It means "you know already" in Tagalog (long story). It seems as though each day i am learning that in some ways deep down i do know the answer already, but when I don't know... my Abba Father does.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Booksneeze Review: Heaven in Her Arms, By: Catherine Hickem
"Fear. It is the single greatest paralyzer of all time. It comes in many shapes and sizes. It is no respecter of persons, race or status. It can cause big men to collapse, soldiers to crumble, and nations to retreat. It has sabotaged peace, prevented healing, and stirred divisions among families" -15
I absolutely loved this book outlining some reasons why God chose Mary to raise His son. I was captivated by a side of who Mary was that we don't really see from the few verses from Luke. The chapter 'Smart Women Know They Need Other Women" really hit home for me. Hickem writes,"In the Jewish culture, women spent a lot of time together. They walked to the well together to get water... and during that time they would socialize and chat. They helped deliver each other's babies and would tend to the new moms during their first several months of motherhood. Ther ewas no problem too big for the circle of women... they understood their role, trained up the younger women to assume it when the time arrived, and would remain a constant source of constant council and support throughout their lives" -81 Nowadays, we are more isolated from others, fearful of attachment, and weary of how others may see us. We are vulnerable and alone.
This book portrays Mary as a woman of strength and character, chosen, for these vary reasons to raise the son of God. I recommend it for its eyeopening chapters and beautifully written words.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Friday, June 15, 2012
RIP Buick Century
17 senior year
school and career prep
late night Mei*jer runs
howling at the moon
flat tires and mailbox hitting
driving miss daisy
church
off to Marquette
over the bridge, pay the toll
back and forth
Holland, the beach
let's all go to the buffet
pick up friends from the train and plane
the mall
drive the kid
move back and forth back and forth
michigan's adventure
adventures to nowhere special
running errands
classes and jobs
cracked windshield
babysitting
interviews
dead batteries
don't forget to change the oil
packed to the brim
no room for anyone
move to the city
CRASH!
Hit at an intersection
stuff with babies, 3 in a row
midwife conferences with bumper sticker souvenirs
pack and pack up to the brim
storage unit for 3 weeks
empty out at new apartment
putt
putt
putt...
mechanics say the end is near
adios old friend...
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Summer Time and the Livin' is Easy...
Wow! I can't believe June is half-way over.
A lot has happened since I last blogged. I have now witnessed/assisted at 11 labors and 9 births. I am still trapped in grateful amazement that I get to learn what I love. And boy have I learned a lot. The last few births were doozies! (all is well now, all families have perfect, beautiful, healthy babies)
I am working 20-35 hours a week at the daycare center
I adore my roomies! (see picture above) :)
I am officially "off-call" until August and am busy crossing off my summer bucket list.
numero uno: I am currently sitting in a "budget" hotel in HOLLAND!!!!!! 3 days in one of my favorite places in the US, beach, friends, a wedding, meeting new babies, seeing "old" babies... sigh :)
A lot has happened since I last blogged. I have now witnessed/assisted at 11 labors and 9 births. I am still trapped in grateful amazement that I get to learn what I love. And boy have I learned a lot. The last few births were doozies! (all is well now, all families have perfect, beautiful, healthy babies)
I am working 20-35 hours a week at the daycare center
I adore my roomies! (see picture above) :)
I am officially "off-call" until August and am busy crossing off my summer bucket list.
numero uno: I am currently sitting in a "budget" hotel in HOLLAND!!!!!! 3 days in one of my favorite places in the US, beach, friends, a wedding, meeting new babies, seeing "old" babies... sigh :)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Booksneeze Review: READ and SHARE Bible DVD
I would recommend this DVD for the 3-7 crowd. The animation is simple yet vibrant. The stories are classic Sunday School, and would be great to introduce or review lessons in the church or home school setting. The kids that watched it with me (daycare children) seemed to enjoy it and were able to discuss what they had seen afterwards. I will admit that I got bored half way through with the repetition, but the time and pacing was perfect for the kiddos.
Discalmer: I received a free copy of this product through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Midwifery Monologues: "Hands"
I sped down the road, dust rising behind me, as the rose-colored moon lit up the pre-dawn sky. It is a struggle getting out of bed before 8am, but when I heard the ringtone that signaled a text from the midwife. I bounced out of bed like a child on Christmas morning.
It *might* be time.
I had my teeth brushed and scrubs on, long before the second text giving me the go-ahead to drive out to our client's house. I tried to relax and enjoy the beautiful picture painted as the sunrise replaced the full-moon. It seemed like the drive was never ending, but in actuality, I made it much faster than the go*ogle maps estimated time.
It was not quite time.
After breakfast we went our separate ways and I attempted to distract myself. Knitting, napping, a “Little House on the Prairie” marathon, and the phone rang.
It was time.
A sweet baby boy, born in an unplanned location in the house, just as the sun set and the waning moon rose, on a crisp spring night to a strong and confident mother; passed from the womb, through the midwife’s hands and into my arms. Slippery and wide-eyed, he greeted the room with a cry of protest. We passed him through the cord to his mama, as his father declared “it’s a boy”.
Later, as I made a trip out to the car with some of the supplies we no longer needed, I happened to glance up at the sky. The stars were brighter than I had seen in years. The Big Dipper was directly above the house, as if blessings were pouring straight from heaven onto the little house in the woods.
I paused, breathed deeply and held out my hands.
Hands that have done both evil and good.
Hands that have been lifted high in worship and lowered to the ground in pain.
Hands that have acted out of anger and out of love.
Hands that have held on and hands that have let go.
Hands that have scars.
Hands that have touched the earth in 4 countries.
Hands that have been timid and confident.
Hands that are learning how to be patient, yet expectant and ready. Hands that shake in fear, and hands that are strong.
Hands that had been blessed, long before they began to learn how to catch…
and I am grateful that I am held by much bigger hands
Saturday, March 31, 2012
March comes in like a Lion and out like a lamb...
I am really enjoying my new place. It is a nice sized apartment and my roomies are awfully cute :) I am living with a friend that I have known since the womb and her 2 daughters, age 4 years and 4 months.
March brought 4 new babies, all born at home, surrounded by those who love them. I am still in disbelief that this is my job! I am learning so much and growing more confident by the day. I am looking forward to the April babies, but trying my best to enjoy the lull.
My weeks consist of office visits (prenatal appointments, postpartum visits), home visits, births, and working part-time at the daycare. I have been interviewing with some new families for babysitting jobs to supplement my income as well. I am meeting so many interesting and wonderful people.
I am happy, content, and full of joy
sigh... someone pinch me... is this real life?
March brought 4 new babies, all born at home, surrounded by those who love them. I am still in disbelief that this is my job! I am learning so much and growing more confident by the day. I am looking forward to the April babies, but trying my best to enjoy the lull.
My weeks consist of office visits (prenatal appointments, postpartum visits), home visits, births, and working part-time at the daycare. I have been interviewing with some new families for babysitting jobs to supplement my income as well. I am meeting so many interesting and wonderful people.
I am happy, content, and full of joy
sigh... someone pinch me... is this real life?
Monday, March 12, 2012
"The dreamer's just a vessel..."
"The River" -Garth Brooks
You know a dream is like a river
Ever changing as it flows
And the dreamer's just the vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores.
(chorus)
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry.
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide.
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry.
And there's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all.
Yes I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry.
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry.
As a child, when I would sing this song, I always thought the lyric "vessel" was "my best"... I kind of like my 4 year old self's version better even 20 years later. "I will sail my best, till the river runs dry"
24 truths as I turn 24...
- "Love Pays Attention." -PG
- "Hold the Space." -LV
- "Feel your Feet on the Floor." -SB
- "Don't Undervalue Yourself." -WP
- "Goodbyes are just as important as hellos."-KW
- Reevaluate the definition of strength
- If you don't feel like doing something, you probably need to do it.
- Knit. It won't solve the problem, but it is sure hard to feel stressed when hold a finished baby hat.
- It Gets Better.
- Hold on tight to your dreams, even when others try to convince you to drop them.
- Yes, many people come and go in life, but there are always a few that stay. If only for the simple fact that you need them and that is ok.
- Ask for help.
- Ask for prayer.
- There is never a perfect time... Jump in.
- Accept grace, even when it is hard.
- Take every opportunity to smell a newborn's sweet head.
- Trust yourself, you've got this.
- Miracles happen, take time to notice them.
- "Choose to chance the rapids, dare to dance the tides" -Garth Brooks
- "You do not have to be good.You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting." -Mary Oliver
- "The same God who led you in, will lead you out" -Newsong
- "It's hard to dance with a devil on your back, So shake him off." -Florence and the Machine
- "Everything rides on hope"-Addison Road
- "A baby changes everything" -Faith Hill
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Moon dance... (A poem)
I am fantastically overwhelmed
All in
placing all my chips on the table
It is an awkward dance
stumbly,
bumbly
like hippos
mimicking cranes.
Powerful emotions
tearing the heart into healing
Messy
Beautiful
Love
Blue toes and pink cheeks
life sustaining thick pulsing cord
eyes lock all around the room
speaking words that cannot be heard
he coughs
softly cries
laughter
and oh how my heart sings
All in
placing all my chips on the table
It is an awkward dance
stumbly,
bumbly
like hippos
mimicking cranes.
Powerful emotions
tearing the heart into healing
Messy
Beautiful
Love
Blue toes and pink cheeks
life sustaining thick pulsing cord
eyes lock all around the room
speaking words that cannot be heard
he coughs
softly cries
laughter
and oh how my heart sings
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Living in Limbo...
I have been camping in my parent's "Daw-ffice" (Dog room/office) since Saturday. I am looking forward to moving into my apartment in a couple of weeks, but it has not been too bad so far. Probably because I have been busy!
Saturday was spent loading vehicles, saying goodbyes in Holland, and meeting a precious 5 day old :)
Sunday brought church and a retirement party.
Monday contained a visit to the daycare that turned into working for a few hours, followed by my first office visit as an official member of the Nine Short Months birth team. I was so excited to meet this sweet 6 week old that I had felt in the belly back in December :)
Today I had an interview for a nanny position... I am not so sure about how it went.
I was also planning on going to a few office visits and home visits, but in the midwifery field you can't always plan and I ended up at a beautiful home birth. A precious 7lb 13oz, baby boy entered the world today surrounded by family. His mama was a complete rockstar! My role at this birth was charting and clean-up. It never ceases to amaze me how awesome women's bodies are and how strong their hearts.
Saturday was spent loading vehicles, saying goodbyes in Holland, and meeting a precious 5 day old :)
Sunday brought church and a retirement party.
Monday contained a visit to the daycare that turned into working for a few hours, followed by my first office visit as an official member of the Nine Short Months birth team. I was so excited to meet this sweet 6 week old that I had felt in the belly back in December :)
Today I had an interview for a nanny position... I am not so sure about how it went.
I was also planning on going to a few office visits and home visits, but in the midwifery field you can't always plan and I ended up at a beautiful home birth. A precious 7lb 13oz, baby boy entered the world today surrounded by family. His mama was a complete rockstar! My role at this birth was charting and clean-up. It never ceases to amaze me how awesome women's bodies are and how strong their hearts.
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