Innocence of a Child

As many of you know Ben's dad was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. He has been undergoing chemo to rid his body of the cancer. He is in Michigan at this time trying a new chemo drug as the initial was not effective. Which brings me to the reason I am writing this blog---a story of innocence. I had to share this powerful story.

So last night as I was reading to Addy before bed.. and I began to sing to her and she turned to me and said "PRAY"...I just kept singing and then she said it again..."PRAY"... then she went on to say... Pray for Papa and Nana (this is what Addy/Ellie call Ben's parents).....So we began to pray for Papa and Nana....I said amen....and she said "Again, pray...Papa and Nana"

In that moment tears just flooded my eyes and I could not believe such a sweet little innocent girl knew what needed to be done and knew that prayer was needed....

I am so thankful to know Jesus and know of his wonderful mercies and that he used my little girl to get me on my knees last night. I am so excited for the day when Addy comes to know our amazing savior. The God who can heal and do amazing things. Our God is bigger than any form of cancer.

I did my devotions this morning and found some wonderful verses of hope and encouragement that can help during this time.

Psa 46:1-3 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Isa 57:18 — I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

Jer 30:17 — For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

We appreciate your continued prayers!

Addy's 1st Sledding Adventure

The Difference

Many of you have probably heard of this poem before but this morning it really drove near to my heart...It was a poem I saw in my home growing up.

I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task.
“Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered.
He answered, “You didn’t ask.”
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me.
He said, “You didn’t seek.”
I tried to come into God’s presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
“My child, you didn’t knock.”
I woke up early this morning,
And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
Anonymous


This morning I decided to get up early; wash my face, get dressed and dive into the Word. It has taken me almost 30 years to decide to make this a priority each morning. But I remember growing up watching my dad each day go downstairs and spend each morning with our Savior. I remember yelling down the laundry chute and asking what he was doing but I always knew.

So today, I decided to follow in his footsteps and begin the day with my heavenly father. Oh and what a joy it was to be in His presence today. As I draw near next week to turning 30, I pray that the Lord will richly bless my walk with him this year. I'm excited to turn 30 and get to experience all of life's blessings.

I'm thankful today that I have parents that were truly an example of what Christ should look like. I only pray that my daughter grows up to see a mommy like I saw my parents.

Being Intentional

I am not one for making New Year's Resolutions. However, I am all about becoming a better Christ follower, wife and mom. The main phrase of my blog right now is "Lord I want to be just like you, because she wants to be just like me,etc... A song I love from Phillips, Craig and Dean.

Lately, I have felt a lot of chaos in my life and I always feel like there is something to do or complete. Whether it be dishes, errands, groceries, cooking, and cleaning the house. Of course this doesn't mean that I don't have time to check my email, facebook, blogs or have a good phone conversation.

A conversation I had with my sis-in-law, Amanda about putting our family first sparked my current blog topic. So here we go...

First, intentional means 1.having to do with intention or purpose 2.done purposely; intended.

I have decided in my daily life that I want to be more of an intentional mom. Since I don't "go to" work and my work is at home I feel like sometimes my type A personality takes over and forgets to spend that intentional time with my daughter. I'm too busy doing dishes while Addy plays or changing the laundry while she is doing a puzzle. I am so worried about the "to do list" and not what really matters.

So my goal or intentions are to start spending quality time with Addy. Get on the floor and forget the dishes...Bake some cookies together...play in the snow...giggle and play in the tent! I am not saying I don't do these things now but the quantity and quality of the time isn't as rich as I would like it to be... I rush things because my personality doesn't slow down.

This past week was a tough week....just a lot going on and preparing the house for guests,etc...I was so busy getting the house ready, cooking, cleaning that I didn't spend that intentional time with my daughter. I felt it and she felt it....By Thursday I had it!! I got in my snow suit and I got Addy in hers...it was cold and snowy... but boy was it fun! It rejuvenated me in a way that you will never know!!!

All I had to do was be an intentional mom and my attitude and Addy's for the rest of the day was so different.

I want my daughter to grow up to know Jesus... I want my daughter to see a mommy who is intentional about my relationship with Christ, my husband and her....I don't want the phone, internet, stress of my life, or other things to take presedence over her....

So...I am only checking the Internet at nap time (which is not everyday) or after she is in bed...I am also going to try to stay home more often. No more rushing around and running unnecessary errands. Maybe only 1 outing a week of fun....

So if you are wondering where I am...I am probably in the Barbie tent (given to us by David, Katie and Ellie) playing puzzles and giggling with my girl....

I Want to be Just Like You by Phillips, Craig and Dean
He climbs in my lap for a goodnight hug
He calls me Dad and I call him Bub
With his faded old pillow and a bear named Pooh
He snuggles up close and says, "I want to be like you"
I tuck him in bed and I kiss him goodnight
Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see
He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me

Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me

Got to admit I've got so far to go
Make so many mistakes and I'm sure that You know
Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressures in life I just can't get it all right
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best
Being patient and kind, filled with Your tenderness
'Cause I know that he'll learn from the things that he sees
And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me
Right now from where he stands I may seem mighty tall
But it's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all

Happy Birthday Grandma Dana!

Addy and I were able to take my mom to IKEA and MOA yesterday. We had a blast...We tried Rainforest Cafe for lunch which was delicious. Then after lunch we headed to Lego Land and rode on the Carousel! We also celebrated this past Saturday with the whole family with cake and presents! The pictures will tell it all.

We love you mom! We are so thankful for you and we had a blast spending time with you!

Elmo's World

A couple of weeks ago Ben got tickets through his work to go see Seasme Street Live. We were so excited because Addy loves Elmo...We had a wonderful time and Addy enjoyed every minute! Cotton Candy, popcorn, balloons and much more....

The First Snow 2012

We enjoyed some fun in the snow today: from shoveling, to sleds and even mowing....

The MN Glory Scout

This year there is a new scout for MN Glory looking for the top Boys Basketball Players in the State to participate in our basketball program.

She is seen watching players around the state with her head scout (dad) at her side...This weekend she did some scouting for her Papa in Mankato...

As you will see in the pictures she means serious business!