Go Potty!!!!

So we got a dog.... Ty and I, the parents that swore we'd never cave in to our daughter's whims. The parents who like to keep life as simple as possible, without any unnecessary complications.  I still cannot believe we gave in so easily!

In June, fellow blogger, Kara, asked Isabella, our 9 year old, to dog sit for her family for close to two weeks. We thought that I would end up doing the dog sitting but to our surprise, she took full responsibility for her job. At $5 per day, she was up every morning by 7 to take care of them, and went over there four times a day.

We were so impressed that we decided she could have a pet. At first we thought a turtle would be a great low maintenance pet, but after a visit to the nearest pet store, w
e soon figured otherwise.  Isabella was crushed, thinking she'd never have a pet to call her own, when all of a sudden, Ty burst out "Why don't we just get a dog?"   

This was Monday night.  By Tuesday, we were driving home from south eastern Iowa with our beloved maltipoo, Cotton. You may say we're impulsive. I'd beg to differ, and say that Ty and I are a couple who, once we make a decision, and get into agreement, is quick to take action.

We sometimes can read each other's minds... When we talked about this moment later that night, we both confirmed what each other had been thinking:  We're at a really good place to add that "one more thing" to our plate.  Cooper is growing up, and not as needy.  Isabella has proved that she's responsible enough to help me take care of a dog.  She's been folding and putting away her laundry all summer long as well as unloading the dishwasher, and keeping her room clean.  She's also been patient with her brother (more often than not) which at times mitigates any unnecessary arguments.  She's been such a blessing to us this summer, and I think God's tangible teaching moment for Isabella was that she waited patiently for her puppy, and here she is, blessed with the one that God hand picked for her, at exactly the right moment in time. 

Cotton's been such a great addition.  She's allowed us to slow down and enjoy each other's company as we take her on walks, or just sit outside and play with her.  A total blessing.... EXCEPT for the potty training. Ummmm. Yeah. I forgot about that part.  I find myself saying "Go Potty" so many times a day.  "Go Potty" over and over and over again.  I'd get tired of saying it, but I know the end result, and I have faith that she'll be fully potty trained by the time winter rolls around.   

Isn't it the same with God? What do we think God is up there saying to us, over and over and over again? And do we think He gets tired of it?

I guess it depends on our perception of how God views us.  And that perception was probably formed in us early on...by our family and our surroundings growing up.

If you grew up in a judgmental, critical, unforgiving, and guilt driven environment, that's probably how you'll view God.  If you grew up in a loving, graceful, forgiving, and compassionate environment, that's probably how you'll view God.  

Let's not let our pre-conceived notions put a box around God.  Let's go to the source.  Let's take some time to get to know God ourselves instead of letting others tell us who God is.  Let's go the inherent word of God...the Holy Bible.   

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 lays out God's Blessings for Obedience for us.  Let me draw a parallel to me telling Cotton to "Go Potty"over and over and over again.  Once she finally gets it, and obeys me, I will shower blessings on her!  Blessings like being able to sleep on Isabella's bed at night instead of in her crate.  Or being able to roam through the house all day long without being crated while we are out.  I can imagine these would be considered huge blessings to a puppy who hates being constrained.

But she needs to understand that the Blessings come alongside her Obedience.

In so many ways, God tells us all through history how He wants to bless us abundantly.  He tells us through so many stories.   He blesses us first, we mess up, He puts us in time out, we repent, He blesses us again... repeat, repeat, repeat.  In Genesis 2, He blessed Adam and Eve with the most beautiful garden.  In Genesis 9, He blessed Noah and his sons.  In Genesis 12:2-3, He blessed Abram.  I could go on and on.

He blesses us through His promises... Deuteronomy 8:18 "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth"  Proverbs 8:21 "bestowing wealth on those who love me, and making their treasuries full" Psalms 1"Whatever he does prospers".  So many promises!  Such a small place to write about them!  

I challenge you to do a little searching on God's blessings, and God's promises.  I promise He'll speak to you.  And searching will help take God out of his box, and release Him into your life, so you'll see the full extent of the blessings He has for you.

Always remembering that the Blessings coming alongside our Obedience.

Love, C.

Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15:11-32

                On Sunday my pastor’s sermon was titled Relentless. His sermon was over the stories Jesus told in Luke 15. Every sermon I am able to take away numerous instances that I can connect with my life or someone else’s. The story of the two sons (one bad, one good--both equally loved) is relatable to many of our situations. You can apply this story to a number of circumstances in your life or someone you know. It has key elements that are excellent teachable moments for an adult or child. I have heard this story Jesus tells numerous times whether I was teaching the lesson in Sunday school or my pastor was giving a sermon on it. Every single time I could relate it to an instance in my life or someone I knew.

                Last Friday my husband came home and told me about one of his closest friends having a difficult time with his step daughter. He asked me to pray for their family. My husband’s friend and his wife have a beautiful marriage, are very active members in the church and two of the most gracious and kind people I have met.  Yet no matter how wonderful things are going Satan always puts up road blocks. Satan has certainly tried to interfere with their daughter (beautiful, young and independent). Her story resembles that of the younger son. She wants to not face responsibilities and leave elsewhere hoping to live a life she desires. The problem with living life your way is that you’re not allowing God to guide you or even have a say. Although the younger son leaves, lives a sinful life and loses all his inheritance he eventually ends up acknowledging that he has sinned against God. His father ends up celebrating his return home and thankful his son who had lost his way was now found.

                There is more to this story with how the other brother felt after the return of his younger brother but I can apply that to another story some other time. What I wanted to share was that I believe this sermon really hit home for this family. I believe God handpicked this sermon to cater towards their needs and prayers. Just as I believe he picked it for everyone else in church that day. He has a perfect reason for everything He does. As much as I wish I could hog tie this girl down and make her listen to Sunday’s sermon online I know that ultimately she will make her own decisions. I’ll pray for her to make the right choices, but I’ll just as easily continue to pray for her even if she repeatedly makes the wrong ones. My hope is that she will eventually seek God’s intentions for her life and future. Remember the father did not give up on the younger son nor did God give up on him. It is crucial to know that God doesn’t quit working on us. He is with us everywhere we go even if we aren’t listening to him. The second we realize our sins or mistakes God will be there with opens arms and ready to celebrate as was the father in the story.  It is imperative to remember that God relentlessly loves us.

Just have Faith.

Bear with me. This has been on my mind for a long time. I had a couple of drafts about my kids, my friends, and pedicures. And I promise you those light-hearted pieces later this week. But today, can we chat about one of my favorite topics?    FAITH. 

So you know where I'm coming from, I am a Christ follower. Beginning a relationship with Him almost 10 years ago has made all the difference in the world to me in my life. I don't expect you to be a Christian, and my intent is never to try to convince you that "my" way is the "right" way. I'm not perfect. I have a lot to learn. But so far, let me try to let you into how I view this "faith" thing people keep talking about. 

I had a random conversation a while back with a guy at the gym that really got me thinking. The topic was about FAITH. He was a little frustrated with faith because everyone he talked to would say things like: "you just have to have faith", but never explain to him how to get it. 

When I think of FAITH, I think to myself, I just have it. I have faith that God loves me, that HE made me, that He’s with me all the time, and knows every single detail of my life. I have faith that He adores me, that I’m his beloved, and that above ALL things, He wants me to prosper, and be in good health, as my soul prospers. I think of FAITH as something I know to be real, even when I can’t see it. And this knowledge gets me through even the yuckiest of days. 

I think of how many times I’ve candidly given the same answer to people who are searching: "You just have to have faith".  And only after this conversation did I realize how many times I’ve missed the boat. 

I picked up a book that I read when I first began my walk with Jesus. A book called “The Laws of Prosperity" by Kenneth Copeland. And right there, in chapter one, was the beginning to my answer on the whole Faith thing. See, when I read my Bible, the Word of God, I believe it, and I act on it. I don’t question it. And the more I do this, the more faith is created. 

Here’s my answer to the “Just have Faith" answer. It's not possible on our own. It was never intended to be possible on our own! On the first page of the book, was the answer. 

Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from HEARING, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ". 

You can’t just have faith. First, you have to hear about it. Then, you have to hear about it again, and again, and again, and again. 

I HEARD the good news. And I’m thankful that I was at least curious enough to want to know more. And the more I wanted to know, the more opportunities seemed to open up to hear about Christ again, and again, and again. I found a great church where they taught from the Bible, offered bible studies, and I found myself growing.  I listened to the sermons, took notes, and treated every morsel of information as a feast.  I hung out with people that also followed Jesus and observed their actions. At first, the concepts were foreign to me, but the more I learned, the more FAITH I had that it all was true. The more it made complete sense because I could see God moving in my life the more I sought him.  The more I heard, the more I applied, and the better my life became. To the point that I NEVER want to live without Jesus ever again. He’s that addicting to me. 

See, our faith in this God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit is in direct proportion to how much we seek, read, understand, and apply the Word of God. Back in 2003, when I first began this walk, it was really hard for me to understand how the Bible could impact me, or even, where to start. I didn't really know if what was in it could be relevant to my life. So I relied on interpretations by Christian authors like Og Mandino, Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen, John and Staci Eldridge, John and Lisa Bevere, and Florence Littauer to get me started. And as I read, I would cross reference scripture found in those books to my bible. And over time, this FAITH MUSCLE has grown. And the Bible makes so much sense to me. It has become an instruction manual for my life. When I feel weak, I turn to it, and it strengthens me down to my core.

IT’S KINDA LIKE WORKING OUT. The more I strength train, the more cardio I do, the stronger my body becomes. The leaner my muscles get. The better I do with studying about, and getting the proper nutrition into my body, the better results I have to show for it. 

IT’S THE SAME WITH THE FAITH MUSCLE.  The exercises to build our faith muscle are not that difficult.  Try a couple of the following out consistently and see how your life will change:

Find a bible teaching church. Go every week!  Find a group of people to encourage you in your walk. Study the bible with them. Ask lots of questions. Be still and have a conversation with God every night. Be thankful for all you have and thank God for your blessings. Don't be afraid to ask God for the things your heart desires... He put those desires in you! Listen to Life 101.9 in the Cedar Valley (or other Christian stations) for uplifting Christian music. Read the Bible (start with a children's bible!). Read 10-15 minutes a night out of books written by Christian authors (I can give you a bunch of titles and authors if you want. Just comment on this post below).  Start journaling!

So “Just have Faith" is NOT the right answer. We have to develop that FAITH MUSCLE every single day, little by little, by spending time with God, reading his Word, and applying what we learn to our lives. Just like working out and eating healthy. And in the beginning, it’s really hard. I slip all the time when it comes to my quiet time with God, reading, studying, DOING (kinda like with diet and exercise). But I know that if I continue to try, fail, and adjust in my walk with Christ, then I’ll be a better person tomorrow than I was today. And hopefully I’ll never find myself telling someone who’s searching to “Just have Faith" ever again. 

Location, Location, Location

Those infamous words your realtor loves to use when house hunting. My family has moved six times in ten years for my husband’s career. From Montana to Atlanta, Atlanta to Des Moines, then Wichita to Memphis just to turn around and head back to Wichita again. At last landing our feet back in Iowa (for the time being). Having had four kids I was starting a trend of having one in every state we’ve lived. Although we left out Iowa both times we lived here. The old saying “maybe it’s in the water” must not apply to my fertility when I drink Iowa water.

Having become a professional house hunter I have learned almost all there is to know about location. Our last house in Wichita was a dream home. I could have lived in it for the rest of my life. The major bonus was living on a golf course with access to four private pools, ponds, club house, etc. I sometimes secretly wish a very nice tornado would pick it up and drop it on a vacant lot in my neighborhood. However, I learned it’s not always about the house. Although I loved my wonderful neighbors and miss them dearly our last neighborhood was lacking one thing. I know, I know, I know with all those amenities I listed above what else could I ask for? Kids, yes there was a huge lack of kids in the neighborhood. A few here and there but most people had teenagers or kids in college. Heck most of my neighbors' grandkids were the ones to play with my kids. When they would come for a visit with Grandma and Grandpa my kids were in heaven. As much as we enjoyed our house I knew my children were desperate for friends in the neighborhood. They were missing out on all the fun neighborhood activities kids love to do. Lemonade stands, riding bikes, playing until dark, etc. Although, I have to say my kids always rocked at school fundraisers since they were pretty much the only ones selling stuff in our neighborhood. I knew with our next move things would have to change. We can have our dream home when we’re old and retired. My promise to my children with our next move would absolutely be a neighborhood filled with kids.

When looking for houses last year we realized we had a small inventory to choose from. Our price range was fairly broad and we pretty much knew what we wanted. However, the homes were selling faster than Twinkies when Hostess went bankrupt. Every time we sent our realtor a list of homes within days they were sold. We figured it best to wait until we came for our house hunting trip. There were numerous neighborhoods and a list of approximately 20 homes to look through. Each neighborhood seemed pleasant and well maintained but I needed the location to be perfect for my children’s sake. When we approached the neighborhood we currently live in I remember vividly how we could barely drive down the street when following our realtor. The neighborhood was plastered with children. Lemonade stands, children riding bikes, basketball being played in the drive way (I forgot to mention we had a covenant in our old neighborhood--no basketball hoops in the driveway) everything I wanted for my children. I knew before looking at our home that this would be the neighborhood.

Sure enough we found a home, one day later we made an offer and within 24 hours it was a deal. Here we are a year later and my children have so many friends I have trouble keeping track of them. I may start making the neighborhood kids wear nametags. My children are constantly playing from one house to the next. If one kid is gone, no problem, there are 50 more to choose from. Hearing my kids whine and cry in the evening because it is time to come in for dinner is pure joy to my ears (some exaggeration there). Having my children tug on my shirt right after breakfast to ask if they can go play is such a gift to me. I cherished my childhood and neighbor kids and now my children are enjoying the same thing. It is a joy to be surrounded by my children but to be surrounded by them, their friends and constant happiness is a blessing. The laughs and giggles will never get old. My children are truly having the time of their lives. I am so thankful we chose the perfect location, location, location.  

 ~Kara

Dive in Deep

“Mommy, I DON’T wanna go to swim lessons!”

Emphasize EVERY single word in a stubborn voice, throw in some feet stomping, a frown, a couple of fist shakes…what do you get?  My strong-willed and stubborn (but adorable) four-year old, Cooper.  That was the battle cry every day last week. 

Now I know I’m not the only mother dealing with this, especially with summer almost behind us and too much time together on our hands.  And if not “go to swim lessons”, insert “take a bath”, “go to nap”, or “be nice to my sister."  This from the boy who during his bath tonight told me he’d like me to sell his sister on Craig’s List!  (Hmmmm…. I wonder where he’s heard that one before?)

The other day I tried something new.  Instead of my usual “Swim lessons are fun!!!!” and “You love swim lessons!!!” I kneeled next to him and calmly told him he didn’t have to like swim lessons at all.   I told him that mommy doesn’t like doing a lot of things, but I do them anyway because they keep us healthy and safe.  I told him I don’t always feel like working out but, even when I don’t feel like it, I do it anyway so I can stay strong and healthy to take care of him and play with him.

I reminded him of the two times this summer that he almost drowned at the pool.  Even when he doesn’t feel like it, we WILL go to swim lessons anyway so he can learn to swim and stay safe.

We made it there on time.  Temper tantrum-0.  CC-1.  

He’s now jumping off the diving board into that deep pool.  I’m still in awe that I got it right for once.

Isn’t this how we feel about our spiritual walk sometimes?  Loved one, I don’t know where you are in your walk today.  Maybe you're curious, exploring, or don’t really know if this God/Jesus/Holy Spirit thing is really for you or not.  Stick with us.  Maybe through our stories, you’ll seek more, which may lead you to exactly where you need to be.  Maybe you’re a believer in Christ, but you’re just getting started on your walk.  Or maybe you’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for a while.

In any case, I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there. 

Exchange “I don’t wanna go swimming” with “I don’t feel like going deeper with God today."  Maybe we don’t have time, maybe we don’t know where to start, or maybe we’re plain scared of where God will take us.

As I was writing this afternoon, my friend Erin called.  She recently started diving deeper in her relationship with God.  She’s been spending time with Him, learning about his character, and falling in love with Him more and more.  She says that she used to feel like she was swimming in a vast ocean, skimming the surface.  But today, she’s diving in deeper, and the deeper she goes, the closer she is to the treasure. Treasure that’s been there all along.

Dive in with us.  Dive in like Cooper did, feet first, having trust and faith that all would be okay.  Dive in deep like Erin’s doing now, growing and changing and becoming exactly who she was designed to be. 

Love, C.

Erin's journal entry

"I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God.  Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery.  All the richest TREASURE of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else" Colossians 2:2-4 (MSG)

Skimming the Surface

     Hello eager readers, my name is Kara. Oops, hold on for a moment please I have to solve a MAJOR problem in the house right now. “Yes, kids, it’s okay to use the skim milk in your cereal. I’ll run to the store later and pick up 2% for you all. No, it’s not made up of 99% water. Your big brother is just joking.” Okay, I’m back and welcome to my blessed life.

     This adventure is going to be so exciting for all of us. In my heart I believe this to be a pivotal moment in my life and I hope in yours. As a newbie to blogging there may be days I’m confused with what to say so I will call on God to speak through me. I pray that in those conversations with Him, God will give me the words to impact someone’s life somewhere. I am confident you all will support me in finding my voice while I begin this exciting journey. Allowing readers into my daily life, opinions and beliefs excites me almost as much as my favorite football team winning the Super Bowl.

     Meeting Tara and CC one year ago has been nothing short of a miracle in my eyes. God’s perfect plan has brought me to two of the most inspiring people I have ever been blessed to know. It is an honor to be part of something special with these remarkably talented women of faith. Starting this blog, I believe, is just the beginning of an exciting roller coaster ride for the three of us and hopefully for all of you. Make sure to punch your ticket and jump in with us as we go through twists, turns and maybe upside down once in a while. My hope is that you will enjoy the ride so much you’ll never want to get off the roller coaster. I must leave you now because one of my children decided to decorate the floor with Honey Nut Cheerios and skim milk. Remember there is a reason for you to be here just as much as there is a reason for me to be here. Please enjoy and share in this journey with Tara, CC and me.

The first time we meet...

"What was your name? My name is CC."

Strange way to begin my first blog post, right? But, if I saw you at the gym, at the pool, or any other places I frequent often, that's probably how I would introduce myself to you. And to say that I'm very nervous about contributing to this blog, what with Tara's way with words, and Kara's wit, and both of their extremely engaging personalities, is to put it very, very, mildly.

So I'll start with what I'm familiar with. If I met you, I'd ask you a lot of questions about yourself, hopefully without making you feel like I was interrogating you. I just like people. For real. But since I can't see you face to face, I'll have to let you into my life first. My prayer is that you grow to love me, my crazy life, and my thoughts, as much as I already love you. Even when you disagree with me or think I've gone off the deep end.  (I'm going to totally depend on you to speak up at that point!)

I had a very exciting childhood growing up in Lima, Peru. We moved back to the States the year I turned 14. I was a freshman in high school. Yes. I was devastated. But I know now that God had a plan and all my past trials have helped me become the woman I am today.

I graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1994, and graduated from UNI in 1998 with a degree in accounting, and with my first life goal in check... Passing the CPA exam (CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant or Can't Pass Again... Either one in my case!)

I met my second life goal by landing a job in Minneapolis, MN, at a firm formerly known as Arthur Andersen, LLP, the firm where my dad began and ended his career as a retired partner so he could take up farming in Iowa. Yup. I followed in my dad's footsteps. I've always been a daddy's girl, even when I may not have wanted to admit it.

I met my third life goal by marrying Tyler, my best friend. The first time we met was at Sharky's on the Hill in Cedar Falls. But he'll tell you that the first time we met was at a hockey game, not at a bar (I preferred to call it a dance club). I spent all of college dating him, and marrying him was the second best decision I ever made!

So fast forward to the present. We have two incredible kids. Isabella is 9 and Cooper is 4. We added a maltipoo named Cotton and a basketball hoop to our driveway in the last month. So I guess we are now a complete bunch, your typical all-American family. And life is a little crazy around our home. But this former career-loving woman wouldn't have it any other way. We're a happy bunch, not a perfect one, but I wouldn't trade us for anything else in this world!

Now that you know the "facts" about my life, I hope you'll join me as I join this new conversation with Tara and Kara. Pray for me please! Pray for me that I may find my "voice" like Tara mentioned. And that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart may be pleasing to God. I think of this blog that Tara asked me to be a part of as a gift, and I don't take it lightly, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from above.

Love, C.