March 2015

 

 

In My Daughter’s Eyes

Everyone knows, a baby changes everything.  I thought I was fully prepared for these changes.  I had wanted to be a mother my entire life.  And for the most part, I have loved every change that has come our way.  What I wasn’t prepared for was how being a mother changed me.  Mollie is now two years old and still everyday I am learning new things about myself.

 

The funny side of this is that I am suddenly able to take care of things and share my opinions with  others.  I used to be so chill and mellow…. going with the flow and never speaking my mind about much.  Since having Mollie I suddenly feel equipped to tell everyone what I think.  I have opinions about things and I will gladly tell you… sometimes unsolicited.  My friends think it’s hilarious.  I think I feel empowered since birthing Mollie.  In a way she brought me into womanhood.

I look at Mollie and I want to be strong and independent for her…. characteristics that I would never stick on myself.  I want to be the best version of myself…. for her.  When she is cranky beyond repair, and Nate and I are tired of the tears, I want to be patient and tenderhearted to take care of her the best way I can. 

When we put her to bed at night, I want to sing to her and tell her she is beautiful, she is wanted, she is loved, and God has a plan for her life.  I want to speak only good things into her tiny, cutest thing ever, head.  I want her to hold onto Jesus and know that He will keep her safe, that He will always be with her.  And, in wanting those things for her it reminds me to live like I am beautiful, wanted, loved… and it makes me remember that God has a plan for my life, that I need to hold onto Jesus.

I want to be the woman that my daughter wants to be like.  And, as a person that has struggled with self-esteem ever since I can remember, this changes me.  The very thought of what I look like to Mollie…. it changes me.  It changes me for the better.

I love these words to this Martina McBride song "In My Daughter's Eyes":

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daugter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

 

I love you so much, Mollie Grace!

Nicaragua 2015

Missions.  Missions is so important to a local church.  God wants all of us to be on a mission for Him everyday we live.  Overseas missions is something special that every Christian believer should experience.  One time or 100 times, it forces you to get out of your comfort zone and trust God completely.  You see how other people around the world live while sharing the name of Jesus to people who have never heard before.  It is an amazing time.

When we came to Yukon, there were no mission trips.  There was no outreach.  The closest thing was the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.  Nate knew that he needed to get missions into our church.  So, for the last four years, he has lead a group to Nicaragua to work with Voice of Hope Ministries.  I was able to go on two of these trips, but opted out this year.  I feel like Mollie is my mission right now, along with some other details.

So, Mollie and I sent our Nate off for a week of ministry in Nicaragua.  It is always hard to see him leave us, even for work in the morning… ha, but it was also great to know the lives that he would impact while he was gone.  Mission trips are faith building things… if you are going and if you send family members.  You have to rely on God to keep everyone safe going, and everyone safe that you’re leaving behind.  That is why prayers mean so much to the team and their loved ones.  In the end everyone grows… the team, their families, the people in Nicaragua, and ultimately our church and THE church.

This year, Nate was able to take a group of 19!  The largest group yet… and literally over 10% of our church.  His favorite part is always taking first timers and this year he got to take 9 newbies.  It is such a privilege to be his wife and watch him lead with such humility and grace.  I am so proud of my Nate.

They were able to see 344 saved, do some construction for a new church, hand out new school uniforms and formula to children and babies that needed it, and come home changed for the better.

Back at home, Mollie and I had a great week together.  It was fun to talk to Daddy every night on FaceTime….  Thank goodness for that technology in instances like this.  We went to see Cinderella at the movie theater with Melissa.  That was her second time and she did great!  We went to see baby Henry, and had a play date at a bounce house.  We also got it some retail therapy at Khols and Target.  It was fun to be the one she “wanted” all the time.

 

It was a good week for our little family of three, but man o man it felt so good to be reunited.  Together is just where we belong.

Aquarium Fun

Lately, Mollie has been into Finding Nemo.  We had some time in Tulsa one day and decided to go to the aquarium.  After we had been there about two hours, she finally left the comfort of our arms and walked around a little bit.  We had a great time.  Times like these are my absolute favorite.