Alaskan fun and Day 16-19

Happy Monday!

I am hoping you had a wonderful weekend like us—though I pray yours was not as chaotic!!



I shouldn’t use words that relate to negativity when we really did have a wonderful weekend. We really did have a great time—it was just slightly too packed together for my liking. If any of you know me, I like busyness. But too much craziness without a small break to myself to process life, no alone time and spending little time communing with the Lord really wore me down.


We had good reason for going about our weekend the way we did: we both will be gone for the summer, missing out on all Alaska has to offer. Thus, we are squeezing it in now!


Alas, it is now Monday. And though I really haven’t slowed down much, I just feel a little more refreshed by taking my time to get out of bed, do some small things for my husband and get some time to catch up blogging :)


Thus, let me begin with my objectives for this blog:


1. Catching up on Days 16-19 (next blog, I will catch up us up to the day we should be on!)2. Recapping our first all-outdoor weekend in Alaska
 So let’s begin!


Day 16—Willing Hands


We are being brought back to Proverbs 31 again:


“She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.” (13)


If you were to evaluate your heart today, would you see a ‘willingness’ attribute hidden within? The proverbs remind us that we need willingness to see things be accomplished in our lives. Not perfect accomplishments, but merely accomplishments done to the best of our abilities. This encourages me to spur you to practice self-discipline.


”27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”---1 Corinthians 9:27


We should discipline our bodies so our messages about Christ are effectively relayed and our lives line up with our words (our preaching). If we practice this kind of willing discipline, then we can endure the race that we run! (Hebrews 12:1)


Speaking of self-discipline, that brings us to Day 17 and 18 where we practice our cleaning styles in the manner that works for our personalities.


According to Psalm 139 (one of my favorite psalms), we are reminded by the Lord that we were all formed uniquely and with much love:


“ 1O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 3You search out my path and my lying down


and are acquainted with all my ways. 13For you formed my inward parts;


you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”


Isn’t it encouraging knowing that you have a personality unlike everyone else’s?? In that perspective, look at that with much awe and reverence, not comparing or envying. This can distract us from our goals to glorify Him in the way we function.


Sarah Mae then helps us evaluate which personality type we are from the following and how to find appropriate motivation to meet our goals:


• ‘D’ Style: You are result oriented and like the bottom line, the fastest way to get things done and thrive on challenges. You are a great motivator. Your motivation? To be challenged. Make a goal for yourself and form a challenge to accomplish it.


• ‘I’ Style: Do anything but clean! You are super fun and people oriented. Your motivation? Positive feedback and fun. Try rewarding yourself after meeting tangible goals. Have some fun with cleaning (play music and dance) and set a time to have guests over so you have motivation to clean your house for their arrival!


• ‘S’ Style: You are friendly and soft; extremely loyal and supportive; you need security and stability; someone’s guidance comforts you. Your motivation: affirmation. Ask your friends/husband for affirmation in your job so you can continue to be effective in your work. Affirm yourself too! It’s good to do this by remembering the promises of God and seeing how they are being carried out in your life. If you need further motivation, tyr a program to guide you (like Flylady!)


• ‘C’ Style: super detail oriented, loving structure and quality. You are a natural organizer, though this can lead to criticism and perfectionism. You seek facts and want the most systematic way to get things done. Your motivation? Structure. Set some realistic expectations, shoot for excellence in all you do (but not absolute perfectionism) and be satisfied in the end product.


Try out some styles and motivators if you are not exactly sure with which catefory you fall into! It’s worth the effort.


Day 19 is about finding our joy in a self-disciplined life. How do you do that? By seeing the accomplishments of living a self-disciplined/self-controlled life. It results in peace instead of chaos.


Here are six tips you can take with you for leading a self-disciplined life:


1. Commitment—submission to the Spirit is one way of opening yourself up this practice. It is a fruit of the Spirit that God is willing to give us if we loosen up our control and commit ourselves to God’s molding and changing us.


2. Set up and complete goals-- start small and realistic so you can see your goals be accomplished, thus spurring you on to endure in this practice. Take one step at a time and tons of grace!


3. Do what you say you will do—integrity and trustworthiness forms the foundations to your walk in self-discipline.


4. Learn to say no—if it interferes with your main priorities, it will end up just stressing you out unnecessarily. Pray about the opportunities that come your way. Sometimes they can be said yes to, but if you know you can’t manage, you should practice saying no gracefully. You will find you have more free time to manage your priorities more effectively!


5.  Learn to say no—if it interferes with your main priorities, it will end up just stressing you out unnecessarily. Pray about the opportunities that come your way. Sometimes they can be said yes to, but if you know you can’t manage, you should practice saying no gracefully. You will find you have more free time to manage your priorities more effectively!
 


5. Practice—Yes, you have heard it many times: practice makes perfect! And it takes hard work. So learn to endure with your goals by starting small and pressing on, one day at a time.


6. And DON’T GIVE UP!


“ 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."—Joshua 1:9


For this is our goal:


“22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”—Galations 5:22-23


I hope these encourage you to keep pressing on to form these practices in your life! There is fruit in the end if you trust and endure.


Now on to the weekend!

On Friday night, we went on a picnic with friends to Eklutna Lake. We took two other couples (the Hasslers and the Adams) and our two crazy dogs: Eli and Hank! Here are some amazing pictures Andrew took of them playing in the freezing cold water!

Bye Eklutna Lake!!

On Saturday, we went fishing at Montana Lake with the Hasselers and the Whites. I tried to take some pictures of the guys fishing, but they were too far away-- I did get a cute picture of Lacy and Annelyse playing!

Me, Cynthia and Lacy!

(That white hate really makes me look like I have a GIANT head! haha!)

We can say that Lacy caught the only fish that day-- and it happened to be a big black furry one! Poor Hank!

On Sunday, we drove with a group to Whittier and went sea kayaking. TONS of fun!

Here is on our drive to Whittier:

Glacier: 

The tunnel we went through is 2.5 miles-- its really crazy! 

Here is the island we had lunch at:

Matt and Lindsey:

Oh! And Lindsey and I saw a moose in the neighborhood after we left Bible Study! Super cool!!

And yes, little Taylor Rose turned two and had a great time at her bouncy birthday party!

Well, that is all I have today. Time to attack the day and stay disciplined by God's grace!

More furniture building to come ;)

Blessings!

I haven't forgotten!!

I promise I have not forgotten you guys!! I have been trying to apply Sarah Mae’s study and FINISH what I can—and the blogging has just not taken priority lately…
However, just so you don’t think I have been slacking off, I am posting pictures of some of the things I have gotten done so far--- and am still working on (and then on the next blog, we will catch up with the devotional!):

Here is the customized bench I made for upcoming baby days. I am using it now and am LOVING it! It also prevents clutter from entering the kitchen scene.

The kitchen got a bit of a makeover as well. First, I build a matching bench to accommodate more people at our table—which has worked fantastic! Then, since Andrew always seems to hit his head on our dining light, I raised it a bit and hung lanterns from it to complete the farmhouse look I am shooting for. Looks MUCH more home-like now!

Before:

After:

The next goal was to do something with our sitting space. We added the big brown chair from downstairs to make company feel closer and an area rug (man, do these things make a difference!). I also added a coffee table top to the coffee table we already had, but never really used. The plant pot on top was a clay pot that I painted to match the area! We covered the plaid couch that we received from his Mimi  and added a dining room organizer/buffet table. I wanted to make the rustic workbench from the Pottery Barn magazines, but I decided it would be too costly and we still had pieces of furniture around the house that had no function… thus, I gave them a job! The top of the buffet table is the pottery barn piece I love so much (I just need to find it a handle) and the bottom is our old blue desk from childhood. Nobody could really use it for a desk though because it was too small, but it functions great this way!

Before:

After:

I finally figured out what to do with this shadow box! Haha!

And here is the intended media center. Our TV does not fit it, so we decided just to use it as a display cabinet until that day our TV does give out and we get a flat screen—works great for now though! Only question is…. What do I do with the TV area now? Any suggestions?

Here is that beautiful coffee table I covered!

Here is a close up of the buffet table:

And here is where I got the idea for the top (and duh, the pottery barn one looks better, but I personally feel mine hides more clutter than this does ;) )

These need color: Any suggestions??

And here is our personal favorite: the coffee center! I am LOVING this! ESPECIALLY the cow creamer!! SO CUTE! (you can get him at Pier 1)

So that is all I got right now! Like I said, I will catch up on the devotional soon, but for now, I have got to scoot! Andrew and I have a deployment luncheon and I do not want to be late!!

Until next time, rest in the peace of God :)

Mother's Day weekend and Day 13-15: Tiredness, energy tips and cleaning

Our Mother's Day weekend hike!

 Ok, so the main reason for this hike was to help a friend (Brent, featured on the right in the picture) find his phone that went M.I.A. Friday, following his very long hike with his cousin. Being very sure it was still up there, on the peak of this very tall mountain, he made plans to climb it for the second time in a row... (we did not end up making the whole journey with him, but we did however rejoice with him as he called us from his cellphone once he got to the top! A happy ending to a long and tiring hike!)

 Yes, Eli is already exhausted in this picture.. in fact, he hasn't moved this morning (he is still in bed). That hike must have really worn him out!

                                         Isn't this beautiful?? I really love this scenic picture :)

And man alive….I have never had so many sleeping issues in my life since being Prego!


Ok, so thats only partially true--- but it has been a lot more difficult since carrying this little one. I wish I could be like my other prego friends and just be completely exhausted where all I can do is sleep. However, God made me the more high strung variety that must learn to function on little to NO sleep. Haha… Thus, I shall rely on my Savior more.


It’s funny the devotional for Day 13 was about ‘Fighting Fatigue’. She gives us energizing tips like: move (sine inactivity makes you more tired), only get the sleep you need (anymore might make you sluggish), do not become overwhelmed (stress makes you tired—refer to Day 10 to minimize it), increase your magnesium (yes, its true; it works), have a healthy whole grained snack, and CAFFEINE (if you can). Or if you are like me, get some exercise and LET YOUR 'TO DO' LIST REST UNTIL TOMORROW! AH!


Day 14, Sarah speaks of more energizing tips. She encourages us to find something that “gets you all jazzed up.” You will find yourself more effective than you had been without it. This used to be running for me, but I will have to find something else to incorporate into my week…


Now Day 15 is where I can relate today: ‘I’d rather do anything but clean’. Yes, I feel you Sarah Mae—usually, I do enjoy cleaning just because I function better in a clean house, but with so many projects and rearranging happening lately, its hard to feel motivated. Sarah suggests we read over our mission statement we made on Day 1, put our sneakers on (which makes us feel as if we should move!), do the hardest things first, play some music and remind yourself why you do it (like to serve my poor tired husband, exhausted by his paper pushing job...and definitely for an eternal cause). This sure is motivating for me: I am now ready to get my laundry on, despite my little sleep intake!


Besides reading through the 31 days to clean devotional, I have also been reading through the book of Isaiah. The Lord really wrapped my heart up in the comfort of his love for me today and I want to share some of his word with you:

"But now hear, O Jacob my servant,



Israel whom I have chosen!"--Isaiah 44:1


We have been chosen! I love all the verses that also speak of his forming us from the womb! Just makes me think how God is taking care of my little one right now—44:2, 44:24.


Idolatry is also is a large theme through this book and chapter 44. And even though we wouldn’t think it we have idols like they did back in the biblical days, we definitely go about the same kind of worship—just in a less evident observable way.


For myself, I know it’s my never ending to-do list, my house and projects. Even though a lot of them are necessary, they can become an idol that my heart rests upon for satisfaction and worth. I can bow down to them to measure my days’ worth and continue to be slaved by their demands. There is nothing that these idols are going to do for me… except continue to demand that empty satisfaction I will never get from them. They will leave me weary and tired. Kind of like today…


But we have a Savior that draws us to Himself, to refresh and guide us; to redeem and equip us for life’s hardships (44:22, 45:5-7). We will not seek him in vain (45:9), but he will accomplish his purpose with us and his counsel he gives us will stand for his glory—for our good (46:11). How refreshing…. What a wonderful God we serve.

 Yet we look at His ways as burdensome (44:23). Why do we think a God with a love like that for us is a burden??


Because of our idols…


Time to fight back—for our soul’s sake.

I plan on fighting for the order of my priorities; fighting tiredness, but embracing rest; and learning to weed out idols before I let them consume the things that matter most in life. I will let you know the result tomorrow.

Until then, I pray you find you are reaping your strength from him and learning to let him rule your heart, because he only wants your ultimate good:)



Happy Mother's Day to all my mommas around the world!

                                                                       Happy Mother’s Day!

I know this is probably the easiest mother’s day I will get for a long time, so I have taken this weekend to rest and enjoy some pretty Alaska days with my husband (although we definitely got snow yesterday--- and the way I cope with that? Telling myself ‘It’s not really May yet, just early spring’ ;) ).

As I look over pictures of all my new mommy friends and think of all our moms have done/put up with for us, I can’t help but fully admire and appreciate them. The laundry, the careless children, the crying, the fighting, the wisdom you try to bestow on us (but we could care less at the time), the driving lessons, the many college moves, etc, etc. I remember them all. And though I never really thanked my mom for each specific one, I am more than grateful knowing that each one of those tasks have helped me enter into the season of life I am in now. I also have more appreciation as all of it floods back to me as I carry the one I will parent soon too. So thanks mom! You are a wonderful friend and mom to me—I am so glad I can say both about my mommy!

And thank you Mama Thornbury for raising such a gift of God to be my hubbie! I cannot imagine life without him: he is mature, smart, practical, loving, caring, and fun-loving and a servant leader to me. I know you contributed to a lot of those beautiful attributes in the man he has become so I am truly grateful for your mothering, accepting and loving character towards Andrew and Matthew both :) Thanks for being a mommy to me as well!

These are my proverbs 31 Mamas:

“10 A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Thanks for being this kind of mama, Mamas! I love you dearly!!

And have a VERY happy mother’s day!

More from the challenge next week-- afterall, it is Mother Day weekend ;)

Day 11 & 12: Limitations and Imperfection

I would start with an apology for not writing yesterday, but since yesterday’s challenge was on limitations, I realized I had reached mine far before I had even gotten to my daily blogging (I have indeed written the current blog this morning, the 6th, but I wanted to include some pictures on today’s post before I published it!)

Actually, I did my devotion while I was at the gym yesterday morning because we ended up leaving Andrew’s car on base the previous night. This motivated us both to get up and workout since we would both be on base early, and I needed to do that too! Thus, by the time I got home, I was already in my productivity mode of trying to get certain things done before Andrew arrived, leaving no time to write.


I can tell you, however, what I learned and what we are going to be challenged to do today: Know your limitations (life is hard) and realize we all have something in common-- imperfection.


Sarah Mae encourages us in our different stages to do just do something and not to try to do everything! Realize you are human: you are in need of a God who gives us strength to do what you must and abundant grace when you can’t do any more.

^"9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." --2 Corinthians 12:9

Imperfection is another topic she covers for today’s challenge.


I am an admitting certifiable wannabe perfectionist. However, I never do anything perfect, so why do I think any perfection will be in the result??

“When you aim for perfection, you discover it’s a moving target.”—George Fisher

I really like this quote! Isn’t that so true? I didn’t have very good accuracy in the first place… soooo why do I expect things to change overnight?


The only person I know who was alone perfect is Jesus (Hebrew 10:14). He extends that reputation to us so when God looks at us, He sees Jesus’ work. He gave us the freedom to let go of perfection! Jesus has done the work for us that we couldn’t do. All we are to do now is to glorify Him in the things we are doing, only doing our best to please Him. The result of aiming for perfection is really to exalt ourselves, not glorify God. That’s not what we were created for—so let’s be encouraged to do our best today but be ok with a little imperfect.


Lucky for us, I think imperfection is a trend now :)


This brings me to my projects- ha! I have officially finished two pieces, and need to complete the other two.

Here is the locker!!! Still need to add baskets to it....

Here is the Media Center (we are almost done with it-- now... its TV shopping time!)

PS: Happy Mother's Day!

 My latest and greatest dinning room bench!

 Our half stained kitchen desk... O man.....!!

AND ELI!

Well, I guess I here (Andrew wants to go enjoy the outdoors!). More tomorrow!!!

Day 10: Feeling overwhelmed

Yes, for the last couple of days I have been here: Overwhelmed. Ever since Andrew has come home, I have done ANYTHING but clean (except for the kitchen, of course). It’s been nice just to enjoy him and be available, but this house is starting to clutter fast! And the curse is definitely reminding me it’s all headed towards decay (which is a good reminder, in a sense, not to get TOO caught up in it). Yet, it’s time to get at it and clean it up!



How to start?


Well, here are a few helpful tips I thought I would leave with you:


#1 When the house is a mess, only work one room at a time


Don’t overwhelm yourself and stay focused! It will make a difference.


#2 Be generous to your trashcan


If you are anything like me, you can probably do without that thing that just lingers around your house. Throw it out!


#3 Get rid of half the toys


Or just put up the ones that seem not to be played with AS MUCH for a rainy day. I know my mom did this when we were kids and it felt like we had gone over to a whole new world in our clean, de-cluttered toy closet! Even then, I could appreciate the cleanliness.


#4 Do the 15 minute thing


Do everything you can in that time frame (it’s like a challenge: and who doesn’t like a good challenge?!?)


#5 Just get moving!


If not, you will fall into the ‘Why bother’ mindset. Force yourself to DO SOMETHING!


#6 Envision the big picture


Get alone and envision your big picture of what it means to have a peaceful, warm and tidy home; then go at it!


#7 Get off the computer


The more I am on, and the more I think about my list of ‘TO DO’s, the more depressed I can get. Shut it down and get to it!


#8 Keep your eyes on the goal


Remember that priority sheet we made? Yea, let’s recall that through our more challenging days, along with your vision. You will enjoy the view from the mountain top so much more when you get high enough.


#9 Get something new for your home that brings a smile to your face


For me, that is the furniture I am making. But this could be something else that can evoke your vision to completion.


I believe that is all for now. I would attach some pictures from yesterday (we moved in our furniture pieces from the garage—they look very nice, except for the hilarious and somewhat frustrating fact that our TV is WAY too big to be supported by my lovely new media center….grrr), but Andrew has taken the truck, which contained my camera…. Oh well! I will attach them tomorrow :)


I do want to leave you with an encouraging verse that I read this morning. It’s in 1 John 5:

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who has overcome the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (v.4-5)

I just love being reminded over and over again that we have been given victory in Christ over these things---especially the world’s trials we endure! All because of Him.


Be reminded that you do not do this life alone; we have a Savior that carries the heaviest of your burden for you (Matthew 11:30).


SO GET UP AND GET TO IT!!