on a little piece of paper, these words are written above the sink. many days, when i wash dishes, i read this truth.
q:what do you believe when you say, "i believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"?
a:that the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ his Son. i trust him so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and he will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this sad world. he is able to do this because he is almighty God; he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.
(heidelberg catechism, question 26)
i will choose to believe this and tomorrow, i will choose to believe this again.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
joy
enjoyed lunch at a friend's house today..kids in the back yard playing in the wet sand box...while me and my friend gave thanks for the blessings of life and lamented about how we so often miss out on the reality of the abundance of grace that is ours in Christ...
i told her about something that happened to me today while i was in the car..jackson saw my face in the rear-view mirror and said, "mommy, why is your face like that?" me: like what? j: like this (makes a mad face) me: what do you want me to look like? like this? (i smiled)
smiling felt weird...out of place...that disturbed me.
reading for my women's bible study in acts something struck me..acts 7: 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
when my son isn't obeying, when my bible study doesn't seem to be changing me, when i don't seem to be having any real impact in this world...when i can't remember back to a conversation that i didn't pick apart and feel guilt about..my prayer is that my verse 55 will be "But Heather, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."
my prayer is that the Lord will give me joy..a smile in the rear-view mirror.
i told her about something that happened to me today while i was in the car..jackson saw my face in the rear-view mirror and said, "mommy, why is your face like that?" me: like what? j: like this (makes a mad face) me: what do you want me to look like? like this? (i smiled)
smiling felt weird...out of place...that disturbed me.
reading for my women's bible study in acts something struck me..acts 7: 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
when my son isn't obeying, when my bible study doesn't seem to be changing me, when i don't seem to be having any real impact in this world...when i can't remember back to a conversation that i didn't pick apart and feel guilt about..my prayer is that my verse 55 will be "But Heather, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."
my prayer is that the Lord will give me joy..a smile in the rear-view mirror.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
idol
went to the uga game this past saturday..at first i just thought i picked the wrong outfit...and maybe I did. it was a maternity jean skirt, a red striped shirt under a black maternity shirt..the skirt is a little long for my liking..the maternity shirt is...well, a maternity shirt..then I had on my most comfy tennis shoes because we were going to be walking miles and miles up and down hills to get from our free parking spot 40 miles from the stadium..hey, we saved 30 bucks. anyways, i digress.
so all day i felt...like a tightly rolled sausage..but my clothes weren't tight..i was hot..and i just felt really unusually uncomfortable in my own skin...that is really the only way i know to explain the feeling. and it lasted ALL DAY LONG..couldn't stop thinking about the awkwardness..obsessing about the tennis shoes, obsessing about the skirt length, looking in every store window downtown so i could see my reflection in hopes that i would catch a glimpse of myself and suddenly be ok with the reflection looking back at me, i wasn't, wanting to grow wings and fly home really quick and change..what was i thinking when i picked this outfit..why did i choose tennis shoes..
are you getting the picture?
on my way to the bathroom during the game..thinking about how dorky i looked and how ugly i felt..it hit me. God hit me upside the head with his gentle whisper. It sounded something like this:
"heather, you are beautiful, perfectly made to do the job I have for you today. your problem is not your shoes, but your heart. repent. turn away from thinking only of yourself and how you look..you are here on this earth to bring me glory. how can you do that if you are always downgrading the woman i have created...how can you think about others, if all of your brain time is taken up thinking about your image, this life is not about you, your tennis shoes, your too long skirt, your maternity skirt, your reflection in the shop window, your discomfort with your body...this life is about Me and My kingdom. spreading the Gospel so people can know Me, be loved by Me, spend an eternity with Me. "
I don't need a comment telling me how beautiful i am, how you don't understand why i would ever think badly about myself..the truth is, as my friend Jenna so eloquently put it, "even if you are skinny and beautiful..the only reason you aren't obsessing is because you are proud of yourself and your look.." another sin.
my prayer is that the Lord would change my heart from a heart that worships itself..
"if only i had a different outfit on i would feel better today..i wouldn't think about me as much.." <---that is a LIE! a lie that keeps me from living the life that God desires for me.
...to a heart that worships its creator.
so all day i felt...like a tightly rolled sausage..but my clothes weren't tight..i was hot..and i just felt really unusually uncomfortable in my own skin...that is really the only way i know to explain the feeling. and it lasted ALL DAY LONG..couldn't stop thinking about the awkwardness..obsessing about the tennis shoes, obsessing about the skirt length, looking in every store window downtown so i could see my reflection in hopes that i would catch a glimpse of myself and suddenly be ok with the reflection looking back at me, i wasn't, wanting to grow wings and fly home really quick and change..what was i thinking when i picked this outfit..why did i choose tennis shoes..
are you getting the picture?
on my way to the bathroom during the game..thinking about how dorky i looked and how ugly i felt..it hit me. God hit me upside the head with his gentle whisper. It sounded something like this:
"heather, you are beautiful, perfectly made to do the job I have for you today. your problem is not your shoes, but your heart. repent. turn away from thinking only of yourself and how you look..you are here on this earth to bring me glory. how can you do that if you are always downgrading the woman i have created...how can you think about others, if all of your brain time is taken up thinking about your image, this life is not about you, your tennis shoes, your too long skirt, your maternity skirt, your reflection in the shop window, your discomfort with your body...this life is about Me and My kingdom. spreading the Gospel so people can know Me, be loved by Me, spend an eternity with Me. "
I don't need a comment telling me how beautiful i am, how you don't understand why i would ever think badly about myself..the truth is, as my friend Jenna so eloquently put it, "even if you are skinny and beautiful..the only reason you aren't obsessing is because you are proud of yourself and your look.." another sin.
my prayer is that the Lord would change my heart from a heart that worships itself..
"if only i had a different outfit on i would feel better today..i wouldn't think about me as much.." <---that is a LIE! a lie that keeps me from living the life that God desires for me.
...to a heart that worships its creator.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
a story about numbers
the day i found out i was preg the number was 125
the day i got to the hospital on may 17th the number was 168
the day i drove home from the hospital on may 18th the number was 148
everyday after that day for 3 1/2 months the number was 148
yesterday the number was 147!!! yay!!!
the day i got to the hospital on may 17th the number was 168
the day i drove home from the hospital on may 18th the number was 148
everyday after that day for 3 1/2 months the number was 148
yesterday the number was 147!!! yay!!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
you learn something new everyday
learned this two days ago on kellymom.com (when trying to figure out why my perfectly scheduled eater was wanting to eat every hour day and night):
Growth spurts
By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC
Most babies go through several growth spurts (also called frequency days) during the first 12 months.
What is a growth spurt?
During a growth spurt, breastfed babies nurse more often than usual (sometimes as often as every hour) and often act fussier than usual.
What is the best way to handle a growth spurt?
The increase in baby's milk intake during growth spurts is temporary. In exclusively breastfed babies, milk intake increases quickly during the first few weeks of life, then stays about the same between one and six months. As solids are gradually introduced after six months, baby's
Follow your child's lead. Baby will automatically get more milk by nursing more frequently, and your milk supply will increase due to the increased nursing. It is not necessary (or advised) to supplement your baby with formula or expressed milk during a growth spurt. Supplementing (and/or scheduling feeds) interferes with the natural supply and demand of milk production and will prevent your body from getting the message to make more milk during the growth spurt.
Some nursing moms feel more hungry or thirsty when baby is going through a growth spurt. Listen to your body -- you may need to eat or drink more during the time that baby is nursing. Babies often exhibit the same type of behavior (increased nursing with or without increased fussiness) when they are working on developmental advances such as rolling over, crawling, walking or talking. Mom's milk is for growing the brain as well as the body!
When do babies have growth spurts?
Common times for growth spurts are during the first few days at home and around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months (more or less). Babies don't read calendars, however, so your baby may do things differently.
Growth spurts don't stop after the first year - most moms notice growth spurts every few months during the toddler years and periodically thereafter on through the teenage years.
How long do growth spurts last?
Growth spurts usually last 2-3 days, but sometimes last a week or so.
What is the best way to handle a growth spurt?
Follow your child's lead. Baby will automatically get more milk by nursing more frequently, and your milk supply will increase due to the increased nursing. It is not necessary (or advised) to supplement your baby with formula or expressed milk during a growth spurt. Supplementing (and/or scheduling feeds) interferes with the natural supply and demand of milk production and will prevent your body from getting the message to make more milk during the growth spurt.
Some nursing moms feel more hungry or thirsty when baby is going through a growth spurt. Listen to your body -- you may need to eat or drink more during the time that baby is nursing more often.
learned this on facebook yesterday (in response to a flat batch of cookies that turned into one cookie in the oven--a whole nother post..lol):
I'm not trying to share something that you might already know, did, or doesn't apply but... if a cookie flattens out it's typically because there isn't enough flour in the mixture. You should be able to take a small piece and be able to start the beginnings of a ball if rolling it in the palm of your hand. If you can't, add more flour until you can. Something I learned shortly after moving to the South. Hope this helps in some way, if not, ignore me!--Amy
learned this on google search today (looking up "rash under my wedding ring"):
Growth spurts
By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC
Most babies go through several growth spurts (also called frequency days) during the first 12 months.
What is a growth spurt?
During a growth spurt, breastfed babies nurse more often than usual (sometimes as often as every hour) and often act fussier than usual.
What is the best way to handle a growth spurt?
The increase in baby's milk intake during growth spurts is temporary. In exclusively breastfed babies, milk intake increases quickly during the first few weeks of life, then stays about the same between one and six months. As solids are gradually introduced after six months, baby's
Follow your child's lead. Baby will automatically get more milk by nursing more frequently, and your milk supply will increase due to the increased nursing. It is not necessary (or advised) to supplement your baby with formula or expressed milk during a growth spurt. Supplementing (and/or scheduling feeds) interferes with the natural supply and demand of milk production and will prevent your body from getting the message to make more milk during the growth spurt.
Some nursing moms feel more hungry or thirsty when baby is going through a growth spurt. Listen to your body -- you may need to eat or drink more during the time that baby is nursing. Babies often exhibit the same type of behavior (increased nursing with or without increased fussiness) when they are working on developmental advances such as rolling over, crawling, walking or talking. Mom's milk is for growing the brain as well as the body!
When do babies have growth spurts?
Common times for growth spurts are during the first few days at home and around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months (more or less). Babies don't read calendars, however, so your baby may do things differently.
Growth spurts don't stop after the first year - most moms notice growth spurts every few months during the toddler years and periodically thereafter on through the teenage years.
How long do growth spurts last?
Growth spurts usually last 2-3 days, but sometimes last a week or so.
What is the best way to handle a growth spurt?
Follow your child's lead. Baby will automatically get more milk by nursing more frequently, and your milk supply will increase due to the increased nursing. It is not necessary (or advised) to supplement your baby with formula or expressed milk during a growth spurt. Supplementing (and/or scheduling feeds) interferes with the natural supply and demand of milk production and will prevent your body from getting the message to make more milk during the growth spurt.
Some nursing moms feel more hungry or thirsty when baby is going through a growth spurt. Listen to your body -- you may need to eat or drink more during the time that baby is nursing more often.
learned this on facebook yesterday (in response to a flat batch of cookies that turned into one cookie in the oven--a whole nother post..lol):
I'm not trying to share something that you might already know, did, or doesn't apply but... if a cookie flattens out it's typically because there isn't enough flour in the mixture. You should be able to take a small piece and be able to start the beginnings of a ball if rolling it in the palm of your hand. If you can't, add more flour until you can. Something I learned shortly after moving to the South. Hope this helps in some way, if not, ignore me!--Amy
learned this on google search today (looking up "rash under my wedding ring"):
This has happened to me as well, and it wasn't due to a metal allergy, but a buildup of soap and moisture (possibly leading to some bacterial/fungal infection). I'll have no problems with my ring, until one day I find the skin under the ring is red, swollen, and flaky. When the rash was very bad, I would also develop small blisters as well. The rash is painfully itchy, so much that it can wake me up in the middle of the night and makes me want to tear off my ring immediately.
When this happens, I take my ring off and the rash usually goes away very quickly. By the next day, it doesn't itch as much, by day 2 or 3, most of the redness and flakiness has gone away. After a week, the skin looks normal again. Even if the rash is completely gone, DO NOT put your ring back on. Wait at least 2 weeks to ensure every last trace of the rash/infection is gone. Before putting your ring on, make sure you disinfect it. I soak the ring in a mixture of 1 part Hydrogen Peroxide and 2 parts plain white vinegar. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes, and then boil the ring in plain water for another 15 minutes. I usually string up my ring and dangle it from a wooden spoon so that it won't touch the bottom of the pot and get too hot.
Now, the ring is disinfected AND clean. (The diamonds are so sparkly again!) I recommend doing this step every month, to avoid having the rash come back. I got lazy and my rash came back after 7 months.
Here are some conditions that make it likely to be a soap/bacterial/fungal rash and not a metal allergy:
Ring is platinum (though even some platinum can contain alloys that cause allergies, this is much more common in white gold. This infection can easily happen with any type of ring, but allergies are less common with platinum ones.)
Ring fits snugly (I did not have an issue until I got my ring resized to be smaller after almost losing it.)
Stones use a channel, or low-profile, setting. (The holes on the underside of the ring can trap moisture)
Rash occurs on the right side of the finger (towards the middle finger, or on the left side if the ring is one the right hand). This is probably because it's easier to trap moisture on the higher side of the ring.
You don't take off your ring when washing hands, showering, cleaning dishes, exercising, etc.
It seems that many people also start experiencing this issue when pregnant or shortly after giving birth. That didn't apply to me, but I wonder if people start washing their hands much more often after having a baby (all those diaper changes!) or if bloating is making their rings fit more tightly. I wonder also if pregnancy causes the body to react more strongly to potential irritants. No idea, this is just a theory on my part.
Good luck! Try the vinegar/peroxide solution. It worked for me.--Elaine Chen- Washington DC
When this happens, I take my ring off and the rash usually goes away very quickly. By the next day, it doesn't itch as much, by day 2 or 3, most of the redness and flakiness has gone away. After a week, the skin looks normal again. Even if the rash is completely gone, DO NOT put your ring back on. Wait at least 2 weeks to ensure every last trace of the rash/infection is gone. Before putting your ring on, make sure you disinfect it. I soak the ring in a mixture of 1 part Hydrogen Peroxide and 2 parts plain white vinegar. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes, and then boil the ring in plain water for another 15 minutes. I usually string up my ring and dangle it from a wooden spoon so that it won't touch the bottom of the pot and get too hot.
Now, the ring is disinfected AND clean. (The diamonds are so sparkly again!) I recommend doing this step every month, to avoid having the rash come back. I got lazy and my rash came back after 7 months.
Here are some conditions that make it likely to be a soap/bacterial/fungal rash and not a metal allergy:
Ring is platinum (though even some platinum can contain alloys that cause allergies, this is much more common in white gold. This infection can easily happen with any type of ring, but allergies are less common with platinum ones.)
Ring fits snugly (I did not have an issue until I got my ring resized to be smaller after almost losing it.)
Stones use a channel, or low-profile, setting. (The holes on the underside of the ring can trap moisture)
Rash occurs on the right side of the finger (towards the middle finger, or on the left side if the ring is one the right hand). This is probably because it's easier to trap moisture on the higher side of the ring.
You don't take off your ring when washing hands, showering, cleaning dishes, exercising, etc.
It seems that many people also start experiencing this issue when pregnant or shortly after giving birth. That didn't apply to me, but I wonder if people start washing their hands much more often after having a baby (all those diaper changes!) or if bloating is making their rings fit more tightly. I wonder also if pregnancy causes the body to react more strongly to potential irritants. No idea, this is just a theory on my part.
Good luck! Try the vinegar/peroxide solution. It worked for me.--Elaine Chen- Washington DC
See..you learn something new everyday!
Gotta go enjoy my new cleavage, add some flour and soak and boil some rings...
Saturday, July 30, 2011
extreme thankfulness
as of late, i find myself with an overflowing of extreme thankfulness
sitting outside looking around our back yard last night, jack was swimming, I was sipping a half glass of white wine, an overflow of thank you came from my heart..
the landscaped yard given to us by my in-laws who funded the project
the pool--originally unwanted part of our house purchase, a pork barrel of sorts..if you will--now a huge blessing to our family and to many others who come and go from it daily
the house completely out of our reach in a climbing economy became possible because the Lord saw fit
and...the two sons..both in the house sleeping, both bring a joy to my heart that I never would have known and still find it hard to even express with written words
all of this for
two unlikely sinners who both struggle with ugly sin like same sex attraction, apathy, idolatry...
a man and woman who strive to fill ourselves with things that will never satisfy...
I am extremely thankful that Our Giving Father chooses to lavish blessing on
jack and heather, even as we struggle to be in relationship with Him.
He gave all of this to our family and even His life.
He gave it all to bring glory back to Himself.
sitting outside looking around our back yard last night, jack was swimming, I was sipping a half glass of white wine, an overflow of thank you came from my heart..
the landscaped yard given to us by my in-laws who funded the project
the pool--originally unwanted part of our house purchase, a pork barrel of sorts..if you will--now a huge blessing to our family and to many others who come and go from it daily
the house completely out of our reach in a climbing economy became possible because the Lord saw fit
and...the two sons..both in the house sleeping, both bring a joy to my heart that I never would have known and still find it hard to even express with written words
all of this for
two unlikely sinners who both struggle with ugly sin like same sex attraction, apathy, idolatry...
a man and woman who strive to fill ourselves with things that will never satisfy...
I am extremely thankful that Our Giving Father chooses to lavish blessing on
jack and heather, even as we struggle to be in relationship with Him.
He gave all of this to our family and even His life.
He gave it all to bring glory back to Himself.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
for my own entertainment
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| ryan jefferson yesterday |
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| can't figure out how to turn this..but this is me when i was a baby |
 |
| ryan j and jackson doesn't ryan j have a little resemblance to me?? please? i want to have a little to do with at least one of my boys :) |
 |
| Thanks for entertaining the idea.. :) |
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