I read a great devotional last week.
One that really spoke to me, like it was written for me at just the right time. . .
Here goes.
There is usually a huge gap between the birth of a dream and the achievement of that dream. The question you have to ask yourself is whether it will be a fulfillment gap or a frustration gap. If it's a frustration gap you'll be miserable most of the days you're in it. And every day that you're frustrated instead of fulfilled, you lessen the odds that you'll be able to keep moving forward toward your dream. Author Seth Godin calls this gap between when you set out to do something and when you actually start to see significant results "the dip". The dip represent the adversity you must face, the learning curve you must go through, and the hard work you must be willing to invest between conception and realization. If the dip you are in seems to be a road without end, here are some Scriptures you need to stand on "Dont be impatient for the Lord to act! Kepp traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing." "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to perservere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb 10:35-36) "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal (2 Cor 4:18). God has promised you more than just the fulfillment of your dream, He has promised joy in each step you take toward it.
Lord, Please forgive me of my frustration gap.
Please teach me how to be thankful, joyful, persistant, and patient during each "dip" of my journey.
Amen,
Amy
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
May Day
May 1st
It started out as any other ordinary day.
Dave went to Fresno, California for one appointment, but had planned on taking making more stops.
We are trying to raise our budget for our assignment in Costa Rica, and because there are not enough Sundays in a calender year to visit with enough churches to be able to raise our support base, Dave makes alot of appointments to meet Pastors, Missions leaders, Sunday School teachers, ANYONE, who will sit still long enough for us to share our vision and the call God has given our family.
Dave does not get easily excited. He is pretty laid back, a go with the flow kinda of guy. He reacts the same if we have someone who pledges 5 a month or 500, just humbled, and blessed.
So when Dave said he was having a really good day, my intrest peaked. He had not made it to his appointment yet, but had stopped in a random church, and had an awesome meeting. Again, not the normal for Dave, so WOW, it must have been good. He and the person he met with had a very good connection, and then on his way out, he met the children's pastor, who had rememberd Maggi, after Dave had given him a prayer card. That guy was in charge of Maggi's missionary kid training this summer. (their family has become woven into our family from various different ways, but more on that later)
The random church ended up giving Dave a love offering, soemthing that they felt prompted to do.
What?
(OK so now Dave was excited, because God had prompted someone to give to our family just for stopping by). Other really good connections happened, and the missions pastor even ended up taking Dave for lunch.
Meanwhile, up here, the girls and I had a really good morning on the home school front. We have finished most of the core subjects that they needed, and so I can pretty much teach whatever I want. So we decided to get the map of Southeast Asia out, and link countries with the missionaries in that country. The girls and I loved that. We realized that we need to pray for countries that need a missionary to be called to that country.
Infact the girls loved it so much, we will be doing that for other areas and their missionaries.
Then the girls had voice and piano. This is new for us, this was our 3rd week in the lessons. We were connected with someone who leads praise and worship here in Roseville, and agreed to give us a very discoutned price to teach both girls. (we already felt blessed by that) but then we found out that someone wanted to Pay for the girls to take their lessons.
We are overwhelmed with His goodness, and how people respond to what the Lord is asking that person to do.
One of the girls had a small medical problem, so I asked our music teacher if he could recommend a physician, he said he would give me the name of a doctor that serves on the board of his church. So I called, but can't get in with him, but I could come and see their urgent care doctor. Not exactly what I was hoping, but we settled.
So we are at our appointment, and the girls tell them that we are going to be missionaries to Costa Rica. He asked me what denomination. I say, The Assemblies of God. He shook his head, and said, well then, I am going to give you the name of our mission's pastor here in Roseville, you call and see about coming by so we can start supporting you.
What?
Then we talk about what we will be doing, Community Health Evangilism, and that Dave and I both nurses, and he said, Well, three of the physicians here go to different Assemblies of God churches in the area, and lets stay in touch so that we can come down and help you when you get settled.
What?
We then finish our appointment, and he prays over my daughter. Prays that a miracle happens in her body, and that God will start writing beautiful things on the pages of her life, and that HE would use her life. . . for like 4 minutes he prayed over her.
WE WERE BLOWN AWAY.
So overwhelmed with blessings.
We talk with Dave and his day finished well, The appointment that was scheduled for that day, and the pastor he was supposed to meet, was the father of the children's pastor that recognized Maggi. So random right? That chilren's pastors' father and mother-in-law (did you follow that), support us, not only in prayer but financially, and did so becuase they wanted to support Rookie Missionaries. . . They are veteran missionaries in the Netherlands.j They have now for over a year. And someone else from that family gave us a gift basket when we were in their church in Las Vegas.
We finished our very good day, with thankful hearts.
And because Dave had left early that morning we read our devotion late. . .
"You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. The forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.
Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let my spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of peace.
We don't have it all figuered out, every day is not like this day for our family, but God in His goodness, let our eyes see that on this day, our life was not random.
It started out as any other ordinary day.
Dave went to Fresno, California for one appointment, but had planned on taking making more stops.
We are trying to raise our budget for our assignment in Costa Rica, and because there are not enough Sundays in a calender year to visit with enough churches to be able to raise our support base, Dave makes alot of appointments to meet Pastors, Missions leaders, Sunday School teachers, ANYONE, who will sit still long enough for us to share our vision and the call God has given our family.
Dave does not get easily excited. He is pretty laid back, a go with the flow kinda of guy. He reacts the same if we have someone who pledges 5 a month or 500, just humbled, and blessed.
So when Dave said he was having a really good day, my intrest peaked. He had not made it to his appointment yet, but had stopped in a random church, and had an awesome meeting. Again, not the normal for Dave, so WOW, it must have been good. He and the person he met with had a very good connection, and then on his way out, he met the children's pastor, who had rememberd Maggi, after Dave had given him a prayer card. That guy was in charge of Maggi's missionary kid training this summer. (their family has become woven into our family from various different ways, but more on that later)
The random church ended up giving Dave a love offering, soemthing that they felt prompted to do.
What?
(OK so now Dave was excited, because God had prompted someone to give to our family just for stopping by). Other really good connections happened, and the missions pastor even ended up taking Dave for lunch.
Meanwhile, up here, the girls and I had a really good morning on the home school front. We have finished most of the core subjects that they needed, and so I can pretty much teach whatever I want. So we decided to get the map of Southeast Asia out, and link countries with the missionaries in that country. The girls and I loved that. We realized that we need to pray for countries that need a missionary to be called to that country.
Infact the girls loved it so much, we will be doing that for other areas and their missionaries.
Then the girls had voice and piano. This is new for us, this was our 3rd week in the lessons. We were connected with someone who leads praise and worship here in Roseville, and agreed to give us a very discoutned price to teach both girls. (we already felt blessed by that) but then we found out that someone wanted to Pay for the girls to take their lessons.
We are overwhelmed with His goodness, and how people respond to what the Lord is asking that person to do.
One of the girls had a small medical problem, so I asked our music teacher if he could recommend a physician, he said he would give me the name of a doctor that serves on the board of his church. So I called, but can't get in with him, but I could come and see their urgent care doctor. Not exactly what I was hoping, but we settled.
So we are at our appointment, and the girls tell them that we are going to be missionaries to Costa Rica. He asked me what denomination. I say, The Assemblies of God. He shook his head, and said, well then, I am going to give you the name of our mission's pastor here in Roseville, you call and see about coming by so we can start supporting you.
What?
Then we talk about what we will be doing, Community Health Evangilism, and that Dave and I both nurses, and he said, Well, three of the physicians here go to different Assemblies of God churches in the area, and lets stay in touch so that we can come down and help you when you get settled.
What?
We then finish our appointment, and he prays over my daughter. Prays that a miracle happens in her body, and that God will start writing beautiful things on the pages of her life, and that HE would use her life. . . for like 4 minutes he prayed over her.
WE WERE BLOWN AWAY.
So overwhelmed with blessings.
We talk with Dave and his day finished well, The appointment that was scheduled for that day, and the pastor he was supposed to meet, was the father of the children's pastor that recognized Maggi. So random right? That chilren's pastors' father and mother-in-law (did you follow that), support us, not only in prayer but financially, and did so becuase they wanted to support Rookie Missionaries. . . They are veteran missionaries in the Netherlands.j They have now for over a year. And someone else from that family gave us a gift basket when we were in their church in Las Vegas.
We finished our very good day, with thankful hearts.
And because Dave had left early that morning we read our devotion late. . .
"You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. The forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.
Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let my spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of peace.
We don't have it all figuered out, every day is not like this day for our family, but God in His goodness, let our eyes see that on this day, our life was not random.
Monday, April 30, 2012
That Moment
Do you have a nightmare?
Something that you truely dread.
You spend intentional time trying your best to prevent?
I do, and there was a moment today that I thought my moment had occured.
Let me give you the background. . .
Dave and I both feel called to the mission field. No question.
But what about Maggi and Emma?
Do they feel called?
When we brought them into our quest for missions, they cried themselves to sleep that night.
They have left their home, their family, thier friends, given up their school, their home church, some of their favorite toys, their dogs, their big back yard. . .
They have given up so much,
This itieneration journey has been tough for our family. We had hoped to be boarding a plane in the next few days and arriving in our new country ready for a New Thing. Waiting for God's timing and having faith for miracles is hard enough for us, but to continue to change dates, addresses, churches, etc is hard for these sweet girls.
Dave and I have prayed that all this transition would not affect them.
We are careful to not say negative things about our budget, or timetable, as to not to discourage them. We will go out of our way to find a park, or fun restaurant, or interesting landmark, and will say. . . "Itineration is so much fun!" "How many little girls get to go to . . . (blank) like ya'll do. We are purposelly trying to accentuate the positive.
My girls are so very different in how they process things, and how they express those feelings. We usually know what Emma is thinking, if she is missing something, or wants something she gave up, and we work through that. But Maggi, she internalizes things so much. She wouldn't want to say she is hurting or having a hard time with something, as to not disappoint us. She is a pleaser.
Last night we had been talking about how hurt Maggi has been over the loss of dog, and her constant desire for a new pet, and had started to talk through things, when a neighbor came over, and for one reason or another, we never made it back to that conversation.
So we were up bright and early for a service this morning in San Rafel.
Dave introduced us to the congregation as usual, and then has me introduce the girls. That all went well. Maggi and Emma usually sing their MK song, and if time and the church request Maggi will sing her song.
So she starts to sing her song
and after the first 5 lines
she stops and loses it
Starts crying, infront of the church, holding the microphone. . .
And that was my moment.
The moment where all of my fears come true. Itineration has caused damage. She has refused to go any further. She has decided to turn her back against me, her dad, and God.
That was what I was thinking.
Dave jumps up and goes to quietly hold her and assess the damage.
My heart is breaking for my sweet Maggi, Emma tries to run up to the stage, and I grab her, waiting to see what will happen between Dave and Maggi.
That Moment.
Before I know what is happening next, Dave is asking them to restart the CD, and Maggi starts over, and sings her song perfectly.
She comes to sit beside me, but I, decide to take them both out of the service to see what I could do to help start the healing process (and find out how quickly I could call Springfield and politely resign and tell them that cost was too great)
We are sitting on a park bench just outside the church on a perfect spring day, and I ask Maggi to talk to me.
She said, "The words to my song touched me and made me cry, because I want them to be true."
ok. . . .
Jesus take me right now.
This girls just stole my heart.
My children may never win a nobel peace prize, or hold a seat in the senate, or gain success judged by earthly standards.
But It doesn't get better than
That moment.
We have read the stories of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Amy Caarmichael, and Elizabeth Elliot and that was what has affected and changed them. Not all that they had "lost"
Later in the day, we drove up the California Coast, which was truely a Blessing from our Father. The California wildflowers were vibrant and in perfect display, the weather was amazing, and we found a perfect place on the beach to lay out a blanket and soak it all in. The girls laughed, found treasures, and got wet & sandy.
We all agreed that itineration sometimes was more than we could handle on our own, and then sometimes, on days like this, more than we deserve.
My sweet Maggi is growing and changing faster than I can keep up with. She does her own hair, she loves jewlery, and is starting to borrow her sissy's bows. She is beautiful, but the beauty on the outside is just a small reflection of what is on the inside.
Her moment came when she sang these words:
If I saw You on the street
And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams
Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life
When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me
If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering
I will love You enough to let go
Lord, I give you my life
I give you my life
When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me
I want to be where You are
I’m running into Your arms
And I will never look back
So Jesus, here is my heart
My Father, my love
You can have me
Something that you truely dread.
You spend intentional time trying your best to prevent?
I do, and there was a moment today that I thought my moment had occured.
Let me give you the background. . .
Dave and I both feel called to the mission field. No question.
But what about Maggi and Emma?
Do they feel called?
When we brought them into our quest for missions, they cried themselves to sleep that night.
They have left their home, their family, thier friends, given up their school, their home church, some of their favorite toys, their dogs, their big back yard. . .
They have given up so much,
This itieneration journey has been tough for our family. We had hoped to be boarding a plane in the next few days and arriving in our new country ready for a New Thing. Waiting for God's timing and having faith for miracles is hard enough for us, but to continue to change dates, addresses, churches, etc is hard for these sweet girls.
Dave and I have prayed that all this transition would not affect them.
We are careful to not say negative things about our budget, or timetable, as to not to discourage them. We will go out of our way to find a park, or fun restaurant, or interesting landmark, and will say. . . "Itineration is so much fun!" "How many little girls get to go to . . . (blank) like ya'll do. We are purposelly trying to accentuate the positive.
My girls are so very different in how they process things, and how they express those feelings. We usually know what Emma is thinking, if she is missing something, or wants something she gave up, and we work through that. But Maggi, she internalizes things so much. She wouldn't want to say she is hurting or having a hard time with something, as to not disappoint us. She is a pleaser.
Last night we had been talking about how hurt Maggi has been over the loss of dog, and her constant desire for a new pet, and had started to talk through things, when a neighbor came over, and for one reason or another, we never made it back to that conversation.
So we were up bright and early for a service this morning in San Rafel.
Dave introduced us to the congregation as usual, and then has me introduce the girls. That all went well. Maggi and Emma usually sing their MK song, and if time and the church request Maggi will sing her song.
So she starts to sing her song
and after the first 5 lines
she stops and loses it
Starts crying, infront of the church, holding the microphone. . .
And that was my moment.
The moment where all of my fears come true. Itineration has caused damage. She has refused to go any further. She has decided to turn her back against me, her dad, and God.
That was what I was thinking.
Dave jumps up and goes to quietly hold her and assess the damage.
My heart is breaking for my sweet Maggi, Emma tries to run up to the stage, and I grab her, waiting to see what will happen between Dave and Maggi.
That Moment.
Before I know what is happening next, Dave is asking them to restart the CD, and Maggi starts over, and sings her song perfectly.
She comes to sit beside me, but I, decide to take them both out of the service to see what I could do to help start the healing process (and find out how quickly I could call Springfield and politely resign and tell them that cost was too great)
We are sitting on a park bench just outside the church on a perfect spring day, and I ask Maggi to talk to me.
She said, "The words to my song touched me and made me cry, because I want them to be true."
ok. . . .
Jesus take me right now.
This girls just stole my heart.
My children may never win a nobel peace prize, or hold a seat in the senate, or gain success judged by earthly standards.
But It doesn't get better than
That moment.
We have read the stories of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Amy Caarmichael, and Elizabeth Elliot and that was what has affected and changed them. Not all that they had "lost"
Later in the day, we drove up the California Coast, which was truely a Blessing from our Father. The California wildflowers were vibrant and in perfect display, the weather was amazing, and we found a perfect place on the beach to lay out a blanket and soak it all in. The girls laughed, found treasures, and got wet & sandy.
We all agreed that itineration sometimes was more than we could handle on our own, and then sometimes, on days like this, more than we deserve.
My sweet Maggi is growing and changing faster than I can keep up with. She does her own hair, she loves jewlery, and is starting to borrow her sissy's bows. She is beautiful, but the beauty on the outside is just a small reflection of what is on the inside.
Her moment came when she sang these words:
If I saw You on the street
And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams
Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life
When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me
If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering
I will love You enough to let go
Lord, I give you my life
I give you my life
When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me
I want to be where You are
I’m running into Your arms
And I will never look back
So Jesus, here is my heart
My Father, my love
You can have me
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Lessons Learned from Around the Sewing Machine
My sweet mom peaceful left this earth, and softly drifted to heaven on Feb. 28th.
The miracle that we prayed for since learning of her diagnosis on August 29, 2011, almost exactly 6 months, gently blew in, and carried her up. She now no longer has cancer, and she is at peace.
And I have the amazing gift to know that she is Heaven, and the she loved the Lord, and that she thanked Him for taking care of her every step of the way. What better gift.
The last 7 months have been consumed with spending as much time possible with my mom. The blog took a back seat, the girls blog has gone by the way side, I have to say, our big push to get to Costa Rica slowed way down.
Instead I spent the fall in a couple of rocking chairs, just me and my mom, our feet propped up; me with ice tea, and her an ensure. We spent the winter working puzzles around her kitchen table.
Those seasons of this journey, I will always treasure.
So here we are now.
Spring.
New life right, time for something new?
I am not sure how to do that yet, start up again.
I want to share a little about my mom tonight. . .
There is something that instantly makes me think of my mother.
It is a sewing machine.
I have learned that it was not that specific machine, but just when my mother was at it. When the machine is turned on the needle is going up and down, and when the material is being pierced, there is a smell, that is recognizable to me. I know that sounds crazy, but I smelled it every time she sewed.
I will miss that.
I took home economics in 7th grade with Mrs. Faulkner, and was named seametress and homeacher of the year, It is true, HOMEMAKER of the year, partly due to the fact that my handmade dress, impressed Mrs. Faulkner so much. My mom did the button holes for me on that dress. (Don't worry, Mrs. Faulkner knew, and I still got the reward.) My mom always did the button holes for me, and now I am so mad at myself, because I don't know how to do them.
Where I grew up, there is a huge fabric warehouse, called Mary Joes. That place has some strong memories for me. I absolutely love this place. I remember as a little girl looking at books and books of patterns, and then picking out the best fabric to go with it. My mom made most of our clothes when we were little, and even my dad's suites. Mary Joes is a place that can bring back so many memories of my mom, such a good place, maybe like a backyard basketball hoop, or the kitchen for others, but for me, I'll take Mary Joes.
After 7th grade, my sewing intrest continued. I learned how to cut the patterns out, pin them to the material, carefully cut them out, and then my mom and worked on the project together. I still have the Christmas wreath we did that year.
My mom made Maggi and Emma's bedding for their nursery. Again, with fabric lovingly picked out at Mary Joes. My mom would make dresses for me to wear on the mission's trips I took. She made the clown costumes I would wear, and then I would leave them for the missionaries. She even made some of the dresses I wore on my honeymoon.
During those first few months of my mom's illness, I dusted off the sewing machine and put it in my bedroom.
Mostly because I had a lot of free time, remember Dave and the girls are in Cali, but also becasue I wanted to keep my mom's mind active. She again taught me so much. We made several dresses for Maggi and Emma. We had fun going to Mary Joes again.
Now for some lessons that I learned around the sewing machine . . .
Choose your pattern first, that becomes your guide, start with something easy, and work your way up, gaining confidence and skill with each new project.
Have fun picking out your fabric! This is where your personality comes through, mix stripes and polka dots, pink and red, plaids and flowers, be bold or soft. . .
Be careful when cutting your fabric, small mistakes or uneven edges make the project much more difficult later, so take your time and be careful.
Read the directions and follow the steps. Too often I didn't think it was really necessary to add the stich around the entire skirt. . . not acceptable (recently I sewed an inside and outside together because I didn't read all the steps).
And lastly, and most importantly, Have a good seam ripper. UGH. I had no idea my mom was a perfectionist, she made me rip so many seams and start over. However it was good to know, that if something doesn't turn out quite right, no worries, start over!
And lastly enjoy your final product! Have fun and LIVE.
Well my mom taught me alot more in life, but in my heart the last 6 months, the time spend around the sewing maching, will be a lasting memory for me.
This Christmas my mom gave each girl a sewing basket, a pair of sissors, and a seam ripper. . . so hopefully I can share some lessons around the sewing machine with them.
Is that what you call a legacy? I think so. . .
The miracle that we prayed for since learning of her diagnosis on August 29, 2011, almost exactly 6 months, gently blew in, and carried her up. She now no longer has cancer, and she is at peace.
And I have the amazing gift to know that she is Heaven, and the she loved the Lord, and that she thanked Him for taking care of her every step of the way. What better gift.
The last 7 months have been consumed with spending as much time possible with my mom. The blog took a back seat, the girls blog has gone by the way side, I have to say, our big push to get to Costa Rica slowed way down.
Instead I spent the fall in a couple of rocking chairs, just me and my mom, our feet propped up; me with ice tea, and her an ensure. We spent the winter working puzzles around her kitchen table.
Those seasons of this journey, I will always treasure.
So here we are now.
Spring.
New life right, time for something new?
I am not sure how to do that yet, start up again.
I want to share a little about my mom tonight. . .
There is something that instantly makes me think of my mother.
It is a sewing machine.
I have learned that it was not that specific machine, but just when my mother was at it. When the machine is turned on the needle is going up and down, and when the material is being pierced, there is a smell, that is recognizable to me. I know that sounds crazy, but I smelled it every time she sewed.
I will miss that.
I took home economics in 7th grade with Mrs. Faulkner, and was named seametress and homeacher of the year, It is true, HOMEMAKER of the year, partly due to the fact that my handmade dress, impressed Mrs. Faulkner so much. My mom did the button holes for me on that dress. (Don't worry, Mrs. Faulkner knew, and I still got the reward.) My mom always did the button holes for me, and now I am so mad at myself, because I don't know how to do them.
Where I grew up, there is a huge fabric warehouse, called Mary Joes. That place has some strong memories for me. I absolutely love this place. I remember as a little girl looking at books and books of patterns, and then picking out the best fabric to go with it. My mom made most of our clothes when we were little, and even my dad's suites. Mary Joes is a place that can bring back so many memories of my mom, such a good place, maybe like a backyard basketball hoop, or the kitchen for others, but for me, I'll take Mary Joes.
After 7th grade, my sewing intrest continued. I learned how to cut the patterns out, pin them to the material, carefully cut them out, and then my mom and worked on the project together. I still have the Christmas wreath we did that year.
My mom made Maggi and Emma's bedding for their nursery. Again, with fabric lovingly picked out at Mary Joes. My mom would make dresses for me to wear on the mission's trips I took. She made the clown costumes I would wear, and then I would leave them for the missionaries. She even made some of the dresses I wore on my honeymoon.
During those first few months of my mom's illness, I dusted off the sewing machine and put it in my bedroom.
Mostly because I had a lot of free time, remember Dave and the girls are in Cali, but also becasue I wanted to keep my mom's mind active. She again taught me so much. We made several dresses for Maggi and Emma. We had fun going to Mary Joes again.
Now for some lessons that I learned around the sewing machine . . .
Choose your pattern first, that becomes your guide, start with something easy, and work your way up, gaining confidence and skill with each new project.
Have fun picking out your fabric! This is where your personality comes through, mix stripes and polka dots, pink and red, plaids and flowers, be bold or soft. . .
Be careful when cutting your fabric, small mistakes or uneven edges make the project much more difficult later, so take your time and be careful.
Read the directions and follow the steps. Too often I didn't think it was really necessary to add the stich around the entire skirt. . . not acceptable (recently I sewed an inside and outside together because I didn't read all the steps).
And lastly, and most importantly, Have a good seam ripper. UGH. I had no idea my mom was a perfectionist, she made me rip so many seams and start over. However it was good to know, that if something doesn't turn out quite right, no worries, start over!
And lastly enjoy your final product! Have fun and LIVE.
Well my mom taught me alot more in life, but in my heart the last 6 months, the time spend around the sewing maching, will be a lasting memory for me.
This Christmas my mom gave each girl a sewing basket, a pair of sissors, and a seam ripper. . . so hopefully I can share some lessons around the sewing machine with them.
Is that what you call a legacy? I think so. . .
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A Picture is worth 1000 words
OK, I found this post waiting to be uploaded, I think I didn't post it because I could not find a picture of my dad and Roxanne at our commissioning service, which speaks volumes 1) because my dad Hates his picture, , , so imagine if you will, my dad and Roxanne, in our picture where we are all dressed in yellow and black. . . and 2) there should be a picture somewhere, because it was a BIG deal that they were there.
But, this was a great way to show where all we were in just one year.
This is a crazy ride.
The first one was the girls last Easter after the girls got a call from the front desk, saying that the Easter Bunny left a basket. . . then there was a park in downtown Greenville, SC, mother's day at Daniel Stowe Garden, Maggi's honor star crowning, The grand canyon, my mom sky diving, the alamo, ice skating in South Dakota, Christmas in Clover. . .
We are learning to enjoy the ride, and are trying to take lots of pictures!
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Price Tag
I can not believe it is already the second week of 2012.
I am not sure how to catch people up with our story. It is hard enough for us to keep up.
But we are here!
As you can tell, our journey has taken us on uncharted, unmapped, and unplanned sidetrips.
The month of November went by in a flash. After being away from Dave and the girls for nearly 10 weeks, while being with my mom in South Carolina, I joined them in California. We were enjoyed our time together, and found the beauty of being together as a family as our major blessing.
We then packed up and drove across the country to spend time with my mom and family in South Carolina. We were able to visit churches along the way, and met the most amazing people. We became part of a true church family in Wyoming, where the people blessed us beyond we could have imagined with simple fellowship!
We were able to spend some amazing time in South Dakota with the Mettenbrink family. They are called to the country of Mexico, but Dave and I secretly pray that God will park them in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. We recharged and refreshed ourselves with this faithful family in the Black Hills.
The girls were able to see more amazing parts of the United States.
We made it back in time for Christmas Eve here in South Carolina.
We had the traditional Christmas Eve celebration at my mom's house, but we were all so blessed just to be able to have mom with us, our very own Christmas miracle.
Santa came on Christmas day, and as usual, totally spoiled those Cartwright girls.
And then our last tradition of the season, time spent at my dad's. Unhurried time, just enjoying hanging out around the tree (and as usual, the gifts that Santa and mom and dad didn't bring, magically appear at grandpa's house)
So here we are in January. Once again we are torn in 2 parts of the country. Dave is back in California, and the girls and I are in South Carolina. We are in full swing now with Home School, which I have to admit, I LOVE.
Dave comes back here next week, and we will visit churches here in South Carolina. That part was planned all along. So we will be here till the middle of Feb.
But when do we get to Costa Rica?
We are getting closer. . .
Our goal is to be there June/July of this summer. We are a little over 50% of the needed budget. Which is such a blessing. We were at 50% of our budget the beginning of the summer, but had a budget increase (which was huge) so we are finally back on the up swing again.
So what have we been doing?
We have been growing and learning. . . So much. . .
I wish the lessons we have learned in the last few months were the easy kind, but they have not been, they have been the kind where you can not move forward, without some serious time spent on your knees, in prayer, looking to the one who provides the answers. I can't say that I have been a great student, in fact it was quite the opposite. . .
But God is so faithful, and so patient.
(and I hope you are too)
I am reminded of a sermon by Pastor Gunn, where he was talking about God's plan being the only Plan for us. . . and a quote from that day was. . .
if our faith cost us nothing, men will value it as nothing
So I am learning that faith, is not something you can merely read about, or study, it is a journey that comes with a price.
Our prayer is that our faith becomes deeper and stronger than we ever thought, despite the circumstances that surround us. One that we value
The girls and I are going to really do a better job of telling our story. So please continue to stay with us in prayer, and in thought.
Now that I have access to a camera, a computer and beautiful girls, our blogging will hopefully be better!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
How Great Thou Art
I know it has been a while since I was on here.
Our journey through life hit an unexpected curve.
Exactly one week after we had relocated to California for itineration purposes, I received a call from my mom. She had just been diagnosed with cancer. That was on a Monday, by Wed I kissed Dave and the girls goodbye, and bought a one way ticket back to South Carolina, to help my mom learn more about her diagnosis. On Thursday of that week she had a liver biopsy. As more time passed, we learned all the devastating details. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasized to her liver, brain, and bone.
So just like that, the plans that I thought I had, were changed. I am so glad I serve a Father who has better plans for me.
Dave remains in California with Maggi and Emma. They are staying in Placerville, California with Dave's mom, Judy. They have set up their school area in her basement, and are adjusting really well to homeschooling. Dave and Judy take turns with different subjects, and the girls are doing well. They have also joined a co-op and participate in drama, art, and an astronomy class with other children.
I have the privilege of being back at home with my mom. Between my sister, brother, and aunts we are loving each minute we have with my mom. My mom, Teresa, is doing better. She decided to do palliative chemotherapy. We know that her diagnosis is terminal, but her eternity is held in someone els's hand. My mom has gotten strength from her Bible, prayers of friends and family around the world, and her relationship with our Father. I wanted to thank all of you who have offered your prayer support for her. She and I were humbled to know that you would spend a few minutes lifting her up in prayer.
As part of our daily routine, my mom and I go outside in the afternoon, and sit in the rocking chairs for a few minutes. Yesterday, as we sat outside on a beautiful fall day, enjoying the breeze, the deep blue sky, the changing leaves on the huge oak tree hovering over us, and just being with each other, the song from church on Sunday came to mind. We had sang "How Great Thou Art". So thanks to modern technology, we pulled the song up and immersed ourselves with the "Sonlight" and the words. . .
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
consider all
the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder
the universe displayed;
when through the woods
and forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down
from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook
and feel the gentle breeze;
then sings my soul,
my savior God to thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
with shouts of acclamation,
and take me home,
what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
and there proclaim,
"My God, how Great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul,
my savior God to thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art!
I hope that wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, that you have a few minutes to let Joy fill your heart and are able to proclaim, How Great He is. . .
How great Thou art!
Our journey through life hit an unexpected curve.
Exactly one week after we had relocated to California for itineration purposes, I received a call from my mom. She had just been diagnosed with cancer. That was on a Monday, by Wed I kissed Dave and the girls goodbye, and bought a one way ticket back to South Carolina, to help my mom learn more about her diagnosis. On Thursday of that week she had a liver biopsy. As more time passed, we learned all the devastating details. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasized to her liver, brain, and bone.
So just like that, the plans that I thought I had, were changed. I am so glad I serve a Father who has better plans for me.
Dave remains in California with Maggi and Emma. They are staying in Placerville, California with Dave's mom, Judy. They have set up their school area in her basement, and are adjusting really well to homeschooling. Dave and Judy take turns with different subjects, and the girls are doing well. They have also joined a co-op and participate in drama, art, and an astronomy class with other children.
I have the privilege of being back at home with my mom. Between my sister, brother, and aunts we are loving each minute we have with my mom. My mom, Teresa, is doing better. She decided to do palliative chemotherapy. We know that her diagnosis is terminal, but her eternity is held in someone els's hand. My mom has gotten strength from her Bible, prayers of friends and family around the world, and her relationship with our Father. I wanted to thank all of you who have offered your prayer support for her. She and I were humbled to know that you would spend a few minutes lifting her up in prayer.
As part of our daily routine, my mom and I go outside in the afternoon, and sit in the rocking chairs for a few minutes. Yesterday, as we sat outside on a beautiful fall day, enjoying the breeze, the deep blue sky, the changing leaves on the huge oak tree hovering over us, and just being with each other, the song from church on Sunday came to mind. We had sang "How Great Thou Art". So thanks to modern technology, we pulled the song up and immersed ourselves with the "Sonlight" and the words. . .
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
consider all
the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder
the universe displayed;
when through the woods
and forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down
from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook
and feel the gentle breeze;
then sings my soul,
my savior God to thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
with shouts of acclamation,
and take me home,
what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
and there proclaim,
"My God, how Great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul,
my savior God to thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art!
I hope that wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, that you have a few minutes to let Joy fill your heart and are able to proclaim, How Great He is. . .
How great Thou art!
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