Eight Things

Eight things I want to say to Eight different people right now.

1. Momma, I miss you. At least I think I miss you. I guess I just miss my 8 year old picture of who you were. I miss the memories that we never made. But I'm not even sure we would have ever made them at all. I love you. I loved you before you died too. I'm doing really well. I have a handsome husband who is loving, kind-hearted, hard-working, hilarious, intelligent, wise, and would protect me at any cost. He's wonderful, mom. He makes me laugh and smile everyday. And I know that no matter how many arguments we have, he will always be there. I also have a beautiful little girl. She is so full of life and joy and spunk! She is sometimes a little too spicy for my sanity, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She is going to change the world some day. I wish that you could meet my family. I don't know if you cared whether I was taken care of or not, but I am. And even beyond that, I'm just plain happy. I forgive you, and I'm so very sorry that you felt hopeless. I wish that I could have done something to help you see the beauty and purpose of this life. I'm so sorry.

2. Dad, I miss you. I miss the times you chose to be an active dad in my life. I miss watching war movies, that I probably shouldn't have been watching at my age, and eating dark chocolate until WAY past my bed time with you. I miss our dog Abby. There are so many things I could have done differently while you were still alive. I missed a lot of opportunities. I was angry, and hurt, and confused. I felt like I shouldn't have been put in the position that I was in with having to be the one pursuing a relationship with you. You should have pursued me. You should have been the one who poured encouragement and love into me. But I'm not angry. I forgive you. I'm sorry for the times I made it difficult to love me. I'm not sure you ever wanted to be a dad. I imagine it would be a hard place to be: loving a child you never intended to have. Especially after your relationship with mom ended. Growing up I'll admit that I didn't see the big picture. Now that I have my sweet girl and have been through my share of twists and turns, I understand more of your position. I don't agree with a lot of your decisions, and I don't understand most of them, but I forgive you, I love you, and I do miss you. When I think of you, I have fond memories of when we were having fun together. I wish that we could make more memories and that you could be a part of my daughter and husband's lives as well. But if you were alive now, I'm not sure that anything would have changed, short of a miracle.

3. Jacob, my favorite. I love you. I love that you put up with my quirkiness and strange antics. I love the security that I have in you; I know you took your vow seriously to stand by my side and I don't take that lightly. You are my rock. You are the person that I want to talk to when I get excited. You are the person I want to be with when I'm feeling sad, even if I don't disclose everything that's going on in my busy mind. You are the one that I want to know, and in return know me inside and out, and I've never had that before. I want you to know that I trust you, I value your opinion more than you probably realize, and I respect you for who you are and who you are capable of becoming. You are fascinating through and through. The way your mind works is truly intriguing. I want to learn you more so that I can help support you better, and just because I want to know more about you. I tease you about your ambitions sometimes, but I wholeheartedly believe that you could be successful at anything you tried your hand at. You just have to have the confidence to step out there and try it. If you don't have the confidence yourself, I'm hear to back you up. I know that you can do it. You constantly exceed the expectations of others and never give yourself credit for it. You are so loved, so cherished, and so masterfully created to be the best. 143.

4. Ryot, my little love, my first born, my Sweetness. You are so precious. You were earnestly prayed for, wanted, and have continued to be a dearly beloved member of our family. I can't imagine life without you. You are always on my mind and I talk about you probably more than other people care to hear. I really don't mind those toys on the floor or the smudges on the counter. I love being woken up by you in the morning, just preferably not with pain. Hearing your squeaky voice in the morning asking for chocolate milk and a show is my perfect wake up call. Seeing you sad, mad, or sick breaks my heart every time. I want you to have everything that you need and want, but I also desperately want you to know that ALL you need it Jesus. He loves you so much, and will continue to be your Rock when the world fails you. I have failed you often, especially during my single mom days. I was so stressed and so sad when you were a baby. I never meant to allow that to effect your life in any way. I pray that you wont remember it and have only good memories instead. You deserve the world, my angel. I will spend the rest of my life praying for you, sharing with you, encouraging you, and desperately trying to help you see how much you are loved and appreciated and how much you are worth in Jesus. You are a precious jewel, a diamond, a irreplaceable gem. You are precious, beautiful, and one of my best friends. I love you, sweet girl.

5. To highschool in general, I hated you. I abhorred your existence from the moment I opened my eyes in the morning until I laid them to rest at night. The ill-fitting clothes, the messy buns with no make-up, never fitting in socially, barely succeeding with my grades, and just the awkwardness of it all was enough to cry myself to sleep most nights. Apart from the bliss I felt while playing sports, I couldn't get away from you fast enough. I learned a lot from you. I learned that if I just kept my mouth shut, I could slip into the background and not be picked on so much. I learned to hate the way I looked. I learned to be scared of people with confidence. I learned that in order to be happy, I had to have money and popular friends. I learned that my emotions and ideas were automatically invalidated because I was not an adult. I learned a lot of things that I have had to un-learn over the years. The only thing of value that highschool taught me was how to press through when feeling severely outnumbered and overwhelmed. Thank you for that. I now have an idea of what to look out for when my children go to highschool. I have the invaluable experience and testimony for other kids having a rough time in that same dreadful place I was: Highschool ends. You move on and lose a bunch of those friends/bullies. Life gets 100% better because you are in charge of it. Press on, work hard, hold your head up. Highschool is not a picture of real life. Highschool, you were awful and I don't miss you.

6. To College, um, hello again. Let's not talk about this period of my life. I haven't missed you much either. But it wasn't entirely your fault. I'm glad that we were able to shake hands and then move on with our lives. You, educating people all over the world, and me not thinking about you at all. Thanks for the friendships, experiences, and for now being in the past. Let's not stay in touch, okay?

7. My Future babies. Hi there, little darlings. We haven't met yet, but I already love you. I pray for you daily, is that weird? If you think so, prepare yourself for a weird momma because that's not the only odd thing I do. We are going to have grand adventures. I have so much to show you about this world; so much to teach you. Ryot talks about you often. She wants a baby brother one day and a baby sister the next. I think she just wants a best friend, whatever you come out to be. I'm ready for her to have a playmate as well. You are so blessed and cherished, little angels. I am eagerly awaiting your arrival so that I can kiss your sweet cheeks and sing to you how much Jesus loves you. Come soon, please. I miss you very much.

8. To my readers, hello there. Have you stuck out this blog post this far? Well, thank you. Writing brings me immense joy, and I'm so honored that you would take time out of your busy wonderful life to read what I have to say. I wish that I knew the faces behind the little pageview counter that ticks away. I wish we could meet and have coffee and talk face to face, but this computer screen will have to do for now. However stagnant, there is something enticing about being behind this screen though, ya know? It's comfortable, and as I'm writing I'm imagining all of the places that you could be while reading this. Are you at work? Or maybe reheating your coffee for the second time as your kids play around you? Or sitting on a bench at a ballet or karate session? Or maybe you are reading this before bed at night? Or while your little one naps? Whatever it is you are doing, thank you for reading. And most importantly I want you to know that Jesus loves you. You, who is reading this. He created you to be exactly as you are and loves you more than you can imagine. He actually can't possibly love you any more than He does right now. Merit can't earn any more of it, and mistakes can't take any of it away. You are stuck in the torrent of undeserved, overwhelming, freeing love that was bought with the price of a perfect man's life. Jesus died for you. Not to hold it over your head, but to give you hope, power, and unconditional love. That is my message for you. You are chosen and pursued. You are forever loved.

Ten Things

Here are ten things I'm afraid of/ can't stand.

1. I can NOT stand the sound of styrofoam rubbing together or how it feels. I don't like holding styrofoam cups, or eating off of styrofoam plates, especially if I have to cut something on the plate and the knife scrapes across plate. Even typing about it just now is giving me the chills. Gross. Obviously I'm an adult and I'm not going to throw a fit, but if I have the choice, I stay away.

2. While we are on the topic of touch, I hate microfiber or things like it. Same type of texture thing. I don't wear fleece, use microfiber cloths, and will never own the suede or microfiber couches. Gross.

3. Crabs. They can swim, and they will swim up when you can't see them under the water and PINCH YOU.

4. Needles. I hate getting shots or blood drawn. It super stresses me out and I have to really prepare myself for it. I've had my ears pierced and then re-pierced twice because the fact that the needle goes into your skin and completely out the other side really terrifies and disgusts me. Tattoos are not the same thing, people. The needles in a tattoo gun go so fast that you can't feel it prick and slide into your skin like a shot, piercing or IV. Tattoos feel more like scratching than piercing.

5. Clowns. Or really any mask. "People in masks can not be trusted." I stand by that quote.

6. Being scared. No, I'm not afraid of being afraid, but I hate being startled/scared. I'm not the person who laughs after someone jumps from behind the corner to scare me. I'm the person who might fall the floor and cry or hit you out of self-defense and then get mad. I don't like being scared.

7. Pranks. I don't like them at all. I think there is something horrible about people who like to cause someone pain, fear, or discomfort for pleasure. I don't think it's right. I don't laugh. It irritates me. I can't even watch the videos that are a compilation of fails or people hurting themselves. I don't think it's funny. I think it's painful and I hurt for them. I don't like watching the parents giving their kids bad gifts or telling them that they ate their halloween candy. It's not funny, it's just cruel.

8. Roaches. I can handle spiders, snakes, and any other type of reptile. But roaches? No way. They creep me out. They are too fast, too small, too disgusting, and terrifying. And how about the ones that fly? Forget it! I'm screaming like a child and running away. I can't handle it.

9. Being misunderstood. Communication is a huge deal to me. I really always have the best intentions and I hate that I possibly could make people feel uncomfortable, unwanted, or give the wrong impression of how I'm feeling. Sometimes as I'm opening up to my mentors or close peers that I trust, I will wonder if I did an accurate job of portraying how I really feel and the real position that my thoughts and emotions are in. It's way easier to write. I can edit. I can make sure it is saying what I want it to. Are there typos sometimes? Of course, but I at least can control the content that I'm putting out better.

10. Technology advancing too much. I love technology. I love computers and cell phones. I love the convenience of being about to search for the nearest store, get directions immediately, search recipes while I'm at the grocery store, or type in symptoms to try to figure out a sickness, and so much more. I use so much technology on a daily basis. I'm really grateful for those who were smart enough to create what we have today. But then my coworkers start talking about the possibility in the future of being able to genetically modify your children to have certain physical or personality traits and it freaks me out. We are not God. God is the only God. He is the Creator. We don't need to be messing with His designs. There are so many wonderful things that technology has created, but there is a line that I think starting to get crossed on what takes the humanity out of our world. Have you seen iRobot? It doesn't go so well. I guess I'm really just not a big fan of change, and this is a bit too much change for me.

What are you afraid of?

Here I lay my longing

Her tiny hands folded in mine. The way she gently brushes her hair back from her face. Her long eye lashes resting so softly while she sleeps. The way her lips curl around her straw to drink her morning chocolate milk. He perfectly pink lips. The way her eyes light up when she gets excited. Her sweet, sweet voice singing a song. The way she always wants to help. Her fabulous fashion sense. The way she twirls and dances to every song she hears. Her cuddles. The way she prays. Her pitiful pouty lip. The sad way her tears caress her cheeks. 

My heart can't contain the love I have for this tiny miracle of mine. I never tire of studying her. She is so precious. So cherished. So loved. And she has no idea the depth of that love. I loved her before she even came to be. Now that she is mine that love is multiplied into a breathtaking battle of heartbreak and overflowing joy. Heartbreak as I fail so often and overflowing joy at the gift that I have received so undeserved. Yet I call her mine. What is this blessed life I live?

The future is so unpredictable and the present is not easily tamed, so how can I be sad for something that may still come to be? I can't explain it, but I feel a sadness in my bones. The longing of life to grow in me again. The deep-seeded desire to nurture another miracle never goes away. Ever since I can remember, this love for my babies was instilled in me. It's an uncontrollable fiery love of sorts. It's like trying to frame a puzzle with a very important piece missing. It's not a core of who I am or my identity, but it is a piece of me that can not be separated.

I wrestle with myself every moment of every day. It can't be an ungratefulness for the life I have already been given because I am undoubtedly in love with my little girl. She will always be my baby, my first. We share a story that no other child will; a story of survival and great redemption. My heart just longs for more. I know there is another child for our family. I can't imagine having these desires for the sake of being disappointed. 

There are so many people around me giving life in this way. Those close to me, and those I barely know are making announcements left and right. I am beyond excited for them, however, accompanied with each announcement and update, I can't help but feel a twinge of longing. 

Through the longing and the rejoicing, I will still say that God is good.

Through the unknowing, I will still rejoice. 

Through the irritation at what seems like a broken vessel, I will trust that God's timing is perfect. 

The world says that I'm defective. They wrap up my symptoms in a little box and label me PCOS.

But the word, the truth and the Life says that I am beautifully and wonderfully made. My Father says that there is no flaw in me. 

Giving up stems from failure, and produces grief and bitterness.

Submission stems from trust, and produces peace and joy.

So I will trust His timing and lay my longing at His feet, however much it hurts.

Waiting Here

I'm waiting in the steadfast. I'm giving my wants to my Savior because there is nothing I need more than just to be, to exist in this place of surrender. With a deep breath, I inhale this air that is freely given to me. My lungs exhale without command and as often unbeknownst to me I have blinked my eyes at least twice during that exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This body working in perfect function, this temple masterfully designed, purposed for none other than me.

Other living, breathing, carefully crafted beings passing me in daily conversation and happenings as part of a puzzle waiting for us to solve. A couple pieces are in my pocket, but where do they go? If I listen closely, I will hear Him. Right now as I sit in His presence surrounded by the noise of the world, I cherish this silence within the madness, this joy within the chaos, calm within the storm, laughter within the deep sorrow of longing and loss.

Hope brings light.
Rest brings rejuvenation.

My expectation of great power can not be suppressed.
I will not be moved.

Not Aimless

I don't feel like I thought I would feel at 25. Is that ever the case with age?

Maybe it's because the crowd that I hang out with has been older than me for the majority of my life. Or maybe it's because the life that I have now was never in my imagination. It's perfectly beautiful, and I have no regrets, but it's just a strange feeling to be somewhere that you didn't expect to be.

I read some of my blogging friend's short bio paragraphs this morning. It was amazing to see all that they have accomplished. Publishers, experts in this or that, parents, entrepreneurs, professionals, and activists among other things. These aren't celebrities, but real people I know. Some of my friends are pediatricians, finishing up med school, teachers, police officers, soldiers, scientists, musicians, coaches, photographers, reality developers, publishers, nurses, painters, dentists, real estate agents, Pastors, Young Life directors, and so much more. Two people on my friends lists are preparing for or have already completed their Tedx Talks right now. That just seems crazy to me.

In full disclosure, I sparingly have moments that I am envious of title or life stage. My deep desire to stay home with Sweetness instead of being a full time mom can sometimes breed irritation when I see SAHM's complaining about going stir crazy. However, I imagine that those same mom's get weary of the monotony of the walls of their homes. I'm a mom. I know that exhaustion. Sweetness woke me up at 3:45 yesterday morning and dozed off and on until we finally got out of her little twin bed at 5:00am. Then I had to work all day, not wearing yoga pants in the comfort of my own home. Believe me, I know exhaustion.

My only resolution that I made in January was to live life more fully. So many great and wonderful things happened last year. Milestones were made, and incredible redemption was brought to Sweet's and my story in the most incredible ways. I loved 2014. I just want to love 2015 more. There are some practical things that I want to accomplish this year, like go on our trip to the DR, move into a house, add a fur baby and possibly a sibling for Sweetness to our family, but mostly I just want to remember everything. I want to be present, make memories, and leave a legacy. I want to be intentional in my relationships as well as my rest.

Some would say that the options are limitless of the things I can do...actually, it sounds like something I would tell someone else. So why don't I believe it for myself? I can do anything, right? I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. So what do I want? What do I want to add to my bio?

I can't answer that right now. There are a few ideas that pop in my head that need sorting through first. But there is also a lot of blank space that I haven't allowed myself to dream and fill. A blank space with no instruction makes me nervous, but I know it doesn't need to. So that is exactly what I will be working on.

Everyday is a step towards something and I refuse to walk aimlessly.

Let's do this.

It's time to do this.
To be serious.
To make it happen.
It's no longer time to wish, want, or think about it.
It's time to accomplish.
Success is on the horizon.
The finish line is nearing.
The course is paved and ready for the blood, sweat, and tears of determination.
So what do you do?
What do I do?
What do I want to do?
Who do I want to be?
That's the place to start.
You have to figure out where you are going before you can get there.
Let's do this.

This is overwhelmingly perfect

How is it that The Undoing by Steffany Gretzinger continues to undo me no matter how many times I listed to it? It's a direct connection to an intimate conversation that I couldn't share completely even if I tried. My tongue is slightly tied, my mind is racing, and my heart is overwhelmed with love and an abundance of grace. What do I do with this grace? I don't deserve it. I am filthy and He is perfect. I am flawed and He is stained glass that shines beauty despite what the world has tried to make of Him. He never grows weary or looks on me with distaste. How is this so? My mind can't comprehend that kind of unconditional love.

I will never grow weary of this love. So many times I have been in a position where I can't bear any more and simultaneously can't possibly have enough. It's a mystery of beautiful disasters colliding with perfection overflowing.

So today I am resting. I can't fathom this gift. I can't possibly give back enough. I couldn't possibly be happier and more broken at the same time. God is good, all the time.

Come out of hiding
You're safe here with Me
There's no need to cover
What I already see

You've got your reasons
But I hold your peace
You've been on lockdown
And I hold the key

'Cause I loved you before you knew it was love
And I saw it all, still I chose the cross
And you were the one that I was thinking of
When I rose from the grave

Now rid of the shackles, My victory's yours
I tore the veil for you to come close
There's no reason to stand at a distance anymore
You're not far from home

I'll be your lighthouse
When you're lost at sea
And I will illuminate
Everything

No need to be frightened
By intimacy
No, just throw off your fear
And come running to me.

'Cause I loved you before you knew it was love
And I saw it all, still I chose the cross
And you were the one that I was thinking of
When I rose from the grave

Now rid of the shackles, My victory's yours
I tore the veil for you to come close
There's no reason to stand at a distance anymore
You're not far from home
Keep on coming

And oh as you run
What hindered love
Will only become
Part of the story
Baby, you're almost home now
Please don't quit now
You're almost home to Me

The Waiting

Have you ever wanted to fast forward time without missing the memories that you would make in between where you are and where you want to be? I certainly have. The most memorable moment recently was my engagement before saying "i do", and before that it was waiting to be engaged, and before that it was waiting to see if Jacob really liked me, and before that....so many things.

I really dislike the waiting. It's an awkward thing to be in between stages, however necessary the transition. The training, processing, planning, waiting, fasting, praying, hoping, great mysterious in between. So much can happen during this time, and it looks different to every person.

You are waiting for a job to pay your bills.
You are waiting for test results.
You are waiting for a jury's verdict.
You are waiting for two lines to light up on the pregnancy test.
You are waiting on an important phone call.
You are waiting on your solider to come home.
You are waiting for your baby to fall back asleep in the middle of the night.

The waiting will show you the condition of your heart.
And that is what really matters.

Round one, done!

Instead of starting this post off with something I'm not, since I'm doing a negativity fast that I will write about soon, I will start it with something that I am great at. I am great at finding solutions. If I don't know the answer, I will find it for you. 

It's actually my job. Almost all day, I am researching items for clients who want whatever it is cheaper than everyone else and delivered yesterday morning. Often, I don't even know what those items are. I get pictures of things sent to my email or an incredibly helpful description like "red suits". What kind of red suits? What brand of red suits? How many red suits? What size red suits? I don't know, and sometimes neither does the person ordering. But if I have to spend all day hanging out on Google with a phone attached to my ear calling vendors, I will find you your red suits. It's just what I do. 

Not only is it my job, but it's part of my personality. I like to solve problems. I like to cross things off my list. I like to be productive. So many people told me that I would be so grateful when the wedding was over so that my life would slow down. Sure there were parts of wedding planning that were a headache, but I really miss it. The busyness and hustle, coordinating events and people- I loved it all. 

I have been back in my element lately with all of the things that I need to do to get ready for my trip to the DR. On top of all of the requirements for ATS and my normal life, I now have to get Jacob and I ready to go out of the country for 10 days. This includes preparing Sweetness for the longest period of time I will go without her. (I'm sure there will be a separate blog post on that at some point.)

One of the things on the list that didn't get crossed off was applying for my passport. I only made it out of the office long enough to bring food back for me and my starving boss at 3:00pm. Today was hectic. Even though that did not get crossed off the list, a few other things did. One of the things that I am most proud of is addressing my first batch of envelopes for my newsletters. Hopefully I will be able to get more resources tonight to send a second batch out tomorrow. The thought about writing out my return address so many times made me cringe a little, so I made return address labels with the cutest "G" on them. 

 My brother in law makes fun of me often for how many G's I have in my home. I have a burlap G on a shelf, G's on my hand towels in the guest bathroom, and a glass vase that my sister gave me that has a burlap wrap around it with an embroidered G. Not that many...right? How can a "G" be cute, you ask? My "G" is most beloved because it means that I am a part of a new family. I am officially a Garza, and that is something that I will always be excited about. 

I really had a blast making these labels and putting them on the envelopes. I hope that all of the newsletters get to where they need to go and that seeing that G will put a smile on the recipient's faces like it did mine. 

Round one, done. Round two, in progress. 

But right now, I'm ringing the 5 o'clock bell and heading to watch two of the cutest little boys for a dear friend. 

5 o'clock never felt so good as it does right now.  

We are going to the Dominican Republic!

Hey! Did you know that my handsome husband and I have an awesome opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic this summer?! Well, it's true. We do. And we are so incredibly excited. 

We are over halfway through with a nine month training school called ATS (Antioch Training School). In my opinion, this class should be a requirement for anyone who loves Jesus. It is intense. We meet once a week corporately and twice a month in small groups for teaching, accountability, and worship through singing. It is has completely changed my life for the better. I 100% recommend it. 

As part of the class, there are two trips planned for this summer for international missions. We have one team doing an exploratory trip to Turkey, and one team going to an established church in the Dominican Republic lead by the fierce and fabulous leaders, Stanley Philippe and his beautiful wife Amarfry. We have had several other teams go to the DR, as we affectionately call it, so our trip will be focusing on strengthening and encouraging the established church, beginning new lifegroups, reaching the lost trapped in addiction and human trafficking, playing with the kiddos, visiting and aiding the poor, helping at the English school, and just spreading the love of Jesus everywhere we go. 

Jacob and I really covet your prayers as we set on this exciting adventure. I am really looking forward to having a lifetime worth of stories to bring back to you about the amazing work God will do in the DR. God loves the Dominican and Haitian people, and we are blessed to be the hands and feet of change for a broken and lost people. 

If you feel led, we would greatly appreciate any financial support. We have a $4000 goal that must be met to make this trip happen.

Here's how you can give:

- I will be sending a newsletter out to some of you with a stamped envelope if you would like to give by check.

- You can give online to http://www.gofundme.com/Garza

- You can buy a Tshirt here: http://www.booster.com/dreamteammissions

By giving to this goal, you will be supporting our team in changing lives. This is not just a distant land. These are people in need of living water that is ready and available for them to accept. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your encouragement, support, and love. I am looking forward to taking you on this journey with me! Keep checking back for updates! 

Next step on the list- Get our passports!

Are you satisfied?

It's easier to find joy in life when you let God lead.
It's easier for God to lead when you trust Him.
It's easier to trust God when you worship Him and see that He is good and constantly working all things for you and through you in love.
It's easier to see that He is good and working all things for good when you are thankful.
It's easier to be thankful when you slow down to examine the life you are living.
It's easier to examine the life you are living when you eliminate distractions.
It's easier to eliminate distractions when you want something so much more.

Everyone wants something more.

What are you quenching your thirst with?
Are you satisfied?

It's how you view them

I've seen this to be so true for Sweetness. If she is being difficult, it's so easy to get frustrated and even feel validated or just in my heated response to her. However, if I am listening to the Holy Spirit when she is testing the boundaries and press into that area with her, I am most often greeted with a tender side that actually explains what is wrong instead of the face of the temper tantrum. So her and I have really been working on expressing feelings better and not letting her actions get out of control when her emotions are high.

I'm thankful for the teachers, volunteers, and friends who love on Sweetness with patience! I pray for her constantly and try to consistently reinforce her character and the choice she has to be happy or to let her temper get the best of her. But it takes more than just me. So thanks, village of friends, who help me to love and raise one of the most important and precious people in my life.

For those of you who haven't thought about it, try a little tenderness next time your child, your student, your friend or relative, or the child you are watching who might behave badly. Before you react to their emotions, try to think about where the tension is coming from. Press into that place. Dare to get dirty with them and help them back to a level place of peace.

Encourage, reassure, love, reinforce safety and stability, lay firm boundaries but with the clear intent to protect, be transparent in your love for them and always, always point them to the cross.

You never know at what moment that the message will click.

You start now.

I read an article today on Ryot News that tugged at my heart strings. It has me begging you to think about these questions.

Can we please not wait until someone is gone to tell them how we feel?
Can we please not wait until we receive a terminal prognosis to really live life?
Can we say what we mean, be intentional with our relationships, and live to inspire right now, before it's too late?
Why is that article so moving for the readers?
Why do we think we are invincible?

We aren't.
We aren't guaranteed the next day for ourselves or our loved ones.
Don't let that paralyze you with fear, but let it push you to live, and live fully.
Life is fragile, and there is so much to be done.
So much that you can do, that you were made specifically for.
You are a precious gem.
You are cherished and loved and appreciated and made for so much more.
So is your neighbor.
And your barista.
And that family member that you severed ties with.
And your ex.
And that person in authority.
We all matter.
We all can make a difference.
We all have different talents that if we bonded together instead of scoffed and compared, we could be an unstoppable force.

So, where do you start?
You start with the now.
With the conversation you are currently having with your coworker while you read this.
You start by how you interact with your grumpy toddler.
With the mail man or solicitor that just rung the doorbell and woke your napping baby.
You can trace back your actions to a thought to a lie that you believed and combat it with truth.
You become intentional about taking EVERY thought captive.
The ones you have standing in front of your mirror or in an interview at work.
The ones that tell you that you aren't good enough.
Because you are.
If you fail, you get up, silence the doubt, and try again.
By silencing the doubt and combating negativity, you win.
By realizing that you are winning, you naturally want to help others succeed.
By helping others succeed, you are really living.

Let it be Love

Let love by your driving force.
Correction, Discipline, Acceptance, Self-Examination, Conversations, Actions, Thoughts, Words, Blog Posts, Articles, To-Do Lists, Relaxation.
Let it all be governed and purposed from love.

Correction of my 3 year old then becomes guiding her in a positive direction that will increase the happiness and productivity of our home.

Discipline becomes a form of teaching instead of the product of anger.

Acceptance of others is not pressured by the opinion of others, but merely an act of love to see all people with potential.

Self-Examination becomes less of battling inner demons and more of realizing the power behind what I am capable of doing.

Conversations become uplifting even if venturing to vulnerable caves.

Actions become a sort of song that carries from one person to another until completion.

Thoughts have the opportunity to not be wasted idly, but burn like fuel to a fire.

The end result has immeasurable possibilities when the beginning is love.

Just try it

"I don't know how to pray."
"You know how you are talking to me? You just talk to Him. He loves to hear your prayers."

So simple. Why do we over-complicate things as adults?

Talk to Him. He wants to hear your thoughts. He doesn't care about your grammar or whether you can even get a full sentence out through sobs. He wants to be with you. WITH you. It's your communion with Him that He desires. It's the nature of your heart that is important to Him. When you are washing dishes or filling out the report at work, or changing a diaper, or driving to school, or watching the news, or studying for a test.

If I only ever came to you and asked you to do things for me, we wouldn't have a great friendship. He already knows how you work and what you are thinking, but he wants you to want to share them with Him. I absolutely love when Sweetness starts off her stories with "Momma, I want to tell you sumpen". She crawls in my lap and tell me the adventures she had at school, or the people who were mean to her, or the fun things she accomplished. I want to be a part of her world. I want to be the one she confides in.

God desperately desires friendship with you. He doesn't want it because He needs it, because God isn't lacking in anything. However, He loves you more than you can possibly imagine. He wants you to crawl in His lap, sit at His feet, run to Him, laugh with Him. He wants to hear your adventures, hold you while you cry, and hear you express what makes your heart beat. He desires to celebrate with you, shower you with gifts, and fill you with more love, peace, compassion, joy, patience and fiery passion so that you are overflowing and don't know what to do with the excess. Then He wants to talk with you casually as you go about your day and show you the people that need that excess of love that you are overflowing with. He wants to bless and He wants you to bless others.

This all starts with just talking to Him. Don't complicate it. He loves you. He wants to hear from you. He wants to hear your voice. He thinks you are beautiful, talented, smart, important, and so worthy of His attention.

Talk to Him. Simply, talk to Him.
Try it. Try talking to Him without asking Him for anything. Try just saying thank you. Try listening for His voice. Try sitting and just thinking about all the ways you love someone and multiplying that by 3 billion and try to accept that He loves you more than that.

Just try it.

Unpopular Regression

As I was leaving the building, I could see she was struggling with holding her phone, the baby, her keys, the diaper bag and what looked like some sort of play mat. I darted back to the daycare door to catch it in time before it locked. As I opened the door, I smiled and she pushed past me into the building with no thank you or even a smile in return for my efforts.

"As unto the Lord. Work as unto the Lord." I repeated in my brain as I got back in my car. I'm sure my face was beet red with embarrassment. I felt like such an idiot. Why did I not just play it cool? I could have just walked out and let the door shut. I didn't have to seem like such a desperate overachiever.

Wait. Why am I chastising myself? I did what was right. Why am I not irritated at that girl? She was the unappreciative one. But I felt nothing towards her but embarrassment. I was instantly transported back to the awkward girl in high school walking past the popular group. I cared so much about what she thought of me, this random pretty stranger, that I was the one uncomfortable when she was rude. 

Hello, old doormat version of myself, I haven't seen you in a while. 

Isn't it crazy how fast we can revert to old ways? It was so easy for me in that moment to feel so uncomfortable and judged. Not that getting irritated at her was the correct way to feel, but it seems more normal in my mind. Whatever that normal word means anyway.

Ephesians 6:7 

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord not people." 

Colossians 3:23 

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" 

Galatians 1:10 

"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."

I did what was right, but what matters to God more than the work I did is my heart behind the work. Something rose up in me in that moment. As long as I am in this body, there will be obstacles and trials that stir something to rise up. Will goodness and mercy be the first things that rise? In the moments that my flesh rises up first, will I quiet them with gentleness? Will I confidently respond by extending grace to those who are undeserving? Afterall, it was undeserved grace that allows me to live and be free.

The world needs grace something fierce. We have the incredible opportunity to soak in the grace meant for us and extend the overflow of that to the people we interact with.

Live your life. Walk confidently. Speak boldly.

The Creator's opinion is the only one that matters, and he loves that pretty lady more than I understand. Accept grace for yourself and delight in extending grace to others.

You won't regret it. 

I get to be me.

"Did you play sports in high school?"

This question excited me. For a couple minutes I reminisced those fun days and shared stories and stats. I tried to find some pictures, but I couldn't in the limited amount of time I had. I used to be a good athlete. I wasn't the best on the team, but I held my own. Regardless of skill, I loved it. It was my favorite part of high school.

"Wow, I can't imagine you being fast," he says as he burst into a fit of laughter, "I bet your high school self is just looking at you disappointed. How are you not more athletic and active right now?"

Wow. Well, hello there Mr. Tact. My first thought was that I was definitely eating a salad for lunch. My second thought was that I had to come up with some response that didn't include sarcasm or insecurity.

In the best way I could, I explained that my life is different now. My priorities have changed. My schedule is busier in a completely different way. I have responsibilities of my husband, home, daughter, dog, job, friends, and my awesome church. I love my life. Are there ways that it could be better? Are there things that I want to improve on? Are there things I miss about being in shape, active, and playing sports? Yes to all. But would I trade my daughter for a bikini body? Not a chance. Would I trade my husband and my home to play competitive sports? No, of course not. Is God continually doing a work in me about my appearance and what is important to Him? Yes, but it's not success if I achieve my goals through a spirit of defeat, envy, or for any other wrong motive.

I want to take care of my body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit, not because of what I used to be or because I have to live up to today's standards of beauty.

So I will take this conversation as a test.
My patience was tested.
My response was tested.
My heart was tested.
My love was tested.
My journey will continue to be tested as I grow and mature to be more like Jesus.

Because that is what I want. I want to be like Jesus.
If I am never a size 4...but I love the unlovable, I will be happy.
If I never have a bikini body again...but I get to bring comfort to those around me, I will be happy.

I have incubated life.
I have survived a crazy and fun life, and have not been torn down by misery.
I am thriving.
I have joy that doesn't depend on my size, my activity levels, or my status on this earth.

I don't have to live up to who I used to be. I've already surpassed her. I get to be me.

What do you want to be?

"What do you want be when you grow up, Sweets?"
"I no know, maybe just have gum?"
"You just want to be able to chew gum?"
"Yeah I think so. That would be awesome."

I remember growing up and thinking that if I HAD to pick something to be when I grew up that I guess I would be a teacher because I love kids. I never had a clear goal of wanting to be a doctor or businesswoman. I just wanted to be a mom. So when I was asked, saying 'teacher' seemed like the correct response because at least I would be working with kids.

So it was no shock for me to hear the simple response from my Sweetness. She just wants to do the next thing. I wish I thought more like that. I wish that I slowed down sometimes to just be and hear and do the thing right in front of me. Usually, I like to know what's ahead so I can plan accordingly. Plan for road blacks, delays, or to try to get the best angle on a situation. Why not be prepared, right?

My brain spins and spins constantly of how I can accomplish the most of my list in the least amount of time with the sharpest accuracy.

I think there is a treasure to being prepared sometimes. But I also think that it can get in the way of the now, the being, the existing, the tasting and seeing that the Lord is good.

I want Sweetness to be. I want her to just be present. To take in life, to love people well. I don't want her to narrow down to only one occupation. I don't want her to focus solely on becoming one thing. I want her to believe she can do anything. And I think it starts by changing the questions I ask her. To do that I need to change the way I think so that I can begin to ask different questions.

Not, what do you want to be when you grow up, but what do you want to be, right now? What do you want to be known and remembered for? What legacy and memory are you leaving behind with each interaction you have?

How do we, practically, breed contentment and thankfulness in our kids while still fanning the flame of hope and and a passion to accomplish great things?

The only answer I have, the one that I lean and meditate on, the answer that provides peace in a grief-stricken, violent, selfish world is John 15:4.

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

It's backwards from an achievement-motivated world.
To grow you have to remain.
Stay, meditate, listen, love, remain.

The Big Beginning: Part One

I woke up nervous. I rose early with Sweetness as the normal routine kicked in. But this day was anything but normal. Making Blueberry muffins was the perfect distraction from the nerves fluttering in my stomach. I could only take a few bites of the muffins before my appetite disappeared in a flash.

The morning was flying by so quickly. The clock seemed to skip over entire half hours at a time. I was rushed and slightly unorganized but trying to take in every moment before our lives changed. I wanted to text him. Could I? Was that against the rules? I thought against it and sat down to write him a letter instead. The paper stared at me blankly, almost taunting me in a way. How could I write down everything I wanted to say to the one who makes me speechless? How could I capture all of the ways that this was one of the best days of my life? I wrote what I'm sure was a blubbering mess, and put it in a safe place so I wouldn't forget it.

My dear friend Nikki was so helpful with setting up for the wedding and helping me take care of Sweetness both the day before and morning of. It was so wonderful to have someone there who has been through the crazy bumps that we have been through together. She helped avert my attention from the nerves and keep me focused, but she also let me be giddy and excited. She asked me questions, made me laugh, and helped make me feel so special. I love that girl.

We turned on the news to make sure the weather was still planning on being kind to me that day. And because I have a BIG God who loves me, the bright yellow sun was scheduled to shine all day. What a relief! Nikki laughed and pointed out that the news was highlighting wedding bloopers. Really? On the morning of my wedding, the news wants to highlight all of the funny and horrible things that could possibly happen? Of course they would. So I just took it as a sign to let go of all expectations and be at ease with whatever happened. It was hilarious to watch all of the videos and we just prayed nothing crazy like that would happen for me. Having that mindset made it a lot easier when later my brother leaned over during pictures to ask me, "did you hear what happened with the queso?". No, I didn't hear about the queso, to which he responded, "nevermind then." I was too wrapped in enjoying all of my family and friends being there to care.

I felt so taken care of all day long. My fantastic friend Keeley, and my sisters made sure that I had coffee, snacks, and that I was comfortable. I didn't want to eat, but I was told I wasn't allowed to have my coffee unless I ate something, so banana and oatmeal it was. Keeley didn't want me passing out during the ceremony. What a party pooper, right? She would totally be laughing at me if I did, but she would also be one of the first people there to help me up. I love that girl, too.

Getting ready was a nice calm moment of the day. My talented big sister, Coral, fixed my hair and makeup. It was a special moment for me, almost as if mom was there just through Coral and I being present in that moment. Staring at my no filter, no make up, morning monster reflection while getting pampered was a challenge, however. It goes against several things that make me feel uncomfortable. My sister, Lindsey, was taking pictures that I truly cherish, but no one really wants to see those. Ha! I never had to worry though. Everyone from the little kiddos, as well as my friends and family all made me feel beautiful and so special.

Before our first look, I heard Jacob's voice outside of the room I was getting ready in. My nerves instantly doubled. He was there. So close. I wanted to run to him. I wanted a big hug. I wanted to see his face and look into his kind eyes. But I had to wait, so I leaned on the door frame, closed my eyes, and just listened to his laugh and the chaos of everyone getting everything ready. There was something so perfect about that moment. Looking back on it now, I remember it as the last time of longing. The last moment that I would be waiting for one of my best dreams to come true. In just a few hours that man would be my husband.

Those pesky nerves seemed to triple by the minute before our first look. I was led outside where I first saw his shadow on the ground. It's crazy how much the shadow of someone can impact your emotions on a day like that day. I reached around the fence to hold his hand while Coral and Lindsey took more pictures. As we set up for the big reveal,  I couldn't breathe. I just wanted him to see me all dressed up, ready to be his bride. Would he like the dress, or my hair? Was I wearing too much make up, or not enough? So many thoughts, memories, and nerves flooded my system as I walked towards him and grabbed his arm.

When he turned around, I stood for a moment unable to make eye contact, a fragile statue afraid that if I moved I might crack or burst into tears. Finally, I mustered the confidence to look up. The next few moments were in slow motion as I took in how handsome the love of my life looked, and how he was looking at me. That smile, the ways his eyes lit up. He took a step back to see my dress and my nerves disappeared. I was just happy to be there with him in that moment. Just like the lyrics of the song that played as I walked down the aisle say, "In a room full of people, everything else disappears." It was just him and me. Perfection.

The next hour and a half flew by in a rush of hugs, tears, kisses, and precious memories being made as we took family pictures and finished getting ready for the ceremony. Since our family was expanding, we resolved to take some pictures before and some after the ceremony. Everyone looked so beautiful and handsome and cute and perfect. Everyone was so happy and friendly. Pictures were taken, a ton of hugs were given out, and as we separated for the big beginning, all of my nerves were gone. I felt nothing but pure bliss and thankfulness to be marrying my answer to prayer. So many people that we loved and cherished were all gathered in one place to celebrate our love and the joining of our lives together. There were also several people who didn't get to come, but showed their love and support from the distance. We felt so overwhelmed with love and blessings from all of those who cared for us.

I went inside to freshen up and make sure that everything was in place, packed for the road, and made sure everything was presentable. Those few moments inside were the perfect time to take deep breaths and remember all of the things that had led up to that moment. Some were sad and I thanked God for His Sovereignty and comfort. Some memories were so happy that I almost starting crying before the ceremony began. I walked out into the living room and saw our officiate and dear friend, Beau. He was so excited and prayed with us before we walked outside to say, "I Do".

This was it. This was the big beginning. And it was happening now.

It's a mom thing

Crying from the other room.

My bed is so warm. 

Do I have to get up? 

What time is it? 

I have to pee.

Louder crying. 

The Mr. stirs. 

Gotta get up before she wakes him. 

Trip over the pup. 

She needs to pee. 

I need to pee. 

Get the crying one first.

Loves and hugs and calming deep breaths. 

Turn on a show.

Pour chocolate milk.

I still need to pee. 

Trip over the pup. again.

Oh, right, you need to pee. 

Put on the leash.
Grab my jacket.
Slip on the Mr's shoes by the door.

Explain 34 times to the little one that I am in fact coming back after I let the pup out.
Oh golly, it's freezing. 

Go back inside.

Feed the pup.

I still need to pee.