Over the last few days I have been with the help of my husband going through our bedroom. We have reorganizing things, throwing things away and packing up the things we don't use...This at first seemed like a torture session rather then a good thing as in the beginning it looked as though a bomb had went off. However after several days of hard work it has paid off. I have totes lining my counter each containing very specif things. Each will be listed and labeled and packed away for future discovery.
We are not taking much with us to Canada when we go as we intend to come back within a few years. So we figure why drag all the stuff we don't use everyday with us only to have it sit in boxes and totes up there and then have to turn around and haul it all back.
I have gone through my clothes and realized how much outdated, too small, stained items I actually had and out it went. The funny thing was I had an easier time with this then my husband did. Men can be funny sometimes but he clings to his t-shirts like they are the last thing on earth...LOL.
Through all this God has been giving my heart peace and showing me that I can make good choices about things to take and things to leave...I am donating tons of books to the Rolla Book Drive which is great. Someone will at least get good use out of them. My mom will be adopting some clothes for work I hope she likes them and I found several things that belong to my brother that I will be returning to him...This blog isn't very long but I figure I would type something...I pray God's continued peace and blessing on my packing...and pray for strength as my tummy begins to over take my frame...It will happen...Just a question of when...
Elizabeth
Monday, March 17, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Oh Canada...
It has been well over a year since the last time I posted on my blog but I will start being more diligent at it as it may be one of the only ways for people to know what is going on in my life once we have moved...Yes moved.
Last fall we went to Ontario to visit my brother-in-law Josh and his family. Upon going we had no desire to move however once we got there things began to change. God began to work in our hearts about going to Canada for awhile. Ok you are probably wondering "How can two American's move to Canada legally?" Well it would be difficult however my husband is a half breed. LOL He was born in Killarney, Manitoba in June 1977. His parents at the time did not have medical insurance and as it is today it is far less expensive to have child in Canada then it is in the states. So this enables my husband to live and work in Canada as much as he wants.
When Nathan and I got home from Ontario last October we both felt that we were to move to Canada. However there were things that needed to happen first. Nathan needed a job offer of some kind, we wanted to be free of debt, and we wanted to feel absolute peace about the move. Just as in all things God threw us a curve ball.
At the beginning of January Nate and I discovered we were having another baby...I am currently 14.6 weeks pregnant with what will be our last baby. This of course caused us to pause and pray more about this potential move. What did this mean? Was the move still a good idea. Nate still hadn't found a job or anything but in all things God will provide. (As a side note. NO ONE in Canada knew we were even considering moving up there. We had only really shared this information with Nile and Leona so they could be praying as well.)
Shortly before my birthday in January Nathan got a call from a company in Alliston Ontario called 3rd Day Construction offering him an open ended job whenever he was available to come. We felt like this was the answer to prayer we were looking for, but Nate needed more info so he went to Ontario in February and met with Chris the owner and operator of the company to discuss details and to get somethings rolling. While he was away doing that I was busy looking into what would be available to me in regards to having this baby in Canada. I was led to the many Midwifery services they have up there. The first one I looked into was booked for September deliveries and put me on a waiting list. The second accepted me as a patient. So while I will be doctoring with a Midwife and delivering with a Midwife I will deliver in a Hospital in either Shelburne or Orangeville.
For the record we will be debt free before we leave the States PRAISE JESUS. So as of May 1st of this year we will be Residents of Alliston, Ontario. We are excited to see what God has for us and we will of course be in contact with everyone so they know what is up with us and our family. I may not be on Facebook much but watch my Blog Posts so you can see what's up. In the meantime Keep us in your prayers as we embark on this journey that God has for us.
We love you all so very much. If you have questions for us please feel free to ask we are not hiding anything and desire nothing more the support and love of our families.
Elizabeth...
Last fall we went to Ontario to visit my brother-in-law Josh and his family. Upon going we had no desire to move however once we got there things began to change. God began to work in our hearts about going to Canada for awhile. Ok you are probably wondering "How can two American's move to Canada legally?" Well it would be difficult however my husband is a half breed. LOL He was born in Killarney, Manitoba in June 1977. His parents at the time did not have medical insurance and as it is today it is far less expensive to have child in Canada then it is in the states. So this enables my husband to live and work in Canada as much as he wants.
When Nathan and I got home from Ontario last October we both felt that we were to move to Canada. However there were things that needed to happen first. Nathan needed a job offer of some kind, we wanted to be free of debt, and we wanted to feel absolute peace about the move. Just as in all things God threw us a curve ball.
At the beginning of January Nate and I discovered we were having another baby...I am currently 14.6 weeks pregnant with what will be our last baby. This of course caused us to pause and pray more about this potential move. What did this mean? Was the move still a good idea. Nate still hadn't found a job or anything but in all things God will provide. (As a side note. NO ONE in Canada knew we were even considering moving up there. We had only really shared this information with Nile and Leona so they could be praying as well.)
Shortly before my birthday in January Nathan got a call from a company in Alliston Ontario called 3rd Day Construction offering him an open ended job whenever he was available to come. We felt like this was the answer to prayer we were looking for, but Nate needed more info so he went to Ontario in February and met with Chris the owner and operator of the company to discuss details and to get somethings rolling. While he was away doing that I was busy looking into what would be available to me in regards to having this baby in Canada. I was led to the many Midwifery services they have up there. The first one I looked into was booked for September deliveries and put me on a waiting list. The second accepted me as a patient. So while I will be doctoring with a Midwife and delivering with a Midwife I will deliver in a Hospital in either Shelburne or Orangeville.
For the record we will be debt free before we leave the States PRAISE JESUS. So as of May 1st of this year we will be Residents of Alliston, Ontario. We are excited to see what God has for us and we will of course be in contact with everyone so they know what is up with us and our family. I may not be on Facebook much but watch my Blog Posts so you can see what's up. In the meantime Keep us in your prayers as we embark on this journey that God has for us.
We love you all so very much. If you have questions for us please feel free to ask we are not hiding anything and desire nothing more the support and love of our families.
Elizabeth...
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
My Article!!
Hey all I am sorry it has been a while since I last blogged and you have been so patient to wait for my article!! Thank you. As a note to those reading it you should know that I have made one or two small changes in reguards to the content. The biggest one is the spelling of Caleb's name which was mispelled in the article. The other is when the time of Holy Peace occured. Which was days after Caleb died not 6 weeks. Thank you for your continued love and support. GOD BLESS AND ENJOY!!
Finding "Holy Peace"
After Loss of child, family presses on with life
By Jason Nordmark of the Star
When Caleb Yoder stopped moving his mother Elizabeth knew something was wrong.
He was usually active but on this day, so Elizabeth called the clinic right away. When they got there the doctors could not find a heartbeat. Caleb had died before he had a chance to be born.
Immediately Elizabeth was faced with delivering Caleb, but she was still numb from the news of his death. "My body went into shock. My temperature fell and then rose." Elizabeth Said. "I was fortunate that the first nurse I met on the L and D floor had experienced the same thing many years before. She helped me start to come to terms with it. She told me my baby was gone and that I would still be delivering him. She told me he would not cry and he would not wake up."
LIFE LOST
As harsh as Elizabeth's news was that spring morning more then 2 years ago her situation is not all that uncommon to the local area. Rolette County's Infant Mortality Rate which is the number of deaths in infants under 1 year per 1000 live births is twice the national average.
More then 26,000 babies are stillborn in the United States each year. That translates to about 71 per day. Closer to home for every 1000 live births 7-14 die.
One in 200 American Pregnancies end in Stillbirth and almost 50% of these deaths occur at or near term and often seem to be healthy babies otherwise.
That was case with Elizabeth. She said "everything was perfect until that day". She already had two healthy children and was following a regimen that eliminated risk factors.
"I took very, very good care of myself," Elizabeth Said.
Soon after teh stillbirth of Caleb, however Elizabeth and her husband Nathan were faced with the mental anguish that comes with losing a child. One of the symptoms was common among mothers who have gone through this experience.
"It's called empty Arms Syndrome," Elizabeth explained, "My arms physically ached to hold my baby, but there was nothing to hold."
The Yoders were living in Wisconsin at the time of Caleb's Stillbirth. They have since returned to the area settling in the country northwest of Belcourt. Nathan works in Dunseith and Elizabeth is a stay home mom.
Elizabeth said both her family and Nathan's family traveled great distances on the day of Calebs birth to help support the couple. In addition the husband and wife drew from their religious faith to help them get through the ordeal of losing a child.
"It was because of this that we were able to get through," Elizabeth said, "Neither of us fell apart. We couldn't. It hurt and it still does but we had two little boys at home that needed us."
The couple leaned on each other and Elizabeth credits her husband for providing the emotional support she needed.
"I know that couples who go through this struggle. They play the blame game," Elizabeth Said. "We didn't do that to eachother. Nathan never made me feel like I did anything wrong."
The importance of that is reflected in national statistics related to married couples and stillborn babies. Around 80% of married couples who have to endure the death of a child get divorced.
The Yoders continued to maintain that strong faith even as they faced going home without their baby.
"The first few days were really hard," Elizabeth Said "We had to take down the crib and put away the baby clothes. I know some people keep it up so that they have a place to go and be with the memory of thier baby."
After a few days Elizabeth said she experienced a kind of "Holy Peace" which lasted about 6 weeks. Prior to that she sat down many times and cried in search of a reason.
Then, we just knew that God had his hand on it," Elizabeth said "My husband was given a bible verse(Isaiah 51:6) and felt that God was telling that he was in control even if it hurt and that we would see Caleb again someday. And we truly believe that."
The Yoders also had the added pain of explaining the situation to thier children. Jonathan who was 6 was anxiously awating another little brother. Elizabeth remembers the moment precisely.
"He looked up at me with his big brown eyes and asked, 'is the baby dead?' When I said 'yes' he cried." Elizabeth said, "Children understand, and parents need to help them through it. They hurt too."
LIFE SUPPORT
A program in place at the Wisconsin hospital where Caleb was born helped with their loss. NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP offers free remberance photography to parents dealing with the loss of a child. The Yoders have a picture of Caleb who looks like he is in typical infant slumber. Today the portrait is in a Bible next to their son's ink footprints. Elizabeth and Nathan read books to each other and to their children about their loss.
All this along with journal writing and joing a support group have catapulted Elizabeth into a sort of Advocates role for families dealing with infant deaths.
"No one really wants to talk about Infant Mortality," Elizabeth said " I want to put a face to it. It's important."
One of the frustrating aspects Elizabeth has encountered in this process deals with simpl recognition. She said many people don't validate the existence of babies that don't live outside the womb.
"Some people say 'oh you can have another child' or 'well it wasn't really a person'," Elizabeth Said. "People will always ask 'What did you do?' which makes us as moms feel worse. We all go through that, but for 50% of stillborn babies there is no reason. It's just something that happens."
Elizabeth has found solace in online support groups and would love to see a local group get started, saying that the bonding experienced by women of this shared tragedy is not only satisfying but sometimes essential.
"It helps if you get together and physically hug someone who understands what it's like to go through this," Elizabeth said. "You have to embrace your grief. Don't bottle it up and pretend it never happened. If you do, you'll eventually collapse."
Elizabeth said she doesn't dwell on Caleb's death and considers it another part of her life.
"I can appreciate, understand and relate to others," she said. "My desire is to reach out to other women who need support, and maybe, in the future, bring this issue to light."
A NEW LIFE
The Yoders did press on after their loss, eventually ending up back in Rolette County. They also ended up expecting another baby.
Elizabeth's pregnancy was now considered high risk and she encountered a lot of testing during the days leading up to her due date. Her previous experience not only caused anxiety for her but for the entire family.
"I was paranoid and hyper-vigilant," Elizabeth said. "My experience had also taken the innocence out of all my relatives pregnancies."
As the due date arrived Elizabeth recalled walking around the L and D floor with her husband. The pain of the past rushed back as they walked by the nursery.
"Nathan saw all those empty baskets and he almost collapsed," Elizabeth said. "It reminded him of the empty baby basket we had to bring home."
A few hours later, Rebekah Yoder came into the world. The nurse gave her to Elizabeth. Mom and Daughter both burst into tears.
"She was so precious. I had a new understanding and appreciation for a new baby," Elizabeth said "When you lose a baby, it takes a piece of you with it. When we had Beks, I knew this really was a miracle that people take for granted."
Caleb lives on in the Yoders' hearts and minds, Elizabeth said sometimes difficult during the holidays but she doesn't dwell on her sons death. "It's a part of our life," Elizabeth said "We embraced our faith and that helped us get through it."
I would like to thank Jason for writing this story for us. It was beautifully done. I would also like to thank everyone who supported Nathan and I in April of 2010. God Bless you so much!!!
Finding "Holy Peace"
After Loss of child, family presses on with life
By Jason Nordmark of the Star
When Caleb Yoder stopped moving his mother Elizabeth knew something was wrong.
He was usually active but on this day, so Elizabeth called the clinic right away. When they got there the doctors could not find a heartbeat. Caleb had died before he had a chance to be born.
Immediately Elizabeth was faced with delivering Caleb, but she was still numb from the news of his death. "My body went into shock. My temperature fell and then rose." Elizabeth Said. "I was fortunate that the first nurse I met on the L and D floor had experienced the same thing many years before. She helped me start to come to terms with it. She told me my baby was gone and that I would still be delivering him. She told me he would not cry and he would not wake up."
LIFE LOST
As harsh as Elizabeth's news was that spring morning more then 2 years ago her situation is not all that uncommon to the local area. Rolette County's Infant Mortality Rate which is the number of deaths in infants under 1 year per 1000 live births is twice the national average.
More then 26,000 babies are stillborn in the United States each year. That translates to about 71 per day. Closer to home for every 1000 live births 7-14 die.
One in 200 American Pregnancies end in Stillbirth and almost 50% of these deaths occur at or near term and often seem to be healthy babies otherwise.
That was case with Elizabeth. She said "everything was perfect until that day". She already had two healthy children and was following a regimen that eliminated risk factors.
"I took very, very good care of myself," Elizabeth Said.
Soon after teh stillbirth of Caleb, however Elizabeth and her husband Nathan were faced with the mental anguish that comes with losing a child. One of the symptoms was common among mothers who have gone through this experience.
"It's called empty Arms Syndrome," Elizabeth explained, "My arms physically ached to hold my baby, but there was nothing to hold."
The Yoders were living in Wisconsin at the time of Caleb's Stillbirth. They have since returned to the area settling in the country northwest of Belcourt. Nathan works in Dunseith and Elizabeth is a stay home mom.
Elizabeth said both her family and Nathan's family traveled great distances on the day of Calebs birth to help support the couple. In addition the husband and wife drew from their religious faith to help them get through the ordeal of losing a child.
"It was because of this that we were able to get through," Elizabeth said, "Neither of us fell apart. We couldn't. It hurt and it still does but we had two little boys at home that needed us."
The couple leaned on each other and Elizabeth credits her husband for providing the emotional support she needed.
"I know that couples who go through this struggle. They play the blame game," Elizabeth Said. "We didn't do that to eachother. Nathan never made me feel like I did anything wrong."
The importance of that is reflected in national statistics related to married couples and stillborn babies. Around 80% of married couples who have to endure the death of a child get divorced.
The Yoders continued to maintain that strong faith even as they faced going home without their baby.
"The first few days were really hard," Elizabeth Said "We had to take down the crib and put away the baby clothes. I know some people keep it up so that they have a place to go and be with the memory of thier baby."
After a few days Elizabeth said she experienced a kind of "Holy Peace" which lasted about 6 weeks. Prior to that she sat down many times and cried in search of a reason.
Then, we just knew that God had his hand on it," Elizabeth said "My husband was given a bible verse(Isaiah 51:6) and felt that God was telling that he was in control even if it hurt and that we would see Caleb again someday. And we truly believe that."
The Yoders also had the added pain of explaining the situation to thier children. Jonathan who was 6 was anxiously awating another little brother. Elizabeth remembers the moment precisely.
"He looked up at me with his big brown eyes and asked, 'is the baby dead?' When I said 'yes' he cried." Elizabeth said, "Children understand, and parents need to help them through it. They hurt too."
LIFE SUPPORT
A program in place at the Wisconsin hospital where Caleb was born helped with their loss. NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP offers free remberance photography to parents dealing with the loss of a child. The Yoders have a picture of Caleb who looks like he is in typical infant slumber. Today the portrait is in a Bible next to their son's ink footprints. Elizabeth and Nathan read books to each other and to their children about their loss.
All this along with journal writing and joing a support group have catapulted Elizabeth into a sort of Advocates role for families dealing with infant deaths.
"No one really wants to talk about Infant Mortality," Elizabeth said " I want to put a face to it. It's important."
One of the frustrating aspects Elizabeth has encountered in this process deals with simpl recognition. She said many people don't validate the existence of babies that don't live outside the womb.
"Some people say 'oh you can have another child' or 'well it wasn't really a person'," Elizabeth Said. "People will always ask 'What did you do?' which makes us as moms feel worse. We all go through that, but for 50% of stillborn babies there is no reason. It's just something that happens."
Elizabeth has found solace in online support groups and would love to see a local group get started, saying that the bonding experienced by women of this shared tragedy is not only satisfying but sometimes essential.
"It helps if you get together and physically hug someone who understands what it's like to go through this," Elizabeth said. "You have to embrace your grief. Don't bottle it up and pretend it never happened. If you do, you'll eventually collapse."
Elizabeth said she doesn't dwell on Caleb's death and considers it another part of her life.
"I can appreciate, understand and relate to others," she said. "My desire is to reach out to other women who need support, and maybe, in the future, bring this issue to light."
A NEW LIFE
The Yoders did press on after their loss, eventually ending up back in Rolette County. They also ended up expecting another baby.
Elizabeth's pregnancy was now considered high risk and she encountered a lot of testing during the days leading up to her due date. Her previous experience not only caused anxiety for her but for the entire family.
"I was paranoid and hyper-vigilant," Elizabeth said. "My experience had also taken the innocence out of all my relatives pregnancies."
As the due date arrived Elizabeth recalled walking around the L and D floor with her husband. The pain of the past rushed back as they walked by the nursery.
"Nathan saw all those empty baskets and he almost collapsed," Elizabeth said. "It reminded him of the empty baby basket we had to bring home."
A few hours later, Rebekah Yoder came into the world. The nurse gave her to Elizabeth. Mom and Daughter both burst into tears.
"She was so precious. I had a new understanding and appreciation for a new baby," Elizabeth said "When you lose a baby, it takes a piece of you with it. When we had Beks, I knew this really was a miracle that people take for granted."
Caleb lives on in the Yoders' hearts and minds, Elizabeth said sometimes difficult during the holidays but she doesn't dwell on her sons death. "It's a part of our life," Elizabeth said "We embraced our faith and that helped us get through it."
I would like to thank Jason for writing this story for us. It was beautifully done. I would also like to thank everyone who supported Nathan and I in April of 2010. God Bless you so much!!!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Work it out...
Hello friends and bloggers...
I have decided that I am really not all that great at being a blogger at the moment. Mostly because I do not have internet at my home yet...I know we have been here for 3 months and no internet...C'est La Vie...
To go along with the title of my blog today I am talking about Working out... I began going to the local wellness center two weeks ago with a friend and man do I feel better. I go 3 times a week and I feel great. Mom's you need to try this for stress relief...The treadmill is a great way to Run or Walk of your stress. And BONUS working out gives you more energy. I have not figured the logic here but it is the truth. I will keep you all informed on my progress and tell you how it is going. Today I intend to get real with you all about myself and my Stats in the hopes that as I progress you will be encouraged.
Weight 208lbs...UGH Fat Cow...
Waist line 39inchs post baby pouch
Self esteem~ In the toilet...
Encouragement level...well...
No worries though I have a great gym partner and together we are going to make ourselves healthy!!
My diet of choice is the Belly Fat Diet...14 day challenge starts Monday!!
A girls best friend...Whey protein Iced Lattes made with stevia!!
Remember to...DRINK WATER!!!
Wish me luck!!
I have decided that I am really not all that great at being a blogger at the moment. Mostly because I do not have internet at my home yet...I know we have been here for 3 months and no internet...C'est La Vie...
To go along with the title of my blog today I am talking about Working out... I began going to the local wellness center two weeks ago with a friend and man do I feel better. I go 3 times a week and I feel great. Mom's you need to try this for stress relief...The treadmill is a great way to Run or Walk of your stress. And BONUS working out gives you more energy. I have not figured the logic here but it is the truth. I will keep you all informed on my progress and tell you how it is going. Today I intend to get real with you all about myself and my Stats in the hopes that as I progress you will be encouraged.
Weight 208lbs...UGH Fat Cow...
Waist line 39inchs post baby pouch
Self esteem~ In the toilet...
Encouragement level...well...
No worries though I have a great gym partner and together we are going to make ourselves healthy!!
My diet of choice is the Belly Fat Diet...14 day challenge starts Monday!!
A girls best friend...Whey protein Iced Lattes made with stevia!!
Remember to...DRINK WATER!!!
Wish me luck!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
North Dakota...the hidden beauty...
Many of my friends and family have wondered why of all places would I move back to North Dakota. No worries I have asked myself this very question more then once before we left Wisconsin. I mean I lived here once before and that didn't go very well. I was unhappy I felt isolated, lonely and just plan out sad all the time. Even though I lived only 4 hours from my family I didn't see much of them and my very best friend lived 8 hours away so I never saw her...
So what is the draw you ask?? PEACE...In the past few years every time Nathan and I have come home to NoDak I have found peace. The setting is ideal. I know from first glance everyone assumes that NoDak is FLAT and well it is...in the middle and southern part of the state. However you get next to the Canadian Border where we live and there are hills and trees and lakes and natural earthly beauty. I have taken a few walks up in the bush since moving back and when you are surrounded by the loveliness of God's Creation and there isn't another sound in the world except your footsteps and your breath...There is peace. Sweet wonderful peace...
NOW MY ADVICE COLUMN!!!
Todays Product feature is ACURE ORGANICS
I found these products at this little shop in Rolla, NoDak.
They have face and hair products as well as lotions and and the wonderful thing called ARGON OIL.
They are free of all chemicals and have all natural fragrances. I love them and good news 5% of the proceeds go to help Breast Cancer Awareness!!
Today's activity for Pregnant Women...KICK COUNTS!!
It is shocking to me that most women do not even know what this is. It is a way to see if your baby has normal activity in the womb. You drink something cold or eat something sweet and then lay on your left side and count your baby's movements starting about 28 weeks but you can start as early as 24 weeks.
Each baby and every pregnancy is different. Understanding that babies have sleep cycles can alleviate mothers' anxiety toward kick counting. In general , healthy babies should complete ten movements within two hours and most babies achieve this in less than 15 minutes. The healthcare provider should be alerted immediately of changes in the baby's normal pattern or if the baby takes more than two hours to complete ten movements.
LOTS OF LOVE FROM NODAK!!!
So what is the draw you ask?? PEACE...In the past few years every time Nathan and I have come home to NoDak I have found peace. The setting is ideal. I know from first glance everyone assumes that NoDak is FLAT and well it is...in the middle and southern part of the state. However you get next to the Canadian Border where we live and there are hills and trees and lakes and natural earthly beauty. I have taken a few walks up in the bush since moving back and when you are surrounded by the loveliness of God's Creation and there isn't another sound in the world except your footsteps and your breath...There is peace. Sweet wonderful peace...
NOW MY ADVICE COLUMN!!!
Todays Product feature is ACURE ORGANICS
I found these products at this little shop in Rolla, NoDak.
They have face and hair products as well as lotions and and the wonderful thing called ARGON OIL.
They are free of all chemicals and have all natural fragrances. I love them and good news 5% of the proceeds go to help Breast Cancer Awareness!!
Today's activity for Pregnant Women...KICK COUNTS!!
It is shocking to me that most women do not even know what this is. It is a way to see if your baby has normal activity in the womb. You drink something cold or eat something sweet and then lay on your left side and count your baby's movements starting about 28 weeks but you can start as early as 24 weeks.
Each baby and every pregnancy is different. Understanding that babies have sleep cycles can alleviate mothers' anxiety toward kick counting. In general , healthy babies should complete ten movements within two hours and most babies achieve this in less than 15 minutes. The healthcare provider should be alerted immediately of changes in the baby's normal pattern or if the baby takes more than two hours to complete ten movements.
LOTS OF LOVE FROM NODAK!!!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Mary or Martha???
So today I cleaned my kitchen I mean cleaned it. Inside cupboards, scrubbed the nooks and crannies and reorganized. This was quite a needed effort because bless my husband dearly when he unpacked stuff he just kind of threw it in cupboards so I needed to go after him and fix it. As I was working I meditated on the story of Martha and Mary. If you are not aquainted with it it is the story of two sisters who get a visit from Jesus and his disciples found in the Gospel of Luke.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So as I contemplated this I considered am I a Martha or a Mary. I am not a neat freak by any means my mother will atest to that. I am not the first person to jump up to do the dishes when we have company I enjoy the time at the table visiting. I don't have to have my whole house absolutely spotless before I go to bed. All that being said. My house is tidy and my bathroom is clean. I have gotten better at this cleaning and organzing thing as I have gotten older which is rather ironic because I have more children.
I do however take the time to be with Jesus. Even if only for a few moments a day. Because what does it matter how perfect things are on the outside if they are a mess on the inside. You could be the most neat freak person. Everything crisp clean and shiney but if you are not living the way Jesus wants you to live and spending time with him daily what does it matter?? You can not take your house, your clothes, or your stuff with you when you die. The only thing that goes with you is your spirit and the relationships you have with those around you.
So I ask you what are doing while your family or friends comes to visit?? Are you cleaning and bustling about or are you taking the time to build those relationships. I am not by any means telling you to neglect your home I am however saying that if you only have an hour to spend with your guest. Spend it with them the dishes or the laundry can wait until later. THEY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. Your family or friend may not...
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So as I contemplated this I considered am I a Martha or a Mary. I am not a neat freak by any means my mother will atest to that. I am not the first person to jump up to do the dishes when we have company I enjoy the time at the table visiting. I don't have to have my whole house absolutely spotless before I go to bed. All that being said. My house is tidy and my bathroom is clean. I have gotten better at this cleaning and organzing thing as I have gotten older which is rather ironic because I have more children.
I do however take the time to be with Jesus. Even if only for a few moments a day. Because what does it matter how perfect things are on the outside if they are a mess on the inside. You could be the most neat freak person. Everything crisp clean and shiney but if you are not living the way Jesus wants you to live and spending time with him daily what does it matter?? You can not take your house, your clothes, or your stuff with you when you die. The only thing that goes with you is your spirit and the relationships you have with those around you.
So I ask you what are doing while your family or friends comes to visit?? Are you cleaning and bustling about or are you taking the time to build those relationships. I am not by any means telling you to neglect your home I am however saying that if you only have an hour to spend with your guest. Spend it with them the dishes or the laundry can wait until later. THEY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. Your family or friend may not...
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
There's a chill in the air...
My favourite season is Autumn. It is the perfected example of God's creativity. The colorful leaves falling from the trees. The harvest of the vegetables that have grown so diligently over the summer months. It is the time that one can truely stand back and just admire...
I built a fire in the stove today...With the wood I helped cut the other day and let me tell you that cutting wood and loading it in the back of a really tall truck is a full body workout. My husband and father in law were quite impressed that I could keep up with them. Oh how I love a wood fire. Warm and cozy. I just wanted to curl on the sofa and read a book but instead I did laundry...the never ending battle of life...kind of like the dishes. They never seem to end. I also put a pan of water with mulling spices and lemon slices on the stove and the air smells of autumn. I roasted a pumpkin to make puree part of which will go into the freezer for Rebekah and the other will be used later this week to make Pumpkin Orzo. A Paula Deen Recipe which will be featured at the end of this blog. Which now reminds me I should introduce my family to anyone on here who doesn't know them.
Nathan Yoder is my husband and we have been married for 11 years. I found it interesting the other day to think about the summer we first dated and the impending engagement. Nathan gave me my ring Labor Day of 2000 but he actually proposed in June. Yes June. The end of June Nathan gave me this beautiful Necklace of Black Hills Gold and shared this wonderful story of how when he was working at Alco in Rolla, NoDak that God told him to buy it for his future wife and that he felt in his heart that he was to give it to me. I will never forget that moment. It was so sweet and wonderful it was also the first time he kissed me all the world seemed perfect in that moment. It didn't registar at that moment as proposal but now looking back years later that was what he was saying and by accepting the necklace I was giving him the answer he had hoped for. Yes...I will spend the rest of my life with you.
Jonthan is my Eldest son...He will be 9 this Novemeber and if you were to clone my husband you would get Jonathan. He really is just like his daddy. Kind and caring. Full of curiosity and sometimes stubborn. He has a heart for Jesus and the sweetest thing in the world is when he comes running to bear hug me whenever I cry...
Zechariah is our youngest son at Present he will be 5 in just a few weeks. He is creative and funny. And BLOND. I don't know where that came from. I am not blond and neither is my husband. So he got the gene from my mom...At least that is where I think it comes from. He has one speed...WIDE OPEN and he is my snuggler.
Caleb...sweet Caleb was our Angel. He was an unplanned surprise and it blessed Nathan and I when I found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately he went home to be with Jesus before he ever lived outside my womb. October is the Month that I spend remembering him and bringing attention to the fact that Stillbirth is a very real thing and effect more women then it should.
And lastly there is Rebekah...our Rainbow Baby 6 months old now. Born in the spring and just the sweetest little girl in the world. She joins the ranks of our little tribe with all the love we could possibly hold. Her brothers adore her and she is Daddy's little girl. I fondly call her Bex and most likely always will. Praise Jesus for her safe arrival into this world.
That's it I guess as far as family is concerned. If you are a friend of mine of Facebook you will notice a new album among my picture called Capture your Grief 2012 it is to share my journey through pictures of the loss of my son and remember him this month.
Enjoy the fall take a moment and whisper a prayer of thanks to our Creator for the beauty he shares with us daily. God Bless...
Pumpkin Orzo curtesy of Paula Deen of the Food Network!!
2 servings
I built a fire in the stove today...With the wood I helped cut the other day and let me tell you that cutting wood and loading it in the back of a really tall truck is a full body workout. My husband and father in law were quite impressed that I could keep up with them. Oh how I love a wood fire. Warm and cozy. I just wanted to curl on the sofa and read a book but instead I did laundry...the never ending battle of life...kind of like the dishes. They never seem to end. I also put a pan of water with mulling spices and lemon slices on the stove and the air smells of autumn. I roasted a pumpkin to make puree part of which will go into the freezer for Rebekah and the other will be used later this week to make Pumpkin Orzo. A Paula Deen Recipe which will be featured at the end of this blog. Which now reminds me I should introduce my family to anyone on here who doesn't know them.
Nathan Yoder is my husband and we have been married for 11 years. I found it interesting the other day to think about the summer we first dated and the impending engagement. Nathan gave me my ring Labor Day of 2000 but he actually proposed in June. Yes June. The end of June Nathan gave me this beautiful Necklace of Black Hills Gold and shared this wonderful story of how when he was working at Alco in Rolla, NoDak that God told him to buy it for his future wife and that he felt in his heart that he was to give it to me. I will never forget that moment. It was so sweet and wonderful it was also the first time he kissed me all the world seemed perfect in that moment. It didn't registar at that moment as proposal but now looking back years later that was what he was saying and by accepting the necklace I was giving him the answer he had hoped for. Yes...I will spend the rest of my life with you.
Jonthan is my Eldest son...He will be 9 this Novemeber and if you were to clone my husband you would get Jonathan. He really is just like his daddy. Kind and caring. Full of curiosity and sometimes stubborn. He has a heart for Jesus and the sweetest thing in the world is when he comes running to bear hug me whenever I cry...
Zechariah is our youngest son at Present he will be 5 in just a few weeks. He is creative and funny. And BLOND. I don't know where that came from. I am not blond and neither is my husband. So he got the gene from my mom...At least that is where I think it comes from. He has one speed...WIDE OPEN and he is my snuggler.
Caleb...sweet Caleb was our Angel. He was an unplanned surprise and it blessed Nathan and I when I found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately he went home to be with Jesus before he ever lived outside my womb. October is the Month that I spend remembering him and bringing attention to the fact that Stillbirth is a very real thing and effect more women then it should.
And lastly there is Rebekah...our Rainbow Baby 6 months old now. Born in the spring and just the sweetest little girl in the world. She joins the ranks of our little tribe with all the love we could possibly hold. Her brothers adore her and she is Daddy's little girl. I fondly call her Bex and most likely always will. Praise Jesus for her safe arrival into this world.
That's it I guess as far as family is concerned. If you are a friend of mine of Facebook you will notice a new album among my picture called Capture your Grief 2012 it is to share my journey through pictures of the loss of my son and remember him this month.
Enjoy the fall take a moment and whisper a prayer of thanks to our Creator for the beauty he shares with us daily. God Bless...
Pumpkin Orzo curtesy of Paula Deen of the Food Network!!
2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup orzo
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, pumpkin, butter, honey, balsamic vinegar, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-heat, then add the orzo. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
Catch you next time
LIZZIE
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