First gift

This morning I received my first official Christmas gift of the season...and I am so excited! These are two super creative guided journals...these journals are created for people who love to create!

The pages instruct you to do things like fill an entire page with one word by writing it over and over again; make an inventory of everything you own; create a self-portrait by listing things that define you...minus your face.

I can't wait to wreck these journals :0) Thank you so much Mackenzie!

Dear Zoe...

Dear Zoe,

I have been thinking about you a lot lately. Only 8 weeks left in this journey of pregnancy before you arrive, though I'll admit, I'm hoping it is slightly sooner.

It is amazing to me that right now, God is crafting you to perfection. He has already given you talents, hopes, and dreams. And He has given me the privilege of being your mother, and watching you walk into those dreams. Every limb, every tiny organ is already functioning perfectly, you are being prepared to enter this great big world. You are such a miracle.

I am curious about you. What will you look like? I know that you will be beautiful, but of course how could you be anything less in my eyes. Will your hair be curly or straight? Brunette, blonde, or a fiery redhead? I know that your eyes will be bright and carry a sparkle, no matter what color they are. What will you be passionate about? In which areas will you excel? Maybe music and art like mommy, or sports and speaking like daddy... I want you to know that you can achieve anything, and you are so special.

You have a daddy who I know will adore you. You will be his princess, and he will give you lots of kisses! You will be cherished.

You have a big brother who already loves you. He can't wait to give you kisses and hugs, and I know he will always protect you and watch out for you, just as a big brother should.

Zoe Grace, this is my prayer for you;

That you will be filled with kindness, compassion, humility and gentleness. You will radiate a beauty that comes from the inside. You will be passionate in your love for Christ, your love for family and for your friends. You will grow to walk with grace, and a sweetness will follow wherever you go. You will impact everyone around you, just by being the incredible girl God has created you to be.

I love you so much,

Mommy

Oh Omaha!

Omaha...Nebraska... NEVER in a million years would I have imagined this would be a place I could be living.

I have often imagined moving somewhere great, like Tampa or Aspen...but Omaha? Not so much.

But yet here we are, in the middle of this adventure of life, and it seems as though Omaha is where God is directing us.

It really is a beautiful place, but still not too far off from our midwestern roots.

I really am excited about this opportunity, but stepping into the unknown and unexperienced is always a little bit scary too.

Justin and I could both travel the Quad Cities blindfolded...we have lived here our whole lives!

We were in Omaha for about 2 1/2 days this past weekend, and got lost almost EVERYWHERE we went!

But I'm sure, like with everything, you adapt. And I'm sure it won't be long before the city and people of Omaha also begin to feel like home.

I have never been outside of my comfort zone when it comes to living environment, or being away from family.

I think it will be good for us. It will force us to open up to new relationships, and I think it will draw us closer as a family as well.

Sometimes surrendering to God...I mean COMPLETELY surrendering...is the most difficult thing to do. It would be so, so, SO much easier to stay here in the QC and just keep doing what we are doing. But when it comes down to it, no matter how painful or how difficult, the voice of God is the only one we should listen to.

What an adventure....here we go!

I'm so ready!

A few months ago, I was dreading the thought of going through the whole labor/delivery/recovery process again. But now??? I can't wait!

When I was pregnant with Javen, I ended up having him 8 days after his due-date. I had a very comfortable pregnancy, up until that last week or so.

I don't understand why this time is so different, but the entire past month has felt like those last 8 days...and I still have 9 weeks to go!

I feel...HEAVY!

I am normally a pretty petite person. So when you throw 30 lbs. of excess weight at me and just expect my hips, back and legs to suddenly support it... well it's not working out too well!

I am looking forward to going into labor. With Javen I think I was a little bit naive about the whole process, I didn't know what I was getting into when I checked into the hospital that day!

But now I know exactly what I'm in for, and I have spent the last several weeks preparing my body and mind. I feel unafraid and empowered to bring this baby girl into the world!

I know that by the grace of God that this labor and delivery is going to be quick, easy, and free of any complications.

I am craving this little girl, I want to see her face....and I would also love to go for a jog. :0)

Can't wait to be non-pregnant!

6 Weeks

It's been 6 weeks since I have sang into a microphone.

Just typing that makes my heart ache.

Not out of pride, or a longing for the "spotlight". But it's a longing to be doing what I know God has called me, gifted me, and blessed me to do.

I didn't realize how much singing had become a part of me...until now.

Like everything, I choose to believe that this is just a season. I know that I will be singing again. But for now, God, my husband, my son, the shower and the steering wheel will be the only ones who hear my voice...for now.

Back at it again

It's been a while! So I redesigned, and re-titled my blog, and I am vowing to post a new blog at least 3 times a week.
Let me give a brief description of my new blogger-title. Yes, we are naming our soon to be born daughter Zoe. But I titled my blog "living zoe" because of the meaning of the word. In the Bible, the word zoe represents abundant life---therefore "living an abundant life" is the title of my blog. :0)
Oh the seasons of life! The past several months have been...a rollercoaster. Our direction has been changed from east to west and back again a dozen times. I guess that it just goes to show that our plans are not Gods plans.
I will tell you this, relocating was the LAST thing I expected to be doing in 2010, but it looks like a big move will be in our very near future. We have not made any final decisions regarding where we will be living for the next 1-2 years. We have been invited to Omaha, and we will be heading there this weekend to check things out and see if it's a good fit for us.
This is all so scary and thrilling at the same time. I am not looking forward to the day we hug our friends and family goodbye and pack up. In the immediate, I am heartbroken. But looking at the grand scale of life, this season is so temporary.
I believe that this opportunity is going to be one of the most refreshing, fulfilling things we have ever done. I know that we would regret it if we chose not to go.
You can read more about this transition at my husbands blog.

I can finally feel my joy returning as I look towards the future.