The new little guy

Yesterday, we had the second ultrasound for a new little guy.  Yes, it's a boy!   I knew I was feeling differently with this baby than Emma.  A lot more sick in the beginning to the point of not being able to eat any food with flavor.  It was plain baked potatoes without butter or anything.  Very weird for me because I am a flavor and seasonings kind of gal.   Emma said from the beginning she wanted a brother and Kyle kind of had an idea himself.  So....I guess we all had the gut instincts.  

Ultrasounds are so amazing.  I just fell in love all over again with the little guy.   I am doing all my medical care on base here at Elmendorf.   So far, I have excellent care.   One thing I was told was that to have a 3D ultrasound I would have to go off base and pay the big bucks.  Yesterday, the radiology tech started doing the ultrasound and says, I am going to start the 3D now.     They just got a 3D ultrasound machine on base.  We were able to get a shot of it's little face for free.   That was my "exceeding abundantly" for the day. :) So amazing to see everything so clearly.  I could see the shape of it's leg...quite shapely I might add.  ha! :)

This baby is very active.   It feels like it is doing gymnastics about half the time.   My thoughts are "oh, God another active one"!   Some days I feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of two children.  I think it's the hormones talking.  I know I will be fine.  Emma is getting older and will be 3 by the time this one is born.  

We will be moving next summer with a new little one, just like we did with Emma.   I don't know if I want to do a boy's room knowing I will just move in a few months.  But, I don't want to neglect the little guy either.  I will definitely do a room for him when we get to the new house....wherever that may be. :)   It's sort of a lot of things to trust God with right now.   We have a new baby coming, a preschooler, a house to sell, and we are moving and we don't know where to.   Sometimes trusting is hard for me.  Especially with all these pregnancy hormones going on.    All I can do is just prepare.  We are cleaning out closets,  and getting our house in good shape to sell.  I know I may not have the energy once the little guy is here.    

You want to prepare for the future, but you have to live in the present too.  I am enjoying the current Bible study and the ladies here.  It's sad to think of leaving them behind.  Actually, a lot of them are moving this summer too.   That will make it easier.  I think.  Gotta go, Emma's needing something.  

Our hop to Hawaii

Emma and I at the Paradise Cove Luau

My "roomie" Tami and her kiddos, plus Emma

A gorgeous sunset. I could so live here! :)

Emma and I inside the aircraft

Emma and her friend Gracie

Emma at the Luau

A friend of mine at ladies Bible study told me she was going to miss Bible study because there was a free hop to Hickam AFB, Hawaii on a C-17 from Elmendorf.  Her husband is deployed. She and the kids were going with some other ladies that also attend Bible study. Their husbands all happen to work in the C-17 squadron. The husbands knew the flight was returning in six days.   My friend invited me along.

Kyle was working and told me I should go because it was a once in a lifetime thing.   It was a fun and tiring adventure.  It was the cheapest Hawaii trip I will probably ever get to take.  My friend and I shared a suite and car.   We had all our children (four altogether).  Yeah, we're crazy!  We totally did kid friendly stuff the whole time.  The pineapple farm, the Honolulu Zoo, a luau, the beach and pool.  It was really fun but a week later and I am still tired!   I knew I had to go on this trip because once another child is in the picture it will only be more difficult.  I am glad I was able to go and get some warmth before our BIG winter hits in the next few weeks.  

Speaking of winter...the snow is getting farther down the mountains each day!  We are having a gorgeous fall.  I don't totally mind the snow coming because I was able to escape part of the rainy Alaskan summer and go south.  I also know that we are up for a PCS next summer. Thinking of that is sort of bittersweet.  I will really miss all my friends here.   I won't miss the cold weather.  At least I don't think I will.  :)   This assignment has been such a good assignment for me as far as friends go.  I have made buddies that I hope to stay connected to for the rest of my life.  Thank you, God for the great friends.  They have been like water in the desert for me.

The VP nomination

I was so shocked to hear that our governor here in Alaska is the Republican VP nomination! I am not a big news watching gal so sometimes I don't know things like this for days.  But, it was all over the internet here.  I don't know her personally, but she seems to be really well loved here in Alaska.  I think she is so young and cute but also very smart and obviously can handle herself in tough situations.  This year she has had her share with Alaska politicians.   Just reading her bio is cool,  how that even in HS she led her team in prayer.   I've heard rumors that she attends the AG church in her town, Wasilla AG. Don't know if that is actually true though. 

She is pretty amazing to run in 20 below as well.  Kyle won't even do that.  He thinks its stupid to run outside in that cold of weather when you could be inside breathing warm air.  :)  

 

I think it's awesome that our first woman VP could very well possibly be a cute pro-life conservative church girl. :)

fall is in the air

After a month, I am back home in Alaska. It is beautiful here!  I love the mountains and the cool crisp mornings.  It is already getting dark by about 9:45 or so, and getting the fall feeling in the air.  Emma and I flew home early so that I could go to my first Dr appointment and also be home for Bible study starting back up.   The Dr.'s visit went well.  I was very surprised that they did an ultrasound at only 13 weeks.  I fell in love immediately!  The baby was moving around a lot.   Dr Hansen said, "he's an active little thing".  My thoughts were, Oh my, not another one!  :)  Emma is a sweetie but she runs literally everywhere she goes and I have to run after her!   We are super excited about a new baby and Emma is too.  She said for the first month or so she wanted a brother, but now she wants a sister.  

Kyle has one week left of SOS and I am so glad.   I really miss him. It's been three weeks since Emma and I saw Kyle. :(  This week I have been so busy that I haven't really had time to miss him as much. (which is kind of a good thing) But, today I was trying to take a sabbath after a long week of working on the Bible study kickoff and it made me really miss him.   I don' t know how I made it four months last summer.  God gives grace that is for sure.   I think part of it is Emma's missing him too.  She said on the phone to him today, "I want to hold you, Dad.  I want you to get on the plane and come play in my room". ha.   He said, "I will.  When I get home I will walk right upstairs and play in your room".   Emma loves her Daddy.   One good thing about separation is it helps you to be more grateful.  I am really thankful for a good husband that loves Emma and I.  

Yesterday, I was able to meet several new ladies that have recently moved to our base.   I really love getting to know them and making new friends.   This is the ministry that God seems to be calling me to this assignment.  Ministering to ladies who need support, encouragement and friendship.  It is something God has given me a love for at this time in my life.  We all have a purpose and I think this one's mine for now.  It's exciting to feel fulfilled in what you do!

sweet home alabama

I am in Sweet Home Alabama! It is so HOT and humid here. I know this sounds crazy, but I love it! I am soaking it all in before heading back to Alaska for another winter.
Kyle is in school, but Emma and I are having a great time swimming, shopping at Target, and playing at the playground. We are staying on base and they have a wonderful play area right outside our room. I love how the Air Force really tries to make your time here as comfortable as possible. It's not the Plaza hotel we just moved from in Springfield, but it is comfortable and I can do laundry for free! ha.
Emma is having a blast playing the sand box. It was caked in her hair last night I had to wash it twice and comb it all out, and still I did not get it all out.
I love this base. The housing is so beautiful. It is picture of what you think southern living should be. Of course, the nice houses are for the Generals, and Colonels. But, I did see two Captain names amoungst them. The must be navy Captains. There is no way they would let at AF Captain live in that housing unless there was some special need or maybe a big family.
Anyhoo....I am having a great time. Enjoying Target and Ross. ha! I am glad I was able to come with Kyle for a few weeks. This has been really fun.

im finally in warm weather!!!

Well, I am in the hotel room at our Chaplaincy conference hanging out with Emma. They have childcare for all the services and sessions except for this one tonight with Zollie Smith. I am sure would have been awesome, but Emma is done. She is having a great time at the pool, and playing with all the other little chaplain kids. All AG chaplains are invited to this conference from all branches of military to correctional and VA chaplains. There is so much diversity.
I was able to connect with several other chaplain wives that I have become friends with from either assignments or just going to the conference. It is always so fun to see good friends.
The first women's session was great. I cried my eyes out hearing the stories from the wives/spouses of chaplain's. Hearing what others face really puts my life in perspective. I don't have problems compared to some of the hardships that others face. I've been really blessed, but yet I complain about small things, like the weather. How ungrateful am I? I get to live in a beautiful state!

It has been good to get away from Alaska and just have to deal with the humidity that comes with the warmth of the south. Wow. I forgot how hot it gets! It has been so fun to be down here with Target, good shopping and lots of yummy restaurants that we don't get in Alaska. It has been a really relaxing break for us so far and I am really thankful for the break and God allowing us to come as a familiy. Making time for family vacations is so important, we've have really been needing some time just us three. It's been great.

I am so thankful that it all worked out exactly how God intended it to.

By the way, we just found out we are expecting Hundley baby #2. We are thrilled! I will be delivering in my 2nd militaryhospital! That should be fun. Actually the hospital on base is wonderful. They won best Air Force hospital for 2007! So, I thank God for the opportunity to enjoy good care. God is always mindful of our needs. Escpecially since I will be delivering so far from home and probably without any parents there to be there when the baby is born. God knows I have a lot of support here and I am thankful for that.

I had a Andy's custard from one of Kyle and I old date spots. It was stinking awesome, but I couldn't even eat half of it. And we both used to finish off our own. No wonder we both gained weight that first year of marriage. wow. We are getting old and we can't live like that anymore. Young people can eat junk and stay pretty fit, once you hit 30 it's over!

4th of July, family, travel and trust

Happy 4th, everyone!  It was gorgeous and sunny for the past two days up to about 70-75 which is stinking hot for Alaska.  Yesterday, I power washed the deck to prep for repainting it and of course today it is over cast and looks like could rain.  Oh, well.  There are plenty of other jobs to do inside.  

Kyle's Dad and the boys left Tuesday night, and now we are preparing for my sister to arrive Saturday night.  I am so excited.  I am ready!  

 

The weird thing about Alaska and the 4th is that you have to wait until after midnight to see any fire works at all.   It barely gets dark here at all this time of year.  I kind of miss the fireworks displays I am used to in states that actually have a night. :)

I have been doing a huge catch up because while Kyle was on leave and we had family here,  it was really hard for me stay up with all the mail.  The desk was piling up and that drives me crazy.  Finally, today I was able to file and organize some of the garbage.  I am in such a throw a way mood.  I really should hit my closet next. agh!

 

We are also trying to plan for our trip the the south the end of July.  We always try to go to our annual AG Chaplaincy Conference in July.  It is so worth it.  There have been days this year where I literally just thought if I can just make it to conference I know I will get the encouragement that I need.  Of course, God reminded me that He is always here and I don't need to wait  until the conference to get help.  It is just a wonderful time to be with people who are on the same page and other Chaplain's who really try to love you and mentor you.   It is really an awesome time for us because I sometimes feel like such a novice at this whole military lifestyle.  

Kyle is also going to Squadron Officer School in Montgomery, Alabama the week after the conference, so that is another added stress.  It is a five week school that most captain's in the Air Force attend.   He is still trying to get orders cut, because he can't even talk to the travel people until that is done. Of course everyone is out of the office most of this week  because of the holiday. yeah! ha.  God knows all about this and I know He always has our best in mind. I am trying to go with Kyle to most of SOS, because my family is so close by.  But that adds another stress of trying to figure out the how to get where and also be budget friendly. :(  It will be fun though.  I am really wanting to go with him because I know there are a lot of times that I can't travel with him.  Especially when kids start going to school or when he deploys somewhere I can't visit.  We try to stick together as much as we can. 

I am really trying to learn to trust God with our future.  We visited an awesome church service during Kyle's leave, and the pastor spoke about trusting God.   He said something that I wrote down and have been reminding myself of it about a million times.  "Anxiety is the result of not trusting God with your future".  It is simple but it really hit home for me.  I have struggled so much with this very issue... it seems all year long.   I long for the day when trusting God is something that I can do easily.   Right now, I really struggle with it.  

It reminds me of people who eat at the same restaurants all the time and order the same thing on the menu.  They know it's good and they don't really care to try anything else.  I want to get that way with God.  I want to get to the point where there is no other thoughts in my head but just simply to trust Him.   I think that comes with closeness.  Once I am close enough, I won't have to doubt ever.  Trust will come naturally.   

So, in the midst of a lot of chaos with travel arrangements for Emma, myself and Kyle... I am TRYING to trust God to work it all out.   Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.  

Fun sightseeing with the family

Since we have family here, we are taking them everywhere to see the sights.  It is really fun for me too.  They could probably care less, but I am really getting into it. ha.

Yesterday, we visited Portage Glacier, the Nature preservation, visited the little hippy town of Girdwood, and made a stop at one of our favorite pizza places in ALaska.  The Coast Pizzeria.  It a hole in the wall place that Kyle always stops at one his way home from snowboarding.   It was a fun day.  The ultimate highlight for me was that while we were in Girdwood we saw several cars stopping by the side of the road.  In Alaska that usually means everyone is stopping to take pictures of an animal like a moose or something.   I looked and right next to the suburban was a Mommy black bear and three bear cubs.  If we had not been driving I could have reached out and touched them.  They were so cute and cuddly looking.   It was totally the highlight of my day and almost year!  I have lived in ALaska for almost 2 years and never actually seen one bear in the wild.  Only like at the zoo or something.  It was awesome.  Now I can say I saw a bear while living in Alaska!  :)

I'm a fisherwoman

This is funny.  I just bought my first ever fishing license with an Alaska King Salmon fishing stamp.  I hope I catch some.  I can't wait to cook it up! :)

 If you know me at all you know that I am more of shopper than an outdoorsy gal, but we are going fishing next week.    It was so funny to me that I just bought a fishing license that I had to text my sisters to laugh with them and then call Mom.    They laughed with me of course!  

The way of life in Alaska is so laid back and casual.  It is sort of breath of fresh air sometimes. 

Hiking, fishing and just enjoying a good coffee is what it's all about! 

Nooma Rain

We started a new PWOC Bible study today.  It's a DVD  series with a talk for about 10 minutes then you discuss the topic.  It's simple and to the point.  You can check it out on youtube.  The series is Nooma by Rob Bell today the topic was "rain".  Why God allows His children to go through hard times or "rain".   I found myself getting really frustrated during the DVD.  I was thinking why don't you just cover your child?  He had huge fleece on and he could have easily zipped his child in the fleece.  Good grief! :)  The kid is screaming.  Finally he does, not in the timing I wanted. ha. 

It is such a great modern day parable about how God allows us to go through rain.  The whole time He is telling us we can make it and that He love us.  I have felt like that little child in the video to the point of crying out to God so much and so loudly that you almost feel like you are yelling.  Not disrespectfully but just with urgency.  During the "rainy" seasons in our life, you really want God to just make it stop or at least pull out a huge umbrella and let it rain on everyone else accept you. :)   Those rainy times are what God wants us to go through because it's a chance to be nearer to Him.  So good.  You gotta watch the clip. It's only 10 minutes. 

Alaska summer fun

Our next wave of company has arrived.  Kyle's Dad and his two brother's, Cole and Conner.  They will be staying with us the rest of the month!  It's going to be a fun time.  Kyle is off for two weeks! yeah!   This could possibly be our last summer here in Alaska, so we are trying to make the most of it.    I want to go to Denali, go on a glacier cruise, and fish for salmon before I leave.  I also want to fly up to Fairbanks sometime in the winter and see the Northern lights.  And then I am good to go to the next assignment.   

I am so excited that my sister and brother in-law, Kara and Andrew, are coming for a week in July!!!  Kara works for Southwest Airlines  so she flies anywhere southwest flies for free.  She is catching a flight to Seattle and then they paid around $35 to fly from Seattle to Anchorage. Which by the way is unreal cheap.  I can't even fill up my car with gasoline for $35 and my car gets good gas mileage!   I already have a list of things we are going to do while they are here.  This is a fun summer!  A little better than last year when Kyle was gone!  Just a little! :)

the joys of homeownership

We have been working our "fool heads off" as my Mother would say! :)  Kyle and I enjoy home improvement projects.  We always have.  I am just about sick of "home improving"!   

The piles of rock in front of our house now look a little more intentional and not just random. We sort of turned them into landscaping pieces if you will.  I planted some perennials in between some of the crevices to create a sort of rock garden. I guess that what I should call it, there is still a lot of rocks and now some flowers. We have so much rock in our soil.  I guess because we live in the mountains.  Rather than removing all the rock, we decided to just try to work with it.  We shall see what will become of it.  

Our kitchen appliances actually somewhat match!  We have lived here for almost 2 years with a cream fridge, a white stove, a black microwave and a stainless dishwasher.  I really didn't understand or like it when we bought the house, but it was one of those things that you think you can fix.  Thanks to George W refund money, we are finally getting to do that!  I have researched this completely and knew exactly what I wanted. Easy Care stainless steel that do not show fingerprints! Whoever invented that is probably making the big bucks.  We also bought them during Memorial day weekend so we got a 20% military appreciation discount!  yeah, baby.   

Our stove couldn't be delivered today because the Lowe's guy said it looked like it had been smashed by a truck.  Which really bummed me out, because it is annoying to have to plan your whole day around one delivery.   Then they told me they don't install built in microwaves!  I was sort of bummed about that too, because Kyle and I then spent the next four hours installing it! agh!!!!  I could write a whole blog about the microwave installation alone.  It was insane amount of drilling and templates and holding until your arms want to fall off.  

The refrigerator is beautiful, but I found a small ding in the top right corner.  After I had already unloaded all the food out of the old one, and loaded the new one with all our groceries. God is definitely trying to teach patience.  I guess I am not getting it.  I don't want to be a grouchy customer, but seriously, I want my fridge to be perfect after the amount of money I paid and the amount of time I waited to be able to purchase a fridge that actually will match the other appliances in the room! :)    I called Lowe's and they are going to replace it.   

It's no big deal really.  I am just pressuring myself, because I know we have Kyle's Dad coming Tuesday night staying for 3 weeks and I want my kitchen back by then.  It has been chaos for the last two weeks with all of this kitchen mess.    It's worth it though.  I kept turning around tonight when I was sitting on the couch and Kyle's says "what are you looking at?"  I said,  "my fridge!" and then I just burst into laughter because of how weird that really sounds.  I guess I am officially an old homeowner when a  FRIDGE brings me that much joy!

help!!!

I am creating a dvd slideshow for Father's Day for our service.  I need help!  I cannot come up with a good song to play during the picture slideshow.  Something about Dad's.  I thought about Bob Carlisle "Father's Love", but that is so ancient.  I would really like something a little more recent, but yet good.   I am up for any and all input! :)

old age, and just life

I don't feel old at all.  I feel like my age...30.  But, sometimes people say things that make me think maybe I am just living in denial and I am really getting old. 

Example of crazy things said to me: one of the contractors working on our kitchen saw a picture of Kyle's cousin on our fridge who is graduating from HS, probably at least 17 years old.  The guy asked if he was my son.  I said, "no".  But, I was thinking are you crazy? :) Do I look like I am old enough to have a 17 year old son? I wanted to be a smart mouth and say, "yea, it is my son, I gave birth at age 13!"  Come one people.  I think he might have been smoking some serious crack. 

I know we are all getting older, but my daughter is really getting big to me.  She is in the climbing, telling on other's and getting onto things stage.  Funny times.  Last night, she managed to get into all my children's ministry bag with watercolors.  When Kyle walked in the door from turning on the sprinkler, she came running around the corner with a paint brush in each hand saying, "I'm painting".  He was a little psyched out at this point and thinking of the worst possible scenarios. :)  He says, "show daddy what you painted".   She led him to the bathroom to show him she had painted the toilet and the door jam.  Not too bad, because it could all be easily washed off.   This has just suddenly happened because she has never been a child that gets into things.  Her babysitters would always tell me that they were surprised how she doesn't get into things.  It has changed I guess! ugh! Since Emma likes painting so much, I am taking her with me tonight to Color Me Mine to paint pottery with some girlfriends.  This could be really fun or a disaster! 

The exercise is over and I am glad.  I feel like we worked all weekend.  Probably because we did.  Friday my kitchen was a disaster with the counter top install, Saturday we put the remaining plumbing stuff back together and worked in the yard until I couldn't stand it any longer, Sunday was NOT a day of rest with preparing and then going to church.  Today I feel a little like I have been hit by a truck. I still have some yard work to do this week.  It never ends when you have a house.  Sometimes it makes me weary, but I love it.  I love the sense of accomplishment of finishing a project.  The sad part is, I have about 10 projects going at the same time.  I'm not exaggerating. I think just about everyone I know is like this too.  We all get in way too deep over our heads with things we think are important that we accomplish.  

 This morning before even getting out of bed, I had a list of things to do ticking in my head.  But, I was reminded of the verse, "one thing is needful".   There will always be a million projects to do, bills to pay, groceries to buy, clothes to fold and meals to prepare.  But, only one thing is really a necessity for a great life.... spending time with our God. 

trampolines, quads and bbq's

We've had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, but we are all exhausted from our holiday! :)  The weather has been gorgeous here and with this being Kyle's first real summer here, we are taking advantage of it!  This weekend was filled with bike riding, hiking, church, BBQ's and Kyle went rafting on Eagle River yesterday with airmen's ministry.  He had a great time.  It was a bit too cold for me.  The water is still 36 degrees! agh!  

Today it is beautiful here.  I took Emma to the park for about two hours and she played until she was exhausted and had dirt covering just about every inch of her body.  She had a blast!  She decided to go down the slide face first and land in the gravel.  That was a bummer.  Somehow she ended up with a bloody knee but with no head injuries. go figure. 

This weekend I have had to relax and breath and not stress out all the time as Mom.  We went to our friends house for Memorial day and they have a trampoline, and a 4 wheeler.  Two things that sort of bring anxiety to my life! ha.   Emma being the free spirit and not afraid of really anything too much wants to do all of it!  I am thinking...you are two years old not 15.  A little too old to be riding a quad.  But, Kyle reassured me she would live through the experience and guess what....she did.  She loved it.   Our friend was giving rides to all the little kids.  I have a bad feeling in my stomach that she might our dare devil child.  God help me, please!  

I have enough issues with Kyle being into motorcross and street bikes, but now my only child!  agh!!!!   I need lots of grace for the coming years, please God. 

 

Maria Chapman

I was so upset when I saw all over the news that Steven Curtis Chapman's five year old little girl, Maria, was tragically killed in an accident yesterday.  I cannot imagine the pain their family is experiencing right now.  Steven's website has a really cute family photo and also this movie clip on youtube.  youtube.com/watch?v=A7jX9UHl27E

From watching the movie it made me think she might be a Daddy's girl.  That is exactly how Emma is and I cannot imagine losing Emma.  Heaven will be a wonderful place for sure.  We will never have to face tragedies, death or pain any more.  Praying for their family today.  I don't know if I would be strong enough to face this kind of thing.  I am sure Steven will write an amazing song from this life experience.  He is such a good writer.  God be with their family today.

spring is it really here?

This photo was taken just last week and look how brown the grass is!  Overnight the trees and grass are getting green.  I love spring.   I love getting my hands dirty digging in the dirt with my shoes off!  Need to go do that now!!!!

Alaska vacation fun

Mother's Day @ Chapel

Portage Glacier near Whittier, Alaska

Nature Preservation (yes, these are brown bear cubs digging for food!) 

It's been a while since I have posted.   I have since made it home to Alaska.  Even though I had a great visit in Kentucky,  I was glad to get back to Kyle and life here.    

I had a few days to recover from the long flight and then had to start preparing for Kyle's mother to visit us here.  She arrived last Friday, and we have had a wonderful visit.  She is such a sweet mother in law.   

We have had a few nice days and a few cold and rainy days.  Despite the bad weather we still did some sightseeing.   I haven't eaten this much in a long time. ugh.  Have to start working out again first thing Monday morning.  There is so much wonderful cuisine here in Alaska though.   I am really going to miss some of these restaurants up here.   We are trying to let Kyle's mother try everything we like in one week and that is hard to to!   We need about a month really!  

We have had a great time, especially with Kyle on leave.  That is wonderful and it was so needed. 

Our family has been in desperate need of a vacation for while now, but we have been unable to take leave because everything was so busy around here.    I love being able to be together as a family.  It's really a great thing that the Air Force allows you so much time off.  I am grateful that we are able to have that time away just to recharge the batteries!  

We took Kyle's Mom down to Alyeska Resort a couple of days and we were able to swim and just relax in the hot tub. That feels like vacation to us.    It was a wonderful week.  Sunday it will be over.  :(   I love getting to be with Kyle this much.  Emma has too.  Kyle will be ready to go back to work Monday.   Emma will hardly let him out of her sight!

Hills of Kentucky

Emma and I are enjoying the beautiful warm weather of the south. I am visiting my parents who live in Southeastern Kentucky. It is absolutely beautiful here! I worked in the yard on Friday doing what I love....digging in the dirt. :) I planted about 40 plants. It was fun. I love that kind of stuff. I even got a little sun on my skin, which I needed. I was beginning to look a little dead. ha.

Emma is loving playing outside. The first day we were here my Dad was going to take her outside and Emma said, "I need my coat on". It was 80 degrees outside. She definitely did not need her coat, but she doesn't remember playing outside without wearing a coat. Poor baby. :)

While we have been enjoying the warm weather, Kyle has had to deal with about 2 feet of snow that fell in about two days. They even sent people home early Friday. Crazy. They never send people home unless it is absolutely bad, because most people are used to driving in snowy conditions. I wished Kyle could have come home too. I miss horribly. There are so many memories Kyle and I have made here in Kentucky. We were married not even an hour from here. Our entire 2 year courtship was here in Kentucky. Lots of funny date memories have been coming back to me. ha.

It's good to be back. I need to get away and relax. It's sort of hard for me to do though. I keep wanting to work on something. I am loving Kentucky, but I will be ready to go back to Alaska next week.

Great service

We had a great service tonight.  We were expecting a small crowd because of all the people gone for vacations and retreats. But, we ended up having a decent crowd.  It always so encouraging to see people getting the help they need from God.  It makes our job as ministers worth every hour spent if just one person hears THE Message.   We had six new people in our service that are here for either a short two week assignment or just moved to Elmendorf.  Thank you Lord for growth. We want to see people reached for Christ.  That is what makes us love our job as Chaplain and wife. :)   

Tonight's service was exactly what Kyle and I both needed to be a part of.  I think we were both getting weary.   God just gave us the shot in the arm to let us know we are doing what He called us to.  Thank you, Holy Spirit for speaking when we don't have the words.  

Don't you know?

I am so weary.  I feel tired today because Emma woke up at 4:55 am singing  the song from The little Mermaid as loudly as she could.  She was cold.   I went in held her in my arms with a big soft and warm blanket and she went right back to sleep. THank you God for that!

I also feel weary in my spirit.  I think Kyle is too.  We have both been going 900 miles an hour it seems in ministry and I am hitting the breaking point. :)   

Today I just had to be reminded of how BIG God is... I love these verses from Isaiah 40.

"Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

  the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and 

increases the power of the weak.

....those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."

I needed that today.  The verse is saying to me,  Don't you know by now, Erica, I am the God who gives the strength you need!

walking down memory lane

I have been taking on a major project today.....cleaning out the guest bedroom.   We have our first guests arriving in May and this guest bedroom looks clean from first appearances, but there is so much JUNK that we have and it all ends up under the bed or in that closet! ugh!!!!  Annoying.  

I save strange things, but they have special memories for me.  I have spent like over an hour going through just one tote of paper work, cards, and other momentos saved from like 15 years ago. One cool thing about saving this stuff is you actually can remember things you would have forgotten.  I found several camp newspapers from the youth camp days.   That was so funny.  

I also found the card that was attached to the first roses Kyle sent me. More love letters. I found the program to Kyle's grandpa's funeral.  And a program from my friend Rebekah's Dad's funeral, great missionary to Africa, Robert Holmes.   I don't think I will ever throw that away.

I found Grandma and Grandpa Huff's 50 wedding anniversary program.  Dad's 50 birthday party announcement and program.  Kara's graduation invitation.  My college and HS speeches and even a song we sang at our college graduation.  This is getting crazy but I love the memories.

I found wedding invitations to almost every friend I have.  Seriously.  I am sorry I threw a  lot of those away.  I love you but that is just borderline strange for me to keep those.  I found a fan from Mandy and Brandon's wedding.  Okay I know I am weird.  

Honeymoon and vacation brochures and tons of postcards.  I always love to buy postcards on a trip because the pictures are so great.  

Fliers and brochures from OKlahoma district youth camp, convention, fine arts and girls retreat. Such fun times.  I don't want to throw it away. 

It was a fun experience to find all these treasures of mine.  I just need to put them in a scrapbook sometime or throw them out.  What good is this stuff in totes?  

God help me. 

I only have about 23 days until the first guests arrive and I will be gone for 12 of those days! agh!  Better go work. :)

Retreat in beautiful Alaska.

Retreat 2

I am looking tired in this picture. But the chocolate masks sure were fun! 
My friend Alahna.  We moved here exactly the same time and lived in the TLF at the same time. Danica came to retreat too!!! 
Kim was in my moving Moving Class last fall.  So glad she came!
Barb, Loree and Bevin enjoying paraffin wax on their hands and feet.

Retreat pictures

Kim shows up to pick me up wondering why I have all this stuff!!!
Five moose decided to come to the retreat this year.  I was in the building taking this picture, but they are running right on the path we walked to go to dinner! Got to love Alaska!!!
                Sherri Brunson, my friend who is leaving us to move to Charleston.  :(

Weekend report

Today, I have been recovering from the weekend retreat!  It has been wonderful to just stay home.   I had a completely empty calendar except for a contractor coming by to measure our counter tops.   Since we are moving next summer, we wanted to purchase them now so we an enjoy them before we move.  

 

Retreat went really well.  It was fun, relaxing, and renewing.  I came home a better woman, well, except for the amount of calories consumed on the retreat.  The only exercise I got while there was walking to the next meal!   The food was so good.  I don't know if it is because the cooks are really good or just the fact that we didn't have to make it! ha. All we had to do was just walk in and eat!   We didn't have to shop for it, prepare, cook or clean it up!  That is one of the best things about retreat!!!

Our speaker, Sharon Beeman, did a wonderful job.  She has a lot of personality and funny.  That makes a lot of difference for me.  I am so A.D.D. sometimes.  I start fading out if someone talks to long about something without illustrations, stories or something.  Sharon is a great communicator.   She kept my attention and that is hard to do.

Sherri did a great job leading worship. The songs she chose were perfect.  I know she was worried not everyone would know them or like them. But, it was great.  

I think God really just knew who would be there and orchestrated the event perfectly.  I loved getting to know some of the ladies a little better.  Game night was hilarious.  You really find out who is competitive! ha!  I thought at one point there would be blood shed.  Believe it or not I was actually one of the calm ones that night. 

I could write a book about the weekend, but I will just say it was exactly how God planned it to be.  I had a wonderful time.    

August Rush

I finally watched the movie, August Rush, which was highly recommended from my sister, Kara.  She loved it so much she watched it about five times!  I liked it too.  I still can hear the music score ringing in my ears. ha It's a pretty clean and decent movie for the most part. 

I loved the final quote of the movie something like "music is all around you, you just have to listen".   It made me cry.  I don't know why but it just made me think of God.  He is all around us.  We just have to listen.  

Exercise and retreat

Our base is in exercise this week.  Translation:  Husbands are working 12-16 hour shifts, every play area in Anchorage is packed because the Mom's are needing some time away from the kids. :)

Actually, Emma is for the most part a sweet kid to be around.  She has her moments as all kids do.  The only thing that is hard is the fact she gets sick of me dragging her around everywhere. Today, she did not want to go anywhere.  That makes it hard when I am wanting to go and do stuff.   Kyle is working a 12-12 today.  So, Emma pretty much saw him a couple of hours this morning and then he had to start getting ready for work.  It isn't like this all the time, thank God. I couldn't handle that.  I still like being with my spouse. ha.  I miss him, but this exercise is actually coming at good time for me because I need to be working on ladies retreat stuff. 

I was able to get some stuff done today for the retreat that is next weekend.  Tomorrow, I am practicing some worship songs with a friend.  I know it will all come together.  It has already went smoothly.  I think because I am not the main one responsible for everything.  I am more stressed when I am the one responsible for the event.  I am much better at assisting someone else.  I am really looking forward to the spiritual boost and also time with the girls.  It should be fun.  

My job is organizing the pampering part this year.  We had a lot of stuff left from the spa night so we are to use the leftovers to create your own bath salts, and sugar scrub.  We are going to do a chocolate mask for your face and a mint mask for your feet.  Everyone loves pampering so we should all enjoy ourselves.   I am like a child when I start getting ready for things like this.  I was getting so excited when everyone was turning in their registration forms. I couldn't stop smiling.   We have a nice size group this year.  We are actually at the max.  Me and five other girls are going to have to sleep in a big room with mattresses on the ground.  I don't care. It's probably just as good as the other beds and plus I can be with more people.  See how I am? I told you for me this is just like a youth camp for 30 somethings.  :) 

Emma's first day to wear pigtails

I finished my homework

I just finished my last day of homework that completed the Believing God study I have been doing for the past 9 weeks.  I feel somewhat sad. Very great material.   Tomorrow we are watching the last DVD and then having a time of testimony about what God has been doing in our hearts throughout this study.  

I have been working on my faith journal and now I had to create a timeline of all the main events that occurred during my 30 years of life.  The funny thing was how many times I had to draw a little house as a sign of relocating or moving. ha!  I needed a stamp for that sign! 

One thing I have discovered from doing the faith journal is how incredibly blessed I have been.  I guess discovered isn't the best word, because I think I have always felt blessed.  I just realize it more at this moment in life.  This study has been faith challenging.  I know I won't remember everything I heard.  My heart is stirred for God to do some great things this year.  This verse was in my homework and it's my prayer today.  "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk 3:2    God,  I have heard of the great things You have done in the past. I stand in awe of that, but I am not completely satisfied with just hearing stories.  I want to see these miracles and workings in my lifetime. I want You to renew them in my day.  

Here is the five statement pledge of faith that I think I will always remember:

1. God is who He says He is.

2. God can do what He says He can do

3. I am who God says I am

4. I can do all things through Christ

5. God's word is alive and active in me

 Even though the homework is over, I am just getting started with a life of believing God. 

more pics

Happy Easter!!!

March in Alaska requires sunglasses

it's a good day

It is a beautiful day in Alaska.  The sun is shining brightly over the tops of the mountains that overlook our home.  It is still cold, (29 degrees) but with the sun shining brightly it gives the illusion that spring is just around the corner. :)  I want so badly to wear short sleeves and a cute pair of sandals.  For now, I am settling for a three quarter length sleeve in a spring color. 

I was able to get a lot accomplished today despite the fact that I only had less than five hours of sleep last night. I really don't know why I couldn't sleep, I know better than to drink caffeine past 4 pm.  It's weird.  Emma woke up at her normal time.  I wasn't ready to get up but Kyle's day off isn't until Friday so I had to.  

This beautiful weather makes me so happy.  It also makes me want to clean.  I am  in the mood to do some serious spring cleaning.  I am finished with keeping weird things that you only use once a year.  If you haven't worn the item or used the item in a year, then you need to get rid of it.  I am talking to myself again. ha

There is something so peaceful about having a neat space with no clutter.   I am constantly getting rid of stuff.  I seriously go to Salvation Army twice a month sometimes more.  But for some reason, we always have more to get rid of.  It never ends!

My friend is moving this summer.  She is feeling so overwhelmed with all the stuff that they need to get rid of too.  I am motivated by all the cleaning out she is doing.  My big project the next couple of weeks is the guest bedroom.   My goal is to organize closet and get rid of all unused and unwanted items. Maybe some new curtains in that room would give me some motivation.  We will be having quite a few quests this summer. My father-in-law is coming to visit for three weeks in June.  We are already trying to line up stuff to do.  You can take salmon and halibut  fishing trips.  I am really wanting Kyle to go, because I'd like to have our freezer stocked with  halibut and salmon. yummo!    I have a good recipe for pecan crusted salmon I found off my favorite foodnetwork.com.   It's really good. 

I can't believe this is Holy week.  Wow!  Easter is Sunday.  Crazy.  It crept up on us. I barely have Emma an Easter dress.  The only shoes I could find to match the dress did not have Velcro for the straps.  Totally dumb.  She absolutely loves them though.  I had to hid them because as soon as she wakes up in the morning she immediately wanted to put them on.  I don't know where she got her love for shoes.  :)  Kyle actually really likes shoes too.  I won't mention how many he has to protect his privacy. ha.   

Emma is really into Cinderella dress up mode right now.   She wants a fancy church dress on everyday.  Today I let her wear the most horrible outfit ever to Walmart.  She loved it and I hated it.  She had a pink dress with white fur on the hem and cuffs that someone gave to her, jeans under, and black patent dress shoes.  It looked like I didn't love her.  I never thought I would turn into a mother that didn't care about that. But, honestly, I don't care.  If she wants to wear that strange outfit and she really thinks she is a princess, then that is fine with me.  I won't let her go that way to church or anywhere important. But, to Walmart... who cares anyway?  I don't.  

What I am listening to today: Desperation Band, Pleasing to You

I bought a CD on amazon about a month ago, and haven't seen it since.  Kyle swiped it and has been listening to it on his way to work.  Since he is a musician he usually listens to the music more than the lyrics. I was really impressed when he brought this CD home and says listen to the lyrics of this song.  It was my missing Desperation band CD  the song he played for me was Pleasing to You.   I haven't even listened to the lyrics until he said that.   I am especially a huge fan of Jared Anderson.    We were introduced to these guys at YA conference spring of 05, I think.  We've never really fully recovered. :)    Kyle liked the group more than I at first.  Now I am hooked on phonics too.  I like their style that is sort of like Coldplay or U2.  Which I enjoy both, but I am glad to hear some lyrics that really build my spirit. 

The lyrics of this song are where I find my heart crying out most days.  I want to be pleasing to God, but there is a struggle of self that I think every Christian will all battle until the day we die.  I am going to die trying. 

Sanctify me

Clean out my closet

Take away anything 

That is not pleasing to You

Purify me

Destroy all my anger

Wash away everything

That is not pleasing to You

I will be white as snow

I will be pure as gold

Jesus my heart must know

I'm pleasing to You

I give my life my all

Taking the cross I will follow

Jesus my heart must know

I'm pleasing to You

Awesome weather

We are experiencing beautiful weather in Alaska this week.  It has been 49 degrees the past couple of days and sunny.  I love this time of year when daylight starts last longer and the days are filled with warm sunshine.  It was light outside until about 9 pm last night.  Thank you, GOd.  I have survived another winter in Alaska! :)   It is supposed to be 0 next week so I am going to enjoy this weather while it lasts. 

what are you committed to?

We are in the middle of doing "The Purpose Driven Life" sermon series at church.  This week is all about discipleship.  I was reading a part of the book that really spoke into my life today. Rick Warren said, "Tell me what you are committed to, and I will tell you what you will be in 20 years. We become what we are committed to."   I kept thinking about this all day pretty much.  

It sent me on a soul searching journey.  What am I committed to?  Because I really want to know what I will be doing in 20 years!  Is what I am doing now going to be beneficial to my future?

Here are the things that I feel I am committed to right now:

1.  I am honestly 100%  committed to my relationship with Jesus Christ.  I am at a place in my life where I am very comfortable sharing my faith journey.  I am committed to growing my faith.  I am not satisfied with status quo or "only on Sunday" religion.  For me it's all or nothing! (to quote a song from the Oklahoma musical) :)

2.  I am committed to our marriage.  I need to work more on date nights and getting babysitters.  I love Kyle.  I have no doubt that we will still be married 20 years from now.  We have our share of "disagreements", :) but I love him and thank God for the gift Kyle has been in my life. 

3.  I am committed to putting our family first above ministry, work and volunteer opportunities. Even though this a work in progress sometimes.  (We really need a family vacation right now.)  I am committed to Emma and taking care of her little needs.  You know the usual demands, "juice, milk, dinner, snack"

4.  I am committed to blooming where I am planted.  God has planted me in the women's ministry at Elmendorf and I committed to see women grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  It's one of my greatest passions right now.   I want to do whatever I can to help military wives grow in their relationship with Christ.  Spa nights, ladies night out, retreats, Bible studies, meeting for coffee, or praying for my friends.  Whatever it takes to reach people I am committed to doing that...within reason. ha.  I am committed to the chapel service that God has planted us in for this season.  I love the congregation.  I want to see us reach people for Christ. Whatever it takes to meet people where they are at, that is what I am up for.  

I have a lot of decisions to make this spring that I am praying about.  Doors are opening up for me and I am just really not sure which to walk through.  I am praying about two ministry opportunities. One is continuing on with Protestant Women of the Chapel ministries and the other is possibly taking a board position for the Elmendorf Officer's Spouse Organization. Both are excellent volunteer positions.  PWOC is pretty much all Christian women.  I am praying about either continuing my board position of Programs Vice President or doing something else.  There are two other positions that may be opening up on the PWOC board.   One is president, and I personally don't want to that. I don't feel like I have enough experience to do lead in that capacity.  The other position is Spiritual life Vice President, and I am praying about it.  My flesh really doesn't want to do this job either, because I feel really inadequate and young in my faith. But, I am praying about it and I don't know.  Sometimes I feel like God might be leading me that way.  I really don't know.  I am so foggy on this right now.  I need God to give me clarity.  

The other position with EOSO would just give me a chance to reach people for Christ.  That's how I look at it.  I would be able to build relationships with people outside of the Chapel, mostly non-Christian's, and I know God has placed us at Elmendorf to reach the military community.  I want to do just that.    At the same time, I don't want to get myself over committed and my schedule so full that I become ineffective and unable to fulfill the things that I am most "committed" to....my personal relationship with Christ, and my family life.  

There are moments where I would so love the writing on the wall, because it would be clear which direction to go.  God allows free will though, and I could probably do either thing and it would be great with Him.  Maybe He is just wanting to build my prayer life. Dunno. I think I need more faith to trust.  When I finally figure out which direction God is wanting me to go, I will blog about it and let you know!  This could take awhile!

Sweet Charleston

This has been a lovely day.  I am excited for my friend.  She just found out she is moving to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina.  Part of me wants to pack my suitcase and go with her!    Kyle and I visited Charleston about four  years ago and it was on my list of places I would like to live.  We loved it there.  The city is gorgeous.  The weather was WARM.  Palm tree, a beach within driving distance.  agh!  I can feel the sand on my feet just writing this. :)

Charleston has one of the coolest, yet oldest downtown areas I have ever been to.  So neat.  Cobblestone streets, some of the finest restaurants you could ever imagine.  I loved the south.  

I am so excited for my friend.   I think she will love it there. Here is the picture of Kyle and I in beautiful Charleston.  Back when I had a tan. 

faith journaling

I am having a brain overload from all the homework I am trying to catch up on.  I am taking a much needed break to take in all this information.  Writing has become my way of comprehending all I am reading.  If I just read the info, it goes in the brain and is stored in a place where I can never find it again. :) 

This week's DVD part of the study was actually kind of boring for me, but the homework was outstanding.  I think it was my fault last Tuesday though.  I was so tired because I only slept about five hours.  I don't do good on five hours of sleep.  I need a full 8+ to be a Godly woman. For real. :)  Less than that and I want to claw peoples eyeballs out over nothing! 

The study this week is talking about remembering the past.  I love the scripture she uses in Joshua 4:4-7.  It talks about how the Israelite's were to pick up stones and put them on their shoulder so their children would ask, "what do those stones mean?"  Kind of a weird thing to do when you think about it, but hey, there are a lot of weird things in the Bible.  It was to be a memorial or a way of remembering God's works.   I love how Duet. talks about how we are to talk about the law to our children everyday when we walk, sit, eat and stand.  I love this. Anything that is important to us, will be probably be important to our kids.  One of the cool things about being in the Chaplaincy community is getting to be around Jewish Rabbi's.   Have you ever seen how they bind the words on their arms?  It's pretty interesting.  Makes you see the verse Duet. in a new light. 

Beth Moore asked us to journal our faith journey from birth-now.  I love this!  She wants us to write it for our children and grandchildren.   I really do believe with every single ounce of who I am that God has always remembered me.   It is so cool to go back from birth and remember the moments of just playing outside looking up from a treetop and knowing that God was all around you.   Some people do not experience life as I did surrounded with a loving Christian environment.  Some do not even experience a loving environment.  

I cannot imagine what the must feel like, because I have never experienced that.  I have felt loved from the moment I was born.   A friend of mine says they really felt as a child their mother did not love them.  It is so hard for me to relate to that.  I cannot imagine not loving your own child. 

Writing my faith journal made me realize how incredibly blessed my life has been.  Even though I look out my window and see tons of cold snow, (And sometimes that makes me want to scream), my life is better than I deserve.  

 

ministry news

One of our Chapel's and Chapel Center is getting all new carpet.  It is a wonderful thing, but when you have old government buildings you will always find asbestos. joy, joy.   

The contractors are extending the carpet laying process to remove the asbestos in Chapel 1. Which is chaos when you have three protestant services and one Catholic mass scheduled to use that facility all in the same day.  It means a lot of work for everyone.   All four protestant services and two Catholic mass services scheduled for Sunday have to be either at Chapel 2 or another facility.   

Our service being the contemporary service can easily move anywhere.  We were already praying about moving to an old Airmen's club called the Kashim.   This is a perfect opportunity for us to get to try it out and see if it will work for the congregation.   We had our first service there Sunday night and I think it went great.  It has so much potential.  

It is also a lot of work, because we have to setup and tear down for every service, but we are okay with that.  Kyle started a service like this at our last base,  Fusion (Young Adult Ministry).  It was a lot of work too, but it was fun, exciting and some of the greatest highlights of our ministry.   Speaking of Fusion, we heard some exciting news about Fusion from our Chaplain friends who took over the ministry when we left.  They are getting the whole bottom floor of the building given to them.  They are going to turn the whole thing into a Young Adult Ministry Center.  God is so awesome.  I love hearing that the ministry is continuing, but not only continuing but doing even greater things since we have left.  Exciting!     I think that is what Paul was talking about when he wrote about each minister having different gifts.  Some plant the seed, some water and some get to see the fruit of all the labor!   It seems like in our ministry experience we are usually the plant the seed stage. ha!   Sometimes when I am weary I would love to be involved in a ministry that was already going great and I could just ride the wave of greatness! :)  No, actually I think I would be a little bored.  I think we both enjoying getting our hands dirty in the planting part.    

I am excited about the service.  I think God has some great things in store for the young airmen and families of Elmendorf! 

Easter pictures

A friend of mine on base has a photography studio in her home.  She did a great job with Emma, because she actually smiled in some of these!  She loved the live bunny experience of course.  What kid doesn't?  I am in the mood for spring.  I am buying a spring wreath for my door tomorrow.  I don't care if there is two feet of snow on the ground! :)

beware of your local playland

Today, I took Emma to the play land at McD's to get some playtime in with some other children.  It was chaotic.  I seriously hate it there.  There was a little boy no older than three that was wearing snow boots and was kicking everyone down as they tried to come up the slide or stairs.  He was terrorizing everyone he came in contact with.   Within a twenty minute time frame, he had successful caused five different children to walk off the playground crying.  One of them happened to be Emma.  I was not happy about that, but I didn't want to cause a scene so I just hugged her and then made her stay away from that little boy. 

I felt sorry for his Mom.  She was alone with three little children.  She kept saying, Michael stop kicking, Michael keep your hands to yourself.  But the entire time she just sat in the chair and did not ever give the child a little more motivation for good behavior.  He really needed discipline.  He was a cute little boy, but his behavior was worse than anything I have almost ever seen in a child that young.  Crazy.  

The sad part is that several of the little children were afraid to go back in. I am laughing, but it was sad.  Emma wasn't afraid at all.  She usually can take care of herself. She is pretty bossy like her Mommy. ;)

I am so ready for summer to be here. I am more than tired of cold.  I need a warm sunny vacation.  I am seriously doing some research for a vacation for us in the near future. I am getting a little weary with the snow.  I have been in Alaska since last September and that is too long for me. :)

blogging about blessing, what an annoying title :)

Have you ever thought about the idea of blessing?  Or why the Bible says stuff like, "I will bless the Lord"?  I have actually studied it a number of times with the Hebrew/Greek lexicons. What I do for fun. Not really, I'm kidding. If I am reading something I don't understand,   I just go on Biblegateway.com.  It takes about 1 minute to find every lexicon, concordance and translation you could ever want.  Love it.  

Anywhoo....I have been writing a lot of emails lately because if you want to get something done for the Air Force you send an email.  I have been working closely with a lot of the chapel staff working on programs. In closing I would always write something like "have a blessed day" or something like that. Just because you don't want to write "sincerely" or "yours truly". ha.   It sort of made think about what I was writing though.  A lot of people say "be blessed" or "blessings", but what does it mean?  

Finally, someone answered my question today.   Thank you, Beth Moore.  Day 3 of my study this week was entitled, "Blessing Others".    The verse in Ephesians 1:3, "Praise be to God and Father....who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ..."

The word blessed in this verse comes from the Greek word transliteration eulogeo. Meaning to praise, celebrate with praises, to invoke blessings; favored of God, blessed.   The break down of the word Eulogeo is Eu which means good or well and logos which means word.  Put the two together and you have a good word.  In other words, when we are blessing God we are speaking good words about Him or what we would call praising Him.   Speaking good words about God is encouraging and uplifting to your spirit, and God asks us to bless Him, He loves it. But, what about what the good words He speaks over us.  I don't really know that I  thought too much about that part of it until today.   I will quote Beth on this because it just too good to leave out, "We might not realize just how much we want to bless God until we grasp how much He's blessed us".  God has been talking about me and it's all good.

"Part of God's spoken blessing over our lives involves us allowing God to act in man's life to accomplish His purposes instead of the allowing men to have their own way." 

I am glad for the times that God did not allow me to have my own way.  Our first real ministry position at Panama First was so much our element.   We loved the youth.  We couldn't believe we were actually getting paid to hang out with youth and love them.  It was hard for us to leave and go active duty.  I felt like I could have stayed there with Kyle being a youth pastor forever. I literally cried until I didn't think I had anymore tears! :(  But, I couldn't tell Kyle, no, I don't want to do this, because I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do.  I have went kicking and screaming towards most things in my life I guess. ha.  Another one time was deployment, I dreaded it so much, but I can honestly say that it was a great growing experience for both me and Kyle spiritually. I would not trade that deployment.  Moving to Alaska was another challenge.  I feel like it has been perfectly planned for me to be here though.  Very good assignment for me. 

God has perfectly planned the map of our life.   It's a good thing we can only see a little of the map at a time. It would be more than we could handle if we could see next year, I think.   I would have missed out on so many good things in life if God would have allowed me to have my way all the time. Thank you, God for the spoken blessing on my life!

deceptively delicious

A friend of mine here at Elmendorf introduced me to a great new cookbook.  It is called Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfield, Jerry Seinfield's wife.  He is such a funny guy. Anyhoo.  It is great because it hides the vegetables in the food kids love.  Like mac and cheese that has pumpkin puree in it. It is a genius idea.  The only problem I see is that you are not teaching your kids to like plain veggies and fruits.   I bought the cookbook to try out, because I am having a hard time getting Emma to want to eat anything but junk.  She sees her little friend that has all the "good" snacks and she munches down on chips and "fruit" snacks that are just glorified candy.  I buy this stuff sometimes, but I don't want her eating this junk all the time. She literally doesn't want to eat good meals because of this.  She is so young that I don't want to send her to bed hungry, and I don't want to force her to eat everything on her plate.   I have a strong personal opinion about children being made to eat everything on their plate.   I think children should obey their parents, but I also think kids usually know when they are full.  If you don't teach kids to know how to stop eating when they are full, they won't get it as an adult either.  Just my opinion.  I could definitely be wrong. 

One of my goals this week is to help Emma want to eat better at meal times! :)

 

rainy weather, my friends faith story and again, believing God

Our weather is crazy warm here.  It is has been 35-40 degrees for the past few days and it is a mess.  I would rather have colder weather and it least the snow would stay frozen.  My car is trashed with dirt from the streets, and a lot of snow is melting which creates horrible ice situations.  Last night, I was carrying Emma outside because I did not want her walking through the huge puddles, and I slipped and fell while holding her.  It scared both of us pretty bad.  I hit really hard my elbow and side.  I didn't break anything but I was in pain last night. Asprin helped last night.  I am still sore today and I think that is why I have a headache. ha!  Emma is fine.  She just cried when we hit. I think because she was scared.   I am fine if she is fine.  I am just older so hitting the ground with full force kind of hurts! ha.  This is why I don't snowboard and I ski.   Snowboarders fall the time.  I don't like doing that! :)

Our Bible Study was stinkin awesome today.  One of our ladies from Chapel shared her testimony of when she went through the Believeing God study.  Her son was going through what they thought was just a rebellious stage.  She kept praying for him, and that God would reveal what the source of the problem was.  They found out a few months later that he actually was addicted to heroine.  This was a boy from a christian home.  My friend is a great Godly lady, but somehow the son was led down this destructive path.   They were advised by a lot of people to send him to secular programs that would help him to recover from this addiction, but she said she knew in her heart that the answer for him was a relationship with Jesus.  One evening they were watching the movie Facing the Giants, she was crying her eyes because movie was so good. :) She looks over and her son is crying too and said, "I think I get what you are telling about this Jesus".   He wanted to start a relationship with God.  He is now in Teen Challenge and still trying to recover from such a horrible addiction. But, my friend is still believing God for complete transformation.  Of course, the whole room full of women were all bawling our eyes out! :)  

Our homework this week was so much about this very subject of believing God even when you don't see immediate results.  I love so much the hall of faith in Hebrews 11 that talks about these great men AND women of God had faith that God would do what He promised even though some of them died without seeing the results.  So awesome.   I love Rahab even more this week after my study.  I do not ever remember reading that she was Boaz's mother until this week.  How cool is that? I am sure I read that before, but I have too much information in my head and a lot of it ends up leaving my memory. :) 

Amazing story. God used a prostitute woman who later became the mother to Boaz, and in the lineage of Jesus himself.    God will always use who ever HE pleases. I get sick to death of people putting God in a box, and saying God can not use women or whatever else.  God will use who ever He choses despite what we think or say.  He is God.  We can stand and say God can't do this or He won't use some people, but He is God.  If He wants to use someone, He will.   Get over yourself people!!!!    He uses the weak, most unlikely to succeed people.  He doesn't have to have to do things our way.  Again, He is God.  The ultimate Commander in Chief.   That was my little soap box for the day.  :) sorry to throw that up on everyone. ha. 

what's your "one thing"?

Today, I was reading about Paul and His life purpose.  He had "one thing" that he wanted to do above anything else.  You probably know the verse that goes something like this..."this one thing I do...press toward the mark"...  I think he is talking about the goal of Heaven in this verse.

It made me think about living a life of purpose. Do you have a "one thing"?  Or do you have a million one things?  I could fill my life with all kinds of things to do and some of them might actually be good things. But, at the end of my life, will I have regrets of things that I did that where good, but not really my purpose?

We went to our friends house last night, and I was challenged by their friend visiting from Florida.  He is a missionary to Air Force Airmen with the Navigator's.  You need to meet one of these guys, because they are great.  He had a career as a pilot in the Army, I think and felt God leading him towards being a Nav missionary.  He said That if you live your life like you could die tomorrow, then you live with no regrets.  He said it much better than I am writing it.  You just need to meet this guy.  Ryan K., if you read this you probably know him. :)

The mix of the conversations last night and then today's reading, really made me think.  What is my "one thing"?  Am I am living a life with no regrets?  With purpose?  I already know the answer.  I do have regrets in some areas.  I think I just need to love people more.  I do know that at this time in my life, God has lead me to encourage military women.  I pray I always listen to the spirit's leading.

i resist change

God never changes.  Plans change.  People change. Trends change.   But God does not.  He is the same.  Not in a boring way like eating the same meal three times a day seven days a week, but in a comforting way.  He is dependable.  He is steadfast. 

I am growing to appreciate change in some areas of my life.  Change is an uncomfortable thing to face, but sometimes it's good.   I believe that we are born a sinner and we need a Saviour, we need a heart transplant.  Some people don't feel that way.  They think we are born okay people and basically good, and we don't really need much changing.  

I have experienced a lot of change in my small lifetime. :)  I have moved about five or six times. I have changed decor in nearly every room at least three times.  One year I really love something and then the next year I am tired of it.  Military life is FULL of changes.  Did I mention that it was FULL OF CHANGES!   God help me.  I grow weary sometimes of making a plan and then out of no where, "oh, by the way, this changed, and we are now doing it this way." ha.   God help me to be adaptable. ugh. 

I have to believe that God knows my path and my steps, but sometimes I wonder if even God is wondering what we are doing down here. :)  I know He is not really.  

One thing that will not change is God's love for people.  His compassion never fails, His love unending.    I know that no matter what geograhical changes I might go through, God knows my address.  He knows every detail of my life.  I am glad someone does!  

What a week!

This week has been CRAZY! Very stressful.   I have been without a husband most of the week. :( The chapel is facing deployments. We had one Chaplain deploying this week for Korea, and another that has already left for the desert.   There are a lot of transitions happening within our Chapel community and with transition there is always a lot of extra time away from your family. God is faithful though. He has given the grace and strength we have needed this week.  I need to learn to rely on God more.  Everyone deals with stress differently.  I don't sleep well or even eat well during stressful times, and the lack of good sleep and lack of healthy food will make you even more stressed. It is a vicious cycle! :-)  A simple verse I learned as a child is my chant today! :) Proverbs 3:5,6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths".   God help me to trust. Help me to believe you are who You say You are.  

Chaplaincy is a wonderful ministry that we feel like God has called us to.  It is just that.  A ministry.  Not a career for us.  Kyle is not in the Air Force to be an officer, make the next rank or just to provide for me and Emma.  We are here because God directed us to chaplaincy.  

Our chapel community is facing a time of transition and it so hard on the people. We have pastors leaving for deployment and also a couple of the Chaplain's will be switching around to new services.  If you think of us...pray.  We really need wisdom right now.

With Kyle working a lot of hours, I have had extra time on my hands to work on some projects this week.  I am so excited about the SPA theme program coming up.  I have been researching some fun stuff on the internet.  spaindex.com is a site where I got tons of ideas for creating your at home spa.  During the program, I am wanting the ladies to have the chance to create their own bath salts, sugar scrub and do some other pampering type things.  On this website there is a chocolate facial you can make it home.  I am going to try it.  I absolutely love chocolate and this would be one way to be around chocolate without sabotaging my healthy eating desires. :) I think I am going to try it and have nice relaxing evening instead of being all stressed out over the future.