A Little Message

In my office there is a little daily calendar given to me by my parents at Christmas as a stocking stuff. It sits between my laptop and phone. On most days I pay little to no attention to it. But last week, as I flipped and tore off the previous day and read the words, the words touched my heart...

"Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans." -Thomas la Mance

Planning for the future is thrilling for me. Planning every second of every day is just whom I am. It gives me a sense of SECURITY. PEACE. ACCOMPLISHMENT. WORTH...and the lists goes on.

As I repeatedly read the words to this 12 word quote, my heart aches. While planning can be good and wise, my heart and intentions many times are all wrong. My dependence on Jesus Christ shifts from the cross to myself. My focus on being a help mate for Jared and loving and caring mother to Ryleigh diminish...and the list goes on...

God's Word reminds me in Hebrews 12:2 "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Beauty of Creation...

"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." Revelation 4:11 NASB

Lately we have been taking long bike rides on trails and I have been reminded of how BIG God is and how small I am. As well as how beautiful is His creation.

The wildlife that we have encountered so far have been bison, cows, birds, bats, rattlesnakes, white tail deer, rabbits, frogs, and squirrels. Many of which I am terrified of, but nonetheless, enjoy seeing in their natural habitats...at a distance.

Typically, if it's extremely hot and humid outside, we try to wait to go until dusk. On occasion we ride home with the moon and stars shining bright in the sky. It's incredible to just look up and know that God Himself created EVERYTHING we see. In these moments, I turn up the iPod and listen to How Great Is Our God and just cruise.

I'm so thankful for a living, breathing, and all powerful God.

"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16, 17

Keeping My Distance...

Have you ever heard someone say "what is the world coming to" or "can you believe that someone did that"? Are we really shocked by the sin and anguish of the world? The Bible warns us repeatedly.

It pains my heart to hear, see, and/or experience sin. I can't even imagine how Christ feels every time I fail and sin.

Even with the sin and anguish of the world, we must remember and live by Philippians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Sin shouldn't be like a cliff that we approach, toes over the edge, rocks falling, and trying to get as close as possible. We need to stay as far away from sin as possible...

No More Pain...

Physical pain has been apart of me. As a child, teenager, and through young adulthood, I have experienced many medical conditions and complications.

I'm so thankful that in heaven there will be no more pain. I will have a perfect, glorified body. One of the most comforting things for me to sing is...

I WILL RISE by Chris Tomlin

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

To be honest and vulnerable, there are those times when the pain is overwhelming and I "feel" alone. I know in my heart and head that I am NEVER alone, but my human, sinful nature doubts these truths. It is so encouraging to remember that He tells us in His Word in Hebrews 13:5, "...I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU..." (NASB).

Another song that has truly encouraged me during these times is...

YOU WERE ON THE CROSS by Matt Maher

Lost, everything is lost
Everything I've loved before is gone
Alone, like the coming of the frost
And a cold winter's chill in my stony heart

Where were you when all that I've hoped for?
Where you when all that I've dreamed?
Came crashing down in shambles around me?
You were on the cross.

Pain, could you take away the pain,
If I find someone to blame, would it make my life seem easier?
Alone, all my friends are asleep,
And I can't find anyone to stay awake with me

Where were you when sin stole my innocence?
Where were you when I was ashamed?
Hiding in a life I wish I never made

You were on the cross,
My God, my God,
Alone,
Alone,
You were on the cross,
You died for us,
Alone,
Alone,
You were on the cross,
Victorious.
Alone.

You were there in all of my suffering
You were there in doubt and in fear
I'm waiting on the dawn to reappear

To receive comfort from the Healer, One who experienced pain and anguish himself is unfathomable.

II Corinthians 12:7-10 "Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord (D)three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (NASB).

Bittersweet...

Today is a very bittersweet day. My baby is three years old at 8:29pm. I love that she's growing and maturing, but at the same time I miss the 100% dependence on mommy and daddy. It does help that she still wants to be our baby and to even be called "baby".

Birthdays in our family are a BIG deal. We try to do anything and everything possible to make birthdays so special. We have a very fun day planned. First lunch, a place of her choosing. Then to the mall to pick out an outfit from Baby GAP and spent about $20 in Claire's. After shopping, we're going to see How To Train A Dragon. Hopefully she'll be super tired by this point and ready to take a quick nap before her birthday party. After her party, she'll want to watch Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Bolt...her favorites right now.

Ryleigh is such a blessing to Jared and me. She's funny, intelligent, analytical, sweet, etc...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ryleigh Jo. I love you so much!!!

A Not So Gentle Reminder...

When Christ returns, the trumpet sounds, and the dead in Christ arise...we, as believers will see Jesus Christ face to face...WOO-HOO!!! If that doesn't spark excitement, not sure anything will.

Why do I constantly compare my heart, actions, motives, and life to other believers??? The only comparison should be to Jesus Christ. Who came to earth, 100% man, 100% God and lived a sinless, perfect life. That's the comparison. Period.

"...in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this (mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, 'DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." I Corinthians 15:52-58 (NASB)

My heart aches for those who seek worldly gain over spiritual gain. We come in the world with nothing and leave with nothing.

Reminder to self: Be CHRIST-like. Pray for the lost.

Easter

This Easter was unlike any other Easter for me. It was the first Easter of my entire life that I did not attend the same church on Easter morning as my parents. To some, this may not seem like a big deal, but for me, it was. To be able to scan the auditorium and quickly go sit with my mom and dad, ahh...

So getting ready I was a little nervous and anxious...

In choir, we sang a special, "I Will Rise". It was SO powerful. There is one particular part in the song that actually gave me goosebumps while singing.

Worthy, worthy, worthy is the lamb.
Worthy, worthy, worthy is the lamb.
RISE. I WILL RISE. I WILL RISE...

To be able to worship God knowing that is truly is RISEN, there was nothing like it. God comforted me through singing and allowed me to have no distractions and truly just worship Him.

After church, we spent nearly four hours with my family, which was amazing. We were able to enjoy one another, which is what I thought I'd miss this year, but didn't.

Easter was different this year, but not a bad different, a good different, a new different. I do miss seeing my parents at church, but sometimes things happen in our lives that we may not understand, but God has a purpose...I realized a tiny part of His purpose of a tragic event in our lives through this Easter.

Matthew 27:50-53 (NASB)
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

Desires of My Heart...

"Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalms 37:3-5 (NASB)

The desires of my heart has ALWAYS been a struggle for me. Not to say that these desires are wrong or sinful, but just knowing whether or not my desires are not truly my desires or temporal wants and/or knowing if I am in fact trusting, dwelling, and delighting.

Praying about my heart's desires...

...and trusting that God's timing is perfect!

Exalted...

Exalted by Chris Tomlin has just be resounding in my head and heart today...

Exalted, he is exalted
On high, he is exalted
Great is the Lord, let all the nations say
Exalted, he is exalted

Blessing and honor
Glory and power unto the Lord be praised
Sing with a chorus resounding before us
Holy is his name, his name

Exalted, he is exalted
On high, he is exalted
Great is the Lord, let all the nations say
Exalted, he is exalted

Blessing and honor
Glory and power unto the Lord be praised
Sing with a chorus resounding before us
Holy is his name

Blessing and honor
Glory and power unto the Lord be praised
Sing with a chorus resounding before us
Holy is his name, his name, his name

Yahweh, holy is your name
Yahweh, holy is your name
Yahweh, holy is your name
Yahweh, holy is your name

Blessing and honor
Glory and power unto the Lord be praised
Sing with a chorus resounding before us
Holy is your name

Blessing and honor
Glory and power unto the Lord be praised
Sing with a chorus resounding before us
Holy is your name, your name

Yahweh, Yahweh, holy is your name

Yahweh, holy is your name
Yahweh, holy is your name
Yahweh, holy is your name
Yahweh, holy is your name

This week I have been challenged to think about exalting God and other believers. Am I rejoicing when others rejoice? Am I sorrowing when others sorrow? Or am I rejoicing when others sorrow and sorrowing when others rejoice?

8 Years...

Eight years ago today, Jared came over to my house to ask my dad if we could date. During the school day, a couple of the guys from our senior class were telling Jared to bring a shovel with him, because he'd need to bury his own grave in the back yard. My parents didn't really know who Jared was, even though we only had less than 30 people in our entire class. Jared transferred to Grandview his senior year and wasn't involved in sports, so we rarely interacted. As a matter of fact, until senior trip we didn't speak at all. Being a naive and believing senior, I was told that he was a "bad" kid so I kept my distance. On the bus ride from Six Flags back to the hotel, Jared and I were forced to ride on the bus next to each other because there were no open seats. When asked, my dad obviously said yes and what he expected of Jared. My mom and I acted surprised to hear the news, when we actually heard the whole conversation sitting on the landing of the stairs to the basement.

March 31, 2003, Jared asked me to marry him. I honestly thought that he was going to ask me our on one year anniversary a couple days earlier, March 26, 2003. He bought me 12 dozen roses, a dozen for each month we had been together. I guess that was too predictable so he waited a couple days...the way it happened was very intimate and special...I'll never forget the words he said to me when he handed me a paper heart..."I'm giving you my heart and asking for your hand, will you marry me?"


14 months later, May 22, 2004, we were married. The date didn't mean anything special, but rather it was in between my busy college schedule, as I was completing my degree from Iowa State University in 3 years. I love EVERYTHING about my wedding, the flowers, tuxedos, dresses, wedding party, music, etc. It was like a dream! Everything "fell" into place...literally a layer of my cake fell over and Amy (Pausley) Konzelman caught it...without my knowing...

After being married only about 9 months, I broke my foot. To most people, this wouldn't be that big of a hurdle, but for me it was a long and daunting process. I had to wait about 2 1/2 months for surgery. The surgery was suppose to be an easy, in and out procedure...but it wasn't. The surgery lasted about an hour and a half. The bone that I broke in my foot is the os trigonum bone. Only about 10% of the population have this bone, let alone break it. Because it had been so long before surgery, the bone fused itself back in the wrong place. The recovery in a cast was much longer too. I developed a blood clot in my leg...but worse...I found out that I had a bleeding disorder...Leiden Factor V. Two months later, I had to have gallbladder surgery. So needless to say, the first year of our marriage was no "cupcake".

Fast forward about 18 months. Jared and I had gone to Northern Tool to look for parts for his go-cart. We were excited to get it geared up and ready to ride. The entire time we were walking around, I had strange tastes and smells that I just couldn't explain, not to mention I had felt odd for about the last month...August 7, 2009, I decided to take a pregnancy test...



At first I was shocked, confused, and just didn't know what to think. This was not a part of my 5 year plans for us...but it was in God's plan...and the most amazing experience for Jared and I...

On April 13, 2007, Ryleigh Jo Metheny was born, after 14 hours of labor and an emergency C-section...7 pounds, 5.1 ounces, 22 inches long...



Ryleigh had significant trouble gaining weight and severe jaundice and was consequently hospitalized twice within the first six weeks of her life. Jared and I were terrified. We felt completely helpless for our precious baby girl...but finally began to gain weight and was back up to her birth weight at about two months old.



After Ryleigh's birth, Jared and I were very close and we loved our little family...but sadly, in July we lost part of our family, Pnut and Finch due to an accident...




Fast forward another 18 months to October 13, 2008. My mom and I had just returned from two consecutive business trips to San Antonio, TX along with two round trips drives to Corpus Christi, TX and Kansas City, MO. I was having significant chest pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing...all due to pulmonary emboli on both sides of my lower lungs and the right upper lung. I was hospitalized for a week and monitored closely for the next year.

In April 2009, Ryleigh turned 2 years old...a little unbelief that our little baby was going up so fast. This month also presented other challenges and changes in our lives, a family crisis in which things will never be the same. God has remained faithful and continues to work out this situation in our lives.

Present day, 8 glorious years...despite ourselves, God has blessed us SO MUCH. We have had our fair share of challenges, heartaches, and victories. Jared has been my strength, encouragement, and best friend through it all.

I love you Jared...I love that we are best friends...I'm so thankful that God picked us for one another...to think that God took two people who wanted nothing to do with each other and built an amazing love and union together shows how His plans are the best for our lives...I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together...

To Walk in a Child's Shoes

As Ryleigh continues to grow, not to sound cliché, but she is literally like a sponge, soaking up everything she sees, feels, hears, spells, and tastes. Her perspective on things is so unique and intricate. She interprets things that I may have completely overlooked as fascinating.

My heart leaps with joy when I hear Ryleigh say "yes ma'am" or "can I hold my Bible" or "mommy can I pray" or "can we say my Bible verse". Inversely, my heart sinks when I hear her ask "why did Nemo say he hated his dad" or defiantly disobey. Both sides very different, but used as teaching tools in our parenting. Similarly, every move, word, and expression Jared or I make she watches and analyzes. Some things she mimics, but still in her own "Ryleigh way".

God is challenging me daily through Ryleigh's perspective to examine my own heart and life. I was reminded recently that if we are not praying for the lost, we are too busy. What greater calling and need is there? How can life's distractions be more important than praying for salvation?

God has burden Jared and my hearts to pray for Ryleigh's salvation daily.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

2,000 Days Married to my Best Friend

2,000 days...woo, what a journey...

Let me start by saying I can't believe what has happened in 2,000 days...God has been so gracious to us.

The 2,000 things I love about Jared...

1) His love for Jesus Christ and always being genuine, not pretend
2) That he loves me so much
3) His love and protection for Ryleigh Jo
4) His Nard-dog tendancies
5) His crazy eye
6) His giggle when something is really funny (or at least he thinks it's funny)
7) His love and appreciation for my family
8) His scar on his cheek (thanks Aunt Jan)
9) His humor during difficult times
...
2,000) That he's loved me now for almost 8 years...

Ok, so I'm not going to list 2,000 things...but I can't believe how much more I love him today than 2,000 days ago...

I love you Jared, my best friend...

A Kid Again...

This weekend, Jared and I picked out some movies that we loved as kids to share with Ryleigh. The list included mostly animated features. It was fun to sort through the movies together because it allowed us to share some memories about each other that we may not have known.

Last night we watched An American Tale Fieval Goes West..."give em' the lazy eye"...



Ryleigh was awake for about the first half. She watched so intently and it was great that she too enjoyed the movie. After Ryleigh, fell to sleep, Jared and I were still able to enjoy and laugh together about the movie. We were even talking and predicting parts of the movies, "remember this...remember that..."

Can't wait to see which movie is next...

Rude Awakening...

Tears swell in my eyes just looking at these pictures. When did she grow up? What happened to that infant that was dependent upon mommy and daddy for literally everything?!

I can picture the day she was born like a page of a favorite childhood book that I rehearsed routinely. After nearly being in labor for 14 hours and pushing for an hour and a half, Ryleigh's heart rate continued to fluctuate with every push. The doctors wheeled me away for a c-section. By this time, I was physically and emotionally exhausted. The thoughts of "this is it" and "I'm not ready" and "my baby?" were flooding my feeble mind.

Within moments I heard a cry. In that second in time, all fears and doubts from carrying a child for 9 months ceased. That cry was my baby, our baby, Ryleigh Jo. A natural, motherly, pure instinct was mine. I was a mother designated and chosen by our heavenly Father to love, protect, and care for this baby.

Jump two and three quarters years later to the present day. A potty-trained, walking, and continuously talking toddler who enjoys to sing, laugh, pray, and play.

Where does the time go? I know that question has become such a cliche, but seriously, where did that time go?!

Motherhood is the most amazing experience of life that God has blessed me with. I love Ryleigh, every little thing about her. The cross of calvary is so much more significant knowing and experiencing parenting. To give up my child for someone else, wooh. Don't ask me to do that. That may sound selfish, but it's honest and real.

"Cleaning and dusting will wait for tomorrow...But babies grow up as I've learned in sorrow...So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep...I'm rocking my Baby...and Babies don't keep!"

Hubby Says It's a Hit...

Ok, so here's a great and easy way to make a semi-spicy, delicious salad...this is my concoction of several things that I have enjoyed. So why not put it all together.

I call it...

Southwest Chicken Fajita Salad

3 chicken breasts
1 T chili powder
1/2 T cocoa powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Bag of pre-mixed salad
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 cup monterry cheddar cheese, shredded
Ranch dressing

Combine chili powder, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Rub on chicken breast. Cook in large skillet with a little EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) until cooked through.

In a large bowl, combine salad, red onion, cheese, and tortilla strips.

Cut chicken into slices (let stand for a few minutes to keep the juices inside).

Top the salad with chicken and ranch dressing.

Hubby said it was a hit and a repeat FOR SURE!!! ENJOY!!!

My New Oulet

My new "outlet", we'll say, has been cooking and trying new recipes. Within the last year to year and a half, I have been experimenting with ingredients and recipes. My family calls me a Rachael Ray "wanna-be".

I have totally converted my kitchen to Rachael Ray stainless steal pots and pans, Food Network knives, Rachael Ray utensils and cookware, and cookbooks and I can't believe how much I've learned about food in that short amount of time. I use to cook the frozen all-in-one meals that you throw into a pan and cook for 10 minutes and wa-la it's finished. The taste and texture was never the greatest, but at least it felt like a homemade meal.

Now when I cook, I cook with passive and a desire for my family to enjoy every meal. I Corinthians 10:31 says "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Since all means all and that's all all means, I learned through our first few years of marriage that not giving my all in cooking, was not doing all to the glory of God.

Here are some of the more recent recipes that we have really come to love and enjoy (this is a BRIEF list):

Chicken Cordon Bleu


http://weight-watchers-points-recipes.blogspot.com/search?q=chicken+cordon+bleu

Chicken Pot Pie

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/kf/recipes/deep-dish-chicken-pot-pie-75580.aspx

Taco Bake



http://www.kraftrecipes.com/kf/recipes/taco-bake-63779.aspx

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 lb. Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded
28 oz Crush tomatoes
3 cloves crushed garlic
6 cups Chicken broth
Corn
4 corn tortillas, shredded

Simmer until desired thickness. Top with shredded cheese, pico, and sour cream and dip tortilla chips

Cinnamon Apple Crisp



http://weight-watchers-points-recipes.blogspot.com/search?q=apple+crisp

There are SO many that are so good,

YUM-MO!!!