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Firm Foundations
Oct. 21, 2009
Sticking nutrients IN!!!
Veggie Burgers
Lots of protein, veggies, vitamins, fiber, and more
Lots of veggies, cut up... such as carrots, celery, eggplant, squash (zuchinni, crooked neck) garlic, onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomato.... whatever
Cooked beans (add lentils, black, fava, all the healthy ones!!!)
Roast all the veggies on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees with a little salt and pepper until they are soft. Put into the food processor and mash. Add TBS flax seed for added nutrition after you process.
Puree the beans as well
cook 1 cup brown rice.
Add pureed veggies and beans to rice (equal amounts) and 2 eggs. Form into patties and bake. The kids will NEVER know how much is in there, the flavor is WONDERFUL!!!!
Use as burgers, "cookies", and more....
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Sep. 23, 2009
Eating on nothing
I haven't blogged in FOREVER... I know. The move was a lot, especially after losing our home, losing the baby... It has just been a long year. Praise God, however, as He knows best what we need and how we will go through trials. In Him I trust.
Since moving, we have had so little money. For one, as teachers we don't get paid for two months, and two, our summer savings went to deposits and getting caught up... God has been so good in providing. Yes, at times I have COMPLAINED and WORRIED, but He still provides and has strengthened me. Though the year has been incredibly awful, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Al and I have grown closer, the boys too..We have drawn closer to the Lord... He has a purpose...
As we have been SO short on funds, I wanted to share something about survival... God really laid this on my heart. I have not done a real "grocery shopping" for well over two months. We have been depending on our freezer, which was stocked a little, and staples. We also have been getting money here and there form private lessons, moms, gifts, and wonderful people who felt a burden to help us out... so I have been making do in the kitchen. I want to share some ideas. Even though I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL PAY DAY IN 7 DAYS I have learned to use little and make a little go a LONG way. I want to use this principle in wealth and need:
I had a filet primal (FILET MIGNON left from better days of our life ) I made steaks one night, orange beef with rice another night, and steaks again....
Potatoes are a staple in the house. They cost $4 at Costco for a HUGE bag...
I am SUCH a believer in Costco for groceries. Even when we had $20, we would go there and get rice, or fruit, or veggies, or a pkg of chicken... Eggs are $1.77 for 18, milk CHEAP, cheese $5... you cannot beat the prices!!
Rice and beans S-T-R-E-T-C-H!!! I mixed 3 small andouille sausages ($4 at Trader Joes) with rice and beans a nd cajun seasoning. YUM. Noone noticed there were only 3 sausages in the mix, they were all cut up. My college boy was home too and I had LEFTOVERS!!!
I did Trader Joes on $40 one day... Keep in mind we had no idea at any given time where we were going to get money of buy gas. GOD always provided!!! At Traders I got a few squash, some ham for sandwiches, gluten free bread (OH DID I MENTION I DO THIS ALL AS GLUTEN FREE DUE TO HEALTH PROBS AD I NEVER GO TO A FANCY HEALTH FOOD STORE ANYMORE?) soup, and tomatoes and apples...that got me side dishes, several lunches, and healthy snacks!!
Today, as I looked in the fridge, I don't see much. I am out of a lot! But, I took my last pork roast, put my last apple in it, some apple sauce (last too!) and put it in the oven. Yum! I cut up some squash and mixed in with Olive oil and salt and pepper. Dinner is done. I made brown rice hot cereal with a few spoonfuls of applesauce (sorry, roast!) for breakfast. I took a Gluten free flatbread mix and made it for lunch. I took ONE hamburger I bought at Von's the other night and made it into four mini burgers for my boys and my lunch...we will have soup as well.... The hamburger was a specialty gourmet burger with cheddar. I am glad I looked at the meat that night while getting an emergency supply of cat food. This specialty burger was $1, END OF NIGHT CLEARANCE!!!
I will be honest, it has been hard living like this, but OH so blessed too. There have been days I skipped lunch or breakfast to lighten the load, but it definitely didn't hurt me! My hubby too, has cut down a lot and missed a few meals. We have been so blessed by doing this (I do not write this to brag, but to share) It made me think of how many do without MUCH more than us, and how they do not have a hope of upcoming pay and a job to provide. We are just in a hard time write now, it is not a permanent situation. So many in our own areas have so many needs. I aim to be more sensitive to this now, more than in the past.
Not a day has past where we have done without dinner, or ran out of gas. God indeed provides...
I hope to help others who are less fortunate to learn to cook healthy and wise with little funds. It is not very hard to use veggies, fruit, small amounts of meat, and a few staples and to make it a gourmet meal. Neccesity is indeed the mother of invention. With prayer, God's guidance, and a little effort, we can all survive this economy and provide for our families and SAVE money too!!!
ay we all aim to be wiser for His glory,
Aleacia
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May. 26, 2009
I know I have not written in quite a while....
Life has been busy. It seems all a blur since January. This will be a year that will always be remembered as hard.... We are on break for school until mid June. My boy is still doing daily math and reading excersizes as well as Bible to stay fresh. We are starting year around schedule now, so a break now seemed like a good idea as moving is approaching FAST!
On a great note: our church moved into a new building. We are so blessed. God is good. We now have a sanctuary, classrooms, a kitchen, and more. It is going well, and God is increasing.
Moving is going.... We spent HOURS in the garage yesterday, trying to go through things, throw away, yard sale pile, keep, sort.... it was overwhelming. We did accomplish a lot. I am thankful. I had a bad attitude all day, I have to admit. I wanted to have that job completed and though we did get rid of a lot, it still seems like we have too much for our new, much smaller home with no garage.
Now, my focus needs to be finishing our master bedroom, our son's room, and sorting more yard sale items as it is this coming weekend. I still do not know the exact date we need to be out of this house, and my fear is it will be a rushed move.
I just feel like the enemy is trying to wear me down. I am emotional, tired, and wanting these trials over with. I know God is in control, and when I keep my stubborn self out of my focus and keep Him in focus, I am growing and encouraged. I am thankful that I am spending a lot of time with Him and drawing closer to Him, and allowing His Spirit to fill me continually. I am tired, though. I feel like I am playing tug of war constantly! There are so many trials that are so much bigger. I am thankful for our health, our blessings.... but a trial is a trial, and I am feeling it!!!
All in all, I ask myself what God is teaching me through all this. I know He is cutting the branches right now. I need trimming, I need to be cut back, I need to be humbled, and I accept that. I am thankful for all seasons. I know I will appreciate the next season of spring that is yet to come again. I am confident in the Lord that there is a time for all things, both good and bad.
Soon, I will be in the new home. Financial worries will be gone, we are starting over. Stress will be over (in this area, at least!) We will be close to work and church, home ownership will be over, renting will be new, new neighbors will be met, a new home to ready will be there.... It is a new chapter.
Pray for me, friends. This isn't the easiest time. I am not complaining, but I am reaching out for prayer.... I don't even necessarily want to talk about it, or have my problems solved for me, I just ask for prayer, from my sisters.
I humbly am His, |
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Apr. 21, 2009
Tackle it Tuesday!!!
Today is a busy day that I want and pray will be effective for the Lord!!! I have a lot on my plate and pray all is prioritized for Him!!
Go to work
Breakfast date with Robbie
Call Landlords (wow, that was blessed... three leads!!)
Call about church T shirts
Call my Mom :)
Home school (of course!!)
Cut my boys hair!
Laundry
Iron
Thank you cards for friends
Bills
Seeds for Wed night class
Clean spot on carpet
Call friend about scrapping
Email a ton of people abut a ton of things!
Time cards
Clean quick
Inquire about tennis lessons for my boy
Inquire with a Pastor friend about family ministries
Go back to work
4:30 rental appointment
5:30 rental appointment
Dinner?
Costco
take clothes to college son
Spend time with Hunnie
SLEEP!!
It is a packed day, but I am already almost done with my "to do's!!!
May God bless all my busy work, make home school effective and beneficial, may I please God in allI do today!!!!
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Apr. 19, 2009
A Birthday Surprise
Yesterday, was my 31st birthday. I played at a friend's son's wedding (flute) and hubby did sound. What a beautiful wedding it was, such a cute couple devoted to the Lord and each other. Then we went for a drive and to dinner (date night!!) It was a wonderful day...
Today we had church. It was such a beautiful service. The Holy Spirit is really moving in our church. God is doing such wonderful things amongst our people. We got a church building and will be moving in shortly...
After church I went to an event for my dear friend's daughter... we left right away after and when we pulled up to her place, there was a surprise party awaiting me... OK I will admit I suspected something up with my family and close friends, but I didn't expect what happened...
About 50 people had showed up in my honor. I was so surprised when I walked in and saw everyone screaming, "surprise!!!" SO many of my church friends were there. I was and still am overwhelmed and moved deeply that so many people came. To top it off, it was a TOTAL gluten-free potluck. People had searched out recipes and products that I could eat. I even had a cake (thanks mom!) Cristiana had made homemade lasagna, Lila mac and cheese, there were so many dishes. It was so sweet that people made such an effort down to my majorly restricted diet.
I received so many gifts, beautiful things!!! But really, all food and gifts aside, I am so blessed to have so many special people in my life. I love the kids I have the privelage of ministering to, the woman I fellowship with, the people I serve under, my family whom I love. These people are special to me, they bless me with encouragement, prayer, love, and even times of help and times of putting me into line when I am out. Words just cannot describe the people I am blessed to have. I thank the Lord for them....
It has been a tough season for us as we lose our home and lost the baby. It will be tougher yet as we try to find a home to rent, move, and trust in the Lord with our future. But, I am so encouraged in so many ways. Even before tonight, the Lord has been showing me to completely trust in Him. He knows my need s and cares and thoughts. He will take care of us. ANd after tonight, I am even more encouraged. First of all, three of the cards I got had Jer. 29:11 (my current theme verse) in them. And, the support of my family, and friends... It is amazing how God keeps us up.....
Thank you all for all you did, and all you do on a daily basis. I love you all and am humbled to say you are my friends in Christ.
In Him,
Aleacia |
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Apr. 2, 2009
Finally
Some of my friends have been WAITING for me to blog... what can I say? It has been a DOOZY of a year so far... I am in complete UNBELIEF that it is April, as I think January-March flew by as I was in a haze of life, busy healing, planning, and trying to put one foot in front of the other....
SO many trials have come our way, but we are encouraged and strengthened by our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our rock, and in HIm, we cannot be shaken nor moved.
Our church had our woman's retreat, and I was involved in a small way in the planning and execution of it. It was a busy season, but a blessed time. It was blessed beyond what any of us had thought!
I am now busy packing as we need to move, and also trying to get caught up in home school. We are mastering some skills he needs to brush up on and scheduling school through the summer a bit for a few reasons. 1. We are going on a year round schedule 2. We got a bit behind after I lost the baby and we all got sick. Such as life in the home school circuit!
We are excited about our new (and free) Bible curriculum we got. I was at a children's ministry conference for church. We were looking at new curriculum for Wed. nights. I asked the vendor if the curriculum was also home school appropriate and he GAVE me a started copy for my son. THank you Disciple Land! I love it. We are learning about the Holy Spirit and the church in Acts. It is colorful, inductive, fun, and great activities. Along with all the other stuff we do, it adds a bit of adventure! We are also focusing on times tables right now. He knows them, but I have found as we are moving into more difficult skills, we need to brush up. Again, the joy of home schooling is we can taylor their education to them!!
Personally, we are all great, though tired and beaten. It could be SO MUCH worse. We are prayerfully seeking a new home to rent. We pray it will be in our budget and be roomy for us and ministry opportunities. We are going through the past eight years of clutter here and trying to get rid of a l ot of STUFF, so we are less of a load.
ALl in all, we are content being with Jesus, ministering for Him alone and trusting in His wonderful love. He is our strength and we fully love Him!!! None of us know what tomorrow brings!!!
In His Service,
Aleacia |
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Mar. 5, 2009
My Hunnie
My Hubby taught last night at church and it was a blessing....
We felt years ago to be called to start up a church in Utah... We still pray about it, but are content serving in our church here...
For years, I felt so anxious about moving to Utah... wanting the Lord to move quick. Being impatient. But now, in recent years, I have been content to just serve the Lord however HE wants. But, I still felt that my Hubby was called to teach.
Our Pastor asked him to teach Jr. High and I thought that was good. He was teaching! Last week he was asked to speak at Wednesday service. We were shocked and humbled. My Hubby studied and prayed very seriously about it. He did well. I could tell, (I know him so well of course!) that the Lord really worked through him. He really did pray about the material and that the Holy Spirit would direct him. I feel like the Lord has confirmed a lot. Who knows if Utah is the Lord's will, or what. All I know is that I have learned that serving is serving and we will continue to serve the Lord nomatter what. Whether at CCM, or in another state, GOd is God and we are blessed to praise Him, worship Him, and study His mighty Word!!
On another note, Wes (oldest Son) just told me he is changing his major to Pastor and staying for 4 years at the Bible College he attends. This is big to me as I have been concerned about him lately...not sure of where he is at this point. I just had a conversation with him and he was really open to me and told me this. What an answer to prayer. I could care less if he is a trashman, doctor, mechanic, or a pastor. All I want for my boys is to have them passionate about Jesus and serving Him. I pray that Wes is developing a passion in his heart, not just in intellect, for our Savior.
Our ten year old is doing well... home school progresses and he gets a "spring break" next week. He continues to bless me as well, by serving at our church in his own way and asking cool questions that keep me on my toes!!! It is such a blessing to be a Mommy... I need to remember on days I get sad about the baby, that I am so blessed to have my boys. I love them so very much and want to focus on their needs, spiritual growth, and of course their cute faces!!
Here is the link to Hubby's message... It is on Daniel 1, on raising children in the Lord!!!
http://wednesdaystudies.calvarysolidground.org/
The speaker is Allen Widdows
In Him,
Aleacia |
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Mar. 3, 2009
Please Blog!!!!
A lot of my friends are emailing me and asking me where my updated blog is: Fact is, I have been BUSY!!!
My bands have a BIG performance next week, I am going to be on a Children's Ministry Conference, hubby is prepping to speak at a service :), Home school is keeping me BUSY, I am trying to keep order in this house so I can get organized to pack soon, I have a Woman's Retreat at the end of the month and I am speaking at it and prepping crafty stuff for it too, anything else??? No! March is just busy, and though I am a little tired, the busy schedule is OK. I know April for me will be packing to move, (yes, we are slowly going to move more locally to work/church) and focusing on home school alone!
Life has been good. We are blessed. It has been a hard year so far on paper, but we feel like the Lord is soing MAJOR things in our life and He is in control. We have no fear (perhaps at times I get a little anxious, but only for brief moments!) we are excited about the Lord's plan, His provision, and the fact that He has already set it all up!
I still grieve a bit over the baby. It is hard at times, but overall, I am so thankful that I even got pregnant and had the few weeks of joy. My body is slowly bouncing back and I started to work out again. I just really am blessed. The Lord is keeping me, sustaining me, and filling me daily. He is so MIGHTY!
Well, home school calls-
Have a blessed day!
In HIm,
Aleacia |
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Feb. 18, 2009
JOY
So, I said I was doing a word journal on "joy" and I did start it. It is turning out to be fun and of course, a blessing too!!
What is a word journal? It is basically a study on a word in the Bible that you define and investigate. I looked up every verse in the Bible with "joy" in it. I am writing them down and I study them. I am also thinking of worship songs with joy in them etc. It is a good supplement to an in depth study. I am enjoying it as I need to remember joy right now through all these trials....Most every reference has to do with a trial...joy in the midst of trials is a big theme in the Bible!!!
My son is going to pick his word tomorrow. I think it will be a nice home school topic. I really wonder what he will pick. Faith, love, one of the fruits of the spirit? Grace, joy, hope??? It will be fun to talk it over with him and see what he picks...I will let you know.
I just hope and pray all I need to do tomorrow gets done. Tomorrow is a DOOZY of a day...
Clean the house 7-11 (this is big as I have been where the past few weeks?????)
Home School 8-11
Lunch would be nice...
Choir at 12
Work at 2
Scrap book store to buy stuff for ladies ministry project
Concert for work at 6
Ladies at my home from church at 7 to work on retreat stuff
Sleep???
Well, such is the way of life....
Have a great day... There is joy in the Lord!
Aleacia |
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Feb. 17, 2009
Tackle it Tuesday!!!
I am late...
I have been COOKING all day as well as schooling...
I am SO tired of trying to figure out dinner and being tired in the afternoons... I work until 4:15 ish everyday and by the time I get home, I am wiped. I try to cook dinner in the morning, but home school rules...
So, I decided with hubby to cook a lot at once (I used to do this) and store it. So I did. I am tired, but IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!!!!
Pork roast with roasted potatoes
spaghetti and meatballs (A LOT)
chili (A LOT) and cornbread
salmon and herb rice
stuffed pork chops and rice pilaf with pecans
italian potatoes ( to be used with chicken parmesan later... mine can't be cooked ahead)
pizza
When I write it down it doesn't seem like a lot, but I worked a lot!!
Home schooling went well today, he is almost done (history to be finished and then science) I am ready for a nap, but need to leave for work in a few.... oh well!!!
Have a great day... I guess I will clean the kitchen floor and put all these dishes away when I get home... WHAT A MESS!!! Laundry too to do!!
In Him,
Aleacia |
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Feb. 16, 2009
What a weekend!!!!
I never know WHAT to title these entries...
Well, I was kind of "out of it" for a while...
Thursday was NOT a good day.
Friday was a little better, but these moods are crazy... We had a valentine dinner for church that was fun, though:)
Saturday was just pure fun. I woke up feeling A LOT BETTER than I have in WEEKS. I even cooked chocolate orange pancakes (gluten free, of course) and bacon and sausage. Our boy was home from college, so it was nice to have a BIG family breakfast. Then we went to the snow for the afternoon and dinner at Rubio's. It was FUN!!!
Sunday, was church. It is so nice being back after sickness and such. It looks like we have a church building on the way, so that is great news! We currently meet in a community center, but a building that is ours would be nice:)
Hubby had planned a date day, so we dropped our youngest off to Granma and Papa's for the day and night. We went to a shopping center and walked around, then to dinner. We relaxed at home too. We SLEPT in which is a joy. Then hubby took me to PF Changs for lunch today. They have a GLUTEN FREE MENU!!! Do you all realize how much I miss normal food at times??? I cannot have chinese food normally, as soy sauce (which is in every dish practically) has wheat in it. Not to complain, but I get SO tired of the same old food day after day. When I hear that a restaurant has gluten free items (which is near impossible and RARE) I want to go. I had lemon chicken and rice, and a dessert too!!! What a treat it was to eat out without being nervous that I am ingesting what is essentially poison to my body! It is so easy for me to get glutened"...
Well, I think life is getting a little better for me. I have been battling a lot of after effects fo the miscarriage... I know it will take time for me to heal completely, but I am better a little more this week... It still hurts (literally) when I see a small baby... I am so thankful for the hope I have in the Lord. He continues to be my strength in this trial, my constant comforter. I know He has a plan... and yes, hubby and I will try again. We have been thinking and praying about it. You never know what the Lord has in His plans. We will just live day by day, depending on HIM alone!!!
Well, I am off to get ready for the week...
Oh, I am doing a word study for my quiet time these days on the word "JOY".... I will write more later. I am starting my boy on a word study too as our Bible unit is done. School calls me tomorrow, so I am off to prepare!!!!!!!!
In Him,
Aleacia
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Feb. 10, 2009
It is COLD
Our heater is not working. It is COLD in my house!!! For Southern California, it is one of the coldest so far of the year. The car had ice on it this morning. SO, needless to say, I am not too comfy right now. I am WAITING for the heater repair man to call me back :) I miss the heat, OK?
I went to work this morning, and I have to say it is the first morning I have felt pretty human. Boy, I am tired of being sick! Last Tuesday I awoke with awful lung probs and went to the ER, I have been down pretty much since. After the miscarriage, bronchitis, and more issues, I am so ready for a vacation!!! (It isn't in the plans, though)
I fully intend to clean a lot today, do a stellar home school day (my boy was sick too, now we are BEHIND!!!!!) and pay bills (YUCKY!)
I am feeling pretty good emotionally, which is TRULY GOD, because I cannot imagine being too bubbly after the past week's trials. It goes to show you that God is in control! I am depending on Him for everything right now.
I am going to go to try to warm up. I am REALLY COLD. I think it is 50 something in here. Sorry to complain, but this is So Cal!!! We aren't used to this weather!!!! Besides, I am INSIDE, not out!
Have a wonderful day in the Lord!!!!
Aleacia |
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Feb. 5, 2009
Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
The Lord is good! He is the strength of our Life!
Life can be hard... but He is our strength, so why fear, or get dismayed?!
I am tired though. I think that is an acceptable emotion and feeling. We have a lot going on. I am doing better, regarding the miscarriage. Emotionally and hormonally, it has been rough at times, but Jesus is here and He is my comfort. Hubby too, is so wonderful. Mom, Dad, Lisa, so many others too!!!!
We are going through some other trials as well. Then, Tuesday morning I awoke with a "drowning" feeling in my lungs. I was coughing up blood. I felt like I was really in trouble. We both called off work and called my parents to come stay with our boy while Allen took me to the ER. This was a very sudden onset, let me tell you. The night prior I was coughing a bit (like asthma issues) but felt fine.
We went to the ER and I have a nasty case of bronchitis and was put on antibiotics and steroids.... Until this morning I felt AWFUL. I still feel weak and drained. I am sure our other struggles don't help that feeling :)
I am so thankful for my wonderful hubby. He and I are growing in so many ways, and through it all (thank the Lord!!!) We are growing closer in so many ways that you only experience through trials. We have always had such a blessed marriage, but it is growing still. Praise the Lord!!!!!!
THese trials, are yes hard. We seem to be getting hit in so many levels. But blessed be the name of the Lord!!! I know He has a plan and I am thankful, because it could be so much worse! I know that God only gives us what we can handle and I am comforted by this. I know that He prepares His people by trial. I know He strengthens us and helps us. I love my Jesus. I am thankful and pray that He uses all this for His glory.
My Pastor and His wife both gave us this verse on the night we found out our baby had gone home to Jesus:
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
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Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, |
  
  
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2Cr 1:4 |
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. |
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2Cr 1:5 |
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. |
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2Cr 1:6 |
Now if we are afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation. |
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2Cr 1:7 |
And our hope for you [is] steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also [you will partake] of the consolation. |
THAT DIDN'T PASTE AS I WANTED, SORRY!!
Anyway, glory be to Jesus!!!
I am off to continue home schooling. We so need to get back on track after all this drama!!!!!
In Him, I serve humbly,
Aleacia |
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Jan. 31, 2009
Hanging out
I am hanging out right now in my friends chiropractic office, waiting for my appointment. (I guess that is the drawback of your good friend being the Dr., you have to wait and you usually end up last) But I cannot complain as I just decided to sit behind her desk (as if I work here) and type away...
Hubby and I had an appointment this morning and then went to breakfast with our boys, then they all went to Grandma's to do work in her yard. I am free to come and get a much needed and deserved (can I say that after this week?) massage and adjustment. Then I need to go home and clean. (ugh!)
I am doing better, although it is still hard, still so much effort to survive right now. Physically it is getting better, though I am having momentary depression. Hubby is wonderful. He is so understanding, patient, kind, and giving right now. Lord knows I am definitely not the normal wife he is used to at the moment.
Life is funny. Miscarriage, other trials still are there, but we will go on and praise the Lord. He is worthy to be praised...
In HIm,
Aleacia
(can't wait for the massage....) |
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Jan. 31, 2009
Hanging out
Jan. 29, 2009
Why?
Whenever something happens in life, even as Christians, we ask that question, "WHY?!"
I have to admit, I have asked that question this past week...
Why did God take our baby, after SO MANY years of trying? Why is this happening to us? What is the purpose??
I have asked these questions, humbly, and carefully. I truly am not one to question our GOD. I trust in Him. I have asked this in faith....
This blog is truly here to glorify my Lord. (also, an excuse to talk to myself and no one will think I am truly insane) I want to openly share our home schooling issues and strengths, our life of serving, our failures and successes... why? to glorify Him. To share with others.
I HAVE A PASSION FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES... Woman, children, home school...
In this current trial, many people from church and home school have mentioned that the blog has blessed them. I am humbly glad. Praise the Lord! I pray that the Lord would work through me. May He be glorified in everything...
But tonight, after a hard day physically, and mentally I came home defeated. I am tired, feeling horrible, and just waiting for this all to be over... I am at peace with the Lord's plan in my life, but hey, it isn't fun either. THe pain is still there. It takes a while to get passed a trial, not just a week. But the world still is there, home school, dinner, work...NONE OF IT STOPS and you find yourself easily overwhelmed and just plain TIRED....
until I checked my email. There was a comment on my blog, hmmm. Wow, it was such a confirmation that God is working. I wept over this comment, I smiled at the Lord's plans...
Someone else is out there, in this country hurting over the same loss. Of course, the odds are there...miscarriage happens... but somehow (GOD!!!!) our paths have crossed. She is blessed, I am blessed, we now can pray together.
If for nothing else than this, AMEN my Lord! If all I can do is encourage just one person in my life with YOUR STRENGTH, I am humbled and happy. I am now encouraged, strengthened, and ready to face another day.
The pain will always be there, but it is slowly getting better. I will have a time of mourning, it is OK. But all in all, I pray that my Jesus will touch others, show others, and effect others. I desire to be a vessel for Him....
I am praying for my dear sweet sister who blessed me. May she be blessed comforted, and strengthened!
In Him, I humbly serve,
Aleacia |
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Jan. 29, 2009
Getting There
I am getting there, that is, feeling better...
Physically, I guess I am more energetic. I still feel not quite normal yet.
Mentally, boy am I a busy person! Boy is it hard to deal with stresses of life with whacked hormones!
I am OK, though. Just getting back into it all.
Little boy is doing his school work and I am dealing with household paperwork (yuck!) I am looking forward to getting dinner defrosted (to feel like I am accomplishing something) and my hunnie emailed me to get ribs out that he would BBQ!!! I need to clean as I host Co-Op tomorrow. I need to catch up in my prayer journal. I need to go to work.. :( Life doesn't slow for any of us, does it? All I can do is keep smiling, keep happy, keep the joy....keep moving...
A nap would be nice, though!
Have a great day in Him!!
Aleacia |
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Jan. 28, 2009
Back to Business
I guess is it back to business...
I did continue home school in a fashion... but today is back to all forms of my life. Home school full steam, work, household stuff, bills... life didn't stop, did it?!
I am doing OK. I am still physically tired, and still emotionally going through things, but with God as my strength and Allen by my side, we are OK. Everyday will be getting better, I pray and life will go on, but now with a new sense of loss, strength, and purpose.
Many have asked me if we will try again. The fact is, we have been "trying" for so many years. I think now we will go on as we have still. We will leave it in God' hands. The thought is difficult for me though, I cannot imagine going through the emotional ups and downs.... but if God wills another pregnancy, He will give me the strength to do it! Don't expect me to tell you all, though. I will make sure I am way past the first trimester to let anyone know next time. But, as of now these thoughts are OVERWHELMING and I am trying to heal from this experience and loss still.
My little boo is doing well, I think we just need to be home and not do too much in the next few weeks. We need a sense of schedule and stability back!
Physically, I still need to try to take it easy. I am losing a lot of weight and my celiac is acting up alittle. It could be hormonal changes, or the fact I have not been in a cooking mood and we have eaten out quite a bit lately... Today, I am going to eat well for sure and get things under control.
All in all, I do know that God is good. I love Him and an so blessed to be His daughter...I know that He has a plan, a reason, and comfort. I also know that I am so thankful for my WONDERFUL hubby who has been a rock, a comfort, and a smile for me. SO many friends and family too, my mom and dad, my sweet adult son Wes,Lisa, Toni, Laura, Lila,... there are so many to mention I cannot name them all right now. I thank all of them and pray for them daily...
In Him,
Aleacia |
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Jan. 23, 2009
Waiting
I am sitting here waiting. For all this to be over.
I am doing well, considering the emotional, physical, and spiritual sadness I am in the midst of.
My boy went with some friends today to our science club. I am glad. It was a chance for him to get back to the normal. My wonderful dear sweet hubby stayed home and we pretty much did nothing. The physical aspect of miscarriage ravaged my body last night and continues, but is subsiding a bit.
Our Pastor called and spent quite a while encouraging us. I am so thankful for my Pastor. He really is a compassionate man of God who truly cares for us, hurts with us, and like I said gave us encouraging words. Thank you, Pastor Richard.
Really, everyone is being so wonderful. I have such supportive family and church family and friends. Tomorrow some friends are coming to make valentines with me because Allen and my boy are going on a scout trip to an observatory. I didn't want them to cancel, it has been a hard enough week as it is for my little one...
My husband Allen is the most amazing husband too. He is so supportive. Last night all he did was cry with me, pray over me, kiss me, hold me... he is such a strength. He is always like this, but especially now, I see what a powerful love he has for me, and how much he cares... I am so thankful to the Lord for him.
God is my rock. He is my strength. It may be a hard time, but He has a reason for it. I am just waiting, holding on, and dealing with each second. Tomorrow will be better, then the next day will be better, then the next. I know I will always have a tear for this tragedy, but God will heal my wounds in time.
Thank you all, and May God richly bless you, He has blessed us indeed,
Aleacia |
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Jan. 22, 2009
Loss
We found out yesterday afternoon that our precious baby had died...
I suppose words cannot explain how I do feel. Grief. Sadness. Loss, Emptiness. Dark.
We never know why things happen. After eight years, it seemed so perfect... we had been waiting so long, and we were overjoyed. But, God had something else in mind, and who am I to differ from my creator? I know He must feel a sadness for us right now, that we cannot comprehend: He feels my hurt.
I could be mad, I could feel hopeless. Though in my human frailty I do have waves of this, I know He knows the best way and is my comforter, my joy, my strength. I choose, to trust, to believe in Him, to have faith in His plan, and to keep going. Life with Christ is indeed a choice. We don't always feel like we can go on or have the strength, but we NEED to choose. I highly doubt that Christ felt like being beaten and hung on a cross for me and you, in fact He said if it was the Father's will that the pain He was about to endure would pass, that it would. But He chose to die for you and me. And though I, so much weaker and undeserving than Christ, don't choose this path, I do trust in His will and choose to keep going FOR HIM, for my boys, for my beloved Allen... My life in Christ is not a mere emotion, it is a choice and a stand.
I pray that Christ be glorified in this trial. May His strength in us, minister to others and bring others to know about His saving grace and joy. I know I will see this baby in heaven and hold her/him. Our days on this earth are far shorter than the time we will spend in eternity with our Maker. I pray that even though I feel a myriad of emotions, that He will comfort me, strengthen me, give me joy, peace, and understanding. Life is tough at times, but God is a strong and mighty God. There is nothing that I cannot handle in Him. It is by HIS STRENGTH alone that I say any of this.
So, my friends want to know what to do, what to say. I don't know either! Just love me. Keep me busy. That is my style. It doesn't mean I am avoiding the pain or trying to forget, it means that I am a slow processor. I will cry when I feel like it, I assure you. But I need to go on too. I have a beautiful miracle boy that watches me daily. He needs to see strength among the frailty. He is hurting too. I have a college student who is watching His mom as an adult now. He needs to see me yes cry, but also not stop. I have students that need to know I am OK. I have people that need my help in ministry, their hurts are more present and urgent, I assure you. God will strengthen me. He will get all of us through. Our days here on this earth are numbered, and though as Ecclesiastes says, there is a time to mourn, there are so many other times listed there too. So, as I do mourn remember that I am a go getter. I want to continue to serve Christ and I want and need to see the laughter soon.
I don't know why God took this life in me. But I know that while it was there, it brought me great joy and Allen great joy. It reminded us of the hope and love we have in Christ. These feelings DID NOT DIE.
To GOd be the glory in all things. Thank you for your prayers, your thoughts, your love. Aleacia will be OK. GOd is in control.
In Him, I trust, I love, and I thank Him,
Aleacia |
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