"we encourage" - Rest

Why, you may be asking, have I put a picture of myself sleeping on my blog? A picture by the way, that no one has admitted to taking.

It's simple. It's a picture of me resting.

I will never forget the first time my pastor taught on "rest". It was definitely altering for me. Ever since I had become a mom I thought I shouldn't rest. Now that's not to say I never took any time for myself. But when I did, I think I felt a little guilty. I felt as though I shouldn't need rest. Somehow that made me less. Shouldn't I want to and be able to be with my family all of time? Why would I need to take a break from caring from my family and my home?

Because rest is needed. As my pastor would say, "the nature of work is that it is never done."

On the seventh day God rested. It is important. I need to take time to replenish my body, mind and spirit. It does not make me less. I am not weak or less caring because I sometimes need...dare I say enjoy...a short break from my everyday life.

I am blessed enough to have a husband who encourages me to do that. Whether it's a night out with girlfriends or a church retreat, I feel completely comfortable doing that.

It took me quite awhile to get to that place. It took scripture, some good teaching and some wonderful women to get me here.

I want to encourage you to rest. Maybe you can simply sneak away to your bedroom for some reading or to watch your favorite show. Maybe it's a nap on the weekend.

This I know, we cannot serve our families and communities well if we are running on empty.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

PS: I'm typing this in the dark because N is sick and laying next to me sleeping. Therefore any typos are his fault, of course.

Waiting

Well...clearly I have had a hard time getting back into the swing of blogging since coming back from Mexico. I am hoping to remedy that this week. Thanks for sticking with me.

So moving on...
Every week my oldest two kids have piano lessons. This means every week I have one glorious hour {slight sarcasm} in the car with my youngest two while we wait.
Have you noticed how long an hour feels to a 3 year old and a 1 1/2 year old? An eternity.

Here is some of what goes on while we wait.

When I'm brave and let N unbuckle we play with his cars or whatever other toys we find hiding in the car.


When I'm REALLY brave I might let him play outside the car on the sidewalk. This usually involves him putting on any item of clothing that has been left in the car. Including his baby sister's pink hat. Are you sensing a theme? There are often lots of items to be found in my car. Don't judge.


And sometimes it's just too hard to wait. So we end up with this, which has it's benefits.


After weeks and weeks of this we have gotten into a groove, and sometimes I even enjoy the waiting. An hour with my two little ones, no interruptions. No phone, no computer. Just me and them. Gotta love it.

"we encourage"- Mission in Mexico

I assumed I would enjoy myself...a bit.

I had no idea I would love it as much as I did.

I had no idea the extent to which I would be humbled.

I had no idea how much FUN I would have with my church family.

Hubby was right. I received much more on this missions trip than I gave.

Eduardo, Miriam, Lacia, Shayla, Leslie & Eduardo Jr.

Working side by side with this family was an experience I will never forget. Watching God work in such tangible ways, in such a short amount of time only strengthened my faith.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

This family was praying for a roof over their heads. They were praying for a warm place to sleep. I was blessed enough to see how a group of committed people, trying to do the Lord's work could get that accomplished in 3 days.

I witnessed the power of prayer. The prayer that this home would bless this family.
The prayer that as a team, we would work quickly and safely to finish on time.
The prayer that this family would see and feel God's love through the work we were doing there.

The house we built is not fancy. It is not big. But it is their home. A home they waited for. A home they helped to build.

This trip and these people have left a mark on my heart.
 I can't wait to go back.

And now...

Picture overload.

Day 1 - painting & framing

J hard at work

W nailing in some siding

Day 2- drywalling & roofing




the most handsome worker there if I do say so myself


Day 3 - finishing work & moving in

Everything in the house was donated. The ladies had so much fun filling the house with things to make this families' lives more comfortable. Blankets, clothes, pots and pans...all the things I take for granted.

the main room


Eduardo and Miriam's room


the kids' room


Some of my favorite moments...

I was so proud of how hard they worked.


Eduardo Jr was happy to let J mother him all weekend. He also loved wearing her visor.


The kids got some crafting time.


And what trip would be complete without face painting?


We can't thank all of you enough for your donations and prayers. We were truly blessed and overwhelmed by each of you. You helped my family show the love of Jesus to people who needed it. At the end of the weekend our church missions team had built three houses for three beautiful families. I can't begin to express how grateful we are.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

Today for "we encourage" Stephanie has graciously agreed to guest post. I admire her so much. She is a true woman of God who is always teaching me something. Thanks for filling in for me Stephanie! Love you! 

Can't wait to share what God accomplished in Mexico!

Hi y'all!  I'm Stephanie. I blog over at The Honey Pot where I share about "stuff" as a wife, momma, Jesus lover and "Honey" to three grandchildren who have rocked my world. I was so blessed and honored when Jami asked me to guest host for We Encourage.  It's one of my favorite link ups...  Even when I don't have time to write a post myself, I always go read what everyone has shared and get a big dose of encouragement.  What a blessing. Thanks Jami for that.

What I sensed the Lord leading me to encourage everyone with was simply this...

source

Just be yourself. no one else....just you.

The Lord taught me this lesson what seems like a lifetime ago..

I was in my late 20's when my husband surrendered to the Lord's calling on his life.  Our three daughters who are now married, engaged and about to graduate, were all still little girls then.  Neither me nor my husband came from a "ministry background"...I wasn't brought up as a preacher's kid and was feeling rather inadequate about the whole pastor's wife idea.  And at that time, the only pastor's wives I knew on a personal basis were ...ahem...old. 
You see, I'm a flip flops and t-shirt kind of girl and they all wore pantyhose and heels.
Uh ohh.

The day that we were going to sit down with the pastor search committee, my mother gave me a "talkin to".  I was into toe rings at the time and she made me promise her I would take mine off and then she asked what I was wearing to this all important event.  I told her a yellow sundress with  sandals. She then said...
"You're not gonna wear pantyhose and heels?"
"Uh..no mom.  I hate pantyhose."
"Well I think you need to wear pantyhose" she said again. "The older generation notice stuff like that."
Well, I value my mom's opinion and always want to honor her and as I got dressed that day, I went back and forth.. should I wear pantyhose or not wear pantyhose?  I finally went with my original plan and wore my sandals.....but I threw the pantyhose and heels in the backseat...juuust in case.

On the ride over, as me and my husband talked about our future and what God was doing in our lives and how we were so amazed and humbled that He would even use us in such a way, I mention to him about the pantyhose situation.  (I take my role as his helpmate seriously and always want to be an asset to his ministry...never a hindrance.)  And my sweet husband, with much wisdom said,
"Stephanie, just be yourself.  If they don't call me to pastor this church because my wife isn't wearing pantyhose, this isn't where we need to be to start with". 
 So, with a smile on my face and the desire to serve the Lord with all my heart and no pantyhose, I nervously entered that room where "The Committee" was waiting.

Well, they did call my husband and his non-pantyhose wearing wife and we spent seven years there serving His people.  Funny thing is that one of the people on the committee told me years later how he can still remember what I was wearing that day...that, in his words, "You looked like a "vision" in that yellow linen sundress and strappy sandals.  Such sophistication and class.  We knew we were getting a lady that day for our pastor's wife".  

All I could do was laugh.... at myself for being so ridiculously silly to start with 

and at God's incredible sense of humor.

source

We waste so much of our time and energy trying to fit in or trying to be the person others think we should be, that we often miss opportunities to be used by God exactly the way He created us to be.
I must admit, there are still people in my life that I find it hard for me to be myself around.  It's "work" to be around them because I'm so conscience of everything I say and do.  And I hate that.  I'm working on that. Whether they like me or not,  whether they look at me like I'm ridiculous....I'm gonna just be myself....
The person God created me to be when He knit me together in my mother's womb and fashioned all my days before a single one had come to pass! ...Plus He says I'm fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wow.
Why would I ever be anything but myself?
Crazy.

source

Stephanie :)
p.s.  I have since grown to like pantyhose...as in a cute pair of tights kind of pantyhose.
They hold me in in all the right places ;)  
You think those older pastor's wives knew something I didn't?
Hmmmmm

Guest Post From a Friend

A guest post from Hannah at Happy Days {aka: one of my favorite people in the world}

"we encourage" will be up at midnight. Don't forget to link up.

i've been praying and praying for jami and her sweet family!

they're busy right this minute, being champions for jesus on a mission trip.

i'm looking forward to reports on all they accomplished, aren't you?!

while jami's away, i thought i'd share briefly something that's on my mind.

it's a new year, after all. a time for reflection, right? i can't believe that january is already half over.

i really can't believe it's twenty twelve. seriously.

pretty sure just last week, it was 1988 and my pony tail was waving in the wind

as i pedaled my banana seat bike all over town.

time is moving on.

one thing i intend to do this year is really be present. in each moment. with my husband, with my son,

and my friends and family. i feel like i've spent too many days just trying to "get through" them.

i'm tired and spent, and some days i feel like i don't want to be present because it's just too exhausting and full of things i want to, well, not be present for. i've been reminded that i've just got this one shot.

once around the clock of my life here. i especially don't want to miss any sweet times

with my darling boy because i was too tired, or too preoccupied with a chore.

i want to soak up all the cuddles, all the foam sword fights, stick collecting, and all the coloring i can!

i don't want another twenty something years to go by and i've forgotten these days. the ones i'm in now.

these special days of parenting with my handsome, supportive husband. the way we all laugh over dinner.

this deliciously beautiful time.

and you know what else i realized?

i really don't want to miss any of the pain or troubled times either.

i even want to be present for that.

seems crazyface as i type it out, but it's one thing i know.

in my short 31 years i have experienced tremendous joy, but also immense hurt and grief.

through those hard times, that's when i was drawn closer to the king.

there's sweetness in the special fellowship with christ through suffering and hardships.

that's when i've grown the most.

so, my prayer is that the lord would give me the strength to truly be present. in every day.

to seek him. to grow in him. to praise him. to share him. to cling to him.

i want to be present always. and i know i can(and you can, too!),

through his never ending supply of mercy and love!

the unfailing love of the lord never ends!

by his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction.

great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.

i say to myself, "the lord is my inheritance;

therefore, i will hope in him!"

{lamentations 3:22-24}

Anticipation & a Thank You

The anticipation. When you know something great is about to happen. It reminds me of my kids waiting for the cookies cookies to bake. It's an anticipation that the rewards will be great.

I am beyond excited for our missions trip to Mexico. I know God has big things in store. I thought I would have some fear going into this. I thought the closer we came to leaving my nerves would kick in. Not yet.

So far the hardest part has been sending my two youngest off with their grandparents.

Right now there is only excitement. Excitement that I am able to serve others along side Hubby and my kids. We get to show them by example what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I can't wait to share with you everything we experience. I anticipate wonderful things.

I am so grateful. Grateful to everyone who donated money to help make this trip happen. I know none of you had to donate money. Some people have never even met me, {like my amazing sponsors. Please go check them out}and still you gave. I am grateful for all the prayers. We want to give our friends and family a truly heartfelt thank you for your help.

I've got some wonderful guest posts while I'm gone that I know will bless you. "we encourage" will be up on Tuesday.

You're continued prayers are appreciated!

Make a Change

We all have them. That relationship, that habit, that situation. 

The one we know we need to change but haven't had the courage.

Or maybe it feels easier, somehow simpler to leave things the way they are.

"I don't want to hurt anyone"

"I'm not sure I can give that up"

"What if I'm making the wrong decision"

It's fear.

Fear of the unknown.

Fear of being misunderstood.

Fear of making a mistake.

Fear of losing a relationship.

Christ has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear can paralyze. When we bring whatever "it" is to the Lord in prayer, when we are acting on truth and love, we don't need to be fearful.

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of Sonship. Romans 8:15

I've read this verse many times. But recently it struck me in a new way. The word "slave" convicted me. I want to serve the Lord, not be a slave to or held back by fear.

I want to encourage you this week...what changes do you need to make? 

Are you stuck in something because of fear?

Pray.

And then make a change. 

I know change can be hard, it can be scary. 

But sometimes it is necessary.

Nothing is impossible with God.

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper;I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6

Evidence

"Nathan, were you playing with Mommy's pink highlighter?"

"No"

The evidence always says otherwise.

Missing My Man

Well today Hubby went back to work.

I had him home for a whole 10 days. I know! 10 days!

We didn't do anything super exciting. As you already know, I spent part of his time home sick.

We re-did the girls' room. I'm in love...more on that later.

Mostly we were just, here. 

I have to say this hunk of a man bringing me coffee every morning can never get old. Never.

He played with the kids. Taught them how to ride bikes. Helped me with little things around the house.

It was...nice.

I know I see him every night when he gets home but this was somehow different. It was relaxing. No agenda.

So today I'm a little bummed. I miss him. I'll get back into my normal routine, and so will he. But I'll miss last week. Having him "here".

I love you Hubby. Missing you.

"we encourage" - Make the Most Of It

We had a very interesting Christmas this year.

Here's a tip. This is one thing you don't want to hear your 3 year old say a few days before Christmas...

"Mommy, I'm spray pooping!"

Just take a minute...soak that in.

Yah.

At this point I still thought we could get through it and be fine in time for Christmas. 

It wasn't to be.

The stomach flu made it's way through each one of us {except Hubby, thank God}over the next several days.

By Christmas Eve we were starting to feel a bit better but didn't want to risk getting anyone else sick so we decided to cancel all our plans and hunker down.

And yes, I was sad. We spend every Christmas Eve with my parents and brother and I've never missed it. Ever since I can remember Christmas Eve has been how our family spends Christmas. Just hanging out, singing a few carols. This year that wasn't going to happen.

Christmas day Hubby's Mom always comes to spend the day with us. That wasn't going to happen either.

By Christmas afternoon we were feeling mostly back to normal so we headed to the park to try out J's new bike.

And although this wasn't our typical routine, here is how it went down...

First of all, hello, took her one try and off she went. Rockstar!

Not everyone got new gear, but does it look like he cares? A new hat and the world's oldest big wheel are just fine by him.

There was lots of laughing.

And plenty of time to just be together. Enjoying each other.

{yes, my 20 month old rocks skinny jeans, what about it?}

Had to include a shot of the highly anticipated cowboy boots. I'm not sure he has taken them off since Christmas.

While I was laying down on the blanket, because that's what I do at the park, my oldest said,
"This is the best and the worst Christmas."
When I asked why , he explained.

"The worst because we were sick, but the best because we just got to be together. No schedule, nothing else to worry about except having fun with each other."

Ok, now I have to take a minute.

He was so right. Although we did miss our time with family we were still together.
Hubby still read the story of Christ's birth before we tucked them in on Christmas Eve. The kids still experienced the anticipation of waking up on Christmas morning and running to the tree.
We were still able to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, and make some great memories.

I'm happy we made the most of our situation.  I could have let it go a very different way. But isn't that always the case? We choose how to handle what is happening around us. This Christmas we chose joy, and I'm so grateful we did.

My Mantle

Well helllloooo! I'm back from a very needed break from all technology. No blog, no twitter and very little Facebook. It was great, but I did miss my little blog.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. I'll have a little recap of Christmas tomorrow.

For today I just want to share a little project for my mantle.

It started with this old frame I bought for a great deal at the Pasadena Flea Market and everyone's favorite...say it with me...spray paint.

The color is "celery" and I LOVE it.

I knew I wanted to hang it over my mantle but I didn't know what I wanted in it. Then I saw this...

How could I not love it? It has burlap and rhinestones. I decided just to put chalkboard paint on the wall behind the frame.

This was perfect for my Christmas mantle.

Now that the holidays are over I changed it up. I still need to add some bunting or something for more color {I know, spray paint, chalkboard paint and bunting all in one post. It's the trifecta!} but it's coming along.

I'm taking suggestions if you have any great ideas on how I can add more color. What should I fill the apothecary jar with?

Have a lovely Monday. Don't forget to come back tomorrow and link up for "we encourage".