Joy in the Waiting // Baby Love Part 3

// photo credit //

 

It's a snowy, gray day in March. A day made for inside activities, cocoa and good conversation.

 

But there's something missing.

 

Or rather, someone.

Sweet reader, you've walked through my inner thoughts and learned about my love-hate relationship with children (hehehe .... that sounds so intense) and then discovered the beautiful (in progress) work God has done in my heart -- I no longer fear having babies and instead find a growing desire for them. To finish our series I want to write a little on what happens when you want a baby but it seems to not happen.

 

That someone missing is a little squirming bundle, a happy toddler making messes, cluttering the apartment with wipes and toys and a hundred pacifiers. A child of our own.  

 

From my perspective waiting on anything is hard. We want to grow up, marry, keep our own homes, become missionaries, have babies ... contentment is a hard thing especially when we are waiting for something good. We cannot imagine that there could be joy in the waiting.

 

All my life I have struggled with anger, frustration, sorrow and discontent when it seemed God was saying, "Not yet, dear one. Wait on my timing. And in the mean time, find joy."

 

It was and has been very difficult.

 

But, praise God, it is possible.

Over the course of my twenty-five year long lifetime I've unearthed a few ways to practice contentment; simple steps to finding joy in the waiting:

1. Realize that it is okay (and normal) to be struggling.

 

This. Is. Huge.

 

The first step to contentment, I've found, is realizing that it is okay to hurt, want and ache. If it is a good thing (marriage, children, using your likes and talents to save the world ;) then it's okay to want it. You are not bad for desiring a good thing. After you've realized that it is okay to struggle remember that ...

 

2. God is enough in the meantime.

 

(This is also huge ;)

 

When we forget that our relationship with Jesus is more then enough we become shipwrecked on an island of self pity, anger, jealousy and a nonstop struggle to get what we want.

 

I've been there. Countless times. And, friend, it is no picnic being stuck in such a terrible place.

 

If you find yourself forgetting that God is more then enough take a step back. Practice thankfulness. Thank God for your life, the sun outside, the clothes on your back. Bless you parents. Bless your spouse. Bless anyone and everyone. Being thankful is the key to remembering that God is more then enough. And when you've remembered that you really can be happy without getting what you want ...

 

3. Pray and prepare.  

 

Ask God for your heart's desire; ask in faith and with courage. The Bible tells us to do this!

 

And, while you pray, prepare.

 

Do you want to be married? Discover what makes an excellent wife and study that. Do you want to be a mother? Learn about childbirth, medicine and observe other awesome moms. Do you want to go to college or step out on the mission field? Prepare yourself by serving in your local area; study, learn, grow. Don't fool yourself into wasting the time God has given you; if He has given it then it is for your good.

 

Once you have remembered that it is okay to hurt, that Jesus is more then enough, and to pray and prepare you will discover joy in the waiting.

 

It isn't easy (and does not always feel good) but choosing contentment over frustration will prove to be a blessing every time.

 

 

Question: What have you been waiting for? Have you discovered any beautiful blessings while you wait?

 

With lots of love, blessings and snowflakes!

My Mom

My Mom is an amazing woman.

 

 

 

She is a wife, a bride. A mother. A soon-to-be grandmother. A daughter. A sister. She is a teacher. A college student. A boom operator in the Alaska Air Guard. She is a keeper of her home. A secretary of the greatest kind. She is a quilter. A (most wonderful) cook. A listener. A binder of wounds. A lover of God's Word and all things family ... oh, and a lover of Silver Dollar City, too.

 

 

She is full of grace and humility. And Love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self control. She is full of Christ and it radiates from her works and eyes.

 

 

 

She taught me of Jesus and my ABC's. She read countless books aloud to my siblings and I. She has jumped out of airplanes and traveled the world.

 

She is my dearest friend and oldest one too.

 

She is precious.

 

And I love her.

 

Happy birthday and Mother's Day, Marm!

 

Always your Franniegirl

 

 

For my Dearest Friend

 

“There is no friend like the old friend who has shared our morning days, no greeting like his welcome, no homage like his praise; fame is a scentless sunflower, with gaudy crown of gold; but friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.”

--Oliver Wendell Holmes

 

Who has been the visible angel in my life? The one who has spent countless nights counseling and praying with me? The one who has taught me how to be joyful and who has encouraged me to follow God? There are many who have done well in this world; many who I love and respect.

But it is my dear mother who has seen every side of me and still loves me anyway.

Happy birthday, Marmee.

You are so special!

 

 

Love this picture? Find it here.

 

 

My Marmee

I am so thankful for my mom.

I’m thankful for the time she gave us. 

            For the times we went on fall walks early in the morning.

            For the times she took us shopping with her, never minding the ever-grabbing childish hands upon store merchandise.

            For the times she spent making cookies with us every Christmas and for the hours she would spend in the preparation of, the assisting of, and the hiding of dyed Easter eggs.

            For the time she gave us while homeschooling: so many hours given to teaching, explaining math facts, reading aloud, instructing. So many patient memories made in taking the time to go on field trips, on driving us to music lessons, on doing science experiments.

            For all the time she put into wrapping Christmas gifts. In cleaning and decorating the house. In helping me sew dresses.

            For all the late night talks over concerned consciences and burdened souls.

            For taking the time to love her husband which gave the home such a safe and lovely atmosphere

            For all the times she called to warn, “Get in the basement!” for fear of tornadoes.

            For the time she gave when she took me shopping, for that was an excruciating experience long ago.

            For the time she tool in preparing our delicious thanksgiving, Easter, birthday, and Christmas meals. Also, for every meatloaf, sausage gravy, mushroom pizza, and French toast she made for regular meals.

            For the time she took in dressing us well and handsomely; for the time she took in shopping for us

            For the time she used to place notes in lunch boxes, to pick up presents from far-away lands, and for the yummy lattes she would get for birthdays

            For the time she spent in spring and fall cleaning always including us (even when we didn’t want to be included) and always making it cheerful

            For the times of quiet rest, drinking coffee, and reading our Bibles quietly in the living room together

            For the time she spent working as an Awana leader, in the Alaska Air Guard, as a 1^st grade Christian school teacher, as a best friend to her husband, as a babysitter, and counselor of other ladies.

For her patience.

            When I lied

            Confessed

            Ate too much dough . . . and got sick

            Threw fits

            Yelled

            Disobeyed (for the thousandth time)

            Cried in repentance

            Talked of silly things and nonsense

            Discussed things I didn’t really have any idea about

            Thought I was fat (and bemoaned without mercy!)

For her grace

            In correcting my faults and in overlooking when I just needed her love.

For her mercy

Oh, for some good reason my Lord decided to place me in a home where I was loved. Momma was a part of that and I am so thankful for her and all the wonderful memories she has helped implant within my heart.

I Love You, Marm!

A Peep Into My Day

Today is a wonderful and full day—how you may ask? Besides the beautiful robin-egg colored sky and the breeze which sets all the leaves into a nervous shake my family is buzzing about their work. The school year has begun. Momma has been an amazing example to me over these past few weeks when two unexpected (but most loved and welcomed) students joined my brother for a year of homeschooling. This meant Momma went from the teacher of one to three; much hurried thought and energy went into the setting up of a lovely school room, ordering books, preparing schedules and so on. Any order-loving person must understand how feelings of discouragement and fear could creep into such an unplanned event. Nevertheless, I have seen my momma rise up and meet this challenge full of the grace of God. Truly, He will strengthen with all might by His glorious power.

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

This year is especially fun for me. My prior experience with home-schooling was my being the student and my classmates my brother and sister—I was never really involved in it besides actually doing it. This year, however, I am enjoying the blessings of being graduated and “Momma’s Assistant.” I enjoy setting up our chore Stations, being in charge of breakfast and purposing myself to defeat the ancient foe: Laundry. It’s fun jumping into the classroom’s Bible time—singing “My Country Tis of Thee,” gazing at Abeka’s flashcards while we go over the story of Abram and Sarai’s move from Ur. I enjoy taking Momma her coffee and watching my young cousin rub his “Great Job” sticker in hopes of it being a scratch-and-sniff. :) Most of all I enjoy spending time with my Momma--watching her teach little ones in patience and knowledge. It’s fun being on the opposite side of the spectrum; being able to help with something versus spending my every free moment in a struggle with math.

And so, once the last of breakfast has been put away and a load of laundry is running I’m able to slip away and work on something Ghana related. Only seventeen more days till we begin our journey towards Pennsylvania and only twenty more days till I fly away. There was once a time when I wished Ghana would approach faster now I wish time would settle itself down and take a break. :o) However, through it all I must say that Jesus Christ and His Father are my hope and stay. They are my expectations and my fortress. My Shelter in the time of the storm.

Many blessings to you all. “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”

With love,

Frannie

The School Room  was painted by Alfred Rankley and can be found at the following link: http://www.oceansbridge.com/oil-paintings/product.php?xProd=74746

My Valentines

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! I hope this finds each of you very well and beginning your week full ohope and peace. I am doing well, enjoying a quiet night with my dear family. Growing up, Momma always blessed and spoilt us children by making every Christmas, Easter, and Valentines Day special. Some of the special and memorable things she (and Daddy!!) would do were: give us new pajamas on Christmas Eve, always (for my last 21 years!) decorate eggs and hide them on Easter morning, and bring us a special "foo-foo" coffee for our birthdays. For  Valentines Day I have fond memories of helping pick out my siblings balloons and candy from Fred Myers; and I can remember waking up to find Valentine themed trinkets and goodies hand-picked for each of us kids on the table . . . no wonder I love holidays--I have a wonderful mommy who made them extra special for me!! I learned so much from my momma and one of those things is this: it is worth the effort to bless others and make their day special. {I LOVE YOU Mommy and Daddy!} :) 

This year I am very excited because I was able to make a few valentines. In my yonger years I would try to give out valentines to various people ... but that was during schooling years which were full of insecurities and fears. So often I felt that I was on the bottom of the totem pole (and perhaps I was :), and so most of my efforts, thoughts, and actions were aimed at my some how climbing the social ladder and into popularity. :) Needless to say, some of the valentines I handed out were simply for selfish, vain reasons and thereforethey never meant much to me. But this year has been different; this year I was able to make just a few valentines and the dear people I want to give them to are people who I love and that makes a world of difference from my schooling years. For my twenty-first birthday Daddy and Mooma bought me a Cricut and I have been having a blast working with it!! :)

Aren't they cute? I am so excited to give them to my family members tomorrow . . . fun!! Lord willing, we will be having heart shaped biscuits and gravy too.

 I hope that you all have a blessed day tomorrow.

With much love from your sister in Christ,

Photo Credit: The lovely valentine seen above is from graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

Being Single

   Greetings friends! I hope this finds each of you very well and rejoicing in the Lord; "For the joy of the LORD is your strength." Much has been going on lately, but I wanted to share a story with you. I hope that you are blessed. :)

Abigail Henry eagerly opened the letter her brother brought home; she loved receiving letters from her dearest friend Lacy. Often the treasured notes held bits of godly encouragement and humor as the two early-twenty cousins shared stories about home, siblings, missions, sewing, and other girlish adventures. With vigor Abigail flipped open the floral stationary and began to read. But today Abigail's brown eyes came across something different, something delightful ... Lacy was beginning a courtship with a godly young man in her church!

Emotions of joy and excitement bubbled up inside Abigail's heart, yet another emotion also rose to the surface--sadness. But before she could address this unwanted feeling Abigail quickly left her room to share Lacy's good news with the rest of the family.

The next morning, beautiful with sunny skies and spring temperatures, found Abigail spending most of her time serving around the house. But while the day spoke of joy, Abigail's heart ached with sorrow. It was not until she jumped into her little car and left for an errand that Abigail began to discuss her troubles with the Lord, something she often did in the privacy of her own car. Out loud, the young woman shared her heart ache with her loving Saviour and Creator.

"Lord, you know I am excited for Lacy ... she deserves a godly husband and the blessing of having her own family. She will be a wonderful wife--but, Lord, why is it that I am still single? Why is it that no one has asked for my hand? Father, am I even worthy of love? Will anyone ever find me lovely and worthy enough to be his wife? Jesus, I feel passed over and forgotten. Am I?"

Dejectedly, Abigail let out a loud and helpless sigh. At that moment, her Lord began to speak to her heart. And Jesus said, "My dearest daughter, I love you (Rom. 5:6-8). I find you beautiful; I hand-made each of your freckles, every strand of your hair, and I chose even the features you dislike so that you may know and love me and that I may be glorified (Ps. 139:16,17). These hands of mine formed you in the womb, they stretched the heavens, and bled on Calvary so that you may have life ... and these very hands hold you safely now (Ps. 104:2, John 3:16). I know you feel forgotten but I have a perfect plan for you, a plan which will bring so much beauty and joy from your life (Jer. 29:11, Rom. 8:28). A plan which will bring others to Christ and glorify my Father's name--if you will only accept it (Isa. 49:5). Abigail, part of that plan is for you to be single right now. I know you want to be a wife and mother, but Dearest, if you cannot cheerfully and obediently accept my the plan I have for you now you will struggle to accept it later. Remember, being single is a gift from God; it is a time for you to 'care for the things of the Lord, that you may be holy both in body and in spirit:' (1 Cor. 7:34) . It is a time in which you can have the freedom to serve others ... do not waste it pining over day-dreams and in self-pity. Only after you accept single-hood as a gift will you be able to truly enjoy and fulfill the calling of marriage. Daughter, remember that I am the Giver of Good Gifts (James 1:17). I have given you the time of being single, therefore, this time is a good gift; I would not give it to you otherwise. And finally, my Beloved, know that you are loved; draw nearer to me and you will realize that I can meet your every need (Ps. 37:4)."

A few moments silently passed as Abigail took in all her Saviour had spoken. It was difficult for her to accept the idea that being single equated a gift. And yet, the teary eyed girl knew her Father was right.

Later that night, Abigail sat nestled in the couch across from her dear parents. The three were spending a few moments before bed visiting and sharing the events of the day. After gathering her bravery, Abigail spilt her tale to her wise counselors. She shared the sorrow that came from Lacy's jubilant letter, the discouragement that over-whelmed her in the car, and the sweet response the Savior gave. Smiling, Mrs. Henry spoke, "Abigail, your desires for marriage and motherhood are good desires ... something for which you ought to be thankful. But you are right in that they must be met in God's timing and way. Trust in Christ to meet your every need. Resting in Christ will not always be easy and you will still struggle with feelings of sadness and loneliness. When those times come, turn to Jesus and know that your obedience will help change your emotions." "Remember,' spoke Mr. Henry, 'to allow Jesus to fill your heart with joy over Lacy's happiness. Your contentment in being single will enable you to bless and encourage others."

As Abigail climbed into bed that night, she thoughtfully recalled all that she had happened that day. Quietly she prayed, "Dearest Lord, by your grace I want to accept and delight in the gift of being single. Be my Joy and Companion and according to Your will prepare me for all that you have planned ... whether that be marriage or not, I will delight in you." 

Dear friends, if you are a boy reading this {I congratulate you!} you may not relate to the main character of this story. If you are a girl, I believe you may have understood  some of the fears and doubts which went through Abigail's heart. Sisters, let us learn to be content in the here and now; let us allow Christ the righful place in our live's and He will ease the pangs of lonliness and worry. 

May the Heavenly Father bless you as you press heavenward!

Happy Mother's Day Momma!

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Prov 31:31

Happy birthday and Mother's Day, dearest Mamma! I know we all love our mothers, but just as the Bible says, " Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her" (Prov 31:28) so I am excitedly rising up to bless my dear Momma. I am so thankful to have her as a teacher of school, womanhood, and housekeeping. I am blessed to have her as my confidant and best friend. I am glad to have her as my example of a mother and wife. If you cannot tell. . .I love her totally and dearly.

Such a fun and sweet mother!

Momma earnestly and excitedly using the saw while helping Daddy fix their bedroom's floor.

How sweet!

Isn't she lovely?

Momma, thank you for listening to my hopes and secrets, my confessions and upsets. Thank you for teaching me lessons I should have learned long ago and for laughing at and with me. :) Thank you for being a sweet and submissive wife-an excellent example. And for being a faithful and good mother. I hope to be a blessing to you in your future and to bring you lots of joy and smiles. I LOVE YOU and praise the Lord for giving me to you and Daddy!

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Prov. 31:29

With lots of love,
 Franniegirl