SSMT Verse 3 & other

I have chosen my next verse for SSMT 2011. Pretty soon you will begin to notice a theme emerging. So, without further ado, I give you verse 3:

"Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

I chose this verse to be more money savvy in 2011. As I glance at my mountain of student loans, revolving debt, our mortgage, car payments, DAYCARE!!! I grow weary very quickly. It seems that each year we have to use our tax refund to pay off debts we've accumulated along the way. This year, I resolve to no longer be a servant to our lenders. I feel quite certain that I can knock a few of these debts out in full with our tax refund, but my student loan debt I may be carrying with me into retirement at this point! (Kyle says, "Well, if you would only stop going to school?!? Okay, so he may have a point, but don't tell him I said so. Is it possible to become addicted to becoming educated? If so, I'm guilty as charged.) Anyway, I hope by meditating on this verse that I will be more quick to pay with cash rather than postponing the inevitable.

(It's not too late to participate if you feel led to do so.Go here to get started.) ***********
In other news, I.Am.Exhausted. We've been fighting germs at our house that just won't go away. In the past 2 weeks, we've had 6 doctor appts (2-Kade, 2-Kohen, 1-Mommy, 1-Daddy). The boys have had RSV while Kyle and I have each had a sinus infection. Can you say "Sick and tired of being sick and tired." Because I am. We are. Sick of being sick. Finally, 3 antibiotics and a Z-pack later (between all of us), I think we are finally on the mend. I'm almost hesitant to say that out loud.

Here are some pics of our sweet boys:

Kohen will be 3 months old soon! I have no idea where the time has gone. It seems like yesterday when I was on my way to the hospital to deliver him.


Here is my sweet Kade helping my mom make me a birthday cake.

Have a blessed week!
Elaine

For my Sweet Friends who are still waiting on their Miracle...

I love this devotional. Love it! If you need a little bit of encouragement (who can't), then look in to subscribing to it. Here is todays:

Waiting in My WingsTags: Courage, Everyday Faith, Hope, Prayer


Waiting has been terribly sweet.

“Because sometimes in the waiting for what we long for, we praise God long when the gift comes at long last. Sometimes God has his people wait long, so our gratitude becomes deeper and wider.” – Ann Voskamp, The Jesse Tree Journey

It was chosen for me – the waiting.

I choose my response.

I grew weary at the amount of “In God’s timing. . .” I’ve heard after these last 5 and half years of deep desire to be called “Mommy.” I know it’s true and best, but those words stirred up ugly responses, like a rake to my tender heart.

But God. . . He has shown me grace, a bent down hug when I stumbled into a pit. He gives me revelation that His perfect timing was not only for me, but my future children – His little children. That someday their story will be in the Book with Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Benjamin, Samson, Samuel, and John. All prayed for and believed for by their parents. All appointed for a miraculous time. All chosen before birth by Our Creator, to a specific job in The Kingdom.

All of these, the ones that were prayed for, longed for, waited for – they all point to Messiah – the One we all waited for. Who has come as promised and will come again. The waiting for His return is long-suffering, but Revelation imagery tells us is worth the wait. More-than-I-can-imagine worthy.

So I wait.

For my gut-wrenching prayers to bathe my sweet babes. . . of knowing, pleasing, revealing Our Father from birth to death, the moment of entrance matters. Every moment matters — the first cry, the best friend, the favorite teacher, the split second almost car wreck, the lifetime kiss that tingles, the True Love of Eternity, the life.

I can step back and know that my years of waiting are only a blink. A wink in the eye of The Lover of My Soul. I can – without seeing – love my children, bless them, and expect them. My first act as mother – to release them to God’s timing. All In God’s Timing.

So I wait.

God’s writers don’t share what these future Mamas, of such pivotal people like Jacob and John, did while they waited. I’m assuming they felt like me. Hopefully expectant, fingers white from gripping truth, faith like a roller coaster, with visions of family around their fire, knowing God will come through on His promises. . . struggling at moments, wondering if they heard correctly when their life looks so different from those surrounding them.

The Soul Counselor tells me it’s worth the wait – for us, for the child, for His Kingdom. The longer I wait the more hope God provides, the closer He becomes, and the more grand the praise is when our child arrives.

To be grouped in with women such as Sarah, Hannah, Rachel, Elizabeth and others is an honor. Friends, neighbors, and the town folk all knew their little miracle was from God. There were no other explanations.

But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31

It’s an effortless moment to soar. Gliding on His plan-winds.

So, for now, I soar. On wings that God Himself has given. Him imparting strength and dignity, full of surprise and blessings. Moments planned when my Momma prayed for me.

I wait. Full of watchful, patient expectation. I trust God. . . and praise Him for the gift I can not yet see, but believe is coming.

By Stephanie Bryant, Co-Founder of (in)courage & Creative Mastermind at S Bryant Social Marketing

Tagged as: faith, hope, trusting God

SSMT #2

I'm a few days late posting this, but here is the second verse I have chosen for the SSMT 2011:

"Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." Proverbs 3:9

Honor the Lord with thy substance--your wealth--and with the firstfruits of all thine increase--the BEST part of everything your land produces.

Again, "Honor the Lord with your wealth..." I've struggled over the years with tithing. I'll be honest, the $ just wasn't there. No matter how I budgeted, I couldn't account for paying our bills and giving 10% of our funds in tithes. I understand now that this is my lack of faith in God's ability to provide for my family's needs. He's working with me on this, and 2011 I will chose to honor him with my wealth. Over the past few weeks, I've really cut back on our excess spending. I have packed my lunch every day for work. We've been cooking more at home. I can see the difference in our bank acct which will allow for me to give 10% to God.

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As a side note, I had to share something with you all that happened to me this week. When I received my weekly pay check, I noticed that it was $50 more than it should have been. I sat at my desk contemplating on whether to question HR about it. The arguement with my conscience went something like this:

Me: "It's not that much money."
Conscience: "It may not be your's."
Me: "I work for a multi-million dollar company."
Conscience: "It's stealing."
Me: "I feel under-appreciated as an employee. What's the harm?"
Conscience: "Call HR. It's wrong not to question it."
Me: "What if I didn't call HR and I am reprimanded once this error is caught?"
Conscience: "Make the call."
Me: "Okay, I'll make the call."

It was a battle of good vs. evil. Ultimately, I followed my gut and did call. Turns out that the money was actually owed to me--a payroll error from when my maternity leave began. I felt so relieved (and proud of myself) for calling--not to mention excited to have $50 I wasn't expecting. You guys will call me crazy, but it was worth it to give it back if it wasn't mine. I would be stealing, and I know how displeasing that would be to the Lord.

The strangest thing happened after that. The same day, I received a check from my obgyn office for $250 where we overpaid for my last pregnancy. Who says honest people finish last? Perhaps we would have gotten this check whether I called HR or not. But, I chose to believe that by following my instincts on my payroll check that the Lord chose to reward me 5 fold.

He's an amazing God.

My Reading Journal

I started a new blog in 2010 to keep record of books I had read. You can find it here. This blog is more of a journal than book review website.

These days, I am finding myself reading mostly young adolescent/young adult literature. My interest is not out of my explicit refusal to embrace my thirty's. I do, however, find YA novels facinating. As a future Language Arts educator I feel it is my reponsibilty to be knowledgeable about some of the books my students will be reading. I also make notes of any parental concerns (sexual content, explicit language, etc.) My reviews are not nearly as detailed as some of the book blogs I've researched. There aren't character narratives or plot spoilers. It's mostly my overall reaction to the novels and any quotes which stood out to me. I document books to keep me reading and improve my writing skills. However, it's still evolving with every novel I add.

I just finished The Hunger Games this week. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

The eastern United States is being pelted by snow. I experienced my first white Christmas in 2010. It was nice.

However, anyone who loves snow has obviously never worked in groceries... banking... or healthcare. I work for a large food distributor in the southeastern US. We NEVER close due to weather conditions. That's just the way it is. We are forced to use what little vacation time we are given for weather... and doctor appointments... and sick kids... and holidays... and any other life circumstances. So, after ten years of employment, I have learned to pick my battles.

I awoke to two, possibly three inches of snow this morning. After much debate and a lot of self-convincing, I decided to work today. However, had I not taken time off last week for my dad's surgery, I would be snuggled in my bed right now. I couldn't afford to use more vacation time so soon. I only have 3 weeks, which may seem like a lot, but I'm here to tell you it isn't. Never-the-less, I have a job, so for that alone I am thankful (and continually reminding myself of since four hours have passed and three more inches of snow have dropped).

Kyle works for a bank who is also open today, albeit they were at least delayed. So, don't worry friends. I will keep you supplied in bread and milk while Kyle oversees your ability to purchase them. Together we can get through the treacherous weather of Winter 2011 :)

By the way, do you ever wonder why its bread and milk? The two staple must-have items for any weather conditions. Odd, yes?

I hope you read that with the sarcasm in which it was written. There may be some *slight* truth to it, but its just the mood I am in today. Aaahhh! If only I could be a child who is giddy at the first sight of flakes! Perhaps as my boys get older my love for snow will reemerge. But for now, friends, it's buried beneath the cold.

My dad's surgery went well last week. His carotid artery was 80% blocked which is the likely culprit of his stroke back in Dec 2010. I am so blessed that he is still here. I wonder if he--the hardest working man I know--is enjoying a snow day? Did I just find my silver lining? Maybe (just maybe) this is God's way of making my dad rest today. For his rest, I too will be thankful.

Stay warm!

Sweet Revelations of 2011...

Wow! If you haven't read this post, you should. I will be first to say I am guilty of the same sin. Thank you Jill, for sharing your heart with us. I love the simplicity of your post and the sincerity of your words. It was a powerful way to remind us all that God frowns upon this type of behavior even when our intentions mean well.

Just moments after I read this post, I was approached by a co-worker who shared something very private with me. I found it so ironic how God immediately chose to test me. If Jill's post hadn't been fresh on my heart, I imagine that my reaction would have been much different.

I will not fail this test, Lord.
Elaine

Happy 2011!

Happy New Year Friends!

I am really looking forward to 2011 and the possibilities that it brings with it, not only for my family but for all of your families. I set some goals for 2011 which I will share with you all below:

For starters, I am participating in this for the FIRST time! While I was out on maternity leave, I fell in love with the 700 Club. I found myself watching it often, and it really encouraged me in areas I needed. I decided that 2011 would be a year of growing closer to the Lord for me. I know memorizing scripture will be stepping stones into that type of relationship with the Lord. So, I found what I feel is the perfect first verse (for me):

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." --Joshua 1:8, KJV

I also really like the NIV version of the same verse. It seems a little more simplified:

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Another goal for 2011 is to make alone time for myself and Kyle. With daycare costs, I don't foresee the ability to take an extended extravagant vacation in the near future. However, we have surmised a compromise of sorts. For instance, Feb 4 we will be attending the Jason Aldean concert and staying overnight here. Greensboro is only about 2 hours away from where we live, but it will be a night away for just the two of us. I can't begin to tell you how excited we are! We really hope to take several mini-vacations in 2011.

My classes start back up next week. My goal is to do my best this semester and stop fretting over an imperfect GPA. My absolute best is good enough.

Every year, I set a goal of drinking more water. I fail miserably, but I feel compelled to include it again this year. I am drinking a bottle of water now, so that's a descent start, right?

Given the events as of late with my daddy's health, I also hope that Kyle and I will eat better, healthier in 2011. So, I kissed goodbye to fast food for a while. I was sad at first, but I have survived.

There are other trivial goals, but I'll bore you no longer. Wishing you all a prosperous, healthy 2011.

Update...part 2

So, right after I did this post, my life sort of spiraled out of control. My dad suffered a stroke on Dec. 16 which left us all caught by surprise. He is (Praise God) recovering amazingly well, even though he has to have surgery Jan 5 on his coratid artery that is 80% blocked. Here is a picture of my dad holding Kohen when he was born.



My sweet husband, Kyle, graduated with his Master's Degree on Dec. 20 from Gardner Webb University! I am sooooooo very proud of him!



Our nephew, Alex flew in from Montana to spend Christmas with our family. We hadn't seen him in over a year! Look how grown up he is...

Alex with Aunt Lisa (my sister-in-law)and Dawson (our nephew)

Alex was suppose to fly back to Montana today, but decided it was more important to have an emergency appendectomy. Here he is after surgery:


I'll save Christmas for a post of its own in the near future. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and may you have a prosperous New Year!

It's been a while... Part 1

It's been a terribly long time since I last blogged. In fact, the last time I wrote, this is what I looked like:


Things have been very busy for us. This will be the first of several "catching up" posts.

For starters, we welcomed this little man into our family on Nov 10.

He arrived via scheduled c-section at 7:48 a.m. weighing 7 lbs 8 oz and 20.5 inches long. Since his name also starts with a K, I can't call him Baby K. Soooo... We named him Kohen. He now is 5 weeks old, which seems unbelievable to me. It's truly crazy how quickly time has gone by.

Here is big brother, Kade (aka Baby K).


He has adjusted so much better than I anticipated he would. I thought he would be really jealous of his dad and I holding his baby brother. However, to my surprise he hasn't been.

I have received several emails asking me to update our blog. Thank you to those of you who have asked. I remember all to well how bittersweet these posts were for me. It was especially difficult during the holiday season. So, I chose to blog very little about our pregnancy. Just because I have climbed out of the depths of infertility doesn't mean I have forgotten how it feels. [Let me remind my readers that my climb out took 5 years] It wasn't easy; it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, and if I had to go through it again, I'm not sure how I could do it. But, in hindsight...I am so thankful for my journey. I have learned so much about myself, about my husband and our marriage, about my strength, and about our Lord.

I've met so many wonderful people who I count among the blessings I've received from infertility. There was a time I would have never thought I could be blessed by all the heartache, but I am so thankful for it. I was closer to God when he denied me my every hearts desire, and I'm currently journeying back to have that relationship with Him.

More to come...

Some Thoughts...

I finally finished up my Summer Semester! I am currently on a short break before the Fall Semester begins, so I have spent many evenings catching up on house chores I let fall to the side while I concentrated on school. I have also came home each day from work and taken a short nap. I think I once underestimated the power of sleep. It's funny how when you feel as if you aren't getting any, you are gently reminded that your body needs rest--it's something you should make time for even when you feel as if there aren't enough hours in the day.

I'll also make a small confession here: I'm weary. My heart is so heavy for several friends right now, some of which are you. Does it feel like every where you look that the world is in turmoil? People are hurting...and it really breaks my heart to feel this powerless over certain circumstances. Patience has never been a strong virtue of mine. (I prayed for patience once, and it took my five years to become pregnant with my son. I vowed never again to pray for patience.) The truth is that waiting on God to answer your prayers is so hard... especially when your heart is aching and you seek immediate relief. I know that we are to seek refuge at the foot of the cross; that should be enough. However, the human aspect of us all often wonders what to do next when that doesn't feel like it's enough.

A good friend once told me that "we as humans are conditioned to always want more." I've found that to be true. I once thought that having a baby would complete my life and it would be all I ever needed in my life. Yet, I recently have found myself dissatisfied with "worldly" possessions. I am really unhappy with my job; I don't like my appearance; I have new car fever... see? I always want more. When is God's best going to be good enough for me?

This is just a post which has been laying on my heart lately. It could possibly be hormone related or that I am simply emotionally and physically exhausted. I just feel a huge burden for us all right now, and it makes me anxiously await the return of Christ, so that all of these trials and tribulations are things of the past.

Pulling out my hair...

This is what I look like lately...aside from the perfectly pressed clothes and accessories. I have also forgone applying makeup.

I am having a terribly hard semester at school! My professor has extremely unrealistic expectations for a 5 week course, especially for students who have class 3 nights per week and also work full time jobs. I'm usually really good with managing my time to prioritize work, family, school... As of today, I've never felt so overwhelmed in my life by a single course.

If you are curious as to where I've been, all of my free time is consumed with school assignments right now. As mentioned, I have class 3 nights per week and I haven't been to bed before midnight in weeks. Add in that my son is still waking once per night and that I am now 23 weeks pregnant, and you will end up with one extremely exhausted mommy who is about to burst at any given moment!

However, this class will not defeat me... I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...it's dim, but it's there!

...please join me in prayer.

I wanted to ask you all to please join me in praying for my sweet friend Joannah. She is one of the strongest women I have ever known. Life is just being unbearably (what we would call) "unfair" to her. Despite life's many adversities, she gives God the praise He deserves in good/bad times. Like many of us, she has battled infertility. Also, just four months ago, she lost her husband to cancer. Joannah, being the incredibly brave and strong woman she is, decided to move forward with a frozen embryo transfer from when she and her husband were undergoing IVF. Yesterday she went in for her first beta which was 14. On Saturday, Joannah goes in for her 2nd beta, and her small army of prayer warriors are praying for increased levels. Will you please join me on my knees in the days ahead?

I'm in love...

...with this icecream! Have you tried it? Seriously, people, it's the best thing I've ever tasted! It tastes so much like birthday cake! If you like birthday cake, your taste buds will be in Heaven! Last night, I grabbed this out of the freezer and just started eating it stait from the carton. (Don't judge! I'm the only one eating from it!) After a while--okay, a long while--K walks over and takes the spoon from my hand and the icecream away. I think I almost cried, even though I am quite certain I would have eaten the entire carton if he hadn't came to my rescue. And did I mention it's 1/3 less fat!?! I'm usually not a healthy eater and shy away from anything with the words "Reduced" or "Less" on them. I have to admit, this stuff tastes like it's packed full with sugar and calories (all the good yummy things!), so even I was in disbelief Edy's could pull it off! Go get ya some! You can thank me later!

Tonight I start back school. I will have teaching methods for middle grades geometry for 3 hrs/3 nights per week. Yippee! [*insert sarcasm*] Good thing that my school is next to




and they have the best milkshakes around! And guess what?...they now have Birthday Cake Milkshakes for a limited time only. That should help get the brain juices flowing for 3 hrs worth of geometry!

I hope this week is being sweet to you!

Feel Good Monday Moment...

Here is your "Awe...how sweet" for Monday! This brought tears to my eyes! Enjoy!



This is 8 month old Jonathan (who was born deaf) when he hears his mommy's voice for the very first time! Medical miracles happen every day. I'm sure this too was once thought to be impossible!

I had a pleasant surprise in my inbox today. Katy sent me the sweetest email. Many of you have likely received one similar...someone in the world is reaching out to you telling you that your blog (and your journey becoming a parent) is inspiring to them. That's when you realize that your pain and heartache has been worth it all, isn't it? After chatting via email, I have to tell you all that she is just the sweetest girl, going through the toughest time right now. A time that most of us can relate to and use to encourage her. So, this post is calling out to my fellow IF'rs (new or old to the journey) to show her some love on her new blog:

http://myfaithlooksup.blogspot.com

Don't you just love the name she chose for her blog? I can already tell that God is going to do amazing things with her story...and that she will be an inspiration to someone else one day. Katy, you just keep your faith Girl! We are all here to support you through this!

If you are reading this and you are a lurker who is still waiting, please comment below so I can update my reader list of "Praying Partners." I can remember when most of the Answered Prayers were listed under the "Praying Partners," and I told Katy that it proved to me God is still in the miracle making business.

So, whatcha waiting for? Go give her a big ol' hug!

Elaine

Just wanted to let you know....

Grrr....

My poll over --------------------> wasn't working, so I had to take it down. When it was last working, I believe the vote was 3 Girls and 2 Boys... So you must cast your vote in the comment section below. Sorry for the inconvenience to you all, but I hope you play along anyway :)

Elaine

A Little of This...A Little of That...

We are very excited to find out on June 24 if we are having a 2nd little boy or a little girl. I have added a poll over -----------------------> Be sure to cast your vote now.


Have you tried this?



It's very yummy! Also, I have found that I am in love with all things vanilla this summer, including these:


They smell so good and will only be around for a short time, so be sure to stop by your local Bath & Body Works and sniff them all!

Because of my revived loved for Vanilla, I've also been addicted to these:


Other than these new developments, not a lot of exciting things going on in the K household. I hope you are all doing well!

Elaine

First Haircut 06/08/10

Here Baby K is getting ready for his big haircut! He has already decided this isn't going to be fun! Still crying!!! Is she finished yet, Mommy? Paw Paw didn't know what he was getting in to!

Teething Bites!

TEETHING BITES!!!!

Baby K is cutting all 4 of his baby molars at once. So, life at the K household has been a bit irritable, dramatic, and sleep deprived. He won't eat anything! Since he won't eat anything, he is waking from hunger. He is waking 4-5 times per night. At times I will go in to rock him to back to sleep and check his diaper. At times, I am making him just cry it out. This is heart breaking, but necessary. NO ONE is happy in the K household at this moment.

I have tried alternating Ty.lenol and Mot.rin. We have tried teething tablets--which some people swear by, but I honestly have no clue what they could do. [Have you ever tried those yourself?] He is refusing cold foods such as popsicles, ice cream, jello, or chilled fruit. We even bought some

What a rip off!!!!! This stuff is $13 for a six pack. You can buy six packs of other things *cough, cough* cheaper than that! He took one drink and refused it. He will drink juice and regular milk, but I am getting really concerned about his not eating.

The only thing I haven't tried is Orajel! He is already drooling terribly, and I have read that Orajel makes babies drool even more and can produce a choking hazard.

What worked for your toddler? Are there any remedies out there I can try to provide relief? What should I do about the refusal to eat? Advice welcome!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! It's going to be in the 90's here in NC! I love summer :) I am now 16 weeks pregnant. I still haven't felt new Baby K move, but am anticipating that any day now!

Elaine