Disapointment, His Appointment

"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho' it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.

"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, like loving earthly parent,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts, UNQUESTIONED,
All that from His wisdom flows.

"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
"No good thing will He withhold,"
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold,
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan in Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining --
"Father, not my will, but Thine."

Edith Lillian Young

Job 23:14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me:
and many such things are with him.

Out of the Loop

Well.. it's been a long time since I've sat down and blogged. Want to know why? Well, we moved. And... my husband and I decided it would be nice to have an internet free home. I know that sounds crazy..and I suppose it is in this technology driven world we live in. And I'll even admit I wasn't completly on board when he first proposed the idea, some months back now.

Luckily for him (haha) I was deep in the middle of reading, Created to Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl. This book was a huge eye opener for me and I was so moved and changed by reading the book~ even before I got to the last page. There was no way I was going to put up a stink about getting it turned back on when he had so plainly told me he felt God would not want us to have it in our home any longer. Of course, I did challenge him on it and told him how I felt (how could I LIVE without internet!!??) but I did it so without nagging and badgering him and when he again told me his wishes I left it at that.

Well, some many months later I am here (thru the power of wi-fi) to tell you I LOVE the internet not being in my home. Sure, there are things I miss.. like logging in on a whim and looking up something, buying cheap books from half.com (hehe), and other misc. things but I can honestly tell you there are ways to do without it. I gained a lot of free time in the evenings which I filled with reading of God's Word and journaling, getting ahead on projects, and get this... READING BOOKS.. haha, I have picked up old books from my library and have started books that have never even been opened yet, lol..

I guess you could say I am a poor manager of time. There I said it, it's out there for everyone to know. As much as I love the internet, I didn't know how to manage it--plain and simple. Now, instead of rushing over to the computer to check my facebook after lunch I am cleaning up and having better conversations with my children. I'm not leaving the mess for later I am ahead and getting more done in the home!

I did feel cut off at first.. but the ones I care about most I can still talk to. And I haven't deleted anything so I can still check accounts if I go to the library or get wifi access somewhere. But let me share this with you: when I first checked my mail and went online while on vacation via wifi it took all of 10 minutes.. I didn't have the desire to surf the web and do all things I used to. The Lord will truly teach you to be content if you lean on Him for all your desires.. and if your in His will.

So, I hope to still blog here and there.. in the meantime please know where I am.. I am also trying to write at home and put together a small (SMALL) book of devotions for mothers to fill my hunger for writing..

Blessings to You!

You'll Be Wishing

Sometimes we all need to hear the words to this poem, don't we? Let it truly break through our spirits and day to day routines. Enjoy! These really are the best days of our lives!

Do not worry, little mother
If there are tracks upon your floor
Years go by and you'll be wishing
You could see those tracks once more.

There won't be much satisfaction
Looking back along the way,
Though we kept our house all shining-
If we scolded every day.

Yes I know that little garments
Sadly torn and out of place
Make it hard for tired mother;
Hard to wear a smiling face.

They will leave their home nest shortly;
Some may fly to foreign lands-
Then your house will be in order
But you will sit with empty hands.

So let us all enjoy each minute
Of these lovely childhood days;
Just forget the dust that gathers;
And enjoy their childish ways.

Yesterday they were but babies,
Now they're with us for awhile
But tomorrow they'll be going-
Send them onward with a smile!

~Anon.

Praising your Husband

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to put into my blog and write about the things going on in our lives lately. I am praying by the end of the summer or maybe sooner (!) things will be calmer in our neck of the woods and we will be more settled, thus more time to write.

I just wanted to write, quickly, if you will listen,  from my heart. I've been noticing a trend lately around me and spanning even farther from Hollywood to just about everywhere. It's becoming the norm and seems "everyone's doing it". What am I talking about? Bashing men! I specifically need to address wives bashing their husbands.

Maybe your not exactly yelling or making a scene about something your husband has done (or isn't doing) but if you catch yourself copping an attitude, mumbling under your breath, SIGHING, or even rolling your eyes you are creating an image before your children and others ( family, friends, and unbelievers) that is not Godly. Everything that we speak and do is to to shine Christ Light.

Furthermore, these little gestures are actually huge to your husbands self confidence. Everything you say to him either lifts him up as a man and provider or tears him down. Think about that. It is really true. Women aren't the only ones that need to be reassured and loved on. Your husband needs that too and he needs it from the woman in his life.

Why do many marriages end in infidelity? I can't name all the reasons for it but I know that some marriages dry up and when a younger woman who has a bouncy personality is around, smiling and telling your hubby how great he is, it feels GOOD to him. Unless, your that woman who is making him feel like a hundred bucks at home, has a smile, kiss, and praise for him after a long day at work--he will start enjoying the attention given by someone else.

Praise your husband. Yes, he has faults. But so do you and so do I. No one is perfect. Don't dwell on things you think he ought to change. Praise him privately but praise him in front of your children. Don't underestimate the impact that will have on your children and their future marriages.

Praise him also infront of family and friends. Brag on him!! He is YOUR man! He deserves it. Not just on his birthday or Father's Day! ;o) Make him feel loved and wanted and worthy. Give his self esteem a boost.

And lastly, praise him when he isn't even around. Maybe to your mom or your best friend. Don't talk about his faults to others or make him look dumb to others. Don't laugh at his mistakes. This not only is so thoughtless and unkind to do to him but also puts yourself in a bad light. Lead by example if others are already doing it!

Just my two cents for the day~ but it has been on my heart for awhile. Although I am far from being the perfect wife, the Lord each day is softening my heart and leading me where I ought to be in our marriage. Try praising your husband today, and then again tomorrow. Your husband and your marriage will thank you and you will recieve a huge blessing.

{A note for the wife who is already praising but has a husband who isn't apprective or is unthankful: Keep praising, even if you notice no difference. Give the issue entirely to the Lord and leave it at his feet. Keep busy (I'm sure you already are!) and keep in the Word of God. You will be blessed, even if it doesn't come from your husband. Keep praising, eventually within time (even long periods of time) you will get see some change, even if it is very small. God Bless!}

6 years ago...

Six years ago I welcomed Chad Herbert Jr. into this world! My life was never the same again and it was certainly for the better! I can't believe it has been six years, they have been wonderful. I reflect often how fast the years go and it makes me so sad to see him (and my other two boys) grow and change....of course, it is exciting at the same time so I treasure each moment God gives to me with them. I kiss their tears away, laugh at their silly songs and jokes, and relish each hug and kiss.

Six years. Wow. Chad has grown into a little man, recently and surprises me with his deep and mature conversations. His big heart shows through every day as he takes care of his younger two brothers tenderly and lovingly. He is creative and bright. Respectful and patient. God is working in his heart and I see it everyday.


I love you so much, little Chad!! God has HUGE plans for you--I can't wait to see!
With ALL my LOVE, Mama~




Here is Chad Jr's birth story written by our wonderful doula at the birth, Nicole Murn!

Birth Story for Chad Herbert Reiser Jr.

May 21, 2005

Dear Chad Jr. :

                The day that you came into the world was the most anticipated day in your parents’ whole life.  Never have I seen two more excited parents to be.   They exerted an air of peace and hope and pure anxiousness to meet their precious son.

                Your Dad called me at 10:30 am on Friday May 20, 2005.  He told me that your Mom was having contractions every 10 minutes.  I told them to hang out at home, eat lunch and rest…  Looked like today was the day you were making your entrance.  I talked to the two of them on and off all day.  She was resting and handling her contractions like a champ.  At around 6:00 pm, they became a bit restless, as expected.  They called me and told me that the nurses had called them and told them that there scheduled induction at 8:00 pm that night would have to be pushed back to 10:00 pm.  This was a good thing for your Mom.  You just weren’t ready to come quite yet.

                So at 11:00 pm your Mom and Dad were settled into a hospital room at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia.  Her doctor came in and checked her and she was dilated to 3 centimeters and 90%effaced.  That was so encouraging for her!  At 12:30 am her doctor, Dr. Dimon, broke her water in order to speed up her labor a little bit.  Your Dad called me back and told me to rest and not to come to the hospital just yet.  At 1:30 am, he called again and said that your Moms contractions were a lot more intense than they had been before and could I come to the hospital now.  I packed my things and off I went.  I was so excited to meet you! 

                When I got there your Mom and Dad were so excited but tiring very quickly.  They had both been awake all day and hadn’t slept at all so they were fading fast.  She was in a bit of pain so we were changing positions, doing massages and focusing through each and every contraction.  Your Mom labored without any pain medication until 5:00 am.   At that point she was too tired to continue.  She had a fever and was given antibiotics and she requested that she be given Nubane.  It allowed her to sleep until 7:50 am.  Then she awoke in more pain than before.  She was checked again and was dilated to 5 centimeters and 100 % effaced. 

                An anesthesiologist came and administered an epidural to your Mom at 7:50 am.  That way she wasn’t feeling contractions anymore and she could sleep in order to get ready for your arrival.  Your Daddy and I went to have breakfast while she was resting.  We talked for a while and although he was so tired, there was still such an air of excitement.

     At 10:30 am, your Mom woke up and was checked again.  This time we had great news! She was dilated to 8 centimeters!!!  Good job little one.  You were working hard to come out, but something happened after that check.  Your Moms labor completely stopped.  No one knew why but she didn’t have any change at all for 2 hours.  So, she was given Pitocin to start things again.  It was time for you to arrive. 

               

                Pitocin was given to Mom at 12:30 and by 3:00 pm she was telling me that it was time to push, she couldn’t sit still.  Looked like the moment of your big arrival was finally here. 

               

                So, the nurses came in and your Daddy and I took our places on either side of Mom and she pushed.  She pushed so hard for 2 hours.  Daddy and I kept telling her what a good job she was doing and how you were coming.  Your Daddy was nothing but sweet to your Mommy.  He told her over and over again that he loved her, that she was wonderful, that he was so proud of her.  They never could have done this without one another.

                At 5:17 pm, a blessing was bestowed upon your parents.  You were born weighing in at 9 lbs, 7 ounces and 20 inches long.  You were beautiful.  Daddy cried, Mommy cried and so did I.  You were just perfect.  You were placed on Mommy’s chest where she and Daddy could take a quick look at their little blessing.   You had a full head of hair and the first thing Mommy said to you was “I love you so much. I cant believe you are here”. 

After the nurses checked you out, it was determined that you had a fever from Mommy’s fever.  So they told Daddy that you needed to go to the nursery and get some antibiotics just to make sure you were ok.  They handed you to Daddy and told him to let your Mommy kiss you and say goodbye for a few minutes.   They were a little scared but I reassured them that it was ok and that you would be taken care of.  I knew you were a strong little guy.

So, Daddy took you to Mommy and she and him told you that they loved you and would see you soon.  They thanked God for you and they both kissed you and then each other.   It was a sweet moment that I was blessed to witness. 

Amanda, Chad, and Chad Jr. Thank you so much for allowing me to be blessed with this awesome experience.  As a couple, you are inspiring.  You are the best team I have ever seen and you have a beautiful new addition to your family.  I wish you nothing but the best and all the blessings in the world.  Thank you for showing me how having so much faith can lead to such a great reward.    

All My Love,

Nicole L. Murn

One of those weeks .....AND weekends

Hmmm you can probably guess already my week has been a little crazy! It's just simply been, one of those weeks! And it carried it's crazy self right into the weekend!

It's been one thing after another. Starting off Monday it was a prettty normal and typical week. Then as the days went one...things kept starting to get a little more stressful. I was hoping for a little relaxation this weekend but come Saturday, Elijah got sick and he's been on my hip in the sling ever since. He is such a good natured baby, he really is. Even when he is sick, bless his heart, he doesn't cry and whine. Just wants to be held. Just wants to snuggle and nurse. So, I try to comfort him best I can and give myself to him as he needs. Then, when he finally dozes I try to get everything else done around the house. Needless to say, our house is a mess!! :-P

Parenting--mothering means less of me--more of ....children!! (DUH!) Not just when they are sick, but when they're hyper, happy, sticky, giggly, squirmy, grumpy, and sad. Children grow quickly, they are ever changing and ever learning. I love that I do not have to send them away to a public or private institution where I would hardly get to see them throughout the day and miss the the little things they do and say!

The thought that crossed my mind this week and particularly this weekend when Eli got sick is I can thow a tantrum and cry and shout all I want too but having a pity party isn't going to accomplish anything or make anyone feel any better. The mother's attitude sets the tone for the home. Children observe closely and pick up a whole lot--even if you don't say a word.

Sure I've had a tough week. My house is messy, my hair is tangled, and my baby is feverish and teething. You don't envy me, I get it. But, I am right this moment counting my blessing once more again. And as I sacrifice little things throughout the 7 day week and my childrens growing up years, it's okay..it really is!! Mothering, as I have said before draws me to the Lord. Just like any saved believer, not only mothers--we are to shed the world and ourselves and draw closer to the Heavenly Father. We can never draw close to Him if we are filled with ourselves. I shed "myself" with each drippy nose I wipe, with each kiss I give away, and each time I take time to listen to my little ones.....I shed "myself" each time I teach a school lesson, vaccuum the carpet.....and even each time I serve and love my husband.

If you've had a hard week--Give it up to the LORD. And use it for His Glory!!

Mexican-Style Brown Rice Casserole

Here is a super tasty recipe we tried this week. It's from Weight Watchers and I believe it's a fairly new recipe from them so consider it taste tested and approved if your on the plan or trying to watch the fat in your diet. {It is 8 points plus if you are counting.}

It serves 6 people. I considered doubling the recipe at first because I have big appetites over here, including myself. But, the six slices are very big and very thick. It's a filling dish and we had 2 slices leftover for lunch the next day.

Also, it's a versatile dish so if you have anyone in your family that doesn't like or enjoy spinach simply leave it off! I put it in one side of the dish for me and left it off on  my husband's side! {He despises spinach--hehe}

Hope you try this recipe and enjoy! It is not time consuming at all and makes a fantastic presentation! Also, I love having a meatless yet totally hearty dish. :-)

Mexican-Style Brown Rice Casserole

1 spray cooking spray

4 cups cooked brown rice

1 1/4 cups fat free salsa

1 tsp ground cumin

15 oz canned refried beans

10 oz frozen corn, thawed

4 oz canned mild green chili peppers, diced

1 tbsp chilli powder

10 oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed and set to drain in a strainer over a bowl

3/4 cup lowfat shredded cheese, divided

2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro (optional; for garnish)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a 2 quart rectangular, round, or oval baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine rice, salsa, and cumin. Spoon 2 cups of rice mixture into prepared baking dish and spread out to evenly cover bottom of dish.

In another large bowl, combine refried beans, corn, chilli peppers, and chilli powder. Using a rubber spatula, scrape bean mixture on top of rice layer and smooth out top.

Squeeze out any excess water from spinach and then spread on top of bean layer; sprinkle with 6 tablespoons of cheese. Top with remaining rice mixture and smooth out top; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Place casserole on a large rimmed baking sheet to catch any spillage. Bake until heated through and cheese is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro {if desired}, cut into 6 pieces and serve!