Thankful for my "gospel posse"

I read this today and thought it was right on, so I am posting this for my "gospel posse," or what I will now dub my "gospel gangstas." ;) You know who you are.

Prayer of Rejoicing for a “Gospel Posse”
by Scotty Smith

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Philem. 1:7

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Eccles. 4:9-12

Heavenly Father, I cannot imagine how raging storms can be navigated, heavy burdens borne, and crazy-making seasons endured without the company of a few good friends—a “gospel posse,” a few friends who keep showing up, no matter what. I praise you today for the gift of friendship—for the joy, encouragement, and refreshment given and received as we walk with a few comrades in grace and hope.
When we walk through certain seasons of stress and heartache, we’re often inclined to think, “No one can possibly understand what I’m going through. No one can begin to relate to my anger and confusion. No one is as messed up as me. Everyone would handle this so much better than I am.”
Those are the times when it’s easy to withdraw into isolation, fall into the pit of condemnation, and reach for some ill-chosen medication. That’s when the gift of long-standing soul-engaging friends becomes especially precious… and necessary.
Father, I praise you for the gift of hearing friends utter these two words: “Me too.” I praise you for friends who know how to “refresh the hearts of the saints”—including this saint. I praise you for friends who remind me of the truth and power of the gospel, of the love of Jesus, and of the bigger story you are always writing. I praise you for friends who share their lives and not just their gospel. I praise you for friends who offer tears and not just their answers. I praise you for friends who give life-giving wisdom and not just mess-fixing formulas. Lord, make of me a much better friend…
These kinds of friendships turn our hearts heavenward. They remind us that the foundation and fountain of all good friendship is found in you. We will eternally praise you for befriending us in the gospel. Nothing is more astonishing, settling, and comforting than to hear Jesus say to us, “I no longer call you servants; I call you friends” (John 15:15). “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). What wondrous love is this, indeed. Hallelujah, what a salvation! Hallelujah, what a Savior! So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ most glorious and gracious name.

friday favorites {random}

 1.Birthday girl

Me, Jamie (as Hermione) and my amazing sister-in-law, Laura

 Jamie, a dear friend of mine celebrates her birthday today. She is one, among many friends, who has been such a blessing in my life, especially in this season of small children. I truly cherish our friendship. She helps me maintain my sanity, she prays for me and she laughs with me. She understands the, at times, ridiculousness of life with kids, she "gets it," she's honest and forthright, doesn't mince words (which is good for this people-pleaser) and she has really challenged me in my walk with the Lord. 
So, Happy Birthday, Jamie! Praying this year 32nd year is one of more growth, radical dependence upon the Lord, blessing beyond measure, snorting-out-your-nose laughter, abs of steal and lots of margaritas (with me, of course). Love you! 

 

2. House Concert

Some friends of ours hosted a house concert the other night, and the artists were Barry and Michelle Patterson. They were a-ma-zing. It was fun, intimate and you could tell they loved the Lord and one another. I am so thankful to have been introduced to their music (thanks, Kap and Wendy).  Right now, you can download 5 of their songs, but I don't think they'll be up for much longer. So go check them out. You won't be disappointed.

3.Human Sacrifice (not my favorite but this needs to be told)

This boy was left for dead after a viscous attack

This story is completely disgusting, shocking and repulsive.  
This is a call for the Church to pray. To weep. To be a voice for these victims.
“The ritual, which some believe brings wealth and good health, was almost unheard of in the country until about three years ago, but it has re-emerged, seemingly alongside a boom in the country’s economy. The mutilated bodies of children have been discovered at roadsides, the victims of an apparently growing belief in the power of human sacrifice.”
Read more here.

4.What's in a McRib sandwich, you ask?

David Paul Morris / Getty Images

Well, I'll tell you. Yoga mats and the soles of shoes. This article explains why the sandwich is bad for your health. It's sad to me that it's not surprising in the slightest. It makes me want to hurl.

"These components are in small enough quantities to be innocuous. But it's still a little disconcerting to know that, for example, azodicarbonamide, a flour-bleaching agent that is most commonly used in the manufacture of foamed plastics like in gym mats and the soles of shoes, is found in the McRib bun. The compound is banned in Europe and Australia as a food additive."

Happy Friday, ya'll!

 

WYPW {On Thursday}

It's that time again, folks. What's Your Point? Wednesday

We are in full race mode as a family. Monday was a normal day. Tuesday felt like it was getting closer but by Wednesday, the reality was sinking in. Wednesday began all of the official events leading up to the race on Saturday.

The spot where his bike will be. #1142

 I went with Patrick and his friend, Jeff, yesterday morning to check-in and pick up their race packets. And let me tell you. If you want to be inspired or completely intimidated then the Ironman village is the place to be. There were so many people that looked like they could eat me for breakfast. I left that afternoon wanting to go for a 100 mile run or something. It was definitely an energetic atmosphere — full of smiles, excitement and fear. One guy I talked to told me how nervous he was about the heat and that since this was his first one, he didn't know what to expect, etc. I was encouraging him and telling him that he would do great, all the while thinking, my husband is going to kick your butt. Is that bad? 

The girls and I have been making posters for the race. Saige and Meadow colored theirs in yesterday and they are so proud of them. Saige asked me if I thought Daddy would like it, and I told her of course because she made it. You should have seen her smile. She is totally smitten by her Daddy. Meadow's sign is crazy, which is of course, appropriate.

Patrick has a new cereal that he eats everyday, sometimes twice a day. It used to be Grape Nuts but for the past 6 months or so it has been Wheaties Fuel. (I am NOT getting paid by Wheaties but if they so happen to come across this, then I would be more than happy to take a years supply worth to fuel my Ironman). There is another boy in our house that likes it too. In fact, it is sometimes the only thing he will eat. He likes it so much, he wants to feed himself just like Daddy and will gently remove my hand from the bowl if I try to help him. I am ALL about independence in this house, but what is a bonus is if they're actually pretty efficient at it and don't make a mess. This is what it used to look like after I would leave Reed alone to eat his cereal.

But thankfully he has actually gotten quite good at getting the spoon to his mouth and he'll even drink the milk from the bowl instead of dumping it out.  

That's my big boy!

A dear, dear friend our family's, Ms. Dianna (or Ms. Dina, according to the girls) is always so thoughtful. The other day she dropped off at our front door, gifts for the kids. And they were perfect for each one of them. She got Reed an Elmo rake because the kids are always wanting to dig in our front yard and he has never had his own tool and has to use their Dora shovels.

She got Meadow a butterfly. I mean, seriously, doesn't this picture say it all?

And she got Saige, the studious one, a coloring book. 

The beautiful thing is that she knows each of them. She knows them well enough to know what they like and they weren't even a little jealous of what the other siblings got. They were excited about them all but when it came down to it, they were all content to play with what they were given. We love you very much, Ms. Dina!

Happy WYPW!

~cheryl~

A Round Table {5 Minute Friday}

The Gypsy Mama's 5 Minute Fridays - Where we throw caution (editing, revising, and worrying) to the wind and just write. Without wondering if it’s just right or not.

For five minutes flat. The rules are easy.

1. Write your heart out for five minutes about the prompt and show us what you’ve got.
2. Tell your readers you’re linking up here and invite them to play along.
3. And most importantly, go visit, read, and encourage the fellow five-minuter who linked up right before you.
   
   

Motherhood should come with . . .

Saige - 2 months

GO.

A round table of other mothers. A group of mothers that you can call on when you need advice. You should have ready a list of numbers to call when your baby's poop turns green, or when you can't remember when you can cut infant finger nails. A number when your baby won't stop crying and you tried all of the S's - (shush, swaddle, swing). A number to call when you're not sure if you're going to make it through the night and you just need an encouraging voice — a voice of one that has gone before you.
Motherhood should come with other friends who are going through the same thing. There are so many things that happen in that first month that no on talks about. It would be helpful to have say, a sister-in-law, who is going through the same thing and who can laugh and cry with you — all in the same moment at times.
It should come with a manual that states, no matter what you try, sometimes your baby is just going to cry. Or that your toddler won't like the way you cut the sandwich, or that just because they like bananas one morning, the next time they'll probably throw it on the floor in disgust. A list of instructions on how to clean up vomit, poop, and tears from your couch cushions because that is of course where everything ends up.
And although many of these things can be googled, having a mother or friends who can share the journey with you, has made motherhood that much sweeter.
STOP.

~cheryl~

What's Your Point Wednesday?

Yes. I recognize that it is not Wednesday. But I have this amazing friend who started doing this on her blog. And well, truth be told, I want to be just like her. So in true Jamie fashion, I am a day late as well, but that's not going to stop me. So here is my first edition of WYPW (see what I just did there - that is revolutionary).

The day after I posted that I am going to train for a marathon, my dad asked if he could check my head for fever, just to make sure I was feeling okay. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.  ;)
I also saw that this guy won the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:03:02 — that is a 4:42 min/mile pace. That is absolutely incredible! Patrick said that if he could run a marathon that fast, for the Ironman, he could doggie paddle the entire swim, jump on a beach cruiser for the bike portion, eat a pizza and still win the race with a run like that. Absolutely amazing. Congratulations, Geoffrey Mutai!

Cj Gunther/European Pressphoto Agency

While I welcome with open arms, the discipline that training for a marathon will provide, I have clenched fists when it comes to the humidity that is upon us. I went for a run yesterday and it was so stinkin hot. I was pushing my 28 pound, 19 month old in a jogging stroller. And it made it even hotter. This is only April, people, and that is just a taste of what is to come.

Next time I run with Reed, I am going to strip him down and not allow him to have anything he can throw out of the stroller. Once again, I was blindsided by the third child and had forgotten what it was like to have a toddler throw EVERYTHING on the ground. And when you're hot and gasping for air and thinking to yourself, "will I ever be able to do a marathon?" — the LAST thing you want to do is keep bending down to pick up shoes, snack trap lids, and sippy cups. I assure you, it is quite frustrating.

I cannot, for the life of me, get into cooking shows and the Food Network. There I said it.

But I have a few shows that I would like to confess that Patrick and I like to watch together. Brace yourselves — Ultimate Fighter, American Idol, Lie To Me, Top Shot and Justified. I just realized that I am a total CLOSET REDNECK.

Timothy Olyphant

I absolutely love Justified. And who doesn't love Timothy Olyphant as Danny Cordray, the Dundler Mifflan client stealer and ex-boyfriend of Pam?  But seriously, I am so intrigued by the Appalachian Mountain culture that the show depicts. The acting is great, the story line is excellent, and I am absolutely certain I lost a few readers over this confession.

Does anyone watch American Idol? I think James, Casey or Lauren could win it all. I'm not sure who my favorite is, but I am ready for Jacob to go home.

I visited my local Wal-Mart again today. We usually shop at the HEB but every now and then I just get this odd desire to pack up all 3 kids and go. This Wallyworld actually carries quite a few organic and healthy snacks that we eat and they are considerably cheaper so I always stock up. And it has to be THE BEST place to people watch. I always come away with a grin. Not a judgmental grin. Just a grin brought on by seeing the eccentric and unexpected.
Maybe it's the redneck in me that is drawn to that place...

Happy WYPW, y'all!


~cheryl~

Rockin the Half

 

Patrick has had these socks for over 5 years. He bought them because they were comfortable. Who knew that he would one day be training for an Ironman? I guess in the back of his mind, that has always been the goal.

This past weekend he took one step closer to reaching that goal. He did his first Half Ironman in 5 hours and 21 min. And he was treating it like a training exercise since he still has the Full one in May. But he totally rocked it and said, other than the horrible sunburn, he felt pretty good when it was over.

We were fortunate enough to have our amazing parents watch the kids the entire weekend, so we could go down together and have a weekend to ourselves. I personally really appreciated being able to cheer him on without having to worry about the kids' needs. I wasn't thinking about snacks or nap time and it was great to be able to be fully present. I wanted him to know without a doubt that I believed in him. I was so giddy the entire time - like we were newlyweds or something and I was able to be a true helpmate. It was good for my soul.

  When he came in from the swim and was already off on the bike, I turned around to our friends, Liz and Brandon and said, "He is really stinkin' good!" Almost in shock, simply because I have never seen him compared to anyone else. He was killin it and I couldn't have been prouder.

In the transition area the night before

Patrick checking out the competition. He estimates there were over 10 million dollars worth of bikes in the transition area.

 

I told him this was going to us next year. Tandem, baby!

The Tri Club boys - Mike, Patrick and Jeff

Headed to the swim start

He is out there somewhere on the dock, just before he got in the water

Heading out of the transition area on his bike

I love this shot!

Running his half marathon. He did it in 1 hour and 55 min

Coming in strong at the finish line

All smiles now!

Ironman and his Ironwife

Patrick and his friend Jeff - they sort of have a bromance going on. Jeff's rockin wife Annie did the sprint distance tri the day before. They are a pretty impressive couple. 

Us with Brandon and Liz - our gracious hosts and some of the best spectators around. They were so encouraging to Patrick, and I really appreciated them coming out!

~cheryl~

Miscellany Monday

1. I AM GOING TO TRAIN FOR A MARATHON. 

There I said it. Now it's official. Eeeekkkk! 

It's on January 1, so I have plenty of time, right? 

Have any of you done one? I have done a Half, but that was pre-babies and I was in wicked awesome shape. I am taking a deep breath and telling myself I can do this. I was inspired awhile ago by a friend on facebook, who is a runner. On her RoadID, she had inscribed:

STRONG COURAGEOUS MOMMY

I want my kids to remember that I was strong, disciplined and that anything worth having is worth working for.

2. I AM DROPPING OFF TONS OF DISHES AT THE MISSION.

I am on a "purge my house of needless junk" kick. I have some thoughts rattling around about what simplifying will look like for our family. Check back for a post about my future intentions.

3. HAVE I MENTIONED THAT MY HUSBAND IS TRAINING FOR AN IRONMAN?
Oh, I have, that's right. I am just so proud of him I can't help but brag. I am working on a post about his Half Ironman a week ago. I am his #1 fan and am so inspired by him. He is seriously amazing. My friend dubbed me Ironwife, because of all the training that he does, it sometimes leaves me a single parent. But honestly, it hasn't been that big of a deal.  


4. EASTER CAME QUICK.
I decided to not feel like I had to cram it all in this week. This post by my friend Kara, was very encouraging, and if you feel like it's too late and Lent wasn't what you had intended, I encourage you to read it.
We are going to dye some eggs, read from the Jesus Storybook Bible, The Lamb and talk about His Resurrection. And I also chose to make these Resurrection Rolls this week. This will be a first, so I will let you know how they turn out.


What are doing for Holy Week? Do you have traditions that you already do as a family? What books do you read?

~cheryl~

Show Each Other Grace

I had an interesting conversation the other day with a friend of mine from high school. 
We talked about the obvious ups and downs of having young kids, and she mentioned something about the two different groups of mommy friends she has and the difficulties of being real in one of them.
Her two circles of friends are  an adult small group with some working moms and then a SAHM group. In the adult Bible study, she pointed out that it's all right for the working mom to say to her, "Oh, I could never stay home and do what you do." But that it wouldn't necessarily be all right for her to say the same thing in reverse. Why? First, it's just not cool to say, "Oh, I could never leave my children all day in the hands of someone else to raise." And secondly, she doesn't want to add to the notion that being at home is difficult if another mom already has misconceptions about it. We talked about how we want other moms who don't stay at home to know, that while it is difficult, it's a joy and that we are not stupid for doing it. 
There is so much "mommy guilt" on either side. But as a SAHM, I have to say, I do feel that I have to put my choice, to stay at home, out there in a way that is seen positively. I want the world to know that it is a choice and that it is one I have made, and daily make, with Joy. And I want the freedom to say how hard it is without the attitude of "I told you so." Does that even make sense?  I don't want there to be judgment or finger pointing. I want there to be open communication on either end. 
My girlfriends and I talk all the time about how the judging needs to stop. The debates over these issues — breastfeed vs. bottle feed, homeschool vs. public school, working mom vs. stay-at-home mom —are ad nauseam. We are all doing the best we know how, by God's grace. We need to encourage one another to glorify God in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, and give each other a break.
What are your thoughts? Are you a working mother? What are some misconceptions that you deal with? As a SAHM, do you struggle with being judged?


I thought this post by Sarah Mae was so good today. EVERY mom can relate to this. Jesus loves our children more than we ever can. He needs to be the one we run to when we are feeling defeated. Be encouraged. You are not alone.




~cheryl~

Victory for the Self-Conscious

Saige and Meadow 2008

This picture cracks me up. The attempt at getting a cute picture from a 19 month old holding up a 4 month old is comical at best. But the matching dresses are the key here. This morning the kids and I met my mom at the mall. She had graciously offered to buy the girls their Easter dresses again this year. Patrick is not a huge fan of matching them all the time, because he wants them to be individuals. And I get that, I really do. But there is something in me (and I believe in most southern moms) that wants them to matchy-match on holidays. So I am more than happy for my mom to buy them matching outfits so that I can blame her on their matching cuteness, when Patrick gives me that look. {I wonder how many times I can say the word match in this post?} 
Anyways, I pulled into the parking lot at the mall and texted my mom to let her know exactly where I had parked. Two seconds later, she called. I answered it and she said, "Umm... did you forget me?" "Oh, Mom! I am SO sorry!" Yeah, I totally forgot the matching benefactress at home. Awesome. Off. to. a. great. start. She graciously told me, no problem and that she would meet me up there. So I started to get the kids out and when I went to pull the diaper bag out, I realized . . . yep, you guessed it . . . NO diapers.  
I pulled a Jamie. I said a quick prayer under my breath about Reed not having an explosion like our little friend Max did in the church nursery this past week. Wow. It was major.ly. disgusting. But he is majorly adorable, so it was okay. Kind of. 
Okay, back to my story for the millioneth time. We went in the mall, my mom met us and we shopped for the cutest dang dresses we could find. And we found them. They are so adorable and I am so excited about them. And you'll just have to wait until the pictures are up and I promise, you'll agree.
But can you believe that's not the point of my story? Shocking I know. My point is actually what happened at the food court. I don't venture to the mall much. I have never been a big shopper and when you have 3 kids, there isn't much motivation to go there if you can't get groceries as well. Hence my love affair with Target. (If you have the same problem, and I'll assume you do since you're human, you should read this post over at The Mommy Therapy — absolutely h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s.) 
Anyways, I was surprised at how many mommies were there. There were strollers everywhere and the line at Chick-fil-a was a mile long. I felt right at home. As we were eating our lunch, I couldn't help but notice an ADORABLE mom with 4 cute kids — 3 boys and a girl. She was that mom. The one that looks like she is still in college — her hair pulled back in a pony tail, no makeup, t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. The simple flip-flops like from J-Crew (or Walmart, but whatev). She was super cute.
This is where the self-conscious part comes in. I used to would have looked at her and been totally intimidated. I would have thought things like she is so pretty. I wish I looked like her. I wish I was thin like her. She is so cool and would never be my friend. Blah, blah, blah. You get the picture.
BUT, if you've been reading my posts, you know that I like to keep it real and if motherhood has taught me one thing it is this: we are all just doing this mommy thing the best we know how and that there is no room for those insecurities anymore.
So I told my mom that I was going to go say hi to her and tell her that her kids are precious and see if she needs a friend.
So I did it, y'all. I walked right over to her and told her that this may be strange, but I just had to come tell her that she had a precious family and that they were all so well-behaved. I asked her what it was like to have 4 and we talked about the ages of our kids and how fun it is that they are so close in age. And then I asked if she was from around here and she said NO. Ding, ding, ding. My heart did a little leap. She could probably use a friend. And I rambled on like an idiot about welcome to Texas, does she need any friends, where does she go to church, and well you get the point. We exchanged phone numbers and finally our names (I forgot to introduce myself. awesome.)
As I was driving home, I played out these two scenarios: 

1.  She is going to meet all my friends, she is going to thank me later, we are going to laugh about the awkward exchange at the mall and we'll get Best Friend necklaces and I'll have the BE FRI and she'll have the ST ENDS. I always wanted the BE FRI part.
2. She is driving home now and calling her husband to tell him about the crazy lady she met at the mall and that she hopes that I never call her. Ever. Because she thought I was a total dork.

But you know what? It doesn't matter. Either way, I went out on the awkward limb and asked her if she wanted a friend. That is the victory. That is me not giving into the teenage drama that plays out in my head. Praise the Lord for redemption from those awful years. And just a little shout out to all my real-life mommy friends who don't give into the drama either - you know who you are. I love you. And we should all get BFF shirts made or something. I don't know. Just a thought.


~cheryl~

      

Friday Fun and Linky Love

Have you tried these? They are delectable. delicious. divine. And I CAN'T GET ENOUGH. My favorites are, but are not limited to, Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Cinnamon Roll, Peanut Butter Choc Chip, and Carrot Cake. Those are the only ones I have tried and they are all fantastic. If you have tried them - what are your favorites? I have seen a few recipes to make at home. Has anyone tried that yet? They are a bit expensive so I will probably be looking into making my own. But for now, I will enjoy them when I can.

*UPDATE:* My friend, Jamie, posted a way to make the Larabar at home here. Yay for you, Jamie! Thanks! 

LÄRABAR is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than nine ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

Have you listened to this album yet?  I mentioned The Civil Wars here and here. Barton Hollow is their single, but their entire album is amazing. I can listen to the album all the way through and have still not gotten weary of it. Even my kids enjoy listening to them and if Reed swinging his feet up and down with a big ol' grin on his face isn't proof enough, I don't know what is. Honestly, I CAN'T GET ENOUGH.

If you are having a baby, you might be receiving one of these from me. That is if I get around to making them. They also double as a cute drying mat for dishes, of course after you've washed it from changing a baby on it. ;)

Charlie Sheen. Remember when Charlie Sheen looked like this in Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Man, I am getting old, and if you can remember, you're getting old too.  

I CAN'T GET ENOUGH of his crazy phrases. I am saying them all time. And although his life is a train wreck, he needs Jesus, and I should probably be praying for him, I can't stop laughing. Thanks to Charlie Sheen, the entire country is laughing, like we're all in on ONE BIG INSIDE JOKE. So thank you, Charlie Sheen for your tiger blood, and for bringing the country together. That's what I call winning.

Another funny insight from Jamie about the man who cannot be processed with a normal brain.

And lastly, I CAN'T GET ENOUGH of THIS KID. 

I found him at my computer, Hershey's kiss in hand, and what did I do? I grabbed the camera, laughed and took pictures of him, of course. Because that's what you do with your third child. There is just something about the third born, that has made lighten up. I guess that's why the third is usually more spoiled. And while we still don't let him get away with everything, he definitely probably, gets away with more than the girls did. 

Exhibit A

And yes I let him eat it after telling him to not do it again. ;)  I'm sure that was effective parenting.

What are some of your favorite things right now? Care to let us know? Leave a comment or link back to here in your blog post. I would love to hear what they are. 

Happy Friday!

~cheryl~