Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Year is coming

I can't believe that Christmas is over for another year and we are facing New Year's again. This time of year always makes me reflective and I thought I would list out some of the things that happened this year!

1) We celebrated over a decade of marriage this year
2) Got a new sister in law that I love
3) Had a BABY!!!! Wow that still seems unreal
4) Have 3 new nephews in 6 months so our boys can all grow up together terrorizing each other, the animals and the rest of the cousins
5) God has grown our faith through some trials and travails but also renewed our energy and hope daily as he asks us to press on
6) Had work changes with having a child, that has been different to get used to but God has completely taken care of it and is helping me adjust
7) Have had to adjust to new extended family expectations with a child. That has been different but God is working on our selfishness

There are many more but I am extremely grateful to God for getting me through each and every day with His love and grace! The words from a hymn come to mind "To God be the glory, great things He has done".

Father, may I bring You more glory in 2011!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Christmas thought # 4

Christmas is Joyous

This morning as I was on my way to work, I was trying to get into the Christmas spirit by listening to some favorite tunes. All of the sudden I found myself worshipping the Lord with tears coming to my eyes as I really listened to the lyrics of the Christmas song. This isn't just a song we have all heard 1 million times! This event really happened to everyday people like you and me. God came down to us and what could be more joyous than that?

Luke 2:8-15 NIV
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas thought # 3

Christmas is Eternal:
God reminded me of this very poignant point this morning in a real life experience.
Last night we got home late and it was dark. My husband was carrying the boy inside and I had the diaper bag and many other items I was hauling in behind him. Somehow my favorite sweater for my son fell out of the diaper bag and in range of the dogs in the back yard. I was completely unaware.
This morning, I looked out and saw the sweater in tatters with the dogs joyously playing tug of war with it! I remembered being awoken in the night to their loud rough housing (obviously destroying the sweater) and thinking they were having fun. But this morning when I realized that they destroyed something I liked, I was tempted to be angry and resentful. It wasn't their faults, they simply thought they had discovered a new toy. I was the one who lost it even though I didn't think I was being irresponsible. Who could I blame?
So I took my frustration to God (I know it is just a sweater) and He reminded me of some important lessons to remember, especially this time of year.
1) Everything is temporary- even things you try to hold on to, be careful with and watch out for. So don't hold on too tight!
2) Only God remains- all else is destroyed- even unintentionally.
3) Just when you think you are in control- you are reminded that you have no control.
4) Only God is in control so trust yourself to Him and let go of your attempts to be in charge.
AND
5) My son won't miss his sweater so I just need to laugh and move on!

Isaiah 26:4 NIV
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Thought # 2

Christmas is Epic:

Jesus came into the world in a humble human way just like you and me. Yet God's son was announced in a way no one else ever experienced!

An angel told of his coming to his mother and father, shepherds heard it announced in the heavens and went to worship him, wise men saw a star and came to lay kingly gifts at his feet. Only God could imagine this kind of contradiction for the coming of His perfect son.

How do you experience the coming of Jesus as a baby in your heart?

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Thought of the day

What comes to mind when you think of Christmas?
I will be posting some fun thoughts this Christmas season to remind me of the significance of the season and to rejoice that the Savior has come!

Thought # 1:
Christmas is humbling.
Jesus Christ gave up his status and power to come down to earth and be born as a human baby, little, helpless, without strength or means. Just so you and I could have a chance for restoration of fellowship with God.
That would be like me becoming a gnat or something equally small to do something great.
How awesome is that?

Luke 2:6-7
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Did John know Jesus???

I was in bible study this week and we were reviewing John the Baptist's ministry and how he came in to contact with Christ as the Messiah. I was amazed that when I slowed down and studied the verses carefully, I learned some new nuggets of truth. Here is the passage:

John 1:29-34
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."

Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.


1) John & Jesus were related but probably did not really know one another. John certainly didn't know Jesus was the Messiah until God revealed it to him.
2) When John was asked by Jesus to baptize him, John did, then God revealed Christ was the Messiah to John.
3) John was looking for a Messiah who would come in as King and political leader to restore Israel and remove the yoke of bondage to Rome just like the rest of the Jews. When Jesus came, he was not the Messiah that John expected.
4) John then went on to testify about Jesus to everyone because he knew that his role was to be that "voice in the desert crying out"

Amazing to realize that when you encounter the Messiah, even if you have been looking for him, he will not be as you expect but will change your world!
Come Thou Lord Jesus!!! Change my world!

Monday, September 20, 2010

study plans for the fall

I am excited about the studies I am doing this fall with friends and at church. I know that God will be teaching me lots and giving me opportunities to serve Him and others.

1) Attitudes of Success- http://hopechurch.com/teaching

2) Experiencing God- http://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-God-Knowing-Doing-Workbook/dp/0805499547

3) Here & Now, There & Then- Beth Moore- http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/product.asp?isbn=L06314448X

So I will have lots to blog about as I learn. I know that it is a lot of study but I have found that if I fill my spare time with Him, life just gets richer and more incredible! God is the love of my heart. Right now He is asking for me to remain faithful even as the busyness hits and to remember to pray for others consistently! I guess that means I should get back at it.....

My theme verse is:
Ephesians 5:16 NIV
"making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

MIA again... for a good reason

Hello blog land,
I am so sorry that I have been MIA for so long now but I have a great reason. We had a big surprise a little earlier than expected around our home.

Lucas Braydon White was born on 6/11/10. He was 5 pounds 8 ounces, 18 inches long and healthy as could be.

Needless to say I have been a little occupied the last few months with a newborn. I am back at work and we are loving being parents to Lucas. He is a great baby and totally loves his daddy! Here are some fun pics for you to enjoy!




Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Are you a child or an imposter??

Hebrews 12:7-11 NIV
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

I have been memorizing verses about endurance and hardships, staying through to the end even in the tough times and God brought this one to my attention this morning. It was very powerful and I wanted to share it. Be encouraged because if you are going through hardships, it is discipline and God counts you as one of His children that He is working in for your benefit! There is always a silver lining in the storm cloud if we will let God show it to us!
Thank you Father for counting me as Your child and working in me for my best. Even when it is hard and hurts, help me to trust You and endure!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Looking at David's example

I have been studying some of king David's life and God showed me something I hadn't thought about before.
I was studying David's fall with Bathsheba and the four fold consequences of his sin. The four fold consequences used to seem harsh to me but the Holy Spirit revealed that David's consequences were in proportion to his sin and that David humbly accepted them because he understood his God. He knew that God was completely holy and could not allow David to get away with his sin. He also understood that God was merciful and loved him even during the consequences.
The really cool thing that struck me was that God redeemed David's sin. In the short term God blessed David and Bathsheba with another son- Solomon- who carried on his lineage and eventually brought about Christ through God's hand. In the long term, millions of people have learned about God's forgiveness, mercy and restoration through seeing David's life illustrated in the bible. How awesome is our God for that kind of love and grace extended to all of us!

2 John 1:3 NIV
Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Newsy update

Just can't believe that it is April already. I have been meaning to get on here and blog several times and just haven't gotten around to it. 2010 has been extremely busy so far. I think that I mentally decided to cram as much into the months before the baby came as possible since I will be bowing out of so many things after he is here (or so I imagine).
I have been working a lot more on several of my contract jobs and God has been faithful to bring a new dietitian to take over for me on some of them once the baby comes. Needless to say, training and making sure everything is ready to turn over has been an extra job! But it is going well and I am thankful for God's provision.
I am working on maternity leave details and how much work I am going to do after I come back . I struggle with this area because I have a hard time saying "NO" and I feel responsible to keep up the same level of excellence and commitment after the baby comes. I am praying about this and asking for God's help but it has been a struggle and he isn't even here yet. God is in control and my hubby has been a great sounding board to help too!
I have been taking 2 bible studies, teaching 1 and helping lead 1 this semester so that has been a little nutty but so good. God has really been teaching me in different ways with each study and the people that I am coming to know. Lots of reorganization of my selfish flesh and putting others over myself. That is great but also a struggle each day. It can be painful but I am pushing myself to do it because it is for God's glory and not about me. But when May hits, I am going to be ready to transition for a little break. I am praying about what to study to stay in the word and spend daily time with God over the summer and with a new little one.
We have had a busy family season with one of my siblings getting married and helping with that. It went fantastic but needless to say we have had a lot more family time, parties and visitors than usual. They were excited to get the wedding over with and just be married. Now real life is settling in! ;-)
Lastly I have been loving the spring weather. This year was a hard winter because it was long and dreary but God has been so faithful with the pretty weather and beautiful growth and green. Everywhere we look something is growing and blooming. My hubby is a little dismayed at this because it means more yard work but it is still a reminder of the renewal of the LORD and I am grateful for that!
Isaiah 61:11 NIV
"For as the soil makes the sprout come up, and a garden causes seed to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations."

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Anxiously awaiting

I have been playing a little catch up with work and life this week after a great weekend celebrating my brother's marriage. My new sister in law is such a joy and I am so happy for them.
During their wedding preparations and the big day I couldn't stop thinking about our marriage to the Lamb and the wedding feast that we will all celebrate together someday.
My brother was pretty calm as the days up to the wedding came. He was excited but stayed busy with the preparation and details. As the big day got closer, his excitement and anxiety increased. During the day before the ceremony, he paced and waited and waited and paced. He was so ready to just get married and start his new life with his bride.
Standing at the altar watching my brother's myriad of emotions this past weekend brought home how Christ is waiting in anxious anticipation of His father's words- "Go get her Son!" As His bride, I can imagine Him pacing through heaven anxiously awaiting the moment He gets to come bring me to Himself. What a joyous moment! I can't even really imagine what it will be like but I can't wait either!

Revelation 19:6-9 NIV

"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

20 weeks and counting

I have been a little busy lately but wanted to get on here and post the latest news.
We are expecting our 1st child and just found out that we are having a little boy! My husband is excited about the baby boy and is looking forward to teaching him to play basketball.
Everything is going great and God has blessed the pregnancy far more than I could ever imagine. We continue to see Him teaching us things before this little guy even comes and are amazed at God's love and grace towards us. My heart overflows with love and praise for Him.

Ephesians 1:5-7 NLT
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

New Years Catch Up

Sorry I have been absent from blog world for a while. This time of year is crazy busy when you are in the nutrition and fitness business. New Years is a time of hopes, ambitions and plans for a better year so that usually means that work picks up a lot for me. I love being able to help others make changes in their lives to improve their health or get more fit. It is inspiring for me to see them work towards success and I hope a blessing for them.
I also love the idea of New Years resolutions but I don't set any personally because I find that they end up stressing me out if I can't do them perfectly. I guess that is my obsessive perfectionist side coming out. This side of me should know by now that it is pointless to try to take over. I am incapable of being as successful as I deem worthy. Pretty pointless really!
So I am trying not to worry about resolutions and just set aside time each day to do what God asks and what I must do to function as a human. Boy, that lightens the load this year but I am not letting it become another burden to bear! God alone brings perfection so I am waiting on Him!
Philippians 3:12 NASB
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.