Spiritual Malnutrition
By Melissa Cotter
The un-denying sad image flashes across the screen daily. Boney, pale fingers connected to thin, string-like arms. Bare, bruised and cut feet connected to stick-like legs and rickety knees. A bloated potbelly connected to a cage-like set of rib bones cascading across the chest. All these features connected to a beautiful face with the deep brown eyes of a young child.
Yes, we are given a message of physical malnutrition in an area of the world with a desperate need. Those listening are asked to give or do anything that could contribute and help these children.
The Lord has a similar message of His children suffering from spiritual malnutrition. Instead of the quality food of His Scripture filling our bellies, we have junk food such as an unbeliever’s argument to our unknowledgeable Bible skills, or quick snacks here and there to keep us going, such as one verse for the week. We aren’t going to die from skipping a meal or two presented to us by the preaching, but slowly our arms began to wither. Our muscles are too weak to help hold up and encourage our brother or sister in their time of need.
Traveling down the road we are set to secular radio stations, hearing the messages of fornication, alcoholism and temptation. God may not strike us dead, but we miss out on the love He is sharing and His presence just a dial away with inspiring tunes telling of His gospel. We are losing spiritual nutrition, and now our hands and fingers are too weak to be lifted up in praise of His glory.
At home when we are presented with a trail or an unfortunate situation, we talk of all the possibilities our minds can imagine. We skip bending to our knees in prayer and become weaker. Now, our legs and knees no longer function to carry us along God’s path for us in His will.
When Wednesday or Sunday church services approach, we clutch onto our reason to be anywhere but participating in the fellowship of God’s people. Again, we lose spiritual growth and become weaker in our faith. Instead, our feet are no longer grounded on the foundation God has given us and we waver at any sign of outside force caught up in deceit and confusion.
We haven’t been feeding ourselves with the food God is providing. We find ourselves picky eaters and most often times going to bed hungry. We have enough to make us look okay with a potbelly, but connected to that is weak and unfruitful members of the body that can no longer be utilized for God’s work. It truly is a sad image, a spiritual malnutrition child of God.
The Lord is sending out the message that there is a desperate need in this world. As children of God, He wants our cups to be overflowing, for us to have gone from milk to meat. He wants anyone who will listen to give anything or do anything that would make a change and benefit the lives of the spiritual malnutrition of His children.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Malia
Setting in a medal chair across from a woodworking table in shop class as the teacher rolled a television into the corner, I never thought my vision would be impacted in such a big way.
My shop teacher brought to class that day a collection of a few documentaries showing the story of Chinese orphans. He probably thought he would make a bunch of teens take a second and be thankful for the American way of living. It was much more to me, and what I have invision from that day has never faded.
I decided in shop class I wanted to have the opportunity to adopt a child from one of these orphanges. I wanted the opportunity to take in one of these little girls with the privledge of becoming their mother. I wanted to offer hugs and kisses, and more importantly, love.
Of course, 7th grade was a very long time ago. At that time, I didn't know how far I would go with my education. I didn't know who I would date or marry. I didn't know if I would give birth to any children, yet my desire remained and remains today.
I am married to a wonderful husband. We have Autumn, our first little girl. As I look at my family, I pray there is still the opportunity in the future to fullfil my desire. My desire is to bring more children to our family to love.
China's requirements for adoption is that the parents are at least 30-years-old. I will be 26 in three months. Four years and counting down. It becomes more real as more time passes, and as Brandon encourages the decision with more support. This was my dream, my desire, and my hope, but as I have always wanted to adopt from China, Brandon has adopted my dream, desire and hope as his own.
Her name will be Malia... which means perhaps or probably... So, in years to come Malia will probably be welcomed to our home if it's God's will.
SIDE NOTE: I had the priveledge of meeting with a family in 2007 who adopted their little girl, Malia, from China. Their story made my vision real and obtainable. It also surprized me with her name being the very same name, God gave me as a teen for our little Chineese girl.
My shop teacher brought to class that day a collection of a few documentaries showing the story of Chinese orphans. He probably thought he would make a bunch of teens take a second and be thankful for the American way of living. It was much more to me, and what I have invision from that day has never faded.
I decided in shop class I wanted to have the opportunity to adopt a child from one of these orphanges. I wanted the opportunity to take in one of these little girls with the privledge of becoming their mother. I wanted to offer hugs and kisses, and more importantly, love.
Of course, 7th grade was a very long time ago. At that time, I didn't know how far I would go with my education. I didn't know who I would date or marry. I didn't know if I would give birth to any children, yet my desire remained and remains today.
I am married to a wonderful husband. We have Autumn, our first little girl. As I look at my family, I pray there is still the opportunity in the future to fullfil my desire. My desire is to bring more children to our family to love.
China's requirements for adoption is that the parents are at least 30-years-old. I will be 26 in three months. Four years and counting down. It becomes more real as more time passes, and as Brandon encourages the decision with more support. This was my dream, my desire, and my hope, but as I have always wanted to adopt from China, Brandon has adopted my dream, desire and hope as his own.
Her name will be Malia... which means perhaps or probably... So, in years to come Malia will probably be welcomed to our home if it's God's will.
SIDE NOTE: I had the priveledge of meeting with a family in 2007 who adopted their little girl, Malia, from China. Their story made my vision real and obtainable. It also surprized me with her name being the very same name, God gave me as a teen for our little Chineese girl.
Another article to read
They were wrong...
By Melissa Cotter
People always said I would drag you down in life. They were wrong. You pulled me down beside you on our knees in prayer.
People always said it would be too hard to live in separate cities. They were wrong. We live together in each other’s hearts.
People said we wouldn’t finish a higher education. They were wrong. God brought us to our college graduation with honors.
People said I wasn’t pretty enough for you. They were wrong. Our relationship is a beautiful creation from God.
People said we were too different to last. They were wrong. We have forever to learn our common interests.
People said I didn’t have enough money to deserve you. They were wrong. I am richly blessed with your love.
People said we were too young to say, “I do.” They were wrong. From sweet 16 to our 60s, our commitment is an unbreakable tie.
People said we weren’t ready for a kid. They were wrong. God gave us a precious gift; a child, and an example of pure love in parenting.
People said we weren’t strong enough. They were right, because in our weakness, the Lord shows us His strength.
This is for everyone who was ever told they weren’t good enough; that they couldn’t make it. Those words are easily spoken, as God easily proves them wrong.
By Melissa Cotter
People always said I would drag you down in life. They were wrong. You pulled me down beside you on our knees in prayer.
People always said it would be too hard to live in separate cities. They were wrong. We live together in each other’s hearts.
People said we wouldn’t finish a higher education. They were wrong. God brought us to our college graduation with honors.
People said I wasn’t pretty enough for you. They were wrong. Our relationship is a beautiful creation from God.
People said we were too different to last. They were wrong. We have forever to learn our common interests.
People said I didn’t have enough money to deserve you. They were wrong. I am richly blessed with your love.
People said we were too young to say, “I do.” They were wrong. From sweet 16 to our 60s, our commitment is an unbreakable tie.
People said we weren’t ready for a kid. They were wrong. God gave us a precious gift; a child, and an example of pure love in parenting.
People said we weren’t strong enough. They were right, because in our weakness, the Lord shows us His strength.
This is for everyone who was ever told they weren’t good enough; that they couldn’t make it. Those words are easily spoken, as God easily proves them wrong.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Going to write no matter what...
Okay, so I have decided as a stay-at-home mom, I am going to continue my writing. I have wrote many articles for the church's newspaper within the last two weeks. This is one of them, titled "A Man."
A man walks into the church and decides the law he serves means half the congregation has to be prosecuted, tortured and ultimately killed. The brother or sister sitting next to you on the pew that has shared funny stories, prayed with you and helped you in your time of need is gone in a second with a single gunshot wound to the head; killed for the actions of their belief in Jesus Christ.
The man you now look at is the one who took the life of a loved one, a man who encouraged the torture proceeding death. Would you be able to look at this man with forgiveness? This is my modern-version of Paul before God called him, set him apart and sent him to witness of the gospel. (Read the book of Acts to gain further insight to God’s version of Paul.)
God is capable through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make a new creature out of what we might have already deemed trash or of no use. See, God isn’t the Creator for simply the first 6 days He was at work when the world began. He is still miraculously creating something new in the souls of those who repent and make a turn toward striving to behave in the manner of our Savior.
It’s hard to say we, without hesitation, would look on the man described above with loving forgiveness. Most believers are unable to look past a dirty comment said years ago, an unwed mother, or even how someone is dressed without judgment.
Judgment is defined as the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind.
First, we are NOT the author and finisher of someone’s faith. We do NOT write the conclusion to someone’s story. Second, we can only see the world from the perspective of our mind. We do NOT penetrate with a vision of the soul and heart. Of course, while we are limited in this way, God still calls us to reach others with the Gospel.
We can take Paul’s life example as direction for a basic way in teaching others about the Gospel. Paul simply told people where he was, where God changed him, and where God was leading him.
Paul is given a chance to speak while on trail in Acts chapter 26.
Acts 26: 10-18
10) Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
12) Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13) At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14) And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15) And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16) But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
This is the testimony given by Paul to represent the Lord in an immense way.
While Jesus Christ is the one we work to become like, through Christ, Paul is an inspiration to those who we may have judged in our mind of having no hope left. No matter how awful the one you know can be, Jesus can be their Savior and appear to them for a purpose. And, as the Lord has already called us, we are to continue to share the Gospel according to how Jesus became our Savior with His purpose in our lives.
A man walks into the church and decides the law he serves means half the congregation has to be prosecuted, tortured and ultimately killed. The brother or sister sitting next to you on the pew that has shared funny stories, prayed with you and helped you in your time of need is gone in a second with a single gunshot wound to the head; killed for the actions of their belief in Jesus Christ.
The man you now look at is the one who took the life of a loved one, a man who encouraged the torture proceeding death. Would you be able to look at this man with forgiveness? This is my modern-version of Paul before God called him, set him apart and sent him to witness of the gospel. (Read the book of Acts to gain further insight to God’s version of Paul.)
God is capable through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make a new creature out of what we might have already deemed trash or of no use. See, God isn’t the Creator for simply the first 6 days He was at work when the world began. He is still miraculously creating something new in the souls of those who repent and make a turn toward striving to behave in the manner of our Savior.
It’s hard to say we, without hesitation, would look on the man described above with loving forgiveness. Most believers are unable to look past a dirty comment said years ago, an unwed mother, or even how someone is dressed without judgment.
Judgment is defined as the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind.
First, we are NOT the author and finisher of someone’s faith. We do NOT write the conclusion to someone’s story. Second, we can only see the world from the perspective of our mind. We do NOT penetrate with a vision of the soul and heart. Of course, while we are limited in this way, God still calls us to reach others with the Gospel.
We can take Paul’s life example as direction for a basic way in teaching others about the Gospel. Paul simply told people where he was, where God changed him, and where God was leading him.
Paul is given a chance to speak while on trail in Acts chapter 26.
Acts 26: 10-18
10) Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
12) Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13) At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14) And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15) And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16) But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
This is the testimony given by Paul to represent the Lord in an immense way.
While Jesus Christ is the one we work to become like, through Christ, Paul is an inspiration to those who we may have judged in our mind of having no hope left. No matter how awful the one you know can be, Jesus can be their Savior and appear to them for a purpose. And, as the Lord has already called us, we are to continue to share the Gospel according to how Jesus became our Savior with His purpose in our lives.
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Child
Coming in, I tell her to get a book. She scurries over to sit next to me, making multiple trips for each of her necessities including the blanket, baby doll and book. She rarely pays much attention to the words I read as she points to miscellaneous objects across the thick card board pages.
Once the final page is turned, she willingly gives her goodnight kiss and hugs. She collects her items and ruffles across the bed, nestles her head on the pillow and her body snug in the covers. She is ready for "night-night."
I am at awe as I give my last "I love you," before lights out and closing the door. This most precious, innocent and heart-touching child is mine.
Whether it is a burst of laughter, as she runs in circles yelling, "I dizzy," and falling to the floor, or the mischievous look in the corner of her eyes when she is proceeding to capture your attention, this child allows me to feel a sense of life not otherwise possible.
Late in the afternoons I have found myself walking through the living room simply staring at her framed photos. I see absolute perfection in its purity resting in the face of a child representing her parents in many attributes, but more importantly, an image of God, the Creator.
Then, I think to myself, I wonder if God feels this way when looking at His children. That the perfection I see in my daughter is the same perfection He sees while looking at me with His complete vision of love.
As a young woman, I prayed for God to allow me one thing on earth, just one thing. I prayed to know the love of a mother for her child. It is this love; I believe is the closest I will ever come to understanding how God's love works in our lives.
Love is such a wide web of intricate facets with one more complicated than the next. I dare not say I have figured the verb's distinct meaning in every realm of its existence. But I can say, I have a deeper understanding for the reason why God might have lovingly wrote the Scripture Matthew 18:3.
Except ye be converted, and be as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven
It is in a child that one can find pure innocence and true love.
Once the final page is turned, she willingly gives her goodnight kiss and hugs. She collects her items and ruffles across the bed, nestles her head on the pillow and her body snug in the covers. She is ready for "night-night."
I am at awe as I give my last "I love you," before lights out and closing the door. This most precious, innocent and heart-touching child is mine.
Whether it is a burst of laughter, as she runs in circles yelling, "I dizzy," and falling to the floor, or the mischievous look in the corner of her eyes when she is proceeding to capture your attention, this child allows me to feel a sense of life not otherwise possible.
Late in the afternoons I have found myself walking through the living room simply staring at her framed photos. I see absolute perfection in its purity resting in the face of a child representing her parents in many attributes, but more importantly, an image of God, the Creator.
Then, I think to myself, I wonder if God feels this way when looking at His children. That the perfection I see in my daughter is the same perfection He sees while looking at me with His complete vision of love.
As a young woman, I prayed for God to allow me one thing on earth, just one thing. I prayed to know the love of a mother for her child. It is this love; I believe is the closest I will ever come to understanding how God's love works in our lives.
Love is such a wide web of intricate facets with one more complicated than the next. I dare not say I have figured the verb's distinct meaning in every realm of its existence. But I can say, I have a deeper understanding for the reason why God might have lovingly wrote the Scripture Matthew 18:3.
Except ye be converted, and be as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven
It is in a child that one can find pure innocence and true love.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
One night...
"I'll be right back." Said by a mother holding a ball bat and heading toward our dad's house. Not even those words could be comforting for a child holding back her tears for the sake of her young, wide-eyed, brother sitting in the back seat huddled down waiting for the night to end. The only comfort was knowing our dad was not in the house, and rather out drinking at a bar where he might be forgetting about all the pain of divorce.
Sadly, there are situations, such as this, that I can never erase from my memory. Instead, the painful memories have been buried so deep, that even what could have been pleasant childhood memories, I have no recollection. I remember tear after tear gracing my cheeks night after night in my bed alone. Well, I thought I was alone.
It was one night in my bed where my tears caused from internal emotional pain changed to tears caused by internal glory from Jesus Christ. It was one night of eternal change.
It felt as though my heart was being washed from all of its scar tissue. While I still had a strong desire for my dad to be present in my life, I now had a Heavenly Father who could more than make up for the loss I was experiencing with my dad breaking promises and running off with other women.
Of course, if my story stopped there, it would have a happy ending, but there is something much more. Something I feel to rejoice about every day, and that is the amazing opportunity I have to raise my child up in a loving, Christ-following, Bible-reading, un-broken, home. For this privilege, I could never repay the Lord. From the depth of my soul, thank you Lord for the one night of eternal change.
Sadly, there are situations, such as this, that I can never erase from my memory. Instead, the painful memories have been buried so deep, that even what could have been pleasant childhood memories, I have no recollection. I remember tear after tear gracing my cheeks night after night in my bed alone. Well, I thought I was alone.
It was one night in my bed where my tears caused from internal emotional pain changed to tears caused by internal glory from Jesus Christ. It was one night of eternal change.
It felt as though my heart was being washed from all of its scar tissue. While I still had a strong desire for my dad to be present in my life, I now had a Heavenly Father who could more than make up for the loss I was experiencing with my dad breaking promises and running off with other women.
Of course, if my story stopped there, it would have a happy ending, but there is something much more. Something I feel to rejoice about every day, and that is the amazing opportunity I have to raise my child up in a loving, Christ-following, Bible-reading, un-broken, home. For this privilege, I could never repay the Lord. From the depth of my soul, thank you Lord for the one night of eternal change.
Monday, August 2, 2010
In a wide open field...
In a wide open field, you may see a patch of woods, a house in the far distance, or a road leading to some unknown destination, and you stand there hesitant to move toward one of these choices because the grass growing in the field around you is tall and ever moving. It keeps you from knowing which choice is the definite one, leading to a solid destination that is in best interest of anyone you might be leading.
Okay, so maybe you haven't experienced this feeling in life, but that is where I am right now. I am in the wide open field. The grass is too tall and ever moving to keep me from knowing what the ultimate best decision is for my family. I am stuck by my current position. Life is confusing, and while I know I need to make a move, I don't just yet, hoping there will be a clearing away of the confusion and unknown status.
It is being stuck, not seeing a clear pathway in the midst of the grass, that tears at my mind and soul. If only there was a way I could make a path, but I do not have the tools for such action. God, looking down on me, could show me a way, but for some reason, He hasn't at this time.
I feel as though, this inability to move has met it's duration and it's bondage should be broken. Of course, I know I can not break it alone. I have support, but they too are unable to send me forward in any particular direction.
I will be so happy when the day comes that I am not in this wide open field looking for direction.
Okay, so maybe you haven't experienced this feeling in life, but that is where I am right now. I am in the wide open field. The grass is too tall and ever moving to keep me from knowing what the ultimate best decision is for my family. I am stuck by my current position. Life is confusing, and while I know I need to make a move, I don't just yet, hoping there will be a clearing away of the confusion and unknown status.
It is being stuck, not seeing a clear pathway in the midst of the grass, that tears at my mind and soul. If only there was a way I could make a path, but I do not have the tools for such action. God, looking down on me, could show me a way, but for some reason, He hasn't at this time.
I feel as though, this inability to move has met it's duration and it's bondage should be broken. Of course, I know I can not break it alone. I have support, but they too are unable to send me forward in any particular direction.
I will be so happy when the day comes that I am not in this wide open field looking for direction.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Birthday party in the making
My daughter is approaching her second birthday, and, of course, I believe she hit her terrible two saga a few months ago. However, every little girl deserves a party to celebrate the age where the final stages of teething come and go, hair ties are taken out faster than they are put in place, and whining and feet stomping are a trait mastered.
So, while I find things to distract her from wanting my attention, I am in the planning stages of her Crayola birthday party. We decided to go with crayons in a Crayola theme because coloring is one of her favorite things. I figured I would share some of the ideas gathered so far and what I am working on to make this a memorable party.
First, the goodie bags for the children who come to the party: They are solid color canvas bags (pink, blue and green). They each have a matching color writing tablet, pencil and necklace. Also, they have crayons, markers and glitter glue in the bags. I want to make sure all the kids are ready to make a mess for their parents.
Second, the tables: I am going to take scrap paper from my husband's work (large white pieces)to make table covers that the guests can color on. I am going to take crayons of all colors, melt them down and mold them into the number 2 for the crayons on the table. There will also be multicolored candies at the tables.
Next, the games: For the adults, they will have a paper to see who can come up with the names of Crayola crayon names from A to Z in the shortest time. Of course, their first hint is to cross off X and Z because there aren't any that begin with those letters..I know, I've done my research. The kids will have a coloring contest and they will have to guess how many candies are in a certain container.
Other activities: I have a shirt I purchased for the birthday girl that says, "Get Real, color outside the lines." With the shirt will be fabric markers for guests to doodle on to help make a keepsake. Also, I will have a table set up for finger painting. I may have a picture frame for adults to write a little something for the birthday girl as well.
The Decor: I am just going to run up to Hobby Lobby and pick a few colors out for plate, napkins etc. Balloons will be multicolored as well. It's easy to have lots of colors when its all about crayons.
The Rest: The invitations will feature a picture of Autumn with her Crayola penny bank and I plan to have a cute poem to invite the guests to come celebrate with us. I am working to see how much catering will cost for colorful wraps, and other food items. I am hoping to have the cake two tier with bright colors and maybe some crayon candies. All is still in the planning process, but I am excited for this birthday party for my crazy, soon-to-be, 2-year-old.
So, while I find things to distract her from wanting my attention, I am in the planning stages of her Crayola birthday party. We decided to go with crayons in a Crayola theme because coloring is one of her favorite things. I figured I would share some of the ideas gathered so far and what I am working on to make this a memorable party.
First, the goodie bags for the children who come to the party: They are solid color canvas bags (pink, blue and green). They each have a matching color writing tablet, pencil and necklace. Also, they have crayons, markers and glitter glue in the bags. I want to make sure all the kids are ready to make a mess for their parents.
Second, the tables: I am going to take scrap paper from my husband's work (large white pieces)to make table covers that the guests can color on. I am going to take crayons of all colors, melt them down and mold them into the number 2 for the crayons on the table. There will also be multicolored candies at the tables.
Next, the games: For the adults, they will have a paper to see who can come up with the names of Crayola crayon names from A to Z in the shortest time. Of course, their first hint is to cross off X and Z because there aren't any that begin with those letters..I know, I've done my research. The kids will have a coloring contest and they will have to guess how many candies are in a certain container.
Other activities: I have a shirt I purchased for the birthday girl that says, "Get Real, color outside the lines." With the shirt will be fabric markers for guests to doodle on to help make a keepsake. Also, I will have a table set up for finger painting. I may have a picture frame for adults to write a little something for the birthday girl as well.
The Decor: I am just going to run up to Hobby Lobby and pick a few colors out for plate, napkins etc. Balloons will be multicolored as well. It's easy to have lots of colors when its all about crayons.
The Rest: The invitations will feature a picture of Autumn with her Crayola penny bank and I plan to have a cute poem to invite the guests to come celebrate with us. I am working to see how much catering will cost for colorful wraps, and other food items. I am hoping to have the cake two tier with bright colors and maybe some crayon candies. All is still in the planning process, but I am excited for this birthday party for my crazy, soon-to-be, 2-year-old.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Another big event...
We have had family member and friends one after the other announce they are expecting. In Feb. my cousin had a little boy Cylas, and just this past month my brother and his girlfriend had a boy, Ryddik, our friends had a little girl, Amiah, and my uncle who is around 40 or older had his first child, Westley. Next round is due in September. My two sister-n-laws are having girls, one named Erika and the other Avery. My cousin is having a girl in September also and her name is Hailey. All these babies, and well...I am preparing to be in a wedding this weekend.
My cousin with the little boy Cylas is getting married. I have the privilege of being the maid of honor. I am leaving this afternoon to head to my aunt's house will I will help do flower arrangements. That should be quite interesting since I am not crafty at all. I am staying the night and then at 7 a.m. we have a hair appointment. I'm excited to have my hair done. I like weddings. Most people dread them, or just don't care for them a whole lot, but for some reason, I really enjoy them. I'm excited for my cousin. We were best friends growing up, almost inseparable. We did so many fun things in life as kids. It was because of her that I feel like I had somewhat of a happy childhood. With my parents always fighting and doing who knows what, I stayed with my aunt and uncle numerous times. My cousins were the rainbow in my storm growing up. I was able to make mud pies with them...or our very own homemade chalk. We shared chicken pox and who knows what else. And then we reached an age where things were going so fast, that time together was lessen. We had school, goals, activities going on and always living in separate towns wasn't easy either. Of course, we have always stayed in contact. Even when we both went to college.
She was my maid-of-honor in my wedding just four years ago and I am happy she asked me to be her maid-of-honor as we celebrate her relationship tomorrow.
***Note***in my Sept. 9 blog entry I was talking about having my child born on the 12..well the rooms were full that day and we actually had her on the 16th. Her first birthday party was all in brown and pink...this year it was daddy's choice of theme and so it's crayola. It's going to be lots of fun.
My cousin with the little boy Cylas is getting married. I have the privilege of being the maid of honor. I am leaving this afternoon to head to my aunt's house will I will help do flower arrangements. That should be quite interesting since I am not crafty at all. I am staying the night and then at 7 a.m. we have a hair appointment. I'm excited to have my hair done. I like weddings. Most people dread them, or just don't care for them a whole lot, but for some reason, I really enjoy them. I'm excited for my cousin. We were best friends growing up, almost inseparable. We did so many fun things in life as kids. It was because of her that I feel like I had somewhat of a happy childhood. With my parents always fighting and doing who knows what, I stayed with my aunt and uncle numerous times. My cousins were the rainbow in my storm growing up. I was able to make mud pies with them...or our very own homemade chalk. We shared chicken pox and who knows what else. And then we reached an age where things were going so fast, that time together was lessen. We had school, goals, activities going on and always living in separate towns wasn't easy either. Of course, we have always stayed in contact. Even when we both went to college.
She was my maid-of-honor in my wedding just four years ago and I am happy she asked me to be her maid-of-honor as we celebrate her relationship tomorrow.
***Note***in my Sept. 9 blog entry I was talking about having my child born on the 12..well the rooms were full that day and we actually had her on the 16th. Her first birthday party was all in brown and pink...this year it was daddy's choice of theme and so it's crayola. It's going to be lots of fun.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Yikes!
Okay, it's been 2 years since posting on this blog. Man, have I been away.
So, to catch up a little, lets talk about what I am dealing with now.
It's July so I am enjoying the summer. Since I work for a preschool closed during the summer, I am able to spend that time with my daughter, Autumn, who will be 2 in September. She is precious, but of course, a whole lot of work.
Teething is my least favorite thing in the world when it comes to parenthood.
In addition to time spent with Autumn, I am taking time to travel to Kansas City about every other week to see a doctor in regards to my many small problems contributing to my major problem...my mouth.
I have TMD, or commonly known as TMJ Disorder. I have migranes, head aches, back, shoulder and neck pain, hearing loss and lots of other symptoms related to the fact that my jaw does not work quite as well as it should. I have a mouth piece that has began to contribute to my healing process. Next on the list is seeing the doctor who is adjusting the bones in my neck. With each adjustment, I am sore for about a day..feel better for a few and then somewhere down the road I do something to knock it out of place again. Everything is blending together for a slow healing, but one that I know is in the making.
I will move on to braces in my next steps.
I have to say that my husband has been the most wonderfully and supportive person through everything I have endured in this process. Not everything is pleasant or without pain. He has continually uplifted me and told me that he wants to do whatever we need to in order to make me better. He is a special person, and even more special to me.
Well, that same person is downstairs waiting on me to come to bed, so goodnight for now, and maybe I'll be posting a little more on here lately.
So, to catch up a little, lets talk about what I am dealing with now.
It's July so I am enjoying the summer. Since I work for a preschool closed during the summer, I am able to spend that time with my daughter, Autumn, who will be 2 in September. She is precious, but of course, a whole lot of work.
Teething is my least favorite thing in the world when it comes to parenthood.
In addition to time spent with Autumn, I am taking time to travel to Kansas City about every other week to see a doctor in regards to my many small problems contributing to my major problem...my mouth.
I have TMD, or commonly known as TMJ Disorder. I have migranes, head aches, back, shoulder and neck pain, hearing loss and lots of other symptoms related to the fact that my jaw does not work quite as well as it should. I have a mouth piece that has began to contribute to my healing process. Next on the list is seeing the doctor who is adjusting the bones in my neck. With each adjustment, I am sore for about a day..feel better for a few and then somewhere down the road I do something to knock it out of place again. Everything is blending together for a slow healing, but one that I know is in the making.
I will move on to braces in my next steps.
I have to say that my husband has been the most wonderfully and supportive person through everything I have endured in this process. Not everything is pleasant or without pain. He has continually uplifted me and told me that he wants to do whatever we need to in order to make me better. He is a special person, and even more special to me.
Well, that same person is downstairs waiting on me to come to bed, so goodnight for now, and maybe I'll be posting a little more on here lately.
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