What a Year Can Bring

I began this blog one year ago today, and I thought I'd commemorate the event with, what else?  Another post.  :)

I started writing here as a place to share my thoughts, however random they might be - to share life with others, and hopefully glean a thing or two along the way.  I haven't been as intentional about writing as I'd hoped to be, and while I don't regret spending less time on the computer, part of my goal for this blog was to literally just write more.  Time to re-evaluate and move forward!

What an amazing year it has been.  It's hard to believe that's all the time that has passed, to tell you the truth.  I now have a little girl who seems so grown up.  At nearly 18 months, she's talking (although much of it is still only remotely intelligible), plays dress up, sings and dances, "reads" books, and can <help> set the table.  :)  My heart swells to the point of bursting every time I look at her with her dimpled smile and curly hair.  I am so incredibly blessed, and amazed that she's mine.

It's amazing what a year can teach you.  I've learned so much about being too self-reliant.  Trying too hard to do things on my own strength, instead of living with grace, toward myself as much as toward others.  I've learned as a Mother (perhaps not for the last time!) that I can't always "fix" everything.  Sometimes my little girl just has to deal with the consequences of being naughty.  Sometimes I can't make the tears from the teething go away.  Sometimes I can't ease her frustration when she's trying to learn something new.  The thing is, I learned that not only is it okay, sometimes it's necessary!  I think about how God "parents" me, and how so many times he lovingly shepherds me the same way.

This year my husband celebrated a milestone birthday, and I realized all over again how deeply I love this compassionate, patient, incredible man that I am privileged to spend yet another year with.  I am still in awe that God brought us together.  This year we will celebrate half a decade of marriage (sounds like so much longer than 5 years!).  ;)  I am amazed that he chose me, of all the girls he could have chosen, and so thankful to belong to such a gracious, tender-hearted man as Nate.

This year has taught us a lot about our marriage as well.  We've learned that marriage is about more than servanthood, it's even about more than modeling what real love looks like day in and day out.  At it's core, our marriage is designed by God to mirror Christ and his relationship with the Church.  A high calling!  A radical one, in the eyes of our culture, and one that we cry out for strength daily to achieve.  It can never happen through our effort alone.

This year been one of sojourning for us as well.  We are no nearer to finding a permanent church family to call home, and while we are discouraged, we have not lost hope!  We continue to seek God's face as we know that His plan is perfect, and our ultimate desire is to glorify Him with our decision, and with all that follows.

A year goes by so quickly!  It's true what they say: the older you get, the faster time goes!  :)  What has this past year brought you?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

To the journey,
~Amanda

90 Days, or Not?

Well, Kids, my 90 days were up on September 1st (I guess I missed the 60 day update - whoops!), and I'm now in *drumroll please* Psalms!  Haha.  I really had expected to be further along by now (obviously) but for whatever reason, I kind of got hung up once I hit Nehemiah.  Go figure, right?  I read all the way through Leviticus and Numbers with dogged determination, and once I get to the part about the Israelites returning from exile, I kind of went kaput.

Still, once I got past the "they started re-building the wall until so and so made trouble and they stopped again" parts, I was okay.  Don't get me wrong, I still found in interesting, especially the ways that God changed the hearts of these foreign kings to not only allow the Israelites to return and begin re-building, but also to fund the project!  Can you imagine?

The story of Esther has always been one of my favorites (talk about a strong woman!!), so I breezed right through that book.  Her trust in the Lord in the face of extreme persecution (and the potential extermination of her people) is always so incredible to me.  Something she says near the end of the story when she's about to beg for her people's survival has always stuck with me:

“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”  - Esther 4:16 (emphasis mine)

That's the kind of woman I want to be!

Job always makes me re-think my perspective of "fair".  If you could ever ask for a picture of a Sovereign God who loves us in the midst of allowing us to walk the hard road, Job is it.  I just love the dialogue between God and Job beginning in chapter 38.  Can you imagine God talking to you from inside a tornado??

I am looking forward to continuing on, if not at the pace of 90 days.  :)  Maybe Dad was right, and it will be more like 180.  haha

"Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love."  - 2 John 1:3

Here's to the journey!
~Amanda

New Employment

So I just recently started a new endeavor in employment - a paper route!  I used to have one when I was a kid, and this kind of brings me back in some ways.

The part that's the most different is getting up in the middle of the night!  I usually wake up around 2:30 a.m. to pick up the papers between 3-3:30.  The hours are really a mixed blessing for me.  On the one hand, it requires missing out on much of the "after bedtime" activities that I used to enjoy after Olivia went to bed.  Why are so many shows on at 8 again?  :)  On the other hand, Nate has to be at work by 6 a.m., so this allows me to be home in time for him to leave, and I get to spend the entire day at home with Olivia where I want to be most.

The extra income is a nice bonus for us (when isn't it?) - to allow us to do things like go out on dates, spend a little extra for a new toy for Olivia, or a new pair of shoes, etc.  We have been incredibly blessed thus far that I have been able to stay home full time with Olivia, but that meant really making our dollars count.  This paper route gives us a little freedom with some "spending" money.

So far, other than the newbie bumps that come with any job, I've really enjoyed it.  It's so sleepy in the city that time of day, and I really enjoy the time to reflect, listen to sermons, or whatever music I want to without worrying about disturbing anyone.  I also have an audio Bible that I use frequently (really comes in handy for the 90 day challenge!).

It's nice to have some quiet "alone" time during the day too.  Especially as Mommy to a toddler, there aren't many of those moments throughout the day.  Even during naptime, that's usually when I play "catch up" and take care of things that are easier to complete without little feet to watch for.  How do you carve out some quiet time in your day?  Before bedtime?  Do you take some time to reflect maybe once a week?  I always love to hear from other Moms!  Feel free to share your thoughts.

Grace and Peace!
~Amanda

90 Days . . . Update

So far, so good!  It's been 30 days, and I'm still on track!  I've been immensely enjoying this time, and I know it sounds cliché, but I really have been learning so many new things.  Reading through the history of civilization, from Adam to Noah, and then from the flood through Abraham . . . then on into Israel's birth as a nation, and right now I just finished reading through the line of kings.  It never ceases to amaze me the kinds of things God pre-ordained to happen in his selection of kings, their reigns, etc.

Aside from the more prominent kings, (David, Solomon, etc.), I am amazed by the stories of kings like Hezekiah, who had steadfast faith in the face of imminent death for not only himself, but his people as well.  Or kings like Josiah, who began his reign at eight years old . . . and then lead one of the most profound returns to their covenant faith in Israel's history.  It actually says he threw a Passover feast like none before him.  Not even King David, or King Solomon had ever honored the Passover this way!  So many incredible things that paint a picture of such an incredible God.

What kinds of things has God been teaching you through His word lately?  Do you employ a specific method of study?  Have there been any systems that you've had more success with than others?  I'd love to hear your feedback!  I'm always looking for new things to keep me accountable to reading regularly.  :) 

Looking forward to continuing this journey!

Grace and Peace,
Amanda

Friend Reunion: D.C.

If you ask my husband what his favorite memories of college are, he will undoubtedly refer to one event or another taking place between an intimate circle of friends from those years.  He was fortunate enough to grow and learn with the same group of incredible people throughout his four years at school.  Several of the friends ended up going on to marry, and while I didn't attend the same school, after marrying Nate, I was graciously adopted into the group.  These friends are really more like family, and through the years, we've made an effort to get together in spite of being spread out all over the country.  I really cannot be more blessed by their friendship!

This summer was especially fun.  It was the first time the entire group was together since we started adding children to the equation.  Boy was it fun to watch our kids interact!  There were so many other reasons this trip will be memorable for us . . .

The day before we were due to arrive, we got a phone call from our friends out in Washington D.C. who were hosting the gathering.  There had been a "land hurricane" (yes, you read that right . . . that's what the news sources were calling it, haha!), and they were left without electricity.  By the time they had called us, they had already gone without power for nearly 24 hours.  Thankfully, with kind neighbors offering the use of generators, they were able to save the $700 worth of groceries just purchased!  We were just praying the power came on before our plane landed!

We were able to fly out of Chicago with another couple and their daughter (also from Iowa) who were part of the "group".  This made travel lots more fun!  Thankfully, Olivia slept until we were nearly landing, which was fantastic!  All those great ideas from Pinterest on how to keep a toddler busy were filed away for next time.  :)

Upon arrival, we were dismayed to learn that there was indeed still no power, which meant no a/c.  Normally this wouldn't have been too big a setback, but we're talking Washington D.C. in July, in a record year for heat.  Factor in the ridiculous humidity, and it was pretty safe to say everyone was miserable.  Still, we were all excited to be together, and we made the most of our first night there, camp out style!

The next morning (Sunday) some very generous friends of our host couple let us stay at their enormous home.  They already had restored power, and air conditioning!  We were eternally grateful!  Here's a photo of the amazing home:

One of the perks of getting this group together is re-living college days.  For the guys, that means plenty of Smash Brothers and Mario Kart on the N64.  :)  Thankfully, after one night, and two days of being at the "other" house, we were able to move back to our kind friend's home where they were hosting our entire group.  Hooray for electricity!

While our main goal for this trip was just to visit, and enjoy each other's company, we also wanted to take advantage of some of the awesome things Washington D.C. has to offer.  We were able to visit the Smithsonian, tour the White House (very cool if you ever get the chance!), visit the Library of Congress, along with portions of our group going on to the National Botanical Gardens, and the Capital Building.

Going anywhere as a group meant we had quite the entourage!  Strollers, baby carriers galore, we were quite the sight!

Olivia was always up for another adventure.  She was my little Hollywood baby this trip - she cracks me up!

 Of course, one of the highlights of the trip for the kiddos was riding the Metro around the city.

It was such a thrill for them to "hold on" while the train was in motion!  So cute.  Our friends also made the trip memorable for the littles by indulging them in a giant bouncy house.  The kids certainly wore themselves out playing in it!

In addition to the other activities, we grown-ups got to have an evening all to ourselves.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner at a pub in Old Town Alexandria (definitely one of the highlights of the trip for me!), and then meandered around enjoying the scenery, old buildings, and general "quaintness" of the city.  After dinner, we were brave enough to venture over to the National Mall to check out the monuments by night.  Hoping for a cooler (and more enjoyable) viewing.  I have to admit, in spite of being absolutely drenched in sweat by the end, it was really enjoyable!

Needless to say, we created enough memories on this trip to last a lifetime, and the experiences shared only served to re-enforce the amazing friendships that have stood the test of time.  We feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of this group!

Nine adults, and five kids (under the age of 3!) under one roof, for an entire week.  What an adventure we had!  So thankful, and looking forward to the next time we're all together again.  :)

Tribute To My Dad

Ah.  Father's Day.  A day of barbeque, picnics, and . . . car shows.  Or something like that.  :)  Dads all over the country receive new unwanted ties, or sweetly handmade monstrosities that they are obligated to display on their desk for some unknown period of time.  It's usually a day for kids to treat their dads like the heroes they are.  And for our family, it means even more.

 For our family, it's a day to celebrate not only the way that our Dad raised us, but also the example he set for us of our heavenly Father.  No dad is perfect, but mine comes pretty close.

He took time to make the little things big things for us.  Every time I played the piano for my Dad growing up, he would rave about me being the next big concert pianist.  I wrote a story - Dad would declare me a future published author.  He suffered through years of dance recitals, and gymnastics meets, and had to take out a second mortgage to pay for the gas it took to drive us to all those practices!

Dad had a childish wonder about the world that gave us a passion for the world around us.  He would never accept "average" for our best - but always pushed us to give our all.  He never talked down to us, but encouraged us to break the stereo type of what the "normal" kid should look like, and use the minds God gave us to excel just about every area.  Dad was never satisfied with pat answers.  He wanted us to learn to think for ourselves, and to seek out the Truth.

I've received countless intangible gifts from my Dad.  He's always been a big believer in reading - and from early on in our childhood, he was careful to share all kinds of literature with us.  I've inherited that love of reading, and hope to pass it on to my children as well.  Dad taught me to love music - not just one kind of music, all music (although I still have a hard time choking down that Country . . .)!  I can still remember being three or four, and Dad asking me "Wanna listen to some Rock & Roll?" and sitting with him in the rocking chair, in the very middle of the living room, with the speakers blasting - and being perfectly content.

Even when he was tired, Dad never made us feel like he was "obligated" to spend time with us, but made us feel treasured.  He praised us unceasingly through our growing up years, never sparing a chance to tell us how proud he was of us.

Dad with my Grandpa

Another thing I am so thankful for - is that Dad always stuck to his convictions.  ALWAYS.  If Dad said no, that was it.  As a Mother now myself, I am so grateful to have had the example of a Dad who was firm, and didn't spare me the discipline I needed to shape my character.

To this day, I admire my Dad's love of knowledge about Scripture, and theology.  He is humble enough to admit he'll never know it all, but hungry enough to never stop seeking more.  God has blessed me with a Dad who taught me to know why I believe what I believe.  Not just because so and so said it was right, but to look for answers, and come to my own conclusions.  By God's grace, I was pointed in the right direction!

I have far more awesome memories of my Dad than could possibly fit into a blog post, but as a daughter who is eternally grateful, Dad, thanks!  For everything.  I love you.


Photos:
Men Grilling
Dad & Grandpa

Through The Bible In 90 Days

For my birthday this year, I received a brand new, shiny Bible.  It's an ESV Study Bible, and there is just so much in there!  I have been enjoying it immensely.  Every year for the past couple of years, my Dad has done a challenge where he reads through the bible cover to cover, in 90 days.  I have participated once, and let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart!

However, I have learned so much more about the big picture of my salvation, and how the entire Bible points to Jesus Christ.  I'm not kidding - we're talking Genesis, and I'm seeing Jesus.  It is an amazing experience!  My Dad is out of school for the summer, and has challenged me to participate as he plunges ahead through yet another "90 Days" read.  I excitedly agreed, and he has already started the challenge.  When I called home today, he jokingly asked how the "Bible in 180 Days" was going for me.  ;)  He knows me well.  Needless to say, summer is a busy season for our family, and we travel often.  Still, I plan to begin my challenge this Sunday, and stay as close to the "90 days" schedule as I can.

This is such an enriching, deepening of faith for me.  The last time I participated, it was right before the birth of my daughter.  I am so thankful for the time of building up God used in my faith!  I would invite you to join me, and share what you're learning along the way.  I need visual reminders, so I use a bookmark with the schedule printed on it.  You can get more information about the 90 day challenge here.  I'm hoping to post updates at 30, and 60 days.  I am praying for a humble heart to learn, grace when I fall short, and endurance to press on to the finish.  Can't wait to get started!  Here's to the journey.

Grace and Peace,
~Amanda