12 Projects for 2013 Update

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At the end of 2012, I posted a list of 12 projects I hoped to accomplish in the New Year. I had planned to tackle one each month, and to update here as I completed them.

And then this pregnancy and my hypothyroidism knocked me flat over. So come May, there I was, nearly half way through the year.... and I realized that I hadn't accomplished even one. Ouch!

These were my intended projects:

1. Make homemade deodorant. 
2. Go shampoo and conditioner free. 
3. Try the Oil-Cleansing Method of face wash. 
4. Learn how to knit.
5. Make homemade vanilla extract. 
6. Try Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a day. 
7. Soaked grain recipes (utilizing Trina Holden's ebook, Real Fast Food).
8. Make a scrapbook of our engagement photos (someone gave me the perfect book and paper for them years ago, yet its sat collecting dust on my shelf!).
9. Print and organize our family photos.
10. Put together a wedding album (yes, I've been married for nearly five years and don't have one yet).
11. Publish an ebook with my daughter's birth and NICU story.
12. Sew a curtain for S's room. 

Once I was put on bed rest, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to go into overdrive on the more sedentary tasks. Since I'm officially off of bed rest as of this week, I'm looking forward to trying a few that require me to be on my feet. Nothing too strenuous, of course ;). 

I'm not sure that I will get all 12 done this year, but I have been making progress! Several are completed, and another several are in the works. Over the next few weeks I hope to {Lord willing} share what I've done, how each project went, and lessons learned along the way. Stay tuned! 

Do you make yearly goals? If so, how are you doing with them, now that we are thick in the middle of it? What new projects have you tried recently?

Monday's Resolution {Speaking Truth}

We are picking apart Jonathan Edward's 70 Resolutions, one week and one resolution at a time. Don't forget to start where he did- "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake."

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34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

Recently a very good in-real-life friend gave birth to her second child. She and her husband named their daughter "Verity". While not in common use today, "verity" means "truth." It was a name used by the Puritans, a group of believers who valued God's Truth. 

Christians by nature {ought to} value TRUTH. We believe that there is only one True God, one True Savior, His Son Jesus Christ, and that He has spoken absolute truth to us through His Word. We are commanded to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), and to delight in the Word of Truth.

While we are committed to truth in theory, and cling to the truths of doctrines and directives, are we equally committed to truth in our speech?

Speaking the pure and simple truth is so much more than simply not lying.

Pure= clean, uncontaminated, spotless.

Simple= unadorned, not doctored, not exaggerated. 

While we might be able to refrain from outright lying most of the time {though even there I confess I've stumbled, sinner that I am}, do we add little touches to our stories, to paint them in a nicer light or to better suit our purposes?

Do I allow my prejudices and just plain old sinfulness to color my words? Instead of just stating the facts, do I assume to know the hearts of the people involved, and sinfully read into their motives? 

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." 
Proverbs 10:19

This verse has pierced my heart so many times. I need to remember to keep it simple, keep it pure, keep it true... and then to keep quiet. 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

On Preparing for Marriage

Today I am interrupting our usual Monday posting from Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions to participate with a group of lady bloggers, headed by Wholesome Womanhood. One of Carrie and Melinda's readers recently sent the following questions, and they thought it would be beneficial if  a handful of women with different perspectives answered. Be sure to check out the responses of the other participating bloggers!

The Question: How did you transition between singleness and marriage? Was it difficult? Were there some things about marriage that surprised you?

Marriage for Niall and I was a relatively smooth transition. By the grace of God, it was an extremely natural progression and the best next step in our relationship.

I don't say this to boast, nor do I say it to discourage women whose marriage transition proved to be more difficult. I say it because lots of people throw a negative spin on marriage, and would have every engaged couple believe that the first year is incredibly, almost unbearably, difficult. Dear single sisters, it doesn't have to be that way! 

Marriage is a wonderful, beautiful gift from God. I thoroughly enjoyed life as a newlywed! 

Now that I've gotten that out there, I will say this: each year has only gotten better. As much as I loved the first year, it was probably our worst, comparatively speaking :). I'm not saying that it was bad, the early days just weren't nearly as good as our marriage is now.

We immensely enjoyed being able to spend so much uninterrupted one-on-one time together. Setting up our own little home, developing daily routines and structure, and creating new traditions together was a blast!

One thing that did surprise me was the realization that divorce could be so easy. I'd always grieved and wondered how a couple's relationship could slide down to dissolution. While divorce still grieves me, I think I understand it a little more now. If you don't tend to the little things- little conflicts, little disagreements, little habits or actions that drive you nuts- they can build up and fester, becoming very ugly, very quickly. Open, gracious, loving and honest communication are vital. Choosing to forgive and to place your husband's needs before your own will free you from much grief and bitterness.

Another surprise was that I do actually struggle with submission! Silly me, what sinful human being doesn't? For about the first year I thought I had the submission thing down pat- I understood and agreed with it as the clear teaching of Scripture, and I let Niall make the big decisions... wasn't that all there was to it?

The Lord used a book study with my Pastor's Wife to show me how much work I desperately needed in this area! Submission is an attitude- a willing yielding of my own preferences and desires to those of my husband's. Oftentimes I want to manipulate a situation to go my way. Or I fuss, pout and fume {internally or externally, depending on the moment} when things don't go my way. The Lord is still sanctifying me in this area- aren't we all works in progress?

The final thing I'd like to say is that being committed to a local church where the Word of God is clearly and constantly preached, and where mature believers actively engage in your life {encouraging, exhorting, and correcting}, will be a huge game changer for your marriage. Niall and I have been immensely blessed, and seen great improvements in our marriage, as a direct result of our local church. It has been God's grace to us, I know we would not enjoy the relationship we have today without that precious group of believers!

How would you answer this reader's questions? 

Books from Bed Rest

One of the beautiful parts of bed rest is the extra time it allows me to read.

Now, granted, as the mother of a toddler I have less time to read on bed rest this time around than I did when I was expecting my first. Even though I'm not getting up or taking care of her, from my perch on the couch I read many board books, color with crayons, shout commands, and observe her rambunctiousness from afar. I'm also chatting with my mom all day, who is taking care of S.

Still, I'm making the effort and finding it easier to squeeze extra reading into the cracks and crevices of my days. It is delightful! Here's what I've been enjoying lately:

For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. The grown daughter of Francis Schaeffer explores Charlotte Mason's incredibly sensible and lovely approach to education. I am really loving the read, feeling very inspired as a mother and future home educator.

My one criticism {so far} is that both the author and Charlotte Mason seem to place a little too much trust in the natural goodness of children. While she discusses sin and the fall, I wish that a stronger sense of the total depravity of man governed her work. As long as its taken with a grain of salt, however, there is much benefit to be gleaned from this book!

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. I'm continuing to make my way through this soundly Biblical and challenging devotional. A collection of short pieces {1-3 pages each} from her newsletters, I read three or four sections a day. I am always astounded by this godly woman's insights into the Christian life!

Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe. One of my goals as a lover of literature is to always be reading through classic novels. From the author of Robinson Crusoe, this work is a little gloomy and dark, following the exploits of a fallen woman and her eventual road to redemption. Maybe a third of the way through, I'm still not sure what I think of it. Have you read it? What were your impressions? I'd love to know!

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. This is one of those books that I believe every Christian parent ought to read! Over the last several years, I've been realizing the important role the gospel plays in my daily understanding, sanctification, and life as a believer. I still need to grow immensely in this area, for sure. Give Them Grace has shown me how vital it is for me to be a woman of grace as I seek to share the gospel of grace with my children.

The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth by Dr. William and Martha Sears. A very natural friendly, yet balanced look at all of a woman's birth options. In our area there are unfortunately few options for expectant mamas- we have one hospital with a neonatal ward, and the two practices of doctors that deliver there are far from being natural childbirth proponents. My high risk status makes me ineligible for a home birth, so my best bet as a natural loving mama is to read up as much as possible, be a gracious yet firm advocate for myself as a patient, and trust the rest to the Lord!

This book has been helpful as I seek to understand the pros and cons of various interventions, different philosophies of birthing,  and how to navigate the medical system. Highly recommend for its informative and balanced perspective!

So that's how I've been filling my days lately. What have you been reading? Any good recommendations to share?

Monday's Resolution {Preserving Peace}

We are picking apart Jonathan Edward's 70 Resolutions, one week and one resolution at a time. Don't forget to start where he did- "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake."

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33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing, and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. 

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

We all long for peace. In our hectic, loud, and sin-torn world, peace is a rare gem to be treasured.

As a Christian homemaker, I especially long to keep our home a refuge of peace for my family and anyone else who makes their way through the door. What can I do to make, maintain, establish, and preserve peace?

A few practical ideas:


Speech. "A soft answer turns away wrath" Proverbs 15:1b. Oftentimes conflicts are created by our words- we snap, speak without thinking, or respond rudely to one another. Lately I've been thinking a lot about my tone. What is the sound of my voice communicating to my daughter? To my husband? Love, respect, patience, joy? Do I startle or scare them? Or is my tone speaking delight in them, and a desire to fellowship with them? Only the perfect man has a totally tamed tongue {James 3:2}, and we know that only Christ is a perfect man... there will always be room for improvement in this category!

Service. I create a home of peace when I seek to meet the needs of others first. "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?" James 4:1. When I lay aside my selfish interests to meet the needs or desires of another, they will be blessed, and peace will reign. 

Simplifying. Just keeping life simple, from my schedule to the amount of possessions in my home, can remove stress and bring clarity. My husband likes a clean and orderly home. So do I! It is much easier for us to think, rest, and communicate when these externals are cared for. Members in a family fulfilling their roles and responsibilities can cause peace to flourish.

How do you promote peace in your home and abroad? 

Overcoming Fear in Pregnancy {When Fears Are Realized}

It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining, S asleep in the back seat. My only care in the world was beating the construction traffic to make it to my appointment on time. Five minutes late, I stumbled into the waiting room, stroller in tow.

During the internal ultrasound I felt a little more discomfort than usual. The tech seemed to be pausing longer, taking more pictures, applying more pressure. It was different than previous checks.

The doctor came in, smiling, then cut to the chase. My cervix had shortened a full centimeter since my last check. It was a little early for it to be shortening, and though we weren't quite in the danger zone yet, she had reason to be concerned. I needed to take it as easy as possible over the weekend, and come back early next week for a recheck.

She also told me to line up child care plans, because hospitalized bed rest might be a real possibility.

By some miracle, I was able to maintain composure as I listened, nodded, asked questions... checked out at the desk, scheduled my appointment...

But as soon as I stepped out into the sun, such a delight only 30 minutes before, the tears started to burn and spill over. I packed up the stroller and buckled in the baby as my body started heaving with sobs from the bottom of this preemie mama's soul.

Again, Lord?

Painful memories and frightening possibilities flickered like film reel through my mind: Another micro preemie? The 28 weeker who died during our daughter's NICU stay. The friends who lost their son at 24 weeks because his lungs just weren't ready. Leaving my daughter for the discomforts of hospitalized bed rest? Magnesium sulphate pumping like sludge through my veins. Catheters. Another c-section? Once again having to forgo dreams of normal breastfeeding for the pump?

I couldn't allow myself to dwell on any of them. In the first place, who knew if any of them would even happen? Secondly, it was just too painful.

I believe God is sovereign. I believe He is good. And I believe He has a plan, set before the foundations of the world, for me and this pregnancy.

Despite all of this, I also know that sometimes the plan is hard. Sometimes life, while being very good, is also devastatingly painful. And while I was (and am) willing to walk with Him through that, there was still a deep level of grief to be reckoned with.

Since that day one month ago, we've had a few more scares, a few close calls, and more restrictions. Bed rest certainly wasn't a part of my ideal plan- but I am home, still pregnant, and thankful to see the many evidences of His kind Providence even from my couch. He has slowly prepared us for each step along the way, holding our hands, meeting each need, showing us so much grace.

A handful of Scriptures have been comforting me lately, but there is one in particular I'd like to share:

"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Psalm 50:14-15

In this season, I am trying to...

Offer thanksgiving. Even when it is a sacrifice, and life is hard, I am trying to give thanks and be content, remembering His ABUNDANT goodness and loving kindness.

Perform my vows. Walking in obedience to His Word, resting in the calling He has placed on my life for today.

Call upon Him. Casting all of my anxieties on Him, because He cares for me.

Remembering that...

He will deliver me!

My Mom is in town to help while I'm on bed rest- celebrating 31 weeks!

And, He has given His people the unique and undeserved opportunity of glorifying Himself. All I have to do is call upon Him? And not only will He answer, He will allow me to glorify Him? This is precious, dear sisters.

So here I am, just waiting on the Lord... wondering what He has for me and my boy. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement- you are a blessing to me! And praise the LORD, tomorrow makes 32 weeks! I am so thankful for the way He has sustained this pregnancy thus far <3.

Monday's Resolution {Faithful to my Trust}

We are picking apart Jonathan Edward's 70 Resolutions, one week and one resolution at a time. Don't forget to start where he did- "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake."

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32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Proverbs 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not partly be filled in me.

Faithfulness. Consistency. Perseverance. Endurance.

These are the hard parts of the Christian life. It is so easy to start well- to set off with a burst of energy and good intentions. To finish well is far more rare.

Are you firm to your trust?

Lately I've struggled. A few unexpected bills, this uncertain pregnancy, and frustration over bed rest... and I've allowed my anxieties to crop up thick and hasty, instead of faithfully trusting the LORD who does all things well.

Beyond faithfulness in trusting Him, I want to be faithful to the calling He has placed on my life. Faithful to use the time He has given me well (even if I am stuck on the couch for now). Faithful to love, serve, and minister to my family and others He's placed around me.

How can unfaithful me manage to remain faithful? Once again the answer comes back to the Gospel:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1,2

Look to Jesus. When anxiety begins to creep and crawl over my heart, I need to look to Jesus. When I'd rather just be lazy then do what I know I ought to, I need to look to Jesus. When temptation comes calling, life seems to hard, and you just don't feel like obeying... look to Jesus.

Be encouraged: "if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself." 2 Tim. 2:13

No one is faithful all of the time- only Jesus is. When we're discouraged by our own faithlessness, we can take courage as we look to Him, and His perfect record attributed to our account.

May we be found faithful this week! May God give us grace to finish well!