In a previous post, I wrote about a job opportunity for Joe with Glidden Paint. He had the interview with the last person and his being offered the position was contingent on him passing a background check and a drug test. So Joe completed all the paperwork and the drug test and we waited and prayed...
Then Joe got a phone call that the company doing the background check couldn't find any record of him working at a particular restaurant (where he worked for about 5 years!) or record of him attending culinary school. Bizarre! So Joe had to fax over documentation proving that he had indeed been employed and received his degree. And we waited and prayed some more...
Joe got another phone call saying that his drug test was incomplete because the nurse at the facility failed to get Joe to sign some documentation allowing them to release the results. So Joe had to take a second drug test. We waited and prayed...
And finally today, Joe got the call that the job was his!! Praise God!! Joe starts this new position on March 17th, and will attend a sales meeting in Orlando, FL the following week! How exciting!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Babymoon
This weekend, Joe and I went on a spontaneous "Babymoon"!! We booked a hotel for Friday night and drove down to Ocean City for some much-needed time away. On Saturday morning, I woke just in time to watch the sun rise over the ocean, right from our bed. I have always wanted to watch the sun rise over the beach with my special someone, so this was one of my "little girl dreams" come true. I was so excited!! Joe didn't quite "get it" because he's not a morning person, but watching the sunrise with him just made my day!
After a brief and VERY COLD walk on the beach (like 20 degrees cold!), we checked out and started our day by heading to Old Pro Golf and playing a round of mini golf, one of our favorite things to do together. At the end of the game, there was a chance to win a free game by hitting the ball into a small hole at the bottom of this tiki-torch thingy (see pic). And who won the free game?! ME!! Joe was in shock! Especially since when we went on a mini-vacation in August and played, I also won the free game at the end. :) Guess I'm just lucky!
February has been a rough month for us. Joe started working the overnight shift and time together has been strained, as we've been operating on different sleep and work schedules. We've had trouble trying to find time where we are both at our best so that we can have quality time together. But this weekend was wonderful! I had so much fun with my husband and I'm so glad we took time out to be spontaneous together! I feel like our marriage was recharged and we were able to get away from the ordinary to reconnect.
Even in this difficult season when it's easy to get frustrated with each other, God is faithful. We are continuing to trust God and pray for His will in our lives. And should this season continue longer than we'd like, I know that God will see us through. One thing I have learned is to truly appreciate my husband: to appreciate that he is willing to do whatever it takes to work hard and support our family; to appreciate how he does help me out around the house and do the little things that I sometimes take for granted; and to appreciate the time we do have together and to make the most of every moment.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Wedding Photos
While I have been attempting to compile our wedding album for several months, I FINALLY got all our wedding pictures organized into a photo album on Shutterfly and I ordered the photo book today. At least it's done before our one-year anniversary (next month) and before Baby comes! Maybe I should start his baby album now? Hmm...
Check out our wedding photo album here: Sarah & Joe's Wedding Album
Friday, February 7, 2014
A Solid Foundation
One thing I was looking forward to in marriage was stability. I looked forward to being married and having someone to come home to and depend on, a house to clean and maintain, a life to build and make our own. I guess I wanted the "hum-drum" of married life, to settle into a routine of work, eat, play, sleep, repeat with my husband, to be predictable. To be secure in my situation and know that life was good.
But...maybe I was relying too much on this idea of stability instead of the One who has the ability to keep me stable in all circumstances; relying too much on the hope for security in unreliable people and situations instead of my Hope when people and circumstances fail me and things seem hopeless.
Since getting married, we have faced one thing after the other and have yet to find the "stability" in our lives that I hoped would come. In our marriage, our house, our jobs, our family - everything has kept changing from the moment we said 'I do'. Looking back over this past year, I feel like every month brought a new trial or change of some sort. But there has been one thing that has never changed through all the craziness...
Joe's last day as a Bosch Sales Rep was January 28th. Until his last day, we didn't know what the next step would be. He had applied for different jobs with no open doors. Close to the breaking point, Joe was offered a full-time position with the Home Depot Merchandising team, but it was hardly ideal. It's the overnight shift, the pay is minimal, and the commute is up to an hour each way. Nevertheless, he agreed to take it, because something was better than nothing and he has a family to provide for now. He started this job this past Monday, February 3rd. To say it has been a rough week in the Mentzer house would be an understatement. But it has made us appreciate each other a lot more and the time that we do have together!
Even though Joe has this job (and we are thankful!), we have been praying for the right opportunity to come Joe's way. On Joe's last day with Bosch, he was approached by a District Manager for Glidden Paint and this man told Joe he wanted him to work as a sales rep for Glidden and encouraged him to apply online for the job. Joe did apply and we continued to pray and wait, trusting God for His timing and provision. Joe had an interview this morning with Glidden Paint and things went really well. The pay is more than what he was making with Bosch and some other perks of this job - a company car (with a gas card and insurance!), cell phone, laptop, and health benefits with a 401K plan. He has to meet with one more executive and win him over to finalize his employment with Glidden and start sometime in February. I'm not trying to brag about how amazing this job is, but just to show that GOD IS FAITHFUL to provide all that we need, sometimes better than we can imagine, even if that provision comes out of a bad circumstance!! We are trusting God for his favor and to open this door for Joe, if it be His will.
I said before that in spite of all the craziness we have faced in our lives, there has been one thing that has never changed...and that is the faithfulness of God. When I didn't know what to do or how to handle a situation, I have continued to learn to turn to God - for the big and the little things - and to trust His plan. When things looked hopeless, He was my Hope. When things got wobbly, He made us stable.
I'm reminded of the story of building on a solid foundation in Matthew 7:24-27:
As Christians, our goal should be to be stable, not in and of ourselves, but because we have built our lives upon a solid foundation, Christ Jesus. This year as newlyweds, Joe and I have faced some storms, but we have decided to build our lives on the foundation of Christ. And God has seen us through every single storm that has tried to destroy us. 1 Peter 5:10 says, "In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." I can look back and say that God has been the stability that I have longed for. He has been the firm foundation that we have fallen hard on these past several months. Sure, it hasn't been easy or fun, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Joe and I have grown closer to each other and in our relationships with God. And I wouldn't exchange that for all the money, stability or security this world can offer.
But...maybe I was relying too much on this idea of stability instead of the One who has the ability to keep me stable in all circumstances; relying too much on the hope for security in unreliable people and situations instead of my Hope when people and circumstances fail me and things seem hopeless.
Since getting married, we have faced one thing after the other and have yet to find the "stability" in our lives that I hoped would come. In our marriage, our house, our jobs, our family - everything has kept changing from the moment we said 'I do'. Looking back over this past year, I feel like every month brought a new trial or change of some sort. But there has been one thing that has never changed through all the craziness...
Joe's last day as a Bosch Sales Rep was January 28th. Until his last day, we didn't know what the next step would be. He had applied for different jobs with no open doors. Close to the breaking point, Joe was offered a full-time position with the Home Depot Merchandising team, but it was hardly ideal. It's the overnight shift, the pay is minimal, and the commute is up to an hour each way. Nevertheless, he agreed to take it, because something was better than nothing and he has a family to provide for now. He started this job this past Monday, February 3rd. To say it has been a rough week in the Mentzer house would be an understatement. But it has made us appreciate each other a lot more and the time that we do have together!
Even though Joe has this job (and we are thankful!), we have been praying for the right opportunity to come Joe's way. On Joe's last day with Bosch, he was approached by a District Manager for Glidden Paint and this man told Joe he wanted him to work as a sales rep for Glidden and encouraged him to apply online for the job. Joe did apply and we continued to pray and wait, trusting God for His timing and provision. Joe had an interview this morning with Glidden Paint and things went really well. The pay is more than what he was making with Bosch and some other perks of this job - a company car (with a gas card and insurance!), cell phone, laptop, and health benefits with a 401K plan. He has to meet with one more executive and win him over to finalize his employment with Glidden and start sometime in February. I'm not trying to brag about how amazing this job is, but just to show that GOD IS FAITHFUL to provide all that we need, sometimes better than we can imagine, even if that provision comes out of a bad circumstance!! We are trusting God for his favor and to open this door for Joe, if it be His will.
I said before that in spite of all the craziness we have faced in our lives, there has been one thing that has never changed...and that is the faithfulness of God. When I didn't know what to do or how to handle a situation, I have continued to learn to turn to God - for the big and the little things - and to trust His plan. When things looked hopeless, He was my Hope. When things got wobbly, He made us stable.
I'm reminded of the story of building on a solid foundation in Matthew 7:24-27:
“Anyone who listens to my [Jesus'] teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
As Christians, our goal should be to be stable, not in and of ourselves, but because we have built our lives upon a solid foundation, Christ Jesus. This year as newlyweds, Joe and I have faced some storms, but we have decided to build our lives on the foundation of Christ. And God has seen us through every single storm that has tried to destroy us. 1 Peter 5:10 says, "In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." I can look back and say that God has been the stability that I have longed for. He has been the firm foundation that we have fallen hard on these past several months. Sure, it hasn't been easy or fun, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Joe and I have grown closer to each other and in our relationships with God. And I wouldn't exchange that for all the money, stability or security this world can offer.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Gender Reveal!
We had our gender reveal party today to find out with our families and friends if we are having a boy or a girl! It was so much fun!! We had a cake made at Yia Yia's Bakery (the same bakery that did our wedding cake). When we had our sonogram on January 13th, we had the sonographer write the gender on a piece of paper and stick it in an envelope. We immediately took the envelope to Yia Yia's for them to make our gender reveal cake. If it was a girl, the cake would be pink; if it was a boy, the inside would be blue.
It was a loooong week, waiting to find out what our little one would be!! But it was so worth it! Joe and I both thought for sure it was a boy, and my parents thought it was a boy, but Joe's family insisted it was a girl...When we cut the cake, I screamed and did a happy dance - we were so excited to find out it was a BOY!! Can't wait to welcome our Little Man!!
It was a loooong week, waiting to find out what our little one would be!! But it was so worth it! Joe and I both thought for sure it was a boy, and my parents thought it was a boy, but Joe's family insisted it was a girl...When we cut the cake, I screamed and did a happy dance - we were so excited to find out it was a BOY!! Can't wait to welcome our Little Man!!
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| Our gender reveal cake |
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| Joe and I about to cut the cake! |
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| Showing my sister on Skype that it's BLUE!! |
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| It's a BOY!! |
Monday, January 13, 2014
Womb with a View
Here's a couple sonogram pictures of Baby M. We can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl and meet him or her!!
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| Baby M gives us a 'thumbs up'! |
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| Baby M's Profile |
Thursday, January 9, 2014
The Struggle
Yesterday was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I woke up feeling hopeful and excited about what's coming for our family (even though I have NO IDEA what's coming!). I feel like we're on the edge of something big. You ever feel like that? This excitement for something even if you don't quite know what that something is? So most of the day I felt like that - full of hope and trusting that God's got a good plan for us.
And then I got a phone call from a good friend who is a new mom and she told me about an event during the day that she got to do with her baby. No big deal, right? But it just hit me when she said something along the lines of how I'll be able to do it too, soon enough. I thought to myself, No, not really. Because I'll have to work full-time AND be a mommy. I'll be in my office, while all the stay-at-home moms are home holding their babies and making the most of every moment with them. Please don't think I have any hard feelings towards this mom or any other stay-at-home moms. I think it is a wonderful blessing to be a stay-at-home mom and take care of your family!! My mom was a SAH mom for years and she was able to home-school me and my siblings. I just always thought I would be a stay-at-home mom too; I never thought I'd find myself in this place where the reality is that I'll have to work full-time and find the balance between work and family.
On our way home from work, I expressed these concerns to my husband and I just burst into tears. I told him I'm afraid of missing something. What if I miss the first word, or I miss the first steps, or the other "big things" in the life of our baby? My husband of course tried to comfort me and calm me down. (What is he supposed to say, really?) He reminded me that God is in control and has a plan, that I need to not be ruled by my emotions, even if I am pregnant and hormonal. {Thank God for a godly husband who can help me get the right perspective!}
Something my mom would always tell me was that if I wait for the perfect circumstances to do something (like have a baby), then I'd never do it. There's never a "perfect" time to have a baby or do anything else you dream of doing. There's always going to be something that will hold you back - finances, fear, whatever. God knew the timing of this little baby's arrival and he knew where Joe and I stand with our finances and whatnot. It's not the "perfect" time according to us to have a baby, but it is God's "perfect" timing for us to bring this little one into the world. He knew about this long before we did. And He has a plan - "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (Jeremiah 29:11) Despite how I might feel today, I know God is good. He is able to comfort my heart and help me to find balance in work and family, to be a good mom when I have to be apart from my little one. He is able to provide for all our needs - the financial, the physical, the emotional. He is more than enough!
And then I got a phone call from a good friend who is a new mom and she told me about an event during the day that she got to do with her baby. No big deal, right? But it just hit me when she said something along the lines of how I'll be able to do it too, soon enough. I thought to myself, No, not really. Because I'll have to work full-time AND be a mommy. I'll be in my office, while all the stay-at-home moms are home holding their babies and making the most of every moment with them. Please don't think I have any hard feelings towards this mom or any other stay-at-home moms. I think it is a wonderful blessing to be a stay-at-home mom and take care of your family!! My mom was a SAH mom for years and she was able to home-school me and my siblings. I just always thought I would be a stay-at-home mom too; I never thought I'd find myself in this place where the reality is that I'll have to work full-time and find the balance between work and family.
On our way home from work, I expressed these concerns to my husband and I just burst into tears. I told him I'm afraid of missing something. What if I miss the first word, or I miss the first steps, or the other "big things" in the life of our baby? My husband of course tried to comfort me and calm me down. (What is he supposed to say, really?) He reminded me that God is in control and has a plan, that I need to not be ruled by my emotions, even if I am pregnant and hormonal. {Thank God for a godly husband who can help me get the right perspective!}
Something my mom would always tell me was that if I wait for the perfect circumstances to do something (like have a baby), then I'd never do it. There's never a "perfect" time to have a baby or do anything else you dream of doing. There's always going to be something that will hold you back - finances, fear, whatever. God knew the timing of this little baby's arrival and he knew where Joe and I stand with our finances and whatnot. It's not the "perfect" time according to us to have a baby, but it is God's "perfect" timing for us to bring this little one into the world. He knew about this long before we did. And He has a plan - "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (Jeremiah 29:11) Despite how I might feel today, I know God is good. He is able to comfort my heart and help me to find balance in work and family, to be a good mom when I have to be apart from my little one. He is able to provide for all our needs - the financial, the physical, the emotional. He is more than enough!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Fall 2013 Update!
A lot has happened since my last post in September 2013!!
1. On September 28th, I took a pregnancy test...and it was POSITIVE!!! After being obedient to stop taking birth control in July, we are expecting an addition to our family in June 2014!! We were both a little surprised and Joe was super excited!!
2. That same week (October 3rd), we started our bathroom remodel project. God made a way and provided every penny we needed to complete it DEBT FREE!! Praise God! (See before and after pics below.)
1. On September 28th, I took a pregnancy test...and it was POSITIVE!!! After being obedient to stop taking birth control in July, we are expecting an addition to our family in June 2014!! We were both a little surprised and Joe was super excited!!
2. That same week (October 3rd), we started our bathroom remodel project. God made a way and provided every penny we needed to complete it DEBT FREE!! Praise God! (See before and after pics below.)
3. A couple weeks after finding out we were pregnant and in the midst of bathroom remodeling, Joe got a phone call saying his job position would be terminated. This was a surprise to both of us (since he just started this job in August). We are continuing to pray for wisdom and direction, believing for God to see us through and provide for our needs.
4. We celebrated our first married holidays in our home this year. We hosted Thanksgiving dinner with family and celebrated Christmas together, visiting both families after opening our gifts to each other.
Now on to 2014!! I am looking forward to all that God has in store for us this year!! He has been so faithful to us. I know He has a good plan for us and He'll see us through any trials we may face. I am thankful for all He's done, and for the family and friends we have beside us on this journey. The best is yet to come...
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
#ISaidYes
I haven't blogged lately, but here I am, on the final week of the Yes to God Bible study with Proverbs31 Ministries. It's been a great study and God has done a lot in my heart these past 6 weeks. I can't put everything in to words, but I am growing, even if it seems slow and painful at times. God has been faithful and is revealing Himself to me in different ways. He's not finished with me yet - I am a work in progress, on my way to being a woman who says "Yes" to God.
One of the options for the Blog Hop this week was to share what I have said 'yes' to and what led to my decision of obedience. I thought about this on my drive in to work today and the Lord brought a few instances to memory. They aren't huge "Yes" moments, but I'll share them with you and hope you are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and be obedient, too.
Excuse Me...
The first 'yes' moment happened after Joe and I were married and I needed to change my drivers license to reflect my new name and address. I had taken off work on this particular Friday and we were going to get 'er done and then spend the rest of the day together. We arrived at the MVA, waited in line until they opened, and when we got inside, I was told that I needed a certified copy of my marriage license, one with the embossed seal; the paper I had was not going to work. I was frustrated and annoyed that we needed to go to the courthouse (about 30 minutes away) to get certified copies before returning to MVA to wait in line again.
So off to the courthouse we went. Joe parked in a garage not close to the courthouse so we had about a 15-20 minute walk to the courthouse and back through the city. We got copies and started the walk back to the car. So here I am, trying to make the best of this situation, when the day didn't go as I planned, and I'm trying my hardest to be positive. At least Joe and I are together and it's not raining.
Then all of a sudden, my thoughts are interrupted by an older woman with her arm in a sling. She asked if we could help her to her car and shut the door for her, as she was not able to use her left arm. Joe, being the gentleman he is, said, "Of course!" and we followed her the short distance to her car. Walking over, I felt a nudge to pray for her. Now, I don't usually do that, ask people if I can pray with them. But I did and she said she would love that. So right there - in the middle of a parking lot - in the middle of a day that didn't go as I planned - I prayed with her. When I finished she just looked at me with a big smile and told us she was a believer too and believed in the the power of prayer. She thanked us and we went on our way.
I felt so ALIVE! My heart was beating hard in my chest and I was so excited!! It was thrilling to do that, to step out of my comfort zone, and say 'yes' to the little nudge of the Spirit.
Can You Help Me...
Another 'yes' moment was similar, except this time fast forward a few months and Joe and I were on the parking lot of Home Depot, getting ready to buy some things for our home. A woman approached Joe, said she was homeless and asked for money to get something to eat. One, we don't usually carry cash, and two, we don't usually give to anyone who asks for money (we give to our church that supports homeless ministries, etc).
But this day, Joe started to walk away to catch up to me, and when I asked what happened, he explained. So we called her back and walked over to her. We told her we didn't have any cash to give her (we really didn't), but I asked if we could pray with her. She agreed and we prayed. It was easier this time to say yes to the slight nudge of the Spirit.
I don't know what happened to this woman, but I know that a seed was planted in her life. I thought of the time when Peter and John were approached by a beggar and they told him, "Silver and gold, have I none, but such as I have I give thee". That's how I felt that day - no money to spare, but Joe and I gave her what we had - a simple prayer, a reminder that the God of the universe cared about her.
It's Not About Me...
Thinking about these moments this morning, I remembered how great it felt to do this, to be obedient to pray with a stranger, and truly believe for God to intervene in their lives. I was encouraged this morning, to know that God had used me because I was obedient. And He can use me again. It's not about me, but about my choosing to be obedient and allow God to work through me. I am reminded of the quote from Lysa TerKeurst on page 45 of her book:
It's not just about what my disobedience will cause me to miss, but what it will cause others to miss. What if those two women needed encouragement, or needed to know that God cares, and I missed it and didn't pray with them? Would God have used someone else? Would I have missed a blessing? Or worse yet, caused someone else to miss a blessing?
Timing is Everything...
My last 'yes' moment I'll share with you happened a couple years ago. I had been praying about giving money to a single mother in our church to help her buy school supplies for her four children. I wanted it to be God-inspired and not just my own selfish desire to do good. So I prayed about it for a couple weeks until I felt the go-ahead from God. I put $50 in a card, wrote a note, and gave it to this mom at church one Sunday morning. A few minutes later, she came running up to me with tears in her eyes, gave me a hug and kept saying thank you. She told me just earlier that morning in Sunday School, she requested prayer for finances to help buy school supplies for her kids. I walked away amazed - God had seemingly answered her prayer immediately, but God had been working on my heart for a couple weeks, to answer her prayer right on time. I said 'yes' to God, and we were both blessed.
One of the options for the Blog Hop this week was to share what I have said 'yes' to and what led to my decision of obedience. I thought about this on my drive in to work today and the Lord brought a few instances to memory. They aren't huge "Yes" moments, but I'll share them with you and hope you are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and be obedient, too.
Excuse Me...
The first 'yes' moment happened after Joe and I were married and I needed to change my drivers license to reflect my new name and address. I had taken off work on this particular Friday and we were going to get 'er done and then spend the rest of the day together. We arrived at the MVA, waited in line until they opened, and when we got inside, I was told that I needed a certified copy of my marriage license, one with the embossed seal; the paper I had was not going to work. I was frustrated and annoyed that we needed to go to the courthouse (about 30 minutes away) to get certified copies before returning to MVA to wait in line again.
So off to the courthouse we went. Joe parked in a garage not close to the courthouse so we had about a 15-20 minute walk to the courthouse and back through the city. We got copies and started the walk back to the car. So here I am, trying to make the best of this situation, when the day didn't go as I planned, and I'm trying my hardest to be positive. At least Joe and I are together and it's not raining.
Then all of a sudden, my thoughts are interrupted by an older woman with her arm in a sling. She asked if we could help her to her car and shut the door for her, as she was not able to use her left arm. Joe, being the gentleman he is, said, "Of course!" and we followed her the short distance to her car. Walking over, I felt a nudge to pray for her. Now, I don't usually do that, ask people if I can pray with them. But I did and she said she would love that. So right there - in the middle of a parking lot - in the middle of a day that didn't go as I planned - I prayed with her. When I finished she just looked at me with a big smile and told us she was a believer too and believed in the the power of prayer. She thanked us and we went on our way.
I felt so ALIVE! My heart was beating hard in my chest and I was so excited!! It was thrilling to do that, to step out of my comfort zone, and say 'yes' to the little nudge of the Spirit.
Can You Help Me...
Another 'yes' moment was similar, except this time fast forward a few months and Joe and I were on the parking lot of Home Depot, getting ready to buy some things for our home. A woman approached Joe, said she was homeless and asked for money to get something to eat. One, we don't usually carry cash, and two, we don't usually give to anyone who asks for money (we give to our church that supports homeless ministries, etc).
But this day, Joe started to walk away to catch up to me, and when I asked what happened, he explained. So we called her back and walked over to her. We told her we didn't have any cash to give her (we really didn't), but I asked if we could pray with her. She agreed and we prayed. It was easier this time to say yes to the slight nudge of the Spirit.
I don't know what happened to this woman, but I know that a seed was planted in her life. I thought of the time when Peter and John were approached by a beggar and they told him, "Silver and gold, have I none, but such as I have I give thee". That's how I felt that day - no money to spare, but Joe and I gave her what we had - a simple prayer, a reminder that the God of the universe cared about her.
It's Not About Me...
Thinking about these moments this morning, I remembered how great it felt to do this, to be obedient to pray with a stranger, and truly believe for God to intervene in their lives. I was encouraged this morning, to know that God had used me because I was obedient. And He can use me again. It's not about me, but about my choosing to be obedient and allow God to work through me. I am reminded of the quote from Lysa TerKeurst on page 45 of her book:
"We need not fear what our obedience will cause to happen in our life.
We should only fear what our disobedience will cause us to miss."
It's not just about what my disobedience will cause me to miss, but what it will cause others to miss. What if those two women needed encouragement, or needed to know that God cares, and I missed it and didn't pray with them? Would God have used someone else? Would I have missed a blessing? Or worse yet, caused someone else to miss a blessing?
Timing is Everything...
My last 'yes' moment I'll share with you happened a couple years ago. I had been praying about giving money to a single mother in our church to help her buy school supplies for her four children. I wanted it to be God-inspired and not just my own selfish desire to do good. So I prayed about it for a couple weeks until I felt the go-ahead from God. I put $50 in a card, wrote a note, and gave it to this mom at church one Sunday morning. A few minutes later, she came running up to me with tears in her eyes, gave me a hug and kept saying thank you. She told me just earlier that morning in Sunday School, she requested prayer for finances to help buy school supplies for her kids. I walked away amazed - God had seemingly answered her prayer immediately, but God had been working on my heart for a couple weeks, to answer her prayer right on time. I said 'yes' to God, and we were both blessed.
When we are radically obedient, choosing to say yes to God and give what is not ours to begin with - God blesses us and all those involved. Sometimes, He lets us see the whole picture - like the money for school supplies. Sometimes He just wants us to be obedient and trust His plan - like praying for a stranger. He wants us to be blessed and be a blessing by just being radically obedient.
How will you say 'yes' to God today?
Monday, August 19, 2013
Don't wanna miss a thing!
It's Monday. And I'm already looking forward to this weekend. Why? 1) It's my birthday on Saturday! and 2) Joe and I are going away for the weekend! Our first time away since getting married and it's possible now since he changed jobs and has weekends off! So I'm just a little excited!!!
But I was sitting here thinking to myself, 'Here I am already wishing for this week to fly by so I can get to next weekend and enjoy being away at the ocean.' God pricked my heart. Here I am, wishing my life away. I can get so caught up in my own life and what I'm doing that I can miss it - miss what God has for me, what He's speaking to me in His still small voice.
Lord, I don't want to miss a chance to say yes to You this week, in the midst of my excitement. I want to see You; I want to hear You. Let me know You more this week, in the middle of my busy life. Let me find You, in the middle of doing laundry, vacuuming, or washing dishes. I invite You to interrupt me this week. Amen.
But I was sitting here thinking to myself, 'Here I am already wishing for this week to fly by so I can get to next weekend and enjoy being away at the ocean.' God pricked my heart. Here I am, wishing my life away. I can get so caught up in my own life and what I'm doing that I can miss it - miss what God has for me, what He's speaking to me in His still small voice.
Lord, I don't want to miss a chance to say yes to You this week, in the midst of my excitement. I want to see You; I want to hear You. Let me know You more this week, in the middle of my busy life. Let me find You, in the middle of doing laundry, vacuuming, or washing dishes. I invite You to interrupt me this week. Amen.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Through it all, God is faithful!
Looking back over the past month and a half, God has been so good! We've had our share of trials, too, but in the midst of them, Joe and I have prayed and trusted God to move on our behalf. God is faithful!
1) In the beginning of July, we started having water leaks from our bathroom through the floor to the kitchen ceiling. We had a hole cut out of our kitchen ceiling to reveal mold. It's been frustrating, and I must admit, I've been tempted to break down and cry and have a pity party. But I keep trusting God and believing this happened for a reason.
As of today, the mold is gone, we still have a hole in our kitchen and we're waiting to get quotes from contractors about fixing/remodeling the bathroom to stop the water problem and trusting God for the finances without going into debt.
1) In the beginning of July, we started having water leaks from our bathroom through the floor to the kitchen ceiling. We had a hole cut out of our kitchen ceiling to reveal mold. It's been frustrating, and I must admit, I've been tempted to break down and cry and have a pity party. But I keep trusting God and believing this happened for a reason.
As of today, the mold is gone, we still have a hole in our kitchen and we're waiting to get quotes from contractors about fixing/remodeling the bathroom to stop the water problem and trusting God for the finances without going into debt.
2) For those who didn't know, my husband Joe went to culinary school and started working as a chef after he graduated. Working in restaurants, his schedule was hectic and life apart from work was nonexistent. When we first started dating, Joe started a new job at Wegmans as a Sushi chef and moved around to several different departments within the last 2 years he's been there.
However, his schedule was hectic, working nights and weekends and getting a new schedule every week with varying shifts. We made it work while dating and our engagement; but when we got married and talked of starting a family, his schedule began to wear on him and our relationship. Everyday he was stressed out; he was frustrated about not being promoted (when he was the go-to guy for every department); and he dreaded going to work. The final straw was when I got an unexpected bonus at work, and then got a raise a couple weeks later. He was confused and didn't understand why nothing was happening for him. When was his break going to come?
We talked and I told him we needed to pray and believe that God would open a door for him, either a promotion (with slightly better hours) or a new job. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, but I trusted God to move and God pleasantly surprised both of us. About 2 weeks later, I saw on Facebook that a friend of ours had posted an opening about a job with his company, and I called Joe to tell him about it. Immediately after Joe hung up the phone with me, this friend called Joe and told him about the opening and told him to apply for it. The opening was for a sales rep for Bosch power tools. The job offered better hours (Monday-Friday with evenings and weekends off), AND it offered more money!! Joe was so excited and got his resume and paperwork together right away.
During 2 weeks of interviews and waiting, we kept praying and believing that if this job was for Joe then he would get it; and if not, then God had something better in mind. He was offered the job and started the first week of August. He absolutely loves it and he enjoys going to work now! He's home in the evenings for us to have dinner together every night; with weekends off, we can plan spontaneous things to do. And with more money in each paycheck, we can pay for our bathroom repairs. God is so good!!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
#SayWhat?
Before I started the 'Say Yes To God' online Bible study, I knew God was already preparing my heart for it. He asked me to demonstrate radical obedience and I had a big #saywhat? moment. Let me share with you.
My husband and I were married on March 30, 2013 and we had decided that while we did want kids, we wanted to wait at least a year before trying to conceive. With that thought in mind, I started taking birth control pills. We had our plan. But God had His...
On July 22, I was sitting at work and I took a few moments to read a blog someone had posted on Facebook about birth control from a Christian perspective. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, from other readings or from our pre-marital counseling, but all of a sudden, right in the middle of reading it, I felt God's presence so strongly! I almost began to weep at my desk when God impressed upon my heart, "Do you trust Me?"
Immediately, I was like, "Of course, God, I trust You." And He asked me again, "Do you trust Me?" He began to impress this thought upon my heart: Why am I taking birth control? So I thought about it for a moment and came to this conclusion...CONTROL! I mean, that's what its for, right? But for me, it was deeper than that; I've struggled with control issues my whole life and still do. I'm a work in progress, for sure! But I was taking birth control because I wanted to control when Joe and I have a baby because I'm scared and not ready yet. My thoughts (or excuses, rather): I have a medical condition that might cause a difficult pregnancy, and I have fears about being a bad mother that's rooted in hurtful words that were spoken over me. I just got married and I want to enjoy the married life before kids. But I felt like God was saying, "Don't you think I know that? And I know what's best for you and when you're ready."
Immediate peace came rushing into my soul and I knew what I needed to do. I talked to my husband about it and he fully supported the decision to stop taking birth control, if that was what God had told me to do. But me and my thoughts (they get me into trouble) got to thinking, and I put it off for a couple days: I'm in Joe's sisters' wedding in April and if I stop now and get pregnant right away then I'll be due around her wedding and that's a problem, or I'll be huge in a bridesmaid dress and look just awful and be uncomfortable. (Yes, pathetic, I know!) I kept trying to justify why now just wasn't the right time. Joe told me that if God told me to do it, I needed to just do it. (Isn't that what we learned in Ch. 1 - Whatever he says do, do it?) Deep down in my heart, I KNEW I had heard what God had spoken to me and it required radical obedience. What would I choose?
I wrote in my journal, Lord, HELP ME to trust you! I'm scared, but God, you've proven yourself faithful EVERY time and shown me you know what's best. EVERY time I have asked the Lord for direction, He has guided me and directed me in the way to go, and looking back on my life, it was the best for me. My life certainly hasn't gone the way I planned it to go. I had my time of rebellion and life MY WAY instead of GOD'S WAY. God was faithful when I wasn't; He was there when I didn't want Him; He took care of me when I depended on myself instead of Him; He forgave me when I needed it most. As I sit here and write this, with tears streaming down my face, I don't have words to say how thankful I am for God's goodness and mercy in my life. God has been so good to me, how can I not trust Him and say yes when He calls me to radical obedience?
I chose to say yes, to answer that call to obedience. When that fear starts to creep back into my heart, I remember the words that God spoke to me, the words that flooded my heart with peace, and they quiet my soul once again. Joe and I have given God complete control in that area; it feels good to rest in the trust that God's got it, and what will be will be, all in His time.
My husband and I were married on March 30, 2013 and we had decided that while we did want kids, we wanted to wait at least a year before trying to conceive. With that thought in mind, I started taking birth control pills. We had our plan. But God had His...
On July 22, I was sitting at work and I took a few moments to read a blog someone had posted on Facebook about birth control from a Christian perspective. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, from other readings or from our pre-marital counseling, but all of a sudden, right in the middle of reading it, I felt God's presence so strongly! I almost began to weep at my desk when God impressed upon my heart, "Do you trust Me?"
Immediately, I was like, "Of course, God, I trust You." And He asked me again, "Do you trust Me?" He began to impress this thought upon my heart: Why am I taking birth control? So I thought about it for a moment and came to this conclusion...CONTROL! I mean, that's what its for, right? But for me, it was deeper than that; I've struggled with control issues my whole life and still do. I'm a work in progress, for sure! But I was taking birth control because I wanted to control when Joe and I have a baby because I'm scared and not ready yet. My thoughts (or excuses, rather): I have a medical condition that might cause a difficult pregnancy, and I have fears about being a bad mother that's rooted in hurtful words that were spoken over me. I just got married and I want to enjoy the married life before kids. But I felt like God was saying, "Don't you think I know that? And I know what's best for you and when you're ready."
Immediate peace came rushing into my soul and I knew what I needed to do. I talked to my husband about it and he fully supported the decision to stop taking birth control, if that was what God had told me to do. But me and my thoughts (they get me into trouble) got to thinking, and I put it off for a couple days: I'm in Joe's sisters' wedding in April and if I stop now and get pregnant right away then I'll be due around her wedding and that's a problem, or I'll be huge in a bridesmaid dress and look just awful and be uncomfortable. (Yes, pathetic, I know!) I kept trying to justify why now just wasn't the right time. Joe told me that if God told me to do it, I needed to just do it. (Isn't that what we learned in Ch. 1 - Whatever he says do, do it?) Deep down in my heart, I KNEW I had heard what God had spoken to me and it required radical obedience. What would I choose?
I wrote in my journal, Lord, HELP ME to trust you! I'm scared, but God, you've proven yourself faithful EVERY time and shown me you know what's best. EVERY time I have asked the Lord for direction, He has guided me and directed me in the way to go, and looking back on my life, it was the best for me. My life certainly hasn't gone the way I planned it to go. I had my time of rebellion and life MY WAY instead of GOD'S WAY. God was faithful when I wasn't; He was there when I didn't want Him; He took care of me when I depended on myself instead of Him; He forgave me when I needed it most. As I sit here and write this, with tears streaming down my face, I don't have words to say how thankful I am for God's goodness and mercy in my life. God has been so good to me, how can I not trust Him and say yes when He calls me to radical obedience?
I chose to say yes, to answer that call to obedience. When that fear starts to creep back into my heart, I remember the words that God spoke to me, the words that flooded my heart with peace, and they quiet my soul once again. Joe and I have given God complete control in that area; it feels good to rest in the trust that God's got it, and what will be will be, all in His time.
#saywhat?
Friday, August 9, 2013
My Commitment to Say Yes to God
As I finish week one of the "Yes to God" Bible study, I want to share my personal prayer of commitment to God:
My Commitment to Say Yes to God
Lord, I surrender all. All that I am,
and all that I’m not. I surrender my plans, my hopes, my dreams. I surrender my
insecurities, my fears, my inadequacies. I make the choice to trust You, even
when I don’t understand. In spite of my imperfect circumstances, when I am outside
of my comfort zone – where You lead me, I will follow.
I will say yes to You when I am tired,
when I am insecure, when I am busy, when I am fearful. Instead of selfishness,
I choose to say yes to You, to give of myself to accomplish Your purposes in
and through me. Whatever You say do, I will do. I simply want You to see a
yes-heart in me.
“God, I want to see You. God, I want to
hear You. God, I want to know You. God, I want to follow hard after You. And
even before I know what I will face today, I say yes to You.”
I refuse to turn back even when
things get hard.
#palms up
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
A Beautiful Exchange
I love it when I get a fresh revelation about a Scripture, especially if it's one that I've heard again and again. Today in my Bible study, one of the questions was, "Is there something you might need to let go of in order to have the freedom to say yes to God?" I was pondering this question and reading comments on the OBS blog when I came across several comments about Jeremiah 29:11. It's a popular verse, but I realized that it contained my answer.
I could say that fear, uncertainty or even insecurity could limit my freedom to say yes to God, but I realized that a BIG issue was my need for control. Here's what I wrote in my journal:
Lord, have your way in me and give me a yes-heart, no matter what you ask of me. I surrender my plans to you today. #sayyestoGod #palmsup
I could say that fear, uncertainty or even insecurity could limit my freedom to say yes to God, but I realized that a BIG issue was my need for control. Here's what I wrote in my journal:
Lord, have your way in me and give me a yes-heart, no matter what you ask of me. I surrender my plans to you today. #sayyestoGod #palmsup
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
In the midst of it all...
This past month has been interesting, to say the least. But in all the chaos, God has made Himself real and given us peace. Our kitchen ceiling is still open, the bathroom is still giving us water issues, and we're no closer to getting things repaired. We've called a couple contractors for quotes, but we're still waiting for numbers. And then there's paying for it. But through it all, Joe and I have been praying and trusting God to provide, and we know He will.
In the midst of these house issues, Joe and I have been praying for God to open a door for Joe with his job, either a promotion to a new position or a new job in a new field. God has been opening doors for me at work and Joe was getting discouraged. His hours and schedule has also been hard on our relationship and our dream to start a family one day. We prayed and put the concern in God's hands, believing He would move on our behalf. And He did! A couple weeks ago, a friend of ours posted on Facebook that his company was hiring, so I called Joe and told him about it. A few minutes later, our friend called Joe and told him he should apply for the job. Joe got his resume together, sent it off and we kept praying that if this is what God had for Joe that God would make it happen. After several phone and Skype interviews, Joe met personally with the president of the company, and was offered the job on Friday, July 26th. This new position is a sales rep selling Bosch power tools, with a set schedule Monday-Friday (evenings and weekends off!) and better pay than his culinary position. God is so good!! Joe started his new job this past Monday, and when he left for work this morning, he said, "I want to go to work". He hasn't said that in a long time! It's a wonderful thing to see my husband happy and to see how his faith has grown in trusting God to provide for him personally.
I also started an online Bible study through Proverbs 31 Ministries for the book, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst. This study is on point with what God is doing in my life right now. Below is the post I wrote in the comments on the Bible study blog:
This is my first online Bible study and I am so excited to do it! A couple weeks ago, I felt God speaking to my heart and preparing me for this study as he asked me to trust him with an area of my life that I really didn’t want to relinquish control. I’m sure I’m not the only woman out there with control issues! But I “prayed about it”, even though I KNOW I had clearly spoken to me already, and I decided to say Yes to God and surrendered to what He asked me to do. I’m still struggling with the fear part of it, but I remember God saying to me, “Don’t you think I know that? (that I’m afraid timing isn’t right or all the what if’s that pile up in my head) Don’t you think I care about those things? (and I know He does!) Just trust me.” Just. Trust. Me. Three little words, but oh! the meaning in those 3 little words! I know that’s what God is speaking to my heart even now as I’ve started this study and the little fears – the what if’s, or wondering what is God going to ask me to do? – keep popping into my head, I remember what He said…”Just trust me.” It’s only the beginning…#palmsup to all He has for me!
In the midst of these house issues, Joe and I have been praying for God to open a door for Joe with his job, either a promotion to a new position or a new job in a new field. God has been opening doors for me at work and Joe was getting discouraged. His hours and schedule has also been hard on our relationship and our dream to start a family one day. We prayed and put the concern in God's hands, believing He would move on our behalf. And He did! A couple weeks ago, a friend of ours posted on Facebook that his company was hiring, so I called Joe and told him about it. A few minutes later, our friend called Joe and told him he should apply for the job. Joe got his resume together, sent it off and we kept praying that if this is what God had for Joe that God would make it happen. After several phone and Skype interviews, Joe met personally with the president of the company, and was offered the job on Friday, July 26th. This new position is a sales rep selling Bosch power tools, with a set schedule Monday-Friday (evenings and weekends off!) and better pay than his culinary position. God is so good!! Joe started his new job this past Monday, and when he left for work this morning, he said, "I want to go to work". He hasn't said that in a long time! It's a wonderful thing to see my husband happy and to see how his faith has grown in trusting God to provide for him personally.
I also started an online Bible study through Proverbs 31 Ministries for the book, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst. This study is on point with what God is doing in my life right now. Below is the post I wrote in the comments on the Bible study blog:
This is my first online Bible study and I am so excited to do it! A couple weeks ago, I felt God speaking to my heart and preparing me for this study as he asked me to trust him with an area of my life that I really didn’t want to relinquish control. I’m sure I’m not the only woman out there with control issues! But I “prayed about it”, even though I KNOW I had clearly spoken to me already, and I decided to say Yes to God and surrendered to what He asked me to do. I’m still struggling with the fear part of it, but I remember God saying to me, “Don’t you think I know that? (that I’m afraid timing isn’t right or all the what if’s that pile up in my head) Don’t you think I care about those things? (and I know He does!) Just trust me.” Just. Trust. Me. Three little words, but oh! the meaning in those 3 little words! I know that’s what God is speaking to my heart even now as I’ve started this study and the little fears – the what if’s, or wondering what is God going to ask me to do? – keep popping into my head, I remember what He said…”Just trust me.” It’s only the beginning…#palmsup to all He has for me!
Monday, July 22, 2013
I Want To Be A Creative Counterpart!
I recently started reading a book by Linda Dillow called, "Creative Counterpart" with the subtitle "Becoming the woman, wife, and mother you've longed to be". I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!! The author discusses how to be the woman that God designed you to be and gives a wonderful picture of what a Christian marriage should look like, giving advice and Biblical teaching on how to be a godly wife who honors and submits (yes, I said submit!) to her husband, as God intends. Reading this book has lead me to be introspective and I want to capture my thoughts here.
For me, the idea of submission is tough. Not because I don't love my husband and want to be submissive, but it's a combination of my personality and life experiences as well as the world we live in that make the idea of submission a little confusing and difficult to fulfill.
1. Before I said 'I Do'
From the time I was born, I have been a strong-willed individual. I've always had trouble getting along with others, often having an "it's my way or the highway" kind of attitude, and exhibiting selfishness. I'm not bragging about this, but it's been a struggle for me to learn humility and I'm still learning it! I also got married a little older and had time as a single person to live my life as I pleased. I was used to doing what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it and being somewhat independent. Being strong-willed and an independent-prone person isn't always bad, but it doesn't help when I'm trying to learn to be a submissive wife!!
2. Our Culture
In the world we live today, it's not easy to be a Christian. It's especially not easy to be a Christian wife and to uphold a Christian marriage. Besides the fact that our spiritual enemy, Satan, seeks to destroy our marriages, we have a culture that demonstrates a worldview contrary to Biblical principles in nearly every area of our lives, and womanhood in marriage isn't excluded. Our culture teaches equality in a marriage is key, whether that's between a man and a woman, or now two men or two women. Marriage is meant to be between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN. That's God's idea and He planned it that way for a reason. Our culture promotes the idea that submission is bad and women who submit to men are idiots, with no identity and old-fashioned. It is this distorted view of submission that wreaks so much havoc on marriages today, and throws chaos and confusion into the lives of Christian women, trying to be what God designed them to be, but living in our world today that screams at us to mimic what we see on TV, Hollywood, etc.
Reality is...
The first month of marriage was good, as we were still in the honeymoon phase. But months two and three was rough! We argued A LOT and said things that were hurtful. I definitely saw my selfishness and pride coming out in our marriage and I wasn't happy with myself. I realized that I wasn't submitting to my husband and fulfilling the role of wife that God intended for me to fulfill. Now in month four, I realize my need for God more than ever before. I recognize my need to be totally dependent on Him EVERYDAY to help me be the woman He wants me to be; to change me to be the submissive wife that doesn't come naturally, to be the wife that Joe needs me to be so that Joe can be all that God intends him to be. Lately, my most repeated prayer has been, "Lord, teach me to be submissive!" To some women, that might be a scary prayer, but I know that there's no other way I will learn it unless God empowers me to do it.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Consider it joy
On Monday July 1st, Joe and I woke up and noticed a brown leak spot on our kitchen drop ceiling, which means we have a bathroom leak directly above. We called our home warranty company (since we bought the house less than a year ago) and they sent out a plumber to look at the problem. When he pulled out the ceiling tile, he found white mold, and we had to have a mitigation crew come out to clean it up before he could do anymore. So our homeowners insurance was called and a crew was sent out. They completely blocked off our kitchen and set up dehumidifiers and heaters that are supposed to run for 3 days - right into Fourth of July. : ( They also set up a heater and a dehumidifier in our bathroom. Needless to say, both areas have been off limits and we've had to go to our parents' houses to eat dinner and get showers. It's been a little stressful for both of us, but I taught Sunday School to our Jr Highers this past week and our lesson was on James chapter 1 and their memory verse is "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2, 3 NKJV) I know this is a test for me and we have to trust that God will see us through. I'm trying to memorize this verse along with the kids because its something I need to learn too.
Our blocked-off kitchen
Our kitchen
The exposed ceiling
Machines running in our bathroom making everything HOT!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Biology doesn't apply in my kitchen!
When I was at UMBC finishing my biology degree, we would always use Drosophila (aka fruit flies) in our lab studies, for various reasons I really don't want to get into. It was great and i loved it, but Joe and I were recently overrun with these pesky fruit flies and it's not so great. In fact it's really annoying. So I looked up home remedies for getting rid if them and I tried this one that worked! Put apple cider vinegar in a cup or jar, heat up for 10 sec and put a funnel on top, to trap the flies inside. Take the jar outside to release them. Bye bye drosophila!!
I can do it!
I did it - I joined Weight Watchers yesterday. I had joined it last fall when I was trying to lose weight before my wedding. I lost 8 pounds, before I lost my determination amongst all the other things that occupied my mind associated with wedding planning. But my sister-in-law asked me to be a bridesmaid in her April 2014 wedding and I think I'm at a place where I really want to do this for me, instead of for other people or not-so-healthy reasons. I'm ready for change and I am determined to do it this time. I have a super-supportive husband who is taking the challenge of weight loss with me, and even my doggie Molly is helping me out by motivating me to take her for walks and build some movement into my day.
A healthy breakfast parfait! Greek vanilla yogurt, frozen raspberries, and granola...yum!
Dinner: baked tilapia filet with lime juice, brown rice, and shelled edamame.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Like Mother, Like Daughter?
I learned something about myself this week: I am not my mother. My mother is a wonderful person, but I'm not her. I am me. This may seem like a no-brainer, but let me explain.
My vision of what a good wife and mother looks like comes from my own experiences with my mom. Growing up, she was a stay-at-home mom, a teacher as she home-schooled three children, a chef extraordinaire, and an amazing homemaker. She always had dinner ready and on the table when Dad got home from work and we would sit down as a family and have dinner together. She always kept the house clean and tidy, and it became ingrained in me that a happy home is a clean and organized home. Whether my mom meant to pass that on to me, that's what I got from watching my mom take care of the home.
Now that I'm married and I have a husband and home of my own to take care of, I'm finding that these little self-expectations are arising and causing me some trouble. Especially since my married life looks different from my parents'. Joe's schedule varies every week, so dinner on the table and eating together when we get home from work every day isn't always an option. And working full-time doesn't always allow me the time to be a great cook and have a spotless house. But it's ok. I need to be a little less of a Martha personality and more of a Mary personality. I need to take the time to appreciate my husband and the time we have together, and do what I can to keep our home clean and organized. But I also need to give myself a break and if the sink piles up with dishes...there's always tomorrow.
My vision of what a good wife and mother looks like comes from my own experiences with my mom. Growing up, she was a stay-at-home mom, a teacher as she home-schooled three children, a chef extraordinaire, and an amazing homemaker. She always had dinner ready and on the table when Dad got home from work and we would sit down as a family and have dinner together. She always kept the house clean and tidy, and it became ingrained in me that a happy home is a clean and organized home. Whether my mom meant to pass that on to me, that's what I got from watching my mom take care of the home.
Now that I'm married and I have a husband and home of my own to take care of, I'm finding that these little self-expectations are arising and causing me some trouble. Especially since my married life looks different from my parents'. Joe's schedule varies every week, so dinner on the table and eating together when we get home from work every day isn't always an option. And working full-time doesn't always allow me the time to be a great cook and have a spotless house. But it's ok. I need to be a little less of a Martha personality and more of a Mary personality. I need to take the time to appreciate my husband and the time we have together, and do what I can to keep our home clean and organized. But I also need to give myself a break and if the sink piles up with dishes...there's always tomorrow.
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