Preparing for Battle

This morning. Picking up my sleeping 2 year old, seeing the baby fade from his face - turning into a handsome little boy. So many thoughts race through my mama mind. Where did time go? How did God see fit to bless us with this little guy? What kind of young man do we want to raise him to be?

The last one weighs heavy on my mind today.

You see, this world will teach him all he needs to know about evil. Lying, cheating, stealing - look to your local TV news story. Want to watch people's lives fall apart on "reality" TV - look no further than the Bachelor. Before you write me off as a prude, listen to what Chris Harrison said “This season has it all. We’ve got a virgin, who spends a night in the vanity suite (cheers), a wholesome young girl with an x-rate past (more cheers), and two widows hoping for a second chance at love.”

I'll be the first to admit I have watched many a season, and have enjoyed watching the drama unfold. I don't know if it is having a child of my own, or simply my eyes being opened. His statement just hit home hard. I understand that a lot of what is said is for ratings, but for me, my purity was something I took seriously. I will never regret waiting until our vows were said, and my promise was made to love ONE for my whole life. To see people cheering as other's lives fall apart was heartbreaking.

I have heard of more Christian women reading "50 Shades of Grey", thinking that it must be harmless since it is a book. To me it is no different than a Playboy magazine. I wouldn't want Jason reading something like that, and I won't either. Period.

When TV shows like The Affair and Transparent are praised with Golden Globes and standing ovations, I have to fight off the urge to throw the TV out the door, scoop up Gavin, and keep him home for the rest of his life. I know that is not the answer. But in a culture that mocks God, and praises the immoral - I have to wonder what can I do as a mama to teach Gavin how to be a godly man in an ungodly world.

For now we will let love reign in our home. Teach him how to pray. Sing Jesus Loves Me before bed (a favorite of Gavin's) it may be simple, but he loves it. Show him a loving marriage, where mama respects dad and dad shows his mama love.

And we may have to seriously consider whether or not to even hit the ON button on the TV.

The bottom line? I want so desperately to bring Honor to Christ. The whole idea of raising a godly son against some pretty hefty odds, brings to mind David and Goliath. There may be a giant before Jason and I, but let me tell you something - we are strapping on our battle gear, and are preparing to fight his war.

Bring on the battle.

If God is for us - who can stand against us?

Work in progress

Over the past few years, I have learned many things.

-The Huskers aren't what the once were, and the Gophers are looking better and better every year. Humility is being taught in this Nebraska girl's heart.

-Being a mama has, at times, been gut-wrenching hard and on the other hand the most rewarding moments have come out of it.

-Minnesota isn't all that bad. Yes it is freeeezing most days, but I am starting to grow roots here. It has taken a while to quiet the urge to move every 1-2 years. I feel our home becoming the place that Gavin will bring his buddies to, and where Jason and I can pour our creativity and sweat into.

-Worrying, despite all of my attempts to cling to it - is not a solid foundation. Not a real shocker, but it is something that has taken years to finally start grasping. I'm not there yet, but I do know that letting God take over is where I'll stay.

-One of the biggest lessons would have to be - hold the things of this world loosely in my hands. Had God not put us on the journey we have been traveling recently, I would have never noticed that. It is amazing what we learn through living life, isn't it?

Life can be exhausting!

I am sure the next few years will bring more life lessons. Ones that shape, mold, chisel, and make me who I am intended to be. I have made mistakes, but I don't have regrets. Hardships have shaped me, and I am grateful for that.

Essential Oils newbie

Before you click close, and write me off as a crazy all-natural hippie, just hear me out.

For a few months now I have been researching Essential Oils (EOs). I have looked up their uses, the best combos for illness/immune boosting, and have tried to gather all the info needed before starting this journey. One of my close friends has been using them for quite a while to help protect her and her son from illness, and she was kind enough to share a few blends with us.

Now I am not entirely sure that my husband didn't think I had gone off the deep end- but after using a blend of Eucalyptus & Peppermint, as well as Thieves, I was able to be symptom free after one day of a head cold that was coming on with a vengeance. Since then I have been gifted a set of EOs from dear hubby (maybe not as skeptical as I thought...) for Christmas and have been putting them to good use!

Lavender is my absolute favorite for bedtime routine. I have combined Lavender with Sweet Orange and found that combo to be an energizer. This is not to say I haven't made some mixing errors- let's just say that mixing eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, and lemon is a great combo! Leave out the tea tree and you have yourself going to work smelling like an 85 year old man with 50 year old cologne. Sorry coworkers...

Today I found a great wax diffuser at Target, and it has made it's home in our bathroom. I plan on diffusing oils during Gavin's bath and my shower. Tonight we did peppermint & eucalyptus - my favorite combo. I promise to branch out more as I learn more.

Note: the coconut oil is the "carrier oil" that you use to dilute the pure oils.

If only there was a blend to convince my bath-loving child to get out of the bath without a mild melt-down.

I am by no means well-versed in EOs yet, but I am working towards it! I have never been one who enjoys taking medicine, and I most certainly don't enjoy being sick - so I will do anything to combat this cold/flu season!

Pet tip: I went to check out an EO book at the library this afternoon and the librarian said she uses them on her dog who has anxiety. Apparently lavender behind the ears calmed him right down. There you go - a tip from one non-pet mama to you.

More on our Essential Oils journey to come!

2015 - One word

Brave.

Last year I decided against making New Year resolutions, and instead picked a word to focus on for the year. FearLESS was that word. While 2014 had moments of fear, the desire to put my faith in the Lord won.

As I think of the year ahead, my heart wants to be Brave.

I know it isn't a word many would use for a mom, wife, and administrative assistant. I am no warrior, and I am rarely in dangerous situations. However, I want to be Brave.

Brave when it comes to standing up for what I truly believe in - even if it isn't popular. Faith has become something that is looked down on, and I don't want to stay silent anymore. I believe in the one TRUE God. I believe that Jesus Christ rescued me from the darkest of days and brought me into the light. I believe in the Alpha & Omega, my Abba Father, the Savior of my Soul.

Brave for our family - in a culture where marriage is more of a hobby than a life-long journey. A culture that says it's okay to end it when the fairytale wears off. I want to show that marriage is a blessing - a blessing that each couple has to work for. I want to be a better example of a wife for Gavin - showing him the respect I have for his daddy.

Brave when it comes to life decisions for Gavin. Not just medically, but in all aspects of life. As he grows from a toddler to a little man, I want his daddy & I to be there to help him find his way.

Brave - a five letter word. A word I think I need this year. 

Here's to a brand new year.