30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 17 - Tree of Life Birthing Center and Midwives

It seemed fitting that today be given to the Tree of Life Birthing Center and the midwives that work there. Today is my due date and baby girl hasn't arrived yet, but the midwives have been really great to help educate my husband and I on everything for our daughter coming soon. They've been really focusing on whole health for both the baby and me using more natural methods, such as vitamins and diet. Plus, I'll be able to go home same day and have my baby by my side the entire time. From having low platelet levels and stabilizing them to getting us equipped with knowledge for when the baby does come, I'm grateful that I get to have been given this experience.

Even though my daughter managed to get herself stuck on my right side (preventing her from being born) whether out of stubbornness or accident, I've been given some exercises that should get her to move naturally in the position she needs to be so that we can finally meet her. It's only a matter of time before she'll make her appearance and all 3 of us can be home getting rest and plenty of snuggles.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 16 - My Job

Day 16 goes to my job as an instructional designer. Being an instructional designer is probably the best fit for me when it comes to work. The job is unique because I get to teach without having to do it in person. I may not see the immediate results but I know the things I create have a huge impact on those who take the training. I find that working for a global company in the software industry has been a challenge that I thrive in. As an instructional designer, I wear many hats and I'm always learning new ways to best represent information using images, cartoons, quizzes, and even games.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 15 - My Company

Day 15 goes to my company, Hyland. God has really blessed me with Hyland. It was exactly what we needed for my mental health, work-life balance, and for our growing family. The team I work with are really great and my boss trusts my judgement with my work. The fact that I can take 8 weeks of maternity leave is a blessing that I'm very grateful I'll get to use very soon.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14 - Josh's Family

Day 14 goes to Josh's family. After meeting Josh, they accepted me in their family very quickly and it was a good fit. It's always a blast hanging out with them and teasing each one of them. I'm grateful that God put them in my life and I get to be a part of their family. Moving to Florida was hard leaving them but we look forward to at least seeing Josh's parents in a couple of weeks.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 13 - My Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Day 13 goes to all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have been blessed to have a large family that is pretty close knit. It's always a blast getting to spend time with each of them when we get to visit. Holidays have always been my favorite and I look forward to being able to celebrate with my family in the future with our little one.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 12 - My Grandparents

Day 12 goes to my grandparents. I've grown up only knowing what it's like to have only two grandparents and it has always seemed foreign to me thinking that I could have four, but my Mom-mom and Pop-Pop have easily made up for that with their love, care, and the things they have taught me over the years. Because of what they taught me, I can sew, garden, find ways to make an extra income, do small maintenance on my car, and have another great example of a Godly marriage. When it comes to grandparents, I have the best you can get! I look forward to giving them their first great-grandchild hopefully this week.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 11 - Modern Medicine

I thought modern medicine (that I'm currently allowed to take being pregnant) would be fitting for today because yesterday I woke up what I thought was a cold, but it turned out to be the flu by the afternoon. I also hit 39 weeks in my pregnancy so it wasn't the most opportune time for me to get the flu since I can go into labor at any point.

Although I was very achy and weak with a fever and a pounding headache yesterday, I was able to eventually get the sleep I need and control some of the symptoms so that I feel a million times better today. I can tell baby was also conserving energy, too, since she was being less active and allowing me to get the rest I needed in order for me to gain the energy I'll need to deliver her. I can tell my body is still a little tired from working hard to fight off this illness, but I'm grateful that I was able to break my fever overnight and the worst of the symptoms have gone away.

I have a feeling that I'll feel almost back to my normal self by the end of the weekend and I think baby will follow suit in being ready to make her appearance not too long after that.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 10 - My Sister

Day 10 goes to my sister. I'm thankful for my little sister, Mel. My sister has been a great blessing to my life. She has taught me so much in the 16 years that she's been around. She is fun to be around, very sassy and smart (sometimes it's scary how sassy and smart she is), and seems to do everything I did at her age but better. I'm so happy I was able to celebrate her sweet sixteen with her before she becomes an aunt. I'm excited to see where God takes you next since you've been doing quite a lot the past year or so.

I love you, Mel! Thanks for being the sister I never knew I needed in my life.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 9 - My Brother

Day 9 goes to my brother, Sam. Sam and I might not have gotten along very well growing up, but now it's pretty fun any time I get to hang out with you. You're funny, willing to help, and driven once you have a plan. You're also very good at keeping me on your feet since you have a knack for teasing those closest to you.

I'm excited to see where life takes you next as I've seen some really big life changes you've made this year. It's been a joy watching you pursue something you're really passionate about this past year and figuring out how you plan to make it work. I look forward to seeing you pursue your dream of international business and making the strides to get there.

I love you, Sambo! Thanks for being the brother you are, and I know you will be an awesome uncle to my daughter. You get the favorite uncle award by default, but I think it'll be pretty clear that she'll love you very much since you're good with kids and know how to make everyone around you laugh and have a good time.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 8 - The United States and My Rights

Day 8 goes to the country I live in and the rights I have. I'm thankful for a country that has given us freedoms in we are allowed to exercise, such as voting, and has written documentation created to protect those freedoms. Even though it seems like some are trying to take those rights away, there are still many who continue to fight so that US citizens can keep our rights. I'm also very grateful for those who fight for those freedoms that I take for granted every day.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 7 - My Dad

Day 7 goes to my dad. I'm thankful for my dad. My dad has encouraged me to do my best for God's glory in all I do. From my hobbies of reading and playing board games to my career as a mix of writer, designer, and teacher, I can see how my dad has been such an influence on me. But nothing tops your hugs and your jokes! I'm excited how you will grow into being a Pop-pop for my little girl. I think it might become one of your favorite roles.

I love you, Dad! Thanks for being a great dad and mentor. Just like mom, I wouldn't have turned out to be the person I am without you.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 6: My Church

Since today is Sunday, I thought today would be a good day to make the church we've been attending the last 3 months as Day 6. Once we first moved into Orlando area, it was really important to us to find a church that was a strong Bible teaching church that allowed us to connect as well as for any kids we do.

I discovered Discovery Church almost immediately after moving and we have been so encouraged and challenged by the pastors' teachings. We happened to start attending the first week they were "advertising" their groups to allow others to get connected, which was definitely something we both prayed we'd find in the church. Because I was already in my third trimester, it was important for me to get connected more quickly so I was able to join an evening women's Bible study group. The study we just finished has continued to be encouragement to me and allow me to feel more prepared for being a mom soon since it reaffirmed how God made women special with very specific roles that fit His purposes. We look forward to each Sunday and what the Lord uses in these messages to teach us more about Him.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 5: My Mom

Day 5 goes to my mom. I'm so very thankful for my mom. My mom and I used to butt heads a lot while I was growing up, but her kindness, gentleness, and servant's heart have always stuck with me. She has been such a great example of the wife I wanted to become and the mother I hope to be to my daughter and other future children.

She's one of my best friends after I started living on my own. I enjoy all of the conversations we have and the photos of the funny cats she sends. I look forward to having her visit and getting to meet her granddaughter as we share the joys of being mothers together.

I love you, Momma! Thanks for being a great mom and friend. I wouldn't have turned out to be the person I am without you.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 4: Healing

I feel like Day 2 (Esther) and Day 3 (Josh) were God's way to lead to me to the healing I needed in the last 5 years.

I was talking with Josh the other day and he mentioned to me that the smile that he sees on my face and how I carry myself is so different than when we first met. He further explained that the person he met over 2 years ago was a little broken who was still healing from some deep hurt but refused to let that stop her from growing. To hear this, it filled me with such gratitude because I never thought that I'd get to this place. It hasn't been an easy road but I knew in the long run after going through the healing process that it would be all worth working through all the pain.

No longer do I feel like the anxious mess I felt held captive by deep inside. Instead, I feel far more at peace and relaxed even when things seem difficult. Today, I can reflect on everything I've been through and pinpoint instances and the people in my life where God used what He has taught me through those trials. Through these trials, God has made me into a better daughter, sister, wife, friend, and soon a mom.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 3: Josh

Day 3 goes to Josh. People say your husband/wife should be like a best friend and I definitely have to say that Josh fits that for me. He has been such a blessing since he came into my life. It seems like we've known each other longer than 2.5 years. He is a great provider, husband, encourager, and my biggest advocate. He is wise, clever, and a great listener.

Even when I'm down or not feeling like myself, he sees what he could do to help me feel better or more comfortable. He encourages me in my faith, relationships, and work. He laughs along with me and handles my sass with grace and more jokes.

Whether we're home working remotely, watching something on our tv, traveling somewhere, or going out to try out a new restaurant in the area, every day seems like an adventure. It's hard to imagine life without him by my side now, and I'm excited to start a new adventure together as parents to our little girl we're eagerly waiting to arrive in these last few days.

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 2: Esther

Day 2 of giving thanks goes to Esther. God knew I needed a friend like Esther in my life, especially after moving across the country.  She has challenged and encouraged me in so many ways over the 5 years I've known her. She follows the Lord with such tenacity and it shows in the way she interacts with anyone she comes across.

God taught me through Esther the joys of being spontaneous and what a true friend is. When we both lived in Washington, we spent many nights past 2am driving to the local 24/7 Mexican drive thru and parking near the local park where we talked about everything in life. That included our desires to be wives and mothers and what we think that would look like. Fast forward a couple of years and the both of us get to walk those stages of life together. Even though we're a couple of states away, we continue to stay in touch and try to be a support each other. As I'm days away from welcoming my little Hailey, I'm blessed that I get to watch Esther grow into the mother she dreamed of being as she loves on her sweet little newborn daughter.

Once life as moms settles down for us, I look forward to reuniting with her and having our daughters play with each other. I look forward to the laughs we'll have, the things we'll do together, and teach our daughters along the way. 

Hope you have a happy birthday today! Love you, girly!

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 1: God and My Relationship with Him

I feel like I've tried doing this multiple times and just have not had success being able to finish through to the end of the month. I feel like it's more possible this month but also a little daunting while I spend time writing this during the last few days of my pregnancy and first days as being a mom. As I feel the signs of labor coming in the next days or weeks, I've been definitely feeling a lot more rush of emotions of gratitude, peace, and excitement. 

Without further ado, I'll start with Day 1. For Day 1, I'm most thankful for God and my relationship with Him. I feel like this one is explanatory. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't have a relationship with Christ that started at age 14. I'm forever grateful for the life God has given me and the opportunities I have to share His love with others. Tomorrow and the rest of November will be more in depth examples that stem from all that God has blessed me with the things and people I am thankful for. 

Oh the Places You Go

First day on the road (WA State)

People always ask us why we made a decision to move to Florida, which seems so drastic. I feel like now that Josh and I are a little bit settled down in Florida (and I have a day off work) I can share how God brought us to Florida.

This past year we celebrated our first year of marriage. In that year, God has allowed us to refine our family vision that we started talking about when we were dating and figuring out whether the life we hoped to live would match up. Thankfully, our visions were and still are the same. Because family is important to the both of us, we've been listening to God's call and felt his pull to move to Florida.

How the Idea of Moving Came to Us

Church with a huge cross in Texas we passed

The idea of moving to Florida wasn't a moment where we closed our eyes, spun ourselves in a circle, and then put our finger on a map. Our move to Florida is a work of God. God came to us individually about this and we both wrestled with this internally before we shared this with each other. Neither of us initially wanted to move because it would mean we would be leaving Josh's family and it didn't help that my cross country move to Washington was pretty traumatic even though I've never shared that publicly online.

We felt like God was calling us to move for many reasons one of those being the atrociously high costs of the Washington housing market. We wouldn't be able to afford buying a home for several years if we stayed and I would have to continue working despite our decision for me to homeschool our children. Florida has the potential for us to not only buy a home, but also build one that is a multi-generational home where we could end up taking care of our parents later in the future but also use our home as a ministry. 

Despite knowing this fact, we came to the conclusion that if God is truly calling us to move we would give time for the decision, continue being open to the idea that He wants us to move Florida, and seek counsel from our loved ones and others affected by this decision. Over the course of a year, God has given us some of the biggest signs that would be clear to us that He wants us to continue pursuing this move.

Family First

Red Cat Café menu board in Birmingham, AL

It was important for us that both our families were onboard with our plans. If they weren't onboard, we knew this was a clear sign that God did not want us to pursue the idea of moving away from family. We were honestly surprised with their responses. It turns out Josh's parents and grandmother want to move as well, but it'll probably take them about 3-5 years once Josh's dad is able to retire.

With living on the opposite side of the country from my family, it's hard to find affordable plane tickets from Washington to Pennsylvania. If we fly from Florida, it's a third of the cost on plane tickets, which makes it much easier to see my family. For visiting Washington, we can probably make it cheaper for us when Josh's company flies him out and pays for a hotel and car rental for us. All we'd have to pay is for my plane ticket (and "lap child" tax).

Work-Life Balance

One of the other concerns where we thought God might cause a red flag was our jobs. My job I was currently working at the time wouldn't have been a problem, but my new job was more than happy for me to be thinking about moving to the same time zone. It was Josh's job that we weren't sure would be on board with us moving to Florida. It turned out that Josh's company thought the move was beneficial for them since they needed IT presence in the east coast.

And Now We're in Florida

Made it to Florida!

Several other pieces aligned for us perfectly, too. With my new job, it doubled my income and allowed us to save exactly what we needed to get movers to ship our stuff across the country and to get us there. He has given us peace, especially for me, during a time that isn't easy. The road trip was as safe and easy as it can be, which was something I had wrestled with for weeks before this move. And despite being at the end of my second trimester, God has given me good health where I feel fairly normal and I am functioning during all these changes.

In front of our new home

God has blessed us immensely and has been reminding us in the last month with continued blessings through His provision. When we look out our windows in our living room, we have a clear view of a giant cross a few miles away, which gave us peace knowing that God has been with us and continues to be with us.

We've only tried one church out the past 2 weeks and the sermons series that the pastor is sharing is all about hearing and listening to God. It has been validating to us as we've had some moments of "Is this really God or is this our own selfish desires?" In yesterday's sermon, the pastor listed off how to determine if a decision is God inspired or if it's our selfishness, which included

• Your thinking aligns with God's Word (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)
• Your thinking aligns with Godly counsel
• Your thinking aligns with time - Don't be in a hurry
• Your thinking with God's purposes (Romans 8:28, 11:36, James 4:3)
• Your thinking aligns with peace (John 14:26-27, 16:33, Philippians 4:6-7)

As we listened, we both took in all that the pastor said and both felt comforted that what the Bible says we're following God's, and He wants us to know not to be downhearted about missing family and friends we left in Washington for this move since we'll still be able to see them again when we visit.

The birthing center where our daughter will be born

Finally, I was able to quickly get into the birthing center that I researched like crazy so that I could get the best care for me and our daughter during these last few months. It's honestly a God thing. Thankfully, it didn't cost a fortune for the rest of the care and labor and delivery fees, which are all paid. I know a lot of new moms are afraid of childbirth, but I walked out of my consultation with confidence and peace with our decision. I'm surprisingly at peace with the idea of childbirth and plan to use this experience as a way to thank God that He has given me a body that has cared so well for this baby despite how much my health suffered in the past. I'm enjoying every little kick and tickle this little girl gives me as we count down the weeks when we can finally meet our daughter and take her home with us.

2021: Year in Review

2021 was not the year a lot of us were expecting. A lot of us hoped that life would get back to normal, and it did for some and lot of us it didn't. I've been one to never let anything stop me, and I'm grateful that I married someone who is just as determined and stubborn as me in this way. As I think over everything that has happened this year, it feels like it's been one of the longest and one of the shortest years I've lived through. God has blessed me (and, of course, Josh) so much in ways that have truly humbled us. I personally felt like despite everything going against us in this world God has been paving the way He wants us to go and we are following it in faith and confidence. We aren't where I expected us to be but I don't mean that in a bad way at all.

 

Just Married!

Officially married

It's hard to believe that Josh and I have only been married for just over 9 months because this year felt so long. Our plans for our wedding had changed multiple times because of the restrictions in Washington kept changing. Combine that with having my family fly across the country was such a feat, but against all the challenges Josh and I got married in March through God's providence and strength. Married life has been a learning curve (But when isn't it?), but it has been such a blessing for us and we're grateful that God brought us together. I can't believe that more than 9 months have past since we got married. It felt so quick yet like we've been married for 3 years.

 

Home

Before getting married, I was living as bare bones as you could possibly think. It wasn't so much out of choice, but because I didn't have money for more than the bare necessities. Through the generosity and gifts of others for our wedding to being diligent about making sure our house needs are filled, our home feels homey and that I don't feel like I am just in boxes ready to move to the next apartment or house.

After we got married, our first priority when it came to our home and lifestyle was to be better stewards with God has given us. We prayed that God will help us find a way where we could be right in the middle of Josh's immediate family and extended family and friends so that we could be generous with our home. This meant increased income for at least one of us, which God provided exactly what we needed. In September, we moved an hour north of where the apartment we lived when we first got married so that we're in the middle of where Josh's family and friends live. It has been an adjustment for us, but we have been learning how to really enjoy our townhouse and the ability to host our home, serve a weekly meal to others, and fellowship with others.

Health

My health has been a roller coaster this year. I struggled with a lot of symptoms for most of the year and have done a lot of experimenting with food and lifestyle. I found that gluten and dairy aren't my friends and cause me to struggle with physical ailments and cause depression and anxiety to occur more often. It also doesn't help that my job can be very mentally draining and stressful for me. I'm taking things one day at a time and I'm in the process of figuring out all of these issues. I still have more to figure out but we're getting closer to finding myself feeling better mentally and physically. I'm relying on God for the strength I need to deal with these issues as I experience them and as I learn more about them.

Career

This year has been a really busy year professionally for me (and Josh as well). I got a great raise that puts me closer to what I should be paid and allows us to save for a house. I've also been taking more of a leadership position in my company. Despite my efforts to find a new job for 6 months after getting married, it was pretty clear that God wanted me to stay where I'm at and see the needs in my company. I've identified them and put together a plan so that my company is aware of the benefits of allowing me to mend the gap. Because I know both sides of the business, I've become a huge support for other coworkers by assisting in a somewhat IT troubleshoot position as well as making sure that their work is done well and on time when extra assistance is necessary.

In addition to this, I've learned a lot of new information and increased my skill set in 3 main areas: IT Support, Project Management, and UX Design. It has made my life a bit chaotic but it has definitely been worth it. I'm looking forward to where all of this will take me for the next 2-5 years (and even after that) that I work in my career before I step away from my position and become a homemaker, which I'm very much looking forward to being.

Travel

Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom

I've traveled about the same amount that I did in 2020 surprisingly. At the start of this year, I was able to visit my best friend, who was also my maid of honor, in North Carolina marking my 27th state I've been to in my lifetime. It was time that I really needed to relax and get to spend time with someone I missed. We both drove up to Pennsylvania (PA) where I got to show Esther my part of PA, which was fun to be tour guide in my hometown again. In PA, I got to celebrate my mom's birthday as well as a bridal shower with people from my childhood.

Not only did I travel to the east coast once, I did it again a second time but in a different location. Growing up I've always wanted to go to Disney World and my husband made that dream come true for our honeymoon in June. It also meant that I got to mark Florida as the 28th visited state, and I really enjoyed my time there. Going in June this year was probably the most economical time for the experience we got because they were starting to get back to normal life after Covid. Disney World is so magical and we had a blast spending 5 days running around like kids in an amusement park. I want to go back again, but we'll see when that will happen again.

Heading into 2022

Christmas Eve Service

Josh and I see 2022 being one with a lot of changes just like 2021, but we think it'll be the most important year for the decisions we can make for ourselves, our families, and the family we hope to build. We're expecting these changes to be difficult but rewarding.We're optimistic that these are the best decisions we can make for us and the future of our family. Since God has been giving us all green lights with our plan, we'll continue following the direction God has been leading us. And before you ask, no, I'm not pregnant if that's what you're thinking. I'll keep you updated as our plans become more final and as we continue preparing for this next stage in our lives. So stayed tuned!

To the Man Who Loves Me (Part 3)

 A quick recap of "To the Man Who Broke Me (Part 1)" and "To God Who Restores Me (Part2):"

The girl dated a very narcissistic abusive man who she felt deep in her heart that she shouldn't have. She went through 4 years of hardship as she tried to remove herself from this man who held onto her so tightly. She managed to get away only because the country shut down because of a quarantine.

Through the help of God's guidance and protection, the girl saw a lot of healing happen within herself a year before she was able to remove herself from this abusive man. She was ready for what God wanted her to do next even though the Covid-19 pandemic was only at its start.

Now back to the story. The girl starts her journey into online dating while also making plans to live in a van or save for school. The girl sifts through many profiles of men that are in her age range. She matches with several suitors over the course of 3 months. She goes on a couple of not-so-great dates with one guy who had some commitment issues. The girl feels that she is exhausting her options of Christian men in a 100-mile radius to the point where only 1 new guy would show up every few days.

In early June, she considers deleting the Bumble because it seemed like God was closing that door and she was ready to continue on with the other two options. She decides that she will give herself a couple more weeks of using the app and would stop using it on her 25th birthday at the end of the month.

A couple days before she visits family in early-mid June, she stumbles upon a guy's profile that stuck out to her more than any profile. His love for God, his family and friends, and his hobbies intrigues her, but she thinks he is way out of her league. Yes, she still swipes right thinking, "Well, it won't hurt. He'll probably move on pretty quickly."

A few more days pass and she is looking forward to a beach trip with some childhood friends and seeing her family because it's almost been a year since she has seen them. She flies across the country with her mask on and luggage in hand. After she runs across from one side of the airport to the other to catch her layover, she looks down at her phone out of breath but relieved that she didn't miss her flight to her hometown. She notices that she has a new match on Bumble. It's the man who she thought is out of her league. She takes a shot in the dark and messages him a question that requires some thought but not too much of a curve ball. She gets a response almost immediately so she responds back. Their conversation continues for another 15 minutes until the girl has to put her phone on airplane mode.

The girl's plane lands and she is reunited with her family who she missed dearly. She enjoys her time with her friends at the beach and later with family. The girl continues to get to know the man on Bumble and learns that they have a lot more in common than what is portrayed on his profile as they ask each other questions. The girl feels comfortable and safe enough that this guy is genuine and tells the truth about his life so she agrees to meet with him for a date the day after she returns from her trip.

The 10-day trip feels so short, but the girl is optimistic about the budding relationship that she is forming with this man. Their date is simple but relaxing. It is a walk in a forest along a well-populated trail. As they walk, they share their testimonies and the things that mean the most in their lives. After a long walk, they eat Mexican food at a local authentic restaurant and talk for a few more hours. Both are very hesitant for a couple months to let the other in because of the hurt that both had gone through.

After both trusting in God and continuing to get to know each other, it becomes clear to both the girl and this guy that marriage is definitely in the cards. They continue their relationship for another 2 months before they get engaged to build a stronger foundation as friends since they didn't know each other before Bumble. The man becomes someone the girl can rely and trust on where he takes care of her in a loving and provisional way. She realizes how much God knew the type of man the girl needed after all she has been through.

Their engagement is full of trials. The girl goes through another move but one that is closer to the man's family so that she has people she knows closer to her as she waits and plans their wedding. She goes through so many hoops to figure out their wedding because of Covid and the changing restrictions as well as having family 3,000 miles away. The wedding works out despite all of the changes that the girl and the man who loves her went through. Their wedding is beautiful and unique but most of all Christ-centered.

As life continues, the girl starts seeing the things that she craved for for a long time. The man shows his love in his tender care but also fun-loving personality. He comforts her when she struggles with her health, her failures, and anxiety but always makes sure to bring her back to Christ. He prays with her and over her. He provides her with the stability that she never knew. He also teases her in a loving kind of way...

 

Everyday life (for me) sometimes has its ups and downs. Some days feel like hills while others feel like valleys or a combination of both, but God is continuously faithful and I can say that with confidence despite all that I went through.