Energized By Prayer

Psalm 5:3 "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

"Pray, and let God worry" -Martin Luther

Easier said than done, right? You might be surprised. That quote is packed full isn't it?

I was part of a prayer gathering today and left feeling very energized. I love that instead of saying we would pray we just did it.

So often I find myself telling someone I will pray for them instead of stopping and praying right then and there.

Prayer is powerful. Why, because it's a cause and effect thing between us and God? Yes and no.

I don't believe that God really needs us to pray. I mean, He is the Sovereign God of the Universe! But maybe he wants us to pray. Like, talking to Him, as if we are actually friends. To some, this is a brand new concept. It's Prayer 101. Prayer is simply put, talking to God, and listening to hear Him speak to us. Prayer is conversation with Him and He wants us to talk to Him!

In the New Testament, Paul tells the church: (Philippians 4:6-7)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

And we can come BOLDLY: (Hebrews 4:16)

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it”

Scripture is packed of people speaking with God boldly and honestly. When we have faith to trust Him, then perfect love from the father casts out all fear! (1 John 4:18) Being bold, however is not the same as being bossy! It's being confident that God is listening, that He will hear us, and that He will answer us. And I think that's where most of us get stuck: His answers.

Max Lucado says that when we entrust our requests to God we must trust Him to honor them with holy judgment. Sometimes His ways don't make sense to us, sometimes they confuses us and cause us to shake our heads and wonder, "why?" Hey, that's ok. I just hope that I can encourage you to hold on to trusting God with His eternal purpose in all things. Trust Him that one day it will all make sense. One day we'll have that "ah-ha!" moment and worship Him for His wisdom.

Have you ever prayed for something, and God hasn't given to you? And at the time you've felt upset or frustrated by the answer you received ("no"), but then later been grateful that He didn't answer it your way? I've had that SO many times in my life! I love that song by Garth Brooks "Thank God For Unanswered Prayer".

Today, I feel confirmed and encouraged in two things I have always known in my spirit:

1. a)I am told to pray. It's my job as a follower of Christ to pray. And pray big.
b)What God does with my prayers, and how He chooses to answer them are none of my business. I'm just to obediently pray.
2. When I pray, I am involving myself in God's work. Therefore will be blessed as a result.

For example, if someone I know has a need and I am praying for them, talking to God about that need or better still, if several of us gather to pray for things, what do you think it will do to our faith when we see God answer our prayers? Ignite us! Encourage us! Bless us!

When we don't pray, when we don't come together and bring our petitions and requests to the Lord, we're missing out.

The truth is, as believers I feel sad that we aren't as eager to petition God. We pay it a lot of lip service and don't show a lot of action.

Often, we're more interested in planning our events than praying for them.

"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work." -Oswald Chambers

Often, I'm more ready and willing to talk about this than just do it.

"God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede." - Oswald Chambers

If you have a prayer request, send it my way because I would be honoured to pray for you and with you if you want!

Silly Blogs, Silly Opinions and Oh, My Apologies

I'm not necessarily calling your blog stupid. Though I might be.

If you ever read my very first blog entry, it was all about why I didn't like blogs. Today I was reminded of that again, except now that I have a blog, I couldn't help but feel a little offended. Stupid blogs.

My friend - who shall remain nameless - is someone I have so much respect for because she doesn't hold back. She speaks her mind, and speaks it without apology. Almost always, I feel so very refreshed after being around her. Probably because she says what I'm thinking, but I'm not going to get in trouble for it! Ha! Even when she says something I don't share the same view about, I come away challenged and thinking; I love that!

I have a constant inward battle of holding my tongue and speaking my mind. I definitely hold some strong opinions, of questioning things that make people uncomfortable to question, of being so very disappointed in the Church and it's leaders, of hating the injustices in our world that so many of us are just plain ignorant to or chose to do absolutely nothing about.

So many times I begin to write, but never post it because of who might read it and if I will be offending them or not. But I want to be true to who I am, to the journey that I am on (Nate and I), and the things we are thinking, feeling, questioning, exploring. Why should I care if someone is offended (as long as I'm not being offensive)? Can't we hold an opinion too? (Opinions, my friend once said, are like butt holes: everyone's got one and thinks everyone else's stinks! lol So true, isn't it?)

Let me be clear though: I am very open to the idea that I am wrong about things. Really! Having kids has humbled me greatly. There was a lot I thought I knew all about when I had Larissa and now realize I didn't have a clue! A good life-lesson. So I will never claim to be completely set in something (even if at the time I feel or think that I am!).

I'm also the wife of someone who plays a leadership role at our church. What would people say if we expressed feelings and questions we had about it all? (Don't worry, we've been honest with the Pastor - as much as he's interested in hearing and discussing anyways.) See - then I wouldn't really be building people up, even if I'm not saying anything negative, the truth is that for some, to question things or a way of doing them that has never been questioned before would just cause disunity and distention - two things that I never want to be a part of! But questioning the "norm" always causes some to be upset. Hey, that's what my Jesus was all about - upsetting the religious guys! So if it gets people thinking a little ....

I don't know, I have this fantasy where I'm this quiet, meek, mild, amazing little wife. Much like Carolyn Ingills (Little House on the Prairie's "Ma"). I just do the mom thing, am a good friend, and only speak my mind when absolutely necessary. It's this little life where I talk only to God about my thoughts and opinions because I don't want to negatively affect anyone else. But.... But... But....

So, back to blogging: this friend said she didn't read blogs of mothers because, well, they're braggy. I agree 100000% and there are certain blogs I don't read because I feel like they are very much showing off. I don't read them and feel encouraged, I feel like what I'm doing isn't enough. Yuck. And though that isn't the intention of the writers I'm sure, it is what it is.

But I can't help but feel a little guilty. Have I posted things about our kids and things they do? Yes. Am I a proud Mama? Absolutely.
Could that all come off as me bragging? Certainly it could and probably does.
Do I post pictures about how in love with my children I am? Yep, guilty as charged. Do I do that because I want everyone else to think that? Definitely not, but of course compliments are nice, I'm just honestly not seeking them out.

She also said that she celebrates the ordinary. Her kids, she said, aren't the most beautiful, or intelligent (her words, not mine! I think her kids I have met are in fact nice looking, and more importantly beautiful people, like she is). But she celebrates them.

I told her she should blog about it.

But if she blogged about how her kid works at Timmy's and how she is proud of him/her (I don't know who it is), then that's awesome. To her, her kid is amazing and should be celebrated. If she wrote about it, could it come across as braggy? Maybe. That's probably why she doesn't! lol

I would just like to take a moment and say that I am sorry if you've ever read my blog and felt I was bragging. I sure haven't meant to.

I'd like to explain that part of the reason I wanted to blog about our kids and their activities is because we are choosing to home school for the next year at least, and we have a lot of friends and family who are teachers and well, might have negative opinions about it. So this past year I wanted to show that school at home can be engaging, wonderful, creative, purposeful and "successful". It's also a good way for family and friends who are far away to keep in touch and updated. You know, like instead of that once a year Christmas update/newsletter (which I NEVER get around to writing!) it's a click away to see what we've been up to.

And I want to express myself and my journey - but have been afraid to. So I've kept it a little more surfacey. But I'm thinking that might change soon. So if in blogs-to-come I offend you, please know that I don't mean to. I'm just on a journey too and want to perhaps begin sharing that with others. But not because I need to feel validated, but because that's how we can grow - by discussing. By disagreeing and debating, and questioning, and exploring the uncomfortable or the unknown. Let's just do it respectfully.

Do Hard Things ???

You know it's hot when you're not even moving and you're sweating.
Yeah, I'm that gross right now.

Have you ever heard of the book, "Do Hard Things"? I have only heard of it, I haven't read it. But that's what's coming to my mind as I sit here and smell myself.

Do hard things eh? Doesn't the sound of it just make you a little uncomfortable? I mean, who actually willfully chooses to do something that's hard? Not me. Not by my own nature. C'mon, if there is an easy way to do something, or a hard way, what would you choose? Be honest - the easy way. Don't feel bad about it, it's usually the smart thing to do!

Ok, so my exhausted late night ramble originates from my decision today to NOT turn on the AC. That's right. It's 36 degrees out and I have AC and CHOSE not to turn it on. More than once I made the walk to the thermos stat, stared at it, then convinced myself that we could do it. We could make it without it. Most of the world does. And truthfully, we are cutting back - willing to sacrifice to chip away at our debt so we can be FREE.

So while I feel like somewhat of a cruel mom making her kids sweat, it's not bad for them and it certainly won't kill them. So we'll spend more time outside with the hose or baby pool. So we'll take a little longer grocery shopping if need be. Libraries are wonderful places should it get TOO hot. And a fan is a wonderful invention.

Of course, Nathan is on board. I wouldn't suggest it if he wasn't, but his idea is that we all campout in the basement where it's 10 degrees cooler if we need to. What do you know, a little adventure, a little family bonding, and memories being made.

So you know, sometimes the uncomfortable brings a blessing. Sometimes we grow by doing things we just don't really like.

I've Got Worms!

Not those kind of worms you weirdo! Do you think I would blog about that?! Ok, I would.
If I had had a blog when I got worms in Mexico (it was actually a parasite), I probably would've taken pictures of it. I guess I'm the weirdo, eh? But you most likely already knew that.

My worms NOW are good, clearly healthy garden worms. And totally picture-worthy.
I was pulling weeds out of the garden, when I was startled by this snake-like worm. Yes, I jumped, but no, surprisingly I didn't scream (maybe those stupid fake snakes my in-laws enjoyed buying for the kids to torment me with are breaking me down!)

You've gotta see this thing. It's the biggest worm I've ever seen!

That doesn't look so bad, right? Can you see it also in the cracks of the flagstone?

How about now? It was an aggressive little sucker and was moving quick.
Dum-dee-dum, down the rocks...

Here we go, inching a long

I called the girls to come see it. One said, "Ew, that's gross" and the other one said, "That's cool. I like that worm mom. I don't think it's gross!" Can you guess who said what? (*note: neither one touched it!)

We made him a nice little dirt home, which the girls were done with in seconds. Landon, however thought this was marvelous!

"Look Mommy, my first worm! Let's go fishing!"

"Hey, give me my worm back!"

(Olivia took it from him. Not impressed)

All is right in Landon's world again. He can stand his own ground, that's for sure.
"Mess with my worm; mess with ME!"

And so, the longest worm I've ever seen in my whole life sits outside on our patio table, poor little, I mean, looooong thing. I guess we'll free him tomorrow, you know, catch and release.
Now, if only I had a hook... and a lake.

Ten Minutes For ME

I'm on the clock.
I've given myself permission to take 10 minutes out of it all, to just write, because it makes me feel better.

2:24pm... GO

I feel like my life has been a little out of control lately - and I'm not sad, or depressed, or confused (well, maybe a little but that just means I don't have it all figured out!), it's just been chaos in my life and in my head lately. I feel cluttered all within myself.

(*Phone is ringing... SEE WHAT I MEAN! NO, this is MY ten minutes!)

My life is good and I will NOT complain!!! I LOVE being a mom. It's the monst incredible experience of joy and satisfaction that I could never have dreamed up. And quite honestly, I thrive in the chaos that has become my life since becoming a mom. To give you a little perpectice: at one point we had 3 kids 3 years old and under. So no one could fully feed themselves, dress themselves (well, I guess Larissa could do that), go to the potty themselves (start to finish always, if you know what I mean), read to themselves, dress their dolls themselves, play outside by themselves, see what I mean? So yeah, it's busy.

So while just aiming to complete the daily tasks of feeding, clothing and taking care of personal hygiene (not always myself!) then there's the teaching about life, answering the questions, training and work of the heart, discipline, you know: how to help shape your kids to be not just good people, but people of morals and values, beliefs, security, purpose, passion...

And then there's what sometimes feels like a million other hats to wear: wife (first and foremost!), daughter, friend, friend, friend, friend (friends are important), sister, church-person, gym-person, neighbor... the list goes on.

And I'm constantly trying to work out my faith, understand what life is all about, where I'm going and where our family is going. Are we hearing from God? Are we listening? Are we right where we need to be if He's not moving us?

I'm just doing my best. But right now, in this minute, I'm so very tired. I'm happy, but I'm tired. My spirit feels tired. My mind feels tired from just thinking all the thoughts I think, and my body is oh so tired. Blogging helps me declutter myself and clear the space in my head. But I haven't even had time to finish the entries I start! (One day, soon hopefully, I'll just post like 6 at one time!)

I'm ready for a season of a little less business.

Come season of revival and rest and peace! Slow down life. Prioritize Paula, prioritize!

2:35pm - pretty good.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Another birthday is being celebrated in the Birtch Family! This special birthday belongs to our Princess of Joy (self-proclaimed title by the way), our Pickle in the Middle, our beautiful, wonderful, creative, adventurous, thoughtful, kind, caring, sweet, precious Olivia Grace.

Mama always has a bit of a hard time with birthdays. I love love love to celebrate my children, and all that they are and all that God is doing in them and through them. It's a wonderful time of joyful celebration. But I can never help but get a little weepy realizing how fleeting time is. How is my baby girl already THREE?!

Olivia on her FIRST birthday!

Aside from her sister, who is her first best friend, these are two very special friends of hers:

Mikayla

Logan

and with Logan now:

We love to watch Olivia with her friends. She is almost always the first to share and offer her toys. Daily we hear: "Mommy, I made a new friend", which is her meeting someone new at the park, grocery store, church - wherever we are! She has a sweetness about her that attracts people to her and she loves it.

Olivia is also very imaginitive! Here are a few pictures of her playing dress-up:

Oh, she likes to dress others up too, like Grandad!

Olivia is very observant, and appreciates the Lord's creation. She has always loved to watch the trees dance in the breeze, the rain fall, and here is Olivia watching her first snowfall:

She's always eager to help and has loved helping Mommy in the kitchen....

And if you know Olivia, you know she loves her food! She's always had a sweet tooth.

Olivia with her first chocolate ice cream cone

We thank God for all the people who contribute to her life. For taking the time to love her and invest in her.

(learning to play schbulch is a life-essential!)

Olivia, we love you more than we have words to express. You light up the room with your smile and our hearts with your spirit.

We rejoice in your life daily and the privilage of being your Mommy and Daddy.
We praise God, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
May you continue to grow in health and knowledge of God's purpose for your life.
May His grace be always sufficient for you. You have an infectious tenacity for things that we will do our best to teach you to bless this world with. You have been so gifted and so blessed by your Heavenly Father and we look forward to watching him grow you into the woman he has called you to be.