just when you think all is lost...

I laugh at myself for my stupidity. Often.

Lately a lot of "things" have been hitting us, and hard. I know God is provider, and I know that our little tiny needs are a drop in the bucket when compared with His resources. He has promised to provide for all our needs, and He will. He is good, and He is faithful. I choose to believe that even when I can't see how everything will work out. I don't need to know the end, I just need to trust.

Today, I got a tangible reminder. I found $50 in my wallet, stuffed into one of the slots that holds the plastic. Who knows when I put it there - all I know is that God allowed me to find it today, when I needed the encouragement.

*hitting self on head*

trusting

Our friend Tim (who seldom updates his blog nowadays) has a very talented family, one member being a sister who wrote a song several years ago. It keeps coming to mind today, when my perspective is wanting to shift my thoughts away from God's Sovereignty, away from believing that everything God puts in our lives is to highlight His faithfulness, and His promises!!

Here's the chorus of the song:
Trust Him when dark clouds assail you
Trust Him when your faith is small
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
Seems the hardest thing of all.

Thanks, Charity, for writing that song. Thanks for allowing God to use you - today, your song kicks my brain into gear, reminding me to do right, to trust God at all times.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

today in the garden

These pictures were taken this morning at my parents' house. Aaron was eager to explore and not so eager for photo opportunities. Ah, well...makes me thankful for "continuous frame" options!

encouraged.

Psalm 42

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
"Where is your God?"
These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
"Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

bootstraps

You know your day is going to be interesting when one of the first tasks you attempt is trying to put the lid back on the cinnamon sugar and the container goes flying, spilling the contents evenly throughout the kitchen...and that reduces you to tears. The sobbing, gasping, uncontrollable kind of tears. While your toddler looks on in stunned amazement.

I mean, c'mon, pull yourself together, lady!!

Yes, folks, the pregnancy hormones are in FULL SWING. One nap later, I am able to laugh at myself. I tell you what, hormones are a crazy, crazy thing.

I have an OB appointment today, and midwife visit on Thursday, so I'm looking forward to those reports of progress! I can't believe it's a mere 11 weeks until I am considered full term. I am thinking welcoming thoughts to encourage our child to come whenever the time is right.

I was talking to a local friend yesterday, who recently added child #2 to the family, about things that they are adjusting to with baby #2. I asked her, and I'm asking you - what adjustments did you NOT expect? What were you surprised by? What words of wisdom can you offer?

I know you can never be really prepared, as each child and family dynamic is different. But I would love to hear from all you moms with "2 or more" experience about some practical ways to make the adjustment smoother. Things you wish you had done, things that worked well, etc.

Works of God Monday

Thank you all for praying for me; I know you did. This weekend has been interesting, each day a little better as far as pain goes, and I know that I will remember the past week for years to come with "fondness" in the most opposite sense of the word. Well, opposite except for the lessons learned about God and His faithfulness.

My teeth are feeling significantly better. I still have minor sinus pain (and headaches) and a sore jaw, but I will take that ANY DAY over the agony of the past week. It is all a bit of a blur.

God IS GOOD, all the time. He gives grace and uses people at the right place and time to help us. He will not give us more than we can handle. I know this more deeply now. Praise the Lord for using pain and painful situations in our lives to make us more like HIM!!

OK, now it's your turn!! Let's encourage one another in the Lord! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your works of God testimony in the comment section!

Woo HOO

I would like to praise the LORD for friends who just so happen to be oral surgeons and who have access to powerful tooth numbing drugs (shots are sometimes so, so good). These work for up to 12 hours.

happy hallelujah dance, anybody?

a what?

Just got back from a root canal. Going to sleep while the Novocaine is still keeping me numb. Blessed relief, even if it turns out to be temporary.

Note: it was temporary. Please continue to pray. Pray that somebody figures out what is going on. Pray that I don't lose my sanity.

"hard" times

For the past week, I've been miserable. At least, part of me has. Last Friday, I began having pain in my sinuses on the right side of my face that created immense pressure and pain in my teeth on that side of my face. I tried everything natural I could possibly think of, and finally caved in on Sunday and went to Urgent Care in hopes that an antibiotic would remedy the situation.

Fast forward to Tuesday. Still no relief, and the antibiotic is making me sick. Being pregnant, all I can take for the pain is Tylenol. Oh, that really cuts the pain. (note the sarcasm) My family doctor changed my prescription to something stronger. Tuesday night, the pain increases. I am starting to wonder if this pain is also related to my actual teeth. I am starting to seriously doubt my sanity, my judgment is impaired, I wonder if it is time to turn in my driver's license.

I have a pretty high pain threshold, but this pain is pretty bad. Most nights, I haven't had more than a few minutes of sleep at a time - the pain in my teeth is waking me up in the night. Apply hot compress, feel some relief, return to bed.

Wednesday night, I decide an emergency visit to the dentist is in order. Maybe the problem is a combination sinus and tooth problem. The dentist is open at 8. So, more Tylenol and off to bed. I am now awake, at 4:02 am, waiting for my second dose of Tylenol to kick in. This is the second or third time I am awake, I've lost track of these sleepless nights. Will you "count blessings instead of sheep" with me?

There are so many people who deal with severe, chronic pain on a daily basis. I've had very few times in my life that I've had to deal with something this severe. This is blessing #1.

Yesterday was an extraordinary day with Aaron. We had so much fun, and he is the sweetest boy. This is blessing #2. He slept until 9, which allowed me to get in a little extra sleep despite this pain. Extra sleep is good, especially when there is extra pain. This is blessing #3.

My husband has been wonderfully supportive, offering back rubs and foot rubs and telling me not to worry about certain household chores that I've been too distracted by pain to accomplish. I'm so blessed to have an understanding spouse. Blessing #4.

I'm learning to trust God in the middle of this tiny little "hard" time. This is the character training, the workout for my faith and practical theology that I've been needing. Blessing #5.

I am more thankful for things like antibiotics, modern medicine, dental care, sleep. More thankful is good. Blessing #6.

This week, there has been a shortage of at-home work for me, which I originally thought was a disaster, but now...well, I'm definitely glad God knows what I need and can handle. Blessing #7.

Well, the Tylenol is finally kicking in. God is always good, all the time. My blessings are coming to mind more than ever now, but it is time to return to bed. Please pray for me, that I will be a soft, mold able lump of clay in my excellent Potter's hands.

Has God been revealing Himself to you lately - by "hard times" or by blessings? Has He been teaching you lessons? Can you share them? Will you? I'd love to hear!

Works of God Monday

Here is a neat little story of a blessing that God surprised me with this week. Aaron and I went shopping to find some gifts for Michael's birthday. We had a coupon from our credit card company that stated if we spent $10 on our credit card at Penney's we could get $10 off. This is one of my favorite deals at Penney's - I've gotten so many free things when they do this!

Well, we went to go check it out, and as we were moseying around the store trying to decide what to buy, a lady stopped me and asked if I was shopping at Penney's that day. She explained that she had a $10 off a $10 purchase coupon and that she hadn't been able to find anything she needed and would I like it? YES!! This coupon was even better since I wouldn't have to use the credit card at all! I thanked her and we went shopping in earnest! We found a nice shirt for Michael on the clearance rack - I thought it was $12.99 and was pumped to find out it was an additional percent off.

We paid 41 cents. Praise the Lord for His provision, even of "extras" like birthday presents!!

OK, now it's your turn!! Let's encourage one another in the Lord! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your works of God testimony in the comment section!

Happy Birthday

Isn't it amazing how God works things out and gives us so much more than we knew we ever needed? This is what He did when He brought Michael & I together. Michael is the perfect fit for me, and I am more amazed every day at how much more I love him. He is godly and wonderful and makes me laugh so hard that...well, you know. Really hard.

I don't say it often enough, but thanks to my wonderful husband - you are hard working, honest, loyal, patient, others-focused, and much much more! You are my very best friend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Life is never, ever dull with you. (and that is a very good thing)

limbo

Sometimes, I'm in limbo because of my forgetfulness. Sometimes, it's because hugely inconvenient things happen and I'm not sure what to do about them, and I get overwhelmed. Lately, it's been both. A lot of little things adding up to make me wonder what in the world is going on.

Part of me always wants to be six, to have life be a series of happy and flowery walks in the park, visits to school (ALL DAY!!) free housing, clothing, and anything else I need, riding my little bike with a basket. I don't want to lose my six year old optimism, for certain. Or that childlike, unwavering trust.

I'm trying to hang in there, trying to figure out what lesson I'm supposed to be learning here, but it's tough, I'm not gonna lie. Thankfully, my God knows what is ahead. And He is completely trustworthy. He gives GRACE. It's definitely not natural for me to relinquish any part of my perceived control. But I know who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised. And that is enough.

Works of God Monday

ACK! I was so excited to wake up this morning with energy that I started cleaning the house and doing laundry, and before I knew it, the time had gotten away from me and now it is noon! Happy Monday! (and sorry for the delay in posting this)

That "waking up with energy" is my work of God testimony this morning. This pregnancy has been a little rougher than the last, and I feel like I've had to let a lot of things slide around here just to keep up with our lives in general. I am thankful that God gave strength this morning to enable me to catch up on some much needed household chores that have been neglected for far too long.

It's your turn!! Let's encourage one another in the Lord! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

If you've never used Mister Linky before, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your works of God testimony in the comment section!

Prizes! Winner!

Thanks to all of you who entered the haiku challenge! How fun to get so many entries! I am not a haiku expert by any means, nor do I write it on a regular basis. So in order to be completely fair, I cheated. (And if you need a quotable quote, feel free to take that one, ha ha) Here is what I mean: I cheated wherein I printed out your comments, cut out each haiku and drew one as the winner instead of just picking my favorite.

The winner will receive 2 of my favorite things! A one-pot size sample of Seattle's Best Vanilla Bean coffee, and a tube of the best lip balm ever. This stuff is great - all natural & handmade by my friend Ashley who also makes goat's milk soap from goats they own and milk themselves. The name of her company is Kid Acres, how cute is that? She made this particular flavor (tastes like orange creamsicle, but has no sweetener) at my request, and I always keep a few extra tubes around for gifts. She is not selling her products online yet, but I hope to talk her into it in the near future. Seriously, she makes really great stuff.

So, drumroll please...The winner is...

SARAH GWIN! and here is her haiku:

Two-year-old dressed self
(Not worried about matching)
Fourteen times today

Sarah, email me your address and your prize is on it's way! Congratulations and thank you again to all who participated!!

before and after

It's haircut week at the Muth house. Here is Aaron, before (after breakfast - milk is a great volumizing hair product, apparently) and after (clean and shorn). *sigh*

He's growing up, and I am feeling older by the minute. I about had a heart attack when I realized today that there are only 13 weeks until I'm full term with our second. That is not very long.

last call!

If anyone still wants to enter the haiku challenge, be sure to do so before midnight on Thursday! I'll announce the winner (and the prize, of course) on Friday morning!

she said it!

Sometimes when I get the "AFA action alerts" in my email, I'm very glad to be informed. Other times, I just roll my eyes. Today, I got one about Subway's essay contest and it was one of the latter type of reactions. Then I read this. My thoughts, exactly. But more eloquent. And from the voice of experience, so even better.

What are your thoughts?

Works of God Monday

This Memorial Day, I am choosing to praise God for the amazing sacrifice of the men & women in our armed forces who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. I am thankful that God is at work in the world and that He calls people to serve Him in a variety of ways. THANK YOU armed forces!! And thank you, families of the servicemen & women for the gigantic sacrifice you make every day.

God is at work in the world, but also in our family! We've been blessed immensely with a job for Michael in construction - something that we never expected but something that has been a great asset and learning experience for him. And, despite the struggling economy, we have seen no setback in hours, and a busy summer is planned for his little company (the boss plus 2 employees). This October will mark 5 years with a great Christian boss and it has been such a huge blessing for us. God has also been providing side jobs for Michael lately, which has been another unexpected source of income. It looks very possible to meet our goal of being debt free very soon! Woo Hoo!

It's your turn!! Let's encourage one another in the Lord! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

If you've never used Mister Linky before, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your works of God testimony in the comment section!

haiku, anyone?

pained by this kicking
well deserved, but not from you
dear child within, quit.

Anyone ever written haiku? It's pretty simple, just a 5-7-5 syllabic pattern in the lines. I think I had to write some in high school - or maybe in college. I can't remember.

Will you write one for me in the comment section? Pretty please?

I'll pick a winner, really I will. There might even be a prize. Think of it as a "Happy Memorial Day Weekend" activity. A vacation for your brain. It won't even cost you any gas money. Unless, perish the thought, you are reading this blog while driving.

all wishes granted

You'll never guess what I came across today. Oh, yes. My very own baby naming genie...and he can be yours, too.

Of course, some of the suggestions are laughable (Sheldon Brendon Muth? I don't think so...)