Happy Memorial Day!

Half way through this Memorial Day weekend it dawned on me that, being a veteran, it would be really cool if someone provided a place for readers to tell the story of their favorite veteran.

Padre Steve in his blog Padtesteve’s World did a magnificent job of remembering the great men and women who have had a significant impact on his life and career. I highly recommend you check in on his post: “Remembering the Veterans in my Life….Memorial Day 2009″.

Before you go, take a moment to comment on this blog about Your favorite Veteran. My readers and I would be extremely grateful and proud to read about those who have and still are putting their country ahead of their personal ambitions to make our lives a little safer.

I will lift each one up in a prayer of thanksgiving for their sacrifice, and pray for their good health and protection. I further encourage everyone who reads these accounts to do the same. It is the least we can do on this Memorial Day 2009.

God Bless you all.

En Servicio Como Padre

Dave

Yes you can. Change your mind towards the situation believing that you can helps. If it is physical and emotional time, patience, communications, knowledge and understanding can help. Follow God’s pattern for intimacy he gave Adam and Eve a commission be fruitful and multiply that speaks volumes but in essence have a pleasing and productive sex life. The he created an environment for that to take place in the sanctuary of a perfumed garden under the stars, then he told them what to do – get to know each other physically which takes time, then he told them how long to do that – until death, then he gave them how often – anytime you feel like it with the exception of one week and then he advised them that expressing love verbally was important (Songs of Soloman). Finally he told them when intimacy should be over – when love pleases (Songs of Soloman).

If satisfaction is based on what you do for her, some women may not be able to be satisfied because they are selfish and always wanting something. A lot of that can probably be linked back to their upbringing. Then others have so many deficiencies that you will never be able to complete them. In a situation like that you will have to understand that your best effort is all you can give. You can not make her receieve or appreciate your best effort, but you can know that you have done all you do and rest in that. Sometimes communications in this area could help because at least they will know how you feel and that will be off your chest but depending on the person’s mindset it might not make an impact. That is where prayer comes in, ask God to help. Let him know you need him to help your wife to understand how what she does impacts you and to send healing into that part of your relationship. Tell him you want peace.

Happy Memorial Day!

Half way through this Memorial Day weekend it dawned on me that, being a veteran, it would be really cool if someone provided a place for readers to tell the story of their favorite veteran.

Padre Steve in his blog Padtesteve’s World did a magnificent job of remembering the great men and women who have had a significant impact on his life and career. I highly recommend you check in on his post: “Remembering the Veterans in my Life….Memorial Day 2009″.

Before you go, take a moment to comment on this blog about Your favorite Veteran. My readers and I would be extremely grateful and proud to read about those who have and still are putting their country ahead of their personal ambitions to make our lives a little safer.

I will lift each one up in a prayer of thanksgiving for their sacrifice, and pray for their good health and protection. I further encourage everyone who reads these accounts to do the same. It is the least we can do on this Memorial Day 2009.

God Bless you all.

En Servicio Como Padre

Dave

My Blog (aka my stream of consciousness + spell check)

People ask me all the time. “How do you do it?”

I’ll admit. I do kind of have a lot on my plate….any mother does. There are the soccer games, swim practice, homework, Sunday school, tumbling, piano lessons, etc. that certainly keep us on the go. I’m fortunate in that Jon, my husband , has a lot of flexibility in his work and takes the lead on that (and most of our family meals, to tell you the truth.) Trust me. I count my blessings.

Even with Jon’s help, I have A LOT going on. I love it, mind you, but I do have A LOT going on. My book, The Miracle of Me from conception to birth, has opened so many new doors…yet I was only planning on it opening one little window. Instead I’m flooded by wind and light and all of the wonderful things coming in…but it can be quite overwhelming. All good things, but time consuming to pursue nonetheless. I see this children’s book as my work and my offering for God in Thanksgiving for all the blessings He’s given me and to help teach others that we were ALL chosen by Him. He has a special plan for each one of us. I feel like this is part of mine.

I’m also the co-founder of Slimpressions shapewear. www.slimpressions.com Yes, big disconnect, I know. There are all kinds of inspiration out there. In this case, I was inspired to create this line by my arm flab. Is it wrong to say my arm flab was a gift from God? One thing’s for sure, my body’s never been the same since I gave birth to the children and they certainly were (and are) gifts from God.

Despite all the organized chaos in my life, I also know where my bread is buttered. I’m a Christian woman and call on God regularly. I need Him. He grounds me. I call on him for wisdom , strength and peace…as a mother, a wife, an author, a business owner, a mother, a sister, and as a friend. God understands my complexities like no other. As my youngest brother, Tommy, would say, He knows “how I roll”. And He helps me roll better.

Seek God out. He’s there for you. Talk to Him. He’s listening.

Blessings,
Amy Pedersen
• Author, The Miracle of Me www.themiracleofme.com
• Co-Founder, Slimpressions www.slimpressions.com
• Christian Woman; Wife & Mother

amy@amypedersen.com

This past year my husband and I read John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart. He found it very liberating and I found it informative about how modern men feel in today’s world. They feel weak and emasculated very often. This is a book from a strong Christian perspective, about men claimingf their God-given place as men, not as drones, or worse, as hairy, ugly, not very bright women.

I believe that we have elevated women to a cult standing, that feminization has diminished our men. I don’t like it. I agree with Eldredge, that men are meant to be adventurous, protective and brave. They were not meant to trail after a woman in malls and carry her purse while she tries on shoes. They were not meant to sit quietly while wife, boss, president, kids rage and rant at them over every imagined slight. Men need to stand up for themselves, need to accept the role that they see in following Christ, and they need to get out there and change the world for the good. They are to open the doors to the kingdom of heaven, and lead the flock in. They are to storm the bastions of hell and rout Satan, fighting alongside their Lord.

Women have a place in this too. Every Christian is a front line soldier. Our weapons aren’t steel swords and hand grenades, but prayer, scripture and the example of a Godly life. Men build, women maintain. Men defend, women sustain. These are complementary roles. And there are times, sisters, when we will be in the front line, so be ready. Pray without ceasing, know the scripture, make your own life as close to Christ as you can. Repent of sin and turn away from it, so that you may stand tall and strong as well, and shoulder the burden God will lay on you.

Right now my husband is dealing with a terrible injury to his body, brain and mind. he lost a lot, but he has not lost his faith or his will to serve Christ. he knows that he isn’t marching in the front line, that he willt ake a support role, at least for a while, but he had prepared his heart with prayer and silence for this difficult time, and that work has paid off. Unlike many stroke patients, he has not suffered from depression or despair. He is prepared to move on and work in whatever role God gives him. He sustains me with his love and trust,a nd gives me courage to go on, even when so much looks hopeless.

He is still the strong man Christ led him to be. What a blessing that is.

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knows right well.” 

Psalm 139:14

“One baby. Strong heartbeat. Praise God!” was the message I texted my friends after this week’s ultrasound. What a relief to see and hear the heartbeat of our very tiny baby. She/he’s only 11 mm and already has a beating heart and spine forming. Do you realize how tiny that is? Truly, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God’s works are indeed marvelous! Have you ever noticed the detail God puts into other little things? Consider the veins in a leaf or the varied colors and spots in a tiny wildflower along the side of the road. The Creator doesn’t seem to mind that His works may never been seen by anyone else. He does it anyway and with such flair! Think of all the many years that babies grew little by little without any notice from the outside world until birth day. Yet He still gave each one the same attention and care as He has this one. 

This week I heard an interesting twist on the verse that commonly is read: “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Someone said the word could better be understood as crochet. Fancy grandmother doilies come to mind as well as the baby blanket I crocheted for Andrew. During the hours I spent crocheting for Andrew I dreamed about him, I planned his life, I prayed for him, I poured a lot of love into those stitches. Is that what God is doing now in my womb? “How many are your thoughts towards me, O God.” Too many to count! (v.17, 18)

Each time I’ve had the opportunity to view the ultrasound screen, even the sad time when there was no heartbeat anymore, I have been absolutely in awe of God’s amazing creation and the amazing Creator He is. This baby is right now about the length of one of my fingernails, but alive! I heard the fast thump of his/her heartbeat for just a few seconds but long enough to begin falling for this little tyke! Oh, what a privilege to be Mommy to this new little one! What a gift from God. Thank You, Lord.

I can’t help but think about other hopeful couples out there. Just this week I met a college classmate who is trying to have kids but none yet. Church friends of ours waited two and a half years for their little boy. What heartache and longing are in the hearts of those nearby us.

As I’ve watched my babies’ heartbeats on the screen and their growing bodies visit by visit, I also can’t help but think about abortion. How sad! How significant! How permanent! It’s hard for me to fathom how one can experience a fetal ultrasound or watch it on a screen and not be moved and driven to protect this life with all you’ve got. I realize there may be readers who have had an abortion or know someone close to you who has. I mean no condemnation. (Romans 8:1) My thoughts about abortion are in the context of my awe of the life that the Creator has established in my womb. Seeing it makes it all the more real!

So praise God this week with me! Lift up your voice and thank Him for LIFE, even in its minutest forms. Then remember, you were formed by Him too! Praise God!

Luke 10:38- 42

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Oh Lord, please create in me a heart for you.  So often I get caught up in the business of life, time schedules, and “what will people think”.  Help me to serve my family joyfully and, when appropriate, help me to sit at your feet with contentment.

How many times as a mom, wife, friend, human do we caught up in the day to day processes?  I know that I can caught up in what needs to be done and lose sight of those around me.  What needs to get done needs to get done and watch out if you have messed up my schedule.  I question the amount of times that I have had to go to my children and ask them for forgiveness and ask them to pray for their mommy.   70 x 70 times I am afraid.

Funny how these foibles of mine, my stumblings, keep on pointing me back to the cross.  I can tell you with certainty that I never deny my need for Jesus as my savior. I am thankful that my salvation is not based on my Martha’s heart, but in His indescribable love and sacrifice for me!!  I will rest in the peace of God (well, with continued prayer I shall!)

Numbers 6: 24-26

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.