Meme Monday

I saw this kitchen meme on Pam's blog. She didn't tag me specifically, but just threw it out for anyone who loves to be in the kitchen. That's me!!



What three kitchen items do you use the most often? My chef's knife, my microwave, and my coffee maker. Oh, I almost forgot - my crockpot!

What kitchen gadget do you wish you had? A large rectangle baking stone.

What kitchen gadget do you never use/wish you hadn't spent the money for? The ice pick. My MIL bought it for me (she LOVES ice) and she might use it when she comes over, but I rarely use ice.

What is your favorite cookbook? (Link if you can!) Betty Crocker and Deceptively Delicious

Who is your cooking inspiration? My grandma, my mom, and my sister!

What are the three most important items on your spice rack? Garlic powder, cinnamon, and salt.

What are three recipes that you use all the time? Crockpot lasagna (see here or here), my semi-homemade spaghetti sauce, miracle mashies.

Can you share a cooking secret? I use a lot of vegetable purees in my cooking to ramp up the nutritional value, and I am not afraid to experiment!

What is your greatest cleaning secret? I use Clorox or Lysol cleaning wipes all the time.

What is your favorite thing to clean? Um, nothing. Favorite and clean should never ever be in the same sentence.

What is your least favorite thing to clean? The bathroom.

What is your most embarrassing housekeeping moment? They happen all the time - dust on the mini-blinds, dust bunnies in the corners, water spots on the bathroom mirrors, and dirty dishes in the sink.

Who do you tag to do this next? Whoever wants to do this! Let me know that you did this meme and I'll stop by!




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I was tagged by Marsha for the Who Are You Meme.



1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player than tags 5 people and posts their names, then leaves a comments on those five blogs letting them know they've been tagged.



What was I doing 10 years ago - In 1998, I was in my last semester of seminary. I was also on the festival committee for Ichthus, the longest running Christian music festival, so I was prepping for the festival (back then it was held in late April).

Five Things on my to-do list today - Make business phone calls, do a load of laundry, go to Target (need diapers!), watch the nieces after school, and business meeting tonight.


Five Snacks I enjoy - There are very few snacks that I don't enjoy, but here are my favorites - Reese's Cups, homemade chocolate chip cookies, homemade oatmeal applesauce bars, granola and yogurt, and basically anything with chocolate!


Five Things I would do if I were a billionaire.- As Marsha said, Become a member of the '90/10 Club' - a person who gives away 90% and lives off of 10. Pay of our debt and our family's debt.


Five of my bad habits. - Being a pack rat, being messy (piles everywhere in my office), speaking before I think. Yeah, this is harder than I thought. So I'll leave it at three.


Five places I have lived.- Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, South Carolina


Five Jobs I've had - Associate Pastor, Retail Sales Associate/Assistant Manager, Case Manager, Data Analyst, Beauty Consultant, and Mommy (Sorry, that was six, but I had to add the last one, 'cause it's my favorite job so far!)


Five people I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG): Susan, Dawn, Diana, Erin, and Jeni

Now, head on over to Melanie's to see who else is participating in Meme Monday!

More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This concept was first introduced to the blogosphere by Diana at Sunshine on my Shoulders as "a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love."

It's an opportunity to share how we see more of God working in our lives. Your post can either be Scripture Speaks - a particular Bible passage and what you gained from it - or Him in My Life - a particular event when you felt God speaking to you. Write your own post, sign Mr. Linky, and come encourage others while you are encouraged in your spiritual journey. Feel free to grab the badges on my sidebar.

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A few weeks ago, I read the story in John 9 of the man born blind. Contrary to popular belief at the time, Jesus said that the man was born blind "so the power of God could be seen in him." (John 9:3)

This story had me thinking about how quick we (read, I) can be to judge others. We judge on outward appearances, whether it be the clothes someone wears, the car they drive, or the neighborhood in which they live. We don't know the condition of someone's heart when we look only to what we see with our physical eyes.

We get so caught up in what we SEE. But we cannot see feelings. We cannot SEE when someone is hurting. I wish we could. Then I wouldn't be asking for ketchup with the foot that finds its way into my mouth.

I have been trying to be more aware of PEOPLE. Who they are not what they look like. Even if I can only share a smile or a kind "hello," I will never know how that small act impacts that person.

So this is a character trait that I will be working on.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

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She Crawleth!!!

Oh.Yes.She.Did!!!!

Just two days short of 10 months old, Ladybug crawled across the tv room floor like she's been doing it all her life. She also had an audience - Grammy (my mom, still in town), my MIL and FIL, and Hubby were all here, and Ladybug was our after dinner entertainment.

I know, I know. All you experienced mommies out there are asking why in the world would we cheer such independent behavior. It's just the beginning of the end. I know. But it's SO exciting!!!

Here's a pic from this week. Grammy found a bow to put on Ladybug, but she wasn't too impressed with it. (Yes, my mom IS wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt. She knows who to cheer for!)

Fightin' the Frump with a New 'Do

Time to Fight the Frump again!

Last week, I took an opinion poll regarding getting a new hairstyle. Thanks so much for your opinions, everyone! I know, women LOVE to give their opinion! The response was varied, and when Tuesday (haircut day) rolled around, I wasn't feeling very brave. So I decided to just get it trimmed with layers.

Here is before:

And after:

And while I'm showing pictures, what do you think of my new Fight the Frump purchase?

I found this top at Dress Barn (love their clothes and I used to work there!) on the clearance rack - 60% off!!! I paired it with a black cami so as to not show off the cleavage. I wish I could blame the cleavage on being a nursing momma, but the cleavage was there before.

And really, I'm being very brave by showing this pic. It's not a good pic of me. Seriously.

Thankful Thursday

Well, it's Thursday already! I'm not around much this week, as my mom is still in town. We're getting lots of spring cleaning and baby proofing done!

This week, I am thankful for:

1. A beautiful and joyous resurrection celebration this past Sunday! He is Risen!


2. Having my mom in town. She's getting lots of "grammy time" with Ladybug.


3. Wonderful friends and family together for Easter dinner.


4. Being able to stay close with family in spite of physical distance (Hi, Sis!).


5. Beautiful spring weather and the ability plant flowers (and play in the dirt!).

Thanks for stopping by today! For more Thankful Thursdays, please visit our wonderful hostess, Iris. It's her 3rd Bloggy-versary and she's having a giveaway. Congrats, Iris!

My To-Do List Got Longer

I'm a bad momma. I still haven't totally baby-proofed my house. Ladybug is almost 10 months old and there are still lots of hazards in every room. Every room, people!

My only excuse is that she isn't terribly efficient at crawling, so she isn't fast enough to get to things before I can catch her. Oh yes, I know my days are numbered.

We hosted Easter dinner, and as usual, we invited friends who didn't have family to celebrate with. We had a smaller-than-usual crowd because we were missing five family members who either had to work or were out of town. But we had five friends come to replace them.

One of those friends is a playmate of Ladybug's, 16 month old J. J is walking and is, what I think, a typical boy. Into everything.

J very politely showed me all the things I need to do to finish baby-proofing! The plug in air freshener needs removed. The pencils need put in drawers and need to stay there when not in use. My stack of books need to find their way back to a book shelf. My cell phone needs to live on a higher countertop.

And that's just the living room and kitchen. Ladybug's room is a disaster, in a baby-proofing sense! Yikes!

Guess what I'll be working on the rest of this week?

More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This concept was first introduced to the blogosphere by Diana at Sunshine on my Shoulders as "a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love."

It's an opportunity to share how we see more of God working in our lives. Your post can either be Scripture Speaks - a particular Bible passage and what you gained from it - or Him in My Life - a particular event when you felt God speaking to you. Write your own post, sign Mr. Linky, and come encourage others while you are encouraged in your spiritual journey. Feel free to grab the badges on my sidebar.

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I think one of the things that I love about holidays is that they give us a chance to create memories. Today, our family had the opportunity to create new memories. And I also was able to reminisce with my mom about favorite Easter memories.



I have many great memories of Easter sunrise service in our small country church. Singing solos, sharing the resurrection story from the Bible, and always a great breakfast afterward.



And fond memories of our family gatherings on Easter Sunday. Since I grew up in Pennsylvania, the weather at Easter was always unpredictable. If the weather was good, we would find squirt guns and have a water fight (outside, of course!) with the cousins.



I want to make lots of memories for our Ladybug. This was her first Easter. Although she won't have memories of today, I was thinking about the traditions that we want to have as she grows so that she has fond memories of these special events.



Most importantly, we want her to know the true reason behind Easter. That Easter isn't about bunnies, and chocolate, and eggs. Although those may be fun things that she'll enjoy.



The true meaning of Easter, celebrating God's power over sin and death, is the one thing that I want her to understand and remember. I want her to get goose bumps the way I do as we worship our God who conquered the grave. I want her to approach worship with awe and wonder, that the Creator of the universe would provide a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him. And most of all, I want her know the power of faith in Christ.

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Happy Easter!

1 But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb,

taking the spices they had prepared.

2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them,

clothed in dazzling robes.

5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground.

Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead

for someone who is alive?

6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!

(Luke 24)

Fighting the Frump with a New Hairstyle

Time to Fight the Frump again! And I need your help Frump Fighters.

My hair is in need of a change. So I've chosen a few ideas, but I'd love to hear your opinion.

My hair is naturally curly and currently falls just above my shoulders. It does not respond well to a flat iron or straigtening products, so I want to stick with something that won't stress it out.

Should I get #1? (Very similar to what I have now, but a little shorter.)

Or #2? (Much shorter!)

#3? (Shorter with layers.)

#4? (Shorter, not as many layers.)

Or #5? (Just leave it and keep Hubby happy - he loves my hair when it's longer. FYI - I donated 10 inches to Locks of Love last year, so it was WAY longer before Ladybug was born!)
I need a style that is easy to maintain, a bit shorter, and light. Summer is coming and having hair sitting on the back of my neck gets sweaty! Please leave a comment with your opinion. My hair appointment is next Tuesday, so I'll post after pics next Friday!

Thankful Thursday

Since this is Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), the crucifixion and resurrection have been heavily on my mind. I am so thankful for the HOPE that we have because Jesus Christ went willingly to be a sacrifice for our sins, so that we can have an eternal relationship with our Creator God.

Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. (1 Peter 1:21)

I am also thankful for:

• my mom will be here tomorrow!
• my wonderful Tuesday morning Bible study group.
• my fabulous Hubby.
• my beautiful Ladybug. (Click here to read about her new skillz!)
• family and friends who will gather on Sunday, in church and around the dinner table, to celebrate Resurrection Sunday!

And thank you for visiting! Please visit Iris to see who else is thankful today.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Spring!

These were taken last week!

Click here or here for WW participants.

Explosion!

And not the diaper kind either! Oh.My! Ladybug has had an explosion of new developments this week.

• She said "Mommy!"
• She started sleeping on her side.
• She started rolling over and over and over to get across the living room floor.
• She finally figured out finger foods!
• She signed "more" for more finger foods!
• She signed "cereal" for more Cheerios!
• She cruised 2 steps along the couch by herself.
• She "meowed" at the cat.
• She now waves "hi" at everyone, including turning her wrist back and forth.

My head hurts trying to keep up with all the new things that she can do. Wow, wow, wow! She is so amazing!

Ten on Tuesday

Ten Places I Would Take a Tourist to See in My Hometown

1. The Beach!

2. One of the awesome seafood restaurants

3. Brookgreen Gardens

4. The historic riverfront

5. The aquarium

6. One of the many, many shopping attractions

7. One of the 100 local golf courses

8. One of the two state parks

9. One of the piers at the beach

10. Did I mention the beach?

To see who else is playing along, click here.

More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This concept was first introduced to the blogosphere by Diana at Sunshine on my Shoulders as "a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love."

It's an opportunity to share how we see more of God working in our lives. Your post can either be Scripture Speaks - a particular Bible passage and what you gained from it - or Him in My Life - a particular event when you felt God speaking to you. Write your own post, sign Mr. Linky, and come encourage others while you are encouraged in your spiritual journey. Feel free to grab the badges on my sidebar.
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This past week, I started leading a weekly Bible study in the gospel of John. We have "homework" everyday and then bring our notes to "class" to aid in our discussion. This week we studied John 1-2.

When I read the story of Jesus at the wedding in Cana, I was struck by His response to His mother when she told Him that the party was out of wine.

"How does that concern you and me?" Jesus asked. "My time has not yet come." (John 2:4)

I don't think that Mary was asking Jesus to perform a miracle. I think she was a mother sharing a concern with her oldest son. I really don't think that she had any expectations of something incredible.

Yes, she knew that Jesus was "different" from her other children. I'm sure she remembered what the angel said when she learned that news that she was pregnant with Jesus. But I'm also sure she didn't know how that was going to play out in His life. After all, there was no precedent.

Jesus' response to Mary may strike some as snippy. But I can see this as a matter-of-fact statement - how does that concern me?

When we take our requests to God, I imagine that is His response - how does that concern Me? He wants to respond to our needs in the best way. Not necessarily the best way that suits me, but the best way that suits Him and His plan.

When we ask something of God, we should go to Him with no expectations. Prayer is a conversation with our Creator God. It's not a laundry list of things that we need Him to do. I see prayer as sharing our heart with the One who made our heart. We should trust that He will do the right thing at the right time.

I know, easier said than done. Great reminder this week. Prayer is conversation. Let Him know what concerns you have, and trust that He will act in the right way, at the right time.

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Meme Monday

I'm really behind on my memes. If you tagged me, I promise that I'll get to it soon! Things have been crazy-busy here lately.

For you crazies out that there that say that a meme post is easier to you than a regular post, You are nuts! It takes me forever and a day to come up with answers to some of them. Even the picture memes take me forever, because I have to remember to actually take the picture then upload it to my computer.

So anywho... A while back I was tagged by Melissa at Melissa's Merry Mayhem to do the Fridge Meme. Here's my fridge. I keep the Christmas card photos that we receive up for at least half the year.

Now I'm going to tag Dawn at Baby Addiction and Robyn at Overflowing Grace.

Head on over to Melanie's to see who else is participating in Meme Monday.

Another DIY Baby Toy

One of the Google searches that bring anonymous visitors (Hi, Anonymous Visitors!) to my blog is a search for DIY baby toys. I guess it was this post and the fact that DIY is in my blog name. (BTW, read this to understand a little bit about that.)

So here is another DIY baby toy that Ladybug, now 9 1/2 months old, has discovered. For my male readers, you may want to stop reading at this point.

She is fascinated with my breast pump! I am using a small hand-held manual type these days. Mostly in the morning so that I am not leaking milk every where. Although I haven't had huge over-supply, I definitely have had more milk than what Ladybug needs, especially since she generally sleeps for a long stretch at night. So when I wake up, I need a little relief, if ya know what I mean.

The other day, Ladybug was up a little earlier than usual. The time change doesn't seem to have affected her at all! So once I nursed her on one side, she wasn't really interested in the other side and wanted to play.

I let her play on the floor while I fetched my pump. She was so interested in it! When I was finished, she wanted back up in my lap and reached for the pump (sitting on the table next to my chair). I held it for her while she looked it over.

I think she totally would have made it her own if I had let her! She was totally fascinated by it!

So there's another DIY baby toy for you! (You do realize I'm kidding, right?)

A New Milestone?

I haven't found this one in any of my baby development books. Maybe someone can confirm that this is a milestone.

Until recently, Ladybug did little more than kick in her sleep. We can actually hear her thumping her mattress over the baby monitor. Sometimes that would cause her to slip down the mattress and have her feet resting on the footboard of the crib.

A few weeks ago, however, when I would go to check on her or get her up in the morning, she would be turned perpendicular in the crib (I laid her in horizontally, but would find her laying vertically in relation to the crib rails).

Last night I finally figured out HOW she had been doing this. She's turning over in her sleep, her top leg will get hung up on the bumper, which causes her body to turn. So that mystery is solved.

And this morning when I went to get her up, she had turned all the way around! Her head was at the opposite end of the crib from how I laid her down!! If that isn't a developmental milestone, it should be!!

Thankful Thursday

Here's my thankful list for this week:

1. Ladybug's 2nd tooth!

2. A new Bible study on the Gospel of John.

3. Eight days until my mom arrives!

4. My wonderful Hubby.

5. God continuing to stretch me and push me out of my comfort zone. As much as I don't like it, I need it!

6. God's continued provision for our daily needs. But not always our wants.

For more thankful hearts, please visit Iris.

Back Story to Today's Wordless Wednesday Post

Because inquiring minds want to know, here's the info behind today's Wordless Wednesday picture.

Have you seen the KFC commercial that is currently running where the teenage kids are sitting around the table with the parents? The kids don't believe that their dad was in a band in his younger years.

Hubby and I often imagine that scene playing itself out in our house in the future. That Ladybug won't believe that her daddy was cool enough to have been in a band.

Hubby is actually in two bands right now. One is our Christian band, Psalm 151. I sing with him and the "guys" in that band. Then Hubby is also in a blues/rock band called Too Tight. Referring to the cohesion of their music. Their music is "tight."

Too Tight had a gig a few weeks ago, and Ladybug and I were able to attend. So I too a few pics to document that Hubby really is in a REAL band. Just in case Ladybug doesn't believe him when she's a teenager.

Because we all know that teens don't believe that their parents could ever have been cool enough to be in a real band.

WW - Yes, your daddy really was in a band!

Click here or here for more Wordless Wednesday.

Click here to read the story of this picture.

Ten on Tuesday - Spring

Ten Things I'm Looking Forward to in the Spring

1. Daffodils - they're already blooming here!

2. Fresh green grass - not yet

3. My mom coming for a visit!

4. No more coats! Well, I rarely wear a coat anyway, but no coats for Ladybug.

5. Planning and planting my garden.

6. Crawling, walking, talking (for Ladybug)

7. Ladybug's first birthday in May

8. The Masters - a tradition unlike any other!

9. The NFL Draft

10. Celebrating Easter and the gift of new life in Jesus!

Click here to see who else is playing along!

More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This concept was first introduced to the blogosphere by Diana at Sunshine on my Shoulders as "a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love."

It's an opportunity to share how we see more of God working in our lives. Your post can either be Scripture Speaks - a particular Bible passage and what you gained from it - or Him in My Life - a particular event when you felt God speaking to you. Write your own post, sign Mr. Linky, and come encourage others while you are encouraged in your spiritual journey. Feel free to grab the badges on my sidebar.

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Last Monday, I attended our staff meeting at church. Hubby usually attends for us, but he was in the midst of finishing a research paper, two short discussion posts, and two final exams for his masters program.

Before the meeting even began, our rector asked me if anyone from the Tuesday Bible study had asked me about stepping in to lead their group. No, I replied, but funny that you should bring that up.

I know that one of my spiritual gifts is teaching. I love to teach Bible studies! But I had made myself a promise before Ladybug was born that I wouldn't take on any additional ministry roles during her first year. I would only do music ministry with Hubby and the praise team.

But I've been feeling a bit restless lately. I want to... to... do something more.... But I didn't know what that would look like.

Ironically, just when I am feeling the most undisciplined in the area of spiritual disciplines, God has opened an opportunity for me to lead a weekly Bible study again. I am definitely looking forward to diving into God's Word more, but I feel so "un-ready" for this assignment! Maybe that's the point.

Maybe this is (another) lesson in fully relying on the Holy Spirit and His ability to work through me. I am worried about several things, but I am trusting that these details will work themselves out.

We'll be studying the Gospel of John. I'll keep you posted!

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Daylight Savings Time

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour tonight for Daylight Savings Time!! Or you'll be an hour late for church tomorrow.

Welcome to My Blog!

Thanks to the gals at 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting the Ultimate Blog Party! And thank you for stopping by today!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Heather. I am married to Hubby (how creative, huh?), and mommy to wonderful Ladybug, who is 9 months old. We also have a daughter in heaven, Susie.

I live at "the beach." Not a native, though. Most folks at this beach are northern transplants like myself. I am a SAHM, but I have a small at-home business. My Hubby and I also lead contemporary worship at our church.

I started blogging in September 2007. One of my BFFs IRL (hi, Kaylea!) has had a blog for several years, although her's is dedicated to her photography, scrapbooking, etc. hobbies. I started clicking around, and discovered the HUGE world of mommy bloggers.

This blog is a combination of Christian inspirational posts, lots of fun stuff about our growing Ladybug, some mommy humor, and occassionaly some fashion advice. I am also hosting More of Him Monday, which is a weekly carnival in which we share how we see more of God in our lives.

I have a recipe blog as well. I post easy, healthy recipes that I use on a regular basis. It's sort of my on-line cookbook. Here are some fresh chocolate chip cookies for you to enjoy while you visit.

If you're REALLY interested in learning more about me, click here to read my 100 Things post.

Thanks for visiting! Please leave a comment so I know that you visited. I'll do my best to visit your blog before the end of the party!

Ladybug at Nine Months

Ladybug turned 9 months last Friday and had her 9 month check up today! She is still OFF the growth chart for both height and weight - 28 1/2 inches long and 30 lbs. She's healthy and happy, so we are VERY thankful! The receptionist at the pediatrician's office didn't recognize us because we only have to go in for well visits. Ladybug has only had a cold that lasted about 3 days, so no sick visits for us!

Ladybug is not crawling yet, but she is butt scooting to get around. She can pull up onto her knees and LOVES to stand as long as we'll let her (with support, of course). She has one tooth, with another on the way soon. She talks and babbles all the time, and I think she is already developing a music sense. She babbles along with her musical toys - in rhythm!

She is eating solids at both lunch and dinner now, but still loves to nurse. She gives "kissies" when asked, and will even kiss a picture of Grammy and Aunt J. when asked. She sleeps through the night most of the time, and takes about 2 naps a day. All that depends, of course, on how bad her gums are hurting!

Here is her "official" nine month pic. With Lambie of course. She wanted to roll on the bed, so this is the best shot we had. Click here to see other pictures with Lambie to see how much she's grown!

Thankful Thursday

One thing I have discovered about developing an attitude of gratitude is that I find myself mentally adding things to my thankful list during the week!

1. I am thankful for another opportunity to teach a weekly Bible study at church. It starts next week!

2. God is still stretching me and challenging me to step out of my comfort zone to trust Him more.

3. Ladybug has her 9 month check up today. (I'll post details later today.)

4. My mom is coming for Easter - just 2 weeks away!

5. God's provision - He supplies ALL that we need and more!

6. My wonderful Hubby and the fun that we have together. He has such a great sense of humor!

7. My in-laws. They really are the best in-laws a gal could ask for.

For more thankful heart, please visit Iris.

Ten on Tuesday

I found a new Tuesday group to post with. It's called Ten on Tuesday, and we are given a topic to post ten things about. Today it's Ten Favorite Drinks.

1. Water

2. Raspberry Lemonade flavored water

3. White Hot Chocolate

4. Pink Chocolate (from Mountain Mudd)

5. Coffee w/ a little Splenda and a little creamer

6. Green Tea

7. Green Tea with Antioxidants (current flavor is Strawberry)

8. Strawberry Banana Smoothie (homemade!)

9. Sierra Mist Free

10. Mug's Root Beer

Click here to see who else is playing along!

More of Him Monday

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This concept was first introduced to the blogosphere by Diana at Sunshine on my Shoulders as "a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love."

It's an opportunity to share how we see more of God working in our lives. Your post can either be Scripture Speaks - a particular Bible passage and what you gained from it - or Him in My Life - a particular event when you felt God speaking to you. Write your own post, sign Mr. Linky, and come encourage others while you are encouraged in your spiritual journey. Feel free to grab the badges on my sidebar.

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Have you ever struggled with asking God the big "why" question? Why do bad things happen to good people? I actually took a philosophy course in seminary dedicated to that very question - The Problem of Evil. It was a great course, with a great prof, but we never did answer that question!


The biggest "why" question that I have faced and continue to face is this: why do parents who obviously love and want their unborn child have to grieve the loss of that child? And along with that, why do some couples, who want a child, struggle to conceive?


What I have realized this week is that the grief of a parent over a child is never gone. While time may distance us from the date of a child's death, the grief is always there in one form or another.


Most of my regular readers have read about our first daughter Susie, who went to her heavenly home in December of 2004. She would be just over three years old now. Yet I still grieve her loss. Not as keenly as in the first year, but still I grieve.


And lately, I have seen the Lord opening doors for more ministry to others in the area of infant loss. (I define "infant loss" as miscarriage, still birth, or death of an infant.) Our primary ministry in this area continues to be Susie's Bear Hugs. We donate new teddy bears to our local hospital for parents who lose a baby after 24 weeks gestation (we had to chose a cut-off point, and chose the medically accepted age of viability).


Our local hospital has a great bereavement outreach for parents, and the teddy bears are our contribution to it. The bears are 18 inches long, just about the size of a newborn, and provides a physical being which parents can hold on to for years to come.


A second area of ministry that I see emerging is simply sharing our story. The more I share about our loss, the more God opens doors for us to share. For now, it is more conversation than anything, but I have a feeling that God has something bigger in the future. Do you know that feeling? That God is preparing us for something. I can't put my finger on it yet, but I "feel" it.


As much as I realize that additional conversations about Susie are part of reaching out to help others in their time of need, I also see that it is part of the continued process of grieving. I feel like I've been doing a lot of grieving this week.


The question of "why" is still there. But when we see all that God continues to unfold for His glory, then the urgency of having that question answered is gone. I can hold on, wait a little longer, until He calls me home. Then I know that I will understand why, and I'll see my first daughter again.


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Ten Purposes of Parenting

1. To model Jesus

2. To pray for our children daily

3. To demonstrate a life of integrity

4. To set safe and appropriate boundaries

5. To be a student of our children's world

6. To promote our children's unique interests

7. To encourage a passionate desire for truth

8. To respect their abilities and self-determination

9. To influence their beliefs, rather than control their behaviors

10. To shape their environment, because it will influence their hearts

From "Parenting without Perfection" by David Seel Jr.