As I begin my new business as an Arbonne Consultant, I am facing two great fears that have plagued me most of my life. The fears of rejection and failure. But these past few months I have learned to stand on God's word, and in His Truth. He says DO NOT FEAR repeatedly in the scripture so I am rebuking the voice in my head that says I should fear rejection and failure because they are coming. Instead, today I am choosing to believe that I will be embraced by those that I share my heart with and I will find success because I am dedicating this business to God. If He stands for me and beside me, then who can come against me? There is so much freedom in not only believing in God, but trusting His goodness.
In the previous post, I tagged 2015 as a year of health and happiness. Well, in truth, that journey began in the fall of 2014 and it began as a spiritual healing. I learned the beautiful art of true, complete and lasting forgiveness. I learned to distinguish the lies of the enemy of my soul from God's truth. I also rededicated myself to living my life as a prayer to God. I don't pray once, twice, or five times a day. My entire life has become a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. Since I accepted this as my purpose, everything has changed. Friendships were reestablished, others lost. Past desires of my heart were reignited while the embers of others have grown cold. My life has refocused on the Creator of the Universe and I truly believe His transforming power is going to lead me toward an abundance of blessings that are promised in scripture; among them will be acceptance, success, health and His enduring Joy! May all my readers find the same <3 p="">
“I will enjoy blessing them. With all my heart and soul I will faithfully plant them in this land.” Jeremiah 32:41
Father, I dedicate this year to you. I praise you and thank you for your faithfulness in bringing me to a place of healing and joy! I am in awe of your beautiful works and how you have shown yourself to me. Lord, I ask for your blessing. I ask you without shame because you have said "ask and you shall receive"! You desire to bless your children Father, so today I commit myself to accepting your gifts with joy and gratitude. I will watch for your hand as you shower me, my business and those I love with ABUNDANCE this year. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
* Please take this prayer, make it yours and trust that He will answer you!*
Temple Detox
Courtesy of #dgdesignsphotography
Sunday, January 4, 2015
A Journey to Health and Happiness in 2015!
I haven't written anything in a while- unfortunately. But I'd like to share how I am rediscovering health and happiness in 2015; perhaps it will inspire you readers as well!
I have had some health struggles for about ten years now. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago because as the Doctor said "We can't find anything wrong with you." In March 2014 I began seeing a Doctor who specializes in combining Traditional Medicine and Holistic Medicine. She did extensive blood work on me and after about five months she finally had a diagnosis for me. She said “You don’t have fibromyalgia, you are malnourished due to Leaky Gut Syndrome, caused by Gluten, Dairy and Soy intolerance.” I had also become intolerant of many of my everyday foods such as bananas, eggs, chocolate, chicken and pork. As well as dealing with estrogen dominance and hypothyroidism (both consequences of my body not functioning properly due to malnourishment).
I cut all those foods out of my diet, began taking excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals and within two months I had lost 18 pounds and felt like I was coming back to life. I plateaued at that 18 pounds for a month. Could not budge that scale. Then I met a new friend Karen. I shared with her what I was doing with dietary changes and she said “That is exactly what my company is all about!” So she shared Arbonne with me. My mom was so excited about it, that for Christmas she gave me the “30 Days to Healthy Living and Beyond” and signed me up as a consultant so I could continue it with the discount. I did not have any intention of sharing or selling the program because I’m busy enough with two babies two and under.
The program consists of taking a protein shake twice a day, with daily fiber and a digestive enzyme packet (including pro and pre-biotics). You get to drink fizzy energy sticks, which are delicious and help that craving for a soda, and snack on fit chews to help with sugar cravings. They taste like a lemon star burst, tootsie roll or caramel; I am hooked! But the best part of all, you receive a shopping list and recipe book for all the clean eating meals you will make! This ensures that you will learn how to shop and eat clean, which sets you up for success in your goals of continued health and weight-loss/maintenance.
The program consists of taking a protein shake twice a day, with daily fiber and a digestive enzyme packet (including pro and pre-biotics). You get to drink fizzy energy sticks, which are delicious and help that craving for a soda, and snack on fit chews to help with sugar cravings. They taste like a lemon star burst, tootsie roll or caramel; I am hooked! But the best part of all, you receive a shopping list and recipe book for all the clean eating meals you will make! This ensures that you will learn how to shop and eat clean, which sets you up for success in your goals of continued health and weight-loss/maintenance.
After one week I was a believer. I had lost five pounds and was so much more energized and motivated. Even my eczema had cleared up! I had not thought that I could feel better than I already did, but this blew me away. Honestly, now I ask myself how can I NOT share this program with others?
If you are interested in the program, I can get you a great discount. I really just want to help others feel healthy and happy throughout their life.
jdfrickie@gmail.com
jdfrickie@gmail.com
https://www.arbonne.com
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Let them eat cake! (and cookies!)
It has been a busy two weeks here on the Frickie Ranch. My Mr. brought home the flu and all four of us suffered through it. Luckily, we were doing better by Valentine's day and were able to celebrate a day of love with our lovely neighbors.
I baked amazing sugar cookies covered with marshmallow fondant! I bought icing pens for the children at the party to write little notes on the cookies and deliver edible valentines to each other! I have been dying to try fondant for a long time. But fear of it being complicated or difficult kept me at bay. I finally just said, "I'm going to do it!" So without over thinking it, I dove head first into this project. You should have seen my dad's face when he saw and tasted these perfect creations. I don't know that he's ever been more impressed with me (I know he has of course, but his reaction was hilarious!) "You made these? How did you do it? How did you learn to do this? They are so perfect and fluffy!"
My loves and me on Valentines day 2014
It was so successful that I dove head first into a birthday cake for my friends that same weekend! We were having a surprise Mardi Gra themed party. So my Mr. and I created a simple design to try and away I went. What a fun, very messy and sticky, challenge. I am now obsessed with cake design and want to create more.
Giving credit where credit is due, My Mr. made the mask!
Isn't he talented?
I love new and exciting challenges that allow me to be creative. Baking has always be cathartic for me. Now cake decorating is taking it one step further! I have so much to learn, but learning is easy and fun when you enjoy the subject.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Cashew Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten, Dairy, Soy and Sugar free)
This will be a brief post, my sister told me I've been making them too long! Just kidding Sis! In truth I'm tired and want to get a good nights sleep, but I was dying to share this delectable, charming little cookie. They were created in a moment of desperation. "How do I manage a girls night out at The Melting Pot without getting to indulge in chocolate fondue!?" As I posted earlier, preparation has been my key to success dealing with these dietary restrictions for my daughters sake so of course I made my own dessert for the evening. I thought peanut butter cookies would be great, but I decided to be adventurous and try using cashew butter instead (the jar had been sitting in my pantry untouched for a month!). So here you go, my new favorite cookie. They are delicious with chocolate chips, but they can certainly stand alone if you want to cut out the chocolate. Dare I say, they are even better than my previously posted gluten, dairy, soy free chocolate chip cookie? Try them out and let me know what you think...
Cashew Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Egg
1/2 Cup Raw Honey
1/2 Cup Cashew Butter (or any nut butter of your choosing)
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 1/4 cup Almond flour
1/2 cup Cococut flour
*Optional: 1/2 Bag of Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl beat egg and honey together until fluffy. Add in cashew butter, salt and baking soda. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour and coconut flour. Now slowly stir the flours into the wet ingredients. Let sit for a minute as the coconut flour absorbs the moisture. Stir a bit more and add in chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 10-12 minutes and prepare for some moist, fluffy deliciousness.
Cashew Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Egg
1/2 Cup Raw Honey
1/2 Cup Cashew Butter (or any nut butter of your choosing)
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 1/4 cup Almond flour
1/2 cup Cococut flour
*Optional: 1/2 Bag of Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl beat egg and honey together until fluffy. Add in cashew butter, salt and baking soda. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour and coconut flour. Now slowly stir the flours into the wet ingredients. Let sit for a minute as the coconut flour absorbs the moisture. Stir a bit more and add in chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 10-12 minutes and prepare for some moist, fluffy deliciousness.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Friendship, Sisterhood and the Power of Prayer
I love being a part of the military community. It's not perfect, humans will be human. But there is generally a feeling of good will and support that I haven't experienced elsewhere. Because of our nomadic lifestyle, we have to make friends quickly. They don't always work out, but often times when they do, those friends become family. In Okinawa, I had five women I consider not only my friends, but sisters. Sisters in Christ and sisters for life. It was such an amazing experience to have a peek into their lives and the opportunity to love and support them; imperfectly of course, because we are after all women with hormones and miscommunication often interferes! These women taught me so much about acceptance, unconditional friendship, love, forgiveness and strength. I miss them every day. The beautifully witty Katie who allowed me to support her during labor while her hubby was away defending our freedom. The vivacious Melissa whose open smile and passion for Christ is contagious! Then there was gentle Jill, whose sweet compassion and acceptance was such a blessing to me. And of course, my Wifey and Bosom Buddy.
Now, the reason I feel bonded to these women was not just because they are awesome ladies and we had great times together. Nor is it the shared experience of being assigned to Okinawa that bonded us. No, the real reason I feel so close to them and love them so completely is because we prayed together. During one summer and fall, we gathered together every week to pray for our husbands. We would lift them up and cover our men with scripture. You can't help but feel close to someone else when they place themselves before the altar of God beside you and humbly ask for the grace to be a better woman and wife. There is no feeling like it. We weren't able to meet for long because schedules changed and circumstances interfered, but those months were enough to leave us knit together. We continue to send each other prayer requests to this day. I love it.
I've missed prayer and its powerful impact in my life, so I decided it is time to begin a new prayer group. This time, for my daughters. My Mr. still needs it just as much, but I believe our children are in desperate need of their Father God's covering. Not to mention my need to focus on God and ask for strength, wisdom and patience in raising these sweet cherubs.
I am so excited to share this powerful experience with my NEW sisters. My Power Puff Ladies. Yes, that is what we call ourselves. A group of military wives of all ages, with children of all ages, who have bonded together is the most pure example of friendship and support I have ever experienced. We make dinners, watch each others kids and help in any way you can imagine. We also have a passion for simply celebrating life! Every holiday has been an opportunity to gather in community and rejoice. It has been so much fun! In fact, I am so spoiled that all I have to do is wander out my front door and see my friends, chairs in a circle, shivering under blankets, braving the cold so that the kids can run and scream to their hearts content. All the while we chat and laugh and plan for the next celebration.
After a lifetime of struggling with friendships, God has taught me to love and accept completely. To simply embrace a friend and expect nothing from her while pouring out whatever I can into her heart. I love these Power Puff women even more because I see them setting that example for their kids. How powerful is that? A group of our next generation learning by example to love and embrace one another, support one another and party life away with one another! I can't think of anything more special. It make this year one of my favorite experiences. Many of these great ladies will be leaving in May, but until then I plan to enjoy my friends while they are here and I am praying, praying, praying for the new ones who will arrive this summer. Because, after all one can not have too many friends in life. And you never know who you will meet again. I could never have imagined that in just one short month my Bosom Buddy would live a two minute walk down the street! It is exciting to see how God rearranges the pieces of our lives every couple years, and how despite our imperfections He blesses us so abundantly. My Dad used to say "Jennifer, if you can count your number of friends on one hand you are truly blessed." Well, Daddy, I am ABUNDANTLY blessed.
Katie, Me, Melissa, Wifey and Bosom Buddy
Now, the reason I feel bonded to these women was not just because they are awesome ladies and we had great times together. Nor is it the shared experience of being assigned to Okinawa that bonded us. No, the real reason I feel so close to them and love them so completely is because we prayed together. During one summer and fall, we gathered together every week to pray for our husbands. We would lift them up and cover our men with scripture. You can't help but feel close to someone else when they place themselves before the altar of God beside you and humbly ask for the grace to be a better woman and wife. There is no feeling like it. We weren't able to meet for long because schedules changed and circumstances interfered, but those months were enough to leave us knit together. We continue to send each other prayer requests to this day. I love it.
I've missed prayer and its powerful impact in my life, so I decided it is time to begin a new prayer group. This time, for my daughters. My Mr. still needs it just as much, but I believe our children are in desperate need of their Father God's covering. Not to mention my need to focus on God and ask for strength, wisdom and patience in raising these sweet cherubs.
I am so excited to share this powerful experience with my NEW sisters. My Power Puff Ladies. Yes, that is what we call ourselves. A group of military wives of all ages, with children of all ages, who have bonded together is the most pure example of friendship and support I have ever experienced. We make dinners, watch each others kids and help in any way you can imagine. We also have a passion for simply celebrating life! Every holiday has been an opportunity to gather in community and rejoice. It has been so much fun! In fact, I am so spoiled that all I have to do is wander out my front door and see my friends, chairs in a circle, shivering under blankets, braving the cold so that the kids can run and scream to their hearts content. All the while we chat and laugh and plan for the next celebration.
The Power Puff at Heather and Jenny's double Baby Shower
Ruthie, Roxie, Jess, Heather, Me, Amy, Mariam, Lindsey & Melissa
After a lifetime of struggling with friendships, God has taught me to love and accept completely. To simply embrace a friend and expect nothing from her while pouring out whatever I can into her heart. I love these Power Puff women even more because I see them setting that example for their kids. How powerful is that? A group of our next generation learning by example to love and embrace one another, support one another and party life away with one another! I can't think of anything more special. It make this year one of my favorite experiences. Many of these great ladies will be leaving in May, but until then I plan to enjoy my friends while they are here and I am praying, praying, praying for the new ones who will arrive this summer. Because, after all one can not have too many friends in life. And you never know who you will meet again. I could never have imagined that in just one short month my Bosom Buddy would live a two minute walk down the street! It is exciting to see how God rearranges the pieces of our lives every couple years, and how despite our imperfections He blesses us so abundantly. My Dad used to say "Jennifer, if you can count your number of friends on one hand you are truly blessed." Well, Daddy, I am ABUNDANTLY blessed.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Progress, Preparation and Gluten, Dairy, Sugar and Soy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
I am delighted to report that I finished week 1 of my Couch to 5K program. I have added distance and my run times were five minutes faster than last Saturday. Though, being honest, it is so much easier to run without my beloved Double BOB. It is an amazing bicep workout and increases my heart rate like crazy. Both good things.
It's very exciting to see and feel progress as I begin to strengthen my body. On this journey toward better health and fitness I keep running into one major obstacle: myself. Therefore, I have to be proud of getting outside when the temperature is in the 20's and snow and ice are on the sidewalks. Getting past my desire for comfort is one thing, but overcoming my sweet tooth is near impossible. However, with the current dietary restrictions I am under while breast feeding Diana, I am discovering a level of discipline that I did not previously possess. On top of that, in Okinawa last spring, as I trained for my first 5k ever, my friend Kelli introduced to me a new philosophy! "YOU'RE NOT A DOG, STOP TREATING YOURSELF LIKE ONE!"
Wait, what? Oh yes, I was treating myself all the time. I mean ALL the time. Go for a run? Make cookies! Weight lift or shadow box? Drink a cocktail! I was treating myself as motivation to keep up the good behavior. How backwards is that? I now realize that the good behavior brings it's own reward: the oh so sweet taste of success! So I've determined that I will not indulge in this bad, but very tasty behavior any longer.
However, if this new lifestyle is to be sustainable, I had to find a way to incorporate my hubby. My Mr. would not be able to maintain our healthy eating without his cookies. I secretly suspect that is why he married me...he loves my baked treats. I had to find a way to abide by the new rules, but also subdue our cravings for sweets. Last night it dawned on me that I should prepare a gluten, dairy and soy free dessert for myself, because tonight I will be dining at my parents house. I do not want to be tempted by the desserts that will be offered. Because as the saying goes, preparation is half the battle. What battle? I'm not sure which one, but I want to WIN! So I gathered all my knowledge of baking with new flours, glanced over Elana's Pantry Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe (her blog is amazing!) and created my own concoction. The first batch was pretty good...very close to what I was desiring, but I knew I could do better. So I tried again only to find PERFECTION!!!!! So, as I bid you adieu, I leave you with my new favorite recipe. I'm pretty excited to indulge in these cookies tonight!
Jenny's Gluten, Sugar, Soy and Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Cup Anthony's Almond's** Almond Flour
3/4 Cup Anthony's Coconut's** Coconut Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tbsp McCormick's Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup of Grape-seed Oil
1/2 Cup of Raw Honey
1 Egg
1/2 Cup Enjoy Life Dairy***, Soy and Nut Free Mini Chocolate Chips
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl combine dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, combine the vanilla extract, grape-seed oil, honey and egg. Mix wet ingredients until thoroughly blended. Slowly add the dry ingredients. Allow to sit for a minute or so, as the coconut flour will absorb much of the moisture. Stir in the chocolate chips. Spoon cookies on to non-stick cookie sheet, or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Then pour a cup Silk Almond Milk and enjoy your sweet treats!
*Remember, Coconut flour products should be stored in the fridge!
**I bought the Anthony's flours on amazon.com in bulk. Buying in bulk makes baking with different flours less expensive.
** I discovered Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips in Wal-Mart's gluten free baking section!
Wait, what? Oh yes, I was treating myself all the time. I mean ALL the time. Go for a run? Make cookies! Weight lift or shadow box? Drink a cocktail! I was treating myself as motivation to keep up the good behavior. How backwards is that? I now realize that the good behavior brings it's own reward: the oh so sweet taste of success! So I've determined that I will not indulge in this bad, but very tasty behavior any longer.
However, if this new lifestyle is to be sustainable, I had to find a way to incorporate my hubby. My Mr. would not be able to maintain our healthy eating without his cookies. I secretly suspect that is why he married me...he loves my baked treats. I had to find a way to abide by the new rules, but also subdue our cravings for sweets. Last night it dawned on me that I should prepare a gluten, dairy and soy free dessert for myself, because tonight I will be dining at my parents house. I do not want to be tempted by the desserts that will be offered. Because as the saying goes, preparation is half the battle. What battle? I'm not sure which one, but I want to WIN! So I gathered all my knowledge of baking with new flours, glanced over Elana's Pantry Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe (her blog is amazing!) and created my own concoction. The first batch was pretty good...very close to what I was desiring, but I knew I could do better. So I tried again only to find PERFECTION!!!!! So, as I bid you adieu, I leave you with my new favorite recipe. I'm pretty excited to indulge in these cookies tonight!
Jenny's Gluten, Sugar, Soy and Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Cup Anthony's Almond's** Almond Flour
3/4 Cup Anthony's Coconut's** Coconut Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tbsp McCormick's Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup of Grape-seed Oil
1/2 Cup of Raw Honey
1 Egg
1/2 Cup Enjoy Life Dairy***, Soy and Nut Free Mini Chocolate Chips
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl combine dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, combine the vanilla extract, grape-seed oil, honey and egg. Mix wet ingredients until thoroughly blended. Slowly add the dry ingredients. Allow to sit for a minute or so, as the coconut flour will absorb much of the moisture. Stir in the chocolate chips. Spoon cookies on to non-stick cookie sheet, or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Then pour a cup Silk Almond Milk and enjoy your sweet treats!
*Remember, Coconut flour products should be stored in the fridge!
**I bought the Anthony's flours on amazon.com in bulk. Buying in bulk makes baking with different flours less expensive.
** I discovered Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips in Wal-Mart's gluten free baking section!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Loving reflections of my Becca Boo and motherhood
I'm sitting in the family room watching Preschool Prep Sight Words 1. My daughter is beginning the process of learning to read. What? Where did my baby go? I ordered a book yesterday about Potty Training because she is showing signs that she is ready. What? Where did my baby go? Yesterday, she sat at her amazing little table. She just sat there coloring and playing pretend with wooden food from her little kitchen. What? Where did my baby go? She is going up and down the stairs on her own, opening doors, and having legit conversations with us. WHAT?! Where did my baby go? Who is this little child telling me what she wants with sign language and words? Who is this little girl saying "Pretty" to all my jewelry and wanting to accessorize her precious body? Who is this little lady that is so excited to be combing her own hair and brushing her own teeth? Taking showers by herself (with parental supervisions of course) standing under the stream of water giggling and relaxing? I am amazed that at a year and a half years old I am getting glimpses of the person to come. Who will she be? What can I do to encourage her in her interests? This morning, I was singing random notes (don't ask, it's what I do!) and she started singing with me. It was AWESOME! Will she be musical? How will that musical gift be expressed? Through dance, vocal modulations or instrumental talents? I am so excited to find out. But I have one request for my darling first born: don't rush it. Please don't rush growing up. As tired as I am with two babies under two, I am enjoying every moment of this precious time and it is flying by far to quickly. Here are two of my favorite moments with Becca:
One wintery afternoon Becca walked over to her kitchen and began to open and close the little doors, bang her pots and pans, and throw her dishes and food around. It was hilarious. I looked at my Mr. in disbelief and said "What is she doing?" He simply replied without hesitation "As far as she knows, she is doing what mommy does!" We got a pretty good laugh out of that. I do tend to slam doors and bang things around in the kitchen.
It was early one morning and some of Mr.'s Bible Study friends came over for breakfast. Becca was very excited and began to play in her kitchen. A few minutes later, she began serving the men fake food at the table. SO CUTE. They are wonderful daddies themselves, so they sweetly took the food and played along. My girl is a very natural nurturer.
It is truly as if my baby grew up the moment we brought her baby sister home. She comforts Diana when she cries, brings Diana her pacifier if it drops, brings me blankets to put on Diana so she won't be cold. In the morning, her first order of business is to go kiss her baby sister and make sure she is ok. This sweetness warms my heart as I see a compassionate, thoughtful, sensitive spirit within her. I have three prayers that I daily send up to God:
Lord, let me be wise and patient. Help me be the mother my girls need me to be. Not the mother I think I need to be, or that the world says I should be. But the mother you designed me to be specifically for these daughters of mine. That I would see each of my girls potential and talents, and raise them according to the bent in which you created them as you require of me in Proverbs 22:6.
Lord, I claim the promises of Psalm 91. I declare your covering over my family, and especially both my daughters. May every day they live, every breath they take be one step closer to finding your son Jesus and asking Him to be their Lord and Savior.
Father, I ask that you save my daughters hearts. Keep them pure and honest. Prepare them for the men that you have destined for them. I lift up their future husbands and pray that they would have a heart for you Lord, and that their parents would as well. I pray that our families would be joined in peace and love when the time is right, and that their future marriages would be filled with love and respect. I pray their husbands will love them with the steadfast, gentle passion and care that their father has loved me. And that I may model for them how to be a loving, gentle, respectful and wise woman and wife.
The great responsibility placed upon the shoulders of all mothers can be overwhelming. I admit I have days in which I feel as if I will just fall to the ground in tears underneath this pressure. But daily I am not only finding just enough grace, just enough energy, time or patience to make it to bedtime, but the ability to rejoice and enjoy all the special moments that get us to that precious time of sleep. I love my job. It is a calling that is challenging and a great honor. God has bestowed two great gifts upon me and I have determined to hand them back to Him. They are His children whom He loves and adores more than I can fathom. I know that if I just ask Him, He will grant me all that I need (and more!) to lead them to the foot of the cross and into their Father's arms.
One wintery afternoon Becca walked over to her kitchen and began to open and close the little doors, bang her pots and pans, and throw her dishes and food around. It was hilarious. I looked at my Mr. in disbelief and said "What is she doing?" He simply replied without hesitation "As far as she knows, she is doing what mommy does!" We got a pretty good laugh out of that. I do tend to slam doors and bang things around in the kitchen.
It was early one morning and some of Mr.'s Bible Study friends came over for breakfast. Becca was very excited and began to play in her kitchen. A few minutes later, she began serving the men fake food at the table. SO CUTE. They are wonderful daddies themselves, so they sweetly took the food and played along. My girl is a very natural nurturer.
It is truly as if my baby grew up the moment we brought her baby sister home. She comforts Diana when she cries, brings Diana her pacifier if it drops, brings me blankets to put on Diana so she won't be cold. In the morning, her first order of business is to go kiss her baby sister and make sure she is ok. This sweetness warms my heart as I see a compassionate, thoughtful, sensitive spirit within her. I have three prayers that I daily send up to God:
Lord, let me be wise and patient. Help me be the mother my girls need me to be. Not the mother I think I need to be, or that the world says I should be. But the mother you designed me to be specifically for these daughters of mine. That I would see each of my girls potential and talents, and raise them according to the bent in which you created them as you require of me in Proverbs 22:6.
Lord, I claim the promises of Psalm 91. I declare your covering over my family, and especially both my daughters. May every day they live, every breath they take be one step closer to finding your son Jesus and asking Him to be their Lord and Savior.
Father, I ask that you save my daughters hearts. Keep them pure and honest. Prepare them for the men that you have destined for them. I lift up their future husbands and pray that they would have a heart for you Lord, and that their parents would as well. I pray that our families would be joined in peace and love when the time is right, and that their future marriages would be filled with love and respect. I pray their husbands will love them with the steadfast, gentle passion and care that their father has loved me. And that I may model for them how to be a loving, gentle, respectful and wise woman and wife.
The great responsibility placed upon the shoulders of all mothers can be overwhelming. I admit I have days in which I feel as if I will just fall to the ground in tears underneath this pressure. But daily I am not only finding just enough grace, just enough energy, time or patience to make it to bedtime, but the ability to rejoice and enjoy all the special moments that get us to that precious time of sleep. I love my job. It is a calling that is challenging and a great honor. God has bestowed two great gifts upon me and I have determined to hand them back to Him. They are His children whom He loves and adores more than I can fathom. I know that if I just ask Him, He will grant me all that I need (and more!) to lead them to the foot of the cross and into their Father's arms.
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