. But for now, it would be a great advantage to be going at our own pace, making our own schedule.
So, what's the point of this post again?? Oh ya, to ask for prayer on this. I am going to do my research, really check into this and really pray about it. I believe with all my heart God will reveal what would be best for our family. Any prayers to get us to that point would be helpful. :)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
It's baaaaack!
BSF. It's finally here again. Starts September 15th.
Victoria has shed several tears this summer over missing it. Sometimes we would listen to her BSF songs they sang while studying the book of John this last year.... and after about the 2nd or 3rd song she would cover her face and just start crying. Such a genuine cry too. Not whiny. Just tears. And she would try to compose herself long enough to tell me she is sad because she hasn't been to BSF in SO long. She even referred to her two teachers as her grandmas. They'll love to hear that.
And I have definitely not been in the word as much as I would have liked to have been over the summer. I still need the accountability. And it's here! Yaaay! We will be studying the book of Isaiah. Which is totally new. They have never done this study before so it should be interesting.... especially considering Isaiah is all about warning and judgement. Yikes. This could be a very convicting year.... bring it on!
http://www.bsfinternational.org/
Victoria has shed several tears this summer over missing it. Sometimes we would listen to her BSF songs they sang while studying the book of John this last year.... and after about the 2nd or 3rd song she would cover her face and just start crying. Such a genuine cry too. Not whiny. Just tears. And she would try to compose herself long enough to tell me she is sad because she hasn't been to BSF in SO long. She even referred to her two teachers as her grandmas. They'll love to hear that.
And I have definitely not been in the word as much as I would have liked to have been over the summer. I still need the accountability. And it's here! Yaaay! We will be studying the book of Isaiah. Which is totally new. They have never done this study before so it should be interesting.... especially considering Isaiah is all about warning and judgement. Yikes. This could be a very convicting year.... bring it on!
http://www.bsfinternational.org/
Monday, September 6, 2010
Calling All Babysitters
What do I need to do... put an ad out in the paper?? Babysitter troubles are so stressful!
So we first had this wonderful sitter pretty regularly. Charlotte. Loved her. A heart for children, and for blessing others by caring for their children. Yet life changes happen, and she took on a new opportunity within the church that would no longer allow her the availability to babysit for us. Great for her, but of course I was super bummed for our loss. Ok so moving on.... we then interviewed one of her closest friends, Rebekah. SUCH a doll. Bubbly, active, and fun. V loved her right away so she was our sitter for the last 3 months. Then again, life changes. It was time to start a new school year, which for Rebekah, is in southern california. Nooooooo!!!
So here we are, back at square one. We just had a new sitter watch the girls last Sunday evening, and it went well. Sophie didn't even cry when she walked in which is HUGE. But the poor thing can't live off babysitting, she is also a waitress and her schedule is constantly changing. So we are in desperate need of another one. MUCH easier said than done.
Do I just wear a sign on my back everywhere I go:
Looking For Babysitter who....
-is completely honest
-is not afraid to deal with a meltdown here or there
-isn't afraid to have fun and be silly
-loves the Lord
-will love and understand my children
-will comfort them as needed
.... okay is this too much to ask?? Maybe it is... but I don't think so. Please, mystery babysitter, if you're out there, contact me!!! We need you.
So we first had this wonderful sitter pretty regularly. Charlotte. Loved her. A heart for children, and for blessing others by caring for their children. Yet life changes happen, and she took on a new opportunity within the church that would no longer allow her the availability to babysit for us. Great for her, but of course I was super bummed for our loss. Ok so moving on.... we then interviewed one of her closest friends, Rebekah. SUCH a doll. Bubbly, active, and fun. V loved her right away so she was our sitter for the last 3 months. Then again, life changes. It was time to start a new school year, which for Rebekah, is in southern california. Nooooooo!!!
So here we are, back at square one. We just had a new sitter watch the girls last Sunday evening, and it went well. Sophie didn't even cry when she walked in which is HUGE. But the poor thing can't live off babysitting, she is also a waitress and her schedule is constantly changing. So we are in desperate need of another one. MUCH easier said than done.
Do I just wear a sign on my back everywhere I go:
Looking For Babysitter who....
-is completely honest
-is not afraid to deal with a meltdown here or there
-isn't afraid to have fun and be silly
-loves the Lord
-will love and understand my children
-will comfort them as needed
.... okay is this too much to ask?? Maybe it is... but I don't think so. Please, mystery babysitter, if you're out there, contact me!!! We need you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)