strong fathers, strong daughters

so...we recently found out that we are having two little ladies. It was unexpected to say the least, but lets be honest, nothing about this pregnancy has been predictable. This is God's plan for us, therefore we're diving in knowing He is in control. The adjustment has been slightly more difficult for James, but I can't think of a sweeter, more affectionate man for the job(I say this with a masculine flair). I have learned that little girls need a loving daddy. Charlotte and Rachel's relationship with their heavenly father is of utmost importance, but there is a lot to be said for the relationship they will have with their earthly father. Never have I doubted that James is the man God intended for me...everyday He is revealing His plan for our life together. James was uniquely designed to be adored by two little daughters.
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."-Malachi 4:6

pregnancy makes you beastly

I couldn't be happier about the little blessings growing inside of me...too bad my attitude often reflects something a little different. Sweet James has seen a less considerate, less affectionate side of his wife, and through it all he has been patient.

Pregnancy affects all women differently. I would like to share some of the "unique" things it has done to me.
1. The woman that once sugar coated all negative thoughts, no longer does.
2. Sleep isn't a nightime routine, it's a 24 hour hobby. Sometimes it sneaks up on me at the most inconveniant times too...during classroom lessons, in mid converstaion, you get the idea.
3. Food that was once delightful is now practically flavorless
4. Odd habits of my students have become less cute and more irritating.
5. Pills make me cry.
6. Stairs make me wheeze.
7. A woman who prides herself on being independent, now asks her husband to pick up items just inches from her grasp.
8. I must be right, even when I am inadvertently wrong.

The list could go on, but I'll stop there. I don't want to discourage future mothers :)

Here's the thing, Cruella Deville may have taken up residence in apartment 3038 temporarily, however her savior continously reminds her of the light at the end of the tunnel. I know two beautiful babies will be in my arms seven months from now, and tears well up at just the thought of it.

Psalm 18:2. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock , in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation.

to every purpose under heaven...

I decided to create a blog as a means to celebrate all the miraculous twists and turns of life that God designs  for his children. Lately, my life has been "exciting" to say the least. Isn't amazing how God uses pastors and teachers as vessels to share messages from his word that correspond with what is going on in our lives exactly. I have made this verse my focus for the week...

1 Corinthians 10:13 . . .¨But God is faithful, and he will not let YOU be tempted beyond what YOU can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for YOU to be able to endure it.¨

Pastor Rick Warren once said, "I used to think that life was hills and valleys – you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don’t believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it’s kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for."

All I know is, God endures. Every "good" and "bad" thing that has happened in my life has led me further down the road He has planned for me. My current job is "strange and mysterious"(for lack of a better term), but it is most definitely my calling to be there. More clearly than ever, I have recognized opportunities to be a Christian friend to those seeking understanding.

With that being said, James and I recently found out we are having twins in October.

We are scared and excited at the same time. This wasn't our plan but God's, and as many of you know, what He says, goes. Yes, the world may tell us we're not ready(finances, housing, etc), but God said HA! He obviously knows more than we do, and He has a divine purpose for these little babies and for us as their parents. God said to me yesterday,"Prove to others that this is my plan by handling it as I know you should." So, once again we are going to give it to Him and continue down the wacky, whimsical path that is the Christian life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1..."To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Please feel free to share about a time when you thought you were in over your head, only to realise it was all part of God's bigger plan.