I was reading one of the Elevation blogs and came across this idea-
2 Samuel 22:36 says, "You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great."
One of the definitions of "stoop" is: to descend from one's level of dignity. How humbling is it to know that God Almighty, creator and ruler of EVERYTHING will descend down upon me to make me great? Wow!
Other translations use the words help, mercy, and gentleness for the word "stoop." His mercy certainly has made put me where I am and made me into the woman I am now. I am, thankfully, not finished growing and I yearn for more of Him every single day. I praise Him for His mercy and gentleness with me! There have definitely been times when I have not deserved one bit of it. Oh how sweet it is to have such a faithful and loving God who is holding my life in His hands.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Awesome New Praise Song
I went to Elevation last weekend for the Saturday night service. They are doing a series right now called Give.Me.Faith. They wrote this song and sang it at the service to go along with the series.
Here are the lyrics:
Here are the lyrics:
Verse 1:
I need you to soften my heart
To break me apart
I need you to open my eyes
To see that You’re shaping my life
Pre-Chorus:
All I am, I surrender
Chorus:
Give me faith to trust what you say
That you’re good and your love is great
I’m broken inside, I give you my life
Verse 2:
I need you to soften my heart
To break me apart
I need you pierce through the dark
And cleanse every part of me
Bridge:
I may be weak
But your Spirit’s strong in me
My flesh may fail
My God you never will
Hospital Visit
Sunday, I went with Jess to the hospital for a tour of the maternity ward. I don't know what the birthing process used to be like, but this place looked like a five star hotel! I am definitely having my children at Presbyterian. We start by walking into the lobby where we are surrounded by protruding bellies and anxious husbands. Do I feel a bit out of place? Yes.
We, as in all 16 of us, cram into an elevator. Talk about claustrophobia. We get to see the desk she will check in at, the hallway leading to the Cesarean room (which was acknowledged with a "I am NOT having that" by Jess) and the birthing "suite". Yes, it is called a suite, and rightly so. This room has wifi (so expect blog entries and Facebook updates..yay), surround sound, cd player, mp3 hookup, a flat screen TV with a DVD player, personal thermostat, and a whirlpool bathtub with jets. This baby is coming out into some high quality accommodations! Oh, and just after she arrives, her presence will be announced with the first stanza of a lullaby played throughout the hospital. Oh, I forgot to mention the light dimmer in the room as well. I think I covered it all :)
Strangely the entire time we were there, I felt as though people were looking at us like we were a couple. It didn't help that the tour guide refered to all the non-pregnant people there as "husbands or birthing support team". "Support partner" was used a few times too, making it equally awkward. Clearly people, we aren't together. For one, we would kill each other. Two, I don't that the capability to knock someone up. Sorry. We got a good laugh from it though.
After the tour we went to Target for our baby shoopping/Starbucks fix. I wound up buying a Fetal Heart Monitoring System. I bought it saying "This is mine, you have to give it back when I have kids one day" but really I just wanted to be able to use it with Jess. At the rate I am going, I won't have kids til I am 50. But that's a whole other blog entry in itself.
We got the little monitor all hooked up and we could hear little Jeanie's heart beating! I've heard it before at Jess's doctor appointments, but it was different to lay there and listen for a long period of time. Everytime she moved or kicked we could hear that too. It was amazing. As I sat there I began to think how it seemed like just yesterday this baby was the size of a piece of rice. Now she kicks and hiccups and has eyelashes and fingernails! God is so amazing. I just am in constant awe of Him and His creations.
11 weeks to go and then I will finally get to meet this little bundle of joy! Oh how I am anxiously awaiting that day! It's going to be the most emotional day of my life thus far, I am quite sure of that!
We, as in all 16 of us, cram into an elevator. Talk about claustrophobia. We get to see the desk she will check in at, the hallway leading to the Cesarean room (which was acknowledged with a "I am NOT having that" by Jess) and the birthing "suite". Yes, it is called a suite, and rightly so. This room has wifi (so expect blog entries and Facebook updates..yay), surround sound, cd player, mp3 hookup, a flat screen TV with a DVD player, personal thermostat, and a whirlpool bathtub with jets. This baby is coming out into some high quality accommodations! Oh, and just after she arrives, her presence will be announced with the first stanza of a lullaby played throughout the hospital. Oh, I forgot to mention the light dimmer in the room as well. I think I covered it all :)
Strangely the entire time we were there, I felt as though people were looking at us like we were a couple. It didn't help that the tour guide refered to all the non-pregnant people there as "husbands or birthing support team". "Support partner" was used a few times too, making it equally awkward. Clearly people, we aren't together. For one, we would kill each other. Two, I don't that the capability to knock someone up. Sorry. We got a good laugh from it though.
After the tour we went to Target for our baby shoopping/Starbucks fix. I wound up buying a Fetal Heart Monitoring System. I bought it saying "This is mine, you have to give it back when I have kids one day" but really I just wanted to be able to use it with Jess. At the rate I am going, I won't have kids til I am 50. But that's a whole other blog entry in itself.
We got the little monitor all hooked up and we could hear little Jeanie's heart beating! I've heard it before at Jess's doctor appointments, but it was different to lay there and listen for a long period of time. Everytime she moved or kicked we could hear that too. It was amazing. As I sat there I began to think how it seemed like just yesterday this baby was the size of a piece of rice. Now she kicks and hiccups and has eyelashes and fingernails! God is so amazing. I just am in constant awe of Him and His creations.
11 weeks to go and then I will finally get to meet this little bundle of joy! Oh how I am anxiously awaiting that day! It's going to be the most emotional day of my life thus far, I am quite sure of that!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Too Glad To Be Sad!
I stole this idea from Tori..who stole it from Holly. Here are 10 things I am grateful for today:
1~The fact that each passing day is one day closer to my trip to Guatemala. I bought Willy a new book bag today and it was on sale!
2~New Christian friendships. God is opening new doors, and reopening old doors to some new friends. It's awesome to see prayers being answered before my very eyes. God works in the MOST mysterious ways.
3~The ability every day to walk, talk, see, and hear. How very blessed I am.
4~God's grace. I certainly do not deserve it! I lose my temper, get anxious, and snap pretty often. I am working on it, and it's only through God's strength that it will be accomplished. But I am so thankful for His never ending patience with me.
5~ $2 Starbucks brews. There are some days (like today) that I would not get through without it.
6~My new passion for life. The Lord truly did a work on my heart while in Guatemala. I came back refreshed and renewed. I was in a rut before I left, and now I have a new direction and it's such an amazing feeling!
7~I have lost 6 pounds! Yay! Running and my new diet are paying off and it feels wonderful.
8~My goddaughter that is on her way. Man is she going to be spoiled rotten!
9~Mom's good report from the doctor. Just a few more tests in a few weeks, but things are looking up!
10~Pool/movie day tomorrow with the kids. Awesome.
1~The fact that each passing day is one day closer to my trip to Guatemala. I bought Willy a new book bag today and it was on sale!
2~New Christian friendships. God is opening new doors, and reopening old doors to some new friends. It's awesome to see prayers being answered before my very eyes. God works in the MOST mysterious ways.
3~The ability every day to walk, talk, see, and hear. How very blessed I am.
4~God's grace. I certainly do not deserve it! I lose my temper, get anxious, and snap pretty often. I am working on it, and it's only through God's strength that it will be accomplished. But I am so thankful for His never ending patience with me.
5~ $2 Starbucks brews. There are some days (like today) that I would not get through without it.
6~My new passion for life. The Lord truly did a work on my heart while in Guatemala. I came back refreshed and renewed. I was in a rut before I left, and now I have a new direction and it's such an amazing feeling!
7~I have lost 6 pounds! Yay! Running and my new diet are paying off and it feels wonderful.
8~My goddaughter that is on her way. Man is she going to be spoiled rotten!
9~Mom's good report from the doctor. Just a few more tests in a few weeks, but things are looking up!
10~Pool/movie day tomorrow with the kids. Awesome.
Monday, August 10, 2009
WAHOOOO!!!!
Last night I got the official "OK" email approving my trip to Guatemala. I have been waiting to hear back for approval before I book my flight. I was literally dancing in my room when I got the email.
Now it's time to get busy. I have got a lot of money to raise! Unlike last time though, I have quite some time to get it all together. I hope these next few months fly by, because I am already shaking with excitement if I think about it for longer than 2 minutes. I found myself wanting to go to Target and the Dollar Store today to start stocking up on toys and gifts for my babies there. (Don't worry, I told myself that there will be plenty of opportunities in the next 4 months....no need to start quite yet).
I am praising God for opening this door, yet again, and will begin praying for the support to be provided. I know when it's God's will, He will provide. If you have any good ideas for fund raising or are interested in supporting me, please let me know. I will be forever thankful! This is truly my passion for life and I could not be any more excited than I am now! I will keep you updated over the next few months leading up to the trip!
Now it's time to get busy. I have got a lot of money to raise! Unlike last time though, I have quite some time to get it all together. I hope these next few months fly by, because I am already shaking with excitement if I think about it for longer than 2 minutes. I found myself wanting to go to Target and the Dollar Store today to start stocking up on toys and gifts for my babies there. (Don't worry, I told myself that there will be plenty of opportunities in the next 4 months....no need to start quite yet).
I am praising God for opening this door, yet again, and will begin praying for the support to be provided. I know when it's God's will, He will provide. If you have any good ideas for fund raising or are interested in supporting me, please let me know. I will be forever thankful! This is truly my passion for life and I could not be any more excited than I am now! I will keep you updated over the next few months leading up to the trip!
Trying to beat the heat!!
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope....mom decided on Megan at the last minute. My middle name, Fairchild, is after my grandma.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Sunday when the youth led church. I am so proud of them and their desire to live a life pleasing to the Lord at such a young age!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Most days.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Um....Honey Turkey. Hate ham, bologna, roast beef, etc.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 3 that I watch every day. And then I get to go home to peace and quiet!!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sure
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Not at all ;)
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Um....I would get up there and get all strapped in. Would I jump? Not so sure.
10. NAKED? You don't want to see that!
11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Not a cereal person at all but Fruit Loops and Reese Cups cereals are good.
12. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope...too lazy for that!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Pralines and cream
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile and hands.
15. RED OR PINK? PINK!
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I tend to be pretty paranoid about if people like me or not. I wish I could be one of those people that just doesn't care but I do!
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Shelley. Thank goodness I will be seeing her again.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Sure.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black workout capris, no shoes
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Silence...it's so nice.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Well of course a shade of pink. Or maybe Sunshine Yellow.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Right before it rains, cookies baking, roses (even though I don't like the flower).
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Sherri
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Stole it from Tori and she's pretty cool :)
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? FOOTBALLLLLLLLLLLL
27. HAIR COLOR? @ the moment it is light brown. Been thinking about a switch though. I've had this color for about 2 months now...I'm getting restless.
28. EYE COLOR? Blue/Green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Mex
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy ending annoy me. Ask me again when I have a bf though.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Proposal. Hilarious.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer except these last few weeks have been miserable!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends who it's from...
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don't care.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don't care.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Currently reading Lady in Waiting, Mommywood, and What Happens When Women Say Yes To God.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don't have one.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Army Wives
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? Waves. Rain. (weird Tori!) S's voice.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? UGHHHH I do NOT like the Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Guatemala.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I don't think so...
46 WHERE WERE U BORN? VA
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Everyone!
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? HA! Still working on that one...
49. WHAT DO YOU DRIVE? Mazda 6
50. WHAT IS YOUR PSYCHIC TALENT? Psychic talent? What's that?
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Sunday when the youth led church. I am so proud of them and their desire to live a life pleasing to the Lord at such a young age!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Most days.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Um....Honey Turkey. Hate ham, bologna, roast beef, etc.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 3 that I watch every day. And then I get to go home to peace and quiet!!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sure
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Not at all ;)
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Um....I would get up there and get all strapped in. Would I jump? Not so sure.
10. NAKED? You don't want to see that!
11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Not a cereal person at all but Fruit Loops and Reese Cups cereals are good.
12. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope...too lazy for that!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Pralines and cream
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile and hands.
15. RED OR PINK? PINK!
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I tend to be pretty paranoid about if people like me or not. I wish I could be one of those people that just doesn't care but I do!
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Shelley. Thank goodness I will be seeing her again.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Sure.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black workout capris, no shoes
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Silence...it's so nice.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Well of course a shade of pink. Or maybe Sunshine Yellow.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Right before it rains, cookies baking, roses (even though I don't like the flower).
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Sherri
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Stole it from Tori and she's pretty cool :)
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? FOOTBALLLLLLLLLLLL
27. HAIR COLOR? @ the moment it is light brown. Been thinking about a switch though. I've had this color for about 2 months now...I'm getting restless.
28. EYE COLOR? Blue/Green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Mex
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy ending annoy me. Ask me again when I have a bf though.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Proposal. Hilarious.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer except these last few weeks have been miserable!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends who it's from...
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don't care.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don't care.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Currently reading Lady in Waiting, Mommywood, and What Happens When Women Say Yes To God.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don't have one.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Army Wives
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? Waves. Rain. (weird Tori!) S's voice.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? UGHHHH I do NOT like the Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Guatemala.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I don't think so...
46 WHERE WERE U BORN? VA
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Everyone!
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? HA! Still working on that one...
49. WHAT DO YOU DRIVE? Mazda 6
50. WHAT IS YOUR PSYCHIC TALENT? Psychic talent? What's that?
Friday, August 7, 2009
NeedToBreathe
Have you heard of them? This is my new favorite band. I heard them on the christian radio station and they are awesome! I am going to see them in concert next Friday...YAY!!! I am taking some of the girls from my Bible study to a baseball game and the band is playing after.
I have been pretty down lately about friendships. I have felt very strongly lately that I need to walk away from a few friendships that are not helping me grow in my Christian walk. This of course is very difficult because it has left me with very few friends. I have been very lonely lately and desperately wanting some friendships. It seems as though a lot of people are getting engaged, married, or are in serious relationships. That leaves little time to make new friends and work on friendships. I have been praying for God to send me some girlfriends. I have 2 very good friends from college but they live in other states. And I feel like the one good friend that does live here sees a little too much of me!
I've had a hard time with girlfriends in the past. In middle and high school I had a few friends that I really trusted that turned on me. I was burnt by a few "good friends." In college, my best friend, my "soul mate" best friend, passed away. You know, that one girlfriend that you are closer to than anyone else? The one you could trust with your deepest secret and know she not only won't tell anyone but wouldn't even think of judging you either? That was her. Not a day went by in 3 years that we didn't talk. After she passed I began to think that I couldn't have a close friend because they either would stab me in the back or I would lose them. That was totally the Devil giving me those thoughts and I was buying into it.
Sunday I was telling all of this to a lady at home fellowship. She told me, "Maybe God is going to send you a new friend who isn't necessarily your age. Maybe older, maybe younger. We always think friends are going to be someone just like us but that isn't always the case."
The same night I was having this same conversation with another woman in the group. She told me, "God is going to send you a friend." Since that day I have been told this again. When the Lord says something 3 times, He means it! I will continue to pray for strong, consistent, female friendships in my life. This really is my hearts desire.
*Disclaimer* This is not to say that the few female friends I have are not anything short of amazing. I love you 3, KK, JJ, and SW, to death. Even though the miles separate us, I could not ask for better friends.
I have been pretty down lately about friendships. I have felt very strongly lately that I need to walk away from a few friendships that are not helping me grow in my Christian walk. This of course is very difficult because it has left me with very few friends. I have been very lonely lately and desperately wanting some friendships. It seems as though a lot of people are getting engaged, married, or are in serious relationships. That leaves little time to make new friends and work on friendships. I have been praying for God to send me some girlfriends. I have 2 very good friends from college but they live in other states. And I feel like the one good friend that does live here sees a little too much of me!
I've had a hard time with girlfriends in the past. In middle and high school I had a few friends that I really trusted that turned on me. I was burnt by a few "good friends." In college, my best friend, my "soul mate" best friend, passed away. You know, that one girlfriend that you are closer to than anyone else? The one you could trust with your deepest secret and know she not only won't tell anyone but wouldn't even think of judging you either? That was her. Not a day went by in 3 years that we didn't talk. After she passed I began to think that I couldn't have a close friend because they either would stab me in the back or I would lose them. That was totally the Devil giving me those thoughts and I was buying into it.
Sunday I was telling all of this to a lady at home fellowship. She told me, "Maybe God is going to send you a new friend who isn't necessarily your age. Maybe older, maybe younger. We always think friends are going to be someone just like us but that isn't always the case."
The same night I was having this same conversation with another woman in the group. She told me, "God is going to send you a friend." Since that day I have been told this again. When the Lord says something 3 times, He means it! I will continue to pray for strong, consistent, female friendships in my life. This really is my hearts desire.
*Disclaimer* This is not to say that the few female friends I have are not anything short of amazing. I love you 3, KK, JJ, and SW, to death. Even though the miles separate us, I could not ask for better friends.
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