Love Letters

Today I ran. It was a great opportunity to hit the road just because I wanted to. No paper was telling me to. No training plan was telling me to. Guilt wasn't telling me to get out there.

I completed my first half marathon last weekend. I did it. It was good to work hard and accomplish a huge goal.

Being away from home, traveling through bad weather, sharing accommodations with several couples, lack of sleep, being sick, pushing myself on race day and recovery were hard. Chaos seemed to punch me in the gut over and over while I should have been enjoying victory. Instead I was just hanging on knowing peace would come as my body recovered and my mind rested.

Today as a ran (with no coaching in my earbuds) I prayed for peace. I sought rest and escape from the chaos. I found it with each stride. But it wasn't until I glanced across a lawn to find a church sign that I knew the purpose for today's recovery run.

The sign simply read
"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."

What an amazing love letter from my savior. A similar message I give my children when they are in crisis. "Relax. It's ok."

God's message to me in that time was a message of a loving Father. "BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD."

NOT... Keep at it and one day you'll figure it out.

NOT... You aren't doing it right.

NOT... What could you have done differently that would have landed you in a better place?

NOT... Wow! What a mess!!!

But a loving message that allowed me to regain perspective and realize that I am not alone. I am not the one this whole world is riding on. He is God. He is sovereign. He has a plan. I can rest in that. I don't need to worry. Because He loves me with a Father's love.

And I am thankful.

A Quest for Authenticity

So. If you are reading this, you pry know me. I wonder, though, how much of me you know. All my life I have really struggled with which parts of me to share with whom. For many of my formative years I believed very much that I lived the double-life many people spoke of. Maybe not the double life of a serial killer who lives in a suburban neighborhood whose acquaintances would have never expected they shared a property line with someone so deranged. A little more like... I started swearing as a teen and saw older kids who would use those words in front of and/or directed at their parents and I couldn't imagine showing my parents that side of me. I just wanted so badly to be approved of and found acceptable by those I most respected. It was not worth it to me to show my ugly side to everyone. As it turns out I also chose to keep my most beautiful side hidden from some as well.

In recent years I have neglected to speak too loudly or too boldly in public about my love for Jesus and the hope I find in him. Not in any way because I am ashamed of him. Its more so because I have gotten so sick and tired of seeing people profess to love Jesus and display a life that seems faultless when I know that is impossible. I know I am not perfect. I know my family is not perfect. I know my spiritual mentors are not perfect. And I know you are not perfect.

I have found that the people I feel most connected to in this life are people who are authentic. The people I respect the most are those who are clear that they don't do things the way the most holy do. Those I want to associate with don't claim live by purity standards that the church or their grandmother taught them. The ones I want to know best, the ones I want to glean wisdom from, the mentors I choose and the leaders I follow are people who, perhaps without meaning to, show me that they are imperfect and still love Jesus with all of their hearts and strive to know Him more and love Him more and show others that even though they are sinners there is a reason to strive.

Here's the thing, friends. All those words up there are for this...

I am tired of being a "chameleon personality" as I have often claimed. I am not satisfied staying safe any more. I am ready to step forward and say a few things. I want to clear some stuff up. Not so much with Jesus. He knows me for me. I have been talking this over with him for 20 years or so. But maybe there's some things my family doesn't know. Maybe there's some stuff my friends have never heard my opinion on. Maybe there's something that the holiest of holy friends have never heard me admit. Perhaps there are things that my most Jesus-defying friends have never heard me profess.

I am here, approaching 35 years old, and I am ready to say some things loudly and publicly for all who care to know. I am aware some may worry. I know some may judge. Some may lose respect for me. That's okay. I am alright with that. Mostly because of all the pieces I have recently put together about how I love those who are most authentic. I guess what I am saying is that I am at a point where I am confident it's worth clearing some things up.

So here goes nothing...

• I have been extremely skeptical about Church/Christians for the last ten years or so. I just don't want to be associated with something that isn't relevant and that isn't changing lives & offering people hope. You know sometimes Church & Christians destroy hope. Its true. And very sad. It happened to me. I was once sold out & planning a career in ministry, had more faith than I knew what to do with. Then Church/Christians (or maybe Satan) led me to question many of the things I thought were so clear. Turns out they are clear, but the fall of man changed some things.
• There are still times that I use profane language and enjoy it even though I choose my company wisely. I try not to be rebellious using offensive language around those I respect. What I mean by this is, out of respect for you, I will pry not start cussing like a sailor if I know you disapprove of those words no matter how angry or disgusted I am. I am well versed in the English language and can typically find several words to explain my stance or emotions on any given subject. There was a time when I would judge people who claimed to be Christians and couldn't reign in their tongues. Now I understand that sometimes certain words communicate more clearly, more quickly and from time to time I choose to use them.
• I love people. I really love the people I am closely related to by blood or by law. Perhaps I love them most. Its hard to say really. But the truth of the matter is I am not really good at them. I pride myself on interpersonal relationships, but I often fail my family by the world's (and sometimes by said family's) standards. I have chosen to do some things differently than people I am close to. I am aware that this causes stress in relationships and I am by nature a peacemaker so I struggle big time with this. Even still, I stand firm in my principles and often fight for what I believe to be true or right even if I can't explain it. I hate to let people down, but it happens. Often.
• I laugh at things that are funny. You may not think they are funny. That's cool. But I sometimes think random, inappropriate things are funny. I spent several years fighting against it, but fight no more. There are things that are inappropriate and funny to me. I attempt to keep the inappropriateness from affecting my theology. I am pry unsuccessful. I'm going to let Jesus keep working on that where there are areas for improvement and attempt to keep my spirit teachable.
• I am firmly rooted in my belief that we, as humans, are responsible for our actions and our responses to life. I am convinced that we choose our behaviors and because of our choices we end up with consequences that we must deal with. Sometimes we deal gracefully and sometimes we create bigger messes. I have made some decisions that have put me in over my head in many stages in life. Most of them I have been able to figure out how to deal and survive, sometimes even to thrive. I have survived difficult (sometimes abusive by some standards) relationships and feel stronger because of the experiences. I have often chosen roads that I knew were not the best roads and traveled down them just because I wanted to with no regard to standards or principles just because I could. There were plenty of times that I dealt with consequences that I didn't enjoy, but most of my life's choices I would not ever regret. I have enjoyed even the most difficult of times. Maybe because of the underlying belief that there were "footprints in the sand" or maybe just because I am a rebel. But here's the thing. I also believe that there are somethings that we can't deal with on our own. I believe firmly in the power of prayer and God's amazing ability to miraculously change any situation. However, I believe that there are some circumstances that we are unable to survive merely using spiritual techniques. There has been no amount of prayer that balanced the chemicals in my brain that allowed me to be a somewhat sane mother. It was a scary, scary decision to admit that I was not capable of handling my chosen circumstances on my own. I swallowed my pride and asked for the help of a doctor to ensure that I had the stability to mother my children in the safest way I know. Believe me. I didn't want to do it. But I also didn't like the thoughts that raced through my mind when I was overwhelmed and wanted to quit. Parents are evil sometimes. Blame it on what you want. But it's true. I was told over and over before I brought my first child home from the hospital and continually afterwords as my family grew... All parents get overwhelmed. It doesn't mean we don't love our children or that they don't add amazing things to our lives. But, seriously. What separates me from what lunatic moms have done before me? Only that I haven't taken it so far as to hurt my children. I hope never to. But I don't know for sure that I won't if I don't have help. So I accept help when it is offered. Sometimes that is the help that my amazing parents or in-laws offer, sometimes it is the help that my husband offers, sometimes it is from a miraculous break that God ordained somehow beyond my understanding and for sure every day it comes from a small pill that my doctor provides. Its not a pretty picture of an amazing mother. Its the truth of a desperate individual who wants her kids to have the life they deserve and to be treated well.
• Sub-point to the above topic... Fruity adult beverages are nice to have after a long day or during a responsibility-free evening. There. I said it. I have been really careful with this topic as alcoholism has been issue for others I know and love. I don't want an alcohol problem. I doubt anyone does. However, as I mentioned above, I am almost 35. I have reached the age of accountability and I am aware of the dangers of excess. I avoided alcohol for many years out of fear of addiction, fear of inability to make good choices, and fear of "causing my 'brother' to stumble." As an adult, I am no longer afraid of those things.
• I love Jesus with all my heart and I want nothing more to live up to my potential in Christ. I know God has a plan for me. I have known it from a very early age. Since way before I ever understood what it was to "know" God. I know that He changed me and designed me with unique gifts and talents, shortfalls and sinful nature. I want nothing more to trust him and know without a shadow of a doubt that I am allowing Him to mold me into what HE wants me to be. I know that I feel the most righteous when I am being the most honest with him. I know that I am most like him when I am as authentic as I know how to be.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.'" Jeremiah 29:11-13

Motivation out of Nowhere

I have NO idea what is going on with me. I'm acting like a Sarah from ten years ago, but I keep looking around and I am definitely the Sarah from twenty-eleven.

Ten years ago I would have a day with nothing but housework planned and I would feel free. There was no one else in the house to distract me so I would distract myself. I would play classic country music loudly and reminisce about summertime cleaning with my Mom. I would start the way she taught me... begin in one end of the house and work toward the other end. Of course, I would have hours to myself so I would do just like Mom and allow myself side projects during the day. No matter what little bits I started the day with I would stretch the imaginary to-do list further and further as the hours went by. By the time L.C. pulled into the driveway there was no telling what could be found. Perhaps a closet would be empty and the contents moved to other hiding places throughout the house so that I could have my own scrapbook closet. Maybe the bed would be broken because I rammed the frame with all my might in order to rearrange the furniture just the way I wanted it. A couple times he even returned to see the paint colors had changed with little to no warning.

I was in my own little creative world back then. I allowed myself to get lost in projects whenever my heartstrings pulled them. The consistency of just two of us in the home allowed me with plenty of opportunities to mix things up on a regular basis. I liked it that way.

For the last handful of years things have been pretty different. The major factors of life were changing what seemed like constantly. Many moves, back to back pregnancies, completely dependent children with persistence and dedication to their ways left me in a very different place. I found myself unable to handle some of the minor details in daily living with much grace. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't label myself as graceful at all in the last several years. I definitely lived as a product of tremendous grace. I struggled with all my might to get through any minor task that lay before me and clung to the advice of other's who said it would get easier if I would just survive the first 6 months/1 year/18 months/2 years of having two babies 13 months apart.

Sure enough, I am the Mom of preschoolers who enjoy discovering things as Lewis & Clark did in days gone by. Except my kids explore my freshly tidied home rather than the vast expanse of new lands. Now-a-days I certainly invest much of my energy in replacing items the kids play with throughout the day. I love the adventure that our life is. But I would be flat out lying if I insinuated that it has been an adventure I would gladly re-enter from the beginning. Its been harder than I ever imagined.

But...

Something interesting has happened.

This week I not only accomplished Laundry Monday complete with all bedding washed, but I also aced House Cleaning Tuesday with flying colors! My house is clean folks! Granted there are toys scattered about that L.C. will pry help the kids clean up before bed. The children are in the bedrooms now doing who-knows-what. But the floors are clean. The throw pillows got washed. And last, but certainly not least...

L.C. gets to come home to a surprise! The living room is rearranged!

I hope I'm not speaking too soon, but I may just see the light at the end of the stay-at-home-mom-of-preschoolers tunnel. And. I. Love. It.

hmm...

If I were to blog again I wonder what I would blog about. I have friends who have great topical blogs that I am really impressed with, but I am not much of a stick-to-it-type girl. I have good ideas and little follow through. Do people really read the ramblings of tired moms? Cuz really.... that's about all I got folks! ;o)

Baby Poll

I have created an online baby poll for family and friends to guess when our baby will come. Look to the left of my blog for the link to the poll. Let's see who can get the closest. Just to update you... I have been having contractions for weeks, and am already dialated to 2 and 50% effaced. I am scheduled to be induced at 39 weeks which will be Feb 18th. And... we still don't know what we are having! ;o) I am sooooo excited!

Belly Pic

Many people have been expecting belly pictures from this pregnancy again since I was so good at getting pictures when I was pregnant with Trey. Well... here is your photo! My friend Melissa took this during our shoot a few weeks ago. You can find information on her photography business here.

Update on Us

• We are 98 days from my due date for baby #3!!! I can't believe that we are getting close enough for L.C. to be thinking about getting the infant seat out of the attic and mentioning other "getting ready" stuff. I feel like we are still so far away and at times it seems like this is a never-ending, no-progress pregnancy. At other times I am shocked and amazed that I could be this close to having another baby when my (other) baby is not even 11 months old yet!
• I am no longer working! It was our plan for me to quit working in February when the baby comes. A few weeks ago I was informed that my contract would end Dec 31st. Then the Friday before last I found out the funding for the program I work for had been cut. My clients each got a budget to assist them in becoming more self-sufficient as they worked their recovery plan. With the money gone, it was pretty much useless for me to continue meeting with them since they are in treatment with other counselors already. I spent two days last week calling clients & meeting with them to give them the news and to wrap up my case files and reports. Last Thursday was my last day of work. I was not thrilled to give up the income, but I cannot contain my emotions regarding being able to be with my kids for 3 bonus months! I have so much peace with the timing of this whole process. I will be able to get the kids stabilized on a structured routine before the baby comes instead of several changes at once.
• I think I panicked a tad too soon on the thumb sucking deal. Over the past couple days Trey has only put his thumb in his mouth a few times and it didn't seem to be for sucking at all. He likes to make all kinds of noises by humming and moving his thumb back and forth or pulling it out real quick and making a popping sound. Also, I have been able to "hide" the pacis several times throughout the days and he has been happy. I love hearing his little voice and listening for new sounds that he can make. It sure does help to have that paci out!
• We believe Pheoby will be able to start K4 after the new year. We tried to get her into the Liberty Elementary program, but she did not qualify due to her lack of "need." We got a letter that says she is welcome to go to a neighboring school that has openings. We have the paperwork ready and I hope to submit our request tomorrow. It will be good for Pheoby to be back in a structured learning environment. She loved "school" when she went to The Growing Place. I just know she will love K4.
• I thought I was in the market for a new vacuum, but I was sorely mistaken! We have been using my mom's hand-me-down 20-some-year-old Rainbow for several years now. It is a great system and it works great, but to be honest I would like to have a simple pull-it-out-vacuum-and-put-it-back vacuum that would make small jobs so much easier. So... this afternoon I was all revved up for a major vacuum project and got my room 1/2 way done when the thing seemed to die. I checked the standard things real quick.... you know, the power switch, cord plugged in, assembly. I didn't see any problems so I quit, leaving all the stuff right in the middle of the floor for L.C. to confirm that it was really a goner. It took him all of about 7 seconds to determine that the cord was not plugged in well. UGH! I don't need a new vacuum after all! Now, I don't want you to think I was excited about shelling out the money for a new vacuum, but I was excited about the potential of having a new one! I guess I know what I am doing first thing tomorrow.... gotta finish the vacuuming! ;o)
• Pheoby had her first dentist appointment yesterday. She was very brave and said it didn't hurt at all. She does have one tiny cavity that we will have filled next week and she has asked that I go back with her again. I am not looking forward to this one because our insurance doesn't cover the "laughing gas" and she will have to get a shot to numb the area. I sure do hope it doesn't hurt! I am trying to be brave and I am definitely trying not to let on that I am nervous about it. I just want it to be a good experience for her. We shall see.
• Tonight Pheoby helped me clean the kitchen... the whole kitchen... until we were finished! What a blessing it is to have a helper! I am sure it helped that she decided before hand that we were super heroes. She picked two lightning stickers, one for each of us to wear, and we went about using our super powers such as super cleaner, super rinser and super lifter. It was fun! It really helps to have extra help and the company was huge moral support!
• One last Pheoby story and then I am going to end this update... We set up Pheoby's tent in the living room tonight. I thought she would play in it for about 5 minutes. Nope! She has been in there for about 45 minutes. She has some toys in there with her. She has books, flashlights, and some animals. One of the animals she has with her "talks." With the door and windows zipped closed (I think she feels she is in her own little world and we can't hear her) she squeezed the hand of the dog who said, "will you play with me?" Pheoby responded in a stern voice, "NO! It is your bedtime!"