Oasis: Two Seventy-One thru Two Eighty-One

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." 

2 Peter 3:18a

Friday, April 8th

271) Completion- Many, many months back a gentleman I was talking to in the Commissary encouraged me to read a couple of Proverbs to our daughter every night before she went to bed. He said that if we continued this practice throughout her childhood years, it would have a lasting affect on her character. He vouched for it, as he had done the same for his three or four children and witnessed the affect on their character development. I mentioned it to Drew, and we began the practice shortly thereafter. Tonight, we finished our first reading of Proverbs. I am excited to start again tomorrow night. There are such wonderful pieces of knowledge, not only for our daughter but also for us, and I believe it has been a beautiful, blessed tradition for our family already. "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed." Proverbs 3:13-18


Saturday, April 9th

272) Family Time- I thought today was going to be the beginning of weeks where we would have the chance to be a family of three and, oh- how I have been looking forward to that time. There are so many aspects that are missing when Drew is gone, and because of his "in and out" schedule these past few months, we have never been able to really settle down into any kind of routine to help us cope well with life apart. Life has been too much "in flux." However, it doesn't look like my dreams for a lengthier time for our family of three is about to begin, at least not just yet. It has been postponed. It's hard to handle. Some tears were shed as I dealt with the disappointment, but in the end, I am thankful for every day we have had and continue to have together. There are so many who are dealing with the absence and fears connected to a deployment and what I face is nothing in comparison. I am blessed when I remember how precious each moment together is- even if our time has been cut short.


Sunday, April 10th

273) Good analogies/illustrations- When teaching or learning, a good analogy or illustration can really help explain your point while helping others remember that point. Jesus recognized this. We call his illustrations and analogies "parables." Today our minister had several good illustrations. One was about how attending church is important to a Christian.

He started out by stating, "You aren't a Christian just because you go to church, just like you aren't a car just because you stand in a garage." (and from here I paraphrase.) But does that mean there is no value in going to church regularly? Is a car still a car if there is no gas in the tank? We would all agree that it is. However, does a car with no gas in its tank have any power? Does it have the ability to serve its expected purpose? The answer is an emphatic no to both. The same is true for a Christian who does not regularly attend church. You will eventually run on empty and without the necessary power from above, you will become ineffective in your God-given purpose.

Isn't it interesting how easily we all relate to the idea of a car without gas? We all understand the ineffectiveness and lack of power that exists in such a situation, but how many of us had thought or were willing to apply that to our own lives on those mornings when getting up for church just wasn't what we really wanted to do? Good Biblical teaching stretches you; it doesn't necessarily tell you what you want to hear, but it does tell you what you need to hear, and with good illustrations and analogies, hopefully, we remember more.


Monday, April 11th

274) Bills- Every month I sit down to pay our bills two times during the month. Today was one of those times.  As I sat down to pay the bills, I was so grateful that there was no stress involved with the process. I did not have to worry about contingency plans or consider how I would stretch our remaining dollars to help cover our every day expenses because Drew will be paid in full and on time.

While that was a blessing to me, it is not the real reason I consider my bills a blessing today. As I looked through the bills, I saw several that show our outstanding debt- almost all relate to our college education. I love watching the amount we owe go down and I am looking forward to the day I can say we have paid off that debt. Those debts reminded me of another- one which is far greater in size, beyond anything we could measure, and one I could never pay off no matter how hard I try. "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8 God loved me and paid my debt of sin long before I ever considered offering Him the smallest bit of my affections. Only He could do what was needed to cover all that I have done and all that I continue to do along the way, and only through His payment and sacrifice have I found freedom from those sins and the guilt and shame that can go with them.

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete
Jesus died my soul to save
My lips shall still repeat

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow


275) Assurance- Just recently a good friend of my family's, and a wonderful Christian woman, lost her battle with cancer and went home to be with our Lord. It is hard to think that this world is no longer blessed with her sweet spirit or kind words, but I am so grateful for the amazing life she lived- the incredible faith she displayed every day. Her faith was a blessing to everyone who knew her, not only as an example but also as an assurance that today she is resting and rejoicing in heaven. Today, can you and those around you honestly and confidently say, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!"? Because let me tell you, there is no greater blessing for you or your friends and families than the blessed assurance that you are forever in the hands of God. As I sit here right now, it is my personal prayer for you.


Tuesday, April 12th

276) Tried and true tricks- As our daughter gets older, her learning curve is growing at an accelerated rate and with that, she is figuring out my redirecting and disciplining techniques. Sadly that means fewer of them are having an effect and I need to be more and more creative. So when a oldie still works, what a wonderful feeling. Today I tried a truly old trick (well as old as they come for a child that is only twenty-two months old), one I have been using on our little girl since we made road trips between Redstone Arsenal and my parents house (back when our daughter was less than two months old). It's primary purpose was to help me drown out her crying and/or screaming when nothing else worked and I just needed to push through and make it to our next stop. Twenty months later, it still works. Yippee!


Wednesday, April 13th

277) "Bloom Where You're Planted"- When I was growing up, I attended the yearly Mother-Daughter Banquet at our church with my mother, sisters, grandma, aunt and cousins. I must admit though that I don't remember much about what was said by the speaker, except one year. That year my grandmother spoke and I remember she talked about blooming where you're planted. That thought has come back to me often over the years- whenever I felt like throwing a pity-party because I was not perfectly happy with my circumstances. I have been placed where I am for a reason and it is up to me to bloom where I am planted. The thought has returned to me again this week- not because I am unhappy here in Albuquerque as a whole. It is something a little closer to home, but no matter what the setting or reason, I need to remember to bloom where I am planted. That is my plan as I move forward from today. Thank God for each day He has given me, in this place He has placed me, and make the most of the time I am given.


Thursday, April 14th

278) Protection- It's amazing how quickly a day can completely change directions- from a simple day of running errands to a fender bender. It's not the first time I've been involved in a car accident; it's not the first time I've been rear-ended, but it is the first time since our daughter was born. Funny how differently you look at things once your life is not the only one involved, especially since she was closer to the incident than I was. (I was rear-ended, not vice-versa.) There are times when we have discussed owning small vehicles like the Smart cars because of their high gas mileage. Of course we have always turned it down as a viable option because there is no place for a car seat in a Smart car, but it's at a time like this that I am thankful for the extra protection and cushion of the large trunk that we have on our vehicle. Even more so, I am thankful for the constant and continual presence of our Heavenly Father. Even if we had a Smart car or some other tiny-trunked car, his presence is really where my comfort lies. He is the one who watches over us every step we take, each turn on every errand, every road trip and every flight, and every time we lay down to sleep."Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6


Friday, April 15th

279) Substitution- While I was in school, I remember it always seemed like kids would be excited if they heard we had a substitute teacher. Either that meant the workload would be very lighter or we could count on something different and interesting; whichever it was, we were happy. Lately I have embraced the idea of substitution when it comes to recipes, both to accommodate our daughter's allergies and Drew's palate. Again, substitution has been a boon, allowing us to continue to enjoy a wide variety of foods without giving up much flavor all the while not endangering health or gag reflexes. But the greatest of all substitutions occurred centuries ago. It is something many of us celebrate on a yearly basis and we are approaching that time once again. In fact one week from now, many people will have a day off from work for Good Friday. What makes that day so good? The answer is quite simple- the greatest substitution, and thereby the greatest blessing ever, is celebrated on that day. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21; "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;by his wounds you have been healed." 2 Peter 2:24 With that substitution Good definitively and irrevocably defeated evil and the grave! Praise the Lord- what a glorious blessing!


Saturday, April 16th

280) Design- Lately as I have been experiencing additional soreness and pain from the accident and watched as others in our house have been sick, I have thought about the beauty in the design of our bodies. Most of the time, the design works so seamlessly we do not even think about all the systems and intricate interactions that must work together so we have the energy to function and can go about our days without pain and in good health. Of course many of us experience frequent pain or deal with illnesses because of something that isn't working correctly within the original design; from something as simple as a bacteria or virus to an uncontrolled growth of an abnormal cell (cancer) or the suppression of our immune system, all are changes to God's original and perfect design for our bodies. This may seem like a flaw, but there is beauty even in the face of these often devastating circumstances. Thanks to the Lord's beautiful and wonderful design for us, scientists and doctors know what to expect from our bodies, so when something isn't working the right way, they can find treatments, medications and look for cures for otherwise debilitating or even life-threatening situations. While God may not have saved us from the repercussions of a fallen world, He did provide us with a beautiful means to continue to thrive and understand that world instead of living in chaos, and that is a blessing.


Sunday, April 17th

281) Our patio- Now that spring is here, I have wanted to get out more and enjoy the warmer weather, but in Albuquerque, spring weather also means unpredictable, insane winds. Every time I have ventured out to the park with our daughter, we have come home beaten up by the winds and sand. For the past couple of weeks, our little girl and I have take advantage of our walled in patio each afternoon and I am loving it! By late afternoon, a majority of the area is shaded from the sun- which is perfect for our very pale skin- the weather is beautiful, and we can still enjoy a light breeze. Our daughter gets to play outside, dig in some dirt and explore the plants that we have in the area. She loves it and I find the time peaceful and relaxing. It has really become our little "metropolitan oasis."

God Never Shuts Down- Two Fifty-Two thru Two Seventy

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. for the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." Proverbs 2:1-8


Monday, March 21st

252) Pita bread- Crackers and breads are the one food group where we have struggled to find any acceptable options at the store for our daughter to eat given her food allergies. Nearly everything that you would purchase in the store includes one or more of the allergens or is not what I consider a reasonable price. Because of this I began to make homemade biscuits which our daughter loves to eat with jelly. Still, she will tire of biscuits all the time while still wanting to eat peanut and jelly, so when I found that pita bread does not include soy or dairy in its ingredients, I knew it would be a wonderful addition to our daughter's diet. She has enjoyed the additional variety and loves a slice of pita bread with jelly. Yum!


Tuesday, March 22st

253) Conviction- I received an e-mail from my Grandma today and while the contents were vastly important, that is not what I am sharing here. After reading through her e-mail, I could feel my Grandma's conviction and this is not the first time. I could feel how strongly she felt everything she said and that is what made it all the more powerful. This is also true with others who have had a strong impact on my life. I can see conviction in their actions and hear it in their words. Maybe when I feel as though I am being ineffective, it is because people do not see or feel the conviction in me. Conviction can be a powerful and effective tool and I have been blessed to be surrounded by people who hold some very strong, eternal convictions.


Wednesday, March 23rd

254) Floor Rugs- I have always appreciated floor rugs for the added warmth they provide to hardwood and tiled floors, but today I also realized they make cleaning up all the crumbs and tidbits left behind by a toddler much easier as well.


Thursday, March 24th

255) Intimacy- You can talk with another person on a very regular basis and still not have that close, intimate relationship based on trust and love. I have been struggling with something internally for which I am not extremely proud, and it is hard to admit, even to myself. So when I was able to talk with Drew about it and honestly admit what was going on inside of me, I cherished the depth and solidity of our relationship all the more.


Friday, March 25th

256) Power hours, 30% off, cash back savings- Some of you may already know what store I am alluding to, but for those of you who don't, this is a little nod to Kohl's. Thanks to Kohl's and their power hours, 30% off coupons, cash back savings all stacked on top of each other, we have been able to purchase proper work attire for Drew throughout our marriage. He has very particular tastes when it comes to his clothing which makes it nearly impossible for me to buy items for him if he isn't there to voice his opinion, but he still wants to get in, find what he needs and get out. Salvation Army shopping just isn't in his blood. So when he is in need of some new work clothes, I am always thankful for the multiple discounts we can get at Kohl's, and it is always great to see that you saved more than twice the amount you spent.


Saturday, March 26th

257) Trees in bloom- There is something wonderful about springtime. I do believe it is my favorite season. (I think I have said something similar about fall and honestly they are nearly even. I love them both so much.) Spring brings such a renewal and as I looked at so many trees in bloom today, I couldn't help but remember just how drab, dreary and dead everything had looked just a few short weeks ago. Each spring I am reminded through the blossoming trees and flowers that even when things seem to be dead or lost forever, something beautiful can come from it. If God set this in motion for the trees and flowers of the field, how much more so does He do this in the lives of those who live in His will?


Sunday, March 27th

258) Mommy-daughter activities- Whether it's baking brownies, helping with the laundry, planting vegetables, making the beds, dancing in the hall, working on her shapes and colors or playing with play-doh and bubbles, I cherish our mommy-daughter moments. I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with our daughter and love the time we share together.


Monday, March 28th

259) My high school cleaning job- When I took the job cleaning professional offices in the evenings, I did it out of necessity, and I honestly didn't think I would enjoy it. I mean, it was cleaning. However I found the work quite rewarding and I absolutely loved my co-workers. Besides the fact that the cleaning job helped to fund my college education, it also left me with a wonderful appreciation for a clean house. I cannot clean my house without admiring the shine or sparkle of a faucet or glass door all the while recognizing it comes from that summer. Since we continue to rent, this has been most beneficial - and a blessing- as we have always desired to leave the house in the same condition it was given to us (minus those items which naturally come from living in a place like nail holes for your pictures).


Tuesday, March 29th

260) Seeing the two-way street- I was running errands in town today during which a lady confronted me about something I had done that displeased her. It was not done intentionally, and upon recognizing what had happened, I apologized and did my best to quickly right the situation. However the entire time I was apologizing and trying to amend the problem, this woman continued to harass me and make comments about how rude and inconsiderate I was. I walked away from the situation feeling slightly injured. I knew and had admitted I had erred, but that had not been enough for her. I was frustrated and a little irritated that she didn't consider or take into account the obvious circumstances that led to my error nor accepted my apologies, etc. Before I could get much further in my thought process, I reminded myself of something very important. I do not know this woman and I have no idea what is going on in her life. Instead of making assumptions about her character based on this one fleeting interaction, I recalled that we all are dealing with issues- big and small- and often they affect how we interact with people. Just as I wished she had recognized the situations that led to my mistake, I needed to recognize that there could be several reasons for her reaction beyond what I could readily see. Whether that was the case this time or not, I am thankful that I was reminded that in each interaction and relationship we have, it is a two-way street and considerate and generous thoughts are never wasted.


Wednesday, March 30th

261) Basic Sewing Skills- With my basic sewing skills, I have been able to mend clothing, do basic tailoring, make some clothing for our daughter and myself, create personalized items for our daughter's bedroom and create personalized gifts. They provide me with an outlet for my creativity and are a money-saver.


Thursday, March 31st

262) Unexpected headache relief- For the past few weeks, I have had a persistent, unrelenting headache that has varied from severe pain to a full blown migraine. With the change in weather, things have only worsened. On top of the normal pain and side effects, I have added new rather brain-numbing side effects. We have survived fairly well despite all, but last night when our daughter was up with a stomach bug, I feared the worse. Already having an intense headache, I did not need to face a day on four or five hours of sleep. I wasn't certain how I would function let alone care for a sick child. So I took medicine first thing this morning and wished for greater relief than I have had in the past weeks, and despite all odds and expectations after years of experience with migraines, I went several hours without either pain or side effects.


Friday, April 1st

263) Sweetness- This morning I woke up with the stomach bug that our daughter has had the past few days, and I must say- forgive me if this is too explicit for some- I prefer almost anything to throwing up. I hate it and always have. Not even all my months of morning sickness made me more tolerant and now I was going to face it alone with a toddler who was still recovering herself. It just didn't sound like a good situation. Our little girl blessed me in so many ways this day. Every time I began to get really sick, she would run for a towel or Kleenex because she remembered that I had always wiped her face after she threw up just the day before, and throughout the day, she was an even bigger helper than normal. She ran dishes into our kitchen and managed to get them into the sink and did this without being asked. All this from a child who isn't even two. She gave me kisses and hugs and did all she knew to help me feel better. It's moments like that when you see the sweet, sweet spirit of your child that you can feel truly blessed.

264) Free mobile to mobile minutes- The morning was rough. I felt so terrible and time seemed to move slower than a crawl. I called my Mom thinking we would talk for a short time and when she found out what our situation was, she ended up talking with me for much longer just to keep me company. If it wasn't for the fact that we have same provider, we probably wouldn't have been able to do that as minutes would have been too costly, but I am so grateful for those free mobile to mobile minutes within our provider. They were quite a blessing for me today.


Saturday, April 2nd

265) Rest- Sometimes it is hard for me to just rest; I feel like there is always something I should be doing. Today however, rest was greatly needed. I am still not feeling 100% and I know that there is a little girl who is going to need me to be on my toes. My aunt and uncle offered to watch our daughter for the day so I could truly rest and it blessed me so much- physically and emotionally.


Sunday, April 3rd

266) Letting go- I'm a planner; Drew would probably say that was an understatement. The truth is I am highly organized and I like to know what is going to happen in advance as much as possible so I can be prepared for it. That is why I like to plan things out. We have been considering some possible changes for our family that would be fairly significant- nothing is definite and nothing must happen any time soon, but I think it is something we would both like to see happen sometime in the upcoming months. I am the one who has been doing the necessary research, but in the process, I have gotten wrapped up in the idea that it had to be done ASAP- the first possible chance we had- when that really isn't the case.  Because of that mindset, I have allowed some anxiety to creep in as it doesn't seem like the plans are gelling. Today I remembered two important things: (1) We don't have to do anything right away and things will happen at the right time- God's time. (2) When I let go and let God take control, things always work out for the better.

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace

The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
I’m losing control
Of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid
(I'm Letting Go, Francesca Battistelli)


Monday, April 4th

267) Refining- I heard someone make a comment on the radio today about the refinement of character and that really got me thinking. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary "refine" is defined as follows:

transitive verb 1) to free (as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material; 2) to free from moral imperfection; 3)to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing; 4) to reduce in vigor or intensity; 5) to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth intransitive verb 1) to become pure or perfected; 2) to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions

Our society and world seems to place refinement of high value, but what items do they want refined? How much is spent on the refining of manners (ie. finishing schools) or the refining of ore, minerals, metals, and petroleum? In the end, we consider each of those items more precious because they have been refined. How much more precious would be a refined character and spirit, yet how much time, effort and expense do I give toward that end? The process does not claim to be easy- neither without toil nor without pain- but the end result offers much blessing. "In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,' and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” Zechariah 13:8-9


Tuesday, April 5th

268) Creative Solutions- Dressing our daughter has proved more challenging in these earlier, cooler spring months. Right now her waist is somewhere between size 12 month and 18 month (depending on the brand) but she absolutely needs size 24 months for the length in her pants. Originally I thought we could just use the true adjustable waist pants and that would work, but because of how much we need to cinch them in at the waist, they haven't really worked out like I thought. I have found some options that worked, but like I said earlier, it has been more of a challenge to find the right fit. As we begin to see the first weeks of warmer days and our daughter is beginning to wear capris, etc., I am seeing a wonderful creative solution to this dilemma. When it comes to shorts and skirts, the issue of length becomes more of a non-issue which means I can focus on getting clothes that fit her in the waist. For those colder days, we can always use thicker tights. TaDa! Not only will she be dressed in clothes that fit that are also appropriate for the weather, but she will also love what she is wearing.


Wednesday, April 6th

269) Salaried- I know I have said I am thankful for Drew's job, but beyond the fact that he has a job which provides for us, he also receives a regular, consistent amount each month. I never really thought about what a blessing that was until the last few weeks. With growing talks about possible government shutdowns (whether or not you believe it could actually happen), there has also been chatter about the possibility that military paychecks may be stopped (at least from the date of the shutdown until the government starts up again). These threats were originally mentioned by newspapers but have recently been stated by the White House administration. I'd be lying if I said it didn't have me thinking twice. As we wait to see what will happen in Washington DC and what Drew's next paycheck will look like, I am thankful that he typically receives a salary. I know many people are paid hourly wages, which can be so fickle and changing, and this is just a reminder of our daily, daily blessings.


Thursday, April 7th

270) Previous Tight Budgets- I have been keeping an eye on the goings-on in Washington DC today; I am not really anxious as we do have the means to cover expenses for a short while (another blessing right there) and I completely realize all of this shutdown drama may just dissipate if it was really more of a political ploy than a real deadlock. However as it could affect us, I am interested. I thought about what we would need to change should a shutdown occur and it lasted long enough that Drew's pay was affected-- and that took me back to memories of my first years in College Station. I am reminded of my first apartment, my pay-as-you-go electricity, the splurge of fast food once a month and my $10/month budget for all things entertainment. It wasn't the easiest time, but I grew so much through those months. Thanks to times like that, I also know that Drew and I would be able to tighten our belts and face more meager situations as well, so instead of it being my "poor" time, I was rich- rich indeed with family, friendship, faith, love and more.