tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33222775631213554222024-02-18T21:49:17.914-06:00Diva DiariesGibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-51501454180253030112012-06-23T17:15:00.001-05:002012-06-23T17:15:08.516-05:00Diva Diaries is moving!! Pink Divas doesn't really fit "me" anymore, and I decided it was time for a change. I have a new cute blog set up, and everything on here is moved on over there! Expect new posts and more of them. :) So follow me on over and visit <a href="http://www.sweetteaandtacos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Tea and Tacos</a>!Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-77126656737683522582012-04-30T09:00:00.000-05:002012-04-30T09:00:12.510-05:00Menu Mondays: Key Lime Pound CakeI love to cook! Rarely do we have the same thing twice in our house, because I am always trying new recipes. On Monday night, we have our annual Schola family dinner, and usually I throw together a boring pasta salad, but this year, I planned ahead. <br />
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Now, cooking with me is not for the light of heart. Everything is typically covered in flour, I typically burn myself, cut myself, or otherwise injure something, and there is a lot of swearing. I'm pretty sure that's how my great-grandma did it, so I'm just keeping her memory alive.<br />
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I haven't gotten to taste this yet, but if it's as good as it looks, oh my gosh. So, straight from Southern Living, here it is! And make sure you add the lime juice before you put it in the oven. Don't ask how I know this. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1929522879"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/key-lime-pound-cake-50400000110792/" target="_blank">Key Lime Pound Cake</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/key-lime-glaze-50400000110793/" target="_blank">Key Lime Glaze</a><br />
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Enjoy! I'll let you know how it is on this end!Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-76004807347854388282012-04-28T20:22:00.002-05:002012-04-28T20:22:51.540-05:00Eating Roanoke: Outlaw BurgersWe've now lived in Trophy Club for a YEAR! It's gone really fast, and we've really enjoyed living in our new little town. The neighboring town, Roanoke, is known as The Unique Dining Capital of Texas. We've eaten at a lot of the little places around there, but definitely not all of them. <br />
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Since I've been trying to find anything and everything to fill my time lately, I decided to do just that: eat at all of them. And of course, that means you have to hear about them! <br />
<br />
First up? Outlaw Burgers. I love this place. It's in a little strip center two doors down from where the church used to office. Nice clothes are definitely not required, and be prepared to sop up some grease. The menu is full of, you guessed it, burgers, and every side is fried in some form or fashion. <br />
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I ordered a bacon cheese burger and fries, and Kyle ordered a blue cheese bacon burger and fried mushrooms. The burger was perfectly cooked for me, and although the fries weren't as crisp as I'd like, they looked like they were cut straight from the potato. Kyle's burger had a little bit too much blue cheese for his taste, but he's had other things he's liked better in the past. The fried mushrooms were heaven. They are chicken fried and served with ranch dressing, which are a country girl's dream words. <br />
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All in all, I think everything is reasonably priced, it's a nice casual atmosphere, and we'll definitely keep eating there! <br />
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If you want some Outlaw Burger goodness, check it out here: www.outlawburgers.com.<br />
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<br />Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-50622354489132160462012-04-23T18:36:00.000-05:002012-04-23T18:36:20.624-05:00Did ya miss me?My friend Morgan got on to me a little about blogging. Apparently it's been awhile. To be perfectly honest, things have been so rough at our house, I haven't felt like blogging. We've been taking a break on the baby front to allow me to heal emotionally and physically, and I had nothing interesting to say, and nothing positive to say, so I've kept to myself. This grief thing is harder than it sounds.<br />
<br />
Anyway, there's some big things coming to the Gibson house! Let me fill you in:<br />
<br />
1. I resigned from my job. Due to budget restrictions, my job hours and pay were going to get drastically cut come July. This wasn't something we could do or were willing to do, so I resigned effective at the end of May. We're going to miss the people at church so much, but gotta pay those bills!<br />
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2. Resigning from one job, means a new job! And here's the big one - I'm going to be self-employed. Like, totally. Yikes. I'll be taking on more piano and voice students at home, and working with a middle school in Flower Mound to teach voice lessons during the day starting in the fall. I'll still be accompanying and doing various other music stuff. It's actually really a good thing for me, and I'm looking forward to making my own schedule! <br />
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3. I finished writing my book, and it's coming out in a month!! It's taken almost 2 years of writing, editing, swearing, more writing, researching, copyright permissioning, etc., but it is almost finished. Copyrights are secured, final edits are in the works, and then it's off to the publisher! I'm so excited to have this done - I feel like it's part of my new start in life. <br />
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All this change means a very free summer for me, so look for the blogging to start picking up in June...Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-45025259374808716142012-02-11T21:02:00.000-06:002012-02-11T21:02:58.330-06:00The Master Bath: My gardenI've done two very odd things in a bathroom today: garden and record for a competition. Let's talk about number 1.<br />
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It's no secret that I'm terrible at gardening. I love plants, I love homemade vegetables, but I just suck at keeping stuff alive. So when I saw this idea on pinterest about regrowing green onions, I thought, hmmm. I'd like to try this, and if it doesn't work, green onions are like 69 cents, so I think I'm safe. <br />
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Last Saturday I cleaned out the fridge, and found an old jar of horseradish sauce and an old package of green onions. I washed out the tiny jar, cut off the bulbs of the green onions (the white part) and put them in water. Next to figure out where to put it. <br />
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Our house faces north, and most of the windows on the south and west sides have solar shades. Great for the house, not great for growing plants indoors. There is one window on the south side without a solar screen, however...in the master bathroom. I placed my jar in the window, and like I do, forgot about it for a week. <br />
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I remembered about it this morning, ran into the bathroom, and to my surprise, I had growth! It'll be another few weeks before we can actually use it to eat off of, and I'll have to go to the bathroom to cut off what we need for dinner, but hey, I'm ok with it!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">My Master Bath Garden </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">My green onions </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc5U4_DEhNve3D3KbSg42AdYKiw3dOv-S4XYW3X2mItFLpr-bCYFs7Au21UsACDpfZecYlYJWMUDlieLZmyTQzvJWpQzW3B1NgJ9pkXnMZddykc-rDz-UCjX9HheSt0SXB-Sa3VTBhBxq/s1600/onions2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc5U4_DEhNve3D3KbSg42AdYKiw3dOv-S4XYW3X2mItFLpr-bCYFs7Au21UsACDpfZecYlYJWMUDlieLZmyTQzvJWpQzW3B1NgJ9pkXnMZddykc-rDz-UCjX9HheSt0SXB-Sa3VTBhBxq/s320/onions2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-71478969188106130152012-02-10T20:31:00.000-06:002012-02-10T20:31:41.936-06:00MayberryI love where we live. I'm still not up to being really social and all, but tonight I decided to start off small and go to dinner with a friend. In public. It sounds silly, but it was a big deal. I debated about going, and decided that his was a good way to start. <br />
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So off we went with a bottle of wine to our favorite Italian restaurant. On my way there, I see my neighbor in my rearview mirror. We have a friendly wave, and I think, "aww, I know the people on the street behind me. Love that." <br />
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I get to the restaurant, which if you live in the Roanoke area, you've got to go to. It's called the Italian Bistro, and it used to be an old Dairy Queen. It's so good! We walked in, and our favorite waiter greeted us and seated us in his section. We ordered our usuals without even looking at the menu, and he popped open our wine. (Love the BYOB!) Before too long, Sammy, the owner, sat down at our table and chatted with us for awhile. Love being regulars, love that the owner knows us enough to plop down at our table, and that our favorite waiter makes sure we're in our section. <br />
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Friday nights at the Bistro are even better, because as we call it "Guitar Ray Carlson" plays! (St. Peter peeps know who I'm talking about!) As we were leaving, we ran into friends from church. In a big town, you don't just run into people you know. <br />
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On the way home I get a text from my neighbor to tell me to stop by on my way home. I pulled in their driveway, and out ran all 4 of the neighbor kids with a handmade Valentine in their hands and cookies for me (and 1 for "Mr. Kyle"). Is there anything sweeter? <br />
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I'd say my first outing was a success. I got to hang out with a friend who loves me in my darkest hours, and felt comfortable the whole way. There were little reminders my whole time out of people that loved me, and that I wasn't facing all this alone. <br />
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I've always wanted to go back to a small town since I left Cedar Hill. Somewhere that I'd know the people around town. I think I finally got there. <br />
<br />
<i>Sometimes it feels like this world <br />
Is spinning faster <br />
Than it did in the old days <br />
So naturally, we have more <br />
Natural disasters <br />
From the strain of a fast pace <br />
Sunday was a day of rest <br />
Now it's one more day for progress <br />
And we can't slow down 'cause <br />
More is best <br />
It's all an endless process <br />
<br />
(Well) I miss Mayberry </i> <i><br />
Sitting on the porch drinking <br />
Ice cold Cherry Coke <br />
Where everything is black and white <br />
Picking on a six string <br />
Where people pass by and you call <br />
Them by their first name <br />
Watching the clouds roll by <br />
Bye, bye </i><br />
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<i>~Mayberry, Rascal Flatts </i>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-61120390144506615012012-01-31T21:44:00.000-06:002012-01-31T21:44:30.990-06:00What Makes a MotherSomeone shared this poem today - I was in tears.<br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What Makes a Mother</span></div><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I thought of you and closed my eyes<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> And prayed to God today.<br />
I asked what makes a Mother<br />
And I know I heard him say.<br />
A Mother has a baby<br />
This we know is true.'<br />
<br />
But God, can you be a Mother<br />
When your baby's not with you?<br />
Yes, you can, He replied<br />
With confidence in His voice<br />
I give many women babies<br />
When they leave is not their choice.<br />
Some I send for a lifetime<br />
And others for a day.<br />
And some I send to feel your womb<br />
But there's no need to stay.<br />
<br />
I just don't understand this, God<br />
I want my baby here<br />
He took a breath and cleared His throat<br />
And then I saw a tear.<br />
I wish I could show you<br />
What your child is doing today.<br />
If you could see your child smile<br />
With other children and say:<br />
"We go to earth to learn our lessons<br />
Of love and life and fear.<br />
<br />
My Mummy loved me oh so much<br />
I got to come straight here.<br />
I feel so lucky to have a Mom<br />
Who had so much love for me<br />
I learned my lesson very quickly<br />
My Mummy set me free.<br />
I miss my Mummy oh so much<br />
But I visit her each day.<br />
When she goes to sleep<br />
On her pillow's where I lay.<br />
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek<br />
And whisper in her ear.<br />
"Mummy don't be sad today<br />
I'm your baby and I'm here."<br />
<br />
So you see my dear sweet one<br />
Your children are ok<br />
Your babies are here in My home<br />
And this is where they'll stay.<br />
They'll wait for you with Me<br />
Until your lesson is through.<br />
And on the day that you come home<br />
They'll be at the gates for you.<br />
<br />
So now you see what makes a Mother<br />
It's the feeling in your heart.<br />
It's the love you had so much of<br />
Right from the very start.<br />
Though some on earth may not realize<br />
You are a Mother until their time is done.<br />
They'll be up here with Me one day<br />
And you know you're the best one!</span></span></span></h6>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-2979517286429211922012-01-26T15:26:00.000-06:002012-01-26T15:26:52.893-06:00Miscarriage: The Physical Part<i>Warning: This post is very graphic, and has a lot of details most people aren't going to want. I'm writing this with one purpose: when I was deciding how to end this horrible nightmare, reading other people's experiences helped me make my decision. My hope is that this will help someone else.</i><br />
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A week ago today began the worst week of my life. For the second time, although this was worse. At this point, it felt like I was a failure, but that's a post for a whole other time. The main decision I had to make at this point was how to reset my body back to zero. <br />
<i> </i><br />
With the first miscarriage, I chose to go the natural route. It was a good choice for me, as my body had already started bleeding, and I wanted to go about things as naturally as possible. I didn't want to undergo surgery, nor did my doctor feel it was necessary. The whole process took 3 agonizing weeks. I was so weak that I sang two major concerts on a stool because I didn't have the strength to stand for that long. <br />
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With this one, I was prepared for the two choices that would most likely get laid in front of me: D&C (surgery) or natural miscarriage. I again preferred to do it naturally, but I was also ready for this nightmare to end. I did some research, and discovered a third option: Cytotec. <br />
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When I spoke with my doctor on Tuesday, I asked about this option. She said this was 85% effective, and that she thought it would work well for me, but needed to make sure I would understand exactly what was going to happen. This medicine would put my body into labor, and I would bleed significantly and be in a horrible amount of pain. I was to do it when someone was home with me, and if I bled heavily for over two hours, I would need to go the ER immediately. I was told of the signs of infection to watch for, and when I agreed to all of these things, I left with a prescription for the medicine and strong pain pills.<br />
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Kyle met me at home, and we got the process started. I laid on the couch for the next two hours as the contractions got closer and closer together and the pain intensified. When it got so intense I couldn't stand it, I staggered to the bathroom. I sat there for the next hour and a half as I passed everything from my pregnancy. The pain was horrible. Kyle brought me pain pills as I needed them, and sweet Bryson dog laid by my feet the entire time. After an hour and a half, things began to slow down. I felt like I could move back to the couch and rest. The contractions slowed down and became more manageable. <br />
<br />
I took more hydrocone before I finally went to sleep that night. The bleeding had slowed, and I was able to sleep with the help of the medicine. The worst was over, about 5 hours after taking the medicine. <br />
<br />
My ultrasound this morning showed a clear uterus - the medicine had worked! I had never been so happy to have a clear uterus in my life. Although the pain was horrible, I was pleased to have it over and done with within a few hours. I wanted to do it naturally, and this allowed me to do that by just giving me a little push in the right direction. <br />
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I pray that this will be a help to someone trying to decide on their next steps. Every person is different, and everyone needs to deal with this in their own way. The most important step - don't let others influence your decision. People will have their opinions, but it's none of their business. Do what's best for you, and be as happy with it as you can be.Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-15225310626195310822012-01-21T16:46:00.000-06:002012-01-21T16:46:30.750-06:00What NOT to Say to Someone Who has Miscarried<i>1. This is God's will. I know He has a plan for you. </i><br />
<i> </i>- Right now, I don't care. And most that believe in God, already know this. It doesn't help. Right now the hurt is so strong it's hard to imagine anything beyond this moment. <br />
<br />
<i>2. Miscarriages are really common. It just happens sometimes.</i><br />
<i> </i> - It may be common, but not in my everyday life. And someone else hurting this bad doesn't help. It makes me feel bad for the others that are hurting, too.<br />
<br />
<i>3. At least you know you can get pregnant!</i><br />
<i> - </i>Yes, and for me right now pregnancy doesn't end in baby, so who cares if I can get pregnant. I'm not interested in this logic making it better.<br />
<br />
<i>4. You'll have another baby.</i><br />
<i> </i> - I wanted this baby. Having another one doesn't end the hurt from this one. <i> </i><i> </i><i> </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>5. At least it was early on.</i><br />
- This was my baby from the second I knew about it. I've made plans for it, picked out a crib, and fallen in love with the changes already showing in my body. I don't care when it was, I still loved this baby already.<br />
<i><br />
6. You should be over it by now.</i><br />
<i> </i>- Yes. Someone actually said this to me. When did you get over the death of your parent? Anybody important to you that died? It's not instant. It's not going to happen in a week. I'm going to be sad for a while. <br />
<br />
<i>7. The next one will work. It did with me!</i><br />
- Not always. As this is my second one, sometimes they don't work. <i> </i><br />
<br />
I know people mean well when trying to find something to say to someone who has miscarried. In my experience, only those who have experienced it can find somewhat of the right words to say, but there are still no words. <br />
<br />
Best thing to do? Be quiet. Say you're sorry, and then shut up. You aren't going to make them feel better by anything you say. Hug them, let them cry, and pray for God to heal these wounds.Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-80669387935778161472012-01-19T22:47:00.000-06:002012-01-19T22:47:21.463-06:00The 8 weeks post that isn't.I can't believe I'm writing these words again. Miscarriage. Another baby gone. <br />
<br />
My heart is breaking. With the first one, although it was awful, I told myself that this happened to several people I know, and they all went on to have perfectly healthy babies on the next go around. When it happens again, what do you do? Today I got told not only that I had lost yet another baby, but that I was going to be referred to a reproductive specialist. If you want to feel like a failure in life, have to go to a specialist for the one thing your body is made to do: bear children. <br />
<br />
We've waited for so long to start trying for kids because of all the other horrible crap that went on in the first few years of our marriage, I thought for sure that when I got pregnant on the first try, this was God's way of bringing things back around. And then when I lost it, I thought, "I expected to get pregnant. I expected this blessing. I won't make that mistake again." And when I got pregnant the very first time again, I thought, "God is healing my heart! This is it!" I honestly don't know what to think at this point. <br />
<br />
These are probably on the list of things ministers aren't supposed to say, but here goes: I'm angry. I don't understand. I'm hurt. I'm asking God why, because I don't get it. I don't understand what's wrong with me that I can't keep a baby in there. 16 year olds around the world do it, and they don't even want children. <br />
<br />
In the Lutheran church, this Sunday is considered to be Life Sunday. Thankfully, my coworkers have gotten me a sub so I won't have to suffer through that, but I have to admit, that day fuels my anger. How in the world can people choose to give up this blessing of life, when so many of us are struggling just to make it happen. To keep it. To get to the point of holding that baby. I'm angry. <br />
<br />
In the midst of my anger, there are a few things I'm thankful for. Coworkers that got my a sub, volunteers that spread the word so I wouldn't be bombarded with well-wishers for a pregnancy that isn't, the couple from church that brought us dinner and cheesecake and a big thing of Dr. Pepper and let me be angry and cry, for a husband that I know has my back and loves me. <br />
<br />
But honestly? I'm not ready to be thankful. I'm ready to cry and scream and spend hours in my bed devouring cheesecake. With the last loss, I took one day of grieving, and then hoisted myself up and sang a concert series with a 4 hours dress rehearsal. I was so weak from the blood loss I had to sit on a stool to do the concert. I did two church services and came home and cried. I poured myself into work. And two months later, I was still grieving.<br />
<br />
I'm going to try things a little different this time, and I ask for your patience. I'm not doing anything this weekend. I'm going to go get my hair cut tomorrow because it looks like ass, and go to one meeting where my friends will be at, and then I'm going to wallow at home. And I'm not going to go to church on Sunday, but I'm going to stay in bed. And I'll try and go back to work on Tuesday, but if I'm not feeling ready yet, I'm not going to go. I may not shower for a few days. I try to be organized and all together, but you know what? I'm not all together right now. <br />
<br />
If you want specifics to pray for, pray for healing, pray for my body to quickly realize it isn't pregnant to get rid of this stuff inside, pray for Kyle and I as we struggle through yet another major loss in our lives and figure out where to go from here. Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-39198726326026523892012-01-13T10:12:00.000-06:002012-01-13T10:12:13.163-06:007 weeksQuote from Kyle:<br />
<br />
"With a baby and a dog, I just don't know how I'm ever going to leave the house. That's just too much cute in one house."<br />
<br />
This week has been pretty non-eventful. A lot of this week has been spent with me asleep. I've been so tired that any chance I've gotten, I've gone to bed. If I could sleep 10-11 hours every night, I think I could make it all the way through the day. Nothing else has gotten done, but at least I'm well rested! <br />
<br />
I'm dealing with worries and fears that I'm sure every pregnant woman has, especially one that has had a miscarriage before. I continue to pray for God to take my worries. This morning, I think I finally figured out what my worry stems from. I've finally hit the point this week that I couldn't relate to from my last pregnancy. Up to 6 weeks, I could go "Ok, I know this is good because this is different from my last one." I didn't make it this far with the last one, so I have no clue how my body reacts to week 7 of pregnancy. I wake up not sick and worry if that's bad, instead of just being thankful I'm not sick. I keep reminding myself: Most pregnancies end with babies, and that's evident by the children I work with every week. And just because I lost the last one, doesn't mean I'll lose this one. It's definitely a frightening experience over all, but I just have to trust that it's going to be ok, and take it one day at a time. <br />
<br />
On a positive note, I'm really ready to start on the nursery! I need to talk to the landlord and see if I can paint, but I'd like to paint the room a light grey, either girl or boy, and I've got some bedding picked out for a girl (cause you know, it's gonna be a girl). I've picked out a crib, and I'll use the antique dresser that's in there already and put a changing pad on top. I'm waiting until we see a heart beat to start on the room, but I'm definitely anxious to begin! <br />
<br />
This week's cravings:<br />
Sunny D<br />
Iced Tea<br />
Strawberries<br />
Mexican Food<br />
<br />
Dumb Pregnant Moment:<br />
I went to get my nightly glass of water. (seriously, do this EVERY NIGHT.) I got ice and a straw. No water. Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-71110283536977530612012-01-10T21:16:00.000-06:002012-01-10T21:16:17.690-06:006 WeeksOk, when did I get stupid?<br />
<br />
I can't remember ANYTHING to save my life. I pretty much leave one ingredient off of everything I cook, and have to go back to the store. Before we had confirmed I was pregnant, if I did something pregnancy related, Kyle would say "Miiiiiiiind Baaaaaaaby!" to mock me. Now, he's changed to "Baaaaaaby Miiiiiiind!" So if you have to remind me of something 5 times, forgive me. My baby has taken over all of my brain cells.<br />
<br />
New Years was this week. It was a pretty lame evening. I'm not a massive drinker by any means, but I love my wine and I freakin love champagne. The sparkling apple cider was good, but just not quite the same. I got a sip of Kyle's champagne at midnight, and then went back to the fake crap.<br />
<br />
I had a second ultrasound this week, and this one was much better than the first! The baby popped up on the screen right away this time! I'm measuring a little behind, but that's ok. Baby is just taking it's sweet time growing. With a great ultrasound, we decided to make it facebook official that we are having a baby, as well as calling all of the parents.<br />
<br />
Fun week over all! I'm still figuring out how to work without falling asleep on my desk.Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-74904905491420395242012-01-09T20:01:00.000-06:002012-01-09T20:01:45.939-06:005 weeksThis week had a little bit of a scare. I had my first appointment for a sono, even though it was ridiculously early. I've had lots of extra appointments this time because of my miscarriage in October. The sono showed that I had a good thick uterine lining, but we couldn't see a baby. That ordered more blood work, and 24 hours of me being totally freaked out. My numbers were almost tripling, and they have to at least double, so we were in the clear!<br />
<br />
This week was pretty easy - I was off work, so I slept like a crazy person, hung out with Jenica who was also off work, went to a Baylor basketball game at the AAC, watched Baylor win a bowl game, and had some good general laziness. Perfect for a pregnant lady!<br />
<br />
I was pretty exhausted this week, and STARVING. This week's cravings? Mexican food and gummy bears. <br />
<br />
And anything else I can get my hands on. :)Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-89938387121306137392012-01-07T10:04:00.000-06:002012-01-07T10:04:31.068-06:004 weeksI wrote this a few weeks ago as a review - enjoy, and I'll be posting more weeks as I go! <br />
<br />
By the time I hit 4 weeks pregnant, I already knew for 5 days I was knocked up! I started week 4 with a trip to the obgyn to check my levels. My progesterone, which was low when I miscarried, looked great, and my hcg levels were at 146! It has to be at 25 to show up on a home pregnancy test, and most people can't find out until the after they've missed their period that they're pregnant, but my numbers were there and kickin' it.<br />
<br />
This week was filled with Christmas, so it was hard to rest as much as I really wanted to. It might've resulted in some emotional meltdowns on my part. (Sorry Kyle.) For the most part, I've felt pretty good except for some serious stomach issues and being exhausted. I also at the end of this week needed to buy maternity jeans. Good gracious. I was so bloated that my pants would NOT button. The bloat will go away, but will be replaced by baby, so I went ahead and just bit the bullet and bought them.<br />
<br />
Most. Comfortable. Pants. I've. Ever. Owned.<br />
<br />
Seriously. Why do we wear anything else? They also look great! Not mom jeans at all!<br />
<br />
The funnies of this week:<br />
1. When we went shopping for maternity jeans, Kyle and I realized we both had left our wedding rings at home. I felt slightly trashy.<br />
<br />
2. I might have karate chopped the waiter who tried to take my plate away before I was done.<br />
<br />
Kyle quotes of the week:<br />
1. Hey, our neighbor is super skinny and she's had 4 kids...you should find out her secret. (FAIL.)<br />
<br />
2. (on seeing my belly bloat one evening) Holy crap! Are you carrying that in a pouch like a marsupial?!<br />
<br />
Cravings:<br />
Mexican and fried shrimpGibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-84034205919787217412011-12-25T20:08:00.000-06:002011-12-25T20:08:05.485-06:00All in White<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; letter-spacing: -.6pt; line-height: 115%;">As a Texas girl, I had never seen a white Christmas…until two years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we headed to the church on Christmas Eve to unload trailers and set up our portable church at the time, the snow had already begun to fall, and the roads were turning to ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we got out of church, the storm had worsened so much that my husband had to pour hot coffee on the trailer locks just to get them open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slid all the way home, and it became very apparent we weren’t going to go out of town as planned that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; letter-spacing: -.6pt; line-height: 115%;">The next morning, Christmas Day, we awoke to a winter wonderland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The snow had continued through the night, and the white blanket of snow covered everything we could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slipped on the ice outside in my non-weather appropriate shoes as I captured as much of it as I could on camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to remember that moment forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I figured it took 28 years to see the first one, it might take me another 28 to see the next!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 17pt; letter-spacing: -0.6pt; line-height: 115%;">As we awake today to the joy of Christmas and the gift of God’s Son, imagine how much greater the second coming of Christ will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last verse of the hymn <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Once in Royal David’s City, </i>we sing “Then like stars His children, crowned, all in white, His praise will sound!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; letter-spacing: -.6pt; line-height: 115%;">Celebrate the beautiful sight this morning, whatever the weather may be, as we prepare for the most beautiful sight of all – our Savior and Lord.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revelation 3:5</span></i></b></div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-4687224039969749532011-12-24T11:43:00.002-06:002011-12-24T11:43:39.205-06:00Lights<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When my husband and I spend Christmas in Waco with his parents, we have a tradition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pile everyone into the car (dogs included!), pick up hot chocolate or coffee, and look at Christmas lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are stunning – the lights are carefully strung, and decorations are carefully placed to give off a beautiful serene vision of Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others…not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our favorite home was one we so lovingly dubbed “Christmas Vomitus,” because it truly looked like Christmas had thrown up all over the yard. Every cartoon character imaginable was dressed in holiday garb, Santa made an appearance, as well as Jesus, and a Star of David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it didn’t provide the awe that the beautiful homes did, we still laughed until we cried, and we talk about it on the years we don’t get to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For some, Christmas is the only time of year when all parts of the family come together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some shine bright – they have their lives mostly settled, and you can expect little drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others are a wild card – you never know what to expect and something might get set on fire at dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it can be draining at times, each one of those family members is a gift from the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intentionally love on each of them this year, the crazy and the normal, and thank God for the wonderful gift of family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 10:12</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-62122624322371615622011-12-23T15:35:00.000-06:002011-12-23T15:35:12.233-06:00Hope<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we near closer and closer to Christmas, the birth of Jesus becomes more and more imminent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our focus turns toward the manger, and for a brief few days, we remember the hope that is held in that tiny baby:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the baby that comes to deliver us from this life, and prepares for us an eternity in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What does hope do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds us that the day’s struggles are not forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our perceived “bad days,” really aren’t that bad at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of all, it tells us that this life is not forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This baby will grow into a man, teach our ancestors, and then die for all our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is God’s grace alone that gives us hope in this world that we don’t understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, thank Him for the hope that we have, and the life eternal we are promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 10:10</span></i></b></div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-13417843813799748302011-12-22T08:50:00.000-06:002011-12-22T08:50:35.092-06:00Sound His Praises<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Pastor is not the best singer. When training new audio volunteers, Rule Number 1 is mute Pastor as soon as the song begins! However, he doesn’t hesitate to make a joyful noise! In college, being surrounded by wonderful musicians, we didn’t make a peep unless we were sure it was going to be a beautiful noise. While I’m sure God appreciates our striving for excellence, especially when serving Him, I know that He loves our joyful noises just as much when directed His way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">We are called as children of God to sing His praises, and what better time than at Christmas? The music is extremely beautiful, and most of it is songs we’ve sung since we were children. Don’t stop on Christmas day, though! Continue singing! Lift up your praises every day to the One who sends His son to die for our sins.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works!” </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">I Chronicles 16:9</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every year we take time in December to remember the birth of Jesus, but that’s not where the story ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ time on earth is limited; He’s headed towards heaven the moment He arrives in the manger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing is, we all are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us knows the number of days we will be blessed with on this earth; when <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> will be heaven bound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When a musician gets ready for a major performance, they do something every day to better themselves and their craft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always have the final goal in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the performance arrives, they know what they’ve worked for, and walk on the stage with confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How will we walk to the gates of Heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we won’t be worthy to be in front of our Heavenly Father, but will we feel like we have done all we could on the days on earth that we have?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use the Christmas season as a time to reevaluate your priorities, and make sure you are preparing for the “big event.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Matthew 24:36</span></i></b></div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-76510026309380468022011-12-20T19:14:00.002-06:002011-12-20T19:14:13.985-06:00Jesus' Gift<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although Jesus couldn’t physically stay here with us on earth, He left us with a little present – the Holy Spirit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t stay in the tiny manger, and He couldn’t stay a tiny baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually He had to go back and be with His Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God made sure that we would always feel His love and presence by sending us the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s what guides our conscience, gives us wisdom on everyday issues, and provides us comfort with the presence of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God couldn’t take sin out of the world, even though He died to save us from our sin, but He could give us the wisdom to discern right from wrong, and give us the compassion we need for others when they fail in these areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the holidays, tempers are often short and we fail to treat others how we should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the Bible gives us the “law,” the Holy Spirit often provides the “gospel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive those around you when they fail you, be able to forgive yourself, and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are never alone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the son of God.’ ” Luke 1:35 </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-6680913942159355842011-12-19T22:07:00.002-06:002011-12-19T22:07:29.333-06:00Where Did He Go?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">Any time we have a good ol’ Texas thunderstorm, our seventy pound mutt Bryson disappears. We’ll search the entire house for him, usually to find him in a small crevice we didn’t think he could fit into: under the bed, back behind the clothes in our closet, or crouched behind the toilet. That dog does <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>like lightning! We know he has to be somewhere in the house, but we really struggle to find him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">In the midst of everything you are required to do during this season, do you feel you lose the reason why we celebrate in the first place? There is so much noise and distraction that it becomes difficult to focus on the upcoming birth of Jesus. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">So how do we find Bryson when he’s hiding? We call to him, and we stop everything we’re doing and search the house. Thankfully, the Lord is not as difficult to find. Take a minute when things get busy, stop what you’re doing, and thank God for His wonderful gift of His Son.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13</span></i></b></div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-25506543452121756042011-12-18T20:17:00.006-06:002011-12-18T20:17:54.853-06:00Leading<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few weeks ago, our choir sang in our service, like they often do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a whole 5’2” tall, they struggle to see me when I conduct, so I stand on a small step stool to help everyone see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their last rehearsal before they sang, I jokingly said, “If I fall, keep singing!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That Sunday, as I flipped around from encouraging the congregation to sing, to facing the choir again, I fell off the stool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choir didn’t move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides one smirk from the alto section, they continued on in their singing and finished the choir anthem with poise (unlike their director!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I tried to catch myself and get back up and resume my conducting pattern so they would know where to go, I thought, “Yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A major distraction and they sang on through!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the choir had spent so much time in rehearsal, they knew the music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The path might not have been clear, but they were able to keep going until I resumed my stance on the stool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spending time in the Word is the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happens when we can’t see the Lord, or can’t see a clear direction of where we are to go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continue on with the Scriptures we know until the Lord makes His way clear to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure Joseph and Mary couldn’t completely understand what God was up to, but they knew enough to keep going and trust God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’ ”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 1:20</span></i></b></div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-24895808686956805722011-12-18T20:17:00.000-06:002011-12-18T20:17:03.607-06:00Looking Forward<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Several of us in the office get a little depressed come January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The excitement of Christmas is over, the beautiful decorations are gone, and we have a few months of calm before Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything that we’ve looked forward to is now done, and tasks seem mundane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ birth has been celebrated, and now everything looks towards the time of Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you get in this rut, too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe yours doesn’t revolve around the liturgical seasons, but maybe for you it’s “If I can just buy a house” or “If I can just have a baby.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s even looking forward to the kids graduating from high school and getting out of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">None of these things that we hope for and look forward to will ultimately satisfy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The event we’ve been waiting for will come and go, and we’ll be left wondering what the next thing to look forward to is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today, be thankful for where you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be thankful that there are loud noises from the kids that surround your house, or the tiny tree you have in your apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these things are a stage of life that we have been placed in, and once it’s gone, we’ll miss it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if that doesn’t do it for you, remember the ultimate event we look forward to:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ second coming, and our eternity in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“He has made everything beautiful in its time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, he has put eternity in man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ecclesiastes 3:11</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-9634880473312773182011-12-16T12:34:00.000-06:002011-12-16T12:34:11.334-06:00Child and Lord<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">OK kids – this one’s for you again. It’s hard to imagine that even as a baby, Jesus was fully Lord. While He was still very young, God used Jesus to teach the Pharisees in the temple. Even though He was God, He still had to grow and learn physically, mentally, and spiritually. He had to face being a kid just like we do! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though He was still young, God always had a plan for Him, and was preparing him for it. God has a purpose for each one of you, too, and right now, He’s growing you physically, mentally, and spiritually to prepare you for it. It’s not always going to be easy, but all of these things will prepare you for what God has in store for you when you get older. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">You don’t have to wait, however, for God to use you! He can use you right now! By caring for your friends and family, talking to others about God, and helping at church, you are being used by God. Are you not sure how God is using you? Ask your parents for help, I bet they see God working in you every day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; line-height: 115%;">“And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” Luke 2:40</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3322277563121355422.post-35875376718242501092011-12-15T13:04:00.002-06:002011-12-15T13:04:24.844-06:00Redeeming Love<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you hate asking for help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(If the answer was yes, don’t worry, me too.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From the time we are small toddlers, we learn somewhere to say “I can do it myself!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We keep going, too, letting ourselves be totally worn down and exhausted because we were too proud to ask anyone to assist or take some of the load off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When it comes to salvation, however, there’s no chance at getting by on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without the Lord’s grace and dying on the cross, we can’t have salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are so stubborn that they still can’t accept this help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can learn to get help from the Savior of the nations on something this big, do you think we can learn to ask for help on other things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God blessed us with family, friends, coworkers, and others to share the burdens of this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And here’s the other catch – don’t wait until your friend asks you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Offer the help, and don’t take no for an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lift each other up, and thank God for His redeeming love.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“For by grace you have been saved by faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 2:8</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Gibsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916913773263235392noreply@blogger.com0