'Tis the Season to be Thankful

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms,
hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with a grateful heart.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:15-17

There is always something to be thankful for.
Here are some of mine:

*My children who bring the most joy to my life & remind me of the calling God has placed upon me.
*My husband for always loving this crazy woman of his :)
*Family far and near that I love so much.
*A friend & neighbor who happens to be a Dr. (this is a luxury) - we've needed him this week for our sick girl. 
*Unexpected friends and instant connections - ones that make me a better me and I a better them.
*For the past and those who sacrificed so much to make our present and future a better place to be.
*Above all else - I'm thankful that when everything else seems to be out of control, unreachable, unfair, or just plain wrong in the world - God - Creator of all things - loves me, knows me, and is here for me {and you}.

What are you thankful for this season?

Walk this Way

It's Official!

Today, while we were at the doctor again, Alivia took her very first step. It was a big girl step too.

No hands mom :) We can't believe how incredibly fast she is growing up-what are parents to do?

When she starts feeling better and is more interested in continuing her walking journey - I'll try to get video of it and post it. Her favorite young men (brothers) in the whole world will be so proud when they find out.

Be blessed in your walk today too :)

Happy Birthday Aidan

 

9 years ago we welcomed a beautiful baby boy to our family. He introduced me to the great joy of motherhood and was perfect in every way :) Today he is kind, thoughtful, giving and growing into quite a remarkable young man.

Aidan,
I would not be the person I am today without you in my life. You are a blessing to our family.
Happy Birthday!

With all my love,
Mom

Happy Birthday Mema!

Today is my Grandma's 70th birthday. I love her so much. She is quite an amazing lady and has taught me so much and she may not have even known the kind of legacy she was creating for this wife and momma. Thank you Grandma.

As long as I can remember you rose early to pray, fold laundry, and make meals - specifically lunch for Grandpa which you continue today. I never realized what an impact that would make on me, but I am forever grateful for your diligence in making your home and family a top priority.

I'll never forget when you made lunches for me. I always felt so special because for one my Grandma made it, but also because you would always add a bowl of apple butter (my fav.). That sweet gesture brightened many of my elementary days :)

Mema you are the best!!!
Happy Birthday to You!

Love,
Amber

Dream On

I'm back! It's been about 2 months since I've blogged. Basically I've had all these thoughts in my head that I couldn't express into words. So, today I was inspired to blog again when I was helping Amos (my 5 yr old) write his letters. I enjoyed every line, circle, & hump that his little hands made :) Enjoy the post.

Desire: A sense of longing or hoping

What do you desire in life?

My biggest desire right now is to be a great wife & mom. I want to stay at home with my children - schooling them and having a beautifully kept home for my husband to rest in after a long day.
I want a happy, healthy (spiritually & physically) and secure family. I want our home to be a refuge for us & for others.

I know none of which I long for can be possible without Christ. I give all glory to Him for changing our lives so that even a hint of my desire could become our reality.

I am undoubtedly a work in progress and for me it takes a great amount of discipline to continue growing in God. It isn't a cake walk, but it's so worth it :)

I know it's hard to see past current circumstances especially when they're difficult, but don't give up, press on, because if you do, the reward is great.

Psalm 37: 3-6

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, 

your vindication like the noonday sun.

Happy Anniversary

Arron ~

I love you. I love you. I love you. 

You are everything to me. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband. You are patient and loving. I'm thankful for that day 9 years ago when we said 'I do'.

We have made beautiful children and you are such an awesome dad.

Thank you for living life with me.
I look forward to many more full years.

Your Bride,
Amber

Growing

Alivia - Happy 3 months! I wish you weren't growing up so fast, but I love watching you grow. You learn new things all the time & your giggles are so fun. I love you.

Amos - You are so smart. It's neat to see you write letters & numbers and be excited about it. You have the most lively and entertaining personality. I love you.

Aidan - You are growing into a wonderful young man. You are so helpful & responsible. God sure knew what he was doing when he made you the big brother. I love you.

We are truly blessed with pretty cool kids.

Psalm 127:3

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."

Back to Work

The homemaker has the ultimate career. 

All other careers exist for one purpose only - and that is to support the ultimate career. 

C.S. Lewis

Tomorrow is my first day back to work outside my home since Alivia was born. I am sad, a little sick to my stomach, & a few other emotions, all of which will magnify when I take that first step out of my house.

I am blessed & so thankful despite my feelings about not being at home full-time.
- I just work a few days a week
- Alivia gets to stay home w/ Dad while I'm away (our boys are in school)
- Home is only a couple blocks from work, so I can still see & nurse my sweet girl during the day (and see my wonderful husband too)

It's still my desire to be a full-time stay at home mom & wife, but in the meantime, I'm grateful.

My Love

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband!!!

You are an incredible dad & your children adore you.
You can always make me laugh.
You're the balance & glue that keeps our family together.

I love you more than you'll ever know :)

Remembering

I read the following words this morning and I was reminded who God is to me. Whether I'm thinking about a baby who went to heaven 5 years ago, the laughter of my sons, the ache of going back to work soon, or the precious alone time I get with my husband right now, God is there. He understands. I'm not alone. I have a Savior who loves me and prays for me. I stand amazed!  

Things You Can Count On Now!

There is a grace that is sufficient;

a mercy that endures;

an atoning blood that cleanses;

a hope that doesn't disappoint; 

a love that never fails;

a purpose that works all things together for the good;

a peace that passes understanding;

a joy unspeakable;

a kingdom unshakable;

a foundation indestructible;

a High Priest who prays;

a Savior who lives;

a Spirit who comforts;

a Father who cares.

Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. 
Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

-Roy Lessin

SHALOM

{photo date should read 03/25/2011}

We spent last week at Shalom with John & Grace. We had great opportunity to reflect on life. Shalom really does live up to its name - peace. Not by coincidence, but because two faithful, prayerful, God-fearing people have dedicated their lives to Christ. They inspire me to be better...for that I'm grateful.

Good Times

My sister-in-law, niece, and nephews (one of which is brand new, born a couple weeks after Alivia) have come to visit. So exciting to see them.
Cousins who missed each other now playing & laughing together.
A beautiful friend's wedding!!
Zebras, Cows & Newborn twin goats.
Alivia was born 2 months ago today.
Sunday lunch w/ wonderful neighbors.
Shalom Ministries in Mound City, KS all next week for some good ol' family time.
Seeing my sister, niece & nephews while we're there & them meeting Alivia for the first time.

God has given me life and it is good.

     John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

Choices

     Relationships are an area that requires people to be intentional. Anything that involves another human being takes work. Too often we become lazy in our relationships with one another. Being a wife & mother are just a couple relationships in my life that require me to choose the other person over myself. Marriage isn't always an easy task. Much change has to take place within myself and I don't always find that kind of change too exciting. Being a mother tends to come naturally for me...most of the time. Sometimes I grow weary of taking care of people who need me everyday. My efforts and willingness to work at a relationship are challenged when things are not easy-when problems arise within one of these relationships and I see who I really am in the midst of conflict.
     I've recognized times where I can be more intentional with my wonderful husband and children. More and more I have understood why love is a choice, especially in marriage. When I've had an argument with my husband or I feel unappreciated, it's easier to be cold than to love. When it seems that every ounce of myself has been used up in a day and my children ask me to play a game or read a story, it takes some effort to spend time with them in that moment. I don't want to lose the opportunity to build these relationships. I can't say that I succeed each time because, lets face it - selfishness gets in the way. No one said relationships would be easy. At the end of the day when everyone is sleeping peacefully in their beds, I'm reminded of the calling I've been given as wife & mom. I become humbled and grateful at the vast responsibility I've been given and I strive to exchange my coldness for love & my selfishness for willingness the next time around.

Coming Together for a Common Goal

I wanted my first post on this blog to be an 'introduction' post, but I was inspired to go a different route.
This morning I was watching The Biggest Loser. There was a challenge where the entire blue team had to work together to pull a rope covered in dirt (not an easy task) across the finish line in order to receive a 5lb advantage or a 5lb disadvantage if they didn't make it in the allotted time. As I watched this group of people struggling together, I became overwhelmed with emotion. The very same people whom the week before were Black vs. Red and were very much separate teams came together in that moment. The fight and perseverance they had in them to press on together was inspiring. I was reminded of  the message from church last night, to be in covenant with one another-to just be there for each other and Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I was able to imagine and see what life could be like when we all come together for one common goal. What it looks like to be a holy people striving for the prize together with no concern for position, just a team. I realized that I'm not alone in this journey called life and I'm so grateful for that.