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Friday, March 29, 2013

Birthday Week {High 5 & Letters}


Dear husband...the highlight of my week was spending nearly three days alone with you, in one of our favorite places. Your love continues to amaze and bless me.

Dear Ritz Carlton...you are a dream come true. With your amazing ocean view, fabulous decor (including this bathtub) and incredible customer service, you are my number one vacation destination. Relaxation at it's finest.

Dear blog...I tried something new this week. My first link-up. I'm still evaluating this decision. But, I loved reading what M had to say about you and me and our journey together this past year.

Dear kids...I enjoyed coming home to this balloon banner. I feel the depths of your love, everyday. My prayer is that I will be the kind of mother you deserve, everyday. What wonderful, little human beings you are!

Dear God...thanks for meeting me this week. By the ocean. Through the kind words and acts of others. On a walk, with the sun making it's way through the clouds. And, in worship, with these songs - The Becoming and One Thing Remains.

I’m not holding back for next year
I’m living for today
So when I take my final breath
I’m not leaving with regrets
Jenny Simmons, Heaven Waits for Me



Linking up with Lauren and Ashley.


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Married to the Blog: You've Changed

The topic for today's Married to the Blog link-up is 

How has your wife/girlfriend changed since she started blogging?


When Sybil first approached me about writing for her blog, I thought “is she serious?”  After all, I hate writing…I’d rather do just about anything else. As most people I know can attest, I’d much rather have an actual conversation with people – about any topic – than try to eloquently put my words on paper. It’s about as enjoyable to me as watching golf on television would be to Sybil. 

One year ago, almost to the day, Sybil told me that she was going to start a blog.  My immediate reaction, I must admit, was one of near total shock. Now, my wife and I have been married for nearly 13 years…and have been together for over 18 years. There simply isn’t anyone I know better than her. 

Over the past couple of weeks since Sybil made this request, a million different ideas have come to my head about what I should write. Should I write about how much I love my wife? No, too sappy. Should I write about all the things we’ve done together and my favorite experiences we’ve shared over the years?  No, too hard to squeeze into a simple blog post. Should I write about how perfect my wife is for me?  No….too gaggy. Should I write about how imperfect she is?  Um, no…our couch isn’t comfortable enough for me to sleep on for an extended period of time.

In honor of Sybil celebrating her birthday today, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few of the many ways my beautiful wife has changed – and a few things I’ve learned – in the past year, in no particular order, as a result of her entering the “blog world.”

1.   She’s had her life transformed by intentionally bringing Christ into all that she does – at home, at work and everywhere in between.
2.   She’s becoming a social butterfly.  The woman who used to avoid casual conversation now hosts parties and Bible studies at our home, goes to concerts with her friends, and more.
3.   She’s become a true leader, from volunteering her time to important committees to leading those she works when they need it most.
4.   She’s learned how unbelievably rewarding it can be to leap headfirst into something you’re normally scared to do when you’re called to do it…starting this blog was just the beginning.
5.   She’s learned how to make 50 different outfits from two pairs of jeans, three button-up shirts and some duck tape. (Ok, no duck tape….but it felt like a very “MacGyver” thing to add).
6.   She’s become an even more amazing friend to those in her life who, in the past year, have needed her to be there for them in ways we could have never imagined.
7.   With free time in her schedule now devoted to the blog, she’s learned how to make the dishes and other chores that once used to be “her responsibility” my responsibility.  Still not sure how I feel about this one….ask me next year at this time.
8.   She’s become “the popular one” in our family.  Everywhere I go nowadays people – many of whom I don’t know all that well – tell me “I just love your wife’s blog” and “your wife has really helped me with her blog.”  She’s even had national blogs and international authors ask her to contribute to their works in the past year.   
9.   She’s the best cheerleader.  When I started a new business a year and a half ago, we knew it was a transition that would mean additional pressure on our finances, quality family time, and more.  It’s not always easy but, with the start of this blog, S has found an even greater appreciation for the time and energy I’ve put into the business lately….and an understanding that makes it easy for me to pursue this passion.   But nothing comes before our family, and…
10.   …she’s become an even better mom.  Her ability to transparently share her heart through her writing has led to an amazing ability to connect – through words and on paper – with our children in an equally powerful way. 

I am proud that Sybil is my wife…but I am even more proud to be her husband. Never has that statement been more true than it is after watching my wife over the past year.  

Can’t wait to see that the next year has in store for us…..Happy Birthday, Babe!


Now, it's your turn. Grab the button. Link your post below. 
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Sunday, March 24, 2013

No Regrets, with God

When I am...

...broken, I need a healer
...a prisoner to myself, I need to be set free
...confused, I go to the One who is all-knowing
...afraid, I will seek the all-powerful
...changing, I need a constant
...a failure, I require His mercy
...stuck in sin, His grace is a necessity
...feeling alone, I find the One who is ever-present
...self-loathing, I need unconditional love
...seeking withdrawal, He pursues me

While it's true that I can find some of these things by being in relationship with my husband, family, or friends, no one person can be all of these, not completely. Only God can.

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT)



LINKING UP WITH
Coffee & Conversation

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Coming Soon: Blog Takeover

Have you ever thought about letting your spouse or significant other take over your blog? Not forever. Just for a day or a post?

Several weeks ago, I started thinking about what it would be like for my husband to write something here. About me. About me and blogging.

M made his first and only appearance (so far) on the blog for the Valentine's Day newlywed-game-style link up. In that post, we each answered the same questions and then compared answers, to see how well we know each other.

But, that was just one post. And, I contributed to that one, too. I wondered if he would be willing to do his own post. So, I asked him. 

"I have an idea..." I said. 

I'm not sure if he likes it when I start conversations like that anymore. 

After not too much arm-twisting, he agreed. And, the idea for this link-up was born.

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Next Thursday, March 28th (my 38th birthday!), I'm going to let my husband take over my blog. I hope you will consider doing the same. 

The rules for this link up are not complicated. Simply, write a post based on the given topic and link it up on the 28th. I would also love for you to display the Married to the Blog button in your post.

The topic for this month's Married to the Blog link-up is 

How has your wife/girlfriend changed since she started blogging?

Looking forward to reading all your posts!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Going Away

In a few days, I will be here...


SOURCE
M and I are taking a much-needed mini vacation. We will be heading to the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay. We first visited there several years ago for my birthday. This will be our fourth visit.

THE VIEW FROM OUR ROOM LAST YEAR
SUNSET OVER THE WATER
It is beautiful. It is relaxing. It is one of my favorite places. I can't wait to be there.



Have you made the switch? What are you waiting for? Follow me on Bloglovin.


LINKING UP WITH
Helene in Between

Monday, March 18, 2013

Initiate. Nurture. Persevere.

Who has influenced you the most? 

This might be my least favorite question. However, it is the question for this week's Coffee and Conversation. Honestly, when I saw this question, I decided I wouldn't link up this week. I would write something else. But, God had other plans. He wanted me to answer the question.

I remember having to write essays about the "most influential person in my life" as a young student. I always struggled with what to write.

Most often I wrote about my Aunt M. I always thought she was a rock star. She seemed to have the life I wanted, at least then. I saw her as educated, successful and independent. At the time, she was not married and had no children. She had a cool car, went shopping often and took trips to the beach every summer. I remember watching her and wanting to work hard, so I could become successful, too.

While I still strive to be work hard and be successful, my perspective on that has changed over the years. I guess, I define success differently, now. My own success has come to be defined in terms of relationships.

I have always been a shy person. When I was a child, I barely spoke to those I didn't know. Honestly, that is still true. If you were to meet me in person, even after reading all of my thoughts on this blog, it would take me awhile before I felt comfortable enough to share with you. There's just something about the written word that is easier for me. Less intimidating. More secure.

That being said, I have been influenced by many people in my life related to relationships and social interaction. What have I learned from these people? Relationships require initiation, nurturing, and perseverance.

My husband has influenced the way I interact with strangers. From the barista at Starbucks to the clerk at Target. 

I don't remember when I started noticing this in him. Maybe early in our marriage. Whenever we went somewhere or I heard him talking on the phone, I noticed two things. He always called the waitress, customer service agent, etc. by their name and asked how they were. It seemed odd to me at first. But, when I started doing it myself, I noticed that people were genuinely surprised and touched by this gesture. It is sometimes uncomfortable to take this initiative, but it is worth it.


SOURCE
Growing up, our house was often full of people...friends, close family, distant relatives, foreign exchange students. Sometimes, this bugged me. There were many occasions when I had to give up or share my room, my space, with someone I didn't even know. 

In addition, my mom was always inviting those people who didn't have family nearby, to celebrate the holidays with us. I have attempted to continue this tradition, this value of nurturing relationships, with my own family, always seeking out those who may need a family to be a part of for the holidays.

When I was around 13 my Aunt M adopted a ten-year old girl. It was not an easy transition for either my aunt or my cousin. Yet, Aunt M  wanted to be a mother and had taken the challenge of raising a "hard to place" young girl, who came with her own set baggage. It was difficult and amazing! To me, this was the definition of perseverance in relationship.

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. 
This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasures. 
Ephesians 1:5

Influence is the process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc. of others. There have been many people in my life who, by their very nature, have impacted my actions, behaviors and opinions. These are just a few. 

What people or experiences have influenced you? How have you changed because of their influence?


Have you made the switch from GFC to Bloglovin? What are you waiting for? 
Follow me on Bloglovin.



LINKING UP WITH
Coffee & Conversation

Thursday, March 14, 2013

This is Me {My Blogger Resume}

Over the past month, I have gained many new followers. I am at over 475 GFC followers now, which is so incredible and unbelievable! 

Because many of these new followers have come through giveaway entries, which could mean that they may not have even visited my blog before following it (I know, because I may have done it before), I have decided to share some of my history, passions and loves with you today.

This post is my way of introducing myself to you, my new followers, in hopes that you will become regular readers and truly be engaged and invested in this space. 

This post is also a way for you, my long-time readers, to get to know me better.

But, I didn't want you to just hear about me from me. I also got bold and asked a few of my fellow bloggers, who are also faithful followers, if they would share a bit about why they not only follow, but read this blog regularly. 

I present to you...my blogger resume.


SYBIL JANE
(I was named after my grandmother. I miss her.)


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this blog is to inspire and encourage you.
 
I started this blog in response to the still, small voice of God. 
It is here that I share His words and how they apply to my life. 

I intend for this blog to be a safe place, for me and for you, to grow in the knowledge and love of Christ 
and to know that you are not alone in this world, no matter what your struggle or place in life.

I also intend to educate you on Sensory Processing Disorder and 
how it has impacted the life of my son and our family.


BLOG HISTORY
Peace it all Together was established in April 2012. Almost a year ago.
This blog can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Wow!


SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
I first realized my need for a savior at age 7 and have spent the last (nearly) 31 years seeking to 
grow in my faith and to develop a deeper relationship with God.

I am a mother of a son with special needs. 
The journey I continue to take with him has provided me with many valuable life lessons.

As a wife for over 12 years, I am presented daily with the challenges and blessings of marriage.

I am a woman, balancing a career and a family, which elicits many feelings, 
from pure joy to crippling inadequacy, and everything in between.


THINGS I LOVE
I love to write. It is therapy for me.

I love to read comments and interact with my readers.

I love to read. My favorite types of novels are romantic suspense.

I love Instagram. 
(I think my family is tired of me taking photos, 
especially if it means that have to wait to eat while I snap a photo of their food.)

I love music and will share it with you often. Sometimes others just say it better.

I love the Bible. It is the inspired word of God. His words are always better than mine.


REFERENCES
Sybil is one of the wisest women I've met through blogging. She is full of life lessons, honesty and sweetness. Sybil has shared of fears and heartaches in her past, and her faith through life and circumstances. It is always refreshing to me to find someone who opens up her heart and lets readers get a real glimpse of real life and how God can work through all things.

I love reading [Sybil's] blog because I always find that each post provides me with that "wholesome, nurturing, motherly advice". Plus, there is always an opportunity to be encouraged or refreshed through your posts. It's such a breath of fresh air to have bloggers willing to share their faith and life through their blog no matter what the topic of the post may be. 
Kalyn at Love. Laughter. Happily Ever After

Sybil is one of the most genuine bloggers I have met so far. She is sweet, down to Earth, and open with her readers. She writes about real life and her faith which is inspiring to read. Sybil is also a great blog friend. She was helpful with putting up my blog button as well as replying to emails, commenting on my blog posts, and being supportive. Sybil is definitely a great blog friend to have!
Whitney at Keeping up with the Cyperts


With the changes that Google is planning to make later this year, GFC may not be the best way to stay updated on my new posts. I have therefore added a bloglovin button to my sidebar, as a way for us to stay connected. You can also subscribe through email, to get new posts sent directly to you.

I hope that you will continue to follow. Read. Comment. Ask Questions. Be encouraged.

Monday, March 11, 2013

The Stuff. I'm Learning.

I really enjoyed linking up with Kalyn and Lauren last Monday for Coffee and Conversations. Last week I wrote about some of the things, big and little, that I am thankful for. If you missed that post, you can find it here.

This week's topic is...the biggest lesson you have learned so far this year. As I try to do with most posts, I asked God to give me the words, to tell me what I have been learning. Almost immediately, after praying for ideas about what to write, these two words came to me, "It's okay."

It's Okay. Relax. It's not the end of the world. These phrases are among my pet peeves. Especially when they come from my husband. I will admit, that it's my perception of these phrases and the meaning behind them, and not my husband's intentions, that annoy me. When I hear those phrases, I can't help but think...No, it's not. I can't. Yes, it is.

So, when God gave me these words, I was less than thrilled. I thought, that's my big lesson - it's okay.

Here in blog land, there is a link up associated with being okay. I have read many of the posts from fellow bloggers, but have only linked up once. Why? Because, being okay is not really something I'm good at. And, I'm a big believer in being honest, in real life and in blog life. What you see here, this is me. So, it almost felt hypocritical to write a post about being okay, when I wasn't feeling it 100%.

One of my favorite singers is Francesca Battistelli. I have written about her songs before and how much they have impacted me. The words are simple, but genuine, and really speak to me. As I thought on this topic, one of her songs came to my mind. The title is, This is the Stuff. I have been singing it (to myself) for a week.


Some of the key lyrics that have stood out to have been:
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
I may not like it, but it's okay.  It may not be what I have planned, but it's okay.  God uses it all.  That's my lesson...and I'm still learning.

LINKING UP WITH
Coffee & Conversation

A Royal Daughter

Friday, March 8, 2013

Dear...

...O
I am so proud of you. You have faced so many challenges in the past week, like visiting kindergarten, getting all your shots, and watching things change. Yet, you have responded with courage and have accepted everything with a minimal amount of protest. I am enjoying watching you grow, especially as you learn how to cope with the many sensory battles this world brings you. You have made me smile this week.


...Morning workout
I miss you. Well, I don't really miss you, like longing for you to return, because I enjoy your company. But, I do miss the way my body feels and looks when I am committed to you. I know that I have been fickle lately, and have not made you a priority. I hope to get back to you soon. 

...Day off
I always enjoy the different activities I get to do when you arrive each week. This week I was blessed with the opportunity to be a mommy helper. My girls were so excited to have me in their classrooms. Having a break from work, in the middle of the week, was nice too.



...Blogging friends, 
Have you seen the number in the sidebar? That number, which is now over 400, is you! I am so grateful for all of you. Both old and new. Veteran and inexperienced. I hope that you will continue to come, be encouraged, and engage with me in my blogging journey. Be watching for a new get to know me post next week. I'm so excited to share with you!

...Julep
My March box - themed Get ready to play! - came this week. It is so fun to get presents in the mail. Yes, I know that I have paid for you, but it's still exciting to see what inside. And, your packaging is so pretty. I tried the polish and lotion you sent...I even attempted an accent nail. Thanks for encouraging me to try new things, even simple ones.

...God
It has been a rough few weeks. I am weary. I have felt overwhelmed with the tasks of this world and have been neglecting my relationship with you. Despite my distractions and limited engagement, you have been faithful. You continue to call me into your presence. Thank you for pursuing me.





LINKING UP WITH
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Letters to Kindergarten: I Saw You


Dear Kindergarten,

I came to visit you today. My mom came with me...and she stayed. I know that one day she won't be able to stay. But, for now, when we visit, she can stay with me.

When we got to kindergarten, I met my teacher, Mrs. S. She liked that I wore my panther shirt. I'm glad my mom asked me about wearing it. Mrs. S was happy to see me. I could tell by her smile and her eyes. We have been talking about emotions at my school. Emotions mean how you feel. I am learning how to know what people are feeling just by looking at them.

When I saw all the stuff in kindergarten, I was surprised. I saw words on the wall, and I got to read them to my mom. I saw some toys, too. Like trains...those are my favorite. I also saw toys for building. One of the boys was playing Starfall on the computer. I love Starfall!

My mom and I walked around the classroom. I held her hand. My hands felt funny, so I needed to do something with them. With one hand I held my mom's and the other I put into a fist and touched my nails with my fingers. It helped me feel better.

When we left kindergarten we looked at the playground. There were numbers and letters on the ground. Also, there were bikes...six of them. Outside of the classroom were all the kids' backpacks. I saw a Thomas backpack and it was big. My mom said that when I go to kindergarten, I will get a big backpack too. I don't know which kind I will choose.

After our visit, my mom said she was proud of me, because I went to kindergarten, even though I was scared. I told her I wasn't scared, just worried. I worry mostly about the other kids. They don't know me. They don't know that they talk too loud or get too close. They don't know that I need time. I need time to get used to who they are before I can talk to them.

I worry about what the classroom will look, smell and sound like, too. Now, I know a little bit about those things.

I know I will come back to visit you again, kindergarten. Thanks for letting me come today with my mom.

Love,
O


To read more of O's letters to kindergarten, click here.


Only two days left to enter the Kate Spade Giveaway!

Monday, March 4, 2013

The Missing Sock


The past two weeks have been cra-zy! Mainly because, added to our already intense and busy schedule for our family of five, has been my need to bring work home. There have been so many things to get done during the work day, that I have been forced to do report writing at home. Although this happens on a rare night here and there, it has never been such a constant need, over this much time.

Consequently, I have been tired, stressed and distracted. I even wore my slippers out of the house when I went to pick up my oldest at cheer practice. Oops! Fortunately, I had a kind friend who brought A out from practice so I wouldn't have to walk into the gym in my slippers.

I don't like feeling scattered-brained. It makes me even more crazy! So, how do I get my brain out of this fog? I write. I write about the stress, but also write about how to find a way out of it.

This post is my opportunity to change things up. To turn my frown upside down. To shift from thinking about all the things I need to get done, to thinking about the things for which I am grateful, no matter how small.

My kids' school and teachers. O and I visited his future kindergarten class last Friday. It was such a positive experience.

If you have been reading here for awhile, you know how anxious the idea of him starting kindergarten makes me. If you are new, you can check out the section, Letters to Kindergarten. These letters are my way of processing through this next big transition from O's perspective. I hope to be writing another letter about our visit soon.

I feel so fortunate to have built relationships with the kindergarten teachers. To have the ability to take O to visit the classroom, so he can see what it looks like, and what it smells and sounds like. These teachers are excited to have him and are already working with me to make his transition a success.

I love that we are at a school where teachers become friends and where my friends are teachers.

Praise Journal. During times of stress, it's easy to forget about the positive. It gets lost among the hustle and bustle. It's like the sock that is missing from the pair...you know it's there somewhere - I mean, socks don't just disappear - but sometimes it's so hard to find.

Last week, I started my own praise journal, of sorts. Basically, I just started writing down things I wanted to praise God for, things that I was thankful for. Here are a few things from my list:
- my husband having dinner ready when I came home from work
- a little boy, in robot pjs, asking me multiple choice questions related to Thomas the Tank Engine
- starting over, everyday
- the Bible
- sunshine and 70 degree weather
- bubble baths
- starting a new book
- love notes from my kiddos


Look at the big things. Rejoice in the little things. That missing sock is there somewhere. Go find it.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)



LINKING UP WITH
Coffee & Conversation

Don't forget to enter the Kate Spade Giveaway!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Going Forward

It's hard for me to believe that today is the last day of the 30-Day Faith/Scripture Challenge. I have been so blessed this month by all of the scripture finding and sharing. It has been wonderful to fall in love with new passages and breathe new life into some old favorites. 

I am so grateful to Cat at This Little Life of Mine for starting this link-up and challenging me to engage in the Bible daily.

The theme for today is going forward.  In light of my post on Thursday about self-image, I chose this verse from Ephesians to go with today's theme...


I wrote a poem in response to this verse several months ago. You can find it here

You are God's masterpiece. Believe it. Live it.


LINKING UP WITH

Friday, March 1, 2013

Family Ties

I write a lot on this blog about my current family, the one that includes my husband and three children. But, I haven't yet talked about my original family, the one from which I came. The parents who raised me and the sisters who grew up with me. Today's post is dedicated to them.

First, I thought I would share some photos of my family, through the years. As you can clearly see, I have never been fond of having my picture taken. Also, isn't fun to see how the styles have changed over the years?

1978     //     1990     //     1994
1983     //     1988     //     1997
My parents were married in April of 1974, nearly 39 years ago. I came along in March of 1975. Then, my sister J in October 1977, and, finally, K in October 1982. When you think of the typical stereotypes regarding birth order, we are it - the overachiever, the peacemaker and the rebel. Obviously, there is more to each of us than this single trait, but it is amazing to see how the theory of birth order has materialized in our family.

The things about my family that I am most grateful for all revolve around the word love. That may sound cliche...but it's the truth. My family experience taught me how to love God, love in marriage, and love one other.

Love for God. My parents both came from a background in Catholicism and grew up learning about God. As an infant I was baptized. But, as my parents have said, they needed more. They were searching for a relationship with God. They both became Christians early on in their marriage, and shared with us the importance of developing a relationship with Christ, rather than simply going through the motions. (I hope not to offend anyone with this. It just happens to be my parents' experience).

We always attended church, prayed together as a family, and made serving God a priority. I know that not all families are like this. I was blessed to have had this experience, to be raised by Godly parents and to realize the importance of having a relationship with Jesus at a young age. I first realized my need for a savior at age 7.

Love in marriage. My parents did not and do not have the perfect marriage. I really don't think there is such a thing. But, I've always known that they love each other. They were never shy to show modest affection. And, they often showed their love by doing kind things for one another. I learned a lot about marriage by watching them.

Love for each other. Over the years, I have never doubted my parents love for me. Even during the times when I needed rebuking or when we didn't agree, there was always love. As a family, we have supported each other, even when poor decisions were made. We have wept together and prayed for each other in desperate times. Even today, I know that I can call on my parents or my sisters and they will do or be anything I need.

I was not born into a perfect family, but it was a family that was designed for me by God. My family. 

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
{scripture challenge, day 29:  relationships}


Linking up with Family Fridays