Happy Birthday Jarod

Eight years ago today, Jarod gave his life to Christ and began his lifelong journey as a Christian.

He was only 4 1/2 at the time but already had a deep grasp of eternal things after watching his Grandma die from Lou Gherrig's disease.

He was Baptized on Easter Sunday, 2005.  We were so proud.

Normally we celebrate his physical birthday on September 8, but every March, we take time out to celebrate what we like to call, his "Spiritual Birthday."

Happy Birthday Jarod!  We love you and we are very proud of you!  We know that God has great plans for you and He is already at work in your life.  Continue to seek Him and follow Him in all you do.  You will never be happier and more content than in His perfect will.

That I Might Be The Praise of His Glory

"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the purpose of His will,  so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be for the praise of his glory."                             Ephesians 1:11-12

  

This verse has served as a great reminder for me this week.  Being a Pastor's wife, I often come face to face with expectations.  Expectations that others place on me.  Expectations that I place on me.  And sometimes it's as complicated as "what I think others think" I should be doing.  UGH!  Talk about the mind games! And the sad thing is that none of it has been verbally communicated.  It's just there.  Below the surface.  And if I am not careful, I can allow it to control me.  I can allow it to get to me.  My human nature wants to make everyone happy.  If only I were as spiritual as they think I am - or even as they think I should be!

I hate expectations.  I have decided that what screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it's supposed to be.  We do nothing but hurt ourselves by thinking that way.  I can get so caught up in the mind game that I lose the important stuff.  What really is.  

Why do I give others so much power?  I can play games in my head all day about what people think, what is being said, thought and expected by others.  But, when it boils right down to it, the only One I answer to is Christ.  Like the verse above says, I was chosen.  Predestined for His purpose.  For His will.  For the praise of His glory. I am here to enhance God's reputation.  To bring Him glory.  Not to fulfill the expectations of others.  Not even to fulfill my expectations.  I shouldn't have any.  I gave up my rights when I became a child of Christ.  I live for Him and Him alone.  

Russ told me when we were first married to "Learn how to say no".  To only take on the things that I KNOW God wants me to do. I have done so.  It's not always easy because I never want to disappoint anyone.  And I find that many times, I am misunderstood.  I have learned that each time someone approaches me with a new "ministry" idea that I need to pray about it.  I have said no often because I don't have a peace about it.  I don't always have a why.  So many things within the church are "good" things, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is what God wants ME to do.  IF I am always stepping up and taking up the slack somewhere then I am not allowing someone else in the church to have that blessing.  To step out on faith and do the task that God has called THEM to do - not ME.  God has something very specific planned for me and if I am busy doing all the other "stuff" just because it's expected or I'm trying to please people - then I will miss out completely.

As a pastor's wife, my first and highest priority is to Russell.  I am his helpmate.  My job is to make sure that our house is orderly and scheduled so that when he comes home, he can turn his brain off.  As pastor, he is pulled in several different directions all day, helping people, ministering, solving problems, preaching, teaching, encouraging.  It is physically and spiritually exhausting.  My job is to be his encourager.

My second priority is being a mom. Whereas Russ and I are a team when it comes to parenting, I handle as much at home as I can to help keep our house orderly and scheduled.

Next, I believe, comes my roll in the church.  But I only take on the things that the Lord has clearly shown me to do and will not interfere with the top priorities listed above.  When that interference happens, our house is in chaos and I don't know which end is up.  I become stressed out and I never feel like I do anything "well".  I just wind up hurrying up to get to the "next thing".   I speak from experience on this one - it's not fun!  I tried doing too much a while back and we were out of control.  That is NOT what God's purpose is.  How does that bring Him glory?  How does that enhance His reputation?

When I am doing exactly what He calls me to do - no more - no less - everything runs smoothly.  Everything gets finished well and He is glorified.  

But I am human and I still fight with my thoughts.  I still wonder what people think.  I still want to make people happy.  I am hurt when I am misunderstood.  I get defensive.  I get angry.  And in the end, I wind up on my knees, giving it to God, asking for forgiveness because His plan for my life is the ONLY one I need to worry about.  I make no apologies for that.  I will not stand before congregations of churches one day - I will stand before my Savior.  Only what I have done for Him and His kingdom will matter.

 May He find me faithful to be the "Praise of His Glory".
 

Talking About Paper Beads Under the Paper Sheets

On most days, the back of my van looks like this -

Full of ApParent Project Jewelry.

Also on most days, when I am out and about, I am wearing the jewelry.  It makes for easy advertising.  Plus I love it!

Let me just say that I am NOT a sales person.  Only in the past few years, while working at the Bridal Shows, have I felt confident in selling my Calligraphy business.  But when I get to talking about ApParent Project, it just flows right out of me!  I could talk to you all day!

This stuff sells itself.  As soon as you show it to people and then tell them it's made from recycled cereal boxes, their jaws drop and the conversation takes off!  Today was one of those days.  I couldn't help but laugh about today's adventures so I had to share.

I apologize now to all of my gentleman readers out there.  This may get a little personal.

I had my annual GYN appointment today.  I know.  I know.  Happy - Happy - Joy - Joy.  
That wonderful appointment each year where it is required for you to be completely vulnerable in front of your Dr. and his nurse.  Ugh!

I got dressed this morning and put on my AP jewelry.  Necklace, matching bracelet and earrings.  I thought in the back of my mind that it probably wouldn't matter today because it would all wind up in a pile, in the corner behind the curtain.  Ahem....

Anyway - Once there, I began filling out all of the necessary paperwork.  Changes in the past year, new allergies, medications, etc.  I let them know that I was currently taking the Malaria meds.  The lady at the front desk asked why, of course,  and I told her that I had just returned from a trip to Haiti.  She asked the popular question, "Did you go with a group?"  I smiled to myself and said, "No, I went alone." 

Enter the shock, gasps and amazement by all the ladies sitting behind the counter.

Hysterical.

Anyway - to help keep them from wondering, I proceeding to show them my necklace and explain to them about the jewelry and all that Shelley and AP are doing in Haiti. 

Before I knew it, both my bracelet and necklace are off and being carried all around the office.  Women are bringing other staff members to the front desk to have me tell the story again and show off the jewelry.  The office was a buzz.

Finally, I turned around to go sit down and another lady in the waiting room asks me about the jewelry because she had overheard us talking.  I stand there talking to her until I am called back.  I quickly finish my sentence and am whisked back to get on the scale.  Joy!  The highs and lows of this day are exhausting!

After that pleasant experience, she sits me down next to the computer to ask all the usual questions and says, "You're the one with the cool jewelry from Haiti!"  I hand her my bracelet and begin talking about it again - to her and two other nurses in the room.  All of this in between her taking my blood pressure, asking personal questions and even my peeing in a cup!

So, finally I am taken into my exam room. I pile my clothes into the corner chair behind the curtain and wait on the table wrapped in my paper blankets.  The Dr. enters, says hello and asks to see my jewelry.  Seriously?

Fortunately I still have the bracelet and earrings on.  Before I know it, I am laying on the table, covered only by thin sheets of paper, talking about my Haiti trip and ApParent Project during my GYN exam. 

Now, if this isn't commitment to a cause, I don't know what is!  LOL!

Exam finally over, I return to the front desk to check out and the ladies ask if I can come back during their lunch hour to look at my jewelry.  I'm seriously not going to refuse.  I go out to the parking lot and sit in my car for 30 minutes.  Soon one of them comes out and is purchasing jewelry out of the back of my van.  Then more of them come out and we decide to take it inside to the break room.  Within the hour, I sold around $200 worth of stuff! 

I must have repeated myself a bazillion times. The oooohs and ahhhs were so fun.  I think each lady came by the tables and spotted something new after they had already purchased and came back with more money.

I made several new contacts today, spread the word about AP and got a check up all at the same time!  Who says you can't have fun during your GYN apt?

Seriously ladies - if you haven't seen this stuff yet - the photos don't do it justice!  You are missing out!  The new date for my Open House will be announced soon - make plans to attend!  You won't be sorry!!!!

Zander and Jarod

The boys did pretty well last night.  I know they talked - but they were quiet about it.  I think Jarod said they saw 2 on the clock this morning.  But everyone got up and ready for church okay.  Poor Zander - I didn't tell him about my blog post last night so when many people at church came and shook his hand and already knew he was from New Hampshire AND that he had been on an airplane by himself, he was a bit baffled!  I just chuckled and explained why everyone knew so much about him.

After church, we went to lunch at TiJuana Flats.

Yummmmm!

And this is what happens when you stay up too late talking, you have a full stomach and a long ride home from church:

How cute is that?  (He's not going to be happy with me!)

Little sisters are obviously annoying!  But only to big brothers!

Zander's Nana will come and get him in a few hours and Jarod will be sad.  Not sure when they will be able to get together again but we sure have been thankful for this time.  God is good.

Finally, I had to add this photo of the two of them from 2007!  Oh how they have grown!

 

When Friends Come to Visit

Today is a very special day for Jarod

Zander is in town for a visit.  

Remember my trip to New Hampshire last fall?  I went to visit Emily and her family.  Emily joined her husband and son, Zander with their three youngest boys last July.  For more on that story, click here.

Anyway, Zander is on his Winter Break from school so he came down to visit his Grandparents.  In the process - we stole him for the weekend.  The house has been a buzz with 12 year old boy activity today.  Which has included lots of laughter behind Jarod's bedroom door.  It's so fun to see them reunited.  They have been best friends since they were 6 and Zander's move has been an adjustment for both of them.  

Russ took them to the movies today to see Journey 2 in 3D and they have spent time playing on the Wii, along with talking a lot in Jarod's room.  After dinner tonight, we played a game of Left Center Right and now they have settled in to watch Captain America.  I'm sure they will stay up late talking  tonight and I will have sleepy boys in church tomorrow, but that's how you roll when you only get to see your best friend every once in a while.

I sure wish Emily would have stowed away in his suitcase, but hopefully she and I will be able to get together again soon.  So very thankful for special friends that God puts into our lives.  It's always fun to just be able to pick up where you left off - no matter how old you are!

New Every Morning

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

                       Lamentations 3:22-23




I am certainly thankful for God's great love and compassion for us, aren't you?  They are new every morning.  His grace sustains us another day. 

It's amazing what a day will do.  Yesterday I was down, lonely, almost depressed like.  Today, after spending time with the Lord, I feel refreshed and new.  I feel hopeful and excited for what lies ahead.  This life is such a roller coaster of circumstances and emotions.  Separating the two is never easy.  But I have found when my emotions are out of whack - I go back to what I KNOW is true and focus on that.  Then my emotions usually fall in line where they need to be.

I have a lot going on in my heart and mind right now.  Many things to pray about and trust God with.  It can easily become overwhelming - especially if answers are not coming as quickly as I think they should.  I am so impatient.

But God already knows this about me.  He loves me anyway and He is patient with me as I go through my "humanness."  I am so thankful for that.  He is faithful.  He began a work in me over 30 years ago.  He is continuing that work and will carry it on to completion. (Phil 1:6)

I'm still here - He still has GREAT purpose for me.  I am truly humbled, amazed and honored to be chosen for the task.  May He find me willing and obedient in all things so that I might one day hear him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

It's very easy to walk away from a trip like mine and question your purpose.  To become discontent with your life.  Especially here in America where everything comes so much easier for us.  Shelley mentioned while I was in Haiti that she probably wouldn't come back to the U.S. - what would she do here?  She has such purpose everyday in Haiti.  She is doing important things EVERY day.  Although she has days that are monotonous and difficult, times where she questions why she is doing what she is doing - as an outsider looking in - I can see how far she has come and what a difference she is making.  It's truly a God thing!

And then I come back to my simple life in America - to my husband - my children - my calligraphy business and wonder if I have purpose.  Oh!  How Satan loves to get in our heads and cause doubt!

I love my life.  I have always known that I was called to be a wife and a mom.  God provided my business so I could stay at home and focus on that ministry.  Being a pastor's wife means that I am a support to my husband.  That I keep things orderly and on schedule here at home so he has a place to come to and "turn off" his brain.  A sweet friend reminded me yesterday that my husband and my children are priority and that I am coming into the busiest time of my life over the next 10 years...so I need to pray that the Lord shows me how to love and support my husband and prepare my children for leaving the nest...

Wow - she is so right.  My kids are at a pretty easy stage right now.  But Jarod enters Jr. High in the fall and I think time on my knees is going to greatly increase.  Anne has her own pressures just because she is a girl and is affected so easily by things around her.  Russell needs me focused so that I can be a support and encouragement to him.

Did I mention that I love my life?  I do.  I know that I have purpose here.  I know that God has a plan for me - for my family.  I have a job to do that is important to His kingdom.  And in the middle of all of this, I get to work with ApParent Project too!  I had the wonderful privilege of going there and meeting everyone.  Now I come home and continue to incorporate that into my purpose. Only now with a greater understanding of all that goes into that.   With the confirmation from the Lord that I am doing the right thing.  That is important to me.

So as I begin my day today, I am thankful for God's grace, for His love, for His direction in my life.  I am thankful that I have a job to do and I pray that I do it well.  I am thankful that He finds me worthy of adding ApParent Project to my calling and I am thankful that I have kingdom work to do.

If we are doing exactly what God has called us to do - we have no right to say how big or small the work is.  It's His work - that's all that matters.  We stand before Him one day - no one else.  He sees the whole picture, we don't.  We are only called to be obedient.  May He find me so.

Until next time......

ApParent Project Open House - Canceled

Just wanted to let everyone know that due to a scheduling conflict - I have had to postpone my ApParent Project Open House. 

When I reschedule it - I will let you know.  Sorry for the inconvenience. 

Keep checking back for details.