This is a rare picture. Erik in about .5 seconds of stillness. You see the twinkle in the eye and the smurk on his face-he is up to something. Watch out ladies.......he is going to break some hearts~! My little man, my baby is soon a big brother!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Heartbreaker
This is a rare picture. Erik in about .5 seconds of stillness. You see the twinkle in the eye and the smurk on his face-he is up to something. Watch out ladies.......he is going to break some hearts~! My little man, my baby is soon a big brother!
Our first grader
I would say "unbelievable" but that doesn't seem to fit-BELIEVE IT-Julia is now a first grader! She told me she couldn't wait for school to start. She is so brave. Even us grown ups get scared starting something new-I know I did! She told me she felt a butterfly in her tummy but it was ok! She has now made a friend on day 2 and seems to love her teacher and school. Emma has enjoyed a few days with mommy and getting 100% of my attention. She starts school on Tuesday! Stay tuned for more pics!
So another year starts...this year I managed with no tears! Imagine that for a pregnant woman!
So another year starts...this year I managed with no tears! Imagine that for a pregnant woman!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
To my surprise and maybe yours
I sit here after a 12 hour day away from my home and kids. If you can picture a pregnant women running a marathon or running period- that would be how I feel. With everything a new job entails, along with pretty much making a completely new life seems to be a bit of a marathon at the moment. So as to my thoughts I have been thinking.........
(Might I add that sharing the following leaves me vulnerable and very open for many of my readers might have very different views concerning the following But I must be true to what God did in my heart and share. May you too be this bold to do so as well)
The week before last I attended a conference for work. It was Willow Creek's Leadership Summit. Given that going in I had agreed to listen and look with a open heart and would "see" what the hype was about. Many people sing the praise of this organization at my church. I can honestly say I am an outsider when it comes to knowing pretty much anything about them-what I had heard was negative. If I will be even more honest I thought slightly that it would not be as "good" as a charismatic/Pentecostal conf. Not sure why but thought I would walk away feeling like I they missed out on the depth? Boy was I wrong.
The church, Willow Creek, and it's well known leader have been known for seeker sensitiveness. And this in most of the circles I have been apart of was a big "no no". The Pentecostal/charismatic world has been and still sometimes has "this is how we are-we are right -take it or realize your wrong" attitude to anyone even new comer. I will always stand for preaching truth,no compromise of the Word and all the gifts that God gives us. I have come to open my mind and my heart to an idea that is much greater than I or any affiliation. Unity with in the church-meaning denominations working together for God's sake-seriously God's sake only.
I listen carefully in the conf. and I gleaned much wisdom and was amazed I couldn't pick apart more. (meaning the neg. things I had heard previously)The second day I found my self crying alot along with my row of co workers. God's presence evident and the Holy Spirit touching many hearts. Especially the message delivered by Craig Groeshel of Edmond, OK. (www.lifechurch.tv)This was on experiencing a church that had "it". What "it" was and how to get "it". Some call it the presence of God, others anointing, some not knowing what to call it just knowing when you DON'T have "it". It all boiled down to our desperation for Jesus and to be more like Him, show His compassion more and on and on. We had a extremely open time with our pastor afterwords, talking about the church if we "had it". After that my heart was touched. The last session was about making a difference and living out a relentless faith in God. Ending with a powerful song about God come to our city and pour out your spirit! Showing pictures of the cities and countries. My heart is like a wild flame when you start talking about different nations. If travel was easier I would live on a jet plane and go country to country with my kids-doing God's work. So my tears ran and all I could stand and think was -Salt Lake City-, God is going to pour out over you! And I am so privileged to get to be a part.
All this spiritual work done in my heart thru an organize many have criticized. Maybe some of those criticisms are true. But I do know that this little Pentecostal (tongue talker ..lol) walked away very changed. Impressed and truly touch by what that church had done.
Maybe it is time to think over the preconceived ideas, the invisible walls of comfortable pride, and let down the gate to your heart and see WHO God chooses to minister into your life. It most likely will shake the walls down and blow your mind, I guess that is God's point to it all.
Many have asked what I have been thinking and you got it.It's mostly about the interesting journey of going into a new church from a different "stream". Finding my place,and finding out who I am in Christ- not having any pretense to hide behind. This is truly a wild experience for me. I am not uncomfortable but have been thoroughly taken out of my comfort zone. Again-God has got a meaning for each step-who knows what's next!!!
(Might I add that sharing the following leaves me vulnerable and very open for many of my readers might have very different views concerning the following But I must be true to what God did in my heart and share. May you too be this bold to do so as well)
The week before last I attended a conference for work. It was Willow Creek's Leadership Summit. Given that going in I had agreed to listen and look with a open heart and would "see" what the hype was about. Many people sing the praise of this organization at my church. I can honestly say I am an outsider when it comes to knowing pretty much anything about them-what I had heard was negative. If I will be even more honest I thought slightly that it would not be as "good" as a charismatic/Pentecostal conf. Not sure why but thought I would walk away feeling like I they missed out on the depth? Boy was I wrong.
The church, Willow Creek, and it's well known leader have been known for seeker sensitiveness. And this in most of the circles I have been apart of was a big "no no". The Pentecostal/charismatic world has been and still sometimes has "this is how we are-we are right -take it or realize your wrong" attitude to anyone even new comer. I will always stand for preaching truth,no compromise of the Word and all the gifts that God gives us. I have come to open my mind and my heart to an idea that is much greater than I or any affiliation. Unity with in the church-meaning denominations working together for God's sake-seriously God's sake only.
I listen carefully in the conf. and I gleaned much wisdom and was amazed I couldn't pick apart more. (meaning the neg. things I had heard previously)The second day I found my self crying alot along with my row of co workers. God's presence evident and the Holy Spirit touching many hearts. Especially the message delivered by Craig Groeshel of Edmond, OK. (www.lifechurch.tv)This was on experiencing a church that had "it". What "it" was and how to get "it". Some call it the presence of God, others anointing, some not knowing what to call it just knowing when you DON'T have "it". It all boiled down to our desperation for Jesus and to be more like Him, show His compassion more and on and on. We had a extremely open time with our pastor afterwords, talking about the church if we "had it". After that my heart was touched. The last session was about making a difference and living out a relentless faith in God. Ending with a powerful song about God come to our city and pour out your spirit! Showing pictures of the cities and countries. My heart is like a wild flame when you start talking about different nations. If travel was easier I would live on a jet plane and go country to country with my kids-doing God's work. So my tears ran and all I could stand and think was -Salt Lake City-, God is going to pour out over you! And I am so privileged to get to be a part.
All this spiritual work done in my heart thru an organize many have criticized. Maybe some of those criticisms are true. But I do know that this little Pentecostal (tongue talker ..lol) walked away very changed. Impressed and truly touch by what that church had done.
Maybe it is time to think over the preconceived ideas, the invisible walls of comfortable pride, and let down the gate to your heart and see WHO God chooses to minister into your life. It most likely will shake the walls down and blow your mind, I guess that is God's point to it all.
Many have asked what I have been thinking and you got it.It's mostly about the interesting journey of going into a new church from a different "stream". Finding my place,and finding out who I am in Christ- not having any pretense to hide behind. This is truly a wild experience for me. I am not uncomfortable but have been thoroughly taken out of my comfort zone. Again-God has got a meaning for each step-who knows what's next!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Angels of Mercy
Well it seems we are in the home stretch at church with the renovation process. Which most effect my department cuz we are getting all new rooms. Our poor kids have been at church everyday for the last ??? days. They have playmates there but still it is sometimes a drag.
Yesterday was a 12 hour day for me from departure to arrival back at home base. My pregnant body was aching midday to say the least. Bad shoes and mural painting in a weird position for hours on end did a number on my low back. 2 angels of mercy walked into the room I was painting in and said "we just want to come and bless people working today and heard your back hurt!" I was like that is sweet I will take a prayer-thank you. And the lady smiled and said sure, but she is a massage therapist. (BIG SMILE). I jumped off my chair and spread um on the carpet-who cares if I am sweaty and dirty and full of paint-DID SOMEONE SAY MASSAGE????? The other lady, Mary said a prayer for my work and the project I was doing. I have to say this was the highlight of the week maybe even month. That was just what I needed. Sometimes we pray that God would send people to help us work- and He did but in a way I never thought. Someone to ease my burden and help ME work better. Again, I sit and blow a kiss to heaven-thanks God I needed that.
I will soon post something I have been thinking about for a week. Stay tuned!
Yesterday was a 12 hour day for me from departure to arrival back at home base. My pregnant body was aching midday to say the least. Bad shoes and mural painting in a weird position for hours on end did a number on my low back. 2 angels of mercy walked into the room I was painting in and said "we just want to come and bless people working today and heard your back hurt!" I was like that is sweet I will take a prayer-thank you. And the lady smiled and said sure, but she is a massage therapist. (BIG SMILE). I jumped off my chair and spread um on the carpet-who cares if I am sweaty and dirty and full of paint-DID SOMEONE SAY MASSAGE????? The other lady, Mary said a prayer for my work and the project I was doing. I have to say this was the highlight of the week maybe even month. That was just what I needed. Sometimes we pray that God would send people to help us work- and He did but in a way I never thought. Someone to ease my burden and help ME work better. Again, I sit and blow a kiss to heaven-thanks God I needed that.
I will soon post something I have been thinking about for a week. Stay tuned!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Me almost 16 weeks.....
Yes, I dare to do this post a preg pic at 16 weeks. I admit my 16 weeks will be like a "normal" preg women's 6 month pic!!! Kind of at least! I have learned to live with it and just smile and laugh it off. At # 4 I hear my body yelling I know what to do...tummy full force ahead! Watch out innocent bystanders I guess???
Just watched in the door from the 1st midwife visit.The long story is: I had all 3 kids with me-and no I will never do that again. I leave the kids for 2 min maybe to leave a urine sample and I hear ERIKKKKKK NO!!! COMEBACKKKK! Then silence? So I hurried back to find out someone wrangled then all back into the room =). Always nice to get your FULL (hahem heam..clearing throat wink wink) exam with you 2yr old laying next to you and your girls screaming look at the wall! Geez, talk about no privacy! My years in Sweden prepared me while...all who know stories laughed at that one! I took one for the team and at least we got outta there with no broken objects-even made it thru the lab after 6 viles of blood with no injuries or fights with screaming. What a morning. Celebrate the fact we are out of doctor office confinement-donuts? Not because children needed a reward but mommy was starving.
The Short story is: Baby sounded great heartbeat at 150, measured out to be where I thought. Got my appointment for ultra sound after Labor Day =)
I wish I could be looking all little baby bump like Julia. What a doll. In her pic she sported fudgsicle on her upper lip-as for me it was frosting still under my nail from the glazed donut! Hmmm, went you get a craving and you feel this sick you gotta EAT!
Top Ten cravings so far:
10. Iced Tea
9. Miracle Whip
8.Kraft cheese slices
7.Fresh Fruit
6.Sprite
5.McDonald's breakfast
4.Subway
3.Jalapeno Cheese Dip
2.Pickles
1.Laffy Taffy
Friday, August 1, 2008
Got Shots?
So how was your day? Our day started with the dreaded trip to Utah Public Health to get the kids shots taken care of before school. Well, it went well ...........if 3 kids screaming blood curdling screams for like 20 min! I have never understood WHY at Public Health Departments they insist on having the gory and shocking pictures of real people with diseases ALL OVER THE WAITING ROOM WALLS. This time even better the kids had to sit and start at it during shots??? If you are there aren't you getting shots to prevent that??? I don't get it. Glad to be done but not fun with 9 little holes in my little people! They did well, and it only costed us 10 dollars of rewards at the dollar tree and 5 dollars of fika at IKEA. Here are the heroes of today.....props to Emma she got 5 shots.
Emma was brave and has cried many tears today. I think she is done with shots now...forever. Or until the trama has wore off.
Emma was brave and has cried many tears today. I think she is done with shots now...forever. Or until the trama has wore off.
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