Why Forgive?

Yesterday I got to sit in on Sean's "talk" with the youth, which I don't get to do very often anymore. I love hearing his passion for God's Word and seeing his enthusiasm for teenagers. He makes me very proud of who he is and his love for Jesus. He's just so stinkin awesome!!! This week in particular, he talked about forgiveness and how we should respond to our enemies and those who do us wrong. He referenced Matthew 18:22 in which Jesus responds to Peter's question of how many times he shall forgive by saying "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy- seven times." Some versions say "seventy times seven." Point is, the number does not matter. We should be willing to forgive over and over and over no matter what. Because that is what Jesus did for us. And when somebody does us wrong, we need to return back to them love and kindness. Both of these things are extremely hard for me, as I'm sure they are for you too. Because when somebody repeatedly hurts us, why in the world would we want to forgive them knowing that it won't be too long until they do it again? Sometimes I feel if I were to do this, it would just appear as if I am letting others walk all over me. I know this isn't really the case because there is a way to repeatedly forgive and return love but still be able to stand your ground. The tough part is just being able to figure out how exactly to do all that. Who knows? Maybe I'll figure it all out one day. But I highly doubt it since I am human. I can only try my hardest to be an imitator of Christ in this way.

Today's Top Story

This morning I was watching the news and was shocked at the top story they were discussing. Then again I was reminded of it as it was also the top story on the radio station as I drove to work. Apparently there is a new maid service opening in Tulsa where you can hire a woman or man to come to your home and clean your house topless/nude, whatever. They do an extensive background check on the homes they are sending their maids to in order to make sure they are safe. I'm like REALLY?! What is this world coming to? I mean, I know there are already places like this and have always been places like this for a really long time in other areas but just seeing it so acceptable and easily talked about on the news just breaks my heart. God did not create our bodies to flaunt. So how anyone could honestly do that or be a supporter of someone who does is beyond me. Open your eyes world and open the Word of God so that you can clearly see our purpose for living on this Earth! I can guarantee you the answer will not be that it's for our pleasure...

My hubby has no grace...

The fam and I just attended our first Family Fun Night at The Kirk and it was a blast! We got to learn some good ole line dancing steps and let's just say Sean and I both need some work (he a little more so than I of course!) I can't wait for nights like these when Kinsleigh gets older and can enjoy it a little more. A big shout out to Carrie Lund for heading it up. I truly think this is one of the best things a church can do because it brings families together to do things (like line dancing) that you would not normally do together. And let's face it, we all need a change of pace in our daily routines. And once again I'm reminded through something as simple as this of why I am so thankful to be a part of our church.

Balance

I'm finding the hardest thing about being a mommy these days is figuring out how to balance all my different roles. Trying to be a good mommy, a good wife, preschool teacher, doing chores around the house, running all my errands...the list goes on and on. Sometimes I wish I had all the money in the world so I could just hire someone to do all my cleaning and my grocery shopping for me. Then life would be so much easier. That is until I would probably figure out something else I needed to do in my time to continue to keep me stressed. And to top it all off with a disease that makes me incredibly fatigued does not help with the problem much. Gosh, I guess this is the tough part about life that everyone always used to warn me about. I'm trying to remind myself each and every day that my family is always #1 and the other things CAN wait until later. I have never wanted anything more than to be a fantastic wife and a great mommy to my kid(s), to raise them in a Christian home, and hope that they will grow to be followers of Jesus too one day. Sean and Kinsleigh, you mean the world to me!

Bunny love

While most children are scared of "The Easter Bunny" or any other dressed up character for that matter, our child embraces them. Yesterday we took Kinsleigh to a neighborhood Easter egg hunt and what did she want to do the whole time? Hang out with the bunny! She could have cared less about the eggs and even threw a fit when we told her we had to leave him. Her fit even continued in the car on the way home as she kept saying "bunny" in between sniffles. Sometimes I feel like my child goes against the norm of other children in all situations. But I LOVE it because she is so unique and special and keeps me on my toes. Plus, loving the Easter bunny made for some great photo ops!

Molars!

My child is getting molars?! What?! Is that normal to happen already? As a first time mommy, I just don't know the timing of these things but all I do know is that she only has her two front teeth on the bottom and then skip a bunch of space and then a molar already in the back. Weirdest thing. I mean is she going to get those teeth to fill in between anytime soon? I discovered this new addition to her mouth when she slipped and bumped her chin on my parents coffee table. She started screaming of course and there was a little bit of blood so I proceeded to examine her mouth. That's when I spotted what looked like a giant hole in the back of her gums! I was like "wah?! No way!" Then sure enough, next day it was white. Now we've got a top one coming. We are now up to 7 teeth! woo hoo! Ok so it's really not that exciting but whatever. Please feel free to share if this is normal.

Our Precious Gift

Thinking and looking through some old stuff today and came across this poem I had written for Kinsleigh when I was only 3 months pregnant with her. Didn't even know she was a girl at this point! Just had never shared it with anyone...so thought "Hey! Why not now?!"

Our Precious Gift

Sweet Child, you are our miracle from God.
I feel a sense of love coming on that I never knew existed.
When I sit down and think of you, the tears come because I am overwhelmed that we could be given such a gift.
I never knew the love I could feel for someone I have never even seen.
My body is not that strong and the risks are high,
But what does that matter when you trust the man in the sky?!
And you know what is amazing, absolutely astounding?
Because of you I am stronger, no longer anxious, and I am full of joy that I know will keep bounding.
I never want you to suffer or see you in pain and I pray daily that my disease will not carry onto you in any shape or way.
As you grow older, I will nurture you until I can no longer.
I pray that God will do everything in his power to make sure your bodies healthier than mine, and much stronger.
Oh, for the sleepless nights ahead when you will be crying with no end.
I will be thankful for them later and want them back again.
What color of eyes, hair, and shade of skin?
Maybe daddy’s laugh cause I love that part of him!
I hope that I raise you in all the ways that are right
And that you will always know that I love you every day,
For the rest of your life.

-April (Mom)
April 14, 2008

Our precious girl inside my belly at 32 weeks!