Monthly Archives: August 2012

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by Cindy Huff

On August 15, I celebrate the birth of my baby.  Those of you who know me, may see me at GG's with my 10-year-old daughter Kathryn.  I love my girl to the moon and back!  (Like we all do!!)  I try to tell her this every day, no matter what kind of day we have had.  Kathryn is not the baby whose birthday I celebrate every August 15.

Before God blessed me with my sweet girl, I was pregnant with my sweet, first-born boy.  My first pregnancy was rolling right along as normal with the dreaded morning sickness every day, my clothes were getting smaller, I had daily mood swings, but there was also this new joy I had never experienced before, those tiny movements inside me that indicate life is in the making!!

Oh how magical these were!  I looked forward to them each day.  There was nothing quite like those tiny flutters that changed to kicking feet!  I couldn't wait to be a mother!!  My own sweet mom marked each passing month with a card for me telling me we were one month closer!

But one day, all the treasured movements inside me stopped.  Completely.  It happened on a weekend, and I didn't think much of it at first, because I was pretty small still, felt physically fine otherwise, and I figured the baby was turned another way.

But a trip to the hospital the following Monday for an ultra sound confirmed my worst fear, and something I did not expect on this day, my growing bundle of joy had passed away.  With no warning, and no real symptoms.

How devastated I was, as I was due to give birth to my boy three months later.  I began to ask, "Why God?  I teach your children at school each day, wouldn't I make a great mother?  Why was I allowed to get so far in my pregnancy?"  We even had a cute little nursery set up and a going home outfit bought.

It hit me that I would never know if he would love sports or music, or both.  Would I be getting ready today for baseball, football, or band camp now? Some of these things I will never know, and don't need to.

But I know being pregnant with Ryan taught me many things.  I learned to love in a completely new, unselfish way!  This is an amazing gift from God I believe.  I had nurturing, motherly instincts from the day of his birth onward, that I wouldn't have had otherwise.  I had more compassion with my students at school, because now I viewed those students I taught as someone else's baby.

God's love for me was put in a different light as well.  He gave His own Son for forgiveness of my sins.  This was so hard for me to comprehend at this time more than ever as I couldn't imagine giving my child up voluntarily for another!  How awesome that makes His love for us, His children!

Things would be totally different now and my life would never be quite the same, this much I knew.  So I quit asking questions, and tried to build on my faith in God.  I trusted my prayers would be answered in His time.  I began to see the face of God everywhere after this tragedy in my life.

He was shown to me through my immediate family and parents who stepped up to make decisions I couldn't make at that time.  He was shown to me through the kind, compassionate nurses and doctors who cared for me in the hospital.  He was shown to me through the funeral home staff.  He was shown to me through the many prayers, cards, words of kindness, and meals we received from people in our family, church family, coworkers, and friends.  He was shown to me by those who just sat with me and didn't say a word when milestones that should have happened did not.  I learned that I was by far not the only one to experience this.

I want to be the face of God to another mother in the future who may go through this as well.  I may never be a mother to a son again, but I know those few months with Ryan were among the best in my life!  I am confident knowing he is in Heaven resting in Jesus' arms.

Meanwhile, I have a beautiful daughter who is growing every day and needs my guidance and compassion in these formative tween years.  She needs to see the face of Jesus through me as often as possible.

Our role as a mother is an awesome responsibility, and an incredible gift from God.  I have considered myself a mother since Ryan was conceived.  I continue to think of him often, and wonder what he would be doing, and how handsome he would be.  I bet he would be causing a little trouble every now and then too!!

It is a little easier to deal with as time passes, and I finally allowed myself to be ok with not thinking of him every day.  I learned this does not mean I will ever forget my son.  It means I gave myself permission to move on with my life and be the kind of wife and mother God wants me to be now.

As I do every year, I will take a few minutes on his birthday to go through his keepsake box and look at the things I have kept that are his, and the cards and little gifts we received.  I will visit the cemetery and put flowers on his headstone.

But I also plan to do something for someone in need on Ryan's birthday.  I am praying now for God to lead me to a person that needs a blessing.  I am learning to look for ways to be the face of Jesus to others as it was shown to me.   I believe that is what our loving God calls us to do!

 

My name is Cindy Huff.  I was born and raised in Nederland and I teach 2nd grade at Helena Park Elementary.  I love 2nd graders!  My husband is Freddie, who is a firefighter, and my daughter is Kathryn, who is 10 years old and will be a 5th grader at C.O. Wilson.  I love my wonderful family, and I am so thankful for them every day!  In my spare time, I enjoy some quiet time and getting into a great book.  I enjoy listening to various types of music as well.  I also really love to cook, and especially bake!  I am always searching for and trying out a new recipe!  I grew up at First Baptist Nederland, and have attended different churches in the past several years, but recently have began attending FBCN again.  We have met some great people, and look forward to meeting more!

 

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{Treat} older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

-1 Timothy 5:2

 I have a big family; an awesome family (Jason's family included). I am thankful for two sisters and two sisters in-law.  I am blessed to have grandmothers and a host of nieces and cousins.

 When Jason and I married we lived within ten miles of our entire family.  Our parents' house helped us to escape the Ramen Noodle Dinners we had at home.  I never went to Wal-Mart alone.  And even the ladies at church were extended family.

But as I believe God would have it, we have moved three times.  Each time our move has taken us to a bigger place, and a place farther from home.  We are now nearly 400 miles from all of our family.

As soon as I find my new comfort zone I feel as if I'm being stretched again. 

If you look up "small town girl" on google images surely you would find my picture. I'd be the girl with a ponytail, jeans and in flip-flops buying Dr. Peppers ,bread and bologna at the corner store. 

I am simple......in the most complex way.

You see, I feel most confident sharing life with those who know me. They know my quirks and weaknesses, but accept me as I am.  I fear rejection.  I sometimes feel misunderstood.

Yet I feel compelled.

I feel compelled to meet new people, make new friendships.  Putting yourself out there can be awkward, but it's worth it.  In sharing life, its beauties and struggles, I have learned that most of you can relate.  You're in the same boat, or once were.  Even if my struggle is unique, I know that there are those of you out there who will lift up a silent prayer on my behalf.

As I've been stretched to meet people of all ages with different backgrounds I've found a common thread.  Girls from nine to ninety from every walk of life have a need for friends. 

We all need friends who share their faith.  And I'm pretty sure there are times for all of us that we need to borrow a little faith.  Though we're women working toward noble character, we still need girls to laugh with. I am thankful for times we can sit on the couch or stand by our cars in the parking lot and talk about important matters.....or talk about nothing. I'm thankful for the times that you know when I need an encouraging smile or a hug.

But I am compelled to seek friendships that extend beyond.

  I have this persistent thought within me that there are some of us who aren't able to chat in the parking lot. Maybe like my sisters and mom, there are miles of distance between us.   That distance can be defied!

I have found through time and providence that I have an ever-increasing spiritual family. 

{Treat} older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

-1 Timothy 5:2

 

A Thursday for Your Thoughts.

Each Thursday I would love to highlight someone different.

 I pray that we would grow together.

But more than anything, I pray that this space would bring much-deserved glory to our God who is with us.

Please consider sharing:

Your testimony        A beloved family story

A memorable family activity

A struggle        Scripture that has especially touched your heart

A recipe        A craft

A book review.....................

Include pictures if you can.

There is no age range. Writing skills unnecessary.  Girls from all over.   SHARE.

I'm biting my nails in anticipation waiting to hear from you!

Send your contribution in a Word document to my email.  Also, shoot me an email if you have any questions.

  kristiburden@gmail.com

 

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Hallie and I had a banner day yesterday.  I think we agreed on pretty much everything.  That may sound like a small success, but you have to understand- WE WERE SHOPPING!  She's outgrown much of what she wore last year so decisions important to a preteen had to be made.

I recently learned that when shopping I should stay quiet.  I've learned to avert my eyes and keep my mouth shut if I see (for instance) a shirt that I like.  Many perfectly good shirts have been ruined in her eyes by my liking them. My thoughts in general are not valued as they should be.

In a rare turn of events, today I made suggestions and she listened.  And I made a point to really hear her too. We left a consignment store and Dillards with a full bag and full heart.  It felt so good to agree.

There were several times that she said, "I was going to say that" or "I was going to pick those".   I mentioned to her in the car that unbeknownst to her I had been planting subliminal suggestions in her brain that were too good to turn down.

Afterall, I know her.

And even though she has gotten to an age that she doesn't think I know her, I do.

For the most part, I know what is best for her. I certainly know more than she does about what is best for her.

I've been where she is.  I remember what it feels like when the world around you seems to focus its eyes on every part of you.

And then there's the fact that I've known her since before the moment she took her first breath.

I helped her to form her first words.

I've watched her sleep and kept track of her rising and falling chest the times she had RSV and bronchitis.

Yet there are times she thinks I don't understand; times she thinks I am out of touch.

Yesterday as I was delighting in our moment, God gently nudged me as he so often does when I'm feeling high on myself.

I was reminded of God, perfect God.   He went to the unimaginable length of CHOOSING to walk in our shoes.  Though we can't imagine it, he can say to us "I've been there".  He knows the number of hairs on our head and every thought inside our head. Our chest rises and falls at his will.

He speaks to us; guides us.

Much of the time I'm that stubborn child that doesn't listen.   Too preoccupied with what I want I forget that he might have something better. With the volume of the world turned up, I've tuned him out.

Thankfully he has given us his Spirit which speaks within unreasonable us on his behalf. His spirit helps us to agree.

Oh children, listen to your mothers.

Mothers listen to your Father.

Just for the record..........Hallie approved this message.

 

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If today started off like a Monday........

If you're feeling alone........

If grief overwhelms you........

If you're afraid........

For those feeling abandoned........

For those who can't find strength to carry on........

In troubled times........

Maybe you just feel small........

 

 

The LORD says,

"Fear not, for I am with you;

 be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 I will strengthen you,

 I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous hand."

-Isaiah 41:10 ESV

 

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Life Lessons from Joseph and his Brothers-A Retelling

Joseph, the youngest in his family, was given a colorful coat simply because he had been born in his father's old age.

The young boy, in his fine coat, one day was sent to find his brothers who were shepherding.

When he found them, he shared his dreams in which his family bowed down to him.

No surprise, this didn't go well.

In jealousy his brothers stripped him of his rich robe and threw him into an empty cistern.

-No water in the cistern. No robe for covering. No apparent love to surround him.

An afterthought, the brothers sold him to some Ishmaelites who were on their way to Egypt.

Upon hearing the brothers' news when they returned, Jacob the father, thought that Joseph must have been killed by a ferocious animal

He tore his clothes and put on sackcloth-refusing to be comforted.

(Meanwhile in Egypt)

The LORD was with Joseph. He prospered.  An Egyptian master saw that the LORD was with him.  He became an attendant for the master Potiphar who put him in charge of his household.  He was given success in everything he did.

But soon enough, being well-built and handsome, Potiphar's wife wanted him for herself.

One day Potiphar's wife caught him by the cloak.  He refused her and fled leaving the coat behind.

Showing the coat to her master, she told a wicked story of Joseph attacking her and leaving his cloak behind.

Joseph, stripped of his fine coat once again, was thrown into prison.

And once again, being left with outward covering and comfort, the LORD was with him.

The LORD showed him kindness and granted him favor.

Again he was given success in whatever he did, even though in prison.

Dreams come into his story once again.

Joseph interprets the prisoners' dreams.

He interprets Pharoah's dreams too, telling Pharoah just as he told those in prison-

I cannot interpret your dreams; it is God.

He is put in charge again.

He is given Pharoah's signet ring and robes of fine linen.

He is given the responsibility to prepare for a widespread famine.

(Hungry, the downcast brothers re-enter the scene minus the youngest and now most-loved son of Jacob named Benjamin)

Coming to buy grain in Egypt, the brothers bearing gifts, bow to Joseph who recognizes them. They, however don't recognize him.

He sends them with a bag of grain and hidden silver to get Benjamin whom he has never met.

(Back in Canaan, the grain is eaten and dread grows as the brothers know they must return to Egypt with Benjamin.)

Armed with more gifts, double the silver and with Benjamin in tow, the brothers return.

Joseph in his grief, schemes again, having his own silver cup placed in Benjamin's sack.

As this is revealed the brothers tear their clothes; one brother saying "God has uncovered your servants' guilt" )knowing that this trouble was brought about by a deed they committed long ago.)

Joseph tells the brothers that it was God , not them who sent him to Egypt.  It was in God's plan to use their evil for good; "to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

This story ends with Joseph being reunited with his father and his brothers.  They live out their lives with plentiful provision.  -Genesis 37-47  But where this story ends another begins.

We are Joseph.  We are his brothers.

Like the silver cup in the sack, what is hidden in the heart is ultimately revealed.

We dream as though searching for the meaning of life, only God is the answer.

Maybe most intimately in life's cisterns and prisons, the LORD is with us.

When the silver and fine linens are stripped away, it is God who is our true covering.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

"Because he loves me", says the LORD, "I will rescue him"; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Psalm 91:4,14-16

 

 

 

 

 

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Random…With Purpose

by Jaime Turner

It’s not just about me.

That is what I am striving to teach my children each and every day.

To think of others before ourselves.

To offer kindness.

To show compassion.

To extend forgiveness.

To serve others.

 To be the hands and feet of Jesus.

“Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and about loving the people He has made.”  ~Francis Chan

For our family, this means continually serving others by random acts of kindness and by putting others’ needs before our own. This was placed on my heart last year before Christmas as a way to count down the days to Jesus’s birth. As a family, we served someone in some way every single day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We were so blessed by it that we have continued, and we’ve tried to make it a weekly event since then.

 Thinking outside the box and getting outside our comfort zone is difficult sometimes. Doing random acts of kindness can take a lot of planning, but it is even sweeter when we open ourselves to be used by God and we set aside our pride. People look at us like we’re crazy when we try to give them something for free. One thing my children have taught me is there is pure joy in serving others. They get so excited when we do something new for someone or make new friends when we do a project. And surprise: my children don’t really care when people look at them strangely. In fact, they don’t notice it most of the time. Pure innocence—something we could all use a touch of.    There has been joy in seeing people’s faces light up just because we cared enough to bring them a cup of coffee that we made ourselves. There was great fun when we ran around the mall taping quarters to the toy/candy machines hoping to brighten the day of a child we will never see. There was the element of surprise and curiosity that we received when we told the drive-thru lady that we wanted to pay for the person’s meal behind us. There were many questions from our neighbors when we baked them muffins “just because.” (They all thought we were trying to sell them something!) There was the happiness we got to see on strangers’ faces just because we handed them a candy cane outside of a store and told them to have a good day. There was something amazing about seeing my children run around a park eager to pick up trash, without grumbling or complaining, because they knew they were serving others…and ultimately serving Jesus.

  I could tell you all day long how it blesses my soul every time we serve someone and even more so as I see my children serve others. And I love that they have favorite projects that we have done:

 “Bringing ice cream to the orphanage” (Elijah, 8 years)

 “Making and bringing cookies to the fire department” (Lucas, 6 years)

 “Bringing hot chocolate to the crossing guard” (Charley, 4 years)

 Despite what some might think, it doesn’t take a lot of money to serve others either. It just requires a little bit of time and a little bit of ourselves. We’ve had to be creative, step out of our comfort zones, and let our walls down so we could see our neighbors’ needs.

 We can all show love to someone around us. It’s fun to make it random, but it’s important for it to have purpose. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”  ~ Matthew 22:37-39

 

A stay-at-home mom, Jaime Turner has been married for a dozen years and has 3 children. She is a Louisiana native who will never call herself a true Texan because, let’s face it, Texas isn’t home to the New Orleans Saints football team or good Cajun food. Jaime is known for her dimples, revered for her Fantasy Football track record, and thinks Sonic drinks can cure almost any personal ailment. Most importantly, Jaime strives daily to show her family and friends the same love that she has received through Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

 

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 No matter what hat you're wearing

Girls.  and Girls with experience

There are those of you who make me laugh.  And there are those of you who look at Pinterest and actually follow through -making cute cupcakes for your kids' parties. You're probably the same ones that make sure your children brush their teeth twice a day and your kids' socks are super white. Some of you seem to never drop a ball in your juggling efforts, though I know you must. There are those of you who always speak encouraging words. There are those of you who drive in Houston traffic fearlessly, and then those who still go to the bathroom in pairs. There are those of you who sing in the car until someone pulls up beside you at a red light.  None of us are exactly the same.

You have your coffee, and me my Dr. Pepper while we share life.

 

 

 

 

Some of you experience struggles similar to mine.  There are others of you facing struggles I can't imagine. I see you brave life's storms. There are those of you who have been there and done that; sages with wisdom.  You reassure me in tough times.  I think of you who I rarely see but trust that our friendship reaches across distance.

There are those of you still in school; those who wonder what Mr. Right looks like and when you'll meet him.  Some of you are frustrated with drama that surrounds you.  Some of you feel alone.  Some of you experience every feeling listed all in one day. Someone who's reading this, battles insecurity even knowing that God says we are enough.

I know that battle.

I'm thankful for you who pray with me; pray for me. You who have allowed me to pray for you; it is a privilege.  There are those of you who fear sharing your heart in Sunday School.   Your heart pounds in your chest when there's something you don't want to say out loud, but you must.

We are the same.

All of us have at least one bad habit.  Some days our hair aggravates us.  We each have that person in our life that makes us smile.  We love getting a letter or card in the mail.

And we all have a God who has given us a heart to be shared.

Tomorrow August 9, I would like to introduce A Thursday for Your Thoughts. 

Each Thursday I would love to highlight someone different.

I have mentioned before that I have a prayer for this website.  I pray that we as women would have a place to share; and that as we share, we are certain there are faces on the other side of the screen that are laughing, crying and just plain nodding their head in understanding.  I pray that we would grow together.

But more than anything, I pray that this space would bring much-deserved glory to our God who is with us.

Please consider sharing:

Your testimony

A beloved family story

A memorable family activity

A struggle

Scripture that has especially touched your heart

A recipe

A craft

A book review

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Include pictures if you can.

There is no age range. Writing skills unnecessary.  Girls from all over.   SHARE.

I'm biting my nails in anticipation waiting to hear from you!

Send your contribution in a Word document to my email.  Also, shoot me an email if you have any questions.

  kristiburden@gmail.com

 

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Writing Life

As I mentioned in my last post, my mom and baby sister were here this past weekend.  My mom is in the editing stage of  her first children's book.  My sister and I offered our assistance.  We also took time to focus our teacher eyes on writing found of Rylie's and my nephew (our stubby fingered kiddos).

In other words, writing happened; editing happened.  Mistakes and inadequacies were reflected upon.  Smiley faces were drawn with our imagination as we looked at writing in its early stage.  Improvements were made.  We shared parts we liked. - Drew stars to show our favorite parts; we agreed and disagreed.

Jason even joined in the book editing with mom-often inserting the proofreading symbol for new paragraph on each page.  The more I write, the more I see the need to frequently start new paragraphs, much like in life.

Life like writing, is a process.

It's not so much the beautiful story written.

The magic and mystery is in the story being made. -Parts you scrawl out hastily with a pen; moments you can hardly keep up.

Parts of life seem like the blank space on the page.  You stare....and nothing.  You scratch your head and chew on your pen, still nothing.  Wordless, seemingly purposeless you sit and think.  You think so hard you want to get up and walk away.

Life has misspellings.  Life is full of errors;  errors that happen because you're in a hurry and other times just because you don't know better.  Sometimes you catch those errors and correct them.  Other times you are pained as your errors are pointed out by others.  But still...you write.

Like children your letters are misshapened, malformed.  Through tears you are forced to keep writing.

There are long arrows drawn indicating pieces or chapters out-of-place, like pieces of life.   -Not wrong, but out-of-place.  There are lines you deem unnecessary.  Take heart..... Those lines you scratch out.... the ones you try to erase?  They're part of the process.

Sometimes we stay inside the margins.  We are neat and display proper penmanship.  Other times we scribble in the margins.  Sometimes it's that which is beyond the margin that stands out in the end.

Keep writing.  Neat or messy, keep the pen moving.  Find comfort in the blank spaces.  Go outside the margins when necessary.

Write life, being thankful for the One who helps you hold the pen.

 

 

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-Here's to the times when the dustpan is full of feathers from a weekend of dress-up.

The times when I pick up my trash bags and cans clink together forming a time- together-tune

I smile that my refrigerator has repeated the cycle of being stocked to almost empty after having back to back meals with family and friends who have traveled hundreds of miles to get here.

- that my washing machine has run innumerable cycles for fresh towels for guests.

A sigh of joy for a nap or two.

The sound of joy from the bouncing of a basketball in the driveway

The repeated sound of "That's What Makes You Beautiful" being played on the Ipod for the seven-hundredth time.

The creak of the back door that opens to the back yard.

I give a cheer for magic- experienced on vacations.

Soaring higher than we imagined.

Hurray for black, dirt-stained feet from Colorado soil, and hair sprinkled with Pixie dust.

Grains of sand will forever be with us, in our cars, proof of  fun weekends at the beach.

Memories of holding baby gators and SNAKES are tucked away fondly in my heart.

Three cheers for a lengthening list of sno cone flavors tried and true.

For the times this summer we have spent hours traveling in the car replaying Nacho Libre until we get there, I am thankful.

We have been blessed once again by summer.

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My mom is here.  My sister and her kiddos are too.   Yesterday we took a trip to the beach at Galveston.    Both the gulf water and the beach were teeming with life; each doing their thing.  There were small children with shovel and pail in hand and teens with footballs practicing the perfect spiral.  Grandmas watched while adults stole time to enjoy a good book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hallie, my animal lover, rushed to the water to show off her beach skill.  She has a knack for catching hermit crabs.  I see a new reality show in her future.  It could be called Redneck toe-crabbing.  Yesterday she and her protégés easily caught more than fourteen crabs in about twenty minutes.

Hallie scootches her toes through the sand along water’s bottom.  When she feels wiggling beneath her toes, she reaches down to the muddy bottom and grabs the crab's shell. Maybe this is typical hermit crab hunting, I find it creepy.

The crabs who haven’t lost their lives to Hallie and her partners have a near-death experience to share with their friends.

It is in honor of these crabs that I write this blog.

There is a behavior that has been observed in the life of the hermit crab which deserves our attention.

I'm talking about molting .  A hermit crab’s exoskeleton doesn’t have a life-time guarantee.  There comes a time when the hermit crab has grown and must shed his old skin.

A crab must molt to continue to grow.

A crab must molt for life to continue.

Interestingly the crab buries itself as it sheds its skin.  As the crab sheds its skin, evidence of the old skin disappears (the crab eats its old exoskeleton).  Its old self is gone.

The crab, in his much needed fresh “suit” is not immediately strong. The new creation needs time to come into its brand-new self.

God continually reveals himself in nature. I smile that molting closely resembles the transformation that we go through as we accept Christ.  For life to continue beyond this earthly vessel, our old life must be cast off and buried. “ As we are buried in Christ’s likeness, we rise to walk in newness of life.” We are not instantly strong Christians.  A disciple is made in time which brings me to my ultimate point.

This year at VBS we had fifteen salvation decisions.  New life has sprung. This beautiful picture will be displayed Sundays to come through baptism.  We have reason to pray; these babies in Christ need nurturing.  But above all, we have reason to rejoice.