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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Facebook and blogging

Have you ever read (or heard of the book) Women are Like Spaghetti, Men are Like Waffles.

Or if you're my good friend Jenny, "Of course there's a story behind it." I love Jenny's long stories (and short ones). They always make everything more fun, better understood, and I feel like I get to know her better.

So here's a noodle of a story for you.

I don't even remember how I stumbled on the blog world. Just that it's gradually become a more important factor in my survival, my sanity, my growth (as a person and Christian), and my parenting.

I don't remember how I stumbled upon Erin MacPherson's page or what made me request to be a part of her "launch team". And now that I've read her first book and started on her second, I am super excited I did.

And now this (being a part of her launch team) is leading me to taking this whole blogging thing a little more seriously. I don't have any desire to be one of those famous bloggers that makes money from their writing, that seems like way too much pressure for me! LOL! It's more a leading from God to steward this resource better. To be intentional with my sharing of other posts, my thoughts and feelings, and to work alongside Him to make this adventure of being a woman of God, wife, and mother look more like he intended...for me and others.

On that note, I'm trying to figure out this whole social media thing. Like how to put a facebook button on my page (help?!) that links to my "new" facebook page. And I even signed up for Twitter. But I so (sososososo) don't get it. In fact, I'm pretty sure I don't even remember my login. And honestly, since I don't have a "fancy" (smart) phone, I don't see myself getting into Tweeting. Although you should never say never...who knows what the future will bring. Maybe a more tech-savy Sarah?

I guess my noodle wasn't really that long...this time:) And welcome to "my" world, Mommy Notions. Were we're all imperfect and figuring this out together!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Character

We're doing a series at church right now on character...today's topic: patience.

Not always my favorite "growth" area, lol! BUT this sermon was different. I didn't leave feeling guilty- just inspired!

Patience is not passive. I don't get to just sit on the couch watching tv...and I don't have to just sit on the sidelines doing nothing. What a freeing moment. I can keep working on me, my heart, my attitudes, etc while patiently waiting on God to work on others. In fact, I SHOULD be working on me, on what I can work on while waiting. Just sitting around waiting for God and others is not good stewardship.

I don't have to be happy while waiting. I can be angry with God. I can ask him why? But I can trust Him and His timing. The only thing I can't do is walk away from HIM.

I want to be more like Job and less like Saul. More patient. More trusting.

Good thing God has seen fit to give me all sorts of things in my life to help me learn! LOL!! Remind me that I want to be a more patient person the next time I start complaining about the toddler, husband, pregnancy, strained and broken relationships, debt, jobs and the housing market, okay? :)

Friday, February 15, 2013

No guarantees

Four years ago I learned one of the hardest lessons I've ever learned. 

A friend lost her baby girl, Tia, at 36 weeks.

I honestly didn't know that was even possible. Before that I never knew or met anyone who had dealt with a 3rd trimester stillbirth. 

It wasn't me. I wasn't the one who lost my child. But it still wrecked me. I remember feeling completely broken that anyone ever had to go through such a terrible terrible thing. I called my mom and just cried and cried. 

Unfortunately, since then, I've learned more than once that there are no guarantees on this journey of motherhood and have been touched by miscarriage, stillbirth, and child-loss more than I care to think about. 

Even though these babies and children weren't mine, they are in my heart. Forever. Their parents are never far from my thoughts. I truly believe that at whatever point you lost your child, they were real. They count. And they are waiting for you. 

Tonight I remember little Miss Tia. I'm so sad I never got to meet you and watch you grow. 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

IDK

I don't know what I'm feeling tonight.

Sad.

Frustrated.

Impatient.

Hurt.

Sorry.

I don't like this waiting on God's timing.

I am being so incredibly challenged by The Peacemaker and other bloggers (especially (recently) this post by Missy).

Half of me wishes I'd never said anything at all. The other half knows it needed to be said- I just f'd it up. So now I get to wait for God to fix it up. And pray. And wait. And wait. And wait.

Wondering what she's feeling...and wondering if she knows we both don't need to be miserable/awkward/strangers.

Just say yes. Just talk to me. Just hear my heart.

Please.

Friday, February 8, 2013

"Card" Party

So having a second child is interesting. I know I'm not the first person to do this but I still have moments where I wonder if I'm the only one who feels this way.

This time around there really isn't much to do in order to be prepared. Once again, we're saving gender for the moment of delivery so pink or blue doesn't really matter. Shamrock Shake will be bunking with Pumpkin Pie, so there isn't even a room to paint. Thanks to a local group on facebook I've been able to grab some more cloth diapers, another boppy and covers, and a second swing for cheap. Thanks to friends and sharing/loaning/borrowing I've got an infant car seat, a swing, an arms reach co-sleeper, and a bathtub.

What has really been on my heart is how to make Baby B2 feel like we and everyone else are just as excited for their arrival as for Big Brother's. And one of my treasures from my baby showers for Pumpkin Pie are all the cards and the beautiful messages inside- storebought or homemade. And I really want Shamrock Shake to have those same treasures...the words of family and friends telling them how excited and happy they are to meet them, what a gift from above they are.

So in a moment of genius (at least I think so), I decided that I did in fact want to have a 'baby shower' this time around but that instead of gifts what I really want is CARDS. And that to play on the word 'card', it should be a totally non-traditional baby shower GAME NIGHT!!

I'm so excited, it's on the books and officially happening because what I disliked most about my baby showers with B1 is that I didn't get to actually hang out and talk with people very much and I am always uncomfortable being the center of attention...so sitting around in a circle with everyone staring at me while I open gifts is way outside my comfort zone!

This might be one of my best ideas ever and I am so excited for a FUN girls night...and to meet B2!! Just 5-ish more weeks!!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Timing

I don't know why I ever doubt God and his timing. But I'm also sure that I will always have a problem with patience:)

Long story short- we're having another single mom move in with us! SOON! Like in a week or two!! And her son is 8 months old, so Pumpkin Pie will have a 'baby' that he can play with when 'his' baby shows up and is too little to play with!!

And she wants to be a teacher!

And she's from Canada (you have to know who I actually am to understand why this is SO cool!).

And she loves FRIENDS. (This is impressive since she's only 20!)

Anyways- we met her today and I hugged her when she left. And I'm not a hug-er. So that should really tell you what a miracle I feel this is:)

AND the kicker- her rent will help me stay home until September, and potentially longer, without us selling our house! This is THE biggest answer to prayer in a long time.

This is just so stinking awesome, I want to shout it from the rooftops!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

If you are currently in a time of waiting, be encouraged. It will end. God does have a plan. And it will push you and grow you and be incredible in the end!

Much love!

God's response

So this morning, this is what I find waiting for me:

If I’m hearing thoughts of condemnation, these only come from Satan. There is no condemnation from Jesus, only conviction. It’s important for us to know the difference. Condemnation leaves us feeling hopeless and worthless. Conviction invites us to make positive changes in our lives.~ Lysa TerKeurst ~

Ahhhh! Thank you Lord! I felt like that was just for me :)

Monday, February 4, 2013

Tired

I am so tired tonight. Not just physically, although that isn't helping. Spiritually, emotionally. And I just got back from a fun and relaxing girls weekend!!

This is one of those times where I know this is bigger than me and there is a spiritual battle going on for my head and heart. I cried my eyes out while putting Pumpkin Pie to bed tonight because I was feeling so sad, sorry for myself, like life is unfair, etc.

The TRUTH is I am loved by the King, and He has it all under control. I can rest in His peace and safety. Despite the hurts of lost friendships. Despite the 'unfairness' of life. INspite of it all, I can rejoice. I can love. I can choose joy.

A good cry. Some WORD. And a hot bath...that was my medicine tonight :)

Just in case you thought I had it altogether!