STILL Waiting for Micah

I woke up this morning and thought to myself, "Today is a good day to give birth."

I won't mention that I've thought this everyday this week. But today is different because it is the 18th, the same day Noah was born. Wouldn't it be exciting to have both boys birthdays on the 18th. I go to the doctor today and will do my darndest to talk him into rushing me to the hospital. You never know with doctors though. Sometimes I think they are the biggest procrastinators in the world. I am officially full term with Mr. Micah Benjamin (as Bryan has formally decided his full name will be) and have officially had it with pregnancy. It's days like today that remind me why this will be my last. The "waiting patiently" for the little guy to arrive is more than I can stand! But the room is ready, all the little preemie outfits are laid out, and newborn diapers waiting to be filled. I decided to do a "monkey" theme in Micah's room. That's what he's reminded me of from the very beginning; all long limbs and squirming and climbing around my stomach this entire nine months. It seemed fitting.

You know, I stopped to think today that a person can't possibly know how hard of a job it is to be a parent until they finally take the leap and become one. One can't possibly know how rewarding it is either. And most of all, one can't possibly comprehend the depth of love God has for us, until we truly experience that love for another firsthand. It's amazing how much you can love someone when they've done nothing to deserve it yet. You just love them because they ARE and because they came from you. I finally understand that that is the way God loves me. I've done NOTHING to deserve it, but he can't NOT love me because I am a part of Him, a part of his plan and just because I exsist. There are so many times when I look at Noah in his rather "unlovable moments", and just shake my head at the fact that even THEN, I can't stop loving him. I wish all people understood this kind of love. I know I will feel the same love for Micah the moment I see him for the first time. I've become sentimental today, because I know the moment is coming quite soon and I am so anxious to love ON him, since I've already been loving him for 9 months. I want to express that love to him like I do with Noah.

I know having these two boys will forever turn my world upside down, but since I can't remember it being any other way, I know I will love every minute of it.

I LOST MY MIND

I think I've lost some memory

since my precious Noah was born

I don't remember sleeping late

on a lazy Sunday morn
I don't remember quiet dinners

with candlelight and wine.

Or getting up and ready for work

and making it there on time.
I don't remember summer days

just lounging on the beach

And those memories of "girls' night out"

are somehow out of reach.
I don't remember long warm baths

with bubbles and a good book

Or my favorite TV program

or a movie worth a look.
I can't remember all those things

I spent time on yesterday

And I can't remember my life

being any other way.
But as I lay him down at night

I smile at my life this time

I can't remember so much happiness,

Since the day I lost my mind.

Waiting for Micah

Today marks the day I am officially FULL-TERM with my second little boy, and let me tell you, I did NOT see this day coming last year at this time! We weren't entirely "planning" on a second child this soon, but God has a sense of humor and a divine plan, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Noah will officially be a big brother in less than two weeks. Truthfully, that brings all sorts of emotions to my mind. My "baby" will not be my baby anymore. He tells me constantly, "I'm a big boy, Mommy!" Just the fact that he is old enough to utter those words brings tears to my eyes someday. I always thought it was cheesy when my parents used to say, "We remember it like it was yesterday when we brought YOU home from the hospital!" And though it's only been 2 and a half years, it seems like only yesterday that it was Noah kicking inside my tummy. I remember feeling so excited and so nervous about being a mom. I guess I'm starting to get the basics down! ;) Some days, that's up for question! But a Mom to TWO boys? How is that supposed to work?? Noah still demands so much of me, and shortly, there will be TWO little men that God has given me the responsibility of raising up into men of God. That job and that privelege is too much for me to comprehend. It's enough for me to wake up everyday and just try to love them the best I know how. Noah is going through all kinds of phases right now. Most of which are not pleasant. I'd say the terrible twos are definitely among us. He is super independant, yet not that resourceful on his own, which makes for a very irritating time at home. He wants to put his OWN shoes on, open the door HIMSELF, peel the banana HIS way, put his toys away in HIS time, and quite frankly, I wish somedays that he wasn't so persistant. I yearn for the babyness to come back where he wanted Mommy to do it all for him, because that sped up the process and caused for a lot less patience. LOL. But, I know in the long run, he is learning to depend on himself. He is teaching himself that he CAN do all things. Although it's aggravating sometimes, it's wonderful to see and be a part of.

But here I sit, typing as this new little man has the hiccups in my stomach. We have no idea what he looks like, who he will act like, or what he will become, but we are full of anticipation for what the coming months will look like for our family of four. I'm sure there will be days of exhaustion and days of energy. I pray the days of energy and enthusiasm are plenty! I'm on maternity leave early waiting on Micah to get here. The days and moments are dragging by and I so wish I could hold him already. I can't wait to see how much he reminds me of Noah. Those first few weeks are so precious, and since I'm not sure if my adorable husband will let me endure pregnancy ever again, I need to savor all the moments I can because Micah may be my last little miracle. I am nervous about how having a second child will change the dynamics of the family and marriage, but I also trust that God has had his hand in this from the very beginning. I know he is the giver of life. I'm so blessed that he's chosen me again. So as I'm waiting for Micah, I'm also in pursuit of His plan. God, show me all that you want me to accomplish by being a mom to this new little man. Shower me with your patience, compassion, love, and kindness as I take on this new journey and allow me to feel your presence every step of the way. Be a Father to me so I can mother these boys. Let that love spill over into everything I do for them so that when they grow up, they can't possibly look at me without also seeing YOU.

Amen

I Want to Be Two
I want to be someone in between
The me now, and the me before
and somehow, I am the me I've become
Because of this
Torn
Separated from my confidence,
Humiliated by my greed
Crushed by my lack
of self-control
self-restraint,
self-denial
I want to be two
The one THEY see,
and the me YOU see.
I sigh
Who am I?
Unfaithful
to myself. my future. my desires. my dreams
the real me screams
for you to understand
I want to be ONE
with you,
and the other
to save.
The conflict
so grave, the possibilities
to stand up,
only to fall for you.
not the one;
but the Two.
One for myself
One for you
leaving nothing for someone. . .
for who?
I want to be two.

When will I Shake this?

The fog is clouding my gaze
My life, this maze,
The weeks leave me
Dazed
Somewhat Confused
Was this Used
For Your Glory?
Would I not have looked up
Had you had enough
Of my wandering
My lusful eyes treasuring
Things that weren't mine for the taking
Now my heart
Breaking for the old frame
Of my life back,
I went, it came
I didn't take care
I wasn't aware
Of the tragedy
My heart
It's melody. . .muffled.
I move on
Carrying the beaten path with me
To a new place, a new Face
I gaze up, am I enough now?
Restore me, console me, prepare me
For my stand, my resistance
Your hand extends past the past
Into the present
You have wrapped up for me.
Make me strong
Cause I'm not on my own
Will it follow me?
Can I shake it?
The feelings, the pleasure, the pain?
It left two slain in this mess. . .
You. . .me. . .
When will it be through?
When can I take it
When will I make it
Why can't I shake it?

In Pursuit of Butterflies (1)

Four years ago this November, I traveled to Africa. This had been a dream of mine since middle school. I had been to a Youth Evangelism Conference at a friend's church and they hosted a guest speaker from Malawi. He was beautiful. Not necessarily by the world's standards, but when he spoke, he radiated. He told of his country and his people, so poverty-stricken, yet so joyful. He was a pastor of a church and had only come to know the Lord 3 years ago, but his level of intimacy with Him was positively breathtaking. He invited us to join him in prayer for the people of Africa, for there were so many dying of disease, famine, and lonliness. I, however, didn't want to pray. I wanted to go.Eight years later, I went. I teamed up with a group called 4H.I.M ministries to travel to Ghana and Togo, Africa to help bring joy to kids in an orphanage and to aid in treating medical needs there. I was so excited, my dream finally coming true. I was going to see people on the other side of the world, and show my Jesus to them. I was going to love them and pray with them and give myself to them for twelve amazing days! As the plane landed in Africa, I was ecstatic!But something happenned to me as I took my first steps off the plane and onto African soil. I felt completely and utterly alone. God had taken me to a place that couldn't have been farther from my friends, family, and comfort zone. I was afraid.We traveled in the middle of the night to a private school in the country. It was there that we met our translater, Kenneth, recieved instructions for the next day, and were shown to our beds. When we awoke in the morning, we would head to the orphanage. I tossed and turned all night. I kept asking God if I had done the right thing, leaving my husband and family to come all the way across the ocean. Was it really going to make a difference? Why did I have this dream to come here? My sanity was kept intact by remembering words that were given to me by Beth Moore through a bible DVD series that I had been in the middle of when I left. "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me. Because the Lord has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release the prisoners from darkness. . ." I had to remind myself that there were plenty of poor in spirit and in wealth here and they needed the good news I had. It seemed like God had spoken so clearly to me in that verse through the DVD, I just wish that he would speak that clearly to me here.The following morning, we arose and met Kenneth once again. He wanted to take us on a quick tour of his private school and host a prayer vigil before we headed out to the orphanage. I'm unhappy to say that I was impatient. I was ready to go and get my mission started. I was ready to meet the children and hear their excited chatter and hold their hands and love on them. Fortunately, my Father and I are very much alike. However, he wanted to take a moment to answer my voice, to hold my hand, and to love on me.Kenneth led us to a gymnasium that had just been built. He was explaining how they constructed it, who was involved, how long it took, etc, etc. I didn't hear a word he said. As I walked through the front doors, my heart dropped to gymnasium floor. It was like someone said, "LOOK." I just stared in awe to the answer to my prayer. Written in bold letters all the way around the gym, were the words to the scripture from Isaiah 61."The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, o proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."It was then that I felt His hand on me in Africa.And as we left the gymnasium to head to the bus bound for the orphanage, I realized why God had led me to Africa. He had annointed me. He adored me, and wanted me to adore His children there. He loved me and wanted that LOVE to spill over into the hearts of the African people. I will forever know in my heart, however, that even if I weren't to accomplish any of those things there, he sent me to Africa to see the writing on the wall.I walked away that day inspired and awestruck. I walked away changed.I walked away with butterflies.

My Bucket List

Lifechurch.tv is doing a series entitled “At the Movies”, and this week’s focus was on a recent film with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called The Bucket List. I personally have not seen this movie from beginning to end, but it’s definitely going to be on my to-do list. The gist of the movie is that two guys, who find out that they have cancer, form a friendship over the making of a list of things that they must accomplish before they “kick the bucket”. We were shown some clips of the movie during the sermon, and they really stirred some emotions in me.
I am forever making lists myself. Usually grocery lists, chore lists, work-task lists, book lists, etc. But I don’t think I’ve ever really sat down and thought about the things that I must do before I die. Making that list would require a great deal more thought than organizing my groceries, or projects for the week. For I’m realizing that the things that I wish to accomplish this week, or month, or even year, are not necessarily things that would warrant a space on my “bucket list”. They seem petty and insignificant.
Along with their adventures together to complete their lists, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson come to the realization that most of the things that really mean something to them in the end relate to relationships. Our pastor talked about a verse that is very familiar to me. It talks about a man that asked Jesus, “What is the most important commandment of all?” Jesus replied, “The greatest commandment is this, that you love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might, and with all your strength. And the second greatest commandment is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.”
In thinking about my “bucket list” and relating it to this scripture, it occurs to me that most, if not all, of the items on my list should be relational. God very clearly states that we need to spend our life learning to love HIM more. It’s the greatest commandment, after all. And the second commandment states that we should take that love further in learning to love our neighbor as ourselves. God says that our relationships should be our top priority, under loving Him. Does my bucket list reflect that mindset?
I would say that I am a very relational person. But there are relationships in my life that I have left on the backburner just because I wanted to concentrate on work, or school, or reading, or writing, or activities. I need to make them right. I need to make them a priority.
I’m going to start my “Bucket List” tonight. And hopefully, it will steer my life in a direction that is more in tune with the heart of God. I want to value my friends and family the way God does. And I want to accomplish things in my life that make a lasting impression on the people I love. I want to live my life in a way that inspires others to love as well. I know that this week, my grocery list won’t matter nearly as much! I’ll be focusing on a bit higher calling. ;)

Summer Blues

I'm realizing sometimes I'm my own worst enemy. I feel as though I've spent the majority of the summer griping at myself for not being ready for the summer. Last summer, I swore to myself that I would be back in shape, full of energy, and soaking up summer for all it's worth. I spend the majority of my time inside, when I should be out enjoying the sunshine and water. But I feel uncomfortable. It's amazing how society has fashioned us into thinking you have to be a certain weight to be seen in a swimsuit. I'm even starting to believe them. I was mortified when I put mine on for the first time this year. I may be slightly in denial, but I don't think I'm what you would consider a "big girl", but let's face it, after a baby, things don't fit into a bikini the way that they used to! ;) I just wish society as a whole would start to be more concerned with what's on the inside than what's on the outside. It would make my life, and my summer, run so much smoother. ;)

But what I wish more than anything is that the process of losing weight and getting toned didn't have to come at such a cost to the tastebuds and the wallet. Why is being thin so expensive and so disgusting? Most vegetables just don't do it for me. And I'm learning fast that eating too many fruits only adds to my sugar and carb intake. UGH! I'm not sure WHAT I can eat anymore! And let's just get it out there that calling a diet, a "food plan", does NOT make it any easier. I'm seconds away from deciding that being skinny is not worth the sacrifices. Surely it can't be that fabulous! I've been there before, and didn't think it was all that! ;)

I guess I'm just venting today, and scared my summer is slowly seeping away without much excitement. I do plan to keep up my regime of eating healthier (yuck) and spending as much time as I can outside and active in order to get my physich back. I know it will be worth it. And I will be proud of myself for doing it. Honestly, the pride I have in myself for finally reaching my goal by next summer may far outweigh the actual feeling of being thin. After all, it's what's inside that counts, right! I would just really love for the outside and the inside to match! ;)

Thanks for the listening ear!