Monday, October 11, 2010

Thought for the day...

I just read a quote by Randy Alcorn (one of my favorite modern Christian authors), and found it really thought provoking, so I thought I would share it.

"God says, "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Rom. 12:9). This passage presumes we know the difference between good and evil. But in a culture that so often switches the price tags so that what's valuable looks worthless and what's cheap demands a high price, this doesn't come naturally. We must regularly withdraw to Scripture and ask God's Spirit to train our minds and consciences."

So true... May God grant each of us the discernment to know the difference between the valuable and the worthless--the good and the evil.

Blessings,
Melody

Friday, October 1, 2010

Life...with baby. :-)

Life with a baby can be quite challenging. However, it can also be rewarding. At times I am overwhelmed by the amount of things I have to do, and it makes me wonder how my Mom managed with 8 children...of course, by the time she had that many, I was able to help with a lot of the responsibility.

There is a never ending pile of laundry to wash--especially since I use cloth diapers. With feedings around the clock, other tasks tend to pile up, waiting to be worked in to the baby's schedule. Often as I sit and nurse, I look around and see the dust bunnies in the corners, the sink filled with dishes, the floor that needs mopping, and I wonder how I'm to get it all done. But then I look at my sweet Danielle's face, and remember that as long as I care for her and make sure her needs are met, that my day is not wholly wasted.

Danielle is growing quickly, and it seems every day she accomplishes something new. Last week, she started reaching for and grabbing the toys that hang over her play mat. We were both very happy at this feat. :-) Yesterday, she came soooo close to rolling over on her own, but unfortunately, her elbow got in the way due to her sucking on her fist.

She now is aware of things going on around her, and definitely recognizes her Mommy and Daddy. Yesterday, she greeted her Daddy when he came home from work with a big smile, and a laugh or two. She smiles when I talk to her, and coos and kicks happily when I look at her. She definitely loves her parents--and we love her. I do find it funny that when I'm around, she wants me to hold her. Yet when Daddy is around, she is content to lie in front of him and have him talk to her.

I am constantly grateful for the wonderful little swing that my grandmother gave me. Danielle enjoys her swing so much, and will remain happy in it almost indefinitely (until time to be fed or have her diaper changed). The last few nights this week, I began bringing her swing into the kitchen with me when cooking dinner, so that she'll be able to see and talk to me while I'm working. This arrangement has worked out nicely, as she stays happy the whole time I'm cooking, and I can actually get work done without having to stop and cheer her up.

This week, I started a fast pace exercise program called "Walk at Home." It is a DVD with an instructor on it who teaches you how to walk in place, combined with aerobic exercises that you can do while you're walking. With these different combinations, I can exercise the equivalent of jogging a mile in about 14 minutes. You see, I am quite determined to get back into shape and be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again as soon as possible. So, while Baby takes her morning nap, I stand in the living room sweating away (it really is quite the workout!) and burning calories. :-) Hopefully I'll start seeing results soon--results other than sore muscles, that is. :-P

So, between baby care, and trying to clean the house and cook meals in between, I stay very busy. Some days it doesn't all get done. I'm just grateful for a healthy baby and a loving husband who never walks in the door and gets upset with me because there are dishes in the sink, or the laundry didn't get washed, or I didn't manage to make it to the grocery store that day for something he needed. I married a most understanding man. :-) And, for his sake, I do try to always work one thing into my schedule...I always make sure to fix myself up every morning, so that he doesn't have to come home to a sloppy looking wife. I think men can sometimes forgive the mess if they have a well kept, clean looking wife. So, faithfully each morning, I fix my hair and throw that makeup on, and dress neatly so that he won't ever have cause to be ashamed of my appearance. And so far, it seems to be working. ;-)

Life is busy indeed, but the little bundle of joy God added to our family (who is the cause of this busyness) is definitely worth it. I wouldn't trade her for a spotless house or all the money in the world. I love my little blessing, and thank God daily that He bestowed her upon us. I love seeing her smile at me, feel her hand stroke my cheek, getting "baby kisses" (which is basically her placing her open mouth on my cheek), having her clutch on to my shirt, seeing her Daddy totally enamored with her, and knowing that my task of sustaining her life--which began while in the womb--is not yet completed, and that for now, I am her sole source of nourishment. :-)

I have a Supreme God, a loving husband, a beautiful, happy baby, a cozy home. I'm fulfilled as a woman. :-)

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:3-5).

Blessings,
Melody