Drumroll 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.
  
Stephen had the privileged of meeting this sweet baby our second day in Guatemala.  We were touring Hope of Life  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

She has a cleft-palate, waiting for a sponsor for the surgery

Henry, a 3 y/o weighs (i think) 11 lbs.

Could not wait to get back to them!!

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!!!

Here he is...

Sweet Diego!

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.

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 :-)

That exact moment I realized this boy belongs at the Sene house, he fits perfectly.  Stephen felt the same.

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.
  

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.


I have one more post about adoption...coming soon!!  :-)

Guatemala 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.

Stephen and I were blessed to join a group from our church on a first time mission to Hope of Life International (Clike here for info) 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.

One day we got to do a TOMS shoes delivery (this does not change my views of TOMS shoes, you can read here 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.

 

Men who serve those that can do nothing in return are REAL men! He's handsome too huh? ;)

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!

 

Sharing clean water!

 This is the current church, as you can see around 35 people is a packed house-

  

 Our church Chilhowee Hills Baptist, 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 :-(

 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 PLEASE CONTACT ME if you are able to donate, completely tax-deductible!

Some of "our" people!

    

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).

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..." 

The kids didn't even care- didn't "know better"- they played and laughed- I loved seeing them. Humbling.

Would you let your kids be here??

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!!!


PS- In my next blog I will introduce you to Diego!!  :-) 

We'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.

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."

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!!

I know you are dying for details, so here you go

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 ;)

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.

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, SHOUT 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.

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: 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!!! 

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.

Might be our official diaper-getter  :)

(In case you missed this on facebook.....)  

Yes, she is chanting "USA" at the end...guess she feels we deserve a gold medal for this one   ;)

A good word...

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 

Here it is:

 

“‘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

 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.

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.
            
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.
           
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.
           
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).

Taken from August 19th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

Maybe Next Time...

Here's another hard, emotional, from the heart post.

I feel I (we) have fully processed having a miscarriage (I mean come on it's been over 4 months- click here to catch up), 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.

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....

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."

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 :) 

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.  :)

 This song is perfect.  Kari Jobe "You are for Me"

Mushroom Chix

I 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 :)

Tonight is chicken with mushrooms...and no cream sauce (not a fan).  The original recipe here.

Mushrooms
Chix Breast- thawed
1-2 eggs
bread crumbs
1 cup chix broth (I used veggie broth)
cheese

Mushrooms layered, chix browned

more mushrooms!

Cheese!!  What a sweet helper!

350 degrees for 25 mins

smell is AMAZING!

We paired ours with Basmati rice, carrots and sauteed zucchini.  :) YUM!

this is Stephen's plate....

I would love to hear what makes you feel "like an adult" :)

"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.  :)

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.

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."

 She was making me way too nervous, as she replied "What mommy?"
"Come he..." She fell backwards in the pool. 

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?" 

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.

I opened her door at the first place, she said "I fell in the big pool?" 
I said "Yes, Brynnen you did.  What happened?"
"I didn't listen and fell in the big pool"

At the next stop "I didn't listen, I fell in the big pool"
Me: "Yes, honey you sure did."
Talked about it a couple more times in the store.

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. 

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....
 

DEEE-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).


 Zucchini Ricotta Galette

I saw this recipe on one of our college kid's facebook page (random, I know).  The original page is here. 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 NOT a 30 minute meal.  Not even an hour meal (the dough has to chill).  Not at all difficult, just time consuming.

 Make the dough first (1 hr 45 mins- flour must chill for 30 mins, then dough must chill for 1 hour).

PASTRY:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, chilled in the freezer for 30 minutes
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces and chill again
1/4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup ice water

I didn't realize how long it would take, so give yourself plenty of time.  :)

Make dough: 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.

FILLING:
1 large or 2 small zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 medium garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (about 1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded mozzarella
1 tablespoon slivered basil leaves (optional)

Make filling: 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.

Filling, Chilled dough, garlicky OO

Glaze:
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon water

Prepare galette: 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.

I sprinkled extra pepper over the top

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.

YUM!

 

DIFFERENCES:  I didn't have 3 types of cheese, I only used ricotta.  And, next time I would add extra veggies, maybe even add squash and tomatoes. 

Can 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!!

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  ;)

See how much they love it! :)

All of us!

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!

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. 

Auntie Su-su, Ri & Brynn on the pier- looks safe right?

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....

:)

Super windy!

"Never gives up on me..."

The last few days I have been singing a song from Passion (Jesus Culture: One thing remains-You can click here 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). 


The last week or so Brynnen has a hard time staying in her bed for nap (which is not 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.

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.

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.

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!!  :)

How can you not love this!  :)