Another (Quite Different) Thing I’ve Discovered… March 7, 2009

So you know the book The Five Love Languages? I love that book, (just in case you don’t know it), it tells of five different ‘languages’ people have to communicate love to each other. For example, I feel loved when I receive words of affirmation from Ben. Ben feels loved when he gets to spend quality time with me. However, our default is to communicate the way we feel loved to the other person, when really they need to receive their love language, not ours, which is why it’s so important to know each other’s love languages. Just for fun, the five are: quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, gifts, and service.

Anyway, the other night Ben and I got into a silly argument (what we later found out was just miscommunication). What had happened is Ben gave me an example of something that I immediately took offense to, when he was just trying to demonstrate something, not offend me. We were both sincere, but both misunderstood. What resulted was common in how we argue, I went up stairs and didn’t want to talk, and he wouldn’t let me be alone, he had to talk to me. He uses words very well (he is a writer after all), and so he talked. And talked. And talked. While I sort of clammed up and didn’t want to talk. I insisted he give me ten minutes by myself, and that’s when I received revelation on something.

In the ten or so minutes, I prayed for the Lord to reconcile us, that we would communicate rightly, and resolve our arguments rightly. I came to the conclusion after a short time of praying that he wasn’t wrong, in fact neither of us were wrong, we were just miscommunicating (the same conclusion he came to while talking that I couldn’t come to before spending time alone). Do you see where I’m going?

I really think it’s important to find out (especially if you have a hard time with resolving arguments), your ‘resolving argument style.’ Ben’s way of resolving is to talk, while I can’t stand to talk, I just need time alone… then I will talk. What we discovered after talking about all this is that our frustrations with each other while arguing had been simply a lack of understanding in how we each operate! It’s not bad that all he wants to do is talk, and it’s not bad that I need to spend a little time to myself before we talk, it’s just the way we are made. The humorous part (though not at the time), is Ben didn’t think his words were working because I wasn’t responding, when really I got his words but needed time to reflect. So what happens is he repeats himself over, and over, and over until I’m so annoyed I can’t be around him anymore! This little revelation into how we resolve arguments is going to be so helpful in the future! Had to share, hope it helps you too!

I’ve Discovered Something… March 6, 2009

So I haven’t been sewing lately and have been wondering why. I know the Lord has called me to do a business… and I’ve felt like He’s given me divine ideas over the baby business- so why no motivation? I’ve been doing a lot of graphic design lately and still have such a passion for designing baby stuff. So I’ve discovered something… I don’t like sewing but love design! And it’s not that I hate sewing, I just really hate repetitiveness. Ideally I would love to just design patterns and fabric and have people sew them for me, or me sew the prototype. I’m pretty excited about all this because I know the Lord is on this, and this has given me clarity. Now I just need to find some people that love sewing

On another note I have been researching strollers like mad (I kind of feel like I’m buying a car). I’ve found there is no perfect stroller. Oh if I could only just design my own! (That may be a little more complicated than sewing…)

Abortions in Our Midst? January 28, 2009

I want to address something that has been on my heart for a few years now that pretty much everyone is afraid to discuss in fear of offending someone. It’s birth control- I am not afraid of offending because I am zealous for truth to be made known. I am concerned for many pro-life Christian couples who are told medical birth control is ok. I am here to inform. We ourselves were ignorant of this exact thing for years, even being advised by Christians that this was indeed ok. So with that said, I’d first like to share our testimony.

For the first year of our marriage I was in college, babies were not even on our radar! About one year into our marriage (still in college for another half a semester), I started being convicted every time I took my birth control pill. I had no idea why. After all, many of our Christian friends and mentors agreed there was nothing wrong with it. One early morning as I was dropping Ben off at his factory job (he started work at 6am), we sat and talked for awhile about the situation. Ben just told me, “If you feel convicted then stop taking them. Go home right now and throw them away.” So I did. We started taking a class on Natural Family Planning (NFP), through the Couple to Couple League (CCL), a Catholic organization my dad told me about. We learned all about charting, fertility, and how God created our bodies. We charted, and waited the proper amount of time, but still the Lord broke in and we were expecting our first baby before we even got to the second class! We were due on 7-7-07! What a clear confirmation from the Lord that He was in charge of this whole situation!

I must share a few things I’ve learned:

1- Medical birth control ARE abortificients. I learned that the pill did three things: thickened cervical mucus, prevented ovulation, and lastly thinned the lining of the uterus. In other words, if the first two preventative methods used in this birth control fail (which often happens), the fertilized egg will fail to implant in the uterus do to the thinning out, thus causing an abortion. I am sure on this fact with the pill. I can’t tell you exactly how the other medical birth control methods work, besides that most, if not all are abortificients just like this. You can find information like this on Planned Parenthood’s website.

Ben and I could have had abortions without knowing it. I sometimes think, if we had not been obedient to the Lord, would Zuriah have been one of these?

2- The definition of pregnancy has been distorted by Planned Parenthood and even many doctors. As Christians, we profess that life begins at conception. What PP and others state life begins at implantation. Quite a big difference if you are wondering if your birth control is an abortificient and are seeking an answer from a medical practitioner. Be clear on your definition of pregnancy.

3- The Pill does many other things than prevent pregnancies. I sometimes get annoyed seeing so many ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ stickers, products, etc. -hear me out- this is the reason: 1- I know Jesus can heal much better than any doctor (when He heals it doesn’t come with side effects), 2- I wonder how many women have gotten breast cancer due to a side effect in medical birth control? Or cervical cancer for that matter? I feel we are not going to the root of the problem. Perhaps we should rid ourselves of cancer causing agents while searching for a cure.

Also, I heard a very interesting study done with the birth control pill and apes: male and female apes were first observed in a natural environment: they behaved naturally, mating naturally. The female apes were given the pill, all of a sudden the male apes didn’t want to be with the female apes. Why? The pill suppresses a natural scent women put off to attract men. Could it be, that the reason for so much promiscuity in young women is due to us giving them the pill for things like acne and menstrual cycles? An interesting thought.

4- Fertility is in God’s hands, not mine. I felt like when we were on the pill we had fertility in our hands. The moment we released it, the Lord took over. What freedom! We were living apart from His will, simply by being on medical birth control. Aside from that we are very pro-life. How can we stand for life and still be having abortions? How much authority do we have while still partnering with the enemy? Even as a house, as a body, my prayer for the church is that this is made known.

I would like to recommend Natural Family Planning as a method of birth control. It is as effective as medical birth control when done rightly, while still leaving room for the Lord to break in. In fact, Planned Parenthood would recommend it as a reliable form of birth control except that “It can’t be practiced outside of a loving, commited relationship.” Go figure.

It’s natural, there are no side effects, in fact, it actually benefits your health to practice it! It even draws you closer as a couple. In the church, divorce rates are as high as any other (50%!!!), but in CCL couples the rate drops to 5%!! In teaching couples it’s even lower!

I am not so much advocating NFP as much as I am the removal of abortificient birth control from our midst. Many are using it for convenience issues, while not understanding the severe implications. This is a serious issue. Babies are being aborted without us knowing it, while we stand for life. I would urge you to seek out truth for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit, seek it out as a couple. Examine everything I’ve said, but please, whatever you do, don’t dismiss it.

If you have any questions PLEASE don’t hesitate to ask me! I am eager to share!

Some interesting links from Planned Parenthood:

Their definition of pregnancy

Birth Control Methods that are Abortificients: (keep in mind when they say “Some people say that the pill works by keeping a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. But there is no proof that this actually happens.” That they also say this for the morning after pill which is clearly an abortificient in our terms of pregnancy).

Implant
Patch
Nuva Ring
Shot
Emergency Contraception (Morning After)
IUD
Pill

Another website that describes how the Pill works

This Year! January 15, 2009

So I took five minutes to pray about what the Lord is doing this year with me, my family, the business, the world… and could not believe how much the Lord revealed to me! Wow! (Totally recommend it). I don’t normally get into resolutions or ‘new year’ stuff, but felt this was different. Even before the new year I felt this next year would be a year of provision for us, and right when I started praying the first word I heard was ‘provision.’ Looking back even in just the last 14 days of January I have already seen the Lord’s provision in mighty ways. The first thing that happened was $1,500 of property taxes was miraculously paid (a whole story in itself that I may still post), and just today, with several unexpected expenses over the last week or so, we had $320 extra in our IHOP paycheck that we were not expecting! Enough to cover the unexpected expenses! Praise the Lord!

I have been having dreams lately where the Lord is highlighting sin to me, and it has to do with finances. I feel like he is preparing my heart right now for what He has for me this year. I feel like it is incredibly important that these things are rooted out in me in order for Him to completely release what He wants. Not only am I feeling provision, but the start of abundance… I prayed a Holy Spirit prayer the other day that the Lord would send people and places to us that He wants us to sow into (a “Holy Spirit” prayer because we have nothing right now!) Amazing… I love how He works!

I am also focusing on the business… He’s given me a new space to work- Hallelujah (I was feeling cramped for space, and now Zuriah gets her own room, yay!), I am praying for an intercessor (who I can one day pay), and for an investor who will be so touched by my vision for the business that he/she will give me all I need in start up costs. More of a ‘resolution’ I’ve made is no more credit cards, despite sometimes not having enough. I feel like they have been a crutch, and have hindered my faith in the Lord for provision. I was charging everything I needed for my business, but now feel I need to stop, pay it off, and start a fresh with an investor. I feel the Lord will bring this.

I’m feeling an increased call to intercession this year… more strategic intercession. I am praying for the Lord’s heart concerning abortion, human trafficking, England (I have a thing), and the US. I also have been praying for family and have felt an increased knowledge in what is going to happen with them this year if I pray. I have been prophesying these pieces of knowledge in the Spirit. I’m very excited for what He’s doing with family.

Anyway… all this was more for me than anyone else, to keep track of all He said and write updates, but I would recommend to anyone to pray about what He is doing this year, what He has for you. I feel so excited, a new drive in my spirit, an expectation, anticipation. It’s pretty fun. Looking forward to it

On Christmas. December 14, 2008

I am SO excited for Christmas this year. I don’t know the reason why, but from last year until now has been quite a big change. Last year I was unsure if we should even celebrate- many of my friends had switched to celebrating Hanukkah instead, mostly because Christmas is rooted in paganism and “Jesus wouldn’t celebrate His birthday.” So I agree with the paganism part BUT I feel Christmas has been completely redeemed, unlike Halloween; much like wedding bands. And I feel it’s very important to celebrate the first coming of our Savior, whatever the manor. Therefore I’m for Hanukkah, but since Hanukkah is Jewish and COMPLETELY different from Christmas, I think if you’re going to celebrate Hanukkah also celebrate Christmas, at least if you are ‘gentile.’ So this year I’m all about the tree, all about presents, and even stockings as long as we keep it about Jesus! For the people who say, ‘you’re taking the ‘Christ’ out of ‘Christmas” I would say examine your celebrations- do you celebrate Jesus more than Santa, more than presents?

About Santa… I’ve given this much thought the last few years, and especially this year now that Zuriah is getting older and we’ve had family ask/assume we’re doing Santa. My dad (amazing man of God), gave me an article from a Catholic newspaper addressing just this issue. The argument was pro-Santa with the reasoning that when (the author of the article) was a child he knew Santa as someone that would give gifts freely, out of a generous heart. Later in life this lead him to see the free gifts God had given him… a good argument I suppose, but here is mine: I’m not “anti-Santa,” I think it’s ok to teach children that he was a real person, who really gave gifts to children, was made a saint by the Catholic church… the reality of it all. However, I am against placing a false world, a fantasy in front of my child when there is a VERY real world (heaven) that is FULLY accessible to her. I remember being a child- and having conversations with other children- about Jetsons in the sky, Carebears coming down to rescue us, going to see the North Pole. It didn’t matter if it was a cartoon (I’m going to be very careful about what I let her watch), these things were REALITY to me. I had the FAITH to do these things, except they weren’t real. So it’s not JUST Santa- it’s the fantasy. If I had known as a child that Heaven was available to go to- NOW- to see-  EVEN NOW- I would have gone. Other worlds- fantasies, characters, all that was so real to me I wouldn’t have been surprised to see Smurfs in the grass- I’m sure on occasion we even looked for them.

Something disturbing I saw a few years ago that began my thoughts about this was the ‘blasphemy challenge,’ a website dedicated to blaspheming the Holy Spirit- teenagers would upload videos of themselves ‘blaspheming the Holy Spirit’ although I don’t know how easy it is to do that- but- there was one boy that caught my attention: he said, “Just like the Easter bunny isn’t real, just like Santa isn’t real, I’ve come to the conclusion that God isn’t real.”

Yikes. Not worth the chance in my opinion. Why not give them reality?!

So I want my children to use the imaginations the Lord has given them for the purpose He meant them for- to experience Him.

Here is Reality October 22, 2008

Anyone else wondering what’s going on with the elections? More than ever I have been so longing for Jesus to come and set up His kingdom on earth. I am just desiring righteousness in our land, in our world. Even with the election of McCain/Palin our nation is still corrupt and ripe for judgment. The immorality, drunkenness, murder, blasphemy etc. will not be gone until Jesus comes! It just makes me long for His coming. His perfect leadership. I don’t know who will be president. I am still obviously contending for a ruler who will defend the unborn and stand for Israel. Is the cry for change still louder than the cry for mercy? I feel a burden to cry out for mercy on behalf of our nation. God send revival. We need it!! Jesus have mercy! It is not surprising to me that unbelievers are drawn toward Obama. I am just torn up over the fact that BELIEVERS are drawn toward him. This should be a wake up call for America. The fact that true believers in Jesus are voting for someone who stands for the killing of babies (in and out of the womb)… this is sickening to me. No one can ignore this. If you are voting for Obama, you are agreeing with the killing of millions of babies.

I heard on a radio show the other day an Episcopalian lady called in and said her church was pressuring her to vote for Obama (first red flag). Next she said her and her husband make around $100,000 a year and are strapped. They have their kids in a private school, that may not continue, they may not be able to take that family vacation every year, they may not be able to go out to a five star restaurant once a month. She believes Obama is the Biblical way to vote because ‘didn’t Jesus take from the rich and give to the poor?’ A scary argument in my opinion. First of all this is a selfish argument to say the least. She is voting for Obama because it is best for her and her family, she isn’t thinking of others. Second Jesus was not a socialist. He did not ’steal from the rich and give to the poor’ that was Robin Hood. He encouraged the rich to give away their money and possessions. But He did not make them.

We have a black Christian family who lives by us who we just found out were supporting Obama. Why is it so easy for black republicans and Christians to support a black candidate because he is black? This is racist. I’ll prove my point, here is a hypothetical example: I am a white liberal feminist atheist who is voting for McCain because he is white. Does this make sense? Why go against everything you believe in to vote for a candidate soley because you share the same color of skin?

Christians stand for LIFE! Stand for righteousness! Do not compromise! You will be held accountable on that day to Jesus for the way you vote. Did you stand for life, righteousness, Israel? We are held accountable for every decision we make, we will give an account for every word, of course we will give account to the way we vote.

I Now Understand… September 12, 2008

Our faith has been tested the last few weeks, in the area of finances, probably more than it ever has! The other day we had $2 and no way to buy gas. The Lord provided after we cried out for His provision. The next day Zuriah needed diapers- she was wearing her last one! Again the Lord provided. It’s been so hard though! He has been refining us. We are at this point where we are believing the promises we have even when they look SO far away!! We have been having prophetic words that this year would be a year of abundance, that someday soon we will have more money than we know what to do with- that the Lord will use us in order to funnel money into the Kingdom! Kind of a funny thought at this point! (We could maybe spare a penny…)

I knew pretty much right after I started my business that the Lord would bless it. That He would increase it, but here I am with ideas but nothing extravagantly original- something I feel I need in order to stand out from competition and actually make a dent in the industry. But at the same time I knew the Lord would take it- and then He gave me an idea. Something that is different than ALL other businesses, something that the Lord is SURE to bless! I NOW understand how the Lord can release literally MILLIONS through me to benefit the Kingdom! It was just a matter of time… waiting and waiting, believing that He is faithful!

I am also understanding now why the Lord has brought us through so much financial trial- almost two years of not even living pay check to paycheck- more like living month to month with no means at all besides the Lord!! It has been more than just hard financially because it’s put a strain on so many relationships and situations, but the Lord has groomed us. He has prepared us for when He releases millions our hearts will be ready. I say that and tremble… oh God let our hearts be ready!

Unfortunately I’m not going to share the idea on here… but I will say that it DIRECTLY effects orphans and victims of human trafficking GREATLY. It will be out eventually, but I have a lot of thinking/praying to do before it is fully developed. We still only have $7 in our bank account at this moment, and many bills to pay this month… if you feel led to give to us at this crucial time we would be so blessed.

Please pray for me on the following points:

*Protection from the enemy. The idea is something that he will not like AT ALL
*The continuation of new and fresh ideas
*The continual providing of the Lord for all the business needs- financial and networking

An Esther in Office August 30, 2008

Sorry I haven’t written in awhile… I got out of the swing of things during vacation and haven’t gotten back. I’ve been busy, sewing a lot, getting things ready for a show- hopefully in October.

So Sarah Palin! Pretty amazing. An answer to prayer in my opinion. Someone from out of no where- just how the Lord does it. Last night I was thinking about her and asking the Lord about her and heard, ‘for such a time as this…’ I really feel Sarah is a modern day Esther, she has been picked out of no where, a Christian from my understanding, to come along side a “pagan king” to appeal to him to overturn the decree of Haman i.e. abortion/Obama. She even has won favor with voters and everyone who hears about her- like Esther. Not even Obama has said anything negative about her. I personally was thinking about not voting prior to hearing about the VP pick but with someone like this- a potential president- I just might. I applaud McCain- a very strategic choice (in the natural), he has won over the conservative vote. Praise Jesus for Sarah Palin, a strategic choice (in the spiritual)- to possibly overturn Haman’s decree!! Have mercy on our nation God!

I’m super excited about her simply because of her Down Syndrome baby- 9 in 10 mothers in the U.S. who are told their babies have Down Syndrome choose to abort them!! How awful!! What a statement she’s made for life!

Anyone have any thoughts on Gustav? Why during the Republican National Convention? They are thinking of postponing it… Is this a warning, a judgment, an attack? The timing is just too convenient.

The elections now have my attention again. This year is a very important year, and Bush’s term isn’t over yet. He has one more Supreme Court Justice to appoint. We still need to be contending for a pro-life Justice. Even Obama has said the next president will have a big part in Roe v Wade- he wants to keep it obviously, but what he doesn’t know is one more Justice is yet to be appointed before the next president.

I Got Evangelized! July 29, 2008

So I was in Wal-Mart the other day buying diapers and a lady came up to me and asked if I wanted to ‘receive Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior…’ I told her I already knew and loved Jesus. I walked away thinking… ‘Wow, that’s NEVER happened to me before.’ Either all the Christians who are evangelizing already think I’m a Christian or there aren’t any Christians evangelizing. Hmm… truly the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few! I’m not saying I evangelize and no one else does… I don’t! I’m confessing my terrible fear of man. I heard once from a reliable source that one of the top things that witches and warlocks ‘pray’ is for Christians to have a fear of man… seems to be working. Let’s REBUKE that curse and put on the full armor. I sometimes think about my high school experience- I remember thinking in high school (before I was saved), that I would just dabble in sin now and return to God at a more convenient time- this WAS my mindset. I remember feeling so empty and actually pondering… ‘if I die today would I go to heaven?’ But it was always- ‘I’ll think about it later’. If someone would have just come and presented the Gospel to me I would have received it in an instant. How many people are out there right now who are just like how I was? I’ve been asking the Lord to have these types cross paths with me. We need to be listening to the Spirit when He says to witness to someone. Pretty sure the Lord is going to test me in this now that I just wrote that…

Well more on a family note… we are all going to Myrtle Beach this week! Our first vacation with Zuriah! Me and Z are flying and Ben and his dad, sister and brother are all driving. Pray for a SAFE trip. I’ll probably be posting pictures of the little bug at the ocean soon! We will be gone from the 2nd through the 9th.

ZuriahBaby July 23, 2008

Here are some product concepts. From left to right: Burp Cloths; Nursing Cover; Diaper Bag with Toy Pouch; “Love Covers” blanket

I’m working on a carrier right now, and figuring out some bag designs. Also I made Zuriah some bows the other day that are just too easy and too cute not to sell! I’m hoping to get ZuriahBaby.com up by Fall and am wanting to do an open house around October.

Anyone have clever name ideas for products? Ben came up with “Love Covers” for the blankets and either “Zuri Tie” or “Shaddai Tai” for the carriers. I’ll want to name everything something clever, so whats left are: burp cloths, nursing covers, diaper bags, accessories (bows and bow ties), and changing pads. Any ideas are appreciated!!

It’s really awesome, I feel like the Lord is really going to bless this business- I’ve had an offer from a high-end baby boutique in North Kansas City to sell my stuff (even before she’s seen it!), and I’m connected with a talented graphic designer and a photographer already (who are both IHOPers!!) I’m very excited to see how God uses this.