Friday, 29 June 2012
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Common Questions
So after telling people our big news, I have had a few of the same questions. I have decided to write as many of the answers on here, please if you have any other questions leave a comment and I would love to tell you all about it:)
Q: When did you find out?
We found out on May 28/2012. The pregnancy was confirmed a few days afterwards by a doctor.
Q: How Far Along Are You?
I am currently a bit over 9 weeks. We understand that we told people early, but we both decided we need the prayers and were ready to tell people our exciting news:) Hopefully everything runs smoothly but whatever happens it is in God's hands.
Q: What Will You Do About School?
I have currently deferred my acceptance to Teacher's College at Queen's University. Instead, I plan to continue my studies at UWaterloo for a term and do some online courses after the baby comes. God has been wonderful in ensuring that I was able to get into all the classes I needed on such short notice and I was blessed with the opportunity to defer my acceptance to Queens.
Q: Are You Guys Going To Find Out The Gender?
Definately! We are dying to know whether we are going to have a mini-Wes or mini-Bre running around! Either way, we will be happy, but since it is the first addition to our family, it would be nice to have a few things ready by the time the little one comes.
Q: When did you find out?
We found out on May 28/2012. The pregnancy was confirmed a few days afterwards by a doctor.
Q: How Far Along Are You?
I am currently a bit over 9 weeks. We understand that we told people early, but we both decided we need the prayers and were ready to tell people our exciting news:) Hopefully everything runs smoothly but whatever happens it is in God's hands.
Q: What Will You Do About School?
I have currently deferred my acceptance to Teacher's College at Queen's University. Instead, I plan to continue my studies at UWaterloo for a term and do some online courses after the baby comes. God has been wonderful in ensuring that I was able to get into all the classes I needed on such short notice and I was blessed with the opportunity to defer my acceptance to Queens.
Q: Are You Guys Going To Find Out The Gender?
Definately! We are dying to know whether we are going to have a mini-Wes or mini-Bre running around! Either way, we will be happy, but since it is the first addition to our family, it would be nice to have a few things ready by the time the little one comes.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
True Love Example
This is a video I found on a friend's blog. It is a true story of a couple that stuck together even through the worst of times and praised God through it all-- please watch as it is such an inspiration!
Monday, 25 June 2012
Walk For Joy
So I usually do not like to put ads on my blog, and this may be considered one... for that I am sorry.
Two friends of mine have started on a walk from Hamilton Ontario to Joy Bible Camp (Bancroft Ontario). They are hoping to raise money for the camp.
Joy Bible Camp (JBC) is a place that is really near and dear to my heart. I have seen many lives changed through this camp. My life was changed there and I continue to return to see friends, learn more about my God and just to have a good time. I have had the pleasure of bringing many friends to camp throughout the years and have seen what a difference it has made in their lives. Please if you have the financial ability to support these two men on their walk, please do take the time and donate. I promise you it will be worth every penny, as you are helping make a lasting impact on both children, adults and families.
Donations can be made at:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=21022
and other information about the camp can be found at:
www.joycamp.ca
Two friends of mine have started on a walk from Hamilton Ontario to Joy Bible Camp (Bancroft Ontario). They are hoping to raise money for the camp.
Joy Bible Camp (JBC) is a place that is really near and dear to my heart. I have seen many lives changed through this camp. My life was changed there and I continue to return to see friends, learn more about my God and just to have a good time. I have had the pleasure of bringing many friends to camp throughout the years and have seen what a difference it has made in their lives. Please if you have the financial ability to support these two men on their walk, please do take the time and donate. I promise you it will be worth every penny, as you are helping make a lasting impact on both children, adults and families.
Donations can be made at:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=21022
and other information about the camp can be found at:
www.joycamp.ca
Friday, 22 June 2012
Keeping up With Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31:10-31
"An Excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax,
And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is still night,
And gives food to her household,
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and busy it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hand to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor;
And she stretches out her hand to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is find linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits with the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her saying:
"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord,
She shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates."
"An Excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax,
And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is still night,
And gives food to her household,
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and busy it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hand to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor;
And she stretches out her hand to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is find linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits with the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her saying:
"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord,
She shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates."
To be quite honest, I used to read this passage and freak out. I have trouble keeping up with school, work and my own housework now. I come home some days and am not the perfect "How was your day sweety" kind of woman to Wesley as I should be. Often I find myself looking at the woman in this passage, and looking at myself and just being discouraged. There is no way I can do all the stuff this woman is doing. This must mean I am a terrible wife, I mean God gave us this example for us to live up to isn't that right?
But here's the thing... if we are trying to be superwoman by ourselves, there is no chance we will be able to make it. After a while we will get tired and we will need to take a break. It is only through God that we are able to do anything. God did not write about this woman to discourage us. He wrote about her to give us an example of what a virteous woman looks like. This does not mean he expects all of us to be exactly like this woman, why would he make us all unique if he wanted us to all be the same?
There is a difference between becoming a woman of vitue with God's help versus being superwoman.
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| {found here} |
Friday, 15 June 2012
You are My God
[Note: Another blog I wrote in 2010, just trying to put all my writings in one place:) ]
I was doing my devotions today, looking at Psalm 63, and one thing just really stood out to me. David was in the wilderness, I'm sure it wasn't the place he was planning to be yet if you look this chapter it just shows the character of David and where our priorities should be.
David doesn't start by asking God why he let this happen to him, he doesn't start by listing off all the things that have gone wrong, or even by asking things of God...
the first thing he says is
"O God, you are my God..." Psalm 63:1a
He doesn't say "you are the God", or "you are a great God" (though all these true he makes sure to say MY God).
How privileged are we to have the honor to call the God , the same guy who made universes among universes with just one breath, to call the same God our own God. !
I look at my attitude and, i wish to have the same attitude as david, through good times and bad. Sure it is easy to praise God through the highs of life, but when we are in a desert we have to also remember to praise him .
The God who made everything loves each person, and yes we have hard times but it's through these times that God reveals himself to us.
David later goes on to say
"I lie awake thinking of you, meditating through the night... I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings" (vs 7-8)
I know many times I say that God is my God, but then I don't acknowledge it until the next week of church, or the next time something happens that makes me pray for things to work out my way.
I want to go so much deeper with my relationship with God, so much so that I cannot get to sleep at night because the excitement is overwhelming. THE GOD WHO MADE THE UNIVERSE LOVES ME!
And if any body is wondering, he most definately loves you too.
So thats my thoughts for today, I just pray that we will all have the faith to live in such a way that the first thing we say every day, every high, and every low is with the same attitude and thoughts that David had in Psalm 63
"O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you." (vs 1)
I was doing my devotions today, looking at Psalm 63, and one thing just really stood out to me. David was in the wilderness, I'm sure it wasn't the place he was planning to be yet if you look this chapter it just shows the character of David and where our priorities should be.
David doesn't start by asking God why he let this happen to him, he doesn't start by listing off all the things that have gone wrong, or even by asking things of God...
the first thing he says is
"O God, you are my God..." Psalm 63:1a
He doesn't say "you are the God", or "you are a great God" (though all these true he makes sure to say MY God).
How privileged are we to have the honor to call the God , the same guy who made universes among universes with just one breath, to call the same God our own God. !
I look at my attitude and, i wish to have the same attitude as david, through good times and bad. Sure it is easy to praise God through the highs of life, but when we are in a desert we have to also remember to praise him .
The God who made everything loves each person, and yes we have hard times but it's through these times that God reveals himself to us.
David later goes on to say
"I lie awake thinking of you, meditating through the night... I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings" (vs 7-8)
I know many times I say that God is my God, but then I don't acknowledge it until the next week of church, or the next time something happens that makes me pray for things to work out my way.
I want to go so much deeper with my relationship with God, so much so that I cannot get to sleep at night because the excitement is overwhelming. THE GOD WHO MADE THE UNIVERSE LOVES ME!
And if any body is wondering, he most definately loves you too.
So thats my thoughts for today, I just pray that we will all have the faith to live in such a way that the first thing we say every day, every high, and every low is with the same attitude and thoughts that David had in Psalm 63
"O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you." (vs 1)
Stained Glass Window
[Note: This was a post I wrote in 2011 before starting my blog, I really want all of my posts in one place, so I am going to re-post it on here. ]
Beautiful. Many people when they think of this word have a distorted view of what beauty really is. So often we strive towards the world's ideal and forget about what really matters.
God has said that we are made in his image (we are made in the image of GOD!) yet for many of us these words don't have as strong of an impact as they should.
Song of Songs 4:7 "You are altogether beautiful my darling, there is no flaw in you"
Why is it then, that it is so easy for us to find faults in our "beauty" when God cannot find one? Perhaps the world's definition of beauty is so far off of the true meaning that we in fact are striving for the completely wrong thing.
Fashion, looks and wealth comes and goes but its your attitude, love towards others and love towards God that will stay with you.
One quote I have come across that I just loved reads that people are like stained-glass windows
"They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within" - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Perhaps instead of striving to be like the women on the front of the magazines, we should look at those women in our life that have a rock-solid faith and love for others, or those women in the bible that truly showed their beauty through the steps of faith that they took and take some "beauty tips" from them.
Beautiful. Many people when they think of this word have a distorted view of what beauty really is. So often we strive towards the world's ideal and forget about what really matters.
God has said that we are made in his image (we are made in the image of GOD!) yet for many of us these words don't have as strong of an impact as they should.
Song of Songs 4:7 "You are altogether beautiful my darling, there is no flaw in you"
Why is it then, that it is so easy for us to find faults in our "beauty" when God cannot find one? Perhaps the world's definition of beauty is so far off of the true meaning that we in fact are striving for the completely wrong thing.
Fashion, looks and wealth comes and goes but its your attitude, love towards others and love towards God that will stay with you.
One quote I have come across that I just loved reads that people are like stained-glass windows
"They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within" - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Perhaps instead of striving to be like the women on the front of the magazines, we should look at those women in our life that have a rock-solid faith and love for others, or those women in the bible that truly showed their beauty through the steps of faith that they took and take some "beauty tips" from them.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Dear Dad
Dad,
Throughout the years as I have grown up, I have been able to see how wonderful a father you truly are. God has blessed our whole family with a household head that is godly, goofy, kind, yet knows when to be strict.
I am so thankful for being such a big part of my life. I remember the drives we took nearly every weekend to various swim meets, having you time and encourage me the whole was through. I remember all the soccer games and sporting events you stood at the sideline and watched, rain or no rain. I now realize that you did not come to these events because you loved sitting for hours, but so that you could spend time with each of your children.
I remember our trips to Ottawa each year, as you bravely sat in the driver's seat for hours on end so that everybody else could sleep. I remember waiting each day for you to come home from work, knowing a hug was in store (as well as you rubbing your beard scruff all over)-- that or dreading your arrival, if I knew I had done something wrong.
Finally, I remember going to church on a regular basis, as a young child it was because Mom and Dad were going, but as I grew it was because I wanted to. I am thankful that you put that love of God in my heart and allowed me to make many decisions regarding my faith rather than pushing me into that relationship.
I realize that not everybody is as fortunate as I am to have a father figure in their life. You have always been there and supported me (even when the ideas I brought forth may have seemed a little crazy). I am so very thankful that you were always there, even when things may have gotten tough.
I am so thankful that I was able to meet a man as great as you are to marry. I am truly thankful to you for allowing Wes to integrate so well into our family and giving him the blessing to marry your daughter.
Thank you for being such a wonderful Dad!
Breanna
Throughout the years as I have grown up, I have been able to see how wonderful a father you truly are. God has blessed our whole family with a household head that is godly, goofy, kind, yet knows when to be strict.
I am so thankful for being such a big part of my life. I remember the drives we took nearly every weekend to various swim meets, having you time and encourage me the whole was through. I remember all the soccer games and sporting events you stood at the sideline and watched, rain or no rain. I now realize that you did not come to these events because you loved sitting for hours, but so that you could spend time with each of your children.
I remember our trips to Ottawa each year, as you bravely sat in the driver's seat for hours on end so that everybody else could sleep. I remember waiting each day for you to come home from work, knowing a hug was in store (as well as you rubbing your beard scruff all over)-- that or dreading your arrival, if I knew I had done something wrong.
Finally, I remember going to church on a regular basis, as a young child it was because Mom and Dad were going, but as I grew it was because I wanted to. I am thankful that you put that love of God in my heart and allowed me to make many decisions regarding my faith rather than pushing me into that relationship.
I realize that not everybody is as fortunate as I am to have a father figure in their life. You have always been there and supported me (even when the ideas I brought forth may have seemed a little crazy). I am so very thankful that you were always there, even when things may have gotten tough.
I am so thankful that I was able to meet a man as great as you are to marry. I am truly thankful to you for allowing Wes to integrate so well into our family and giving him the blessing to marry your daughter.
Thank you for being such a wonderful Dad!
Breanna
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Too Young to Marry?
Why is it that decades ago being married under the age of 20 was perfectly normal but in today's society it is considered rushed and not through through?
Wes and I have now been married for over a year, but I still remember some of the reactions we got when we were first engaged:
- Oh...wow...that's quick
-What about school?
-You're awfully young don't you think?
- When's the baby due?
- You know many young marriages end in divorce
-I got married young too... boy do I regret that
All to many times, it felt as though young couples get clumped together as "will divorce in future" category.
Now, I understand how big a step marriage is. I truly believe if you are getting married for the right reasons, being married young cna be a beautiful thing.
It is much better to marry the right person at the wrong time then to marry the wrong person at the right time
Now, I may be biased on these reasons, but here are some of the reasons I have come up with for marrying young (as there are many opposite such lists that are easily accessible).
1) Being married young allows you to grow both spiritually, physically and mentally together.
Wes and I were as they say "high school sweethearts". We met when I was 14 and started dating soon after. I have had the priviledge of seeing him grow into the man he is today, as well as see what it is that has brought him to this point in life.
2) When you marry young, your independant life is not as set in stone, and therefore can be altered more easily.
Getting the first apartment together was a big step. There was definately some compromises that had to be made, but it was nice that we were young so our habits weren't as... well habitual.
3) Marrying young allows you to avoid sexual tempations.
Let's not kid ourselves, as Christians we often marry younger so we will not fall into temptation. This being said, one of my biggest pet peeves is people who believe this is the only reason Christians marry young- it's not.
Sex is something to be shared between husband and wife, and when it is in this context it is beautiful.
Today's culture has taught us to have sex early and marry later. With this attitude however, what should be shared with only one other person ends up being shared with more people than intended.
4) Marrying young means having children earlier in life.
Now don't get me wrong, I understand that having children early has both ups and downs, but I do believe that being younger and having more energy to play with your children is such a blessing.
5) Getting married young gives you more time together.
This point works in two ways for me. Wes and I lived 40 minutes away from each other while dating (Now, when you do not have a liscense or car... it's far). Being married allows us to see each other each day, which is wonderful.
Now for the long-term, if it is in God's will for us to both live to 80, we can say we have been married 60 years! I think having 60 years together is just wonderful!
There are more reasons, but for now I will leave you with these five.
God has a different plan for each person, whether they will be married or not (and being single is really a wonderful thing too- just read what Paul has to say about it), but in my opinion, being married should not be disregarded and looked down upon as much as it is today.
What do you think? Is gettting married young a good or bad thing?
Proverbs 5:18
Wes and I have now been married for over a year, but I still remember some of the reactions we got when we were first engaged:
- Oh...wow...that's quick
-What about school?
-You're awfully young don't you think?
- When's the baby due?
- You know many young marriages end in divorce
-I got married young too... boy do I regret that
All to many times, it felt as though young couples get clumped together as "will divorce in future" category.
Now, I understand how big a step marriage is. I truly believe if you are getting married for the right reasons, being married young cna be a beautiful thing.
It is much better to marry the right person at the wrong time then to marry the wrong person at the right time
Now, I may be biased on these reasons, but here are some of the reasons I have come up with for marrying young (as there are many opposite such lists that are easily accessible).
1) Being married young allows you to grow both spiritually, physically and mentally together.
Wes and I were as they say "high school sweethearts". We met when I was 14 and started dating soon after. I have had the priviledge of seeing him grow into the man he is today, as well as see what it is that has brought him to this point in life.
2) When you marry young, your independant life is not as set in stone, and therefore can be altered more easily.
Getting the first apartment together was a big step. There was definately some compromises that had to be made, but it was nice that we were young so our habits weren't as... well habitual.
3) Marrying young allows you to avoid sexual tempations.
Let's not kid ourselves, as Christians we often marry younger so we will not fall into temptation. This being said, one of my biggest pet peeves is people who believe this is the only reason Christians marry young- it's not.
Sex is something to be shared between husband and wife, and when it is in this context it is beautiful.
Today's culture has taught us to have sex early and marry later. With this attitude however, what should be shared with only one other person ends up being shared with more people than intended.
4) Marrying young means having children earlier in life.
Now don't get me wrong, I understand that having children early has both ups and downs, but I do believe that being younger and having more energy to play with your children is such a blessing.
5) Getting married young gives you more time together.
This point works in two ways for me. Wes and I lived 40 minutes away from each other while dating (Now, when you do not have a liscense or car... it's far). Being married allows us to see each other each day, which is wonderful.
Now for the long-term, if it is in God's will for us to both live to 80, we can say we have been married 60 years! I think having 60 years together is just wonderful!
There are more reasons, but for now I will leave you with these five.
God has a different plan for each person, whether they will be married or not (and being single is really a wonderful thing too- just read what Paul has to say about it), but in my opinion, being married should not be disregarded and looked down upon as much as it is today.
What do you think? Is gettting married young a good or bad thing?
Proverbs 5:18
Friday, 1 June 2012
Why the new Title?
As you may have noticed, there has been quite a revamp of the old blog since I have last written. Though I plan to continue to write about some of my devotional thoughts; rather than trying to keep up with two seperate blogs, I am integrating the two as one.
My aim is for this blog to be one where I can write both what God is teaching me and what I have been learning as a Christian wife. I truly hope this new blog will be one people can relate to and I would love any ideas as to what you would like to read about. I would love any suggestions for future posts!
My aim is for this blog to be one where I can write both what God is teaching me and what I have been learning as a Christian wife. I truly hope this new blog will be one people can relate to and I would love any ideas as to what you would like to read about. I would love any suggestions for future posts!
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