Our new home!

Well friends, it's official! We have started construction on our new home! God has blessed us abdundantly with this land and with a Dad that is a custom home builder! Our attitude about this property is that we are mere stewards of what God has given us, so we fully intend to glorify Him through our home! Our vision to is open our house to others and to use it for fellowship and furtherance of God's kingdom. Since my Dad is a builder, we are able to save a TON of money - so we are getting a much bigger home than what we are actually paying for. Since we a building a good size home, we just want it to be filled with people, all of the time! We are designing it with this in mind too - we'll have a big kitchen for people to congregate in, and a large great room (combining the family and living room) for large groups to socialize and relax in. We can't wait :)

First thing you need to know - who is in charge? One might think it's my Dad, but it's really our family dog, Bailee.

Dad consulting Bailee about the house

The real supervisor!

She learned how to get out of the house without stepping in wet concrete - so smart!

Bailee, taking a break from her hard work

Here's our land, before construction was started. Our land is 4.5 acres. We have neighbors to our left, right, and front, but have woods and a field behind us, for lots of privacy!

Our land, untouched

The beautiful view from the back of our house! I can't wait to enjoy our land!

Me, very weakly breaking ground!

Scott was much better (and stronger) at breaking ground than me

Scott and I have been very blessed to be able to witness a lot of the construction so far. We used Superior Walls for our foundation. They pour the conrete walls in sections and then use a crane to put them in place. It was really fun to watch! Yesterday and today they have been pouring the concrete basement floor. So after today, we will have a complete foundation, so that means next week my Dad can start framing up the walls, and then our house will really start to take shape.

The crane!

Putting the Superior Walls into place

Pouring the concrete

Thanks for sharing in our fun! We are so excited for our house to be built and we are so excited to have YOU come visit us in our new home :)

Proud to be a Pittsburgh Panther

As many of you know, the University of Pittsburgh has experienced a series of bomb threats over the past 2 months. At this point exceeding 80 threats, but still with no explosives discovered. Today broke a record with 13 threats in one day, I believe. The most recent trend has been the attacker targeting dormitories late in the evening or early in the morning, causing students to evacuate their residence halls during times they would normally be sleeping. Needless to say, this is causing tens of thousands of students to become fearful of what could happen and obviously frustrated with the frequent evacuations. I can't imagine how I'd be handling it all if I were living in Pittsburgh right now.

As terrible and terroristic as this situation is, it's been amazing seeing the Pitt community rise up despite the stress and anxiety these threats have caused. Students in the community have created a Google document offering up their homes for those students left on campus who are forced to evacuate their homes. Some of the comments on the document offer to pick up students at all hours of the night, and even promise cookies and home-cooked meals! You typically wouldn't think of college students as generous creatures, but their generosity and hospitality are so inspiring to me! On this day, I'm proud to be a Pittsburgh Panther!

My hero, my Dad.

There are three incredibly important men in my life. You've heard me talk about God, my husband, and now it's time to blog about my Dad.

For those of you who don't know, Scott and I will be building our first home! My father is a custom-home builder, so he is going to build it for us. Spending so much time with him lately has really made me appreciate him for who he is and the reason for writing my blog.


My Dad is an eclectic man. Let me explain him to you from my perspective.

My Dad, a man's man: He has been playing rugby since his twenties, and will be celebrating his 60th birthday this year. Although he rarely drinks more than a beer or two at a time, he loves to brew his own beer and wine. He drives a Harley, he's an Army Veteran, loves to wrestle, and is just an all around manly dude.

If you look closely you can see the blood!

My Dad, an artist: Some other things you need to know about my Dad - he likes to can fruits, make jellies, make chocolate candies for Christmas, and draw cartoons. He's made stained glass pieces, porcelain figurines and more.

My Dad, a friend: There are several people he calls to check up on, on a regular basis. He cares about their hearts, their successes, and their journey in faith.

My Dad, a father: Growing up, my Dad came to every dance recital and competition (there were A LOT, and usually he was one of the only Dad's there). He came to every single lacrosse game. My Dad was in construction all his life, so he encouraged me to study and gain an education in which I could use my mind instead of my body. When I was sick or hurting emotionally, my Dad always said he wished he could take the pain from me, and on to himself. And I always knew he meant it.

Last night he told me he was considering not playing rugby this season. If you know my Dad at all, you would know he lives, eats, breathes, and bleeds rugby! After a rugby game, despite the bruises and blood, he is SO relaxed and at peace. When I asked why, he shared that "I would rather have a heart attack the week after your house is done, then start building it with a broken arm." I was speechless. He wasn't looking for praise, he wasn't looking for me to tell him how selfless it was. He knew how important to us the house was - he knew the financial and emotional ramifications of this house for Scott and I. It was the single most selfless thing I have ever heard another human being say. In fact, as I'm writing this, I am nearly in tears over the purity of his intentions and love for Scott and I.

Proud Daddy

We are always goofing around

My Dad, a follower of Christ: This is going to take awhile...

Working by himself, my Dad listens to sermons on the radio daily. He quenches his insatiable thirst for Jesus by listening to sermons every day and by using his alone time to learn more about theology and the heart of God. 


My Dad has been faced with more situations than you can imagine where he's had the opportunity to give in to moral temptation. Time and time again, I've seen him flee from these temptations and uphold his moral standards.

My Dad teaches weatherization and other trade classes at a few community colleges in the Baltimore area. Among his students, he has taught pre-release prisoners, and many other disadvantaged students. On the last day of his week-long class, the majority of his students hug him, thank him, and many have even affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Bob." Many have even told him that no one else has ever seemed to care about them like he does. After class, he has prayed with many of his students. He has lent a listening ear and has counseled them through difficult situations. He has assured so many people that they were created in the image of God. He has encouraged them to dig in to scripture for the answers to life's problems instead of engaging in other worldly practices and "solutions." He is living out his faith, in his every day life. In fact, I've witnessed few people who seek God so much in their alone time, and who shine God's light so brightly amongst the lost world and it's people.

I could go on and on about the integrity my Dad possesses. I could tell you how I've seen him be hurt, and lovingly turn the other cheek. I could tell you stories of his grace for others. I could tell you about how he serves other by repairing things in their home for free, and about his new passion for missions. I could tell you about unconditional love he has shown his family, when they haven't known how to love him. I could tell you about the compassion and forgiveness he's had for his own earthly father, after his father has been absent for so long. I could tell you stories about the hardships he has faced, but the Biblical perseverance he has maintained. I could tell you about the gift of wisdom and knowledge that he possesses and that he obediently uses his voice to share this wisdom and knowledge with those in need of hearing it. I've seen him pursue the hearts of those undesirable in the sight of others. I've seen him lovingly speak truth into lives. I could go on and on and on about his strong character and the fantastic example he has set for me as an obedient follower of Christ.

I am so thankful for my Dad. I hope that as I grow in years, that I could also grow in the same integrity and love for Jesus that he has. Thank you, Dad for obediently answering your calling, and for setting an example for the rest of us.

Mom & Dad on their wedding day

Always making us laugh

Family photo, minus Mom

His girlies

My wonderful husband... and the rude chef

I just wanted to dedicate an entire blog post to my wonderful husband.

For those of you who don't know Scott, he is a kind-hearted, gentle man who generally wears his heart on his sleeve.

Throughout our entire relationship I have had the immense pleasure of observing the careful actions of this good man. Many think of a bold personality or a leader as someone who fights every battle, emerging victorious with each clash. I see my husband as a bold leader in his own way... I've watched my husband pick his battles wisely... and succeed in each battle with humility and grace.

Today, in particular, he amazed me!

For Christmas, he purchased an Italian cooking class for me and my Mom to take together... something we've always wanted to do. I searched the website for quite awhile and couldn't find an indisputable address for this class. After emailing the chef a perfectly pleasant email to clarify the address, she responded, "no the Italian class is held at your home."

She was obviously being smart. Who says that to someone you don't even know?! Especially since Groupon had a completely different address than the address on her website!

Although deeply offended by her response, I constructed a timid, yet truthful emailing telling her that I had expected a constructive answer and informed her that "In of the spirit of courtesy, I wanted you to know in advance that I will not be attending the class."

I sent the email to Scott first to proof-read, but he wanted to write his own. My gentle-hearted, sweet, and forgiving husband was furious. In the entire time I've known him, I can count on one hand the number of times Scott has been legitimately angry.

He choose to defend his wife. He choose to defend courtesy. He choose to defend self-respect and human decency. He choose this battle... for me. And he fought it gallantly. He fought it with grace, truth, and despite his anger, even with love.

Every battle I've seen him choose to fight have been battles that affect others more than himself. He is a courageous warrior, choosing to battle for his Savior, for his wife, his family, his friends, for his purity in mind, body, and spirit. He chooses the battles often less chosen by others, but in my opinion, that battles that matter most and that add to his character.

Oh, how I love my sweet, sweet husband!

Pirated mind

This morning I woke up and my mind immediately went to a dark place. It was flooded with dark waters of a reoccurring negative thought/memory. I took a shower, and began to pray during my shower, but somehow slipped back in to the negative thought; playing out scenario after scenario in my head. And then I realized, my mind was pirated and being held captive. 

Out loud I said "NO" and pointed my finger (At who? I don't know). I wouldn't stand for it.

Not today. Not any day.

The enemy knows my weakness, and he likes to use this one against me quite often. He especially likes to pull out this nasty little thought process when I have an empty schedule, but a full plate. He attempts these tricks when I'm alone... he attempts to isolate me. When I have so much to do... he attempts to rid me of productivity that I so desperately need.

So today, this was my prayer. I repeated it over and over again...

Lord you are my God, You are my King.
I submit to none other than you,
including my mind.

Valentine's Day

I started writing this on Valentine's Day, but I got busy. So before you read this, jump in your time machine and set the date to February 14, 2012. Thanks! :)

Today (February 14, 2012), I was struck by the incredible amount of people out and about shopping for flowers, cards, and candy for their loved one. As much as I believe that Valentine's Day is a holiday blown out of proportion by corporations, I was touched at how may people wanted their significant other to feel special.

But then I got thinking... as sweet as flowers, cards, and candy are (and as much as women love it!), I thought of a much better way to show affection on Valentine's Day - one that will have a lasting effect.


What if we show genuine love and affection to each other?

What if instead of snapping at each other, you respond in love and patience?

What if instead of checking out a stranger walking by, you appreciate the beauty of your spouse - give your spouse your 100% undivided sexual attention?

What if instead of doing other things while your significant other tells you about their day, you drop what you are doing to really listen? 

What if you offer to take something off their load instead of putting some of your load on them?

What if you made every effort to serve your mate and love them sacrificially?

What if... you attempted to love them as Christ loved us?


Of course we will all fail at these things, but we can try.

It's now February 28th. I'm sure your flowers have died, your candy has been eaten, and your card may have been thrown away already, but making the effort to love someone sacrificially and the benefits that come from this sacrificial love are lasting.

Fear

I am so sick of pop culture's influence of fear.

As I sit here eating lunch in the break room of my rotation, someone else in the break room turned on one of those crime-solving shows (CSI, maybe?).

During lunch, I like to relax and clear my mind of the busyness of the day in attempt to restore energy and positive thinking.

As I sat here enjoying my delicious leftovers of pesto pasta and Greek salad, my relaxation was interrupted with the graphic description of the rape that occurred on this tv show.

Seriously?! Is this relaxing to people?? How is this entertainment?! Instead of feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after lunch, I left feeling violated and unsettled.

Inspiration from Nehemiah

I am awaiting a big decision, that I have no control over.

This weekend we attended our old church, North Way, while visiting in Pittsburgh. The message was about Nehemiah when he was clueless on how to go about handling the fallen wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah chapter describes how he wept before God, suggesting a posture of humility. He sat before God and was still. He prayed to God which involves both speaking and more importantly listening. And he discerned God's will through fasting.

A long time ago, I decided to take a few days off from work before I began my rotations again on Monday. But what I thought would be time spent relaxing and bumming around, will now be time spent praying, discerning and fasting. The timing couldn't be more providential, as the decision is most likely to be made at the end of this week. Since I am unable to fast food all together since I am hypoglycemic, I have decided to fast Facebook, as it serves as a distraction in my life. I will also be fasting sweets since I have been enjoying them waaaay too much lately and this sweets habit seems to be spiraling out of control.

Friends, if you are reading this, please join me in prayer.

All glory and praise

When I pray, I like to simply tell God who He is. And sometimes, He gives me a better understanding of what I am saying. Today He did that :)

Today I spoke that God is the author of creation. He alone is the author of creation. He alone deserves glory and praise.

So often we give away our praise too easily. We glorify our jobs, house, cars, earthly possessions and relationships. We idolize the fleeting things of this earth. We forget that God alone deserves ALL glory and praise; not just some of it.

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols." Isaiah 42:8

Enduring love

During worship, I try to think about what I am singing and meditate in the truth of the words I sing or make those words my prayer.

Today I was particularly struck by the words "forever His love endures."

Typically I think of the word "endure " as relating to physical activity. Endurance training... Enduring through a marathon race, etc.

Or I tend to think of enduring as it relates to our difficult circumstances. Enduring through a series of unfortunate events... Enduring through grieving the loss of a loved one, etc.

I was then hit with the reality of our expectation of endurance. It's fleeting. It's temporary. It lasts until the race is over or until our "luck" improves. But God's love for us endures forever!

What does forever mean? How long is God's love enduring?

God knew each one of us and loved us before time began; before he created the world and certainly before we were conceived.

...God loved us then.

God loves us just as we are, in this very moment. Despite our disobedience; despite our lack of faith; despite our rebellion; and despite our imperfect love.

...God loves us now.

God's kingdom has no end, so he will love us for all of eternity.

...God will love us always. Forever.

Now that is some incredible, enduring love!

New Years resolutions

Lately I've been acquiring bad habits and for some reason, I have been taking bad news a little worse than usual. During a recent sermon, I was convicted of putting an end to some of these bad habits.

On January 2nd I wrote:

I will trade feelings of anxiety, tension, and nervousness for God's peace.

I will trade apathy for action.

I will trade confinement for freedom.

I will turn feelings of rejection from people for acceptance in Christ.

I will trade selfishness for service.

I will trade complaints for praise.

I will trade in the things the world tells me I need to be happy for time spent with Christ and the fullness of His love.

Gym time

I met a friend at the gym today for yoga. I had a wonderful time of relaxation during yoga and used the time to allow God's peace to penetrate my heart. Reluctantly, I stayed after for some cardio time. I begrudgingly mounted the elliptical, and promised myself I'd run for 10 minutes.

At first, my attention was caught by the tv that was positioned directly in front of me. Music videos with half dressed women and conceited pop stars played and soon I became frustrated.

Then, the man on the elliptical next to me had a visitor. As I listened to the two curse incessantly, I seriously toyed with the idea of pointing out to the men the "etiquette tip" that flashed on the screen about not cursing in the gym. I grew increasingly hot; and not from my work out.

I then made the conscious decision to overt my eyes from the tv, and overt my ears from the conversation.

And I began to pray.

Soon the 10 minutes I committed myself to were up, and for fear that my incredible prayer time would cease, I just wanted to keep running!

My ten minutes turned into a half hour. I went to the gym with the intention to tone and refresh my body, and ended up leaving with a refreshed spirit.

My crafty creations

In the past few years, I've enjoyed exploring my creative side. I just wanted to share some of my creations with you.

Cloth flower hair pieces created with scrap cloth and buttons.

I made this jewelry hanger out of scrap wood and cloth and some metal hooks from AC Moore.

I made these cupcakes with my friends from Pittsburgh Laura and Tiff. They are made with colored mini-marshmallows, dyed sugar, and chewy candies.

Yearly physical

Today I have a yearly physical scheduled with my doctor (okay, maybe it's been a little more than a year). I arrived at 9:10 and am still waiting to see my PCP as I write, at 10:15.

During my waiting time, I read through several devotionals on my iPhone and spent time in prayer for the employees of this family practice and their patients .

By the time the hour mark hit, it didn't feel like I had been waiting for an hour, however I did start to become slightly irritated that I could have slept an hour more or that I wouldn't be paid for an extra hour of work.

Then I realized how much Christ is a part of every little thing I do.

I began to imagine how someone who didn't know Christ would handle the same situation. I imagine that if I did not know Christ, I would have responded with anger and extreme frustration. Instead of using the extra time to be filled up with Christ, I would have been drained by feelings of unfairness and being slighted. I wouldn't have been strong enough to summon peace and contentment into my own heart during this ridiculously long wait.

By the way, it's been an hour and 20 minutes and I'm still waiting...