tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32900785783429286182024-02-06T20:36:31.345-08:00Eat Create WorshipAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-82310110230585979192013-12-11T21:24:00.001-08:002013-12-11T21:24:53.441-08:00Kicking and ScreamingKicking and screaming he takes a while to calm.<br />He struggles for a while to trust in his mom. <br />I hold him close, wishing he'd just understand, <br />that he's always safe in his mother's hand.<br />And this sight seems all to familiar to me now.<br />Likewise, my heavenly Father's comfort I don't allow.<br />I realize now my child and I's struggle's the same <br />and now I'm covered in guilt and shame.<br /><br />But I feel him quickly carry me <br />and the pain, the burden, the worry, I feel it all flee.<br />I'm weightless now holding my child,<br />delighting in him and feeling beguiled.<br />Thank You for Your abounding grace.<br />I'll rest in it 'till I see You face to face.<br />Then in Your arms I'll forever be,<br />thankful you saved a wicked sinner like me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-22517778113437824602013-03-20T14:10:00.001-07:002013-03-20T14:10:05.291-07:00A promise made to me long agoWhen I was 16 and I first began my relationship with Jesus I was very much into my artwork. From the very beginning I've always felt really close to God when I created something, wether it be through writing or through art. My art went through a drastic change, from images of handcuffs and of alcohol to images with much more depth behind them, a direct result of my lifestyle change. There is one piece in particular that I remember most, which I have no idea why I created, or where the inspiration came from. <br />
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The image is the silhouette of a pregnant young girl laying on her side with her hair down. She is surrounded by the verse in Matthew 11:28 that says "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The image became no more than a sketch, and as far as I can remember only I have seen it, unlike most of my other work. Today I realize this image was meant to stay between God and I and that it would have been seen much differently then as it would be now. <br />
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I now realize he made a promise to me then which I was too young in my faith to understand, but he constantly points me back to that promise today saying, "What I promised you then, I promise you now. I was there with you then and I'm here with you now. I will provide, I will protect. Trust in me." God knew the plans He had for me. He knew motherhood at a young age is what He had in store for me, and He told me then and He reminds me today that it is not easy, but I am not doing it alone. <br />
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Thank you God for your constant reminders. Thank you for the fact that even though I doubt you and lack trust in you at times you continually bless me and provide for me. Help my unbelief. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-35018907419779998312013-03-07T12:00:00.000-08:002013-03-07T12:05:53.106-08:00About meI am a 20 year old Mexican born housewife, and mama to be. I'm currently living in Austin, Tx and absolutely love my city. My husband Ryan and I have been married for over a year and are expecting the birth of our baby boy, Ezra, late this March. We have been adopted by a merciful and gracious God and we live our lives as followers of Jesus. We strongly cling to the promise God has made us in every life decision we make: <br />
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<b>"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, <br />
for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28</b></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHdU7Rid5nHp2zh4K2tcwxGCm4raRMfjrU8kJy0oez75QKpyqK-yIWD3KhVYeKZgOpAXyEJnNJ1S_szdDbek98cpQOczysYMQ8oqLU4fShUygwFKfNDsTrXIrV_bWliDSbfeiKJ0QEeQ-/s1600/httpwwwhamptonworkscom_1_11693.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHdU7Rid5nHp2zh4K2tcwxGCm4raRMfjrU8kJy0oez75QKpyqK-yIWD3KhVYeKZgOpAXyEJnNJ1S_szdDbek98cpQOczysYMQ8oqLU4fShUygwFKfNDsTrXIrV_bWliDSbfeiKJ0QEeQ-/s320/httpwwwhamptonworkscom_1_11693.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHy2ZQP0N10Av6g3LgCswIBI_OQdkkClgs3fRQ3RZsN8qr5h3dBwucCSN6bXC0aQNdQOHgMSLoqpTWomXprd5iZTrwZEEmCJ34Be4Bn95HDI3o4vyLLZ6zzAvT5YNf_akED-ceAWTtyW6/s1600/httpwwwhamptonworkscom_1_14204.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHy2ZQP0N10Av6g3LgCswIBI_OQdkkClgs3fRQ3RZsN8qr5h3dBwucCSN6bXC0aQNdQOHgMSLoqpTWomXprd5iZTrwZEEmCJ34Be4Bn95HDI3o4vyLLZ6zzAvT5YNf_akED-ceAWTtyW6/s320/httpwwwhamptonworkscom_1_14204.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH2OTPbW6Xv375nwcIvsFbW0oS488p3mOQAoQrKOV4kagbeHUlU1M3NTnpO9-4LS_x7Kgrkv7E4pFn_ueAWC1CB09AywUpEVMS_hhbsWYqz-akT8H_Cpm52oJVaVoRI1FBwvc6yy8pRZF/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH2OTPbW6Xv375nwcIvsFbW0oS488p3mOQAoQrKOV4kagbeHUlU1M3NTnpO9-4LS_x7Kgrkv7E4pFn_ueAWC1CB09AywUpEVMS_hhbsWYqz-akT8H_Cpm52oJVaVoRI1FBwvc6yy8pRZF/s320/3.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-34759109009622413852013-03-07T10:47:00.000-08:002013-03-07T11:19:49.504-08:00Charlie Banana Wet Bag Review<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B4jdduCTe2Hep3ffzCjim85qW76gQqkdr1xUbCqVmGIxAe3jKlifkY0XFxy1ZlDQ_XJM9CQkSfZhGucIzdZ-LIAK5BZLOFN_I-SFpK-4B-g_Nz2kZ_LByieUlyxEyPGJYSFEznPMssv5/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B4jdduCTe2Hep3ffzCjim85qW76gQqkdr1xUbCqVmGIxAe3jKlifkY0XFxy1ZlDQ_XJM9CQkSfZhGucIzdZ-LIAK5BZLOFN_I-SFpK-4B-g_Nz2kZ_LByieUlyxEyPGJYSFEznPMssv5/s320/photo(4).JPG" height="291" width="400" /></a><br />
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Initially I had planned to make my own wet bag, in order to save the most amount of money possible. But with limited fabric supplied and with baby Ezra's arrival being around the corner, I caved and decided to just purchase one instead; I'm glad I did. I had thought I would purchase the Gdiaper one, seeing as how that's the cloth diaper I chose to stick to, but I didn't want to have to pay for shipping. While at target I stumbled upon a <b>Charlie Banana wet bag</b>. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74SwCMxY_E-ruOPN1QtvL4XmPylN5hVsSfpH_9iuP65Vb9H7UOR_cO6lWJQ1gMks6hYAxg6-9-rSzL4sRg-WEhoYTxENG77TeIPcK29A8iEGRy_2GrtYQ1O8_aWz5KB9zB6gmmBJkSY5K/s1600/photo(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74SwCMxY_E-ruOPN1QtvL4XmPylN5hVsSfpH_9iuP65Vb9H7UOR_cO6lWJQ1gMks6hYAxg6-9-rSzL4sRg-WEhoYTxENG77TeIPcK29A8iEGRy_2GrtYQ1O8_aWz5KB9zB6gmmBJkSY5K/s320/photo(5).JPG" /></a><br />
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And although it set me back around $20, there's many things about it I really like. For starters, it's adorable, there was several prints but I went with the one named "under construction". It's also really big, so it's capable of holding a cloth diaper and an entire baby outfit if the need arises. It's machine washable, which is a MUST for me. I also like the fact that the company supports the organization Operation Smile. And my <b>FAVORITE</b> part of the wet bag has to be the terry piece added to the inside of the bag so that you can add your favorite essential oil to it.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV7mtGdbcMUc1zUisIxGDW3JCLnKmKq8eLDOhSun59JUtPq-Xs0MXxM5KpS_f6oeCMzTaWxxuvyxiL_HSxq6mvXmYMbzxnSE3qdBzeLqFFw_PpaVmFdY_DqMBLyh0VKkj_nsOHLQMrNm1/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV7mtGdbcMUc1zUisIxGDW3JCLnKmKq8eLDOhSun59JUtPq-Xs0MXxM5KpS_f6oeCMzTaWxxuvyxiL_HSxq6mvXmYMbzxnSE3qdBzeLqFFw_PpaVmFdY_DqMBLyh0VKkj_nsOHLQMrNm1/s320/photo(6).JPG" /></a><br />
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My suggestion, add a mixture of tea tree oil and lavender to it. The tea tree oil will keep your bag safe from mold or mildew and disinfects, but my husband HATES the smell. I mixed it with a bit of lavender which itself has great disinfectant properties but also serves as a deodorant. PERFECT! Now you have a clean diaper bag that doesn't smell, and when you get home you can throw everything in the wash. Sometimes the investment is worth the convenience. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-36400546725971947592013-02-18T21:27:00.002-08:002013-02-19T12:59:09.415-08:00An Irrational Fear of Mine<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; line-height: 24px;">This is the last day I have of the 7 in 7 challenge and I'm running low on things to write about. But last night I was thinking about what people don't really know about me and I finally thought of something: my irrational fear of haircuts. </span></span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Ok<span style="font-size: small;">ay</span> here it goes, it's been almost FOUR years since my last haircut. That's longer than I have known my husband<span style="font-size: small;"> for</span>. I know that's weird, and my hair is unhealthy. But it's very unlikely you'll find me at the hair salon anytime soon. I've used several excuses as to why I won't cut my hair, with the most dominant one being that it's very expensive to get a good haircut. I realized that was just an excuse when my sweet sister offered me a good haircut. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Every time I've gotten my haircut since I was young I walked out with hair at chin length and tears in my eyes. The first one I can remember being when I was around nine. I asked the hair dresser to make me look like Cinderella (I was nine give me a break) but she must have thought I said <span>Snow white because she cut all of my hair off. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span>This became a pattern in my life with the most recent occurrence also being my last haircut. I never intended to have my hair that short but after it was done I was glad for about a day because it angered the boyfriend I had at the time whom I <span style="font-size: small;">happened to be</span> mad at. Someone should have told 15 year old me that I was insane. I guess I REALLY hated the haircut because when I went looking for pictures my hair was either in a tiny ponytail or I had extensions in. I did find <span style="font-size: small;">a couple</span> picture<span style="font-size: small;">s</span> though, here's one. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/2694_74229952649_4326439_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/2694_74229952649_4326439_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Ever since then I have not trusted hair dressers. My husband suggested some time ago that I get a mommy haircut before the birth of Ezra and I just about lost it. After he mentioned it I began having nightmares about it <span style="font-size: small;">and</span> I woke up almost in tears. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; line-height: 24px;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">As I showe<span style="font-size: small;">d my <span style="font-size: small;">husband pictures of my short <span style="font-size: small;">hair he said "to be ho<span style="font-size: small;">nes<span style="font-size: small;">t I like your hair <span style="font-size: small;">much better<span style="font-size: small;"> short.</span></span></span></span>"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; line-height: 24px;"><span> Short hair? Again?! Does he know how many years I waited for my hair to grow back?<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><br />
</span></div><div><span>I don't know why the thought of having short hair freaks me out so much. I wonder if I just don't like change when it comes to my appearance. <span style="font-size: small;">I guess I like being used to what I see in the mirro<span style="font-size: small;">r.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>Hopefully my child won't get his first haircut before mama gets one. </span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; line-height: 24px;"><span>Maybe one day I'll get the courage to get a haircut, for the sake of my h<span style="font-size: small;">usb<span style="font-size: small;">and</span></span>.</span></span></span> What's the longe<span style="font-size: small;">st you've ever gone without a hair<span style="font-size: small;">cut?</span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZjd1bL8Y2tgYFvTfCENwqAhZuhqhf43NzHDVV1GfspDLZKg14ernT9ckQuuvcnRGuSkrnXw3FvE9Mpkb3l2GcEDrEFEu65zWJ_xjnBY4xsbf6YTnc5wDbfnXzsWqgKKpFwN8-G6F5s/s400/tumblr_mi3yo6dziD1s5tcygo1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZjd1bL8Y2tgYFvTfCENwqAhZuhqhf43NzHDVV1GfspDLZKg14ernT9ckQuuvcnRGuSkrnXw3FvE9Mpkb3l2GcEDrEFEu65zWJ_xjnBY4xsbf6YTnc5wDbfnXzsWqgKKpFwN8-G6F5s/s400/tumblr_mi3yo6dziD1s5tcygo1_1280.png" height="132" width="320" /></a></div><div><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-40037784410639167402013-02-17T18:06:00.003-08:002013-02-19T12:57:28.928-08:00One of the CriminalsI'm pretty sure this is cheating as far as the 7 for 7 challenge is involved, but I'm reposting a blog post I had on my old blog because it's the same thing I was wanting to write today. Also I'm really tired and was going to write nothing so I figured this was better. <br />
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This was originally written December 16, 2011, <br />
before Ryan and I were even married. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One of the Criminals</b></span><br />
<br />
You, you who I pray I am completely found in,<br />
you have paid the price to set me free<br />
For all eternity you had been in paradise, in perfect communion <br />
you did not know the pain of sin, the hurt of being alone<br />
but two thousand years ago you stepped into my pain<br />
you left everything I long for in exchange for everything I long to leave<br />
You wrapped yourself in my foolish flesh, and felt the pain of man<br />
but you showed us how we are to live, and to love, and you did no wrong<br />
Still you received the ultimate punishment as you made a way for me<br />
you were beaten and bruised and your father left you<br />
so He could be with me and your poured out blood could cover me<br />
Oh how I long to hang next to you on that cross, <br />
with my last breath proclaiming my faith for you, sweet Jesus<br />
For my soul longs to hear you say: <br />
<b>“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”</b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-90929422816297697072013-02-16T19:58:00.001-08:002013-02-19T12:58:04.704-08:00LaborToday I am tired, exhausted, drained<br />
And longing to feel unconstrained<br />
There's a consuming hunger inside me<br />
And I'm begging God for the discomfort to flee<br />
<br />
He responds by sending gentle motion<br />
And filling me with overwhelming emotion<br />
The work is hard but the reward is so sweet <br />
He reminds me with a vision of two little feet <br />
<br />
For this is just the start of what I'm called to be<br />
Yet the provision promised ahead is hard to see <br />
But He sees me labor and be heavy laden <br />
And He grants me sweet rest, rest found only in Him<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.fabsharford.com/day-5-collected/"></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabsharford.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/day5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fabsharford.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/day5.jpg" height="132" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.fabsharford.com/day-5-collected/">Check out other entries for day five of 7 in 7</a></span></div><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-52452779512015352922013-02-15T10:08:00.000-08:002013-02-19T12:58:48.074-08:00The Person That Judges Me Most<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Though I've had to deal with several physical struggles due to my pregnancy, they have been but miniscule compared to the emotion struggles I have encountered while carrying our child. This blog post is belated, mostly because it's a hard truth for me to face and share and I haven't found the words to properly describe what I've felt. I've shared my struggle about feeling judged because of my age and being pregnant before, but what I didn't mention is that the person who judges me most is myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Before I got pregnant I knew that I would have emotional problems with the weight gain that came with pregnancy. I've always had a really unhealthy fear of gaining weight. I had prayed up to my pregnancy that this was not something that I would struggle with in my pregnancy. At first, I didn't struggle. It wasn't until about 6 months that I started really looking like I was pregnant anyways and the excitement of being pregnant was enough to make me forget about the weight that I had been gaining. But the third trimester was different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">The third trimester is when everything really started changing for me. For the first time I couldn't fit into normal jeans and I had to purchase my first pair of maternity pants. When I went to the dressing room and tried on pants a size bigger than I usually wear, expecting them to be too big, and realized they were instead way too small, I freaked out. Knowing that I had to buy something, I sent my husband to find a bigger size. He came back with the next size up they had, a size four times what I'm used to wearing. He convinced me to go ahead and try them on after I had thrown a mini fit. What happened next will probably upset me until the day I no longer struggle with this; they fit. I could have cried. I pretended it didn't really upset me that much and bought them anyways, but inside I felt like I had failed. My whole life I have set a standard for myself, and that day I failed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">I get a lot of compliments on the way that I look while pregnant, but they seem to go in one ear and out the other. If they only saw what I saw when I looked in the mirror. I do not see myself, I do not see my body. I see someone I don't want to look like. And surely, if I don't like the way that I look, then my husband must not like the way that I look, right? These thoughts plagued me all day long as I sat at home being very careful about what I ate. The thoughts I presumed my husband had about me greatly influenced the way I acted towards him. I was very cautious around him, and one of the greatest biblical aspects of marriage was missing from our marriage; I no longer felt naked and unashamed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">This weight is temporary, I know. And I'm aware everything I have said seems far too over dramatic. But I challenge you to look past that and to try to really understand my struggles. I am not alone when it comes to my body image. I am amongst many women who are a healthy weight but have an unhealthy body image. When I have tried to verbalize my feelings before they have been quickly overlooked, but the effects these thoughts have are not minimal. </span><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">I write this not looking for sympathy, but to create an awareness and seek prayer. I have asked God to free me of this lie I'm believing, will you do the same?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4Md2QcwJsoyEXnnu0hg-HPrz_uaE_kpP_SX7-zUsxCDxtHwxO608fEo6_-ZeFLyMo93kCGw8OlkpSAEt0j-bz_JnrgxD6UmRNcGrf0KLopXPLwC3rvxvP7cCOG5SV9XlAUPMryZhhg4/s400/tumblr_mi45waak7U1s5tcygo1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4Md2QcwJsoyEXnnu0hg-HPrz_uaE_kpP_SX7-zUsxCDxtHwxO608fEo6_-ZeFLyMo93kCGw8OlkpSAEt0j-bz_JnrgxD6UmRNcGrf0KLopXPLwC3rvxvP7cCOG5SV9XlAUPMryZhhg4/s400/tumblr_mi45waak7U1s5tcygo1_1280.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.fabsharford.com/day-4-of-7in7/day4/">Check out other entries for day four of 7 in 7</a></span></div>
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Gdiapers area the cloth diapers our family chose to use for our little one. Cloth diapers are something I've found those around me to know very little about. And I can't say I blame them. Up until a year ago I had never heard of such a thing. Family, friends, let me explain to you just what I will be doing to diaper baby Ezra. This is the cute little diaper Ezra will start with. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dcr5b59vptzs7.cloudfront.net/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/b/gbabybundle_large_circle_alt_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://dcr5b59vptzs7.cloudfront.net/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/b/gbabybundle_large_circle_alt_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken from Gdiaper's website</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the 21st century of cloth diapering, were you expecting a piece of cloth and pins? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The best part about these little Gpants? We got a crazy good deal on these diapers. I was able to buy the bundle when it was 30% off which was a total of $105 before tax. This included 12 newborn Gpants, 6 small Gpants, and 80 disposable inserts (which I plan on using only when out of the house for a long time). So when I did the math I was pleased to find out that each diaper cost us roughly $6. Gdiapers usually range in price from $10-20, so the saving are HUGE. The average cost of diapering a child is $1,000 a year; Our estimated cost of diapering Ezra for the first year will be about $150, and most of it was a gift from a relative, THANK YOU! We took advantage of this sale and got some mediums too, so it'll be a while before we have to worry about diapers. That sort of savings makes this young mama smile because we can focus more on baby and worry less about money! I plan on blogging my whole experience with Gdiapers, and encourage y'all to ask questions. Thanks for your love and support!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-81168471438421769592013-01-22T12:05:00.001-08:002013-02-19T12:59:55.553-08:00A Few Words on My Heavy HeartToday marks 40 years since the Roe v Wade decision. Today marks the loss of 55 million babies. Although there is much I could say on this topic, my heart is saddened, and my words will be few. A mother's womb should be the safest place we as humans experience, today it is a place where your fate is uncertain. Lord, I pray for big things to be done. I pray you restore the safety of a mother's womb. I pray you change hearts. I pray you heal those broken by the aftermath of abortion. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-3981855436090233952013-01-16T21:13:00.001-08:002013-02-19T13:00:27.439-08:00Judged and Inconvenienced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZpnVqbF7PsDLBR59ihFBU1RzF25HDqTCaKaqvs6XV-gDv4bRFM3AuDmowSRVMcSeutHmLWWTYOtyXcx3Vyk2hyphenhyphenAtmux17MdZW5bbKrIYe8yLxGWmnbvEwLRiR-9rQSY-ERBAXKIQrNN-/s1600/judged+and+inconvenienced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZpnVqbF7PsDLBR59ihFBU1RzF25HDqTCaKaqvs6XV-gDv4bRFM3AuDmowSRVMcSeutHmLWWTYOtyXcx3Vyk2hyphenhyphenAtmux17MdZW5bbKrIYe8yLxGWmnbvEwLRiR-9rQSY-ERBAXKIQrNN-/s1600/judged+and+inconvenienced.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Although becoming parents at any age is a challenge, I think it is fair to say that it is even more difficult at a young age. I would first off like to make it known that Ryan and I becoming parents was no accident. This baby has been prayed for since before it's existence. God placed a desire in our lives to become parents, and called us to put our faith in Him and to trust that He would keep his promise of provision. Though it was a tough desire to neglect, it was also a very tough truth to have faith in. But as I thought through the reasons why I feared having a child so young I realized my biggest fear was completely unbiblical. I feared the judgement of others. It is the hardest struggle I have had to deal with in regards to my pregnancy. I become angered by the judgmental stares I receive at the supermarket, or the comments I overhear about how wrong it is to have a child at this age. For the first time in my life I am constantly judged as a result of my faith, and I have failed miserably at reacting the way I am called to. <br />
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Another idol in our lives which we have had to part with as a result of our pregnancy is that of comfort. Every dollar we make must be stretched even further, and we have had to set our pride aside and learn to accept help from our community. Our church community has come alongside us faithfully and provided for our needs, both tangibly and spiritually, but that is another blog post of it's own. Our child has yet to arrive and I have already realized that for us to be able to raise this child we will have to sacrifice convenience. Of course I understand that choosing to cloth diaper is the difficult option, but it is one way in which we can save money and put less of a financial burden on our family. Everyday I wish I had the convenience of preparing for a child the way most older, financially stable moms get to, but I do not have that convenience and so I will make the most of what I have. I will use my resourcefulness to care for my family, because I believe that that is what God gifted me with in order to provide for our family. I will cloth diaper, breastfeed, make my own baby food, do my own car maintenance and whatever else I can do to save money, no matter how incredibly inconvenient it may be. God did not promise me being a mother would be convenient, He promised me my needs would be met.<br />
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When my husband comes home from a full day of work and school I wish things could be easier for him. When he falls asleep due to exhaustion before 9 I wish that he did not have to carry the burden of providing for a family, but that is not what God had planned for us. And so I will bite my tongue at judgmental comments, and I will learn to love being a frugal stay at home mom. We will cling to the truth that being parents is a blessing, and we will endure the struggles. And with every little kick, and every time our sweet baby wiggles around in my belly we will be reminded of how incredibly blessed we are to be awaiting the arrival of a baby.<br />
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<a data-pin-config="none" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fandrearust.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fjudged-and-inconvenienced.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lBUQy8edYxc%2FUSO_6bKcp_I%2FAAAAAAAAAFg%2F7a9LBbBfaTE%2Fs1600%2Fjudged%2Band%2Binconvenienced.jpg&description=Judged%20and%20Inconvenienced%3A%20A%20blog%20post%20about%20pregnancy%20at%20a%20young%20age%2C%20the%20effects%20it%20has%20on%20a%20marriage%2C%20being%20judged%2C%20and%20faith%20in%20Jesus%20through%20it%20all." data-pin-do="buttonPin" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3290078578342928618.post-71338729268323553182012-12-07T10:00:00.000-08:002013-02-19T13:00:50.968-08:00Slowly Being Stripped of the Will of Self There’s nothing anyone can say to truly prepare you for the pursuit of a biblical marriage. There is no number of marriage seminars, sermons, or counseling sessions that can truly get you to understand what it will be like to no longer live your life solely regarding your own well being. Though we were warned of the struggles we would face, nothing is quite like going through them together for the first time. I can easily say the same about the positive moments in marriage, and how much sweeter they are than they are explained. The struggles, though it may not seem so while enduring them, are truly what increased the joy of the good which results from marriage. It is through these moments that you are slowly stipped of your sence of being an individual, and it is in these moments that you learn the importance of becoming one with your spouse.<br />
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For me, however, it is in the struggles that I tend to run to my habits of watching out for my best interest. My selfish desires turn a minimal struggle into something much bigger, and much deeper. As I mentally plan how it is that I am going to fix our problems I disregard the greatest tool that God has given me that I might endure, my husband. Instead of leaning on my husband and trusting God’s provision through him, I become angry and begin to blame him for our problems. I manipulated the situation so that it become all about me, when indeed our struggles were intended to be experienced as a couple. And in doing so, I not only fail to fix our problems, but I create new ones, by putting the blame on my husband. But thank God for Grace. Thank God that I have a husband that understand I am a sinful creature, and a Savior who has already paid for my wicked ways.<br />
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See, it is in these moments of Grace through your spouse that the Gospel comes alive. It is in knowing that you are loved and forgiven regardless of how bad you screw up that marriage is the sweetest. I pray for more struggles in my marriage that result in a closer unity between my husband and I. I pray that in this I am sanctified, and no longer feel the urge to run away from my husband when times are hard, but rather that I run fast to him. Though marriage is a constant fight against the will of self, I will gladly fight knowing that God promises so much more out of marriage than I have yet to realize.<br />
<div class="meta clearfix"> </div><div class="post-notes"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3290078578342928618" name="notes"></a> </div><div class="paging clearfix"> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01055123459427627588noreply@blogger.com0