tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91724066586399635612024-02-02T14:39:33.860-05:00What a BEAUTIFUL mess!Because that's exactly what life is...a mess, and it's perfectly beautiful!!Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-73894584689772878592019-10-31T23:35:00.001-04:002019-10-31T23:35:59.668-04:00God uses divorce...what?!This was written a few weeks ago, I just didn't know if I was going to share it...<br />
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I went to Anderson (Indiana) to show respect for my grandmother, Corky, who died recently. I wasn't really close with her and hadn't spent time with her since Thanksgiving when I was 16 years old. She didn't care for my mother and treated her badly for as long as I can remember...and what I can't remember I have heard stories. It is heartbreaking. I can't imagine having a mother who didn't love me, who could never be pleased with me and didn't want me around. I recently found out Corky had also been treated the same way by her mother. It seemed to be passed down the generations. {{If that is your story, from the inner most parts of me, I AM SORRY}}<br />
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We went to a small dinner called the Lemon Drop- my grandmother had worked there back in the day. It was a favorite of my moms and she wanted to reminisce. We talked about their relationship or lack of one, and a few tears were shed. As we were sitting there, I told my mom I was so thankful she didn't treat me that same way. Her and I have a great relationship, she is my best friend. It wasn't always like that, we went through a hard time when my parents divorced and then more recently when our lives were on different paths. <br />
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I asked her if she thought our relationship would have been similar if her and dad didn't divorce, if she would have lived in the same house with me growing up. Would she have treated me badly if my parents stayed married? Or would I have a great relationship with her like I do now?<br />
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I grew up super awkward, dressing in whatever my dad would buy, and definitely fitting in with boys rather than girls. I had to struggle with make up, hair and even girly hygiene ...which was awful. lol Eventually it turned out okay. I figured out my own style and a flat iron...the makeup...well, I never figured that out. :) My mom and I had some rough years, I had some resentment for all of that I just mentioned. As if my life would have been so much better if I had my mom there to do my hair and help me navigate bras, periods, boys, friends and just every little thing. {{Then I remembered I actually had a great childhood. We all have awkwardness and at some point we realize we are stronger and smarter than we believe}}. <br />
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But, what if all of that pain, struggle and chaos of growing up without my mother had a purpose?<br />
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Isn't that one thing we struggle through this side of heaven? What is the purpose? There has to be a purpose. God wouldn't allow us pain without a silver lining. Right? I figured divorce doesn't have a purpose. It is destructive and God hates it. {{PS there are a lot of things God hates, but for some reason we as Christians really hone in on that in particular}} I had never really thought about the purpose of my parents divorce. Just chalked it up to sucky. It sucked, but a lot of things in life do.<br />
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As I sat there listening, hating that she had to endure the lack of love...a revelation came to me.<br />
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What if her leaving, as hard as that was, is the only thing that actually stopped that generational mess. If she stayed would she have started down that same path of mistreatment and projecting onto me that same way??? What if the very thing I had allowed to drive a wedge was actually the catalyst to change the trajectory of our family? {{I am sure some of you are scoffing...as if. Divorce is no good, and God can never use that to change people or lives for better. To that I say, why don't you let God worry about the catalyst he uses, and focus on what he is doing in your life.}}<br />
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I could go on about several things that don't make sense about the divorce (personalities, character traits, etc), but it doesn't matter. I do know that the lack of love ended with my mom and her mom. She doesn't treat me that way and I in turn treat Brynnen with love and kindness. I can't image it any other way. This, I will forever attribute to God breaking those chains, that mess- and if he allowed divorce to do that, well that's ok, too. It gives purpose to my pain. AND my parents have recently reconciled, not as husband and wife, but as friends- learning to give and receive grace; to ask forgiveness, to grant it and to allow God to mend brokenness. <br />
<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-51220102866639670182019-08-14T00:59:00.002-04:002019-08-29T22:58:31.624-04:00New Post. {So original, I know}I am calling this "New Post"- because I have no clue where it is going. I have to write it, but I don't want to. Has that ever happened to you?? You feel Holy Spirit prompting you, but it makes you extremely uncomfortable- and the prompting isn't loud (yet), so you ignore it. You let your human nature talk you out of it. Thoughts like "that is silly, it probably isn't really the Holy Spirit/God, what will people think, I am embarrassed, no thanks...," is that at all familiar?? No? Just me? Awesome.<br />
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That is where I am. After SO long of ignoring it, here goes.<br />
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Stephen and I are separated. Gosh typing that out brings this pain in the pit of my stomach, a lump in my throat and tears to my eyes. My mind is in a constant "why did this happen, HOW did this happen and when did it get to this? Like, for real- what the heck??" I didn't want anyone to know. I really wanted it to all be worked out, fixed quickly, so we could get back to our life, but it isn't. Fortunately, I am not willing to air all of our dirty laundry as to the details- all I can say is WE ARE ALL HUMAN. We all make choices, many throughout the day that lead to additional choices throughout the weeks, months and years of our lives. Regardless of age, job, degree, maturity level in life, at some point we all will make some terrible choices. Those choices affect others, whether it is intentional or not.<br />
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So, right now, Stephen and I cannot be together.<br />
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I want so bad to share my side of this story- but, again, I know that is not the point of this. Almost like I am trying to make it ok, so everyone will understand and say "Oh, ok- well since I know all of the pieces, it makes sense. You are not a failure, Kari. It will be ok, Kari. We accept you, Kari. " Honestly, isn't that what all of us want as humans? To be successful, to be accepted. To be anything except rejected. I guess that is why I am just now able to share this. It has been over a year since our separation, and God has held me, comforted me, reminded me that my identity remains in HIM. Not a failed marriage, not a failed mission, not in a broken body (and lots of extra weight :'''( ), only in HIM. He has mended my heart enough & dispelled the shame so that I can bring to light the situation that often holds me paralyzed in life right now.<br />
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God has been so faithful. Through the hurt, pain, bitterness, the unanswered questions, forgiveness and everything else life has "thrown in"...he has shown me that he truly is my comfort. {2 Corinthians 1:3-5} It was easy for me to see God as a father, because I have a great father- that attribute is easy for me to relate to. I had a hard time believing a invisible being could actually comfort me. I mean, I like hugs...and talking. Enough said. But God, rich in mercy, showed me comfort. It obviously wasn't tangible, like a hug- it came in the form of peace, in feeling secure when my world was crashing down and I couldn't even breathe. It is feeling joy when this situation is far from that. It's kind of like the wind, you can't describe it to someone, you don't see it coming- but you feel it, and you can see the impact around you. I am so grateful for that continued comfort.<br />
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The other day I had a revelation, an analogy. I was (literally) crying, complaining and mad that God hasn't "fixed" all of this-I mean, come on, it has been a year! In that moment I heard "it's not ready yet..." All at once, I pictured the cornfields that surround my dad's house, 3 of the 4 sides have corn planted this year. Anyway, I heard (in my head), "it's no secret, that corn is not ready yet. All of the farmers know it. They know if that corn is picked before it is ready, it is useless, and would be wasted. They know they have to wait until it is ready, and then it will be useful, and good. It will also be used to grow even more corn. It isn't ready yet. They know it isn't ready." Humm, ok. That brought some peace and hope. It still doesn't mean that everything will turn out how I want it to. But I am learning to trust God with ALL OF ME. Trust that even in this mess, he sees me. He knows the situation, and he has a plan. He is the ultimate redeemer, EVEN IF it isn't how I expect to be redeemed. EVEN IF my marriage completely fails. EVEN IF I never get to minister in Colombia again. EVEN IF it takes longer than ever thought possible. I can trust HIM.<br />
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Life is hard, anyone who acts like it isn't- run away from them. The bible is so clear about the hard times and trouble that we will have in this life. The heartache that affects every person on this planet. We will all be disappointed, mistreated, overlooked, underappreciated---we all go through these, we all have a choice on how we respond. Emotions are not the problem, the problem is when we let them dictate our life. We can be angry/upset about a situation, but we cannot stay that way. A friend often said "we cannot unpack and live there".<br />
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Well, that's out. Whew. It is no longer something that can be used (in my own mind) against me, bringing fear, shame and insecurity of what others will think. It's amazing how freeing it feels to get "it" out and move along. Maybe that's why God calls us to confess our sin & grievance to each other, and to walk together through it. OVERCOME IT. (Even though that can look a lot different than you expect). How is God calling you to connect with him, and with others right now??? Don't miss out on that freedom. I am here if you need an ear, or prayer! :)<br />
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I am going to start blogging again-- even if it is SOOOOO 2015. God is growing me so much, and I have to share. I won't always advertise when I have something new up.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-8292462683548697432017-06-24T21:38:00.001-04:002017-06-24T22:21:49.721-04:00Starting Side. Chaotic Middle. The Other Side. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take a good look at this picture. What do you see? (Seriously, play my game and leave it in the comments). <br /><br />I have no clue what it is about this view, regardless of where you are around the city, you get the mountains, valley, and millions of homes sprinkling up the sides of the mountains. It is so mesmerizing and peaceful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However, if you are in the middle of this city, full of 3.5+ million people, it probably isn't quite as peaceful. The cars honking, the people passing you by, the vendors yelling out, the buses spewing black smoke, the heat, whew, talk about sensory overload! If you think about it, isn't that kind of how life is?? I mean minus the black smoke, and maybe the heat. We have so many THINGS pulling for our attention, it can create quite a sensory overload. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today I was listening to a podcast from our home church...First of all, praise the LAWD for wifi/internet, and second thanks CHBC for posting podcasts to allow us to stay a little connected. :) Ok, so in this podcast I was reminded of what happens when we lose our focus. Pastor Mark was actually talking about our attitude when we come to church (and in life). You don't have to fake a smile when you show up, but if you let every. little. detail. that bothers show on your face/attitude and share it with others, you are not a ray of sunshine, and honestly-- who wants that??? We ALL go through rough days (ask me about mine), we ALL go through tough seasons, we ALL have inner battles that are continuous; but you know what? Where we focus our eyes, our heart, our purpose, will determine our "view point". If you have a high view point (on Jesus), you will see that you can make it thought the center to the other side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Follow me here, I am talking about our days, storms, seasons- just like the picture above, there is a clear "starting side"; "in the chaotic middle"; and "the other side". A low view point all you can see is "in the chaotic middle", with no clue what is next, continuous sensory overload. Whew, super stressful.<br /><br />I recently went through this. I lost my focus. I lost my "view point". I started focusing on ME and MY problems. When your eyes go from looking up, to looking straight, to looking down (focusing on you), your attitude changes, you start getting frustrated more, which brings anger and self pity, which can lead to destruction. Have you been there? It is ugly. It is hard to stop. I was so confused, I mean I love Jesus, I know to look to him, I tried to, I prayed, I sought godly counsel, I spent time reading God's word and being quiet...and then I realized, no, actually that last part, not true. My crazy life with 3 kids, working outside the home (1 day a week), working from home, relationship building, keeping up with friends, being a wife, and cleaning (ugh), I had slowly pushed out my quiet time. I was praying, but I was not gleaning wisdom, truth, hope, joy from God's word being poured in my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At first I didn't want to share this, I just wanted to keep it hidden; how embarrassing, I mean part of my job description is "sharing Jesus"...but, then again I AM HUMAN, and not a super one at that!! I am a living breathing example that God will use obedience. God shines through our weakness (2 Corinthians 2:9), through our forgetfulness, through our overcrowding, through our kids and house that never stays clean. He shines through whatever you have going on too! He is incredible, and his grace will NEVER run out. Your eyes are not a permanent fixture, just like they can start to downward focus, YOU can refocus your eyes back up, back on Jesus, back where you can see the start, the chaotic middle and other side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I am growing, I am learning (praise the Lord for grace, the Holy Spirit and online courses), haha! Don't be afraid of your mistakes, don't let shame keep you from obedience. Check out 2 Corinthians 5:14-17. GOD'S LOVE COMPELS US, and IN HIM we are a new creation, your past cannot be your future. You never know who you can encourage or help out by sharing past struggles that you have <u>overcome</u>. Not just your struggles, burdens, fears, but how you overcame it, that is by far the best part! :)<br /><br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-26321751656737923852017-02-06T21:02:00.002-05:002017-02-07T09:30:07.157-05:00That time I stopped praying...There was a time in my life where I completely stopped praying. (Gasp, I know). I wasn't mad at God, I knew he was still there, but I no longer trusted him with things that mattered a lot to me. <br />
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You see, I started at Liberty University in 2003. My eyes were radically opened to this amazing world of Jesus, and fun christian music, and learning and friends that didn't always want to get drunk. It was new for me, I mean I learned a lot in a Christian home, growing up- but my previous years of college were filled with partying and bad choices. All of this new life was really cool, and a little bit legalistic. I didn't know that then. So I started hard core praying for my brothers. For them to know Jesus, mostly because I didn't want them to go to hell while I lived it up in eternity (insert "raise the roof" hands...). Well, after a few years of no good change, actually the opposite of good change, I decided it was a lost cause and praying didn't matter. So I stopped. I mean, I still thanked God for things, and of course said little prayers for others (because you can't say "I will pray for you" and not do it...). I listened to others pray, honestly most people probably didn't even know this was going on. My personality didn't change, I still served in the church, etc. I just didn't ask God for anything. <br />
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It wasn't until December 2009 that God started kindling that fire again. We had 2 events that rocked my core, 1: this sweet girl, Carissa, from my hometown church got H1N1 (swine flu) and was so sick at one point she was strapped to a machine that would move her body to keep the blood circulating, so close to death. She has down syndrome, and I have known her since she was 5. I love her so much. #2 Some close friends at our current church were able to conceive, but something with hemorrhaging they had lost one precious baby, and were close to losing another. Here I was (unexpectedly) pregnant with Brynnen, and could feel so deep the hurt that would come from either of these 2 losses. <br />
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I remember so much the pure desperation when I cried out to God, I was in the shower- of all places. I remember my hot tears that seemed to never end. I couldn't tell you one word that was released, but I remember feeling so much peace, just a warmth that ran through my whole body. I remember the feeling when I heard the update few week or so later that Carissa was on the mend, and then also Eliana was going to be fine and the words the doctor told our friends! (I need to say, I am well aware HUNDREDS of people were praying for these sweeties, I know I am not super prayer woman that without me prayers won't be answered...don't get it twisted. This is what God used to soften MY heart as part of MY story).<br />
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It wasn't until we lived in Alabama, 5 months later, {May 8, 2010} that God really got a hold of my heart and completely changed my life. I didn't doubt my salvation- but I had never given my life completely to God, to be used as he pleased, instead of my selfish desires. My whole life changed, my outlook, my purpose, everything. I knew then I had to call/talk to both of my brothers and share this change. I was so nervous. They knew me, I mean the bad, the ugly, and the worse. I would argue with them about "Christian stuff"- frustrating us all. YIKES. There was an urgency that was greater than my pride. Their lives were too important to me. Both of them listened, but were like "um, yeah, I'm fine, thanks." This time was so different, I didn't get upset because they didn't immediately have their eyes opened. I didn't try to argue with them, to change them...I just reiterated my love for them, and left it to God. <br />
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{SN: I didn't get mad at God for prompting those conversations with no "fruit"- and I didn't give up praying. I'm telling you...life.changed.}<br />
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A few years later I got a call from my oldest brother, he had found a really good church and had rededicated/given his life to Christ. WOW! It was so awesome to hear that! {He actually still goes to that awesome church with his family, AND At His Feet Christian Center (the church) is one of our monthly sponsors right now! WOOHOO!} <br />
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That is not the end. Fast forward a few years to today. I have really been struggling with my attitude and quiet time and just why does everything seem to be 10 times more difficult in the last few months. UUUUGGGGHHHHH. Ya feel me?? Have you been there?? It looks a lot different when you feel like you are under a hot spot light as a known Jesus lover, feeling as though everyone watching everything you do, everything you say, everything you feel. It is hard to be transparent. It is easy to pull away, spread your big mama wings over your nest and pretend it is fine while you TRY to figure it out. Should we go back?? Should we stay? Of course we should stay, it isn't really even an option- and I know deep down this is where we need to be, and most of the time, where I want to be. BUT it would be SO much easier to move back, where I have a car, where Brynnen has friends and we have a healthy church family, lots relationships I can pour into...in a language I do not struggle to deeply comprehend. God made us to have community, not to struggle with being alone...right?? I am suppose to be ridiculously joyful and spewing more love and Jesus than Mother Theresa, right??? I mean, that's why I moved to paradise, right??? {Ok, Kari, that sarcasm has no place here. Thanks} <br />
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You know what I mean though, when you are going through the waves of life /\/\/\/\/\, and you are almost at the bottom, everything is going down, and you know it will start going back up, but you haven't hit that bottom-to-up point...(I am like gasping for breath thinking about how hard it can be sometimes- so dramatic, lol). Well that was me today, I was crashing down, total pity party, when I saw some pictures my middle brother took this weekend...from a men's retreat he went to. He had been going to church, and I had asked him a few times over the past 6 years about God in his life, and it was always a "you have your religion, I'm good, thanks" {that was fine, I knew I couldn't change him}. I had been at his house this past month and noticed a difference. We talked about it a little- he was at least acknowledging God in his life, but not as God OF his life, but he was really excited to be going to this men's retreat with his church. <br />
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So, as I am looking at these retreat pictures a hashtag or quote or something caught my eye "Godskingdom"...wait, what?? Ok, um #notmybrother, so I had to message him and hear what God taught him through the conference. He told me some cool stuff and then said "blah blah blah, I gave God direction over my life on Friday..." Y'all. I just had to be clear. So I wrote back "Blah, blah, blah, so when you die, you are going to heaven?" {Listen, I am direct and to the point}.<br />
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He.Said.YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not breathe. I reached for the table and I gasped so loud then started ugly-crying so hard, Stephen thought someone died (no joke, he said "oh no, what happened?"). All I could get out was "No, it's good," and then I ran upstairs to cry and praise and weep tears of joy alone with the God who hears, and who answers. Who renews and refreshes. I was happy-dance, thanking God for his mercy, and grace for a man who was (spiritually) dead, who is now filled and ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHH!!!<br />
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So easy to shake of that self doubt, and pity, and blah blah after hearing that news right????? WOOOOO!!!!!! Y'all. God is so faithful when we are not. He is so loving when we don't deserve it. He is more than I could ever expect, and so much greater than I can dream up. He is here, he is ALIVE and he is for YOU. {Man, I feel light as air writing this last part}.<br />
<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-27710884591517719332015-07-30T23:48:00.003-04:002015-07-31T10:00:28.826-04:00Fasting (Part 2)<br />
Remember how I said in my last post (<a href="http://karisbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2015/07/it-doesnt-stop.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>) that we were not going charging up that mountain...into the dangerous lower level stratas, just the 2 of us...that God had a plan, we had brains and I KNEW God had meticulously orchestrated this, we were just waiting for HIM to reveal it. Well, today was the day. We crossed the smelly river.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE smelly River. Santo Domingo is that last row of "houses"/buildings at the top before the green.<br />
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Yes, WE did. We went up those cable cars to the last stop. One of the most violent areas up until the last 5 years. However, if you are not with a local, or look like you don't belong, or happen to be out after 5 pm-ish, you will probably be questioned by local gangs.<br />
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Weird, because when I wrote that blog, I had absolutely no intention of actually going up there until we knew it was safe and I could. I mean, God was sending us- by US he meant Stephen. You know, the big-darker skinned man. Well, God had another idea.<br />
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I had no clue that when we met up with our new friends (from OPEN ARMS FOUNDATION), Enoch and Cristina we would be headed up into the lower stratas. Enoch was raised up that mountain and his wife, Cristina, was an articulate, English speaking Brazilian, with an assertive-can do attitude. All I knew was we were going to meet Hector, a local pastor hoping to team up for outreach with<a href="http://oneministryfoundation.org/" target="_blank"> ONE MINISTRY</a>, I also knew we were in good hands.</div>
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On our way up "the other" metro cable we were talking about how <u>incredible </u>God is and how "crazy" it was that here we happen to be HERE (in Medellin) doing ministry together. 4 different ethnic groups, 4 VERY different up-bringings, that happen to meet under the same canopy (Open Arms) for the same purpose. How "crazy that these very houses are the ones I just happen to write about (I am not kidding, we got on the blue line and got off 2 stops before Bello...SAME houses), and here we are with a local that can take us into the heart of it. How true God's word is when it says HE KNOWS us, HE KNOWS every detail before it comes to be. Don't believe me? Read Psalm 139:13-16. Go ahead, I will wait. :) </div>
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Seriously. Do it. You DO NOT want to miss out.</div>
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Are you serious? I don't know what version you had, but my NKJV said "<i>Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed- and in your book they all were written. The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them</i>." (Fancy way of saying GOD knew my days, he put them together, evv-uhh-ree- detail, before I had breathed one single breath). Let that sink in real quick.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is our stop...</td></tr>
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We had a great meeting with Pastor Hector. We learned what the people of this area really need. FAMILY instruction. They have no clue what the specific family roles should be, or should not be. Satan has this area believing lies, under firm oppression- people desiring rules not a relationship. They have too much freedom, they don't understand how God could love them THAT much. With NOTHING in return, if fact, you can't do anything to earn it...it doesn't make sense. Oh, my heart aches for the way they need Jesus. I absolutely love the overwhelming feeling I get just thinking about it. There is not one thing I alone can do to make them understand. I mean, come on, y'all already know our issues with the language barrier. (Refresh <a href="http://karisbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2015/07/welcome-to-colombia.html" target="_blank">here</a>, if needed). Not one thing <u>I</u> can do, BUT, I know who can. Actually the ONLY one who can (God). I can choose obedience to be his hands and feet, to serve these people and tell them of this great love I have for my creator. To pray that when they see these "gringos"- that they will not see a status or our differences, but they will see our heart- the NEW heart given by our creator, who is seeking after them (and YOU) too. <br />
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I want to type "This will be a long hard process"-- but truth is, I have no clue. But God does. I don't even know if it will change in our life time. But God does. I don't know their circumstances, or if we can even reach them. But God does.<br />
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That's the best part about Psalm 139: 13-16...I don't have to know, because HE already has it laid out, it was written, completed, "<i>the days fashioned for me, when as yet, there were none.</i>" <br />
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After our meeting, we were at the park up there, looking out over the city (it was breath taking), Cristina asked me "Do you feel safe here?" I said, "uh- yeah, I guess so" I mean, I had just seen a whiter-ish man covered tattoos with a big camera taking scenic pictures, unharmed. A group of teens standing behind Stephen comparing size, while he is obliviously talking with Enoch and Hector, unharmed. All while trying not to get high from the smothering leftover clouds of Marijuana, unharmed-yeah I feel safe...I said, "Wait, No.<b> I </b>don't feel safe- but I trust you. If you tell me I am safe, then yes, I don't feel <i>un</i>safe." <br />
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It's the peace God gives, his protecting hand. I trust Him, fully, completely with total abandon...because I believe HIS word. Psalm 139:13-16. He already knows my days. Besides, if I am not here, on earth...I will be in heaven, with Him.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christina, Me, Stephen, Enoch - Santo Domingo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pictures do NOT do this city justice</td></tr>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-38506027293966687222015-07-23T10:46:00.002-04:002015-07-23T11:47:22.508-04:00It doesn't stop...Man. Y'all want to know what I just did? Typed an entire blog post, full of detail and witty comments (probably more on the sarcastic side, but you catch my drift). I deleted it. On purpose.<br />
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Sometimes we get so caught up in us, that we lose purpose. This is going to be short and sweet--ok we all know that isn't true, I am full of words and the only short and sweet I have is named Brynnen, Graycen and Westen.<br />
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Man, I did it AGAIN. I just start typing, spewing the thoughts I have all over this page, even though I know in my head/heart there is one word I need to share from this (Daniel) fast. Obedience. Let's do that again. OBEDIENCE. <br />
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I am talking to myself here, too. The past 2 weeks (mostly during our fast) I have been studying in depth Moses. His obedience. One podcast (thank you Mark & CHBC) reminded us Moses was obedient going to Pharaoh, leading the Hebrew people out of captivity, through the vulnerability in desert, even the intensity of crossing the Red Sea- where an ENTIRE army was defeated with out one person lifting a weapon...I would say Moses definitely gets a gold star for all that, wouldn't you? However...it doesn't stop there. Obedience didn't stop once they were all safely on the other side. It was actually just beginning. You choose obedience, and then another opportunity to choose obedience comes again. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's terrifying. OBEDIENCE DOES NOT STOP.<br />
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Ok Lord, I get it. Obedience doesn't stop. But God, we were SO obedient, I mean...you read my blog post, right? Be obedient when it's hard, when it hurts, when it is super awkward. Those area all good things, but OBEDIENCE DOES NOT STOP, Kari. It wasn't something you got to check off your list once you hit that 2 month mark and didn't want to go back. Once you found a home and started language/training. Once you realized this next path...Oh yikes! That is the hardest part for me, I know the next path...it is not an easy one. It actually scares me a little.<br />
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We came here with the intention of sharing Jesus through action/lifestyle, mainly through discipleship of children who could literally be dead if not. Well, that is still going to happen. It just looks a little different. Medellin (the city we live) is split into 6 sectors, called stratas here. Primarily based on income/poverty level; 1-2 lowest, 3-4 middle, 5 upper middle, 6 upper. Safety in general also seems to be based on strata, we are currently in 5 and we are mindful, but I can walk down to the grocery store with out Stephen. Casa Helena (where we first stayed in Medellin) was in strata 3 and we were told about the gang violence by several people- so I did not/would not go anywhere alone. Although, our Colombian friends (ladies and men) came and went fine, I would not. Strata 1 & 2, well no point of talking about them, right??<br />
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Wrong. <br />
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We have started working with Mark at COSDELCOL (<a href="http://oneministryfoundation.org/fastprayseek/" target="_blank">catch up here</a>) at the soccer facility, Stephen teaches SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness) and has been able to share a little of his testimony with some of the kids. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Older guys...look at that view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random street shot.</td></tr>
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We are going to continue doing SAQ in Bello as we build relationships with the local pastors getting ready for the road ahead. We have been making plans to bring people (like YOU) here in January. Our partnership with Open Arms Foundation and COSDELCOL brings the opportunity to bring hundreds and hundreds of kids in from ALL over Medellin, including those lower sectors. We are excited bc we want to love on them and share Jesus and connect them with local pastors that can disciple them. (Hoping CHBC/and others can come in a teach the local pastors what discipleship looks like, not just rules to follow). That is obedience, BUT...wait for it...it doesn't stop there. OBEDIENCE DOES NOT STOP.<br />
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When we go out to the soccer stadium, we get on the blue train line. It goes from strata 6 all the way out of the other side of the city. I absolutely LOVE seeing the culture change the further out we get, you can almost see a change in stratas as you go. Part of me is happy I am on this side of the smelly river, looking across at the "culture". Part of me knows in my heart that's where we need to be. Those are the "least of these" talked about in Matthew 25. I can picture myself walking the narrow streets, seeing the dirty, shoe-less children- passing out hugs and candy, getting my dose of "ahhh, feel good for the day". Then reality hits, I can't go there...WE cannot go there, it is WAY to dangerous. I came here to serve Jesus, not to die. Seriously, I can't be gettin' all crazy tied up in strata 1 & 2, when I need to be where God can keep me safe. In strata 5, or 3 when we have an event up at the church, and Stephen is with me....right??<br />
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Wrong.<br />
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Almost at the very end of the fast (Daniel fast), we were on the train, looking out at these shacks, barely livable, but clearly FULL of people; Stephen said, "We need to go up in those areas...". I responded, "Yes, we do." It was not at all sorrowful or even a suggestion- it was a choice. He was saying what my heart had been saying. God doesn't extend HIS grace and mercy to the ones we choose, in our "safe" areas. Do I trust him enough to be obedient? Or did my obedience stop when I unpacked that last suitcase. When we got on that train to Bello to teach SAQ in a guarded facility. Or was I going to follow Moses' example and not let my fear get in the way of obedience? The bible has a constant pattern of that. Examples in History (because, the bible is a collection of historical documents) where people had to make BIG choices, ones that if we thought through, we might not be strong enough to choose the same (hello Noah building something called a 'boat', or Daniel praying openly regardless of the consequence of lions, how about his 3 friends NOT bowing to the king and being put in a furnace, uh, David & Goliath...not choices I could say yes to. Maybe that's why God didn't ask KARI to do those. But he is asking me to say yes to this. To trust him beyond MY boundaries, he is giving me a choice that I (we) can say YES to. <br />
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By the way...we are going to reach out and try to get some connection up in those outlying sectors. But breath easy, friends...(mom), we aren't going charging up the mountain just the 2 of us. God also gave us brains. ;) <br />
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This is something I believe God has been preparing Stephen his whole life for this...I mean, you had to know his size and skin color were a coincidence in here somewhere right?? As if in confirmation to what we both knew (know), 2 of the soccer boys had to ask if Stephen was Colombian. It was before they heard him speak...but cute just the same.<br />
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You will have to wait for part 2 of this story...I will try not to keep you in suspense as long- but more details have to be worked out...or revealed. We already know they are worked out, God just hasn't shared all of that portion.<br />
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What is your next step of obedience? Some thing you know God is calling you to do? A choice that will come again and again. Say Yes, friend. And your journey will just be beginning...Because....OBEDIENCE DOES NOT STOP ;)<br />
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I want to hear about it!!!! kmsene@gmail.com<br />
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-71886802888892555352015-07-10T12:24:00.001-04:002015-07-31T08:11:32.291-04:00"Welcome to Colombia"A lot has happened in the 6 weeks we have been here. Can you believe it has already been 6 weeks? Can you believe it has ONLY been 6 weeks?? I cannot. It seems like yesterday we were saying goodbye, but it feels like a year ago we were pulling up to Casa Helena. Either way, today marks 6 WEEKS!!!<br />
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When we first arrived there were so many things different (besides the obvious language & culture), life, expectations, time management are a lot different. We joke a lot about how ridiculously slow and laid back everything is, until you get in a taxi or public bus- then you better hold onto your life and close your eyes. We have not been in an accident, but it is <u>not </u>for the faint of heart. Now, when we get in a taxi I just hold on and giggle because I know it's going to be like a roller coaster, and the kids love it too. <br />
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Shortly after we got here we coined the phrase, "Welcome to Colombia." It was a catch all for those eye rolling little irks that really didn't have rhyme or reason, except, we were no longer in our home land. However, it wasn't until the day we were suppose to sign for our apartment that this phrase really earned it's keep. <br />
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We found out Saturday we were getting the keys/signing docs at 10 am on Tuesday, because Monday was a holiday- one that most Colombians would celebrate, but they couldn't tell you which holiday it was. Tuesday at 9:55 we show up interpreter friends in tow (Bill and his wife Wanda from Open Arms), thinking by 11 we would have the keys to our sweet little "casa" and all would be right in the world. Well at 11:30, we were told Bill would have to be our cosigner and we had to go get all of this paperwork, so come back at 3 to finish signing and get the keys. Oh I was upset. I mean come on, in America this would not happen. In America we would have our keys...or at least I would understand what they were saying and what was the hold up. Bill explained to me (and Stephen) that this is Colombia, and they say what you want to hear, even if they have no intention of holding up their end. He said "Keep your expectations low, that way you won't be too disappointed." What? No, we are Americans, land of the "I will make a way-Instant gratification-If I can't have it now, I will complain to whomever I need to, until I can." Uhhh, Little Miss I-get-things-done...Here, you don't.<br />
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Welcome to Colombia.<br />
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We go back in at 3:15 and wait until 4 pm for them to tell us they have to type up the documents, it will be at least another hour to get the keys. You. Are. Kidding. We were told the contract was ready, it had been ready since SATURDAY. Ok, fine. What's another hour. Right?<br />
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Wrong. We go back at 5, papers signed, money paid, everything A-Ok, people there to help us move, moving truck lined up..."Oh sorry, the <i>portero</i> was only at the building until 12pm. You can't get in until tomorrow." You are joking. Why? Just give us the keys and introduce us to him tomorrow. Come on common sense. Nope. Nada. Not gonna happen. Come back tomorrow at 8 am. <br />
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Welcome to Colombia. (W2C)<br />
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We got our keys, went through the inspection with a lot of, W2C's in there...some include:<br />
Cracks in several window panes. Fix it? Response: we noted it, it won't break.<br />
No hot water, (on Wednesday) guy can't come until next Tuesday, Monday was another holiday.<br />
Top windows in the back of apt don't close, ever.<br />
Hauling furniture up the side of our building...<br />
and the guy tried to charge additional $80 bc it wasn't a standard delivery procedure. (PS Stephen and our portero did the heavy lifting).<br />
Ordering a "queen size bed" to be cheated into one smaller than a double.<br />
Ok, we weren't cheated, we just didn't pay attention to metric numbers!!<br />
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Y'all catching my drift here?? <br />
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Well, at least we have a home! I had stopped wanting to go "home" and God had provided different bilingual friends right when we needed them (that alone STILL has me in awe, and ever SO grateful!!).<br />
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As we were shopping for a washer, at HomeCenter (the equivalent to Lowes in America), we were alone, no translator friend, just us. Picture the super exaggerated "NO HAB-LOW ES-PAN-YOLL. ENGLACE, POUR-FAVOR." Because if you say it slow and loud, they will understand. (Not true. That is not true at all. Funny, but unfortunately, not true). We didn't really do that, but I only knew a smidge more than Stephen, so I get shoved in the spot light to try to haggle and understand what on earth these sweet <i>chicas </i>are speaking so fast about. So as we are not understanding each other, they call some one from another department over to translate. I am not kidding when I say there were 10 employees congregated around the "grande Americanas" probably just to giggle at how ridiculous we sound and gawk at how tall we are.<br />
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Finally decide on a washer, it was Friday, we wanted to have it delivered today or tomorrow, since Monday was a holiday. No. Nada. No bueno. Can't do that, no delivery today or tomorrow. Ok fine, can we just hire our own delivery man and take it today (I mean, my husband did just pull our bed/base and all the big furniture UP the side of the building..pshh, what's this?)? No. Nada. Can't get do that, has to come from the warehouse, which takes 2 days and since Monday is a holiday, it will be Tuesday afternoon at the earliest. UUGGGHHHH. Fine, then can we have a discount since we have to wait so long?? (Worth the shot right...). These people just look at me like I am dumb for even asking. (The Lowes people would have said yes). <i>Just then.</i> <b>The most beautiful thing happened.</b> The guy that was translating for us was telling us "No, of course you cannot have a discount. It is what it is and that is that. The earliest is Tuesday, at full price." And he said...wait for it. "<i>Welcome to Colombia</i>." YES. HE. DID.<br />
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I gasp and giggled and laughed out loud so hard, I said "YES! Welcome to Colombia!!" Ha! All of the phrases in his limited English vocab and out comes that. The best phrase ever! Oh, Lord, you knew I needed to hear that just like a good word from the bible. Oh my goodness, even typing this I can feel the giggles and wave of warmth, the reminder that GOD KNOWS, just like I did that day, standing in the middle of chaos, surrounded by all these people, yet still so alone. He was there. <br />
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That was the last day we used "Welcome to Colombia"- I'm sure there have been times that warranted it's use...but that was too good. It changed my reaction to the words "Welcome to Colombia." Instead of eye rolling in dissatisfaction, it makes me smile as a reminder...GOD KNOWS. He does, and I love him even more for it. :-D <br />
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I have learned to accept the Colombian clock. If they say 11, probably will be 2 (after lunch). If they say 3, it will probably be tomorrow. And the best part...it's ok! I will stop looking at the clock and find something to do...even if it's as simple as reading a book to my kiddos. Slow down. Maybe lower your expectations..no don't do that- keep your expectations high, just keep control of your attitude when it doesn't go as planned. He knows, friends. I promise, He knows. Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-11988273719842091102015-06-08T22:57:00.000-04:002015-06-08T22:59:33.882-04:00Where are my daises and roses??Can I just be honest for a minute? Well, more like transparent, because I am always honest...<br />
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First, in case you missed it, let me just catch you up...The end of April, Stephen (my handsome husband), left his job, we started clearing out our house to head to the mission field. With the help of parents and a few GREAT friends we had a moving sale, gave away some stuff, sold a few more things and gave away the rest. So our house was completely cleared out at 1:30 am Wednesday, before we left our life behind at 10 am the next morning. May 21, 2015. I cried. A lot. Probably because I was so tired, maybe because I was thankful for my friend, Sara, sticking with us the entire night, probably because I couldn't believe it was actually here, maybe a little fear that it was actually here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmA-iaGOiV-B0vI32FCG2bpcde2oM-1W5V_xi_gJgbivBBolGbH9XyEyiuP7F5gGwe_63xvkLgKWWkhFa2skFFq45MPimnQIelkF0pqqeCqQwHgaZA5yeMzY3jb0Tws3KYGLpBbgQKiPO/s1600/11390059_10102076396097928_1393528821484212598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmA-iaGOiV-B0vI32FCG2bpcde2oM-1W5V_xi_gJgbivBBolGbH9XyEyiuP7F5gGwe_63xvkLgKWWkhFa2skFFq45MPimnQIelkF0pqqeCqQwHgaZA5yeMzY3jb0Tws3KYGLpBbgQKiPO/s320/11390059_10102076396097928_1393528821484212598_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our special day at Disney! Thanks Shirley & Pete!!</td></tr>
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Everything was great staying with family up until May 28th, when we left Orlando, FL headed to Ft. Lauderdale Airport to MOVE to Colombia...SOUTH AMERICA. Still couldn't believe God chose us for this journey. So surreal.<br />
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We pulled up to the airport an hour behind schedule, already having argued with Budget Rental car for an hour rate instead of the $120/day rate they were planning on charging for being ONE hour late!! Did I mention we had 2 rental cars overdue and no time to stop for gas- which if you have been to FLL, you know there is no place close to stop. We pull up and start unloading our 2 overweight bags, 3 suitcases and 2 extra sterilite totes. Yes, it was ridiculous. Yes, people were staring. Yes, my 2 year old had an anxiety attack and pooped all over his clothes and car seat (we ended up throwing that out, I mean I couldn't be THAT lady that checked a poop seat, even though it was too expensive to leave behind...). We finally got our bags weighed (25 mins) only to realize since we didn't have a return flight we had to be "handled" inside. We try to go inside but the bags are too heavy. Stephen helps the man, meanwhile, I take screaming Graycen, along with Katie (our adult helper), and the others inside to start the process. The ticket lady asked me about return flight, so excited I said "We don't have one! We are moving there!" She then informed me that without a VISA the immigrant agents on the other side could refuse entry to Colombia. Wait, what? (Of course I would forget something). We finished the checked bags and decided it would be best for Katie to stay inside the airport with the kids while Stephen and I get the rest of the carry ons/personal items (including pack n play, diaper bag, kids book bags, our book bags, my purse, a duffle bag, our 5 carry on suitcases and a breast pump). Oh the looks we got. We were "those people", the ones everyone was thinking "I hope they are not on my flight!" (SN: the kids did GREAT on the flight, unlike some other kids...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGpjd0Rc0Va3BaF9Q2yy8jNdcfvMlqyBsL-c8oStYZuMzcNf8qQSZEvryXmFCKX-r8eXSFVb4WbvuQiHXTGZMWMUhwNgk7KxCq-FnqFpkfti-TQb5vupfZzok9sHMdB4Wl98ZMwRpP9qI/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGpjd0Rc0Va3BaF9Q2yy8jNdcfvMlqyBsL-c8oStYZuMzcNf8qQSZEvryXmFCKX-r8eXSFVb4WbvuQiHXTGZMWMUhwNgk7KxCq-FnqFpkfti-TQb5vupfZzok9sHMdB4Wl98ZMwRpP9qI/s320/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2pSy1kvr0ZGgbz6C2tnF3zfImQydwjObSWhschZYhf1gGk4_jgoXtwdPMIfVnm348VVMVhYl3ODL7MBhUxrkTXvQ3r_7aV6-9iTHQoEVPVwC0ZMdtoAqJNgE-cJV0rwtQWULrX5fhvsg/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2pSy1kvr0ZGgbz6C2tnF3zfImQydwjObSWhschZYhf1gGk4_jgoXtwdPMIfVnm348VVMVhYl3ODL7MBhUxrkTXvQ3r_7aV6-9iTHQoEVPVwC0ZMdtoAqJNgE-cJV0rwtQWULrX5fhvsg/s320/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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After building a carry-on wall around Katie and the kids (Graycen still crying), we set off to return the rental cars and be thankful we are all here and alive, not focusing on the extra $ it was costing (close to $400). I had the Budget rental van, Stephen had the Sixt Camry. Contrary to website and receipt, Sixt rental is NOT at FLL, but 3 minutes away. We did not have 3 minutes. Stephen called and told them our frustration and that he would leave the rental car, and they would need to come get it at the airport- we were getting close to missing our flight. He was still arguing with them when he dropped me, passports and tickets in tow to get the kids and Katie through security while he figures out that mess. I was wearing Westen, pushing our massive cart of carry on luggage, we finally got Graycen calm enough to be in the double stroller with Brynnen, Katie pushing them with a few things under the stroller. I am actually smiling (again) bc we got this. We would be ok. Until the man at the entrance of the security check point says "Those bags have to be down"- completely dumbfounded I asked him to repeat what he said. "The cart can't go back there, through security, you need to leave it here." I started hyperventilating, half talking half gasping "What? Wait. I can't. I literally cannot get myself, 3 kids, all of these items through security, even with Katie." Oh, he had no clue the can of worms he just opened. I continued crying, trying not to lose complete control and scare the kids, "I have no clue where my husband is, he is returning a rental car that we don't know where it goes, I have no idea if he is going to even make it to our INTERNATIONAL flight, I don't even know if we can make it." Tears. Lots of them. I knew he had no clue what to do, neither did I. So he called for help. The people that came brought wheelchairs, loaded our stuff, hugged me tight and said "This is not something to cry about, we are here, we will help you the whole way. There are other things to cry about, not this. We got you." It was too late, I couldn't stop crying. I then turn and see Stephen walk in the door. (insert Hallelujah chorus). He makes everything better.<br />
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So the ensemble continued. They took us right to the front, got all of our stuff and us through security and to our gate with about 20 minutes to spare. They were AWESOME. I really wanted to take a super cute "here we go" photo, but my emotions were to shot to try and pretend this was all I thought it would be. I mean, we were choosing obedience, right- I was looking for my daisies and roses...not this thorn bush we were just shoved through.<br />
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Here is just a glimpse of the next few days...<br />
1. Graycen had another "bout" on the plane. Got poop on the seat, his blanket and clothes. Ever try consoling a tired, red-bottom toddler while cleaning him and his clothes at 25000 ft, in the 2 cubic feet of space they call "bathroom"? I didn't have any other clothes bc they let us check his bag at the gate (THANK YOU JET BLUE!!!). So I shoved him in Westen's shorts and covered him with a blankie. Priase God for Coconut oil on his bottom.<br />
2. Same toddler, fever on the plane. Taught Katie how to "pat" a 4 month old to sleep.<br />
3. Realized in flight we left the kids carry ons in the trunk of the rental car, along with Westen's Boppy. My clothes were also in their bags, (we condensed to only use one suitcase in Orlando).<br />
4. Realizing in flight we left Stephens supply of contacts and only pair of glasses in the hotel, he is blind without them.<br />
5. Still had no clue about the visa, they didn't have to let us in. Our friend Nicole told me what to say *PRAYING* the immigrant worker would be compassionate. (To ask for a 90 day tourist visa- super uncommon, normally it's 30, sometimes 60. He was so nice!! We got the full 90 days!!)<br />
*Graycen was WAY too excited about not being buckled...going down the side of a curvy mountain*<br />
6. The pool house where we were staying had a leak in the roof! <br />
7. It was cold. I only packed 1 or 2 cooler outfits. Also, see number 3.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scorpion, anyone?</td></tr>
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8. Up all night with chills and shakes, temp reading 104.1. (Took about 24 hours to feel ok). Moved to dry room upstairs, mats on the floor (better than just the floor!)<br />
9. Brynnen got a UTI (first ever) had to go to the ER (no insurance yet, praise God it is cheaper here!). <br />
10. Westen started waking up 2 times a night, and not wanting to sleep (low milk supply)- He had to sleep in Katie's room bc we couldn't fit all 5 in this room. <br />
11. We saw our first ever scorpion, in the middle of the night (outside, see #10).<br />
12. Killed first scorpion ever!<br />
13. Met our friends the Montgomery's, they let us borrow their air mattress, and showed us the area...things started looking up.<br />
14. Living in someone's house, without the ability to speak their language to know the "rules". <br />
15. More bumps, bruises, nicks, scratches, and bug bites than I thought were humanly possible.<br />
16. Getting into taxi's without an interpreter, praying we made it to our destination, and not some back alley.<br />
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During this time I cried, a lot. I wanted to go "home". A lot. I had to remind Brynnen we weren't going "home", this was our home, and then secretly telling Stephen I want to go home. Just when I would cry out, reminding God that HE sent us here, and I can't do this. (Where are those darn daises??) He would grant me peace. Not a change in physical circumstance, but in my heart. A calm that can only be explained, "Jesus". I still cry occasionally, and sometimes, like when I order aqua con glass and it comes out "Aqua con gas" (GROSS), or our taxi driver is lost and we have no clue how to fix it or tell him where we need to be, I want to go back to familiar. I want "normal". <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dish we made. It was GOOD!</td></tr>
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Then, with out fail, something amazing happens- an extra ray of sunshine. I hear a praise song I recognize and singing along side brothers and sisters to the same God makes tears of joy well up in my eyes, or our taxi driver turns on American (pop) music, it makes me smile bc he is trying to make us feel at ease. I love a long sip of coffee con leche while chatting with new friends. I love hearing Brynnen speak the few Spanish words she knows and constantly asking me for more. I love how the lady here (Lillyanna) wants to teach me to cook, and hugs my children every morning. I love how we can wake up ready for the day regardless of how hard and sleepless the night was. Most of all- I love sitting in "church", looking out over the city hearing God say "This city is mine. Not the religion practiced here. Not the rituals and idol worship smothering the people. They need ME." Yes, Lord.<br />
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This city has quickly captured my heart, and all the hard times are refining my faith, stretching me beyond what I ever thought possible and then stretching just a little bit more, breaking my will and exposing my selfishness. Also, reminding me the God is not going to leave us down and bitter, broken or in despair. We have prayed many times for him to take this burden, to give us his "yolk" because it is light...and HE DOES! Not all the time or right when we want it- but I am living proof, HIS WORD IS TRUE!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYVQQZ3dpu7r7JNSVQQXs9MoJWBdeTqySPu2tnole6Gra7kypPtInBIuN4LpUGVvKTqXka-OHDDsWgy7i5H-zA0s0XIRAIq4gNo_oM4CHeXgGblNOfK2AKJcl5-QJw-k5-C8G6_ztinqW/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYVQQZ3dpu7r7JNSVQQXs9MoJWBdeTqySPu2tnole6Gra7kypPtInBIuN4LpUGVvKTqXka-OHDDsWgy7i5H-zA0s0XIRAIq4gNo_oM4CHeXgGblNOfK2AKJcl5-QJw-k5-C8G6_ztinqW/s200/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a>Don't read this and feel sorry for us. That was not at all my intention. I wanted this blog to be bright and cheery and everything daisies and roses--but it's not....that isn't life. Yes there are beautiful moments, A LOT of them, but those are weaved in the imperfections, the unexpected, the disappointments, the hard times, the exhaustion and you should be a part of those too. We are walking this road together. I cannot wait to share what God does, here in South America...starting with me. Please continue to pray for us, we feel it, know that God is working. THANK YOU!<br />
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<a href="http://www.oneministryfoundation.com/">www.oneministryfoundation.com</a><br />
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-43786613025534112302014-03-16T23:57:00.000-04:002014-03-17T13:13:57.513-04:00Part 2.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So. Here I am, drinking my amazing Colombian coffee (come over sometime, we can share!). Staring at the screen. A heart full and overwhelmed, yet no motivation for this post. I guess like Mary, in the bible, I have been "pondering these things in my heart"-(uh, no I am not insinuating I am close to holy or consider myself like Mary...except for pondering). I want to shout and sing how excited we are, to share with all of you the amazing beauty that is Medellin, Colombia, and take you there with us! On the other hand, I don't want to bore you with miniscule details (although to us they are not miniscule). SO. Here I am, drinking my coffee-(seriously, come share with me). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That is one part of Medellin. I have been a few places in this world, and have never seen a more beautiful city. So many elements I love all rolled into one; mountains, city, landscape, lots of people, fresh air, authenticity. Thank you Lord for sending us here! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are several stories that gave us a general confirmation of our calling (miniscule details, in a later post, maybe), but the actual confirmation came after meeting the staff, seeing the organization and mostly....meeting the boys on the farm. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzrlXuUWuejiEVQZWKQugwCi5vexcI7LjJsyuUXS1av3ngB-j-0YTo2g8jUhR0FNyUHhyS7gn_Drs6Wd8Bcw2lu5Y4k0sBqIMwRxLaUTTgrLRtydMvSSflVmsyDHX0mEsIE4ZFTDp9ony/s1600/SANY0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzrlXuUWuejiEVQZWKQugwCi5vexcI7LjJsyuUXS1av3ngB-j-0YTo2g8jUhR0FNyUHhyS7gn_Drs6Wd8Bcw2lu5Y4k0sBqIMwRxLaUTTgrLRtydMvSSflVmsyDHX0mEsIE4ZFTDp9ony/s1600/SANY0871.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Loved them and prayed over them before we knew them- meeting was just a formality ;) We only knew a little Spanish, but it didn't matter. We had SO much fun with them. Kids don't always need words, they need love and attention. If my own two kids weren't in 'The States I don't know if I would have come back. HA! (but seriously). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We saw all aspects of Open Arms, Medellin and Mr. Bill (founder) shared his vision with us. Our faith has given him faith. Didn't see that coming-- he has been in "the field" for over 20 years, has seen God do AMAZING things in Colombia, and yet, a young couple that knows nothing except God wants them here, working with him, has given him faith. Pretty cool. God's plan, not ours! He knows what you need and when. He knows what we need, and when.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What is next. Fundraising, moving, learning Spanish, sharing Jesus along the way. We know from my previous <a href="http://karisbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2014/02/here-goes.html" target="_blank">post</a> (and Romans 12:5-8) that we are all part of one body, but we DO NOT have the same function. We work together, each with our own task to be the complete the body of Christ- doing HIS work. For us, our specific job is to go. And we need YOU to work with us, to continue praying for God's good hand, but also to financially send us out. We are completely depending on the generosity of others for this mission work. Knowing God will provide completely- if He calls, he will provide. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was texting with a sweet friend this evening about coffee (shock), we were admiring how God didn't place coffee trees in only one area of the world. They grow in several different regions, and how different soil, temperature, fertilization, harvest, roasting process, etc can affect the taste...all of that goes into one tiny bean that produces a very similar outcome regardless of where it is grown (dark, delicious, easy to share no matter how you prefer to drink it...or NOT drink it, Stephen). Think of how much God puts into you. We are from different regions, environments, families, income levels, and I think we all have different harvest & roasting processes...all of that makes us unique. All unique, but not alone. Just like coffee beans work better when there is more than one (even if it is chocolate coated, more is better!), the body of Christ is BOLD, and full of FLAVOR when we work together. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ok, can't say I have ever been compared to a coffee bean...but I love coffee, so I don't mind at all. Do you?? :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are still putting together our budget and needs- this is God's time line, but we are hoping for this fall, 2014. When we have all our funds, we will GO! SIDENOTE: Stephen has knee surgery, finally, at the end of the month- so we need to get him healed and rehabbed before we go. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Give us one week and we will have an opportunity for you to give, to support us financially if God leads. We are SO excited you are on this journey with us, to make HIM famous. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">MEDELLIN IS READY....the harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. God could be sending YOU, too. :-) :-) </span></span></div>
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-89088286192364545402014-02-26T11:53:00.002-05:002014-02-27T11:48:08.585-05:00Here goes...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"..so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each
member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts according to
the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in
proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve, if it is
teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it
is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it
is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let
him do it cheerfully." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Romans 12:5-8</span></div>
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Here goes....Stephen and I have been called into the International Mission Field. Not really sure why I capitalized those letters, maybe to seem more official?? Either way, we are called, and we are going! <br />
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We are leaving a week from today (Wednesday March 5) to check out an organization (Open Arms Foundation) down in Medellin (pronounced Med-E-yin), Colombia. Yes, Colombia, South America. That was my first thought too. "God, you want us to go where?? Ha, you are funny. I think you forgot we have children to keep safe and family here, in our cozy Knoxville, TN. We don't mind being out of our comfort zone, God, but Colombia is beyond comfort comprehension. It's off the charts! Try again." Isn't funny how we think we know what's best for us and where we should go and what we should do? More concerned with us then with people that need the love of Christ.<br />
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Well, it only took a couple days (probably less than that), for my heart to be at peace. To know, where ever HE leads, HE will be there too. Sure, there were times when I let my imagination run wild with all the bad things that could happen-- I mean this is third world, drug capital of the world (my own deduction), prostitution is legal and 12 children are kidnapped every week. This can't be right. He wouldn't call us to a place we could die, or lose our children, right? Whenever I do indulge in these worthless thoughts, without fail hear a gentle reminder "They need Jesus, too." <br />
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Now, I am so excited to be on this journey with Stephen, our kids and the one who goes before us (God). He is our guide, our protector, our provider. I have experienced this (his guidance, protection and provision) SO SO many times in my life, our life, and it NEVER, NEVER gets old. It still amazes me that God loves us so much, he is involved in the big and small things, sometimes little tokens or notes that no one else ever sees, but it is a reminder, He is here, always. He overwhelms my heart. I'm also excited YOU get to be a part of this, too!<br />
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Open Arms Foundation (OAF), has a home for girls, most have been rescued from sexual exploitation or slavery. Some have children and some do not. They get counseling and help learning to be mothers, and members of a community, all while being ministered and shown the love of Jesus.<br />
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They also have a Farm for boys, ages 2 - 18, most of these boys are/were street kids (no home, just living on the street) or have been abandoned. They go to school and are taught to work, along with counseling. After their 18th birthday (if they stay that long) they move to another house to integrate them permanently into society, to get jobs and become productive citizens. Also, the love of Jesus is shared through out the entire process.<br />
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What these kids need most (besides Jesus) are examples of godly men and women, ANNDD family life. Most of them have never seen functional families (mom and dads who love each other, love the children and even love them too) . That's where we are hoping to come in. Providing a picture of Christ's love, displayed through family life. We have never met any of these boys, yet our hearts are full of love for them. I know it will not be easy, they probably have a lot of trust issues (among other issues). <b>We need for YOU to pray for us, as much as possible. </b><br />
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Our pastor talks about areas in your life/ministry that are so vulnerable and dependent on God, that if he removes his hand, the whole thing will fail. For us, that is now. If God is not with us, if he does not go before us, I do not want to be there. We will fail without him. We need you as well. So, please join us in prayer- for physical protection, continued peace, mental clarity, and victory over spiritual battles- that we will daily put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6), that we will find rest in Him. Let us know if you will join us in praying, we would love to thank you, and keep you updated!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can check them out on facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/openarmsfoundationincolombia" target="_blank">OAF</a> for more info!! :) </span></span></div>
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I have asked the foundation for a list of needs for each of the homes,a small token of love we can give to them. Here is a list-- if you have anything you can send with us I know it will be a blessing. This list is NOT exhaustive, if you have anything else you would like to include, we will graciously take it to them! :-) <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The number of kids change often- some are added, or run away, etc. ANNND The Colombian people are
a lot smaller than Americans (yes, we know we are already taller than
average Americans, so this is going to be pretty interesting). :-)</span></span><br />
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<u>GIRLS HOME- 13 Girls, 8 Babies. </u><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue','Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,'Lucida Grande',sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Clothing for babies from 0 to 18 months</span><br />
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Blankets for babies</div>
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Shoes for pregnant girls that are comfortable (Sizes 35 a 38) - Size 4 to 7.5 US</div>
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Maternity pants and jeans (size 4 a 10)</div>
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Maternity shirts (Size Small)</div>
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Anti-diaper rash cream</div>
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Vitamins for pregnant girls (Iron sulfate, calcium, folic acid)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <u>BOYS FARM- 10 Boys (ages 8-16)</u></span></span></div>
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Socks</div>
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Flip-flop style shoes </div>
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Pants (size 26 a 30) - Size 5/XS to 12/Large in boys</div>
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Shirts - 5/XS to 12/Large in boys</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>SO excited to see God move, using each of you on this journey with us. Thankful for your open hearts and willing hands. </b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Romans 15:13</span> </span></span></div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-42699938870025266382014-01-06T00:50:00.003-05:002014-01-06T09:35:52.637-05:00Teachable MomentsFor a long time (probably about 3 years) I wanted to "have a job"--let me rephrase that. I wanted to get a pay check. Just an FYI for anyone who isn't a Stay-At-Home-Mom (SAHM), or is delusional about what really happens in a day in the life of a SAHM. We work. Hard. It's messy, and emotional and no set guidelines on how to do the job well. Stephen (my sweet husband) and I had this conversation the other day (a few weeks ago), "No one in their right mind would continuously do a job over and over just to see your hard work be messed up again & again, and work with people who continuously do not listen, and often do opposite of what you ask them- [we call those "teachable moments"-- although, I'm pretty sure I get more out of these "moments" anyway]. Do all of it with no days off- often working night and weekends- no vacation time, no sick days, no paid overtime, no lunch breaks- nap time and bed time are the only rest periods, and those are optional. Who would submit themselves to that kind of <strike>abuse</strike> stress, for no immediate return on investment??? Some people may not always like their job, but at least can relax on their days off, with that nice wad of cash just deposited. Ugh. I just want to go work for someone, and get a pay check, and a lunch break and adult conversation and be able to leave work at work...and not clean my kitchen 3 times a day. Jealous of moms/people that had "a real job" - not everyday, just on the "hard" days. <br />
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And then one day I got sick. Really sick, for the first time ever. I had the flu (the real flu, influenza B, not the "flu" people get every winter with their runny nose and coughing- I'm talking ER, thought I would die, cannot move flu), I also was dehydrated and had strep throat. Sick. 3 days later, I got a 24hr stomach bug. Worst. Days. Ever. About the 5th day into it I was laying on the couch (as if I could go anywhere else) watching cartoons with Brynnen while Graycen napped. It wasn't a big revelation, or flashing sign, it was at one of my lowest, weakest moments God opened my eyes. I am so grateful I can lay here on this couch, with this little girl, wearing sweatpants, looking all kine-a crazy. No where to go, no using "time off," no missing out on pay, or having to work late to catch up (well, besides that darn cleaning- but that will always be there). Over the next few days God really opened my heart and eyes to what a blessing it is to stay at home with these kids. Sitting in Graycen's room letting him crawl all over me, coloring with Brynnen, cuddling with both of them, wow, this is amazing. I get to do this every day- uh, yes some days I wish I didn't have to get up and be "mom"- but those are days that God teaches me the most. About me, about Him and about our purpose here on earth (for HIS glory, not mine). I am not at all a perfect mom, most days I strive to be a "good" mom. Honestly, Brynnen is crazy, and loud, and doesn't always listen, and has an attitude like her mommy, and a hard head like her daddy-- and I want to pull my hair out (or put her in her room and go hide under the covers until Stephen comes home), and then the most amazing thing happens. She will say something so simple and sweet, "Mommy, I love you" "Mommy, I'm sorry I had a bad attitude" that will remind me why I love her so much, and that she is 3. She has only been on this earth 3 years and 11 months. I don't even have this figured out and I have been here 30 years 8 months. Teachable moments, huh? Graycen is still my perfect child :) for now...<br />
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I have learned the "hard" days are usually when I have an agenda. I want to get this clean, or that organized, or if I can just finish this, or catch up on that real quick. Most of those things have absolutely no eternal value, and will be there later, and get dirty again, and again. I want clean house (one: I like it clean, two: germs), mainly because SAHM's are suppose to have clean houses, perfect homes- I mean honestly, what do we do all day-- besides bon bons and soap operas...those are a given. Some where, I picked up the notion that if my house is dirty then what is my value? If my home is a mess, I failed. I took pride in making sure my house was spotless when guests came over. I was under the impression that if my house wasn't clean I could not have people over, I mean- how can you minister if your house is a mess. UM, HELLO-- we are all a bunch of HOT messes that need to see not everything is perfect all the time. We need each other, we need kind words and hugs, encouragement and JESUS, not an "on display" type house that does not show hospitality. This is not saying SAHM's that have perfect houses are not hospitable-I know several that do, and they are super sweet & I love them dearly--(send me some tips girls)! I'm simply saying "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." Colossians 3:23-- So, if you clean your house, do it for the Lord (and be grateful for what you have), but if cleaning your house gets in the way of serving the Lord (raising kids or loving on others), you may need to rethink priorities. I did and it feels great--most days I still have my inner clean freak screaming about how awful it is, and laundry that will never get folded-- I just remind myself, I'm here for Jesus- not laundry. <br />
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SN: This is not to be used as an excuse to completely let your housework go, I believe we should work hard with our hands, and not be lazy--but if (like me) your house becomes an idol (noun. something adored, often blindly or excessively, something seen but without substance) remind yourself- people are important, not things. :-)Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-30928199492816457622013-05-23T19:57:00.000-04:002013-05-23T21:18:08.561-04:00There's no stopping it...Well here it is. The day I've pretended wasn't coming. The day I scoffed at, promising I would avoid. And yet, in about 4 hours I'll be head to head with it....my 30th birthday. That's right, I'm getting old. In years past I dreaded 30, thinking my good life, my dreams...and everything else would be gone, head south and not come back. That was before I turned 29. Once you get to the 1 year count down it gets real, BUT you have 364 days to figure it out. That's where I am now, day 364, and surprisingly...it's not that bad.<br />
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Well, it wasn't that bad until I just looked down realized I went the whole day with a huge spit up ring on my dress- right below the collar bone. Awesome. Not sure what is worse, the fact I didn't notice it at any point when I washed my hands/looked in the mirror--or that I never smelled that distinct musty-spit up smell. My oh my it's glamorous being a mom...I wouldn't trade it though, even on the hard days--they soon pass, and all the "bad stuff" is forgotten...I'm sure you have a story you could share on forgetting difficult times too :)<br />
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Back to getting old, had you asked me 5 years ago on my birthday where I would be in 5 years-- it surely would not look anything like it does now. (Thank you Jesus I did not write my own story). Back then, in 2008, I was planning to move to Washington DC, doing marketing/event planning "stuff", making lots of money, having fun- YOLO!!! (for all of you oldies like me, that means "you only live once"- great theology huh??) PRAISE GOD that didn't pan out. Believe me, some days I wonder what I would be like, where I would be if that were my path, then I shudder. No thank you, I know how different it would be. I would not have cultivated relationships with friends & family like I have/do now. I wouldn't have the most handsome, sweet, perfect-for-me husband that I do, or my 2 crazies (Brynnen & Graycen)!! Most importantly, I am pretty positive I would not have a deep, growing relationship with Christ my Savior. I wouldn't know the joy of community in the church and I certainly would not know what is truly important in life-- raising my sweet babies and growing old with my hubby-- all while trying to imitate Christ...in which we can't compare, and often fail- but are so grateful for the grace, mercy, compassion, love and patience our heavenly father has with/for us.<br />
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Wow, am I ever more aware how I was rescued from that to be transplanted in the south, as a loving wife and mother to the most precious beings on earth..even if it is chaotic & and I smell like spit up for a few months...<br />
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<i><b>HERE'S TO BEING THIRTY!! </b></i> I am excited for the adventure it may bring!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1zVLeaG8MGn8tlEEKkM2kKXtWLzR22UkGt_W0xHG2I0qDAOjGBxMOmuZK-vx1W2UzbmE_GIk6QVHIBHQjK-QtGYZi3H1EoYwYhqv14ko7_I315QMbKWeqyPwXQxKsarKQYh7VwBoshHE/s1600/th_SANY0207_zps238fff36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1zVLeaG8MGn8tlEEKkM2kKXtWLzR22UkGt_W0xHG2I0qDAOjGBxMOmuZK-vx1W2UzbmE_GIk6QVHIBHQjK-QtGYZi3H1EoYwYhqv14ko7_I315QMbKWeqyPwXQxKsarKQYh7VwBoshHE/s1600/th_SANY0207_zps238fff36.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little family!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn7yBjhETuyqUAyb8TGK54xy1LZLX34XXlmG9-U4WsqlNYD5HjA_OwpYRmTrL72viW6SOHfOErJ2hwLr6MD4gVvsmQnG0eXIGG-RrDWfggdkaGj9niAk8rUSoowXMrSEKQ9uC2MzaX6pI/s1600/2013-05-18+17.30.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn7yBjhETuyqUAyb8TGK54xy1LZLX34XXlmG9-U4WsqlNYD5HjA_OwpYRmTrL72viW6SOHfOErJ2hwLr6MD4gVvsmQnG0eXIGG-RrDWfggdkaGj9niAk8rUSoowXMrSEKQ9uC2MzaX6pI/s320/2013-05-18+17.30.45.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my MAIN squeeze!! 1 week before 30!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwIdz-BEOXSUTWK1cg8G_oN4hmHA_jsQQVvJQW6tWtQX-HSDM5ftG4Wf-7-5WsRzxZy5IphD2mreQRfLuWADi1_swLiRCCnkwn2FC9U17jvhiV7mIx8xlFUXwEFE-CaASzRzHIBlyIGIc/s1600/2013-05-23+07.38.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwIdz-BEOXSUTWK1cg8G_oN4hmHA_jsQQVvJQW6tWtQX-HSDM5ftG4Wf-7-5WsRzxZy5IphD2mreQRfLuWADi1_swLiRCCnkwn2FC9U17jvhiV7mIx8xlFUXwEFE-CaASzRzHIBlyIGIc/s320/2013-05-23+07.38.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my heart...cuddling this morning :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhT7JMiF84kBXX84BRbbLToQ07pgjMvX0M6xlDd_AkoP2RKT78QBUqYqsMzW9oEqyMdi5B8noKAwh92CyYaTkVfaYtZfI1OWFrRXv7KEFufqh14BfAIajh_pg4zv55Ejg3vOTTR7FJ4fX/s1600/183140_10100861191148388_1419535415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhT7JMiF84kBXX84BRbbLToQ07pgjMvX0M6xlDd_AkoP2RKT78QBUqYqsMzW9oEqyMdi5B8noKAwh92CyYaTkVfaYtZfI1OWFrRXv7KEFufqh14BfAIajh_pg4zv55Ejg3vOTTR7FJ4fX/s320/183140_10100861191148388_1419535415_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crazies on mother's day!</td></tr>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-73391085859987916812013-01-07T10:05:00.001-05:002013-01-07T13:34:11.931-05:00Drumroll please....DIEGO!!A lot of you have probably heard us or Brynnen talk about our "boy" or Diego- well it's time to get rid of the confusion. Diego is not the name of the boy in my "belly" and is not Brynnen's favorite Nickelodeon character. "Our" Diego also speaks Spanish (well, his nannies do), has dark hair and olive skin just like the cartoon, however, he is a two year old little boy from Guatemala. Who has a piece of our hearts, all three of us.<br />
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Stephen had the privileged of meeting this sweet baby our second day in Guatemala. We were touring <a href="http://hopeoflifeintl.org/index.html" target="_blank">Hope of Life</a> and had stopped at the Baby Rescue Center. Stephen headed to the toddler room, while I was infatuated with this sweet baby girl who was alone. So sweet seeing giggles, smiles and just loving on her/them! Here are a few of the other babies <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT139agEE9XG9eyPnFxCEpBt_89_zcHMAIwnt2eI8Na5LtcqiGhJhq7_jbSbwlCm5iYdYlievFJH5fa9YHgOdUxSZY8YMX4yTI5o_WuKKCq6Z79QCF9F6ACn2dJ9fN782wT2CUZJgBiej7/s1600/SANY0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT139agEE9XG9eyPnFxCEpBt_89_zcHMAIwnt2eI8Na5LtcqiGhJhq7_jbSbwlCm5iYdYlievFJH5fa9YHgOdUxSZY8YMX4yTI5o_WuKKCq6Z79QCF9F6ACn2dJ9fN782wT2CUZJgBiej7/s320/SANY0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has a cleft-palate, waiting for a sponsor for the surgery</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXdP80U926XJV4H7tI4xCrJH0MmmeohoJ-XaQjE9AypwRHsWBvGBLKOMBXkTfvFD8Gm8ljsP7_onMNDJaGpIYt2x5B8fe-dGUIe6dXFoTh3L2TQIr6CZIIcHZoYAQhnasnkLaEVviU9ac/s1600/SANY0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXdP80U926XJV4H7tI4xCrJH0MmmeohoJ-XaQjE9AypwRHsWBvGBLKOMBXkTfvFD8Gm8ljsP7_onMNDJaGpIYt2x5B8fe-dGUIe6dXFoTh3L2TQIr6CZIIcHZoYAQhnasnkLaEVviU9ac/s320/SANY0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry, a 3 y/o weighs (i think) 11 lbs.</td></tr>
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Could not wait to get back to them!!</div>
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We were moving on to the next part of the tour (walking), I was jabbering on about how I wanted all of those babies and what a blessing this place was! Stephen was quiet, not sharing his joy...knowing something was wrong, I said "Honey, are you ok?" He waited a few seconds...his voice cracked as he softly uttered "They put him in a trash can." My eyes filled and I started crying, not because I had a clue what he was talking about-but anything that moves my husband to tears is worth mine too. A little louder he said "a trash can....a trash can! Who does that?" I could tell by his tone he was appalled, broken-hearted and angry...mostly angry. He told me about Diego. Someone heard whimpering coming from a dumpster, after checking it out the discovered it was coming from a baby boy, not a wounded animal. He was brought to the Rescue Center, was nursed to health, now has a bed to sleep in and nurses who love him. Praise God!!!<br />
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Here he is...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Diego!</td></tr>
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Having a daughter around the same age, this hit our hearts hard. I don't care the circumstance, Brynnen would not be left in a dumpster like unwanted, discarded trash; all alone, probably cold and afraid. So many other options. Cannot fathom. <br />
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We got to see and play with Diego several more times on our trip. One of our last days, Stephen had him (of course), Diego wanted to play with a fly swatter. No big deal, there were not a lot of toys, so Stephen gave it to him and put him down to play. One of the nurses came over and took the fly swatter from Diego and put it back (not at all rude or disrespectful). Diego looked at her, his face sank and he dropped to his knees in a pity party. His world was crushed, his toy taken- so dramatic. I started laughing. I had watched this scene play out before. Except instead of being in an orphanage in Guatemala, it was in my kitchen in Knoxville, it was at grandparents house, it was at the park or any other place my sweet little girl decides to have the same response. Haha, I always laugh at her dramatic style too :-) <br />
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That exact moment I realized this boy belongs at the Sene house, he fits perfectly. Stephen felt the same.<br />
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Right now Guatemala is a closed country for adoption. Basically Americans cannot adopt children from there (or any closed country). It's a long story- but it involves the lawyers and doctors (among others) in Guatemala- kidnapping, lying, and forcing women to get pregnant to sell their babies to unknowing Americans. Bad stuff. So while they sort out all of that mess, and set up proper adoption channels, we will wait...and pray...and look at our few precious pictures. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0TsHOR-H9fOEFa7DLsmVRxMdqQi7Fhg4sS65JSuFBElcgmocEoaXva9LTyLFGLWa6gRYubFvf7RF8hCoqGbbShRjEj7FBIdmSQTV14i4RJ9IWNBRRDmqrZOaVaVt2e3UIeisRC03m8_B/s1600/A3C7-LZCYAA8VHm.jpg+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0TsHOR-H9fOEFa7DLsmVRxMdqQi7Fhg4sS65JSuFBElcgmocEoaXva9LTyLFGLWa6gRYubFvf7RF8hCoqGbbShRjEj7FBIdmSQTV14i4RJ9IWNBRRDmqrZOaVaVt2e3UIeisRC03m8_B/s320/A3C7-LZCYAA8VHm.jpg+large.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We have no idea if God will bring Diego to our home, His will not ours. (Lord Willing) We are going to adopt from Guatemala when it opens even if we can't get Diego. Pray for us, for him and most importantly for the 147 million children who are without a "forever family" - also pray for the people (maybe YOU) who could be forever changed by the life of a child, through adoption.<br />
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I have one more post about adoption...coming soon!! :-)Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-69213543939829216722013-01-05T23:07:00.001-05:002013-01-05T23:27:37.403-05:00Guatemala stole my heart!I keep promising to do better about posting, and here it's been 4 months and 13 days since my last post. It seems like much longer, so much has happened. I would say the biggest change in our life has been since we returned from Guatemala.<br />
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Stephen and I were blessed to join a group from our church on a first time mission to Hope of Life International <a href="http://hopeoflifeintl.org/" target="_blank">(Clike here for info)</a> in Zacapa, Guatemala. We had never been to a third-world country. What a life changing experience. You cannot understand "needy" or "poor" until you visit outside the United States- the "poor" here do not even compare. Mainly because of opportunity. In America millions of people rely on the government to feed them, clothe them, pay for bills, even for job opportunities. The people of Guatemala do not have that luxury. I've heard/seen people say/post "They should take care of themselves," I would guarantee anyone with that attitude has not witnessed poverty on this level.<br />
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One day we got to do a TOMS shoes delivery (this does not change my views of TOMS shoes, you can read <a href="http://karisbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2012/02/good-intentions-arent-always-enough.html" target="_blank">here</a> my thoughts). We pulled up to the village of La Laguna (no running water or indoor plumbing), you would have thought we were celebrities the way the street was filled and cheers erupted when we opened the windows to wave hello. My eyes immediately filled with tears. These people are so excited for a pair of shoes. Plain black, mediocre quality shoes. A pair most kids (and some adults) would scoff at- or possibly wear because of the blue/white label on the back.<br />
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Men who serve those that can do nothing in return are REAL men! He's handsome too huh? ;)<br />
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This is a day I will cherish the rest of my life, I don't think any of us left unchanged. We went back to La Laguna one more day, walked around the village, saw the school building (2 rooms, no electricity, no air conditioning or fans), heart breaking, but in a way so humbling and encouraging. Here we are surrounded by some of the poorest people in the world, and yet they wore the biggest smiles. When you looked in their eyes, especially the older women, you could see clear to their soul. What reflected back was something so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes every time. Still does. I saw gratitude, humility, joy, a pure kind spirit, sincerity, and peace. Add to that the weathered hands and face, and you can imagine the life she has lived. So beautiful. I can only hope my eyes speak that much depth about me one day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-7zwJ4gonpKAj_jm_HjfnNRS1vnu4qVAeQhkX5B2JOSaPUVocjju8Jjp0ox3tUVTkGUsKVjM0TpebMbXbOuzVvMCkDqh_GEH5GSoFzGmzVLu4T32f_E1ecPglHEIRT7PgNM2XhxNKb4x/s1600/SANY0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-7zwJ4gonpKAj_jm_HjfnNRS1vnu4qVAeQhkX5B2JOSaPUVocjju8Jjp0ox3tUVTkGUsKVjM0TpebMbXbOuzVvMCkDqh_GEH5GSoFzGmzVLu4T32f_E1ecPglHEIRT7PgNM2XhxNKb4x/s320/SANY0283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing clean water!</td></tr>
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This is the current church, as you can see around 35 people is a packed house-<br />
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Our church <a href="http://www.chilhoweehills.org/" target="_blank">Chilhowee Hills Baptist, </a>has partnered with World Help (Lynchburg, VA) and Hope of Life (Zacapa, Guatemala) to do a total village transformation. The first and MOST IMPORTANT is to build a well, with clean water. The water "system" was not put in correctly, the water is mixing with the sewage- making children and people sick :-(<br />
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My buddy Alex, in front of the new well site, and where eventually(Lord willing) the new church will go. The well will cost over $15,000 <b>PLEASE CONTACT ME if you are able to donate, completely tax-deductible!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of "our" people!</td></tr>
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The next day we went to a feeding center at a trash dump. These people lived in or right outside the dump, they worked there (picking out recyclables to sell).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsFcg5_WoQN5zqlTWHxdOy9M8_2Yh8t_ECgrL3skJkeRY9ZTsEDwiElxzOXE3-MhSsHhsEnA34uh6xjLMyFYO3Ve-LJC6x1cWgpH762qfghq0l927H_hn5bIdDVwq3TRC8XHizJ_aKZhB/s1600/IMAG0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsFcg5_WoQN5zqlTWHxdOy9M8_2Yh8t_ECgrL3skJkeRY9ZTsEDwiElxzOXE3-MhSsHhsEnA34uh6xjLMyFYO3Ve-LJC6x1cWgpH762qfghq0l927H_hn5bIdDVwq3TRC8XHizJ_aKZhB/s320/IMAG0454.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IGCm5jQ7NkX-A2tPUGM6irCQjv4g3El5uYKhz5MH0sQ_JtRCSEbVjTfZSE77Dbg9JA20ZLKVkLWHxseNxiVBtnmGvnTbdvnJLGWzjfLlEi_cG_jLDSETGQ6zdkLAGpdta3NIor6HNLVB/s1600/IMAG0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IGCm5jQ7NkX-A2tPUGM6irCQjv4g3El5uYKhz5MH0sQ_JtRCSEbVjTfZSE77Dbg9JA20ZLKVkLWHxseNxiVBtnmGvnTbdvnJLGWzjfLlEi_cG_jLDSETGQ6zdkLAGpdta3NIor6HNLVB/s320/IMAG0455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These faces are etched in my mind, so beautiful- gracious-sincere. These are the poor of the poor, and yet, like in James 2:5 they are "poor in the eyes of the world, to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom..." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA8asRoOAdGCTz3zyt5I6K2JbtsYvG4jz7khFH4aytrGCG9fSdIWOshdqeyt4wC4KNyiy9vTzJFXJGvoNvfZRDXYuYPyrOuEGIXVMC10OmUxIDKT__ajsE5j-eKWmI-J-UaSAMIKwEf17/s1600/IMAG0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaA8asRoOAdGCTz3zyt5I6K2JbtsYvG4jz7khFH4aytrGCG9fSdIWOshdqeyt4wC4KNyiy9vTzJFXJGvoNvfZRDXYuYPyrOuEGIXVMC10OmUxIDKT__ajsE5j-eKWmI-J-UaSAMIKwEf17/s320/IMAG0458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kids didn't even care- didn't "know better"- they played and laughed- I loved seeing them. Humbling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKhoQCrf43VNbuEwrPNzIEr1-355H11HQVaZV49TkORnv603EUN3p4pVUscNOJsp7_NK54sS1_ykTo2SzK2iMmTXdmSWIqTAzDV2XN4Sj9m7g-Lgtn4dwlOyf33M0BeasIPE7IkWga95D/s1600/IMAG0467-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKhoQCrf43VNbuEwrPNzIEr1-355H11HQVaZV49TkORnv603EUN3p4pVUscNOJsp7_NK54sS1_ykTo2SzK2iMmTXdmSWIqTAzDV2XN4Sj9m7g-Lgtn4dwlOyf33M0BeasIPE7IkWga95D/s320/IMAG0467-1.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you let your kids be here??</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE3V-jQbJay-cyVcFk13t2RPI_er2SrxG0Ep_tUZfdvQYRMxje5CCjLB_WJlS64hWxt_BXgKoGalnxH3jHmZ5sWX0IctWjSnzN-_mMq35-Cv-1fej7HgNoV5LVYHOlNRZTizV1k-6t5ZR/s1600/IMAG0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE3V-jQbJay-cyVcFk13t2RPI_er2SrxG0Ep_tUZfdvQYRMxje5CCjLB_WJlS64hWxt_BXgKoGalnxH3jHmZ5sWX0IctWjSnzN-_mMq35-Cv-1fej7HgNoV5LVYHOlNRZTizV1k-6t5ZR/s320/IMAG0459.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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There was so much more to our trip, but it would take hours and hours to record, and most of the pictures are on facebook. Please consider a mission to any third world country, God will provide funds and break your heart in the most glorious way possible. You will see that even though you don't have everything you want...you are blessed with MORE than you need! Your heart will be stolen, just as ours was!!!<br />
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PS- In my next blog I will introduce you to Diego!! :-) <br />
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-39755854723290773992012-08-23T14:16:00.002-04:002012-08-23T14:25:42.833-04:00We've been waiting.....I have waited for this post. I would be lying if I said I hadn't thought about the words I would use, how long it would be, would it include pictures? When would I post it? Apparently I didn't think too much, because I don't have much to say. I mean I have A LOT to say, but my mind is blank.<br />
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Why aren't the words coming? I guess because I want it to be perfect. I mean, you only get to announce a baby once! (did you catch that??) I have such a deep desire to express God's goodness, grace and mercy, to shout His providence, perfection and love for us. If you could have seen me the day I found out....I couldn't stop grinning, eyes welling, heart soaring. I really wanted to tell everyone- especially you all, since you are on this journey too. I settled for some advice my dad gave me "be like Mary, and ponder it in your heart."<br />
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If you haven't concluded yet...I. AM. PREGNANT!!!!! :) Apparently a little over 6 weeks, although i think closer to 5--but like Stephen told me - it doesn't matter how far along, we're pregnant- that's the key point here!! <br />
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I know you are dying for details, so here you go<br />
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Tuesday afternoon (the 14th) I was cuddling Brynnen a little bit before nap. Out of the blue she said "Mommy I want a brover or sister." My first response was, "So do we honey" then I said "Let's ask God for a brother or sister." So we did, love the sweet innocent prayers of children. :) God does too ;)<br />
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Wednesday, I had just settled in to start bible study (doing Beth Moore, Esther). Then I remembered I had bought a test to take! Yay! I took the test. I stared at the test for about 15 seconds and knew I would go insane, and hurt my eyes if I watched the whole time. So I decided to glance over the study (or at least sit down) and wait the appropriate 3 minutes.<br />
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Finally, as I approached the counter I could only see the guide mark...sigh (probably pretty deep)....but upon further inspection I saw a faint line.......What??? No way!! Oh my word! I wanted to do a happy dance, to jump up and down, <b>SHOUT </b>to our creator- but I had a sleeping baby, so I settled for a small eeekkk, a huge grin and overwhelming joy in my heart. Not sure if I sat on the bed by choice, or couldn't make it to my desk- either way, I had a sweet conversation with God. Thanking him over and over, praising Him, and seeking protection- trusting His will. I could not stop that big cheesy grin, what a beautiful feeling.<br />
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Stephen got home and we celebrated. Super excited for this new season in our life. Next we had to decide if we would share the good news with everyone, or wait a while. We came to rest on this: <i>God's plan will play out regardless. If we share this great news and something happens, it will be disappointing- UMM HELLO- if we don't share and something happens it will still be disappointing. If we do share, we have the power of pray behind us, and I don't know about you, but, we'll take all the prayer you'll give!!! </i><br />
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So thankful for another chapter, but like we all know...it's now 9 months of waiting. HA! I'm going to savor this time, because (Lord willing) when #2 gets here, life will drastically change. Thankful for your prayers, sweet scripture and thoughtful words. And VERY thankful for family & friends to go through life with...ups and downs, sorrows and joy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcOSGFHV9KY6JO4X9ngeQEJv_XY-Y3wK8yA2igIN4SgjtXgLRW8uDGHufE3VSmP1I0DoUztNdvy8hZch9u2W2qElArwlL_tAQr19LxVjRfmKTViRzgRdZkYh4mMrUr9mjikYuiM2xgEEL/s1600/1345580220325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcOSGFHV9KY6JO4X9ngeQEJv_XY-Y3wK8yA2igIN4SgjtXgLRW8uDGHufE3VSmP1I0DoUztNdvy8hZch9u2W2qElArwlL_tAQr19LxVjRfmKTViRzgRdZkYh4mMrUr9mjikYuiM2xgEEL/s320/1345580220325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might be our official diaper-getter :)</td></tr>
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(In case you missed this on facebook.....) <br />
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Yes, she is chanting "USA" at the end...guess she feels we deserve a gold medal for this one ;)Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-13183908869929266632012-08-19T11:52:00.002-04:002012-08-19T11:52:34.088-04:00A good word...<div>
This is directly from an e-mail devotional Pastor Jerry Hall sends me- sometimes we as Christians don't want to be labeled "judgmental" or "self righteous" - so we ignore wrong doings. If we speak truth in love, we are following our godly calling. Ephesians 4:15 </div>
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Here it is:</div>
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“‘If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a
public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned
about, he will be held responsible.’” Leviticus 5:1</div>
Responsible
people speak up when necessary. Sometimes, it is easier to remain
silent, but God has not called us to a path of least resistance. We can
stay silent but eventually it will come out. It may come out in angry
passive-aggressive reactions related to our uncommunicated observations
or it may express itself in built-up resentment or bitterness that eats
away at our good nature and steals our joy. Suffering in silence is not
God’s design. He wants us to speak up under the influence of His Spirit.
Even if the words are hard and direct, God’s Spirit can deliver them in
a loving manner. <br /><br />When you speak up, it means you care. We love
the person too much to allow them to hurt themselves and others with
self-inflicted attitudes and inappropriate actions. This is especially
hard for men. Pride and ego keep us from being vulnerable to rejection
or relational controversy, but we owe it to God, to others, and
ourselves to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Love compels
you to take a relational risk and say something. Be faithful to speak
the words, and trust God with the results.<br /> <br />Furthermore,
make sure to speak up and defend those who are defenseless. Rise to the
defense of widows, orphans, and the poor who are crushed under the
weight of the world’s injustice. You may not have to look very far.
There may be family members who need your attention. Second, third, and
fourth chances are called for to model Christ’s attitude of acceptance.
Your reputation may become soiled because you choose to speak up on
behalf of a seedy soul, but trust God. We can relate best to sinners
because we suffer from the same temptations and sorrows. Christians are
sinners saved by the grace of God, no one is beyond God’s reach. <br /> <br />Lastly,
speak up for and serve the poor. The poor need a person they can trust.
The poor need us to give them a voice against the greedy souls who seek
to take advantage of them. They need financial training; they need
medical supplies and education; they need nutrition; they need jobs;
they need indoor plumbing; they need shoes on their feet and clothes on
their backs. Mostly, they need a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
The poor are drawn to Jesus when they see God’s people stand up for
them. They are attracted to those who care enough to sit in their homes
and drink coffee, create jobs, and speak up on their behalf. It may be
building Christian schools so that the poor can receive a quality
education in a loving environment. It is time some of us break out of
our bubble of affluence and expose ourselves to the sufferings of the
poor. <br /> <br />You sin if you remain silent over those who
are defenseless. The Bible says, “Religion that God our Father accepts
as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their
distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James
1:27).<br /><br />Taken from August 19th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… <a href="http://bit.ly/bQHNIE" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/bQHNIE</a>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-40454828268245176782012-08-06T00:21:00.001-04:002012-08-06T09:51:10.333-04:00Maybe Next Time...Here's another hard, emotional, from the heart post.<br />
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I feel I (we) have fully processed having a miscarriage (I mean come on it's been over 4 months- <a href="http://karisbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2012/04/journey-continues.html" target="_blank">click here to catch up</a>), however there are some days harder than others. Don't think I sit around completely depressed, lingering in the past I don't. It's actually opposite, I have learned a lot and enjoy what God has blessed us with. Most days it doesn't even cross my mind, but sometimes it does and it creates so many questions. Questions I may never have answers to.<br />
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The last week or so I haven't felt normal (last time that happened I had a kidney infection & found out I was preggers with Brynnen) needless to say Friday I took a pregnancy test. Negative. Ugh, I don't like that word. Even reading that word makes me cringe. Negative. Such a cold reminder of No, Not You, Nothing in There. Couldn't they change it to "Maybe Next Time," that might not sting as bad. Why does it even sting? We have complete faith God will provide when HE is ready, or maybe when We are ready- I don't mean physical time frame, I mean HE knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we don't. Maybe something crazy is going to happen on our Guatemala trip and if we had a child(or I was pregnant) we wouldn't fully be used. Maybe not. Maybe later down the road I will look back and see the big picture and say "Ah-ha!" Maybe not. Maybe God is creating a desire so great that if I have a "hard" pregnancy it won't even matter. Maybe not. Maybe I'm only meant to physically have 1 child. Maybe not, but maybe....<br />
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So Saturday (after the "maybe next time" Friday) Stephen and I were out running errands. I can't even recall what we were talking about, but I spurted out "It's just so hard sometimes." Confused he asked what I was talking about, I have a tendency to forget not everyone hears what's in my head....So I shared what I had never shared before. I tried so hard not to cry. Even now I can't help it. "The hardest part for me isn't physically losing the baby. It's reading the test and only seeing 1 line where before I saw 2." Seeing a negative where there once was a positive. I was pregnant, now I'm not. I had child #2 inside, now I don't. Man, sometimes I look at those tests so hard, I have to just put it in the trash & walk away, "Maybe Next Time." <br />
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As soon as I told Stephen all that, God was SO compassionate and flooded my mind with so many things that are perfect in our life for only one child. A few being: our house, our business, our travel schedule, our college ministry, exercising, and especially my time. Yes all of these things will easily adapt to more than one child (many moms do these and more with multiple kids), but all that to say...we are right where we need to be. He (God) is working on my heart, developing perseverance. "Perseverance that must finish it's work so I may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything", at least that's what James 1:3-4 tells me :) <br />
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Continued prayer is appreciated. I'm so glad I will have these to read, or share with others, in the future if I ever need to. :) <br />
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This song is perfect. Kari Jobe "You are for Me"</div>
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-72078233409498063952012-08-02T19:05:00.002-04:002012-08-02T19:10:42.458-04:00Mushroom ChixI told Stephen last night, I feel the most wife/mom/adult like when I cook. I love using fresh ingredients and simple recipes. I guess it's the only time I really "control" the day- if that makes sense. Maybe not control, but predict- in general (and lots of practice) if I cook chicken it will come out how I want, variables are up to me- what else I include with the chicken, how I cook the chicken, side dishes and occasionally dessert- well those are at my disposal. Everything else in the day is up for grabs...especially with a toddler. A very active, unpredictable 2 year old (who at the moment is about 4 inches from my face saying "I wanta tell you a swee-cwit momma" haha). For instance, I didn't plan to clean pen off the wall or change poopy panties, both seemed to make their way into our day today. Unpredictable. Ergo, I enjoy cooking :)<br />
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Tonight is chicken with mushrooms...and no cream sauce (not a fan). The <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-with-mushrooms/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=chicken%20mushrooms&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Hub" target="_blank">original recipe here.</a><br />
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Mushrooms<br />
Chix Breast- thawed<br />
1-2 eggs<br />
bread crumbs<br />
1 cup chix broth (I used veggie broth)<br />
cheese<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4Sy4sUyUe08SUdfAflKFBFhhxVcp_deVBNThRNGYXGmVzMBIJ_8VcUrm3M_Qoq4spFUomfBJWb207L3tL8s8ioEcoLc4lsKhn9327Ww6l3SDFH-oG5nTrqZI2ru9XkvePUT7Zf1_gONg/s1600/2012-08-02_16.51.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4Sy4sUyUe08SUdfAflKFBFhhxVcp_deVBNThRNGYXGmVzMBIJ_8VcUrm3M_Qoq4spFUomfBJWb207L3tL8s8ioEcoLc4lsKhn9327Ww6l3SDFH-oG5nTrqZI2ru9XkvePUT7Zf1_gONg/s320/2012-08-02_16.51.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushrooms layered, chix browned</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more mushrooms!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvXBEFhXqm6vZUWxDU4WldmaMcQ7KdVq09QfZfczCiy4coNZZoQ00JxGHL8feUNn7RhzRiIpfMezsuOijGErcJ6C6rQjuN8m85wa6tcZl5plFARV1G9QUzQWeXc2iC6UYnx1PWAG5-OAL/s1600/2012-08-02_16.53.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvXBEFhXqm6vZUWxDU4WldmaMcQ7KdVq09QfZfczCiy4coNZZoQ00JxGHL8feUNn7RhzRiIpfMezsuOijGErcJ6C6rQjuN8m85wa6tcZl5plFARV1G9QUzQWeXc2iC6UYnx1PWAG5-OAL/s320/2012-08-02_16.53.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese!! What a sweet helper!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXGk4APsOq5xW1Z4RxZyfuQZjx2CdWPgqVvMgTNyy2JhMhlVrzPK9FQ726KCM7T6mvmtf4_In9Ly9Kv9q9dxfr_55Ii8Jpd9PNzlw2z82pZdVrd4P2LYwGIzph9t0BKwKCxKTm4eeHt7j/s1600/2012-08-02_16.55.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXGk4APsOq5xW1Z4RxZyfuQZjx2CdWPgqVvMgTNyy2JhMhlVrzPK9FQ726KCM7T6mvmtf4_In9Ly9Kv9q9dxfr_55Ii8Jpd9PNzlw2z82pZdVrd4P2LYwGIzph9t0BKwKCxKTm4eeHt7j/s320/2012-08-02_16.55.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">350 degrees for 25 mins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfOMeonAGF5ZOKJF1qSmSwNWEcdXy1hwfR3g9Nr1WS3dZgRBfi0vc53FhZCQKJgpew1AsjC9T9H5NTMV2dWWt7J9uWN4Z2EKxUiOVjBHJeJzW7YmSom-_HTr_937OSmcK1rrY6aezPtIY/s1600/2012-08-02_17.34.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfOMeonAGF5ZOKJF1qSmSwNWEcdXy1hwfR3g9Nr1WS3dZgRBfi0vc53FhZCQKJgpew1AsjC9T9H5NTMV2dWWt7J9uWN4Z2EKxUiOVjBHJeJzW7YmSom-_HTr_937OSmcK1rrY6aezPtIY/s320/2012-08-02_17.34.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">smell is AMAZING!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We paired ours with Basmati rice, carrots and sauteed zucchini. :) YUM! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZBw297-CpILXeEnNZuUmbspwvWa0xH2TFZVUUdhV23WigbG3mvR9t3yb9MUPJl39T2epmc9i6TJkrrncoSEStSdwOa58-80gMKrHc54yUsJ34KF8safzwZXAQzaM9f52tw5DLKgYkaMe/s1600/2012-08-02_18.00.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZBw297-CpILXeEnNZuUmbspwvWa0xH2TFZVUUdhV23WigbG3mvR9t3yb9MUPJl39T2epmc9i6TJkrrncoSEStSdwOa58-80gMKrHc54yUsJ34KF8safzwZXAQzaM9f52tw5DLKgYkaMe/s320/2012-08-02_18.00.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is Stephen's plate....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would love to hear what makes you feel "like an adult" :) </div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-1521815697000137032012-06-28T16:40:00.001-04:002012-06-28T16:40:40.978-04:00"I fell in the big pool"Today Brynnen and I (finally) joined our friend Mrs. Sara and her two girls (Anna & Ella- Brynn's BFF) at the pool in their neighbor hood. Brynnen had on her floaty (suit type with pads built in, goes over her suit), but was still a little skiddish on the steps. So Sara gave her a ring floaty and she was fine. Ella had arm floaties, so both girls were covered and away they went. They had a great time, it was so sweet watching them play and swim all over the pool- with no problems. There were lots of kids there, and other friends so plenty of ppl to keep an eye out. :)<br />
<br />
After a while Brynn had to potty so I took her floaty off and left it off, if she wanted in the big pool I would take her, otherwise she was fine in the kiddie pool. As we were walking back from the bathroom Brynnen walked to the edge of the pool, about 4' deep. I told her she couldn't jump in bc she didn't have a floaty. We opted for the kiddie pool, which was just as fun. <br />
<br />
In the kiddie pool she would jump out on the opposite side, run over to me- throw her wet body on my back, I'd flip her over- dropping her in the water, she'd go play, then repeat the whole process. Not sure what happened, but she runs back to that same spot at the big pool, trying to get as close as possible to the edge. I said "Be careful Brynnen, let's play over here" trying to give her the option of obedience. She took a step forward and rocked back, I said "Brynnen, you are going to fall in, come here."<br />
<br />
She was making me way too nervous, as she replied "What mommy?"<br />
"Come he..." She fell backwards in the pool. <br />
<br />
Instant panic, a little prayer- I really don't know it was about 3 seconds before I was over there, grabbed her outstretched arms just under the surface. I had never felt irritation, panic and shear relief at the same time. She didn't really cough, but wiped her face and started crying. As I dried her off I said "That is why you need to listen to mommy." I think that stern over tenderness probably comes from my dad, then I realized exactly that and pulled her close, saying "Are you ok baby girl? You scared mommy." She nodded, so I repeated "We have to listen mommy huh?" <br />
<br />
We left the pool, b/c in our house you don't get to play after disobedience..and I had some errands to run before nap time. When I put her in the car she said, "I fell in the pool." "Yes you did, are you ok?" She nodded.<br />
<br />
I opened her door at the first place, she said "I fell in the big pool?" <br />
I said "Yes, Brynnen you did. What happened?"<br />
"I didn't listen and fell in the big pool"<br />
<br />
At the next stop "I didn't listen, I fell in the big pool"<br />
Me: "Yes, honey you sure did."<br />
Talked about it a couple more times in the store.<br />
<br />
She fell asleep on the way home, and when I pulled her out to take her inside she said, "I fell in the big pool. Mommy, I sorry I din't listen you, I fell in the big pool." Melt. My. Heart. She might be traumatized. Sad it was a hard lesson, but thankful it wasn't worse. <br />
<br />
How many times in life do we ignore warnings from our heavenly father? We try to test limits, going as far as possible with "falling in." More often than not, we "fall in" and will only change/listen after....Food for thought....<br />
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-7986892238243988912012-06-27T22:20:00.000-04:002012-06-27T22:20:06.518-04:00DEEE-LISH!I like cooking, making meals from scratch, with fresh ingredients. I especially like trying new recipes, making things I have never thought to make- casseroles, soup, enchilada's, all types of fish, cobblers, sides, anything. Cooking a good meal or dish from scratch gives me a sense of accomplishment. I enjoy taking chaos and making it orderly- exactly what is done with separate ingredients combining them to make something delicious. I usually only send a picture of the finished product to my mom. BUT- this is too good not to share! So, I'm sharing this with my closest friends ;) And if you want more...I'll see what I can do (wink).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Zucchini Ricotta Galette</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh7mAcdbaXIRMvz8yMQTi4mNLBbS7grBxRJkKqYk91u4o0QtxJzSgMV8rAO0y6UCuxhjJqMVBPIFv-X9Y4iSzqzy-QciHbMSGwncqfPqnp_Vbl-CGqqH6ibssmAO4MZ6G2uMSYAdLWiyS/s1600/552490_10100489384197498_617171348_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh7mAcdbaXIRMvz8yMQTi4mNLBbS7grBxRJkKqYk91u4o0QtxJzSgMV8rAO0y6UCuxhjJqMVBPIFv-X9Y4iSzqzy-QciHbMSGwncqfPqnp_Vbl-CGqqH6ibssmAO4MZ6G2uMSYAdLWiyS/s320/552490_10100489384197498_617171348_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I saw this recipe on one of our college kid's facebook page (random, I know). The original page is <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/06/zucchini-and-ricotta-galette/" target="_blank">here</a>. So it had been on my mind since I saw it- perfect for a sultry summer evening. It's basically pastry, ricotta cheese and zucchini. I must say, this is <u>NOT </u>a 30 minute meal. Not even an hour meal (the dough has to chill). Not at all difficult, just time consuming.<br />
<br />
Make the dough first (1 hr 45 mins- flour must chill for 30 mins, then dough must chill for 1 hour).<br />
<br />
<u>PASTRY:</u><br />
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, <b>chilled in the freezer for 30 minutes</b><br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, <b>cut into pieces and chill again</b><br />
1/4 cup sour cream<br />
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice<br />
1/4 cup ice water<br />
<br />
<i>I didn't realize how long it would take, so give yourself plenty of time. </i> :)<br />
<br />
<u>Make dough:</u> Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl.
Sprinkle bits of butter over dough and using a pastry blender, cut it in
until the mixture resembles coarse meal, with the biggest pieces of
butter the size of tiny peas. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour
cream, lemon juice and water and add this to the butter-flour mixture.
With your fingertips or a wooden spoon, mix in the liquid until large
lumps form. Pat the lumps into a ball; do not overwork the dough. Cover
with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28HUWThJKqBNQXEdZpqrfNTKwl69xnbhbag4V7arP5FT8-DLVkWXdAl2KOpDPs6HwSnb3pCJN13OF11QT0GAxAd5nYpWNKFoqWcTZe6dRDS5SDTHzZ6gY7SlTw7ze8Yz0xIkazqg2GoT0/s1600/2012-06-27+17.43.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28HUWThJKqBNQXEdZpqrfNTKwl69xnbhbag4V7arP5FT8-DLVkWXdAl2KOpDPs6HwSnb3pCJN13OF11QT0GAxAd5nYpWNKFoqWcTZe6dRDS5SDTHzZ6gY7SlTw7ze8Yz0xIkazqg2GoT0/s320/2012-06-27+17.43.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>FILLING:</u><br />
1 large or 2 small zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds<br />
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil<br />
1 medium garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon)<br />
1/2 cup ricotta cheese<br />
1/2 cup (about 1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded mozzarella<br />
1 tablespoon slivered basil leaves (optional)<br />
<br />
<u>Make filling:</u> Spread the zucchini out over several layers of
paper towels. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let drain for 30
minutes; gently blot the tops of the zucchini dry with paper towels
before using. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil and the garlic
together; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan,
mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon of the garlicky olive oil together and season
with salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5sIY0odKDzrT0g88p2ZnxPDMMcdBZ36ojZlByG0z5yb-4M75_ypGLm3rBW2J7hbCjdl95hSzDN0Jp1gFqcKteg5fX8yvpIZqIhb5-s-XMF0c2YStYAuSEGVD_cEr4sPao3jKxmkJykY2/s1600/2012-06-27+18.37.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5sIY0odKDzrT0g88p2ZnxPDMMcdBZ36ojZlByG0z5yb-4M75_ypGLm3rBW2J7hbCjdl95hSzDN0Jp1gFqcKteg5fX8yvpIZqIhb5-s-XMF0c2YStYAuSEGVD_cEr4sPao3jKxmkJykY2/s320/2012-06-27+18.37.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling, Chilled dough, garlicky OO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVMO4PNExhXrDhFiBp5KRBVZFvxgEbtKur5ms-rXAvHhyElSaNyfhtTIULDYOdr2D93RKwTQmWpTyafQA8F5nif7KV2m5V3yf9iLhvTioSTcNsmz6pwz_YRbFtaths48GjcDAupR2gnUi/s1600/2012-06-27+19.21.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVMO4PNExhXrDhFiBp5KRBVZFvxgEbtKur5ms-rXAvHhyElSaNyfhtTIULDYOdr2D93RKwTQmWpTyafQA8F5nif7KV2m5V3yf9iLhvTioSTcNsmz6pwz_YRbFtaths48GjcDAupR2gnUi/s320/2012-06-27+19.21.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Glaze:</u><br />
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon water<br />
<br />
<u>Prepare galette:</u> Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a floured
work surface, roll the dough out (I used my fingers after the dough got stuck on the counter) into a 12-inch round. Transfer to an
ungreased baking sheet (though if you line it with parchment paper, it
will be easier to transfer it to a plate later). Spread the ricotta
mixture evenly over the bottom of the galette dough, leaving a 2-inch
border (I used 1" & was good). Shingle the zucchini attractively on top of the ricotta in
concentric circles, starting at the outside edge. Drizzle/brush remaining
tablespoon of the garlic and olive oil mixture evenly over the zucchini.
Fold the border over the filling, pleating the edge to make it fit. The
center will be open. Brush crust with egg yolk glaze.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlq6VDCGEfZcI18riQx1jRY2fnNXnUb4jHqUxw13KcqgvqJoy343gCBYpXOWryBhX9-rSk6H82_Teovhyphenhyphen9CBGOqrWACXPO04CnEeXcnrdL2GOVXJ-Y8SqKVFbuk8z067JSbo2dHsViwX_/s1600/2012-06-27+19.23.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlq6VDCGEfZcI18riQx1jRY2fnNXnUb4jHqUxw13KcqgvqJoy343gCBYpXOWryBhX9-rSk6H82_Teovhyphenhyphen9CBGOqrWACXPO04CnEeXcnrdL2GOVXJ-Y8SqKVFbuk8z067JSbo2dHsViwX_/s320/2012-06-27+19.23.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyxfvot1TiqjWVJ_RrXxsqz2T9o6KyCF-wKKtjlCfzjdmI9lgRAAitBc7LxDD8gN7Ylr1H2slIkAKxZpcGcLRxt3MNX2VLWwW1OVvQ_iU_W1xeDkz7UUA8WcpQOWRQarJou2Ywa60FbCZ/s1600/2012-06-27+19.27.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyxfvot1TiqjWVJ_RrXxsqz2T9o6KyCF-wKKtjlCfzjdmI9lgRAAitBc7LxDD8gN7Ylr1H2slIkAKxZpcGcLRxt3MNX2VLWwW1OVvQ_iU_W1xeDkz7UUA8WcpQOWRQarJou2Ywa60FbCZ/s320/2012-06-27+19.27.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sprinkled extra pepper over the top</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Bake the galette until the cheese is puffed, the zucchini is slightly
wilted and the galette is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from
the oven, sprinkle with basil, let stand for 5 minutes, then slide the
galette onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges and serve hot, warm or at
room temperature. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn8Le5A6AtlbBw2MSlHB8sLD02KQJR2AgOCVULskidECn1rpYwXmdSe4vEsfqxvluQ-W6ZQ7C9Q3P7R5SAqaNt8EkuwmypRp1gRE2zm36RparOfQECGScTfJsOd60PoJnN30orK0ApAbN/s1600/155271acc0c711e1b10e123138105d6b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn8Le5A6AtlbBw2MSlHB8sLD02KQJR2AgOCVULskidECn1rpYwXmdSe4vEsfqxvluQ-W6ZQ7C9Q3P7R5SAqaNt8EkuwmypRp1gRE2zm36RparOfQECGScTfJsOd60PoJnN30orK0ApAbN/s320/155271acc0c711e1b10e123138105d6b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispL_AsTjiy2ywsbU4iIJB8soYKlqXYHv9zyQaK5I3n54ocsPgsJZGeDyihcYwBYeAV55fqKxpg20cJH_CDsNSwavbs6kHZGgRu_9S3_XbRST9sD7LYFJ-r9Nt3o7J0mUzvyA46IiZpVc3/s1600/2012-06-27+20.23.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<b>DIFFERENCES: </b>I didn't have 3 types of cheese, <b>I only used ricotta</b>. And, next time I would <b>add extra veggies</b>, maybe even add squash and tomatoes. Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-2521309158397572792012-06-20T12:35:00.001-04:002012-06-20T23:08:31.655-04:00Can we move to the beach, please??I really hate when I let so much time go by between posts, I like consistency and I am the furthest thing from it. :) Sorry friends!!<br />
<br />
Couple weeks ago we went to the beach (St. Simon Island, GA) with Stephen's brother and his family. We had a great time, Stephen included- which was a big deal, because he doesn't care for the beach...at all. True love from him = a beach trip for his wife :) What a good hubby I have :) We really liked this particular spot. It had so many old trees with Spanish moss, a clean-non-crowded beach and not at all industrial/touristy. I loved it. I'm talking, literally reminding Stephen every day how much he was enjoying it too, so maybe we could move here?? HA Never gonna happen. So I'll settle for memories, pictures and maybe another beach trip next year ;)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zei5wbWnBBZpImuIPPbTMuUIWPUET_R6Z2i7mMoakzSrG314ukMoIhu9yU_Wg730mmkGR15LVScOl57XGOj75Hs7HCxuxAnZuM14cevnN0QXEybBHM53H8u4qsb0IYS5KMgmWOkbajgg/s1600/http___www.kodakgallery.com_imaging-site_services_doc_5703_916683739212_jpeg_BG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zei5wbWnBBZpImuIPPbTMuUIWPUET_R6Z2i7mMoakzSrG314ukMoIhu9yU_Wg730mmkGR15LVScOl57XGOj75Hs7HCxuxAnZuM14cevnN0QXEybBHM53H8u4qsb0IYS5KMgmWOkbajgg/s320/http___www.kodakgallery.com_imaging-site_services_doc_5703_916683739212_jpeg_BG.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how much they love it! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oHejCscIyAMhxj38ds9Qn1pbMmCOi6iEGGW2y1F1LJji1PAJ8wyiep8zQN4C7Ldita8w8VhtytFrTTFBtNm3jr_SF4DT_meM4g1NYoSnlZekGNijA5DnG0ElH8y2TxsQfNDjS8r49oxm/s1600/DSC03676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oHejCscIyAMhxj38ds9Qn1pbMmCOi6iEGGW2y1F1LJji1PAJ8wyiep8zQN4C7Ldita8w8VhtytFrTTFBtNm3jr_SF4DT_meM4g1NYoSnlZekGNijA5DnG0ElH8y2TxsQfNDjS8r49oxm/s320/DSC03676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us!</td></tr>
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A couple nights we went down to the pier. Most piers are the same, a structure for you to walk out over the water- some are long, some short, most high, and all secure (for the most part). As we were walking there was a nice strong breeze, the waves breaking on the rocks, the sun going down and the moon already in place for the night. Gorgeous. I was looking out from the safety of land (this wasn't a pier connected to the beach, where you could walk down on the sand or under the pier- there was no sand, it was land, rock, water), I saw how strong the water was. Crashing pretty brutally against the rocks. Picturing what it would be like if I was in the water-shuddering, I was thankful for the safety of land!<br />
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The closer we got to the actual pier the more I looked at the structure- the length and height of it, the wood that formed it- held in place by cement pillars diving further than my eyes could see. I don't know why, but I was pretty impressed how unmoving it was. Those waves were pretty harsh! Not sure what I expected? Why wouldn't it be strong enough to hold a hundred or so people at any one time...lawsuit, hello?! I don't know....Anyway, as I watched the relentless waves I was remind who controls the waves (God, our creator). So cliche, I know, but look how confident we are in structures, and people who make those structures. We pretend we can control the water, putting some boards high above it- as if we can say "You stay there, we'll stay here, everything is fine." Clearly, that has worked in the past- until wind & waves are stronger than the pier, house or building- then nature effortlessly pushes it out of the way. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auntie Su-su, Ri & Brynn on the pier- looks safe right? </td></tr>
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So as I'm walking I can't help but picture (Matthew 8:23-27) the night the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee. The (MUCH higher) waves were crashing on the boat, they were afraid for their lives and woke Jesus- he (in my paraphrase) said "Waves, chill out" and vs 26 says "it was completely calm." Ever experienced that?? A few words to completely stop a ferocious storm?? Me neither. Think about it....Mind boggling right? For me it is! Then in verse 27 "...Even the winds and waves obey him." Isn't that amazing to know? The winds and waves obey HIM. As those words crossed my mind again I had a warm reminder of my heavenly father and his protection over me. Then I giggled about how silly we are for trying to control "things" - and I wasn't necessarily talking about the pier....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ltvixuziQ_wAoStV7v-rLimHjgm67a6gHieLtvlAg1OmDwwVZPh7pVCiVLOBvgKtsTOuMjPxuAGmbpOOaYbGPSBNqfNdYZq1SJiM5frnnSrajSiAFwIivx1PZXwB54dGMyx9m_Fv8F4k/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ltvixuziQ_wAoStV7v-rLimHjgm67a6gHieLtvlAg1OmDwwVZPh7pVCiVLOBvgKtsTOuMjPxuAGmbpOOaYbGPSBNqfNdYZq1SJiM5frnnSrajSiAFwIivx1PZXwB54dGMyx9m_Fv8F4k/s320/photo(6).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super windy!</td></tr>
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<br />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-73398914248697264262012-05-01T15:19:00.000-04:002012-05-01T22:05:57.764-04:00"Never gives up on me..."The last few days I have been singing a song from Passion (Jesus Culture: <i>One thing remains</i>-You can click <a href="http://youtu.be/TItyYhfwClM" target="_blank">here</a> to hear the full song). The chorus goes: "Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me"... I've been singing these 3 phrases over and over to Brynnen. She is picking them up nicely. She loves singing and it melts my heart hearing her praise Jesus, (not that she knows exactly, but I certainly hope it stays with her). <br />
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The last week or so Brynnen has a hard time staying in her bed for nap (which is <u>not</u> ok at this house). She would rather play, or read, or do anything to stay awake. I think it's partly knowing she can get up, and part testing boundaries. The latter is becoming more of the normal at our house. Love those 2's huh?? God has been so gracious, teaching me, showing me patience and giving me wisdom to handle this extra-active exploring and growth stage. I can honestly say I enjoy it...well most of it.<br />
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Sunday, I think it was Sunday, Brynnen decided she wanted to play instead of nap- I went into her room, disciplined her, and put her back in bed. Repeat that previous scene, twice. I generally stay pretty calm, I'm not mad that she gets up but I do get frustrated having to discipline over and over. It makes me question my judgment and discipline method. I am learning that being consistent teaches her boundaries. So the fourth time I had to go in there I really wasn't upset, but- it was getting old (I rarely have to go in more than twice). When I opened the door she scampered back to her bed, I sighed and went to get her. As lifted her leg to swat her bottom she said "never gives up on me...." What? Where did that come from? How cute! She still got discipline, but that was precious. Needless to say, she then went to sleep.<br />
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Her sweet voice saying "Never gives up on me..." replays over in my head. Each time it brings a smile to my face. A couple of things come to mind. 1, how many times do we need correction from our heavenly Father, how many times do we continually test boundaries? He "never gives up on me." He NEVER gives up on us! So grateful-I cannot comprehend it. The other "thing" I get from this is a sweet reminder from my heavenly father. "Never give up on her, Kari. She'll get it, and the benefit will go longer than you know." A reminder of my job as her parent, that discipline is not vain or with no benefit. Brynnen may continue to get out of bed during nap, eat dirt, sneak treats, hit friends, take Ella's sippy, and all of the other "moments" that make up our week, but I will never give up on her.<br />
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God has blessed me with the hardest job I will ever love. I think I am being taught just as much as she is. What a beautiful mess it is!! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XxIepvDsfwf7qEPYnWF9k0d-9K0rFNExqSMpnn5nNHJ3EU7xWtTCkqyhGo6jpxdmff1jYBpU8qfxnZD4qSLX1W3m_K3VXF3LqB-huWP13GORoBV0g3YGCG8DvgJXVSsj33Yu2QTb4RDz/s1600/0430121853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XxIepvDsfwf7qEPYnWF9k0d-9K0rFNExqSMpnn5nNHJ3EU7xWtTCkqyhGo6jpxdmff1jYBpU8qfxnZD4qSLX1W3m_K3VXF3LqB-huWP13GORoBV0g3YGCG8DvgJXVSsj33Yu2QTb4RDz/s320/0430121853.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you not love this! :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-6756315256078668522012-04-27T15:26:00.003-04:002012-04-27T15:26:43.552-04:00The Journey continues...Well, I said I would include you on my/our journey, right? Here goes...<br />
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Friday, March 17th, I was cleaning and found the left over pregnancy tests from the week before. Not sure why, but I decide I should take it. I mean let's review my <a href="http://karisbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2012/03/adding-up-miles-writing-down-jouney.html" target="_blank">history</a>, we know why...This time was different. Previously I would try not to look at the test after I took it, hoping for the best- knowing I would be wrong. I guess this time I thought I had nothing to lose, so I watched it the whole time. Slowly I saw a faint + appear. I closed my eyes tight, and reopened them, trying to make sure I was seeing correctly. OH. MY. WORD. I immediately snatched the last unopened test I had, and placed it side by side with the other one to compare. OH. MY. WORD. It was positive!! AHHHHH!! Stephen had literally just gotten home, so I ran out trying to contain my excitement. He came in and confirmed I wasn't crazy- the test was positive!!! I wanted to take the other test right then, but <strike>he </strike>we decided to wait til the next morning to take the last one, you know, cause the levels are higher in the morning.<br />
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I could hardly sleep, so anxious for morning to come so I could take that other test. Not believing it. In awe of how amazing our God is, how faithful He is. I'm sure I was smiling in my sleep. 7 am, I jumped out of bed, took the test, watching, waiting....hum, the + didn't seem to be appearing, well maybe faintly. I couldn't stand it, I left my sleeping hubby & baby and hurried to pick up a couple more tests (the $1 ones, old faithful- thank you very much!). When I got back, the + had appeared on the 2nd test, but I didn't care, I needed 1 more. (When I say I could hardly believe it, it might have been an understatement. ha!) Took the <strike>2nd </strike> 3rd test which was positive too. WAAAHOOOOO! We were going to have a baby!!! YAY!!! AHHH I had to tell everyone! Or at least wake Stephen so we could cheer together! <br />
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We told some close friends and family- who told their close friends and family, ha I didn't care- I was so excited I wanted EVERYONE to know!! <br />
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I left for Ohio that same Saturday (the 18th) and stayed til the following Friday (the 23rd). I was excited to be home & enjoy the nice weather, still hardly believing, and occasionally forgetting, that I was preggers. Weird right? Anyway, I got home Friday, then that Saturday (stay with me here) we decided it was the perfect day to hike, so we set out for Ijams Nature Center. We had a lot of fun, and great exercise. All morning my back had been achy, and my lower stomach felt weird, almost cramp-like. I needed to go home and rest, but I had one more errand- to Target.<br />
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Target. My best friend, and worst nightmare. As I came out of the store I had an odd feeling, I was bleeding. My heart sank. Deep down I knew. Trying so hard to hold back tears, I immediately sent a text to some awesome prayer warriors/friends to pray. This could not happen. This would not happen. Not after 5 long months of trying, not after being so excited, not after so many people had rejoiced with us. Right?? <br />
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Without going into detail, I miscarried. <br />
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Never in my life had I experienced something so emotionally painful. Yet through the pain I had a peace, so deep, completely trusting in God and HIS plan for us. Sure there was the big question, why? Why did this happen? Honestly, I don't care. I simply know this was part of the plan, so, work through it and keep going. Stephen was perfect, so tender, at one point he found me crying on our bed, he hugged me and said the most endearing words ever uttered. "You aren't alone. We are going through this <i>together</i>." <br />
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Yes we are. We are! How true, here I had been focusing on me and my disappointment, that I had forgotten that this child was 1/2 of him too. Just because we handle situations differently doesn't mean we aren't affected the same. Those words were the deep breath I needed, the hand to guide me, the bright star in a dark night. Thank you God, so much, for giving me him. :) <br />
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<strike>I</strike> We had many people call, send sweet texts, messages and kind words to us, it helped tremendously. Even a few ladies told me they have been where I am, that was comforting too. To know WE were not alone was in itself a gift. (Please do not feel after reading this that you need to comment, text or email- that is not the point.) I believe we go through hard times so we can encourage those around us, so we can hug them and say "I've been there." II Corinthians 1:3-4, 5-7 talks about our comfort in Christ, so we can comfort others. So true. Grateful we have the body of Christ for all situations, how beautiful it is. <br />
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So, that's where we are now. Enjoying each other's company, hangin' out with Brynnen- looking forward to prayers that will be answered, resting in HIS perfect peace. :)<br />
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The Journey continues....Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-50892104182389317112012-03-12T15:50:00.000-04:002012-03-12T15:50:16.885-04:00Adding up the miles, writing down the jouney...This post is a little personal. It shows a struggle, a heart ache. I still cannot believe I'm putting these thoughts into words, let alone blogging for you all to see. Maybe it's guilt since I haven't blogged in a while, this is what has consumed a good portion of my thoughts. I also think there is a sense of release with each key stroke, a freeing that leaves me with an unburdened heart of hope and encouragement. (It helps that I had several people encouraged me through this as well...)<br />
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So, humbling myself, here you go. Pregnancy. Or lack there of in this case. <br />
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Stephen and I decided a while ago we would love to have another little Sene running around. I stopped taking birth control at the end of September, here it is March and I'm not pregnant. How is that possible? Five months is way longer than I expected, especially since Brynnen came so soon after our wedding. There have been so many times I could have sworn I felt something inside. Everything agreed with me, except the pregnancy test. I gained a solid pounds 3 lbs (not just a week of bad eating), my stomach rounded out even when I sucked in- more so than normal- haha, I had the craziest cravings (i.e shredded cheese mixed with Italian dressing on crackers, and some of you know about the chocolate peanut butter eggs), I had tenderness and fatigue. Oh, and I haven't had a period since January 1st!! Pregnant right?? I could hardly wait take the next test. Yeah, that's right I didn't just take one, I took one every week or 2 after Feb 1, thinking "oh, it probably just hasn't hit my levels yet, too early". Ok, that's not the whole truth. I've taken at least 2 a month since October. Crazy I know. You are probably thinking "Should have told us, we would have purchased stock in EPT!" You're right, now you know ;) (I use the cheapy ones, so don't really purchase stock in EPT.)<br />
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I know everything is God's timing. Perfect timing, might I add. However, this past Saturday I promised some of the youth girls I would take another test. So I was by myself at Target (getting a not-so-cheapy test) when I could no longer stand the anticipation. The family bathroom there is a friend of ours, and even though I didn't have Brynnen, I wanted the privacy of the enclosure. L-O-N-G-E-S-T T-H-R-E-E M-I-N-U-T-E-S ever. I didn't watch, I sat there half praying, half preparing myself for the answer I knew was coming. Man, I sure hoped I was wrong, I hoped I could tell the girls (and Stephen) we would have reason to celebrate, most of all I wanted to know I wasn't crazy with all these symptoms. <br />
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When I couldn't wait any longer, I took a breath, stood up and looked at the test. Negative. Never have 2 little lines hurt my heart more in my entire life. Why did this hurt so bad? Why couldn't I stop these tears down my cheeks. I know God is in control, and I kept repeating "His timing is perfect, His plan not mine" so why couldn't I put a smile on my face and say "next time?" Why couldn't I act like it's no big deal, and I truly understand God, and this whole"perfect timing thing"- if it's not His will or time, why do I long for another baby SO bad? <br />
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Kind of ironic. Last time those little lines messed me up was June 2009, when I found out I was pregnant with Brynnen. Although, that day was complete opposite- I had big plans for my life, that didn't include kids yet. What I didn't want then, is what I can't have now. SN:Please don't think I do not love Brynnen, or do not want her-- oh, I do. She is our precious, crazy girl who I would NEVER trade, not one second- even on the days she drives me nuts. <br />
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As I left I decided, clearly there is no excuse for this extra weight; maybe stress and inconsistency in my diet played a part in this irregularity and frustration. So....I made a few purchases to encourage and keep me on track. :) Besides, shopping can brighten any day! Right girls?? <br />
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I know one day this story will have a happy ending. It may be simply to draw me closer to God, to allow me to trust fully in Him, especially when I don't understand (Proverbs 3:5-6). I have several friends who have shared their stories and sweet prayers, giving me peace and comfort knowing this is where I am suppose to be. Even if I have no idea why. One day I will. (And of course I'll probably blog about it). :) So until then, you better believe I'll be adding up the miles, and writing down the journey. Your prayers would be a welcomed blessing.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172406658639963561.post-59096786207060216712012-02-09T12:17:00.003-05:002012-02-09T13:25:48.623-05:00My house is a wreck!I babysit a little girl, Ella, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She arrives around 7 am. When Brynnen gets up around 7:30 the chaos begins. I'm only 1/2 kidding. We have breakfast, and play, have snack and play- if it's nice outside we go outside or to the park, we come back and play- you get the idea. This continues until lunch time. They eat and take a nap- and I take a breath. Ahhhhhh, with a smile on my face. Then comes the clean up. Some days, whew- I don't know what I was thinking letting them play without cleaning up. Oh yes, now I remember...<br />
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I was convicted of neglecting the girls to clean house- neglect is probably not the right word, but I would let them play alone and do everything I <strike>needed </strike> wanted to get done. Don't get me wrong, I think it's healthy for kids to play alone, but I was missing out on a lot of fun, teachable time. I was convicted. That's when I decided we could play and play and I would clean while they napped. We had/have a lot of fun :)<br />
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So, couple months ago Ella came like normal, it was probably a Monday, because I like to relax on the weekends (by relax I mean not clean)- sometimes it shows. Like that day. Ella showed up, when Brynnen woke up she had a fever- or Ella developed one? I don't remember, but one of them was sick, but it didn't stop them for a minute. We played all morning, about lunch time I realized how messy my house was: I had started laundry, so there was a pile of clothes on the couch, toys all over the floor, dishes in the sink, cluttered counter, mail- you name it, that day was out of place. As I was evaluating I hear DING DONGGGG (doorbell). ???? Who is at my door? I wasn't expecting anyone, maybe just a packa...nope, Ella's dad (& sister)...RIINNNGGG (my phone doesn't ring- but you get it), Sara, Ella's mom was calling me, letting me know Joe, Ella's dad is getting Ella. (thanks for the warning Sara!). He was already there, so we laughed and hung up. OH.MY.WORD. I let them in. Completely mortified. I don't like people in my house when it's messy- let alone dirty like a tornado hit it- especially someone that trusts me with the well-being of their child. I wanted to say "It's normally not like this, I clean during nap time- I promise I'm not like this!" But I didn't- I got Ella's stuff & and acted like no biggie. When they left I vowed then and there my house would stay picked up. NEVER would I be caught off guard again. I make the girls clean up whatever they play with and put back toys when they are done. Weekends we do the same. Now, when that doorbell rings, I am confident and will (hopefully) never again be embarrassed by my actions-- or lack of them!! <br />
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I share this humbling story because it fits our lives so well. I'm sure we can all think of a time we just weren't ready for something. a deadline, a presentation, a trip, a visitor.... Last week our Pastor preached on Matthew 24, the end of days and the unknown hour for the return of Christ. This incident has been replaying over and over in my head since. What if my house represented my life and/or heart condition and the unexpected door bell ring was Jesus returning- would I be ready? Or would I be overwhelmed and embarrassed. Is my heart and life so cluttered with "stuff" that I would have to again say "It's normally not like this, I "clean" during quiet time- I promise I'm not like this!" Only difference...at that time no one gets a second chance or a vow to do better. We don't get a warning phone call, e-mail, status update or tweet letting us know when to be ready. We must stay alert, hearts & minds ready for his return!<br />
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1 John 2:28 "...continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming." I thought that was very fitting. :)<br />
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God doesn't care how "messy" you are- you don't have to clean up first, give your mess to Him, he can handle- He will help you work through it, clean it up and most importantly- He is the only way you can be ready!<br />
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Matthew 24:44 says "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Today is the day to start "cleaning up" and vow to be ready when He comes. That's what I am doing--we can do it together!Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09868095064613822136noreply@blogger.com1