Warning Signs

"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.  People were eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark.  Then the flood came and destroyed them all." Luke 17: 26-27

I have completed my first week with a new Bible Study with Good Morning Girls called Loving like Jesus.  I have really enjoyed it and I love how they make you S.O.A.P (Scripture, observations, application, prayer).

I admit that sometimes I read the Bible and hear the words but don't really listen or think about what is going on or being said.  All to often, reading my Bible daily becomes just another item to check off my list.  However, SOAP has really helped me.  It has made me dig deeper into scripture and think about things I have never thought about before.  When I read the passage above, I was thinking about what was going on then compared to what goes on now. 

We do things the same way.  We are filling our tummies with drinks and food, we are going out with our significant others, we are going to see movies, going grocery shopping, cleaning our homes, cooking dinner, etc., etc., etc. I know I tend to do these things and they become the focus of my life.  Well, in the days of Noah they were going about living their lives, too.  Not a bad thing, its natural and normal.  But it makes me wonder what warning signs am I missing that Christ is coming.  I mean, then, Noah tried to tell them.  They didn't listen.  He was building a huge ark in the middle of the desert and no one took him seriously. Animals from all over were coming to him in pairs?  Didn't someone out there wonder if there was some truth to what he was saying?  Didn't someone wonder if something big was going to happen?

There is so much going on in this world.  There is so much that takes my focus away.  I admit it...I don't think about Christ's coming back all too often.  In fact, I almost avoid thinking about it.  It scares me.  I know, as a Christian, I should be looking forward to that, but there is still so much I want to do in this life.  Mainly, I want to grow old with my husband and watch our children grow and start their own lives, and with God's help, build godly legacies in their families.  I don't think that is sinful to hope and pray for.  But does it sometimes consume my life where that is my focus and not Christ?  Yes and that is sinful.  Because God should be the focus of everything-every part of my life, every second of my day, every ounce of my being.  I don't want to miss warning signs that God needs me to see, hear, or teach to these little lives surrounding me.  I don't want to be destroyed because of my ignorance, arrogance, busyness (whatever it may be that day) got in the way of loving Jesus, loving my neighbors, and seeing His signs that surround me all day long. 

God, I know I am a sinner.  I know I struggle with thinking about and looking forward to Your coming back.  I know that I let life get the focus instead of you.  Father, forgive me for this.  And Lord, help me to have some peace and understanding on this area of my life and what it should look and feel like. 

After he saw he was healed

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, "Praise God!" Luke 17: 15

I don't know about you, but when I read this something different spoke to me then I know speaks to so many other people when they read this passage.  A brief synopsis of what is going on-10 men are suffering with leprosy.  Leprosy was a disease that ate away at your skin and if you had this disease you were considered "unclean".  You were separated from society and noone would touch you or pay any attention to you.  Well, ten men had this disease and saw Jesus from a distance.  They pleaded with Him to cure them and He did.  One of the men was a Samaritan.  Now, a Samaritan was even more unworthy just because he was simply a samaritan.  So, a samaritan with leprosy was even more of a cast off.  Anyway, only one, the Samaritan came back to thank God for the healing He provided.  The other 9 were cleansed and healed, but made no bother to praise God for His healing hand. 

However, this story is told for us to look up to the Samaritan who did the right thing.  He came back and praised God.  But, this time, when reading this passage,what stood out to me was that he came back after he saw that he was healed.  Shouldn't he have praised God even before the healing began? Shouldn't he have been praising God for paying any attention to him in the first place?  Why did he wait for the healing to happen? 

I am not reading the passage to say that this man was wrong for what he did.  He wasn't!  He praised God! But, I think it stood out to me because I am so guilty of this.  Shouldn't I be praising God before my healing begins?  Shouldn't I be praising God for paying any attention to me, my needs, my cares, and my concerns? Shouldn't I be praising God because He has given me another day of life? Shouldn't my entire day be consumed with praising God no matter the circumstances?

I should, but I don't.  I praise God when I get what I want.  I praise God when my prayers are answered to my timing or with the answers I wanted.  And even then, I don't always remember to praise God. 

I do want to be like this man and remember that I need to praise God, but I want to remember to praise God no matter what happens-even if its not the "healing" I asked for. 

Father God, forgive me when I don't praise you in all things.  Forgive me when I forget to give You the glory You deserve and only You are due.  Forgive me when I think I know what it is best for me and what I can handle and not allowing you to take the lead.

Labor Day Weekend

While the weekend was rather uneventful, I enjoyed Curtis being home 4 days in a row.  I felt very spoiled being able to spend so much time as a family.  Friday we finally decided to pay the necessary amount to start baby proofing the house.  We bought a couple of gates because Miss Ava is getting into absolutely everything and keeping us on our toes...constantly.  We also took Ava to her first football game at the high school where my brother coaches.  She had such a good time and enjoyed all the new sights and sounds.  After the game, we let her crawl around on the football field.  Her cousins were on the field being crazy and doing cartwheels and stuff.  Ava was getting so excited...she wanted to be right there in the middle of them.  We are quickly learning that Ava has no fear of things.  On Saturday, we were going to get so much done, but my nausea and stuff came back in full force and so I was not much help.  I mostly laid around on the couch and slept.  That evening we decided to go to my parents so Curtis could watch the Alabama game.  We got rid of cable last year and I think it was one of the best things we ever did, but it means that sometimes we have to make trips to my parents to watch certain games that don't come on local channels.  Of course, Ava had a great time and enjoyed being at her grandma and grandpas house.  Sunday was a great morning at church.  Ava got to see her favorite teachers and play with her friends in nursery.  We went to Cracker Barrel and that was horrific.  She was horrible.  We each had to take turns eating because she was busy throwing fits and just misbehaving in general.  We had decided that we were going to go to Matthews Alive afterward.  That was also horrific.  I wanted to go so bad, but 15 minutes in and I almost passed out.  We were walking along the crafts corridor and all of a sudden I got so weak and everything went black.  I was still able to walk but had to hold on to the stroller.  A lady who was working the booth saw me and had me sit in her tent.  She wet a burp cloth for me and Curtis got me another water.  It was scary.  That was not my first almost pass outs. It was with this pregnancy but that happened to me several times with Ava's pregnancy.  Once I actually did pass out, the other instances, I came extremely close.  So, its official.  I cannot handle heat when I am pregnant.  I felt so bad the rest of the day and felt so sorry for ruining all the fun we were going to have.  I am thankful for the kind woman who gave me a shaded tent and chair and a ice cold burp cloth to cool myself off with.  Its funny...there was a man walking around preaching hell and damnation to everyone at Matthews Alive and all he was getting was weird looks and laughs.  I am sure his intentions were good, but he was doing nothing but scaring people.  But there was this kind lady who preached God's love just through her actions.  I wish that guy understood the good of what she did and would maybe attempt to be His hands and feet instead of ranting about how wicked we are and need God.  While what he was saying was true, its not the way to reach unbelievers.  Labor day was just another day in the Alford house.  We got to grocery shop as a family.  Then we made taco soup, queso dip and watched a movie while Ava napped.  It was a wonderful time together, just the two of us...and much needed.  This weekend reminded me of how I don't need big, extravagant trips (although those are always nice, always welcomed, and always enjoyed).  I just need time with my family.  Time to be a family.  I am thankful that God gave Curtis a 4 day rest from his job and that we got to be together the entire time.  It was great for Curtis to be able to get Ava up from her crib and get to enjoy her huge hugs in the morning.  He got to play with her and see what her normal routine is.  I know he enjoyed it and Ava loved having her daddy home. 

Overwhelmingly Blessed

I hate to admit this, but when all my teacher friends were getting their classrooms ready and beginning the creative process for their exciting plans for the year, I began to miss my job.  I didn't understand it and I didn't want to feel that way.  I felt so ungrateful for the bountiful blessings God has poured down on us.  However, at the same time, I realized that this feeling of wanting to be setting up my own classroom would quickly fade 4 weeks from now and I would be wishing, hoping, praying to be home with my baby girl.  I realized how badly I would miss her and miss out on all the new things she would experience and be able to do. 

Amazingly, the week school actually started and I heard children outside waiting on the buses and as I let my dog out to go the the bathroom and saw families rushing around to get in their car and to school on time I was quickly reminded of how blessed I am. 

I am blessed.  I get to walk back into that house and not rush.  I get to read my Bible each morning without being in a hurry.  I get to eat breakfast if I want to.  I get to wait to hear a sweet little voice upstairs as she wakes up.  I get to sit on the couch and feed Ava her bottle and then have time to snuggle with her.  I get to clean my house.  I get to play with Ava and watch her grow every day.  I get to see the things that interest her and I get to see the new things she likes.  I get to see every smile, every tear, every yawn.  I get to change every stinky diaper. I get to dress her and put headbands in her hair. I get to cuddle her when she tumbles.   I get to hold her as she prepares herself for a nap.  I get to listen to music of my choosing or watch a TV show.  I get to read books that interest me.  I get to catch up with friends.  I get to back brownies in the middle of the day.  I get to take mid-day walks.  I get to go to mommy Bible studies.  I get to go shopping or out to eat in the middle of the day.  I get to decide if I want to dry my hair or just let it dry itself into a crazy, curly mess. 

I am blessed. 

God, I am so thankful for where you have put me today and every day.  I am so thankful for the many blessings you have showered me with.  I am so thankful for the countless moments I get to spend with this sweet little girl.  I am so thankful that I can read your word in quietness and no rush.  I am so thankful and I know that I don't always act that way, but Father, I am.  Thank you for blessing me despite all my failures and all the times I am so undeserving. 

Our Typical Daily Schedule

6:30-7:30 Mommy wakes up
7:30-8:00 Mommy reads the Bible and drinks her protein shake
8:00-8:30 Ava wakes up-gets a diaper change and puts on her clothes for the day
8:30-9:00 Ava gets her first 8 oz. bottle and morning snuggle time
9:00-10:00 Ava plays-she usually roams around the kitchen and family room, destroys her bib and burp cloth baskets, bangs on the back door, hangs on mommy, plays with her magnetic letters, plays with her actual toys, we may take a walk if the weather isn't too muggy or cold
10:00-10:30 Breakfast -usually oatmeal with fruit
10:30-11:00 playtime and slow down for a nap, if weather is nice we take a walk
11:00-?Ava naps-depends on the day how long she will nap
I usually get her by 1:30 or 2:00 is she hasn't woken up yet and she will eat lunch-usually some veggies and yogurt and puffs
2:00-3:00diaper change and play time doing her normal round of things
3:00 afternoon 8 oz. bottle
3:30-4:30 playtime
4:30 afternoon short nap
5:30 dinner-veggies and fruit
6:00 mommy and daddy eat dinner and Ava plays in her high chair, bouncy seat or pack and play
6:30 mommy and daddy like to take a walk with Ava if weather is nice if not we play
7:30-8:00 nighttime 8 oz. bottle
8:00 bath and jammies are on, we read a Bible story and a couple of other stories
8:30 Lights out!

Ava is 8 Months!

Ava is 8 Months!!!

 

 

 

I know, I know...I say this all the time but I truly can't believe my little girl is 8 months old.  Actually I am so late in posting this, she will be 9 months next week. 

 

Where does the time go?  I was quickly reminded of this early in the morning when I couldn't sleep and found myself reading my friends blog on motherhood.  Ava is soooooo active, constantly on the go, and curious about everything.  She is still a rather happy and silly baby.  Right now, she is in her crib just playing, gabbing, and squealing to herself. 

 

She loves to discover new places in the house and Curtis and I really need to get on the ball with child proofing.  She is making us realize this is going to be a necessity with her, especially when baby 2 gets here. 

 

She WILL NOT hold her bottle.  We are trying sippy cups with handles to see if that helps but she wants nothing to do with that. 

 

She is wearing 6-9 month clothing but the pants she quickly grows out of because she is getting so long.  I realized the other night while I was holding her just how much longer she is.  It made me so sad. 

 

Her favorite toys right now are her stacking cups, a diaper box, pulling the bibs and burp cloths out of their baskets in the kitchen, and playing with the magnetic letters on the fridge.  She will grab a couple letters and crawl around with them. 

 

She loves going outside and going on walks and bathtime is still one of her favorite things. 

 

This month she has developed her first cold.  Sniff sniff.  I hate hearing her yucky cough.  She hasn't gotten a fever from it, but her appetite has lessened. 

 

Last week she was such a trooper doing all the things I wanted to get done.  She even hung out at Poplin while I helped a friend in her classroom for hour upon hour.  She was so good and I was so proud of her.  I love that she can be flexible like that. 

 

 

Some of the things I love about this month were:

~finding her in her crib with her babydoll sleeping on top of it...she looks like she has fallen asleep while sitting up playing with it

~getting her out of her crib and her legs are sticking through the slots of the crib and she is sitting up and bouncing

~snuggle time after her morning bottle

~when she sees a phone pointed her way she automatically smiles because she thinks her picture is being taken

~talking to herself in her crib

~helping me unload the dishwasher

~banging on the back door when she is looking outside

~shaking her head no no

~morning hugs when you get her from her crib

~waving hi and bye bye

~trying to do the hand movements to This Little Light of Mine

~open mouth kisses

~giggles when you dance with her and in front of her

~when she tries to tickle me back





Unceasing in prayer

Today I was reading about prayer and how you should always be praying.  Unceasing in prayer means to pray with constant perserverence.  All the time, anywhere, everywhere.  I have read this verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 many times.  I thought I understood, but today, for the first time, I have realized that I did not and do not get it.  I struggle with having constant conversations with God on my own.  I get too busy in my daily life to remember Him and go to Him in all things, all the time, anywhere, and everywhere.  Then I read today, that these unceasing prayers are to go beyond just your personal conversations with God to conversations you have with others.  God desires for our hearts to surrender to Him in prayer, during and after conversations with others.  He wants me to go to God on behalf of my friends and pray for them, right there, in front of them, right now!  I witnessed this last week at Chick Fil A with some friends from church and one of Chick Fil A's employees.  She knew one of the ladies I was with personally and knew she needed prayer and came to our table and prayed over her and the rest of us who were with her. I was touched and amazed at her boldness for her heavenly Father and concern for her friend.  I am not that person.  I am too weak and too timid.  And I know that God did not give me a spirit of timidity, but I am too scared of stepping out and opening up.  I want to be that kind and loving lady.  I want to shower others with God's love, grace, and strength.   I want to tell others about His truth and not be scared to share it with those who need Him.   I want my conversations with everyone to be centered around God all the time, anywhere, and everywhere. 

Father God,
Forgive me for my timidity.  Forgive me of my selfishness of keeping You and all the help you can provide others to myself.  Forgive me for allowing Satan a foothold on my life and allowing his lies to take over the truth that You can give me boldness, courage, truth, grace and love to share with others.  Father, I pray that I become more like you and more like this sweet lady who prayed over my friend.  Thank you for her example and for Your word that speaks to me everyday.  Amen!