The Peace of God

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:4-8

Country Livin'

The other day I was on a bike ride mulling over this recent trial God has us going through.

I glanced down this random gravel road and was instantly thrust into the most beautiful, peaceful scene.

A little Amish boy in his typical blue pants, white shirt, and bowl cut was strolling next to his father, twirling a stick.

It was like a painting. It warmed my heart.

Then just beyond them I caught a glimpse of a little girl, probably Marie's age, wearing a plain pale yellow dress with her blond hair up in high braided pigtails. She was skipping.

Just as she disappeared behind the house I noticed another girl, a little older. She had on a pale purple dress and had long brown hair. She was leading a pony, jogging with it around the house.

I live in Amish country. But I think I'm still getting used to it. Something about this incredible glimpse into their lives forced me to forget about the rough times in our life for just a moment. The joys of simplicity, of childhood, of the country... I needed that.

It was surreal.

So I decided to whip out my iPhone and capture some of my surroundings as I rode by.

I really love it here.

I love that the overwhelming stench that sometimes permeates our neighborhood isn't bus fumes or cigarette smoke. It's cow manure. Duck poop.

I love how rare it is to hear sirens out here. Instead I'm listening to birds chirping and crickets buzzing.

I don't know what God has planned for us. I don't know how long he'll let us stay here. But for now, I'm in love with the beauty, the quiet, the peacefulness.

I'm so grateful He has us here now.

Clinging to His Truth...

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)



11. Sweet corn
12. Prayer time with hubby
13. Girl chats with my neighbor
14. Homemade pizza
15. Flat bike tires
16. Sunday morning nursery
17. Spending the afternoon reminiscing with old friends and getting to know new friends.
18. Continual reminders that I am not in control
19. Both babies willingly going down for naps at the same time
20. Quiet time

Counting His Blessings

In lieu of that seriously downer last post, I'm finally going to start a list of things I'm thankful for. My friend, Mandi, gave me the idea when she got it from this blog.

I know it's true that when you focus on the good, it's really hard to pay any attention to the bad. And since the good (aka blessings) far outweigh the bad (aka trials) in my life, I'm going to spend the next several minutes focusing on ten of those good things.

1. Being called "Mommy." A lifelong dream.

2. Getting to watch my son take his very first steps, today!

3. A church that is continually stretching me, encouraging me, taking good care of us.

4. This house. Wow, we don't deserve it.

5. A healthy family

6. An amazing, patient, supportive husband. That poor man has a seriously tough job having me as a wife, and he's so incredible at it.

7. The love my babies have for each other.

8. The freedom to talk to my Savior at any moment.

9. A washer and dryer.

10. My baby girl's smile and contagious giggles.

A Money Rant (or two)

I had a thought the other day... What would our country be like if government officials (and I'm talking all the way up to the big kahuna) had to raise their own income? Much like they do when campaigning. Can you imagine how much harder they would work? I mean, they'd actually be working for the people!! They would have to listen to us, report back to us, and do what they said they would so they would get their next paycheck.

I'm not looking for any kind of debate! It was just a thought.

A nice thought.

Moving on.

I have a problem with ministry today. Maybe it's always been like this, I don't know, but I have a problem with the fact that people who give their lives to the work of the Creator and His saving Son get paid CRAP.

Yeah, I know, money shouldn't matter or whatever. And anyone I know who works in full time ministry (Derek included) wouldn't trade their job for any kind of pay raise. But still, shouldn't we be taking care of each other?

Let me answer that... YES.

I'm not talking about emergency kind of taking care of each other. I'm talking about wages. I'm talking about getting paid a decent amount equivalent to the work you do.

Of course if that happened, all full-time ministry people would be millionaires.

While we're on the subject, why shouldn't stay-at-home mom's get paid? We're raising the future!!

Hey, it's a nice thought. I like those kinda thoughts.

Can you tell that money is tight around here? I'm so torn because, like I said in my last post, I'm living my dream. I've always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom. I've always hated working, even when it was a somewhat enjoyable job. I've always said, I'm just not built to work outside the home.

But can I really justify staying home when the account reads $25.00 a week and a half before payday? And that's before groceries. And when Derek's job just can't pay him any more than they are? There's just no light at the end of this dark and stressful tunnel.

I loath the idea of getting a job. I've been searching online but can't seem to get myself to make any calls. I really don't feel God's leading in finding a job, but could I just be missing it because I really really don't want to do it?

I'm not even a very good manager of my home. My house is usually a mess. My daughter watches movies all the time. I have stacks of papers in three different places in our bedroom. If I were to get a job, how much worse would I be?

I'm so tired of wondering how we'll pay for gas. I'm so tired of hoping no one notices we didn't bring a gift, especially when giving is one of both Derek and my favorite things to do. I'm so tired of hot dogs and pasta. I'm so tired of this never ending battle that we are so quickly losing.

I know I am so blessed. I'm just tired.

A Day in the Life.

This week's inspiration prompt is "A Day in Your Life."

An amazing reminder of how blessed I am.

I am literally living my dream.

My alarm clock is a 3 yr old voice saying, "Mommy! Wake up!" or "Mommy, I dry!"

My mornings consist of cheerios, oatmeal, and chocolate milk. Diaper changes, discipline, and dishes usually follow.

The perks of being a stay-at-home mom are amazing. We can go on playdates just about any time we want!

I get to be the one to teach my babies, well... everything!

Snuggle time can be any time of the day!

Derek is beyond supportive. Not only does he keep telling me that staying home is best, he encourages my little jewelry business, and most of all LOVES his babies.

Of course the most beautiful roses have thorns.

Like SAHM's don't get sick days or vacations. The babies are always around to see me at my worst.

And every couple of weeks, about Tuesday before payday, I seriously consider looking for a job.

But God always brings me back to my senses. This is what He has called me to do. This is my passion... they are my passion.

Derek, Marie, and Jack are my inspiration every single day.
  
"Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28