I knew in 11th grade that college wasn't in my future. And it wasn't because I was a lazy student, in fact I took many advanced courses and maintained above a 4.0 in high school. It wasn't because I didn't have dreams for my life - I wanted to work in the music industry as a business executive most of my growing up. It's just, that I knew somehow, that college wasn't for me. So I chose to go to a year-long Christian internship called Teen Mania, and figure out God's plans for me.
While I was at Teen Mania I literally had the best job on earth, with the best boss on earth. I was Dave Hasz's assistant my third year there, and if you know Dave, then I don't have to say anything else for you to understand. During that time I fell in love with administrative work, found my niche, so to speak. I knew after leaving Teen Mania this was the kind of work I'd probably want to do.
Also while at TM, I had a mentor - Dave's mother, actually. This jewel of a woman opened my eyes to something my heart refused to acknowledge. There was more than just a "job" in my future, there was a life work, a purpose, far greater than any job out there.
Flash forward - I got married straight out of leaving Teen Mania...and had a baby 11 months later. Suddenly I understood what Dave's mother was saying all along. When I became a mother, I discovered my life work, and suddenly everything else seemed so dull in comparison. Every dream job I ever had before, seemed pointless. Administrative work - blah! All I want to do is be home, raising my baby (and in the future, whenever God gives them, more babies). In my eyes, there is no greater work to be done.
I'm sure there are many who cannot understand. And any women's right activist who may stumble upon this may want to scream at me. That's okay. I was there once. I couldn't understand why a woman would choose to stay at home with her babies after women have worked so hard in the past for the right to work.
Some days I struggle with the fact that I'm 23, never went to college, and have a baby. It's easy to feel judged in the eyes of the world. On the other hand, I'm learning to stand confident in God's plans - He really does know what he's doing. In my case, I'm thankful I don't have 4 years of college debt to deal with, knowing I'd never use that degree. This book I just read, Sparkly Green Earrings, the author, Melanie Shankle, addresses this topic. There's an unexplainable shift that happens to a woman when she becomes a mom. And it's OKAY to want nothing more than to raise your babies. Thank you, Melanie, thank you.
In the meantime, I'm grateful for the experience I got at Teen Mania that allows me to have a decent paying administrative job. But I pray every.single.day that God would bless Rob exceedingly abundantly all that we could ask or imagine, with a job that he loves and pays GOOD. And I believe that I'll get to do my life work soon, staying home with my little boy.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sparkly Green Earrings Book Review
I love to read. Much more than I love to write. That's probably why I'm not a good blogger - I'd rather read other blogs. Case in point - Big Mama. Even more awesome, she's coming out with a book. And guess who got her hands on an advance copy of the book to read and review? Why yes, yours truly.
Melanie Shankle, author of the largely popular Big Mama blog, extends her voice beyond the blog world with her debut book, Sparkly Green Earrings. In her tale of life, motherhood, and letting go, Melanie's stories reach into the heart of every woman, whether she is already a mother, about to be one, or dreams of one day becoming one.
Melanie has written the type of book that makes you feel like you're sitting next to your best friend, sipping on coffee and sharing about life. She's warm. She's inviting. She's hilarious. And you will catch yourself more than once exclaiming, "Me too!"
Wanna know more? Check out the official review on Faith Village. February is a long time to wait for this book, but you should get it, because it's really, really good.
Melanie Shankle, author of the largely popular Big Mama blog, extends her voice beyond the blog world with her debut book, Sparkly Green Earrings. In her tale of life, motherhood, and letting go, Melanie's stories reach into the heart of every woman, whether she is already a mother, about to be one, or dreams of one day becoming one.
Melanie has written the type of book that makes you feel like you're sitting next to your best friend, sipping on coffee and sharing about life. She's warm. She's inviting. She's hilarious. And you will catch yourself more than once exclaiming, "Me too!"
Wanna know more? Check out the official review on Faith Village. February is a long time to wait for this book, but you should get it, because it's really, really good.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Rest
Resting is not something I do well. And this past week I've been forced into rest, and when I'm forced to do something, well, to be honest it can kinda make me a bit grumpy. Anyone relate?
I came down with a little sinus infection last week, but I couldn't let it stop me from running. Not running meant I was lazy, and laziness would surely gain me ten pounds. So what happened after I ran? It made things worse. Two days later I felt alright, so I decided to run again. Well that backfired, and I ended up much worse and added a cold to the mix. All because my performance mentality couldn't take a break.
Finally, finally I gave in and took a break (and asked God tonot let me gain ten pounds heal me).
And the only reason I'm telling you all about how I'm sick is because there's a spiritual metaphor to all of this. It's good, I promise.
It's a little thing called Grace. A little thing that we are so far from understanding or wrapping our minds around. Several years ago I thought I'd experienced this "revelation" or understanding of grace. I began to scratch the surface at how often I'm performance minded, rather than grace minded. It was a beautiful thing to start living life the way God intended us to after Jesus died on the cross. And I was reminded this week through my sickness that there are still performance mentalities I'm enslaved to.
Side note, this isn't some biblical study on grace. If you have questions about the teachings in the bible about grace, feel free to ask me, and we can talk more :-)
In this case, I was bad and lazy for not running (even though I was sick, it didn't matter). I couldn't rest! It's not Sunday, it's just not biblical to rest any other time.
Seriously ya'll, please tell me I'm not the only one who has these thoughts?!
In the end, God just said Steph, I'm not keeping a score card on you, I want you to rest. You have been working really hard for your family, it's wearing you down, and I WANT you to rest, and sleep, and do nothing but sit in a chair and read for a while.
And I gave in. I rested. I listened to His voice, accepted His grace, and I feel so refreshed by His presence.
Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
I came down with a little sinus infection last week, but I couldn't let it stop me from running. Not running meant I was lazy, and laziness would surely gain me ten pounds. So what happened after I ran? It made things worse. Two days later I felt alright, so I decided to run again. Well that backfired, and I ended up much worse and added a cold to the mix. All because my performance mentality couldn't take a break.
Finally, finally I gave in and took a break (and asked God to
And the only reason I'm telling you all about how I'm sick is because there's a spiritual metaphor to all of this. It's good, I promise.
It's a little thing called Grace. A little thing that we are so far from understanding or wrapping our minds around. Several years ago I thought I'd experienced this "revelation" or understanding of grace. I began to scratch the surface at how often I'm performance minded, rather than grace minded. It was a beautiful thing to start living life the way God intended us to after Jesus died on the cross. And I was reminded this week through my sickness that there are still performance mentalities I'm enslaved to.
Side note, this isn't some biblical study on grace. If you have questions about the teachings in the bible about grace, feel free to ask me, and we can talk more :-)
In this case, I was bad and lazy for not running (even though I was sick, it didn't matter). I couldn't rest! It's not Sunday, it's just not biblical to rest any other time.
Seriously ya'll, please tell me I'm not the only one who has these thoughts?!
In the end, God just said Steph, I'm not keeping a score card on you, I want you to rest. You have been working really hard for your family, it's wearing you down, and I WANT you to rest, and sleep, and do nothing but sit in a chair and read for a while.
And I gave in. I rested. I listened to His voice, accepted His grace, and I feel so refreshed by His presence.
Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Dear Josiah
Today you are a year old. I simply cannot wrap my mind around this fact, probably because I remember having you like it was yesterday. I distinctly remember having the thought after you were born that this day would come, and wondering what you would be like, look like, act like, a year from then. What would our lives as a family be like a year from then? Well it's been a year from then and...
You came out screaming and hollering, and really, it hasn't ever stopped. Just a few weeks ago your joyful and curious screaming got the cops called for an apparent domestic disturbance. Thanks baby boy. You are very vocal - if you've ever wanted something, there is no such thing as whimpering or crying. You are a screamer. But that's just who you are. You know what you want and you'll find a means of getting it. Your momma thinks you'll be a great leader because of this determined personality you have.
You are still a pretty small little guy. You were only just over 6 pounds when you were born, so it's not surprising that you are only around 20 pounds. But you sure are tall! You eat a LOT, and you love to eat anything and everything. You are not picky by any means, which I'm so thankful for. You are such an easy baby in that regard. {I'm also convinced you stole my metabolism}.
You haven't quite learned to walk on your own yet, and really aren't all that interested. Which is honestly perfectly fine with me and your daddy. We know you will get there eventually, so no rush sweet boy.
The saying dog is man's best friend? Well dog is baby's best friend. You and Boss are like the best of buds. When he wants to play he will bring you his bone and you'll sit on the floor in a round of tug of war, laughing hysterically. And when I need you to be entertained so I can cook dinner or do my hair, I'll sit you with Boss and he never ceases to capture your attention.
Josiah, you came into our lives during a very difficult time. Never in mine or your daddy's lives have we known such desperate financial times, and we had no idea how we would provide for you. But so many people showered us with gifts, and God always provided just enough money for diapers each week. I pray that when you get older you will look back at your parents' lives and their testimony and know the God we serve is the God who provides. You made the most difficult year equally the best year we've ever had.
Your momma loves you soooooo so so much baby boy. I can't say enough how you are the best thing that's ever happened. I look forward to the months and years ahead, watching you grow and learn and become who God made you to be. I pray that you will grow to know the love of Christ, that you will have such a revelation of His grace and love, that you will follow Him all the days of your life.
Happy 1st birthday baby boy!
You came out screaming and hollering, and really, it hasn't ever stopped. Just a few weeks ago your joyful and curious screaming got the cops called for an apparent domestic disturbance. Thanks baby boy. You are very vocal - if you've ever wanted something, there is no such thing as whimpering or crying. You are a screamer. But that's just who you are. You know what you want and you'll find a means of getting it. Your momma thinks you'll be a great leader because of this determined personality you have.
You are still a pretty small little guy. You were only just over 6 pounds when you were born, so it's not surprising that you are only around 20 pounds. But you sure are tall! You eat a LOT, and you love to eat anything and everything. You are not picky by any means, which I'm so thankful for. You are such an easy baby in that regard. {I'm also convinced you stole my metabolism}.
You haven't quite learned to walk on your own yet, and really aren't all that interested. Which is honestly perfectly fine with me and your daddy. We know you will get there eventually, so no rush sweet boy.
The saying dog is man's best friend? Well dog is baby's best friend. You and Boss are like the best of buds. When he wants to play he will bring you his bone and you'll sit on the floor in a round of tug of war, laughing hysterically. And when I need you to be entertained so I can cook dinner or do my hair, I'll sit you with Boss and he never ceases to capture your attention.
Josiah, you came into our lives during a very difficult time. Never in mine or your daddy's lives have we known such desperate financial times, and we had no idea how we would provide for you. But so many people showered us with gifts, and God always provided just enough money for diapers each week. I pray that when you get older you will look back at your parents' lives and their testimony and know the God we serve is the God who provides. You made the most difficult year equally the best year we've ever had.
Your momma loves you soooooo so so much baby boy. I can't say enough how you are the best thing that's ever happened. I look forward to the months and years ahead, watching you grow and learn and become who God made you to be. I pray that you will grow to know the love of Christ, that you will have such a revelation of His grace and love, that you will follow Him all the days of your life.
Happy 1st birthday baby boy!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Embrace the Camera 10*11*12
This past weekend our little town had an open house at the fire department. Josiah is too young to really enjoy all the fun stuff they had, but they also offered free lunch. Um, so not passing that up! See that middle picture? He has discovered his tongue recently and he loves to stick it out and make faces at himself. It's pretty darn cute :-)
Over here today embracing the camera...
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Seeing Things Differently
**My husband gave me complete permission to tell this story** :-)
Two weeks ago Rob got into a small accident in our new car. I was so upset I couldn't even look at the car. In fact, I've refused to look at the front bumper at all since it happened, until Monday. I mean, I didn't tell Rob I was upset, I told him it was okay and that it would get fixed, but our beautiful new car has a gash in the front bumper.
I'll spare you all the minor details, but it happened while he was at the social security office, trying to get his SS card so he can work in the states. [because immigration failed us one last time, long story] That little fact just made me even more upset because if immigration would have actually done what they were supposed to do, Rob wouldn't have been in that situation in the first place.
But on Monday as I was walking past the car, I stopped and stared at the gash in the bumper. It wasn't just a result of an accident, suddenly there was so much meaning in it. It was a battle scar from a fight. Rob's fight to take care of his family.
Lately I've been worn down, tired of working all the time and not doing what I love and want to do. Feeling helpless because Rob hasn't been able to work without his SS card, wondering if I'm gonna have to work in an unfulfilling job the rest of my life.
But now I see that battle scar on the car, and I know that Rob is fighting for me, for Josiah, for the ability to take care of us. I see that battle scar, and my heart is filled with joy and peace. I never thought I could be so thankful for a car accident.
Two weeks ago Rob got into a small accident in our new car. I was so upset I couldn't even look at the car. In fact, I've refused to look at the front bumper at all since it happened, until Monday. I mean, I didn't tell Rob I was upset, I told him it was okay and that it would get fixed, but our beautiful new car has a gash in the front bumper.
I'll spare you all the minor details, but it happened while he was at the social security office, trying to get his SS card so he can work in the states. [because immigration failed us one last time, long story] That little fact just made me even more upset because if immigration would have actually done what they were supposed to do, Rob wouldn't have been in that situation in the first place.
But on Monday as I was walking past the car, I stopped and stared at the gash in the bumper. It wasn't just a result of an accident, suddenly there was so much meaning in it. It was a battle scar from a fight. Rob's fight to take care of his family.
Lately I've been worn down, tired of working all the time and not doing what I love and want to do. Feeling helpless because Rob hasn't been able to work without his SS card, wondering if I'm gonna have to work in an unfulfilling job the rest of my life.
But now I see that battle scar on the car, and I know that Rob is fighting for me, for Josiah, for the ability to take care of us. I see that battle scar, and my heart is filled with joy and peace. I never thought I could be so thankful for a car accident.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Embrace It
"So it came to pass in the process of time, that Hannah conceived and bore a son."
Life often feels like a waiting game. I'm very aware that much of my life has been spent looking forward to what's next. Getting a driver's license, graduating, getting married, having a family/fulfilling career.
Everything in the meantime can seem so mundane, difficult. Maybe we look around us at others living the dreams that are our own desires. Maybe some even look at me and go gosh, I want to be married. And at the same time I'm looking at you and thinking, Wow, they have the whole world ahead of them! Enjoy that freedom!
Ironic, huh?
If you're like me, maybe sometimes you kind of feel like you're on a shelf, forgotten. You wonder how come nothing is happening, nothing is going as planned, you're prayers aren't being heard, while James over there has got his career, money, family, and life all together.
These moments (or days, or years) where the 'forgotteness' creeps into our heart, come with a choice we can make. It's difficult, believe me. Much more difficult than focusing on your unmet expectations. It's a choice to believe the truth of God's word.
That verse at the top says in the process of time Hannah conceived. She waited for years. YEARS for the promises of God and desire of her heart to be fulfilled.
But friends, His promises are true.
First off, STOP COMPARING. Comparison breeds anger, frustration, jealousy and discontentment. Those are definitely the opposite of the fruits of the spirit we desire...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...
Second, everything you are doing has a purpose. There are NO landfills, no waste, no dumps, no garbage in the plans of God. That job you're in now that you, ahem, less than love, has a purpose. That junky car you have to drive, has a purpose. PS - don't compare your job or car to your friends...
Embrace this season you are in.
His promises are true. You are not forgotten.
{EMBRACE}
Life often feels like a waiting game. I'm very aware that much of my life has been spent looking forward to what's next. Getting a driver's license, graduating, getting married, having a family/fulfilling career.
Everything in the meantime can seem so mundane, difficult. Maybe we look around us at others living the dreams that are our own desires. Maybe some even look at me and go gosh, I want to be married. And at the same time I'm looking at you and thinking, Wow, they have the whole world ahead of them! Enjoy that freedom!
Ironic, huh?
If you're like me, maybe sometimes you kind of feel like you're on a shelf, forgotten. You wonder how come nothing is happening, nothing is going as planned, you're prayers aren't being heard, while James over there has got his career, money, family, and life all together.
These moments (or days, or years) where the 'forgotteness' creeps into our heart, come with a choice we can make. It's difficult, believe me. Much more difficult than focusing on your unmet expectations. It's a choice to believe the truth of God's word.
That verse at the top says in the process of time Hannah conceived. She waited for years. YEARS for the promises of God and desire of her heart to be fulfilled.
But friends, His promises are true.
First off, STOP COMPARING. Comparison breeds anger, frustration, jealousy and discontentment. Those are definitely the opposite of the fruits of the spirit we desire...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...
Second, everything you are doing has a purpose. There are NO landfills, no waste, no dumps, no garbage in the plans of God. That job you're in now that you, ahem, less than love, has a purpose. That junky car you have to drive, has a purpose. PS - don't compare your job or car to your friends...
Embrace this season you are in.
His promises are true. You are not forgotten.
{EMBRACE}
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Ultimate Pinterest Fail
Since 99% of the people who read this blog are my friends and family, you already know this story. So this is for the 1 person who hasn't heard yet :-)
The morning started out so innocently. I was attempting to do this on a larger scale:
I had an old cheap floor mirror (you know, the one in every college dorm) and I knew I'd never use it again. So I thought I could bust the mirror out and repurpose the frame. Easy enough right?
Saturday morning I joyfully hammered away at my old mirror out on our apartment balcony. If anything, I was having a blast smashing things. Meanwhile, Josiah is inside on the other side of the screen. Screaming. Because he recently figured out how to scream and it's fun (for him). My mommy ears were tuning him out. It's a mom thing.
After my glass smashing fun Rob and I were cleaning things up when a police officer walked by our balcony. I smiled and waved, and thought hmm, I didn't know our complex had patrol back here? Then two more officers arrive. One of them is in a bullet proof vest.
And officer 1 cautiously asked if everything was alright.
Then it dawned on me - oh my gosh - the breaking glass, and screaming baby. Someone called the cops!
Sure enough, the officer said someone reported domestic violence and screaming.
I was laughing so hard, then apologized to the officers for laughing because they wasted their time coming to check out the progress of my pinterest project. Needless to say we all had a good chuckle, and they even said they were pretty glad to find out we weren't serial killers of anything.
And the proof? I'm holding Josiah who is waving at officer 1, who is waving back :-)
All I gotta say is that pinterest project better turn out good - that's a story I want to tell every visitor that views my piece of art :-)
The morning started out so innocently. I was attempting to do this on a larger scale:
I had an old cheap floor mirror (you know, the one in every college dorm) and I knew I'd never use it again. So I thought I could bust the mirror out and repurpose the frame. Easy enough right?
Saturday morning I joyfully hammered away at my old mirror out on our apartment balcony. If anything, I was having a blast smashing things. Meanwhile, Josiah is inside on the other side of the screen. Screaming. Because he recently figured out how to scream and it's fun (for him). My mommy ears were tuning him out. It's a mom thing.
After my glass smashing fun Rob and I were cleaning things up when a police officer walked by our balcony. I smiled and waved, and thought hmm, I didn't know our complex had patrol back here? Then two more officers arrive. One of them is in a bullet proof vest.
And officer 1 cautiously asked if everything was alright.
Then it dawned on me - oh my gosh - the breaking glass, and screaming baby. Someone called the cops!
Sure enough, the officer said someone reported domestic violence and screaming.
I was laughing so hard, then apologized to the officers for laughing because they wasted their time coming to check out the progress of my pinterest project. Needless to say we all had a good chuckle, and they even said they were pretty glad to find out we weren't serial killers of anything.
And the proof? I'm holding Josiah who is waving at officer 1, who is waving back :-)
All I gotta say is that pinterest project better turn out good - that's a story I want to tell every visitor that views my piece of art :-)
Friday, October 5, 2012
Rise Up.
Don't compare yourself. To the educated. To the "more experienced". Don't compare
Who you are is ENOUGH.
YOU are a beacon. A light.
YOU were made to stand out.
Don't shrink back.
Don't hunch over.
Now is the time.
Don't be afraid.
RISE UP.
Who you are is ENOUGH.
YOU are a beacon. A light.
YOU were made to stand out.
Don't shrink back.
Don't hunch over.
Now is the time.
Don't be afraid.
RISE UP.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Embrace the Camera 10*4*12
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Kerr Wedding
Back in August my best friend from high school got married, and what a privilege it is to share some of these sweet details from their wedding!
Monday, October 1, 2012
The Word that Tells a Story
This past weekend I had the opportunity to high tail it outta town for a young women's retreat. I almost didn't go, for several reasons, but my best friend Megan pushed to make it happen. And I'm SO glad. I had the best time. I heard from God, I was refreshed, and I have so much to post about in the near future. But until then, I wanted to share my favorite little spread of photos from the weekend. We were forced indoors 98% of the time due to rain so the pictures were kept to a minimum.
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