I am a SAHM. If you aren't familiar with that term it stands for Stay At Home Mom. Being able to stay home with my children is a blessing that I do not take lightly. This is a calling, not just a crazy idea to cut our income in half. There is a badge of honor that SAHMs or SAHDs wear but from time to time I feel like I am looked down upon for choosing to follow this calling. Staying home is my greatest joy.
Today I proved to be the "least at home" SAHM. As I pulled out of my driveway at 8:20am I knew there would be very little time at home to take care of household duties, I just didn't realize it would be only 90 minutes. The last child was picked up from school at 3:45pm. I really thought having kids at school would mean I could come home to eat bon bons and watch Oprah. Nope, that's not what I do all day. Geesh, who knew?
Tonight was pizza night and then everyone outside to play ball. Oh how I love to just hang out with the family. We had a blast until we couldn't take the biting bugs any longer. Even though our family is busy, I am so thankful that we know how to take care of each other and make our moments count.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
NiNe yEarS
Today is a big day around our house. Reagan turned nine years old. WHAT?? How'd that happen? We've had my parents here with us since Friday which has been nice but my routine is all messed up. The house is cluttery, there isn't any milk or bread, Reagan's birthday treats are half done and I didn't fill the birthday girl's room with balloons last night. Some how I still don't think the day is a bust. I'm taking lunch up to Reags at school which is one of her favorite things for me to do.
Thinking back to nine years ago, our lives were so different. First of all, I was still in my 20s and probably looked better nine months pregnant than I do now. We lived in Arizona and it was still in the triple digits the day she was born...it's fall like temps here in Nebraska today. Chris was teaching and coaching in the high school but dare I say our life was almost boring compared to the schedule we keep in 2010. Just starting our family, we had only one child and anxiously awaiting the birth of our second perfect little girl. (Little did we know that the next year would be full of crying until the wee hours of the morning.) Reagan certainly rocked our lives and we thank God every day that He her to us to love and care for until the day she goes back home.
Holy Buckets, I'm almost in tears. Now that I have enjoyed that stroll down memory lane, it is time to get my day going. Give your child, niece, grandchild or neighbor kid a hug today, they will be grown up before you know it. Blessing to you all!
Thinking back to nine years ago, our lives were so different. First of all, I was still in my 20s and probably looked better nine months pregnant than I do now. We lived in Arizona and it was still in the triple digits the day she was born...it's fall like temps here in Nebraska today. Chris was teaching and coaching in the high school but dare I say our life was almost boring compared to the schedule we keep in 2010. Just starting our family, we had only one child and anxiously awaiting the birth of our second perfect little girl. (Little did we know that the next year would be full of crying until the wee hours of the morning.) Reagan certainly rocked our lives and we thank God every day that He her to us to love and care for until the day she goes back home.
Holy Buckets, I'm almost in tears. Now that I have enjoyed that stroll down memory lane, it is time to get my day going. Give your child, niece, grandchild or neighbor kid a hug today, they will be grown up before you know it. Blessing to you all!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Do Versus Done
My evening has been filled with thoughts of these two words. Here's what Merriam-Webster says:
DO
to bring to pass : carry out
perform, executeb : commit
to bring to an end : finish —used in the past participle
to put forth : exert
DONE
past participle of do
Oh I'm sure we all know the definition of these two words but I wanted to fill space in this post. (Just wanted to see if you are really reading) ha I know a better way to contrast these two words. Christianity versus any other religion in the world! Just to list a couple well known religions: Jehovah Witness...gotta do works for salvation. Mormon...gotta do works for salvation. Muslim...gotta do works. Seventh Day Adventist...gotta do works. All the cults...gotta do works. Your after life is based on what you DO in this life. The Christian faith is the only one in which it has already been DONE for you. Here's the big plan...You accept Christ as your savior and BAM! you have a secure spot in heaven. Sound easy, it is! Christ did the hard part when he took the beatings, hung on the cross and died on Calvary.
There are things in this life that have been left up to me to do...cooking, cleaning, carpool. Possibly I have gotten so use to that role that from time to time I forget that I am not in control of everything. When others have strong opinions about me or my loved ones, I also have to remember they aren't in control of me or my salvation. They didn't DO the hard work. If I do the best I can to love and serve my God it doesn't matter what Joe Schmo thinks about me or my ability to love and serve God. We serve a powerful God. A loving God. He would never put Betty Homemaker across the street or Bobby the Boss Man in charge of our eternity. Now that's something you can take to the bank.
Chris and I have pulled through a rough couple of weeks. Trials are worth it if you learn something new about your relationship with God. He didn't make this happen but He allowed it to happen. He didn't call us to do his work because we were already equipped but He is continually equipping us to do His work. Satan wants nothing more than to distroy relationships. Focusing on what you have to DO can distract from what has already been DONE.
Now go out and be a blessing today! (not because you have to but because you want to!)
You can find the verse of the day on the right side of this blog. Today just happened to be this verse.
Hebrews 10:30-31
30For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[a] and again, "The Lord will judge his people."[b] 31It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
DO
to bring to pass : carry out
perform, execute
to bring to an end : finish —used in the past participle
to put forth : exert
DONE
past participle of do
Oh I'm sure we all know the definition of these two words but I wanted to fill space in this post. (Just wanted to see if you are really reading) ha I know a better way to contrast these two words. Christianity versus any other religion in the world! Just to list a couple well known religions: Jehovah Witness...gotta do works for salvation. Mormon...gotta do works for salvation. Muslim...gotta do works. Seventh Day Adventist...gotta do works. All the cults...gotta do works. Your after life is based on what you DO in this life. The Christian faith is the only one in which it has already been DONE for you. Here's the big plan...You accept Christ as your savior and BAM! you have a secure spot in heaven. Sound easy, it is! Christ did the hard part when he took the beatings, hung on the cross and died on Calvary.
There are things in this life that have been left up to me to do...cooking, cleaning, carpool. Possibly I have gotten so use to that role that from time to time I forget that I am not in control of everything. When others have strong opinions about me or my loved ones, I also have to remember they aren't in control of me or my salvation. They didn't DO the hard work. If I do the best I can to love and serve my God it doesn't matter what Joe Schmo thinks about me or my ability to love and serve God. We serve a powerful God. A loving God. He would never put Betty Homemaker across the street or Bobby the Boss Man in charge of our eternity. Now that's something you can take to the bank.
Chris and I have pulled through a rough couple of weeks. Trials are worth it if you learn something new about your relationship with God. He didn't make this happen but He allowed it to happen. He didn't call us to do his work because we were already equipped but He is continually equipping us to do His work. Satan wants nothing more than to distroy relationships. Focusing on what you have to DO can distract from what has already been DONE.
Now go out and be a blessing today! (not because you have to but because you want to!)
You can find the verse of the day on the right side of this blog. Today just happened to be this verse.
Hebrews 10:30-31
30For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[a] and again, "The Lord will judge his people."[b] 31It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Love My Husband
I don't want to brag...ok maybe I do. I am married to an amazing man. He is the first person to admit when he has done something wrong and he is always willing to give the other person a way out. By that I mean, if someone wronged him, Chris first of all gives them the benefit of the doubt and then gives them an opportunity to save face. While these are characteristics instilled in him by his parents he also has refined his actions by trying to have a like mind of Christ.
Honey, if you read this (and I know you don't) I want you to know how proud I am of you. You are a blessing to me. I love you!
Honey, if you read this (and I know you don't) I want you to know how proud I am of you. You are a blessing to me. I love you!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Pruning
This morning before church I sat in the dinning room looking out the window to the north noticing our overgrown bush and wondering when I should prune those branches back. The bush is pretty scraggly which makes it an easy target for weeds. Timing is everything when it comes to gardening..
Just as I need to prune the bush in my yard to rid the dead or unhealthy branches to insure growth, I am noticing that this is a season of pruning in my life. God's ways are always loving so I know that even though I am feeling pain, He is preparing me for growth.
Not too long ago I wrote a blog entry titled "Change Your World." I had no idea how much God was preparing my own heart for what was about to come. In that post I made mention of how God comes at me from so many directions and He did it again. This weekend I was in Grand Island at our old church for a Beth Moore Simulcast. (LOVED IT!!!) Beth talked about "The Law of Kindness." How did she know I was going to need a refresher to keep me from saying and doing things I would later regret? God's attention to the details is amazing. Kindness is not an action it's a disposition. When I open my mouth (and I will) I prayerfully ask God to let the words that flow be words of wisdom.
So this week when it warms up a little, while I am in my yard pruning the dead or overgrown branches from bushes and flowers I will be thinking about my Father in Heaven who is doing a good work within me. I challenge each of you to show kindness today. Not just being nice which can be faked, I mean genuine kindness.
Have a great week.
Just as I need to prune the bush in my yard to rid the dead or unhealthy branches to insure growth, I am noticing that this is a season of pruning in my life. God's ways are always loving so I know that even though I am feeling pain, He is preparing me for growth.
Not too long ago I wrote a blog entry titled "Change Your World." I had no idea how much God was preparing my own heart for what was about to come. In that post I made mention of how God comes at me from so many directions and He did it again. This weekend I was in Grand Island at our old church for a Beth Moore Simulcast. (LOVED IT!!!) Beth talked about "The Law of Kindness." How did she know I was going to need a refresher to keep me from saying and doing things I would later regret? God's attention to the details is amazing. Kindness is not an action it's a disposition. When I open my mouth (and I will) I prayerfully ask God to let the words that flow be words of wisdom.
So this week when it warms up a little, while I am in my yard pruning the dead or overgrown branches from bushes and flowers I will be thinking about my Father in Heaven who is doing a good work within me. I challenge each of you to show kindness today. Not just being nice which can be faked, I mean genuine kindness.
Have a great week.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Going Hard
Reagan knows only one way to play soccer...going all out!
The girls played a hard fast paced game today. We all were so proud of their effort! Another "W" for the girls, 4-3.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Love My 'Skers
Two of my favorite things together...my handsome hubby and Husker Football!!! Chris and I had a great day watching the Huskers put it to Idaho. What was I thinking wearing jeans? It was hotter than heck today!
Brook Berringer #18 played football at UNL in the 90's. Brook and I got to know each really well during our college years and then the night before the NFL draft Brook was killed in an airplane accident. I'll never understand why he was taken to Heaven at such a young age.
Today was the 9 year anniversary of the terrorist attack on American soil.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Change Your World
"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." I Thessalonians 5:14-15
This verse and a few others have been in my thoughts each day this week. I love Random Acts of Kindness but this verse goes beyond a few nice things we can do. These words from the bible could radically change the world if only people (not even everyone) would embrace the idea of being kind, encouraging, helping the weak and practicing patience. I'll be honest, that last one really gets me.
When God tries to get my attention, it seems that He comes at me from several avenues. First, our church has started a campaign called "Double Your Impact." Basically, our church leadership feels a call from God to keep doing what we have been doing but BIGGER! So I have prayerfully been asking "what does this mean for me?" I want to meet the needs of others. I want to show love. I want to make a difference. Yes, God uses me as His hands and feet for my family and some times those around me but I'm ready to step out in faith and do something big.
Secondly, I started reading Debbie Macombers "One Simple Act."
She is rocking my world and I love it.
Thirdly, I started a bible study on Tuesday mornings with bunch of ladies from church by Priscilla Shirer.
Being a big fan of Beth Moore I was reluctant to join this study but already in week #2 I have been challenged and blessed by what Priscilla Shirer shares in both the videos and daily study.
See, God doesn't mess around with me. He knows if there is a mission He can't beat around the bush. So I am excited to see where this takes me and a little afraid too. I know the Creator of the universe cares about the smallest of details and won't take me somewhere that He hasn't already equiped me to go but a road map to get there would be nice. :)
This is a random smattering of thoughts that are not well planned out rather iy is a window into my heart. I pray that fear does not take over when I am presented with an opportunity to brighten my little spot of the world.
This verse and a few others have been in my thoughts each day this week. I love Random Acts of Kindness but this verse goes beyond a few nice things we can do. These words from the bible could radically change the world if only people (not even everyone) would embrace the idea of being kind, encouraging, helping the weak and practicing patience. I'll be honest, that last one really gets me.
When God tries to get my attention, it seems that He comes at me from several avenues. First, our church has started a campaign called "Double Your Impact." Basically, our church leadership feels a call from God to keep doing what we have been doing but BIGGER! So I have prayerfully been asking "what does this mean for me?" I want to meet the needs of others. I want to show love. I want to make a difference. Yes, God uses me as His hands and feet for my family and some times those around me but I'm ready to step out in faith and do something big.
Secondly, I started reading Debbie Macombers "One Simple Act."
Thirdly, I started a bible study on Tuesday mornings with bunch of ladies from church by Priscilla Shirer.
See, God doesn't mess around with me. He knows if there is a mission He can't beat around the bush. So I am excited to see where this takes me and a little afraid too. I know the Creator of the universe cares about the smallest of details and won't take me somewhere that He hasn't already equiped me to go but a road map to get there would be nice. :)
This is a random smattering of thoughts that are not well planned out rather iy is a window into my heart. I pray that fear does not take over when I am presented with an opportunity to brighten my little spot of the world.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Book Facebook Page
As of tonight there is a The NEW PHENOM3NON facebook page. (The New Phenomenon by Chris Raabe)
No, the book has not been released.
No, we don't have a release date, yet.
Trust me...this blog will be one of the first to release that information!
The good news is that we can start getting the word out about Chris' book and keep interested parties up to date on it's progress. Chris has been burning the candle at both ends, often working 16 hours a day. There just isn't time to work on the final draft. Soon, after October 17th this handsome author who I so dearly love, will have time to finish up his literary work of art. I can't wait for each of you to read The NEW PHENOM3NON.
The very creative Leah Amirouche designed our book cover and will look something like the above picture. This isn't an exact but will give you an idea when you are looking on Amazon.com.
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