tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591229713433871332024-03-05T20:08:32.373-08:00the Lamp POSTA tapestry. Woven by threads of loss&love,hurt&healing. A disease&miraculous restoration! Jesus' love over all. Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-74829338765484888072014-04-28T21:53:00.002-07:002014-05-26T16:54:09.409-07:00The New{born} Identity <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1RXKwvAuAQo4GRK-7ZwBOLeJFJGrPH1vIdklnMLnJqJ39BTX2koJHzJXYjsILu8X1oBUbED7K-bLvAlcm7anqOpaNUz07Ftiy8b4bBinGK5VqhMbBgrw6ikHE-wjEHSbHftZcvG1i8Ep/s1600/DSCF9829.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1RXKwvAuAQo4GRK-7ZwBOLeJFJGrPH1vIdklnMLnJqJ39BTX2koJHzJXYjsILu8X1oBUbED7K-bLvAlcm7anqOpaNUz07Ftiy8b4bBinGK5VqhMbBgrw6ikHE-wjEHSbHftZcvG1i8Ep/s1600/DSCF9829.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">’Twas our baby boy’s idea to jump on the plaid wagon... He be cool that way. Here he is about 3 months old! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>ell, my blogging hibernation is over! Springtime has arrived in all it’s bright warmth & newness. And now my fingers are eager to type out the latest happenings in our tree house {especially about our baby bird!} :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But first, posting this older bit from a few months ago...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp6rti6_1-8YzGH7r2DZVJwMIqx_a9uzuhRgiX6pmEQ3BHi1S1l7rPwae2EFb-crAGhjkar99Ms-mnXJegZfdxQjyQcbHhBUJAzmLtx-3cEV98DYNw1UYNRSEwENquxWygUA8Kbs5lVW3/s1600/JC2_9237.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp6rti6_1-8YzGH7r2DZVJwMIqx_a9uzuhRgiX6pmEQ3BHi1S1l7rPwae2EFb-crAGhjkar99Ms-mnXJegZfdxQjyQcbHhBUJAzmLtx-3cEV98DYNw1UYNRSEwENquxWygUA8Kbs5lVW3/s1600/JC2_9237.jpeg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MEH-HE-CO! Left there never the same!</td></tr>
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<i><i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!</span></i></i></div>
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<i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">PSALM 66:5</span></i></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How could I have known what it would be like?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until it happened.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until<i> you</i> happened!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">{our firstborn son}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are events in life by which all other happenings are referred to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">ie. “Before we traveled Europe” <a href="http://christavanderham.blogspot.ca/2010/08/march-2007-august-2010.html" target="_blank">“After we miscarried”</a> “Five years after we said <a href="http://christavanderham.blogspot.ca/2009/07/sacred-story.html" target="_blank">“I do”</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For me, one of those explosive seconds happened when a little blue line turned quickly from one line into two, making a breath-stealing “positive” plus sign...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my trembling fingers, I held that piece of plastic, gasping at what it told me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God had begun a miracle inside my body!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx5G0KN4-9WvW5bW676h-WFwk9Y5TcsZukM8MxJ4R7rF9QdrZ4S6-Zt0vZAIikfMTJMeVRbkA-686EtpvrysC1Ulj_DN1wV-tIFx1fA8X1RCvuzB1q1FSLPJ_qCqZrCyLQjUpWpi2Vk-f/s1600/1264223_10151903647227667_655010509_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx5G0KN4-9WvW5bW676h-WFwk9Y5TcsZukM8MxJ4R7rF9QdrZ4S6-Zt0vZAIikfMTJMeVRbkA-686EtpvrysC1Ulj_DN1wV-tIFx1fA8X1RCvuzB1q1FSLPJ_qCqZrCyLQjUpWpi2Vk-f/s1600/1264223_10151903647227667_655010509_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our sweet wee babe, you were being formed even in that exact moment that I held the wand. Your life was sustained as tears pooled and fell down my flushed cheeks. You were knit together as butterflies danced in my tummy. Your littlest self was entirely loved in that moment by your Mommy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was as if we knew one another already, having not yet snuggled, I held you with my hands spread over my flat belly. You were only weeks old! We belonged to one another in that special bond God designed. Handpicked. That’s you little one, to be our baby and I, chosen to be your Momma.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing I did was whisper His name. The way, truth, and life: "Jesus”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanking Him wordlessly and feeling sudden smallness and shame for the many years of fears and bouts of doubts. But He, the lifter of my head, gently touched my heart with His promise {“Never will I leave you. Surely I will be with you, even until the very end of the age.”} and I inhaled completely and let go, knowing that He knew. He always has and always will know. My frailties and insecurities and what scares me. Despite my fears of never being able to conceive again, there you were, growing within.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite five ruptured ovarian cysts, years of endometriosis, two surgeries to cauterize it, and one miscarriage, there you were. Protected, loved, and alive as a poppy-seed sized bambino!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You have a big brother or big sister who we never got to meet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heaven is where he or she calls Home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How full my heart was as I thought about God’s mercy toward your Daddy and I over the years and in that split second I knew you existed to bring glory to the Author of our lives, the One who holds it al together as He sees fit... In all His wonder and </span>sovereignty<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and grace. Even in the ways that don</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">t make sense and don</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">t seem </span>“<span style="font-family: inherit;">held together</span>”<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in our eyes... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But how can this be? After all, my monthly cycle suggested an unlikely timing...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Questions and concerns hit hard and fast and I didn't try to block their blows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh how silly the human heart is when we think about ourselves before we think on Jesus and the reality of His truth and love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming into agreement with these worrisome “what-if’s", I quickly built a pathetic, protective barrier around my heart as I let the fear come back again. But my darling child, a man-made fortress quickly crumbles in the presence of God’s love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once the rush of concern left, I just sat there, gently caressing my abdomen as if it was you I could touch. And as I sat there talking to you, not noticing how the seat was forming lines on my thighs, I was just too stunned and stilled by the vastness of it all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your life, so precious, so miniature, so intricate, and so very very new. Though not much bigger than an appleseed, you felt huge inside of me, filling me up with more emotion and deeper thought than I’d ever known before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God kept you safe within your very own “bedwomb” as Daddy called it, and you thrived. You must have been pretty tired though right? I mean, after all, you <i>did</i> just win the most intense swim competition, racing with trillions of others... ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daddy and I are so happy it was you that God chose for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our little guppy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Between laughter, tearfulness, and complete peace, I picked out a tiny outfit at Wal Mart that night, {eager & excited to the point of shaking} to surprise your Dad with when he got home from work. For some reason, I went straight toward the smallest boy clothes. A green and white striped onesie had a basketball design on it and I knew that was it! The perfect one. Choking up and having another quiet moment with God, I purchased it and couldn’t wait to get home. Making your Dad a snack is something I try to do most days when he gets home from work. He works diligently with focus and passion and by the time he’s home, lunch was a long time ago and his snacks have been eaten. Then we eat dinner shortly after. So I guess his apres-work snack is like an appetizer :) Someday you’ll be snacking with him in your high chair when he’s home!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once it was ready, I set to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He and I have always liked writing notes to each other and giving each other surprise gifts at random for no particular occasion. Our favourite way of showing love is giving time to one another. Just BEING together. But sometimes life is extra full for different reasons, and it’s often in those times, we like to show love in more tangible ways. We leave little notes and gifts in a box on the bookshelf. It’s creatively dubbed: “the box”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrapped in the baby onesie was the positive pregnancy test, a chocolate bar, and a little love note.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Waiting in “the box”...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The way your Daddy opened it will forever be etched on my mind as a reminder of how precious you have always been to us, even before you were conceived. And as I got the front row seat to his response and reaction, man oh man how thankful to God I was for him. Such a courageous man with enduring strength, possessing such a tender, thoughtful heart that loves fiercely and truly.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lO0UdRefsp4QSlPX0ann-GgjsAPMceJTWMyehs9HIJmMrPQV9yggs3y_9U_Fri_Cfe4msIkmKFm6QN8FnfIizdr8wLJMYvMXgmA_hu96Z9NoVSBqK2CFhvJuq1ZbstPt6_5q2iWBFCv9/s1600/DSCF0593.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lO0UdRefsp4QSlPX0ann-GgjsAPMceJTWMyehs9HIJmMrPQV9yggs3y_9U_Fri_Cfe4msIkmKFm6QN8FnfIizdr8wLJMYvMXgmA_hu96Z9NoVSBqK2CFhvJuq1ZbstPt6_5q2iWBFCv9/s1600/DSCF0593.jpeg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sportin’ the 6month onesie that was in “the box”! Hard to believe he already fits it! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are His.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nope, I wasn’t talking about Justin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, you are your Heavenly Daddy’s.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And He has given you to us on loan. I actually filmed your father's reaction, and we’ll show it to you someday if you’d like okay?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll try to love you on our own sometimes, but we really can’t do it without Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll make mistakes and disappoint you, but with God’s grace, you will grow up thoroughly loved, supported, equipped, and encouraged to someday leave the security of this nest and fly free and bold in the way God has set before you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, my little button, I just couldn’t believe it. Literally. It was not sinking in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Never mind the unlikelihood of a false positive, I insisted on testing again that day. And the next day. And a week later too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just in case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEKEjTkPyjONEyP9HfRDmS_yg1kgyzspJ_QLcRE7bRgBl6rT-cgjURFyp8wQMor1wV3QwBJrfwEIowuZX0He5WfA3CChSYTcQ47s1bFTBqMgJH1g-btSmfM38iDzyDnT2hD2pYV81iWrZ/s1600/1493305_10151829111773869_805811431_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEKEjTkPyjONEyP9HfRDmS_yg1kgyzspJ_QLcRE7bRgBl6rT-cgjURFyp8wQMor1wV3QwBJrfwEIowuZX0He5WfA3CChSYTcQ47s1bFTBqMgJH1g-btSmfM38iDzyDnT2hD2pYV81iWrZ/s1600/1493305_10151829111773869_805811431_o.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ell, on a snowy Winter</span>’s eve, <span style="font-family: inherit;">on the 11th day of the 12th month in 2013, there was no more doubt about you anymore!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“We have a son! We had a baby boy!” </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Daddy {through the purest tears of joy that I’ve seen in his eyes...since our wedding}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You were in my arms! Finally! How surreal! How natural! How exhausting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your 7 pound 2 ounce form was so warm and soft and smooth. Already I could feel remarkable strength in you! The smoothest skin met my lips as I continually leaned into you. I couldn’t stop kissing you. How I longed to nurse you as soon as your flesh touched mine, but the timing wasn’t quite right, and you weren’t breathing as clearly as our midwife hoped you would be. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYfKnCJul3OtXQvT52bRBOu85IlFWj9sWRXwQvWLPANpb0swWTwZDyhzZNFWjMjKxjcmD2RScPBDQvr_onRFAfs8EeA_uFrBfYgswiSYKWhklyOjWpm9PZaW4_oexmM_EEzZigzckRSR1/s1600/Sylvia2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYfKnCJul3OtXQvT52bRBOu85IlFWj9sWRXwQvWLPANpb0swWTwZDyhzZNFWjMjKxjcmD2RScPBDQvr_onRFAfs8EeA_uFrBfYgswiSYKWhklyOjWpm9PZaW4_oexmM_EEzZigzckRSR1/s1600/Sylvia2.jpeg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After we snuggled and chatted a bit, they took you to the baby station {within view} to get you all checked out. I knew it was for your good, but I ached to hold you. I was in a bit of an exhausted daze and didn’t feel the rush of happy-hormones so many women had said I would feel. But I certainly did feel love for you. A fierce protectiveness mingled with a gentle desire to keep giving you life so you could thrive however God planned for you to. The midwife was sewing a few stitches at that time, so I couldn’t go over to you. Man that was difficult!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHLWyAwcv1M95J-OCRt7eRGbo2S1NlPJGCgU0RWdTOskQ6sIbXKVV41IiYyi5BYbnG8SpmI3j0qkm0vQd15H0oECGjd9z3kEXQBebJUmJE1g2xGxTqo7KfpW62uMCBqF1NScxG0E87DYq/s1600/1525757_10151885001158869_1558702111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHLWyAwcv1M95J-OCRt7eRGbo2S1NlPJGCgU0RWdTOskQ6sIbXKVV41IiYyi5BYbnG8SpmI3j0qkm0vQd15H0oECGjd9z3kEXQBebJUmJE1g2xGxTqo7KfpW62uMCBqF1NScxG0E87DYq/s1600/1525757_10151885001158869_1558702111_n.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Waiting and watching. I stretched my neck to get glimpses of your chubby limbs and see your pink body wiggle as your soft cries pierced my heart and invited me into my role like nothing else. My breasts ached, but so did everything else! Your Daddy stuck close with both of us somehow. He was always at my side; strong and tender and full of love for us both. I couldn’t have gone through the process that way without him. He was my strength when I thought I had none left.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYsR72MYbR0qCwrs92Ri0CLp-6dDWVv-LShh7GXWPOxEOmQ0-6F-JG6u6T0Konuilxe2h-DwFezWyXw5LCtQ-4DXR43VSd56OCDVK7K3MUhCl1ykVqS5OnYU69UnnlOp2h6ygp16vAsEX/s1600/JC2_6448.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYsR72MYbR0qCwrs92Ri0CLp-6dDWVv-LShh7GXWPOxEOmQ0-6F-JG6u6T0Konuilxe2h-DwFezWyXw5LCtQ-4DXR43VSd56OCDVK7K3MUhCl1ykVqS5OnYU69UnnlOp2h6ygp16vAsEX/s1600/JC2_6448.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYsR72MYbR0qCwrs92Ri0CLp-6dDWVv-LShh7GXWPOxEOmQ0-6F-JG6u6T0Konuilxe2h-DwFezWyXw5LCtQ-4DXR43VSd56OCDVK7K3MUhCl1ykVqS5OnYU69UnnlOp2h6ygp16vAsEX/s1600/JC2_6448.jpeg" height="424" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbw_Oh8kRZXEdTJBkP4VmUzmCExWwIxad0RmCdA5_ZtssaduVqyaLsNlC8JENopPxzhcUGR15MHCReoB5hoH_LNkhdSsGqk_o_gv-7ZsIMeMK6ni9L9RpgROw28MAciBP13pR7hIGUEX2/s1600/JC2_6995.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbw_Oh8kRZXEdTJBkP4VmUzmCExWwIxad0RmCdA5_ZtssaduVqyaLsNlC8JENopPxzhcUGR15MHCReoB5hoH_LNkhdSsGqk_o_gv-7ZsIMeMK6ni9L9RpgROw28MAciBP13pR7hIGUEX2/s1600/JC2_6995.jpeg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>oving you has changed us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t care so much about certain things I used to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I value other things beyond measure now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever since you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thinking of your Great Great Nana & Great Great Grandma... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even if I called their number, no answer would come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’d be no voice on the other end of the phone. But I have a pretty good idea of what they</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">d say. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewneUYl28MuEhnN-aMl1rbfmiuaOqo7Q0Yv8DQulO8Vv7i-w7yvHblMfqGs-4kYo0l2yOHQub24dtr1P1pWBs8G0_B5_8hTXzZVBeaQWMPe_wXK9JEJLdyI7hSvF4Zv3aCivFlLFqxrYo/s1600/DSC_3434.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewneUYl28MuEhnN-aMl1rbfmiuaOqo7Q0Yv8DQulO8Vv7i-w7yvHblMfqGs-4kYo0l2yOHQub24dtr1P1pWBs8G0_B5_8hTXzZVBeaQWMPe_wXK9JEJLdyI7hSvF4Zv3aCivFlLFqxrYo/s1600/DSC_3434.jpeg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year precious miracle! We love you, son. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rely on the </span>instinct and creativity given to me from the Creator God himself...<br />
Makes me think of Colossians in the third chapter...<br />
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<i>"<span class="text Col-3-12" id="en-ESV-29513" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Put on then, as <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></span>God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></span>compassionate hearts, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></span>kindness, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29513AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span>humility, meekness, and patience,</span><span class="text Col-3-13" id="en-ESV-29514" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span>bearing with one another and, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span>if one has a complaint against another, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></span>forgiving each other; <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29514AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></span>as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-ESV-29515" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And above all these put on <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29515AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></span>love, which <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29515AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></span>binds everything together in <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29515AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></span>perfect harmony.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Col-3-15" id="en-ESV-29516" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And let <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29516AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></span>the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29516AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></span>in one body. And <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29516AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></span>be thankful.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-ESV-29517" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Let <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29517AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></span>the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29517AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></span>singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29517AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></span>with thankfulness in your hearts to God.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Col-3-17" id="en-ESV-29518" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29518AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></span>whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29518AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></span>giving thanks to God the Father through him...</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Col-3-17" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></i>
<span class="text Col-3-18" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">...Wives, submit to your husbands, as <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29519AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></span>is fitting in the Lord.</span><span class="text Col-3-19" id="en-ESV-29520" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Husbands, love your wives, and <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29520AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></span>do not be harsh with them.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It</span>’s a time in our marriage and overall LIFE that certainly stretches and puts strain on what foundation was built before. I’m so thankful God established a strong base for us, but truthfully there were times in those first couple months especially, that I would feel incompetent or unattractive and would give my flesh-side the controls. What would come from my lips at times was hurtful, self-seeking, and carried with it a nasty tone. It doesn’t matter that I had my “reasons” at the time... Umm, no excuses people. But God’s grace and mercy in how He disciplines us is beautiful. Doesn’t feel so lovely at the time, but oh how intimately He rebukes, teaches, and gently leads us back into freedom with Him. Justin and I have learned a lot these past five and half years of marriage. They’ve been intense years {as some of you know}, and we know we’re continually growing in how we serve one another and communicate etc. as we grow up side by side... What would we do without the Bible?! It’s so very clear how we ought to be. How liberating is that?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmXC2WO7D_CqiFGJiAiT5jDX-rm6K1lwb3XgsHvAI5r_Ap2owEIXO4Wl4SeijUJMZMIgAx3m9oafzj39K9WuwLoAlDD3XHzKF0L7I54mO4tSpfbrlSQW58qb3e2i9-OdKVqxj82lfSR5Q/s1600/JC2_6444.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmXC2WO7D_CqiFGJiAiT5jDX-rm6K1lwb3XgsHvAI5r_Ap2owEIXO4Wl4SeijUJMZMIgAx3m9oafzj39K9WuwLoAlDD3XHzKF0L7I54mO4tSpfbrlSQW58qb3e2i9-OdKVqxj82lfSR5Q/s1600/JC2_6444.jpeg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyways...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Telephones are great when you need that instant connection. Deeper than Facebook. Truer than a text.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And right now, this smiling but aching Mommy is yearning to chat with her beautiful Great Nana Rita and courageous Great Grandma Violet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I don’t know the area code in Heaven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh the questions I have for them now, but they are liberated from answering or asking questions now...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These women were and still are an inspiration in our young marriage, tried and tested faith, and now in this season of motherhood. Their lovely and aged faces grace my mind and heart often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I miss them. They thrived in the years when home-made butter, bread, and hand-scrubbed clothes hung on the washing line in the breeze. The eras that lacked cellular devices, personal cameras, automobiles, and the internet. They were breathtakingly beautiful against a sometimes not-so-beautiful backdrop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And that is why I need to get to work and actually do what I said I would do: write a book about their contrasting stories... So that the world might know the beauty of their testimonies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It changes us who know it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What would their responses be about this time:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Motherhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How, in their era, did these dear gals do it?! How did they raise their sons? We have so many comforts, such support, access to knowledge like never before, and more! Sometimes I wonder if it can get in the way of simplicity? Perhaps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of them delivered nine dear babes {all boys} into this world {one set of twins among ‘em}, while the other bore and birthed one wonderful son. I love my Grandpa. I love my Poppa. Their Mommy’s were incredible heroes in my heart. They wore aprons for capes and did much without much.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd8-tqhrBsbsuTkNnJlR-WNHiYArpmHAra1yRMmgZHFBRvl6aqt7X-KigqbIuL5EkeZqqfCLhFJfCq6e5etrCqYJGgubjLRIBQyzsu3KnR6_fcTHoJsYukt6o-4tCT5EK5hyphenhyphennZThpP_qL/s1600/DSCF9734.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd8-tqhrBsbsuTkNnJlR-WNHiYArpmHAra1yRMmgZHFBRvl6aqt7X-KigqbIuL5EkeZqqfCLhFJfCq6e5etrCqYJGgubjLRIBQyzsu3KnR6_fcTHoJsYukt6o-4tCT5EK5hyphenhyphennZThpP_qL/s1600/DSCF9734.jpeg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While our adorable five-week-old son wears his cape backwards {in the form of a spit-soaked bib}, he is a hero in my eyes too. He’s had so much to adjust to, and is patient with his Mommy’s headaches. His helpless humanity humbles me and takes my heart to heights like never before. His sounds and gurgles and soft cries tug at my heart, bringing tears of awe and wonder, igniting a tenderly focused effort to meet his immediate daily needs, and above all, his little life invites me to worship Jesus like never before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The time on this now overheating mac on my lap reads 12:34AM but I’m not actually tired.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lie.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfjf1MHiV1eh8QA7url2JuJBsrEFHddqTUWBLktgRYR9h5tSiPslBAciu41dhPxOecdkiuo0_czHNCSrDP2tv-9CRnn4Cu7wwv5w_vDgCDTKKujeGo1dl6Spr9xUoyrNAWA7GshSlyCrX/s1600/1604615_10151955205498869_912566171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfjf1MHiV1eh8QA7url2JuJBsrEFHddqTUWBLktgRYR9h5tSiPslBAciu41dhPxOecdkiuo0_czHNCSrDP2tv-9CRnn4Cu7wwv5w_vDgCDTKKujeGo1dl6Spr9xUoyrNAWA7GshSlyCrX/s1600/1604615_10151955205498869_912566171_n.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">...I am over-tired. haha!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay my boy! Apparently “they” have labeled this: <b>"Wonder Week” </b>at the fourth week of life outside cozy bedwomb. A noticeable growth spurt I’d say. Though, it should be made plural since “they” say it comes again at week 8, 12, 19, and so on... and could have even started as early as week 3 as well? Say whaaaaat?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Truthfully, we are trying not to seek out or pay heed to too much of whatever it is that “THEY” proclaim as fact, since it’s apparently quite contradicting, and there’s so much God HAS given us intuitively. But... Well... Sometimes when you’re crying or cluster-feeding, I want to make sure this is okay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rather than seeking God’s presence and assurance there, I admit I sometimes have gone online to read what other Mommy’s write. Sometimes I think that’s fine, but I know for the most part, I don’t need to look elsewhere besides the confidence given me by our God Almighty.</span><br />
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<i>“<span style="font-family: inherit;">Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">In all your ways, ackkneowlge him and he will make straight your path.</span>”</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>PROVERBS 3:5-6</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m sure many babies don’t go through much fussiness at all. Right? But some sure do go through a rough little phase, and this darling son of ours has been so much more cryful {made up word of the week} than I ever imagined! Me oh myyyyyy ’tis truly heart-crushing and draining as I find I’m taking a lot of deep breaths over the past couple of days... Thankful for what portions of God’s Word I’ve got locked in my heart to let out loud when needed. Thank you Jesus!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being a Mommy... I’ve never felt such love. Never been so saturated in peace. And being THIS joy-consumed is breathtaking! I’ve also encountered such weakness in myself and inability to rise above certain things {like these persistent headaches}. But then our Creator surprises me with His courage and He causes my faith to flourish when I feel small. Preston is one of the most poignant blissful sweetnesses of my life. Giving of myself to him is one of the most rewarding investments, if not <i>thee </i>most! I wake each morning excited to see his face, kiss his toes, change his dirty nappies, nurse him, and play with him as he learns to sit and stand {while we hold him}, reaching farther, grabbing stronger, laughing more frequently... It all keeps getting better and better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But not without the Lord</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">s steadfast love and sustaining Spirit! Thank you God for your WORD and for the man You</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">ve given me to be my husband and the Daddy of this precious firstborn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Smiling to consider those first weeks after our son</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">s arrival... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beside our bed...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Breast pads and baby cloths for those moments when the squirting facets at this breastaurant get a little outta hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A pump sits beside me on the </span></span>night table<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> instead of jewelry.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Where there was once lip gloss, a tube of Lanolin now sits, for chapped NIPS, not lips. haha! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">Bring it on! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
Learning more about Jesus, my hubby, babe, and myself through the first weeks of this brand new adventure called Mommyhood. It’s more peaceful than I imagined. More exhausting than I predicted. And more fulfilling and SWEET than I anticipated :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you enjoy the smattering of photos below. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Signing off for now sisters & friends, </span><br />
With His joy,<br />
Christa Michelle<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-_s2x-BnXsVPJoaYUbtYocdei3tdrGGhw_bJxUtpzI3H32DH8EZEE_FhdGXRzSWVSATuevv_hhVCOB_6fondGB66cZOpemrG2t2bnaGt3K6pmKJo-ti2Qc8oL_mRDgEBLrTWHvaar4j0/s1600/DSCF0819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-_s2x-BnXsVPJoaYUbtYocdei3tdrGGhw_bJxUtpzI3H32DH8EZEE_FhdGXRzSWVSATuevv_hhVCOB_6fondGB66cZOpemrG2t2bnaGt3K6pmKJo-ti2Qc8oL_mRDgEBLrTWHvaar4j0/s1600/DSCF0819.jpeg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 months old. We’ve been walking together nearly ever day since he was 5 days old.<br />
He seems to always enjoy being outside! Good thing too, cause his Momma and Daddy sure like the outdoors :)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1bbHgrLCi3QFTHxhIhVL4rKHA6OB9R6VQaniB9Kh0WaQDOgrtdqvY4AsPRNnI6KoLB0lzlHJQ4l8BtJsmSiQQb4H6bH0XedUXnptednc-d9uKxuTwPIKadlnBRQOxxvkMqYfRvR047hY/s1600/1540459_10152190605726063_551722747_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1bbHgrLCi3QFTHxhIhVL4rKHA6OB9R6VQaniB9Kh0WaQDOgrtdqvY4AsPRNnI6KoLB0lzlHJQ4l8BtJsmSiQQb4H6bH0XedUXnptednc-d9uKxuTwPIKadlnBRQOxxvkMqYfRvR047hY/s1600/1540459_10152190605726063_551722747_o.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">"By this all will know that you belong to Me, if you have love for one another.</span>”</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;"><i>John13:35</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This handsome fella gives so much love every single day. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">And he picked me!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The certainty of my “yes” on that sunny-warm day in April came so quickly that I forgot to say it out loud! There were just so many things my heart, soul, mind, and spirit were saying YES to! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We couldn</span>’t help but marvel at <span style="font-family: inherit;">our Matchmaker. What a road He was leading us on... and as my heart ached with such JOY, my thoughts slowly went to darker waters. Thinking briefly on the raging waves of suffering, the crashing surf where I knew life wouldn’t be so lovely as it was in that moment. We’d already come to understand this in some ways. But what I didn’t realize was that I was also saying yes to seeing the </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">yucky</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> me more than ever. The me that was anything but loving. I was saying yes to it all. To even causing him pain. On purpose! To someday treating him like I would a person that I was annoyed with or even didn’t like at all! But I didn</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">t realize these things just then...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa6clEQDFP5Tnz5UQ6m59WlbfXhFtfx5h9joz_OtmhURYcUQ3STads78Tj2NahdKzrmDUJ4RKNT8FYx0339Xb88nGFkxzzasS7wDL4OrIK5IWbpkbxR6uLaXegFyrFvrPKrzQoBQYEbVS/s1600/6490_110687018868_4864001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa6clEQDFP5Tnz5UQ6m59WlbfXhFtfx5h9joz_OtmhURYcUQ3STads78Tj2NahdKzrmDUJ4RKNT8FYx0339Xb88nGFkxzzasS7wDL4OrIK5IWbpkbxR6uLaXegFyrFvrPKrzQoBQYEbVS/s1600/6490_110687018868_4864001_n.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here we are, just a couple of kids on the evening of the day he first said I love you. Soon we wouldn’t have to say goodbye when we said good night... But the four LONG month wait began from the day I said “YES!” </b><br />
<b>A trillion times YES to the man of my answered prayers<br /> 12th of April, 2008</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was saying "yes" to a real live human on planet earth after all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And our kind have not yet known perfection. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In fact, not very close at all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This human who had just told me he loved me for the first time, didn’t really know what was coming. Or did he? Is that why tears blurred his vision and made his eyes look even more brown? This human {and what a cute one at that!} was now brushing off his biking leathers and standing tall after being in that classic kneeled posture for longer than he probably anticipated... on cement! And as the two humans embraced and swayed while the sun beat down on the biking helmets on the bench beside them, they clung tight, as if there was a deep understanding that things would change. And how! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My best friend Justin, well, he had never had much go “wrong” in his 21 years. And he was proposing a forever kind of love to the most human 19 year old girl of all who had just began the toughest 5+ years of her life... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A huge <a href="http://www.justinandchrista.ca/" target="_blank">agape-love test</a> had already begun, but everything was about to change and get about a thousand levels tougher. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I found my voice and once he found his sunglasses to shield the blazing rays, we just looked at each other. When we first met, and even after we began courting just a couple weeks later, we couldn</span>’t look one another in the eye for longer than a second or two. It was just that intense and our eyes said so much. But today, as we stared adoringly, reverently, without spoken word, we both sensed that marriage would bring torrential downpour of elated awesomeness, but also some really awful storms with thunder loud enough to shake our faith. S<span style="font-family: inherit;">tanding up from the wood bench, noticing the scenery all around us as if for the first time, he placed my hand ever so carefully on top of his Carpenter</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">s hands. How small mine are in comparison, but as we looked at that ring, the circle, the diamonds, we felt it again, the high calling that this would be. Even then we knew through God’s Word and a the men and women who teach it passionately, that marriage would be one of the hugest opportunities to become more set apart, to be broken, to be made more like Jesus: to become more LOVING. Because it seems like the genuine king of loving; the REAL love that lingers beyond </span>circumstance<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and infiltrates all situations and plunges beneath and soars higher than any feelings of the heart, well, this real kind of love happens mostly when it’s not exactly fun or easy to DO or BE... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrHgbDUedemHXa2y4VB61V8eb5aekdbIKZM8OCUUwdHDMNbSuvb48J3BITpZ-CMIYgbQQmpvytLWRYlzvdwUeomvctlQm-YDAsXgAwJA6et3McN91WA4SzOWSkwfOGP6RkI3yDZHzW_-2/s1600/532731_10151382271843869_1567836772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrHgbDUedemHXa2y4VB61V8eb5aekdbIKZM8OCUUwdHDMNbSuvb48J3BITpZ-CMIYgbQQmpvytLWRYlzvdwUeomvctlQm-YDAsXgAwJA6et3McN91WA4SzOWSkwfOGP6RkI3yDZHzW_-2/s1600/532731_10151382271843869_1567836772_n.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The times that first come to mind when Justin loves me the MOST are when I am least deserving. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The times I choose ME over Jesus, and thus, over Justin as well. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I defend myself. When I purposely </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">haven’t put toothpaste on his toothbrush or folded his towel over the curtain rod because I know he’ll notice. I want him to know he hurt me when I felt like he wasn’t paying enough attention to me when I was telling him a story about my day earlier. Or when I left out a snack without a love note because I wanted him to see I was wounded by something he had or had not done. Or when I turn away from him in my posture and go into my turtle shell of hardness and cold tones. Ugly and dark in there if you ask me. The times when I carelessly say something or I’m not a quality listener for him. The times when my expectation weren’t met by him and so I {</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">embarrassingly} want to make him pay. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my foolishness, I choose sin over love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And we all miss out. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eix7p7NozccRCxWjR4El5N76N3XsJVJR1oD_B_zCDm5ZWlSVlBZyHUB9B8iedFd3X-DC1rS3SDr70gwdSzV_ohWSOVG2bC1uQ9AcBHaYxLPqvIXGUiPxdt1rAUph3elwGFSC7t3jdtWi/s1600/736461_10152405374110125_261513452_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eix7p7NozccRCxWjR4El5N76N3XsJVJR1oD_B_zCDm5ZWlSVlBZyHUB9B8iedFd3X-DC1rS3SDr70gwdSzV_ohWSOVG2bC1uQ9AcBHaYxLPqvIXGUiPxdt1rAUph3elwGFSC7t3jdtWi/s1600/736461_10152405374110125_261513452_o.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">That’s a glimpse into my humanity, and though the handsome prince God prepared for me is still in fact human, and can still wound me oh so well since...well, since he knows me so well, Christ is active in this man’s life. He keeps short accounts and is such a thinker-doer. It’s like God keeps fuelling him up to love so purely, passionately, and selflessly. He is a rugged gentleman of deep conviction, intense thought, brilliant wit, and he has the most tender heart I’ve ever heard of. He’s most thoughtful and kind toward me above anyone, even our precious newborn...And no daddy has ever loved his son like Justin loves Preston. But Justin take the Bible at its Word; at His Word: “husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...”{Ephesians5} I’ve never wondered if he loves me. Never have. I could see it in his eyes long before we got engaged, and therefore, long before he ever vocalized that he did indeed, LOVE me. And even when I can’t believe he still LIKES me, he keeps on giving! But yes, it’s in those times when I’m not the loveliest person to be around and he still chooses to be patient, kind, humble, not keeping record of wrongs, rejoicing in the truth, slow to anger... that I am </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">agape</i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> blessed. Even when I’m being as soft as our aloe plant growing in the bathroom, he still wraps his arms around me. Even when my sentences are laced with icy tone {born of fear, fatigue, feminine feelings---not excuses, but reasons}, he often still treats me with gracious respect and admiration, asking intentional questions, complimenting me, taking my face in his hands and kissing my lips {we have a rule in our marriage: no pecks aloud. If we’re gonna peck in a non-pathetic way, it must be on the cheek. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No discussion about it!}. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">This darling hunk of mine, after five and a half insanely<a href="http://www.justinandchrista.ca/" target="_blank"> long years</a>, still begins each day by gently placing a hot 'cuppa tea on my bedside table after making it just the way I like it: strong, sweet, and extra creamy all at once. He does this while I’m still in bed if he’s woken first, with the start of every morning. He still touches my hair affectionately, or watches with affection even when I feel far from deserving of his gaze. My favourite, but not always at the time of my peaked humanity, is how his strong hands envelope mine</span> as his deep, confident voice seeks the One who brought us together </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Justin loves me and it really does lead me to my knees before God in thankfulness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It makes me feel more loved by Jesus when Justin demonstrates selfless sacrifice and places me above himself even when I am far from meriting anything like love!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We aren’t always each other’s favourite person. You know how it goes. When exhaustion, frustration, and basically just ugly selfishness take the wheel... things just </span>are NOT pleasant! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Somehow,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in the end, love wins. It wins by a landslide and entirely flips things around and we are left in awe of how much God shows His favour through each other... When we say sorry. When we look at what the other needs/wants in that space and time... And we do it. We just choose to act out love because of those heart ribbons being tugged on... And we respond! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVXKpv97gvrTsRB7I_T4B4v0eApfX4p2SJl0njia4WGilqqs1NmrujhHJYvkTWTyPqpryqEXK_94iO-Ba2jTR6aINEevY7uECgfrrIreNuIdP3zy2eaSRUdWLycvcQXgzNx4QOG8V8_7x/s1600/427799_10151068712338869_1703704741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVXKpv97gvrTsRB7I_T4B4v0eApfX4p2SJl0njia4WGilqqs1NmrujhHJYvkTWTyPqpryqEXK_94iO-Ba2jTR6aINEevY7uECgfrrIreNuIdP3zy2eaSRUdWLycvcQXgzNx4QOG8V8_7x/s1600/427799_10151068712338869_1703704741_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Every single day holds a brand new, breathtakingly beautiful moment to BE a measure of love-in-action.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">How great is that?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
Yet when sin clutters our hearts, it scrambles our thought patterns and seeps into our motives. we might just miss out on a chance to be Jesus toward someone. We’ll miss out on love because something else is getting in the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
You know the moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
As though your heart is wrapped in ribbons and something is gently {but quite noticeably}, pulling on one of them, causing a stirring within.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Choice:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">#1 ignore</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">#2 respond in love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">#3 make up your own way... {which can often be #1....}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fear makes us want to do something that feels good in the temporary, but love is a long-term giver and isn’t always the most comfy thing when giving it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Always though, ALWAYS, it’s worth it!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He that does not love, does not know God, for God is love.</span>”</i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">1John4:7-8</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
When there’s no denying I should initiate praying for/with someone right then and there out loud, be it a stranger or best friend, sometimes there’s this yucky resistance that rises up, bringing with it murmurs of excuses...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Someone else might see!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“What if it makes them uncomfortable? You wouldn’t want that!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Think about yourself, this could be awkward and how do you know what to say anyway?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Whether it be giving to someone, opening the door to our home, returning the phone call, closing our lips, sending that e-mail, stopping the car, seeking forgiveness, ask the question we know she needs to hear, be honest, embrace someone who is hurting, extending specific grace and compassionate mercy, speaking from our heart with kindness etc. etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Personally, in the times when I let my flesh lead in all it’s subtle rebellion, I can reflect and see a heart that was not worshiping God, but totally self-absorbed and stuck in some murky sin. And boy! Does it hinder!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Certainly I do believe that God can and does “use” us even when we don’t know it. Times when we’re just “being” and not looking for a way to bless, or feeling like we “helped” someone or encouraged someone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps it’s those times. Times free from the risk of pridefulness, awareness in our involvement, maybe those are the most beautiful of all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Corrie ten Boom’s devotional for this new day:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the ten Boom clock shoppe in Haarlem Amsterdam last September!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is nothing that anybody else can do that can stop God from using us: the fault always lies in ourselves. We can turn anything into a testimony! Even opposition can become an open door. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"So if you are offering your gift at the alter, and there remember that {someone} has something against you, leave your gift there before the alter and go; first be reconciled to {that someone}, and then come and offer your gift.” </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Matthew 5:23 </span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She goes on to pray,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Father, when we are free of sin, we can do Your work. When we seem to be ineffective in Your work, move us to reexamine our lives for sin.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Let’s ask Him to expose even the deepest places so that we might come more alive with action-love! And when that “moment” comes, we’ll not let any fear, neither tiny or vast, guide our next move...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out all fear.” </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">1John4:18</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When </span>Justin<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and I went on our first walk together, I used a cain. I also shared with him my greatest fear. I felt safe with him. Safe and care about in a huge, warm, inviting way. </span><br />
I was terrified unto the point of tears that I wouldn’t be able to conceive or carry to term. I had this fear since I was a little girl. In part it was because of two famiies we knew where this was the case... And it hit hard, even to my 3-5 year old heart.<br />
Justin was so gentle, so very compassionate, but he was also reasonable. His confident encouragement and the way he seemed to somehow understand why my voice trembled and I spoke in a whisper... We had just met, but he cared for me deeply somehow...<br />
Anyways, I reflect on that night that we swung on the swings at the tiny park with our feet still in the sand and little did we know the journey we’d go on. Together.<br />
With miscarriage. Then so many other things. Two surgeries for endometriosis.<br />
Then Preston.<br />
Preston Mark Vanderham... Our firstborn son!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You know what</span>’<span style="font-family: inherit;">s so awesome about being a Mommy? </span><br />
More opportunities to love.<br />
Not just our children and hubbies and others in our lives, but one another as women...<br />
It’s given me a whole new perspective, respect, and compassion for other Moms.<br />
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It can be tempting to compare, for better or for worse, but in the end, LOVE, the lasting, freeing, God-kind, well, that’s the beautiful part of life and it IS life... So it permeates into that too. Into our emotions and insecurities and falterings and doubts and fears. Perfect love covers and changes those things!<br />
This season more than any other before is the most humbling.<br />
It is something I’m writing another blog about for the past few weeks... It might be two parts! haha<br />
If you’re an Auntie, Sister, any of these, you’ll know how much kids/babies teach us just by <i>being</i>!<br />
Preston already teaches me so much about trust, letting go of fear, serving without seeking any recognition or reward, and clinging above all else, to love... Holding fast to God’s truth. He IS love.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Who knows what sort of darkness it will be, where He will shine His beautiful light... through you! Bringing hope, healing, forgiveness, restoration, selflessness, and JOY! </span><br />
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Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-34764652963375864682013-11-24T01:22:00.001-08:002014-05-26T15:47:15.134-07:00Dancing to the Rhythm of Trust<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>O Sovereign LORD, you are God! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>II Samuel 7:28</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Working together on the book @ one of our favourite coffee shops in town</td></tr>
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Justin and I...<br />
We make our plans... We have our hopes.<br />
We pray for certain things and together dream beautiful dreams.<br />
But it’s in His hands... The outcome of all we want and desire and seek.<br />
Yes, mostly I’m thinking of this precious son/daughter growing warm and protected deep within...<br />
The time for our baby's birth is approaching closer each new day!<br />
<br />
What I anticipate for the birthing process...<br />
Peaceful calm. Breathing intentionally. Powerful control. <br />
<br />
Holy surrender. Deepest&Highest worship. <br />
<br />
Out of this world sensations {a new kind of pain}. Intimacy. <br />
<br />
Moments of near-insanity! <br />
<br />
Vulnerability. Closeness. Letting go. Taking charge. <br />
<br />
Being humbled.<br />
<br />
<br />
All of these like nothing else before... all woven together in an act of worship and work and freedom and sacrifice.<br />
I can only imagine the earth shaking climax when the oneness of Vanderbaby and I will crescendo as he/she exits my body and the cord is eventually severed! I wrote a letter to the baby about that. How excited I am to welcome him/her with a name once the cord is cut and we snuggle skin-to-skin. I anticipate breathtaking beauty as Mama and babe together give it our all! I admit that I very much want certain things to go a certain way, for bebe and moi during the process, but I know full well, that this doesn’t always/often happen and so I am {slowly} releasing my own hopes and Mommy-desires. God knows these, and so I leave them in His loving hands.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>Psalm 9:10</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
But this whole<i> trust </i>thing... Why is it difficult sometimes? Why does my spirit resist at all even when I know in my head and feel in my heart that He alone deserves my faith? His Word is more than enough, then He has provided countless times in my 25 years where I’ve seen how it was He who was the only worthy one of any belief or trust! He has saved me through Jesus Christ... This is the greatest display of His love and how I can trust.<br />
The conflict is between my selfishness and His righteousness.<br />
Waving the white flag of my own life {gladly} is one thing, and a challenging thing at that, but with open hands and a posture of surrender, giving back to Him {over and over again}, the labor, birth, and the entire future of this tiny child: though he/she is a gift straight from HIM, is so not easy! I still try to hold on sometimes and though it makes sense to give it all back to the Giver of such gifts, it can be a struggle.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your <b>salvation</b>.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>Psalm 13:5</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
To trust in the fullness of WHO He is. To rejoice in our SALVATION! Not just to find reason to sing because of what His mighty hand has provided or what He has removed from our life... But to believe and rejoice in Him.<br />
Just HIM!<br />
<br />
Though I am crying {keyboard isn’t too wet yet ;)}, these tears are springing up from a well of THANKFUL JOY AND OVERWHELMING SENSE OF AWE! He is comforting and convicting me all at once with His presence. His Word is sharp and cutting, performing the kinds of surgeries that bring LIFE from death!<br />
<br />
Will we sit and wait with the posture of obedience, willing with palms up, only noticing His face, not rushing to see what is in His hands to give or in our hands to try and give back {“good" or "bad”}<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i>Romans 15:13</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><i><br /></i></span>
Until the first official contraction is upon me {lots of braxton hicks in the past few months! Good practice? I hope so!}, I will be washing the rest of baby’s clothes and blankets, packing our hospital bag, getting to know the women at the local Breastfeeding Club, singing as I nest and rest, and pondering many things in this heart of mine. Life is still very full, but not busy. For this I am super glad!<br />
And in the hours of reflection and focus on Jesus, I see how He has made my heart into a Mama’s heart. One that has swelled with such fierce Mama bear protection, a deep desire for pure, unhindered LIFE in Jesus Christ for this unborn child, and an intense excitement to humbly watch them grow into their own little personality {or big!}, gifts, and talents etc! Oh my goodness!<br />
Definitely an incredibly strong desire washes over us for our little one to grow and explore and ask and learn and develop and choose and thrive in the ways God sets out for them.<br />
<br />
Growing in trust dear ones.<br />
Growth is not always comfortable, but He is faithful to prune and tend closely through it ALL! Thank you LORD!<br />
<br />
Oh, and in case this post was a tad too serious, just wanted you to know I am having heaps of fun along the way too! I’d say this is the most happy, contented season of my entire existence so far!!!! Justin and I cannot believe this new purpose God has trusted us with... The life of this little baby He formed inside. In their bedwomb :)<br />
Whilst a teenager, an old friend and I would joke together and laugh about a quote we sometimes said:<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>ENTHUSED FEMINISTS MAKE ME WANT TO BE A HOUSEWIFE! </b></i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep! I am<br />
BAREFOOT<br />
PREGNANT<br />
IN THE KITCHEN... And loving it! </td></tr>
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Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-66616330590764178432013-10-09T18:46:00.004-07:002013-11-24T00:54:10.771-08:00Endless Waves & Mr. OwlLike so many crashing waves, it seemed that just when I would catch my breath, another one would hit full force. Gulping and sputtering in confused doubt and a deep sense of loss, my heart felt like it was drowning.<br />
Each time I've gone to my inbox today, there greeted me: another bunch of Lyme-related e-mails from around the globe. And one new e-mail means another true story, another person who I will commit to pray for, grow to know, and someone I trust the Lord will encourage because of His grace and mercy in my own life. Not just e-mails, but the texts and conversations about LYME DISEASE assailed me at the grocery store, while walking downtown between shops, in the midst of baking, and it started to become overwhelming long before I purposely left my cell phone at home to go for a walk {probably not the wisest move, but I was desperate to get away}. In the evening, as I was watching the preview for David Suzuki's newest film, "The Nature of Things", the waves of tears flowed freely as I choked through familiar and deep emotion. It was freeing as it always is, when I no longer hold back or try in futile to keep it all in.<br />
In that moment, I am tired of being brave. Tired of carrying other people's burdens. Tired from the weight that empathy can bring.<br />
<br />
It's a struggle for me.<br />
To really know what it means to release each person back to God... Their journeys are so utterly heartbreaking sometimes. More often than not, actually.<br />
Why don't I trust God more? He is, after all, the only One worth of my faith and dependance!<br />
But knowing truth is only part of it...<br />
What do I DO with it? What do any of us do?<br />
<br />
<b><u>Lift Your Eyes</u></b><br />
But as I was sobbing, crying out to the One who CAN handle these burdens and the only One who knows what it's like to have memories creep in at random and suffocate my heart and thoughts... All of a sudden I looked up and out of our window to see the most beautiful creature.<br />
<br />
My favourite bird.<br />
<br />
An owl.<br />
<br />
The sun had not yet set, but here was Mr. Owl perched majestically on the willow branches above the creek. It was a sweet, personal gift from the God who ransomed me by the blood of Jesus forever! A present from my first and forever Love. Tonight, I wanted to share that moment with you.<br />
Isn't it marvellous how He woos us? How He blesses us and refines us? God is infinite and intricate in how He intimately loves His kids. Being one of His daughters is who I am. Everything else is the overflow of this identity.<br />
But my emotions... And my rebellious nature pulls me away from that simple place of trusting. I let myself be thrust into confusion, strong willfulness, doubt, self focus and obsession with other people's lostness, sadness without purpose, and a subtle but entirely wrong sense of... control. Or being willing to do anything to <i>feel</i> in control because admittedly, I don't always enjoy leaving it all up to God. Despite my head and spirit reminding me that He is the Great I Am, the Creator of ALL things!<br />
<br />
O how patient and persistent is our Heavenly Daddy.<br />
In exhortation through His Word and powerful Spirit:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span class="text Heb-12-5" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">My son, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30201B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-5" style="position: relative;">nor be weary when reproved by him.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Heb-12-6" id="en-ESV-30202" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30202C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>the Lord disciplines the one he loves,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-6" style="position: relative;">and chastises every son whom he receives.”</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> -Hebrews 12</i></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Heb-12-6" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
At one of our local Salvation Army stores, there are treasures to be found! Last month, not only did I learn that they give Bibles away for free at all locations, but a new copy of Beth Moore's "Pslams of Ascent" study was staring back at me with a 25cent price tag... Needless to say, it found a new home in the quiet time basket nestled in with some recent knitting, journal, Bible, and other books! Recently, I keep the basket right beside the rocking chair in the nursery/office and enjoy going there for some of my rejuvenating hours on the "Mt. of Olives" with God alone. Sometimes I just have to be outside walking in silence or singing at the top of my lungs, but this extra cozy weather inspires some indoor solitude and focus and the baby's room is welcoming and warm :) Anyways, here's one of the Psalms of Ascent!<br />
<br />
<span class="chapter-3" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-121-1" style="position: relative;">"I <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16083B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>lift up my eyes to <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16083C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>the hills.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-1" style="position: relative;">From where does my help come?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-2" id="en-ESV-16084" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">My help comes from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-2" style="position: relative;">who <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16084E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>made heaven and earth.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-3" id="en-ESV-16085" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">He will not <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16085F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>let your foot be moved;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-3" style="position: relative;">he who <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16085G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>keeps you will not slumber.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-4" id="en-ESV-16086" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">Behold, he who keeps Israel</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-4" style="position: relative;">will neither slumber nor sleep.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-5" id="en-ESV-16087" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is your keeper;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-5" style="position: relative;">the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is your <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16087H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>shade on your <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16087I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>right hand.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-6" id="en-ESV-16088" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The sun shall not <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16088K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>strike you by day,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-6" style="position: relative;">nor the moon by night.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-7" id="en-ESV-16089" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16089L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>keep you from all evil;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-7" style="position: relative;">he will <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16089M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>keep your life.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-121-8" id="en-ESV-16090" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will keep</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-8" style="position: relative;">your <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16090N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>going out and your coming in</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-121-8" style="position: relative;">from this time forth and forevermore." </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-121-8" style="position: relative;"> -Psalm 121</span></span><br />
<br />
Even though I have come out of the season of almost constant drowning, sometimes, there can still be hours where it's nearly impossible to breathe. When there's so much tugging at my heart and so much to remind me of the past. But Jesus is truer than any of that. He is more significant than any of it! He matters more, and I long for more of Him... Less of me.<br />
<br />
We see through His miraculous WORD how He loved people through seasons where it was probably very difficult for them to breathe deeply in their hearts and sing that song of joy. People like Joseph of the Old Testament, or Hannah before {and after} being blessed with Samuel, or the sufferings of King David, Moses, Tamar...<br />
<br />
But in their longings, He was.<br />
The great I AM!<br />
<br />
Dear one, what are you longing for?<br />
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Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-17005253209352916572013-09-13T22:40:00.002-07:002014-02-14T23:18:23.099-08:00Once Upon A {Pregnancy} Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I say this has been a blissful pregnancy, I mean it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I do! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mostly ;)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soaring through the first trimester with minimal nausea, a pleasantly increased diet {okay, sometimes it was embarrassingly ravenous}, some mild dizziness from low bp, and over it all--> a surreal contentment that was SWEET to say the least. I actually couldn't believe how GOOD I felt and how soon I began to show.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The fatigue that flattened me at random not only filled a ton of my first trimester, it overlapped into the second for a couple weeks too, leaving me breathless with absolutely no room for negotiation. "Submit and sleep" my body seemed to say, and so in the midst of our full lives, with a total of thirteen flights {none longer than a few hours} in the first two trimesters, I obeyed without question! Having to rest like this was tough on my man sometimes because it surfaced familiar memories from years gone by. Years when my body spun out of control almost daily. I'd like to say we handled the "flashbacks" with grace and ease and patience, but sometimes, for totally different reasons, we would get downright flustered, anxious, and irritable. I didn't grasp what he was experiencing and God forgive me, I wasn't patient at all--not as I should have been. I wanted him to not only not worry, but to <i>celebrate</i> these changes <i>with</i> me, acknowledging that this <b>new </b>fatigue was cause of joy because it meant that our baby--> this precious gift from God, was growing and flourishing inside, requiring this Mama's bod to work extra hard...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How selfish of me to place my emotions above how my beloved was doing and what he was thinking/feeling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thankfully we've learned {and certainly will continue to learn} to be open {always eventually, just sometimes we need time to marinate, pray, process, sift, etc.} about what we're feeling, thinking, processing, concerned about, and so on. And as our honesty poured out--not always neat and tidy--often requiring Kleenex, extra long snuggles, and uninterrupted conversations with God through prayer and His Word... We healed even more deeply from past hurts and trauma; trauma we realized was actually affecting our "today". We had to learn just how to show respect, patience, and unconditional love for our different responses to this one pregnancy symptom: being tired! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"We love because He first loved us"</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> -1John4:19</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In fact, since I felt just fine in every other way, I actually enjoyed the deeper-than-deep naps and L O N G slumbers at night. No longer did I bounce out of bed before my hunk did to greet the day outside on our back deck. No longer did I make him breakfast, but he brought me tea in bed as I'd nibble on my bedside snacks {I think this really helped prevent any nausea} and we sometimes laughed at just how exhausted I really would get! Sometimes I'd even crawl back into bed around 11AM for a nap! Say whaaaaaat? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Still, being wiped made me "feel" pregnant... like my body was working super diligently on a masterpiece long before I could actually SEE any change with my eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That was cool. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Because the discomforts of pregnancy sometimes overshadowed the happy anticipation, I made it a point to self-nurture with little treats, quiet time, and cat naps" -Joyce Walker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But now... Now I'm enjoying more energy and freedom than I know what to do with. In other words, back to my "pre-pregnnacy" feeling self! I do still sleep a bit longer at night, but I couldn't nap if I tried! haha Apparently this'll change soon, but for now, I'm gonna bask in this and get some more nesting done! When the next phase of tiredness comes, I'll embrace that as well, since I know sleep will be a novelty come December/January onward ;) Mommyhood here we come! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The softest flannel for burp pads and cloths/wipes :) Check out the adorable carriage print! <br />Thanks to Clearance @ Wal Mart! </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many women {sometimes it feels like ALL women} upon hearing or seeing that I am "with child", have wasted not one single minute in offering free advise, wisdom, warnings, or starting a detailed one-way story time outlining their own experiences in their pregnancy. Something I've noted: their 9 months {which they say is more like 10} was either wonderful, horrendous, and at the very least, eventful. Not many say, "Oh, it was okay. I didn't mind it." or, "It's hard to explain. Not much happened and it didn't change much." How true that is! It's always life altering. Literally! Just in different ways, but there's always enough in common between each expectant Mommy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Especially for women at church and the organic grocery store, it was either elated bliss, frequent hospitalization. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No betwixt or between. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh dear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Certainly I like to hear about other people. People are kinda my "thing", but sometimes I'm just not sure how to respond... I mean, should I hug them and say how happy I am for them {though they delivered 32 years ago}? Or do I recoil with a repulsed expression {since it seems that some do really want a reaction}, or just listen blank faced and nod politely, since maybe they just need to get it out... Maybe that'll be me post-delivery? I think I'll just stick to responding how I can't help it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honestly. Even if it's not entirely what they were expecting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Either way, it's pretty crazy how the maternal bond forms almost instantly, tangibly, and intimately! It's fused when two or more women {of all ages} can relate on the miracle of new life. Whether they've birthed children or not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How beautiful is that?! There's something in basically all females {only met a few that shrink away for their own reasons} tuning us into conversations about pregnancy, birth, delivery... It must be more than just instinct. It's a thing of beauty. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I felt like a part of a huge happy community of women. Even in New York City, strangers talked to me as if I were their cousin!" -Risa May</span><br />
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<u style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Count It {ALL} joy?</span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For each change that I embrace with a smile {and don't forget the entirely cheesy but genuine awe & wonderment & emotional swells that birth a fountain of waterworks}, there may or may not be a fair share of less than lady-like transformations {from head to toe} greeting me in the mirror... And not always at face value. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As in, some things I can't get a good look at unless I drastically change my position. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please don't make me spell it out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">H-A-E-M-O-R-R-H-O-I-D-S</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There. I said it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Varicose Veins... And not just at the back of my right knee where my leg bends! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Who knew?! Not I. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And why? Because no one talks about this... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, look out world, this girl is sharing the deets for the sake of all other women out there who are going through the very same thing! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The most important thing to know is that they don't harm the baby in any fashion. Thank you God! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Still, for us Moms, these uninvited friends are tiny but a tad annoying. They certainly do not make me "feel" like the beautiful expectant mother my hubbster assures me that I am! They have done other things to me. They have:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Horrified</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Humiliated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Humbled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Humorized {why is this not a word?!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and even caused Hallucinations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Okay. That last one is a lie. But I wanted another "H" adjective! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">TMI: Since I was on high doses of antibiotics for over two years {2.5 years ago marks the time I last took an antibiotic for treatment of Lyme/Malaria}. December and January 2010/2011 were when I nearly perished from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridium_difficile" target="_blank">c.diff</a>. Let's just say I rarely need to push. As in... when I take the kids to the pool {and by kids I mean poops; pool I mean toilette - MadTV}, they go in without a fight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So therefore, the common "pushing" cause of hemmies, is not <i>my</i> cause. Rather, it's the new weight of this tiny miracle pressing on my smaller-boned frame annnnnd the fact I'm just feeling so fantastic that I don't stop picking things up... Like other people's children. Def taking that more seriously and not straining as muchos... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the increase of progesterone causing an alteration in the vein structure/thickness of the cell walls. Our blood volume is increased to impossible levels by now, causing the blue threads to bulge in certain areas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously, I wonder if Jesus' Mum ever dealt with very uncomfortable pregnancy whiles... Like morning sickness or leg cramps... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She had such a humble posture of submission. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Something I definitely do not possess naturally! As a young woman {teenager}, she responded:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i> ""I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her." -Gospel of Luke</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Oh to have such willingness! "I am the Lord's servant..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only did I not respond like Mary in patient willingness and peaceful calm, nooooooooo, when I discovered this pregnancy present, I totally let my emotions take over. Overwhelmed and absolutely full of fear is how I let my human-self lead... Fear of the unknown. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hmm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honestly, just a month ago, I didn't have the slightest clue what a <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy_244.bc" target="_blank">hemorrhoid</a> was. I'd seen the odd commercial while on holidays/vaca {we don't have a tv so sometimes I get mesmerized by even the advertisements! haha not used to it!} showing furrowed brows turned blissful grins once a certain miracle cream was applied. But I don't think I actually knew where they were applying it, or why for that matter! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The word was always for "other people" and certainly something I would never encounter in my existence! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now I know what they are. Ooooh how I know so well. Thanks to the clear definition offered by my midwife, a couple friends who were open about their own similar encounters with these grape-like structures, and I now know what they are from the slightly uncomfy tingle as I sit right now and type this! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the calm, educated assurance from a very dear friend who is a nurse, the fears lifted and were whisked away. On the night of my 25th birthday {happy birthday self. here's a gift: varicose veins where the sun don't shine!}, I got over the initial horrified shock, disgust, and even FEAR that I'd be forced on bed rest for the duration of this pregnancy, and confidently strode into trusty Nature's Fare for what I'd only ever seen on tv. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hemorrhoid cream. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Witch Hazel isn't something I knew was used as a remedy for THIS! But hey! Bring it on. And naturally, coconut oil is also a big help! What is coconut oil NOT beneficial for?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You see, these varicose veins are not only "there", but also in the <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perineum" target="_blank">perineum</a> area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyways dear souls, the uncomfortable sensations totally went away for about a week straight once I stopped lifting things, stopped sitting for too long at a time, etc. and I thought I was cured! But alas, after an hour and half hike last week, lifting other people's adorable kids again, carrying groceries that were a tad TOO HEAVY, and working in the office for a while--which means SITTING, I was cursed once more with Hemmie and Veiny as I call them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Inspiration to take care of myself:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My hubby and baby's wellbeing altogether. But also... Remembering this tidbit of reality helps: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">THEY WILL GET WORSE AND CAN SPREAD DOWN LEGS AND ACTUALLY SOMETIMES WOMEN DO SAY THEY CAN BE PAINFUL IF NOT ACKNOWLEDGED! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Umm no thank you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">no thanks even a little bit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><i>How</i> to take care of ourselves:</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what does one fine-feeling expectant Mama do?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Do not stand still for longer than half an hour. Sit until you just start feeling that "pressure" "down there". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> REST HORIZONALLY {do not elevate legs above the heart despite how that would seem to force blood back to the heart more... NOT good for babe} and more importantly, KEEP ACTIVE TO KEEP BLOOD FLOW! Increase vitamin C intake as well as Flax Seed oil to strengthen the cell walls of vein structure :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If they get painful {I'm not at that stage yet!}, wearing supportive hose can be tremendously helpful! Rock em' girl! They may become the next fashion sense ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So basically this means not standing, not sitting, but either laying down or staying active at all times! haha talk about extremes! I get dizzy just thinking about it! Laying-walking, walking-laying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are heaps of home-remedies, positions, etc. to help alleviate this problemo as well. I'm glad for that. I'm also glad that despite women rarely talking about this openly, I hear from other nurse friends/midwives, that this is <i>more </i>than common in pregnancy! Nice to know one is not alone. Hemmie Veiny sisters unite! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think I'll design t-shirts... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is not the dark ages. Every pregnancy has it's measure of sacrifice and not quite so lovely changes... For some, it might seem inappropriate to talk about such intimate things, and I'll respect that. For me, I'm okay with vocalizing it... to the female species only! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Beauty in the Belly</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But you know what ladies? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even this is beautiful. Why? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because it means there is LIFE! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In some way or another, it's all for the precious, growing bundle of cuteness within! Stoked about this amazing YouTube video telling the brilliant details of </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPPkXe8KUg0" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">the MIRACLE of LIFE</a> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">through powerful imagery likeness before they breathe their first breath outside Mommy's bod... My sis-in-law sent it and it really takes my breath away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As our babies sleep and grow, hiccup, roll, kick, and suck their thumbs in their bedWOMBS, our bodies will do whatever is necessary {or cannot be helped} to best accommodate them. And that, darling gals, is a miracle! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>For you formed my inward parts;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>You knit me together in my mother's womb. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Wonderful are your works;</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>my soul knows it very well. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> -King David: Psalm 139</i></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">Sharing this season with my hunky best friend who has been my hubby for five years and one month now, is the greatest. He never ceases to amaze me, romance me, encourage me, and hold me when that's all I need. How does even know how to read me as he does?! Last night I started crying when I was thanking him for how he has supported me during this pregnancy. When I miscarried several months after we married, we didn't even know I was expecting until right around the time the baby passed away. It was still terrible and shocking, but we hadn't been celebrating our son/daughter intimately like this. We love laying side by side feeling the kicks and flips. He/she is either practicing gymnastics or basketball or both! haha Sometimes we love to just watch the movements without touching my abdomen. It's different for guys, but Justin is prepping for daddy-hood in the ways God leads him and I love watching his eyes when he feels movement from babe, or says "let's pray for our little one!" </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our life has never been more full, and in so many respects, we are just getting started! </span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">Also, I'm totally loving special times with my Mum who lives close by! She will be such an incredible Nana to her first grandchild. It's pretty special that we can work on certain things together! Like yesterday, we stayed in doors on one of the first cozy-cooler days and took turns at the sewing machine/sewing by hand different things for baby room... Cushions for the fabulous rocking chair, padding for the inside of the family bassinet {it's been on her side of the family for 80+ years!!!!}</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMumFjAOQVkBJQsa9kxYbBgstYw6ALyEYjq0JeqoX26tWcmYICi11RuwhASztsk3-u0rfhaE3maxSLxKZyh3ShCwJ0hg5QYj2q7UUqZuljunVS3vfOhIRU9T8lhx6tr53_LDFB9ojCW7d/s1600/IMG_0472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMumFjAOQVkBJQsa9kxYbBgstYw6ALyEYjq0JeqoX26tWcmYICi11RuwhASztsk3-u0rfhaE3maxSLxKZyh3ShCwJ0hg5QYj2q7UUqZuljunVS3vfOhIRU9T8lhx6tr53_LDFB9ojCW7d/s640/IMG_0472.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to our baby's nursery so far! No theme for these parents.this baby, but we're just working with the colors we already had... And "inside-of-avocado" green and fresh white/off white goes just lovely with the wood accents. Gender neurtral until we can add other colors/accents--we really like deep plumb and eggplant purple or a rich coral if we have a daughter. If this is a boy's nursery, we'll add more browns and an ocean tone dark teal maybe! We are thankful to have this other room in our condo... It's been serving as "Barnabette Cards" business and all other creative explosions {since that's what the room looked like after anything I did!} and this is also Justin's home office. He came up with a great idea to have his desk transformed into a stand up version for his back, and to create more space for babe. We've got a neat second-hand shelving unit with drawers and such, holding things like the change table pad, wipes, and some darling gifts from friends and family. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">My Dad texts, calls, and e-mails {when he can't share in person} about what the latest development of our baby is according to this online tracking thing he has! It's amazing to not only see the progress, but to share in this with my Dad in such a wonderful way each week! I think he's more excited than we are sometimes ;) He's gonna be an unreal Poppa Dub! Thank you God for restoring what we thought was lost. I can't wait to see my Dad holding his first grandchild in his strong arms. </span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uncle Steven {easier to say "Uncle Steve"} has been really fun to share this time with too! He's gonna be such a fun uncle to this little one. It's neat seeing his eyes widen and get serious but also full of wonder and excitement when we talk about their birth and life and what it'll be like. I can't wait to see him with him/her... I know he's gonna be one of the first ones to make them laugh :) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And celebrating with my best girl friend Verity is surreal and awesome. Her and her hubby have bought us some of our favorite baby gifts so far! A rain jacket from the east coast is one of the coolest things! And her words of encouragement, prayers, and hugs and text messages have been a profound blessing. I cannot wait to see our darling son/daughter in her arms. She is such an example to me of what a godly wife is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's also neat how she was right there with me when I had my first ruptured cyst and feared it would cause damage to reproductive necessary parts. She was and is a true kindred spirit friend. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other friends, both single, married, with or without children, have been sharing their support and advice and it's been a really cool season of friendship in that regard as well. I'm especially grateful for my friend who is also my massage therapist. She has a darling son who was a December baby last year! She's so generous with her time and always massages me longer than I pay for! She's given us wonderful tips, practical and sentimental advice, and is as always, a delight to spend time with. I'm thankful for how she helps me cope with the pretty constant headaches each day by massaging me. She also is super excited for us, which means a lot. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember dear ladies, many of these friends have either walked with me through the darkest valleys of my life thus far during those years of sickness or at the very least, or at least knew about what was going on, and so their celebration and excitement come from an extra aware place of where we've been, and where God has brought us. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is always good. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Sometimes we just FEEL and SEE it more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But as beautifully favoured I am in the "friend" department, I am really enjoying solitude more than ever before in life. Thankful that although life is full, each week holds some quality "Mt. of Olives" time! BLISSFUL! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My doula who is also one of my very truest friends, she lives in town and has been an extra special buddy to have during these season. We've laughed and cried together, and she is so entirely supportive and encouraging, answering the questions I have, and just having fun with me getting ready etc. She even found that mesh canopy while we were at Salvation Army! I described to her just a little while before then, sort of what I was looking for, and then wham! She found it! </span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">Pretty cool also how one of my sis-in-laws is expecting their firstborn just a few weeks before us! Wow God! Only you could plan and orchestrate that!!!! She is such a beautiful lady and a natural with all things domestic. I feel spoiled to have her as a friend as well as family because she also has extra knowledge from "catching" babies internationally a few years ago before she married Justin's bro. It's been a blessing to share this experience together. And it's extra neat because we both don't have sisters! Thanks God for bringing our lives together as you have done! This Christmas will be over the top special. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For now, this 6 month pregnant Mama is putting her feet up and delighting in each kick and hiccup coming from our active son/daughter! And asking God to help me by His grace to be submissive in all things according to what He wants. To rejoice in Him always, count it ALL as joy! Also, I am scheming on just how I can tell first time Mothers about this {in great detail} while I'm offering them advise that they clearly want but didn't ask for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*capital wink* </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some neat-o sites/blogs:</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://spinningbabies.com/more-info/for-pregnancy/keeping-the-oa-baby-anterior" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Spinning Babies</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Xs6hbBF8M&list=PL2CE681574C00E83D" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Why Cloth Nappies?</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.parents.com/quiz/pregnancy/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Quiz Time!</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ga0gHgd-k" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Taylor Exercises {Alongside Kegals}</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415" target="_blank">Finnish Babies</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://mymerrymessylife.com/2012/10/homemade-moisturizing-baby-shampoo-recipe-free-printable.html" target="_blank">AWESOME BLOG!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.girlfriendsguide.com/site/" target="_blank">Preg Book-LAUGH OUT LOUD! </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.pameladruckerman.com/books/bringing-up-bebe/" target="_blank">Bringing Up Bebe {book and website}</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos from a session with Meg Dunbar! SuperFun <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBXn6q0pQ6Kz7JrsvW9RU4e2qzOiUdoG4fvoZwR0VhJkJ3sIeSgwI0xffHALA67sLa368PEnptWPps8XS_1eCtL1GqEmLeO3FaZ15e7_NzNPDXl5p-SS8S1KVeI4JSXKmkrWhj7kkk2jn/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBXn6q0pQ6Kz7JrsvW9RU4e2qzOiUdoG4fvoZwR0VhJkJ3sIeSgwI0xffHALA67sLa368PEnptWPps8XS_1eCtL1GqEmLeO3FaZ15e7_NzNPDXl5p-SS8S1KVeI4JSXKmkrWhj7kkk2jn/s320/IMG_9029.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilgzpTwxNOJbQyIm2Xk-CyXxwDjy8S0OXKPDLeGhR-turpV9FT6JXL2Xfb_5PoTq5HWqhkeUALoDSOIn3X5OURwV7xVYR-NNTnN4mjGeopQN1SXvkXYYXBlV4rCbaO2Nf265z6ZZxOv57/s1600/IMG_9040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilgzpTwxNOJbQyIm2Xk-CyXxwDjy8S0OXKPDLeGhR-turpV9FT6JXL2Xfb_5PoTq5HWqhkeUALoDSOIn3X5OURwV7xVYR-NNTnN4mjGeopQN1SXvkXYYXBlV4rCbaO2Nf265z6ZZxOv57/s320/IMG_9040.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">"Pregnancy has made me keenly aware of the perpetual miracle of life like no other season before. Each day and each breath is always miraculous, but I really sense it more vividly throughout every day since reading that "positive" sign on the plastic stick"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">-CMV</span></i></td></tr>
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Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-29702587775608350962013-07-10T23:18:00.002-07:002013-09-23T10:36:46.212-07:00Bloated Faces, Hands, and Feet?It wasn't stretch marks, sagging breasts after breastfeeding, or even varicose veins that had me shuddering when I'd given thought to what might go "wrong" when giving over my body to this entirely miraculous process called PREGNANCY. No my friends. I was nervous about bloating more than anything.<br />
Perhaps this is because {refer to OLD posts} of my history of water-retention-causing drugs when I was still sick with Lyme Disease, mold toxicity, and Protomyxzoa Rheumatica... These drugs like beta-blockers had me puffier than one of those fish you poke to watch them blow up chubby with spikes in the ocean... It made me look sickly and just awful. Pale with blotchy skin that looked like I had edema!<br />
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Here are some helpful tips for us!<br />
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Baby first, but it's okay to take good care of ourselves too! In fact, in taking care of us, we are loving our babies too by eliminating stress. That is an exaggerated sentence in relation to facial and limb bloating, but I'm serious! Now, I'm not really following all of these... YET! haha and I never want to become obsessive, but it's a comfort to know there are things out there! I remember when I was sick, eating cucumber and watermelon in hopes that their natural diuretic properties would counteract the external affects of certain pharmaceuticals. Didn't always work, but I think for THIS kind of bloating... Well, I've seen it help a few darling Mommy's along the way!<br />
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I TAKE NO CREDIT FOR THE FOLLOWING.<br />
I found this on bellybelly. com!<br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Avoid standing for long periods of time</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Avoid salty foods</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Aim to eat at least one meal of FRESH diuretic vegetables daily, i.e. plenty of celery, cucumber, lettuce and other green leafy things. Try carrot, celery and beetroot juice for a lovely gentle diuretic effect.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages – if you must, no more than 1 cup of coffee a week</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to ensure your kidneys are getting a good flush out</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Recline for half hour each afternoon in a lateral position (left side best unless it’s uncomfortable on that side) and try and put your feet up where possible</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Drink dandelion leaf tea – this is safe during pregnancy, and provides a gentle diuretic action and a high amount of beneficial Potassium. It is very supportive to your kidneys, and contains fantastic nutrients for pregnancy health. It is available from good health food shops, or speak to your naturopath or herbalist</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Swimming for exercise</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Reflexology</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Lymphatic drainage massage</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Make sure there is enough vitamin B6, magnesium and vitamin E in your diet</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Eat small amounts of parsley in your food</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.bellybelly.com.au/images/public/bullet.gif?1349246998); background-position: 0px 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Mandarin and grapefruit essential oils may help when massaged into the legs and ankles – dilute at a 1-2 % dilution in a carrier oil – eg. 20 drops per 100ml carrier oil</li>
</ul>
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Thanks for joining me on this slightly more shallow chat!<br />
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Will write more soon!<br />
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Baby at 15 weeks! </div>
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Enjoying each change, both physical and emotional. Even the not so comfy ones like sore hips and extra sensitivity to life :)</div>
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-66051062798347684842013-06-06T11:57:00.002-07:002013-09-13T22:46:54.897-07:00Strangely {yet} Perfectly Normal<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the horizontally bookmarked links on my tool bar shift in theme from recipes, tutoring, wedding ideas for friends, Lyme blogs, encouraging articles... to all things: BABY, I bite my lip as emotion tightens my throat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a new emotion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Something so intense and pure and peaceful, with excited anticipation woven through like a vibrant thread in a knit scarf. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God has blessed us with a gift I struggled to believe was real for weeks! After taking three home pregnancy tests a few days a part {all instantly positive!}, it took a final test at our doc's office for me to let the reality sink deep into my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why do I struggle to believe that God wants to give us GOOD, happy, nice-feeling, special, wonderful, hopeful, lovely gifts?! I do believe suffering is a gift, yes, only because of Christ and the potential GOOD that can come from any kind of trial, but this realization... The condition of my faith and trust, has alerted me to where I'm at after these years, and I'm thankful God is being gentle with me as I grow in trust and understanding of WHO HE IS, and how much He does want to give us GOOD things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">If a child shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he asks a fish, will he for a fish be given a serpent?</span><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b>Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?</b><u> </u></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><u>If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?</u></span><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><u> </u><b>-The Gospel of Luke </b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now we await this most cherished gift from God! This son or daughter is His first. And we are humbled, in awe, and full of wonder to think He would give us this baby. For such a time as this! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just when I thought I couldn't be drawn to babies more or even more emotionally moved by "parent-child" moments in public... Look out water works! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyone else have a hankering to watch Father of the Bride II?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It hasn't been an entirely graceful pregnancy, but for the most part... absolutely BLISS! I love being "with child". It carries more purpose than anything else, because this tiny precious life from God needs my body to survive and thrive. Whatever changes need come, yes, even stretch marks, expanded rib cage, altered skin pigmentation, additional hair growth (even some dark hairs!!!), and some of the more welcome changes {let's just say I need to pay a visit to La Senza asap!}, but as the transformations... transform, it honestly makes me so happy. For years my body would change but it was caused by disease or chronic pain or the effects of the Lyme/malaria/mold toxicity. Now my body is changing in new ways and I see it as <b>beautiful</b>. It is being altered to accommodate LIFE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Midwife is just great and she's happy with how the pregnancy is going so far! My iron is pretty low, but other than that, all is well and I am beyond grateful. Even for girls without the past history I have, sometimes have a really rough go during their first {and sometimes all} trimesters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even during those hours when the exhaustion or nausea rules the day's activities and I don't have the energy to make a meal or work on an ongoing home project or call up a friend or go into work, I still feel like I am accomplishing a lot! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Growing a baby human... No big d. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i>For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i>1 Samuel 1:27</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is no divine sense as to what gender it is...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We haven't settled on any one name whether it's a boy or girl. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crying comes easily and isn't always merited! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My tolerance for sarcasm and silliness is limited to put it mildly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I never get bored of browsing pregnancy or Mommy blogs! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are more DIY ideas than I will have time to make... SO, looks like we'll have to keep making babies ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even though I did wake early to decorate for my beloved best friend {hubby} for his 27th birthday this morning as little surprise, my focus is admittedly on our developing son/daughter more than anything else these days! And my love for Justin keeps growing and reaching new heights too! He gets this look in his eyes when snuggle close and dream together out loud about being parents... It is a look that takes my breath away and my eyes sting with happy tears. God has given us such a gift in our sweet little one. Entering the second trimester has been exciting and at times overwhelming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The "bloating" bump isn't going away so I guess this means I am officially showing?! Woohoo! Grow baby grow! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to the midwife and more accurately to the scale, I've gained six pounds so far! Another answer to prayer. Thanks God! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Is it possible for the body to manifest noticeable physical changes within less than a day?! Because that is exactly what happened! Even my man commented. And the newness came about after a half-day of feeling totally gross, nauseated, exhausted beyond repair! Perhaps hormones were surging and the baby was growing more drastically at that time?! God knows and we get to marvel at how many things change so far in advance to prepare to accommodate this priceless present all the more beautifully! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hearing the steady heartbeat of our baby yesterday caused our emotions to soar and our thoughts to deepen with reflection AND anticipation. Feeling God's favor more than ever. And praying for our child with fervent reverence and glee! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Signing off to go for a walk... Probably not as brisk as I plan on, but I'm glad I can get out and enjoy the sunshine and move! My parents have opened their pool so I'm excited to do some laps soon! Gotta keep the blood flowing to our babe and it feels amazing to stay active! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With strangely yet perfectly normal changes happening, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christa </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the smiling Mommy-to-be</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11V4UdPS03W1nqnUthn87Q2Ac3rcZG4D-WZaRwjnh6ERUvQqNenCHnURqC-bOCL4i5y9mp-ndKF0DaiQT8pQIXXaFrelEcnwO8Z6P4NIgwxHKpDb7DuVOeDSSI7Y7D8092vQ75q3D_zq2/s1600/943054_10151450873918869_617406341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11V4UdPS03W1nqnUthn87Q2Ac3rcZG4D-WZaRwjnh6ERUvQqNenCHnURqC-bOCL4i5y9mp-ndKF0DaiQT8pQIXXaFrelEcnwO8Z6P4NIgwxHKpDb7DuVOeDSSI7Y7D8092vQ75q3D_zq2/s320/943054_10151450873918869_617406341_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/Pregnancy/calendar/week/14"><b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></a>
<a href="http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/Pregnancy/calendar/week/14" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">{Our Baby}</span></b></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/Pregnancy/calendar/week/14"><br /></a>
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-48900340498949241342013-05-01T09:58:00.004-07:002013-09-13T22:47:09.827-07:00Sometimes 1+1=3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-ImQ48hEV12_VZXCnkS1rDt3z4ez8e6kkMOwrxn7vCpj0OIbG7i4BbPOgGjoFK2k0NYZ-xzuhGuInlxLsTHJvoNVP_YeSpBHuSFh7W56mwYMLecF9Wye8979o1NtiKPuFJBObpaK6PxO/s1600/923312_10151382769978869_1220224491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-ImQ48hEV12_VZXCnkS1rDt3z4ez8e6kkMOwrxn7vCpj0OIbG7i4BbPOgGjoFK2k0NYZ-xzuhGuInlxLsTHJvoNVP_YeSpBHuSFh7W56mwYMLecF9Wye8979o1NtiKPuFJBObpaK6PxO/s400/923312_10151382769978869_1220224491_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With quick-beating hearts, butterflies fluttering in our tummies, smiles on our faces, and a fullness of such thankful joy coloring our every word, we have been sharing our latest news: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>{A MIRACLE-GIFT FROM GOD}</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">DUE: DECEMBER 12TH, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Announcement Video...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/2u9r7xwdlzhbzow/Puzzle.mov">https://www.dropbox.com/s/2u9r7xwdlzhbzow/Puzzle.mov</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"Praise His name! For He has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-Psalm 126:3</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"We are common earthenware jars, filled with the treasure of the riches of God! The jar is not important-the treasure is everything. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">'But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.' </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">{ 2 Corinthians 4:7 }</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Father, it is a testimony to Your glory that something so common as our weak bodies may possess Your riches. Only a true Artist can make full use of humble materials." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">EACH NEW DAY: 30th of April </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">-- Corrie ten Boom</span><br />
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Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-55152250145748429882013-02-06T00:05:00.004-08:002013-02-06T00:05:59.661-08:00VARIOUS ARTICLES YOU WILL WANT TO READ<a href="http://www.publichealthalert.org/pdf/2013/2013_3.pdf">http://www.publichealthalert.org/pdf/2013/2013_3.pdf</a><br />
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Planning on posting an update soon!<br />
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C.Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-75604625510503459052012-12-19T17:34:00.001-08:002014-05-26T15:48:22.264-07:00O Christmas Tree!<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We call our condo the "Tree House"</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But ironically, my hubby and I are not getting a tree this year for Christmas!<br /><br />For me, during those "growing up years", having a real tree was such a special memory/tradition. Not just having it in our home, but the adventure of going with other families; making a day of it in the woods to choose that special one tree that would have its home in our living room for the season :) When I got older it was great helping out<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> with the sawing of the trunk too, and loved the feel of the branches as we held them onto a sleigh or back of a vehicle. Then once inside, naked branches without a single ornament or tinsel string, it was beautiful all on its own with that distinct, invigorating smell of the sap, the feel of the evergreen needles as we would begin to hang ornaments and string ribbon all around together.<br /><br />Especially the way those lights looked on the tree in the middle of the night--when I'd tip-toe out of bed and plug them in just to sit by the fire place and look around me and feel so safe and warm and cozy and those were special times, thinking alone while the world slept, about God's gifts AND the unwrapped gifts under the tree too of COURSE!<br />I remember sometimes I wouldn't think much of anything.<br />In a good way.<br /><br />Even last year I woke in the middle of the night and since I was already able to walk unaided all the time, I walked to our couch near the fire and watched our beautiful tree after I plugged in the tiny white lights :) Truly marvelling at how blessed our lives have been through it ALL! Not just around Christmas and not just during "good times"...<br /><br />Oh how surreal and bright those memories from childhood were. Like some dream from another time and place completely. Those were precious years of being young; untouched mostly by the world's darkness and sin, still completely trusting and so full of child-like wonder and faith in Jesus.<br />I remember those nights during December when I was growing up, sitting by the lit tree, marvelling at each ornament and pondering why it was special to our family and who made it etc. And of course outside it would be snowing the hugest fattest flakes you ever did see, casting a wintery pink haze over all the homes and trees and snow on our street!<br />Those times were SWEET!<br />Peaceful circumstantially in every way!<br /><br />But I've grown up a lot since those child and pre-teen Christmases, and God has since given me PEACE even when circumstances are in turmoil. Even when ornaments can't be appreciated and there's not baking or laughter in the kitchen. Christmas after Christmas...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />Have you come to know the peace of God like that yet?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">It doesn't last in a fixed <i>perfect</i> state, since this is still earth after all. But it never fully leaves, even in the darkest of times. And that... THAT is the miraculous power of God.<br /><br />Well, unless we go out into the boonies like I used to while growing up with our family and friends, or if we find one on a friend's acreage, I'm not thinkin' we'll have ourselves a tree this year!! AH!<br />We'll see!<br /><br />Anyways, in the photo of this wee little tree with red faux berries, well, it has been a part of many Christmases.<br />When I was sick, sometimes we'd just have this little one right next to the bed.<br />My mum gave this set of wooden signs to several friends. The stockings read:<br />"BELIEVE"<br />"PRAISE"<br />"REJOICE"<br />"NOEL"<br /><br />Whether you are physically able to decorate, bake, shop, create, etc. and enjoy the festivities this year in a healthy body, or whether you're still in a very difficult place with health or grief, which can totally cripple us not just physically, my prayer is that Emmanuel (God with us) would bring comfort and peace to you as only He can and that you would seek His presence now more than ever...<br />You're being prayed for.<br />You're loved.<br />And there is peace waiting to come to you in Him :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /><span class="text Luke-1-78" id="en-NLT-24940" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Because of God’s tender mercy,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-78" style="position: relative;">the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-24940a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A78-79&version=NLT#fen-NLT-24940a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Luke-1-79" id="en-NLT-24941" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">79 </sup>to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-79" style="position: relative;">and to guide us to the path of peace.”</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="text Luke-1-79" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="text Luke-1-79" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This was written by one of Jesus' best friend's Luke. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">He was documenting the response that Zechariah had :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Check it out in the book of Luke (one of four Gospels) in the New Testament. </span></div>
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Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-59778044032781119252012-12-18T01:24:00.003-08:002012-12-18T01:29:52.256-08:00Sharing God's Story thru "OUR STORY": the movie<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAHnSDC3-fPa9SXGH1oCcH4qAOWxRBlH2hAmjgIOTn4jMGlXCD4ivpVmKX9_GIU3S3Cq1ylpTIGRun9FqG2a5RVh-M80m5ydsakSnhkCL5gIYJ2cadMaCKbqn0Zb72QwMSjFdD_W3rUL4/s1600/JC2_0480+12.59.03+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAHnSDC3-fPa9SXGH1oCcH4qAOWxRBlH2hAmjgIOTn4jMGlXCD4ivpVmKX9_GIU3S3Cq1ylpTIGRun9FqG2a5RVh-M80m5ydsakSnhkCL5gIYJ2cadMaCKbqn0Zb72QwMSjFdD_W3rUL4/s640/JC2_0480+12.59.03+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So! Below is the link to our movie annnnnnd more changes have been made that you might not have seen... Check it out if you have some time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />You're also welcome to share this film with others at work, school, family, etc! Yes, my dear readers, if you think that by showing this to others, they might be encouraged, taught something, built up in their hope, inspired to be more honest in faith and doubt, and/or learn more about Lyme...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And some people like to share it with the loved ones OF someone suffering physically from the disease itself so they can get a different perspective of what its like DAY AFTER DAY, WEEK AFTER WEEK, MONTH AFTER MONTH... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /> YEAR AFTER YEAR. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /> ... For us, we feel and KNOW that God wants us to be open about what He's brought us through and out of :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />To be a clear voice speaking for those who cannot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />Is there something you should be open about?<br />What about something to ponder rather than project for others to hear/see?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />I don't know about you, but I find it a struggle sometimes to discern what is most beneficial (telling or withholding...) for so many different life-scenarios!<br />For now, we hope you are impacted by the love of Jesus when you watch this...<br />Bless you with His love!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />-Christa Belle</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/So2K68r8pOY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Tonight I was at a fantastic girls only "tacky Christmas sweater/cookie decorating" party with dear friends... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But, to be truthful, while the rooms were filled with laughter and chatter, I was overwhelmed throughout the evening with such intense gratitude and a deep sense of AWE and wonderment that I was actually OUT, dressed in day clothes, listening to new friends chat, just "one of the gals" and living life again like never before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> It's all very surreal still. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But though I do feel old in my spirit sometimes, aching for Home, I am absolutely healthier than EVER and God keeps filling my heart with joy and renewing my mind with His truth and showing me "what's next" just when I need to know! And will certainly write more VERY soon about just that... About where our life is at!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm seeing a specialist chiropractor 3X weekly!... And the changes happening with that are pretty cool! Lots going on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Until then, keep e-mailing me if you need prayer, or someone to vent to or perhaps just to share your own journey with me or talk about something other than health too! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">cmvhealth@live.ca</span><br />
<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-51234807159697636242012-12-14T03:06:00.002-08:002012-12-14T03:07:09.791-08:00PRAYER!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Friends and Family and Followers of this blog {that has been collecting dust these past months}...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>There are potentially huge changes about to happen in the Lyme world within Canada. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Please pray about this until I can share more details. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Prayer is vital to the process and completion of this... </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I'm sensing that it's time for me to "put ink to pen" and write once more!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Blogging is something I miss now!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Bless you all for your encouragement and personal messages along the way. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>More to come! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Also, should I post my Europe musings from the month we spent traveling?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>For now, THIS is what we were doing two nights ago! :)</i></span><br />
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-5592159159628740892012-05-05T19:29:00.000-07:002012-05-05T19:29:29.132-07:00Another Helpful Lyme Movie<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When we first saw this in 2010, it was really encouraging to me to never give up! I'm so glad we never did give in or give up fighting!!!!! If you yourself have had light shed on the reality of Lyme Disease and co-infection etc., then share the truth with others... Be a voice for those who cannot speak, or for those who have died because of Lyme...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It matters and you could save a life! </span><br />
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-38926034821010753042012-04-26T14:31:00.002-07:002014-05-26T16:41:58.810-07:00CONFESSIONS OF A BUTTERFLY<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">CONFESSIONS OF A BUTTERFLY:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73xYUD_MQnPVNUJZZwl27s3OB1FC8ypN3boEF-Ed6TIkpvjW4XTKzfURKXPfWNJAErlYzbMCJOdwvvvX12fpbWGOEURTaQ9UxpGT05C3AO1ZG-t5QzlPHhl478t2nP0w_XZLCmANTGYPo/s1600/butterfly1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73xYUD_MQnPVNUJZZwl27s3OB1FC8ypN3boEF-Ed6TIkpvjW4XTKzfURKXPfWNJAErlYzbMCJOdwvvvX12fpbWGOEURTaQ9UxpGT05C3AO1ZG-t5QzlPHhl478t2nP0w_XZLCmANTGYPo/s320/butterfly1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the past few months I have been pushing my body too far. Too much. Too intensely... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's been nearly 11 months since I've been on ANY treatment, and I'm feeling better than ever! Thus, making it tough for this energetic gal to hold back. Not one single Lyme or malaria symptom has resurfaced, and thus... Well, I've been going a little crazy with commitments and taking on responsibilities that number too many! I've been expecting highly of myself, to the point where it has made my head/jaw/neck pain quite a bit worse. With "doctor's orders" (I thank God for my amazing doctor--Dr. Cobus Bester--), and the wise counsel of many friends and family, I am going to take the next few months to REST and spoil myself and take care of ME for a while. The nerve pain I'm experiencing is quite dreadful, and it's getting more difficult to hide/push through/be brave about... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've been too focused on pleasing others and helping others than taking care of this body, soul, and mind and heart of mine that has gone through SO much over the past half-decade. The focus has been too much on accomplishing and DOING and participating and organizing where from I can then report to everyone--but especially those closest to me--all the things I'm able to do (biking uphill until my head feels like it will explode--not cool!, hosting events, singing with Dad at church events, running a million errands in a day, going to multiple "body treatments" each week, sometimes twice in one day which has proven detrimental and not entirely beneficial so close together but I am SO desperate to be out of pain I've had this headache that is ALWAYS there just varies in degree of severity for over FIVE YEARS), so that you will all know how HEALTHY I am!!!!! But the truth is, YES, no relapse or anything like that, but the pain is getting worse, proving that my body still needs TIME to heal from the two car crashes that were rollover MVA's where I smashed my head and snapped my neck both times, and heal from all the seizures, clenching, and other head trauma. The nerves have been damaged but not destroyed, as my MD, ND's, etc. tell me, and they need time to repair... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is in God’s holy healing hands. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But waiting is hard! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just want to break free entirely but this lingering pain reminds me how human I am. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More than I’d like to admit. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you for supporting my decision by encouraging me in this and gently "slapping my wrist" if I start taking on too much again! Thanks to those of you who already were encouraging me on here to slow down (Linda Linda Sue Teeters, Anita Kober, Cory Wensley, etc :)) and I'm finally listening and not taking on too much. Even with the many e-mails we received daily from around the globe, I'm going to have help replying :) And not taking on as many card orders as before! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Card making is like therapy for me! Such a joy! So keep the orders coming, I just need at least a couple weeks to complete them :) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanks, those of you who read this, for caring and for your awesome support all along the way... This butterfly is flying, but she's closing her wings up for a little bit of a respite, just touching down long enough to enjoy the beauty on this level: the "flowers" and "moss" of life a bit more, rather than soaring high at ridiculous speeds...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did you know butterflies aren’t made from chubby caterpillars directly?! Rather, they must dissolve and have new DNA combined and created to fully embrace their new identity as flights of beauty & colour! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, I’m changed too. In my selfish ignorance, I actually thought that I could just pick up the pieces and “resume general swim” {SNL sketch}, but truly I am altered. Holding onto the former self has been destructive at best. What I’ve learned, is I need to hold onto Jesus. Not the old self or even the new me. I’m still learning {not so gracefully} to relinquish my desires and longings to Jesus. Aren’t we all? And I admit I’m still gaining trust in Him, since my faith in Him was so roughly shaken up recently of my own doubtful selfishness. But He’s the Artist & Author behind the painting and story of the butterfly’s transformation. He’s all about that. Death to old self, life to the new. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Revived in His love, saying goodbye to the previous me. Even the good. Especially the bad. Embracing this new self with a bit of hesitancy but still going forward and growing, blossoming, and seeing more </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">colour in His grace. </span>Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-23770010324029491382012-04-25T21:12:00.000-07:002014-02-03T12:18:49.920-08:00City-Wide Senior's Event, Vernon BC Singing! <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singing with my dear Dad for the first time in ages!!! It was this talented, patient, and wonderful man who taught me to sing, but it was God who gave me a song to sing. A song of His love, ever since I was a tiny tot. But since getting sick five years ago, this is the first time Dad and I sung together like this again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Jesus! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you, Dad!</span><br />
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-44619422359632630682012-04-25T21:09:00.002-07:002012-04-26T13:59:01.106-07:00LADIES TEA EVENT APRIL 23, 2012 VERNON, BC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is one of the first times I'm sharing a portion of the journey from these past 5 years in a public setting. What a beautiful privilege to stand beside my gentle and strong Mum who is also my very best friend. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">May Jesus bless your heart, renew your mind, and encourage your very soul in some way, some how as you watch and listen. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Savoye LET'; font-size: 29px;">~~~Blessings Abundant~~~</span></div>
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-64739075537440111762012-04-25T12:14:00.000-07:002012-04-25T12:14:10.451-07:00Job And His Friends<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's a passage that my dear Mumsy (Justin's Mum) shared with me from Job before she left yesterday after spending the weekend with us, to be here while Mum Wensley and I spoke at the Anual Ladies Tea Event at our church: Grace Bible Church. </span><br />
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<span class="text Job-11-13" id="en-NLT-13098" style="position: relative;">If only you would prepare your heart</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-13" style="position: relative;">and lift up your hands to him in prayer!</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-11-14" id="en-NLT-13099" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>Get rid of your sins,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-14" style="position: relative;">and leave all iniquity behind you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-11-15" id="en-NLT-13100" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>Then your face will brighten with innocence.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-15" style="position: relative;">You will be strong and free of fear.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-11-16" id="en-NLT-13101" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>You will forget your misery;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-16" style="position: relative;">it will be like water flowing away.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-11-17" id="en-NLT-13102" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Your life will be brighter than the noonday.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-17" style="position: relative;">Even darkness will be as bright as morning.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-11-18" id="en-NLT-13103" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>Having hope will give you courage.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-18" style="position: relative;">You will be protected and will rest in safety.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-11-19" id="en-NLT-13104" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>You will lie down unafraid,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-19" style="position: relative;">and many will look to you for help.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-11-20" id="en-NLT-13105" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>But the wicked will be blinded.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-20" style="position: relative;">They will have no escape.</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-11-20" style="position: relative;">Their only hope is death.”</span></span></div>
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</div>Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-17115421328401198132012-04-12T22:36:00.000-07:002012-04-12T22:36:02.879-07:00Dr. Phil on LYME DISEASEEven though I care more about what Jesus thinks about chronic illness... I still am anticipating what Doc Phil will present and have shown on his production this week as the topic of discussion is in fact: CHRONIC AND ACUTE LYME DISEASE!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.drphil.com/shows/">http://www.drphil.com/shows/</a><br />
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PLEASE watch and contact him with questions etc. if it is portrayed inacurately, and feel free to contact us for questions/comments as well.<br />
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We don't actually have TV. But if you do, and you can tape it, and send it to us, that would be marvelous!!!!<br />
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May God BLESS you as He so lovingly sees fit :)<br />
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Even suffering is a blessing. May we never forget this truth!<br />
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Hugs from BC, Canada~<br />
Your friend and forever writer,<br />
Christa BelleChrista Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-29225956738357705882012-04-05T21:43:00.002-07:002012-04-09T21:10:56.892-07:00HAPPY Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY EASTER, </div>
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MY DARLING FRIENDS, PRECIOUS FAMILY, AND DEAREST "FOLLOWERS"!</div>
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ARE YOU BORN AGAIN?</div>
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What does this even mean to you? </div>
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John chapter 3</div>
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-89080967171380789032012-04-04T16:59:00.003-07:002012-04-04T17:00:01.527-07:00A SONG NEED NOT WORDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This exquisite song (instrumental) was one of a few that I often requested to have played during the many years of disease and illness and agony... While I lay in bed in between vomiting or seizures or both... With fevers wracking my skinny body and tachycardia and air hunger making me desperate for oxygen... My spirit, heart, mind, and soul would come alive even as my body seemed to waste away when I would listen to certain songs!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I listen to it now... The emotions overwhelm me and tears they do fall! Cascading in thankful amazement as I marvel at where God took me, and where He has brought me to... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To this place. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A new place. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The song sounds different to me somehow. No longer longing for victory or what might be waiting for me at the climax of restored health, but now it is a song of hope fulfilled and of my genesis! It is a song that also reminds me of what my lasting Home might be like... Heaven. </span><br />
<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-74865477394844482242012-03-31T15:16:00.004-07:002012-04-12T09:10:48.954-07:00BLESSED PAIN<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Are you suffering pain?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What kind of pain is it? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me share with you some words from:</span><br />
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<b><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">DAILY WITH THE KING</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DEVOTIONAL</span></span></span></u></i></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">"My reaction when I am confronted by evil must be more than negative; it must be POSITIVE. I must seize evil and turn it into an actual triumph. Jesus did more than ignore Satan; He defeated him at the cross. Joseph's brother's meant to do him evil, but God turned it into incredible good!... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If I am a true disciple of Jesus Christ, then I will manifest Calvary's principle of compelling evil to yield a victory to me. That means illness and pain (yes those are the exact words!!) can be a pulpit to preach God's patience, strength, and glory. That means a complete reversal of my former attitude toward evil--FEAR of it. That means I welcome evil that occurs in my life as a sweet opportunity for God's grace to transform it into positive steps of progress and faith-growth! Thus, I am transformed from a worried, harried, fearful disciple, into a citizen of Heaven who reflects the serenity of the country to which he belongs...Today I am in pain and I must ask God if this means anything. What does He want to teach me through this?...It was inevitable that Jesus, in becoming man and with our redemption in mind, should have a direct confrontation with pain. It is also noteworthy that Jesus did not adopt our pains to REMOVE them, but to PURIFY them. That is why His followers still suffer, still go through the fire, in what is called "the fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). In sharing our sufferings with Jesus, we also share in what He did with suffering--turning it into a stepping-stone to glory!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I must never deny pain and pretend that it does not exist, for that would be denial of the cross of Christ. Nor must I fight pain, but that would be improper use of it. Jesus adopted it and conquered it and so must I. But I can never conquer it alone. I can do it only through Christ who gives me the right to enjoy anything; including that which is absent of pain. It is He alone who gives me the right to enjoy what He so gloriously has accomplished..."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-W. Glyn Evans</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as he did his servant Moses, that you might behold his glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of his glory in his wonderful dealings with you." -Spurgeon</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-79954130621168206082012-03-28T09:59:00.001-07:002012-03-28T10:00:27.656-07:00LYME CARE IN CANADA<br />
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December 6, 2011. 4:30 pm <span class="cat-links" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">• Section: <a href="http://blogs.vancouversun.com/category/staff/health/medicine-matters/" rel="category tag" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="View all posts in Medicine Matters">Medicine Matters</a></span></div>
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The sesame-seed-sized tick that causes lyme disease in humans</div>
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<a class="avatar" href="http://blogs.vancouversun.com/author/pamela7878/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(220, 220, 220); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(220, 220, 220); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; display: inline; float: left; height: 39px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 39px;"><img alt="" class="avatar avatar-38 grav-hashed" height="38" id="grav-667a1d746803a387453625d502d355b3-0" src="http://0.gravatar.com/avatar/667a1d746803a387453625d502d355b3?s=38&d=http%3A%2F%2F0.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D38&r=G" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; height: 38px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 38px;" width="38" /></a><br />
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RECENT POSTS FROM THIS AUTHOR</h4>
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<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 140px;"><a href="http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/03/26/what-to-do-if-you-witness-someone-having-an-epilepsy-seizure/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What to do if you witness someone having an epilepsy seizure</a><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: block; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Posted on Mar 26, 2012</em></li>
<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 140px;"><a href="http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/03/13/bc-health-minister-seeking-answers-about-ubc-med-school-admissions-after-report-of-calls-from-influential-parents/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">BC health minister seeking answers about UBC med school admissions after report of calls from influential parents</a><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: block; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Posted on Mar 13, 2012</em></li>
<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 140px;"><a href="http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/03/11/margaret-trudeau-no-regrets-about-having-bipolar-disorder-she-says-in-vancouver-interview/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Margaret Trudeau: no regrets about having bipolar disorder, she says in Vancouver interview</a><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: block; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Posted on Mar 11, 2012</em></li>
<li style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 140px;"><a href="http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/03/09/competition-for-med-school-spots-means-parents-desperate-to-see-their-kids-get-in-are-trying-everything-but-not-always-succeeding/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Competition for med school spots: parents desperate to see their kids get in try everything, but don’t always succeed</a><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: block; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Posted on Mar 9, 2012</em></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The BC government pledged $2 million eight months ago for a new clinic where those with Lyme disease and other complex, chronic diseases could go for help in managing their many symptoms. Today the clinic has a home but no opening date. That’s because experts and other stakeholders – including patients themselves – are still being consulted on how to deliver the services.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s probably wise to tread carefully because in the highly emotional, frustrating and uncertain world that is the everyday reality for patients like these, such a clinic must be a welcoming place offering hope, help and shared decision making.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and other complex diseases have always been contentious, partly because of ambiguous symptoms and the difficulty with diagnostic tools. The announcement about the clinic came just days after </span></span><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.globalmontreal.com/most+bc+doctors+not+trained+to+diagnose+lyme+disease/216128/story.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wrote this story</span></span></a></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> about how doctors in BC are under-reporting Lyme disease cases and not so great about diagnosing or treating the disease. This is not unique to Vancouver.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are tens of thousands of patients across BC with debilitating chronic diseases in which the cause is unknown, but may have been triggered by an infectious agent. Fatigue, pain, stiffness and insomnia are often hallmark symptoms. Gwen Barlee, a chronic Lyme disease patient/advocate told me today she’s cautiously optimistic about the clinic.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“But the proof will be in the pudding. Who will run the clinic? We need to get beyond the outdated way of treating, or not treating Lyme disease, so we need the clinic to be staffed with professionals who aren’t afraid of the politics surrounding lyme disease and are willing to treat based on symptoms, and not rely on a flawed blood testing model.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“The BC government has a chance to do this right. I hope they will seize the moment. They need to work closely with CanLyme and Lyme disease patients instead of marginalizing people who are living with this disease. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“I hope the BC clinic can lead the way in Canada with a proactive, open and inclusive approach to treating this illness. Of course the clinic is only one part of the equation – we need the BC government to implement the recommendations from the</span></span><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.canlyme.com/Schmidt_2011.pdf" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #035a91; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Brian) Schmidt report </span></span></a></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- so far, I see no evidence that is happening, and that makes me concerned,” she said.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here’s the press release about the new clinic:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre will be home to a new clinic that will address complex diseases such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme disease and Fibromyalgia, which often lead to disability for British Columbians.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">British Columbia is taking a leading role within Canada with the clinic and its associated research program. The establishment of the clinic is made possible with the direct investment of $2 million from the BC Ministry of Health announced earlier this year. The clinic will work with patients and family physicians from across the province to provide care for people in addition to learning more about these complex diseases.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The clinic and its research program are expected to support clinicians and researchers in their pursuit of the discovery of causes, diagnosis and potential treatments for these types of diseases. The clinic will also explore the feasibility of incorporating an outreach component to build capacity in the province. The goal will be to enhance the ability for people from all regions within British Columbian to access improved care.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Consulting with people who are suffering with complex chronic diseases during early development of the clinic was established as a key priority. The Complex Chronic Disease Clinic Community Advisory Committee convened its inaugural meeting on November 10th, 2011. The planning team has taken additional time to meet with key stakeholders thus the opening of the clinic has been extended. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">During the meeting participants, which included representatives from the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation,</span></span><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">MEFM Society of BC and National ME/FM Action Network, were provided a tour of the space. In addition they provided input and feedback to the clinic organizing committee on a variety of topics including community engagement strategies that will provide meaningful input into clinic planning, service delivery model and proposed research agendas.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre is an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The PHSA has been working on the creation of the clinic, which aims to provide patient and symptom-centered care. In addition to establishing a strong link with community advisors from the beginning, recruitment for medical leadership for the clinic is underway.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dr. David Patrick, Director and Professor UBC School of Population and Public Health and Medical Epidemiology Lead, Antimicrobial Resistance, BC Centre for Disease Control, said: </span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“On behalf of a large PHSA team from the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre and PHSA’s Corporate Office, we are enormously grateful to have community members with the generosity to contribute their time in helping us serve the people they represent. They are the experts when it comes to living with Complex Chronic Diseases.”</span></span></div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dr. Jan Christilaw, President, BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, said:</span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“BC Women’s Hospital is pleased to be working with our partners to bring this exciting and important project to fruition.”</span></span></div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sherri Todd, BC Director, National ME/FM Action Network, said:</span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“We congratulate the BC Government for launching the Complex Chronic Disease Clinic in BC. This is a much needed and very worthwhile endeavor. I am pleased that the project has been assigned to the Provincial Health Services Authority as this recognizes the province-wide scope of the problem and we look forward to working with the PHSA.”</span></span></div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jim Wilson, President, Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, said:</span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“The Provincial Health Services Authority had the foresight to create an advisory committee that includes patient representatives. This is a very positive move that reinforces the nature of the relationship of the clinic with its future patients.”</span></span></div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Susan MacLean, President, MEFM Society of BC, said:</span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“We need solutions to the enormous personal costs that are associated with chronic diseases. I believe a community and patient-based approach will move the Complex Chronic Disease Clinic progressively forward. By sharing our understanding of and experience living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Lyme disease/Fibromyalgia with the clinic’s staff and researchers, we will also be able to inform the community about the focus and progress of the clinic.”</span></span></div>
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</div>Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-33110750697617857082012-03-13T21:49:00.001-07:002012-03-17T09:31:20.209-07:00The Scent of Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAkj4r6LKZbSumwLvhdPH7yQvLpqAlyr56iT-8TffUUDnJnR0dPm1CG7F3XCKN89tjM0xGoq6crpyyLvhqFwoHkSYBQAVNFI_AcCr9KztpZVUGL1KgA3okSzZ1mkLMF5dGht5Gp4-W4qx/s1600/flower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAkj4r6LKZbSumwLvhdPH7yQvLpqAlyr56iT-8TffUUDnJnR0dPm1CG7F3XCKN89tjM0xGoq6crpyyLvhqFwoHkSYBQAVNFI_AcCr9KztpZVUGL1KgA3okSzZ1mkLMF5dGht5Gp4-W4qx/s320/flower2.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hough apparently fresh snow fell in Vernon just hours ago, today we have had heavy and glorious rains here in Calgary! Justin remains steadfast in his support of me, as we break through this final layer of health stuff... And I just am baffled at how faithful he continues to be, leading us spiritually and in every other way no matter where we are on the globe or what ocupies our days. He constantly encourages me in my walk with our God, and we are so grateful for the extra time here in Calgary to read and write together! God is SO good! Always. He was always good through our darkest months during those terribly traumatic YEARS, and He remains good ever still! We are both reading books alongside His Word. I'm really appreciating just finishing up John MacArthur's: WORSHIP, and Justin just began a book called "How Atheism Lead me to Faith in Jesus Christ"! Justin and I LOVE to learn. About so many things. But especially the things of God. Nothing gets us more fired up and full of LIFE than Eternally valued things. I'm sure many of you can relate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are having a truly marvelous time in the city with Mumsy and VanderDad! They have been so accommodating in sharing one of their vehicles with us, and just being such dear friends and siblings in Christ! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am in the dentist chair a LOT, and enjoying getting to know all the darling dental hygienists who work at the clinic! Everyone has a story to tell... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With all the work and adjustments that go along with getting this splint just right, it's quite painful and takes time, but Dr. Dave is fitting in one month of intense jaw work into ONE WEEK... Needless to say, yikes this hurts!!!!!!!!! But it will all be worth it, I'm hopeful in this :) God remains my strength and joy through it all, and this has no stress attached, as most other things have-health related-these past years. It is such blessed bliss to be set free from that... Wow. Thank you Lord!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, Dr. Dave is especially thrilled with the progress, as are we, as we all marvel at how rapidly bones, muscles, discs, etc. are moving! The 3 dislocated discs I have, one of those have popped out even more which was quite painful today, but anyways, time will tell how much the splint therapy will help. Dr. Dave, with all his expertise and experience seems to think he will refer me to the best of the best, his colleagues in Florida... They do more surgical "stuff", which I am VERY hesitant to even consider at this early point in the game! Anyways, for now we are just grateful for the progression, and hope that by relaxing muscles that have been in spasm for years, that will ease enough of the nerve and muscle pain that has still been plaguing me of late. It is so exciting how much it has already changed my bite and I can feel muscles finally relaxing for the first time in YEARS!!! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In between appointments, we have been visiting up a storm! Connecting with those who can squeeze us in between Uni, jobs, kids, etc., and it's been a really special time! People have been spoiling us and treating us to meals and coffees as we share conversation, go for walks, dine out, dine in, etc. There are still loads of dear friends we long to see, but we're not sure if we will be able to fit it all in! So thankful I am well again, and we will simply have to return soon just for fun and visits with friends and family!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, with this delightful Springtime weather, I am yearning for bright things! Last night I was kept up with visionary thoughts of some changes I'd like to make to our condo and what kind of plants we'll buy this year! With all that dreaming and sketching and poetry that I wrote while the jaw and headache kept me awake, I am now practically itching to get home and breathe deeply of this new season! Thus, my hands and heart are yearning to encounter the fullness of Spring on all levels! To dig deep into that earthy dirt and see things blossom and grow! What a gift and reflection of our Creator God!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yaaaa, at the moment I am thinking of that intoxicating, rich aroma that is experienced only in that smell of fantastic, dark, fertile soil! And I shall soon be planting lovely blooms and budding flowers, varying spices, green herbs... Mum knows the best places for good deals in town and I'm so looking forward to going with her!!! Getting them all placed in their new environment in partial shade, partial sunshine, surrounding the sitting areas on both front and back decks, and by the BBQ! When it's warm enough, I'll get my grubs on and turn my attention on the darling bistro set that my sweet Great Nana Rita left me when she went to Heaven! It will make its new home on our back deck that overlooks the creek. Oh yes! I shall work hard at sanding it down to then re-paint it a crisp, clean white! This will be my new special outdoor place to pen musings on paper and the computer, as well as composing letters and writing in the cards I make! This bistro set will also be a delightfully intimate spot to invite and host my sweet friends of all ages who come over! We will sip homemade iced tea or pink lemonade (or have high tea!!) between beautiful conversations, the sound of children laughing, the creek babbling, and the willows rustling as they sway in a dance carried on the Spring breezes... I am thanking God already for the precious memories to be made as words are exchanged between genuine friendships with family and kindred spirits and new friends, all woven together with genuine admiration and authentic appreciation for one another as we are all at different places along the journey called: life! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is MUCH for me to learn! I feel like this newly flying butterfly is just getting started in many ways! Can you relate? I know some of you can! You know who you are! And I love it! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To say that I am at peace is a true thing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And yet, I feel zealous and anxiously thrilled for the ability to actually spend my days fully and well and meaningfully... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is so much to be excited about, whether it is volunteering in our community or just going for quiet walks alone with Jesus, I am full of passionate anticipation and overwhelming thanksgiving!!!! What a season this is... Truly, the Spring of my life! I have never been more full of life and health and contented HUNGER for abundant living! God's blessings are often so distinct from the "comfort-oriented" situations and circumstances we think we need/want from Him. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How good He is. How good He is to have brought me into and through such profound physical suffering. Only the beginning. A portion of my genesis with Him! He began writing my story with Him before I was in the womb, but from my memory, the Author penned our love story and brought me to repentance when I was just a toddler. I know that sounds slightly ridiculous, but there are some things that the Holy Spirit can and does reveal to the youngest of child's souls... I give God the complete credit and glory for any and all of the GOOD things in my life, and my eyes brim with tears of wonder as I ponder upon how He has been drawing me ever nearer to Himself since I was a wee toddler. Trusting and safe in my innocent BIG faith. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My how things have changed!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyways, I have so much on my heart and mind and PLATE these days! And with this splint in my mouth (day # 2 of splint therapy!!!), the pain is making it a bit tough to articulate clearly what I'm feeling and thinking! But I AM planning four separate events all to be held in this coming Spring!!!!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One that I would like to share with you is the second Vernon screening of UNER OUR SKIN... Same venue: Grace Bible Church (hopefully! I haven't asked yet! But they were so accommodating last time!), where Jim Wilson of Canada Lyme Association will be present to answer questions like before, at the close of the film. I will be sharing a portion of my own "Lyme Story" and answering several impromptu questions from the "crowd" before the film is shown. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you would like to help with publicity, do let me know! Since last time I was so very sick, I couldn't plan anything and could hardly type even!!! But still over 300 people attended and many were unable to come, so I'm hoping this will be a huge turn out! It will be early to mid-may in the evening... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you for journeying with me! It is a pleasure for me to write. I write because I honestly cannot help it! And it's such fun and such a lovely bonus to know some of my words are being read by people who care about LIFE too... And so many of the other things that fill my heart and soul with JOY and HOPE and LOVE!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God's perfect blessings upon your life, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Until the "pen hits the page again and until my voice is heard", I will continue writing and singing and planning speeches in my head as I have always done since I was a tiny girl! hehe So funny how we oft don't change too much from who we were as wee tots! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Run your fingers through rich, dark soil... Let it get beneath your nails... And breath deeply of that sweet, fresh scent! This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it...</span></div>
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<br />Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-58392655746845862232012-03-07T21:40:00.000-08:002012-03-10T21:33:41.609-08:00JUSTIN'S SERMON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4CO-EVe8haU8QX17lPDf4UwfAnYgqb_ZtRi_DZehsgf-DXk7u70myNFb8cJGYrqxPH4v5mUCV2C4ZYJ9YdNYVJQWMkL0tPBR4tVOpNZZwxHaspo4RjO-txNreT2swvNqE0EQof4qrpa5/s1600/lyme8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4CO-EVe8haU8QX17lPDf4UwfAnYgqb_ZtRi_DZehsgf-DXk7u70myNFb8cJGYrqxPH4v5mUCV2C4ZYJ9YdNYVJQWMkL0tPBR4tVOpNZZwxHaspo4RjO-txNreT2swvNqE0EQof4qrpa5/s400/lyme8.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This 25 year old husband, who married his one and only sweetheart (the only girl he has ever kissed), when he was just 22, and she was only 19, chose to spend the past 3 years of their 3.5 year marriage, taking full time care of her as she fought for her very life with a severe case of LYME DISEASE, toxic mold exposure, and a co-infection likened to Malaria. How is she doing now? Well, if you've not already seen it, they have made it available so you can now watch the movie that he himself created about "their story" right here on YouTube, which I do recommend you view before you listen to him speak from his heart... When you have finished watching their story (the movie is over an hour long, but well worth getting through). Then, maybe you'll take some time to sit and listen and really truly hear what is spoken, as he bluntly and gently shares some of what he has learned and what he is most passionate about and why... The young lady saying "AMEN" during his talk, is his #1 fan and forever best buddy; his wife, confidante and beloved, Christa Michelle.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here is the link to the sermon: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8MgPLTI2UE"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8MgPLTI2UE</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here is the link to our brief interview together with our dear friend and the pastor who married us over 3.5 years ago: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=502u3dEb6gE"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=502u3dEb6gE</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459122971343387133.post-70409497609037351542012-02-25T18:03:00.000-08:002012-03-10T21:36:29.616-08:00.RAIN and TMJ<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZHvfwxRn5Cev1_rf8cP-VEfvmNTK0Rd8KwYE5N8hsSBrZeS7TFiTfAE2UizP_Qh22AL5ZDj-RB8XOn0FJj2t76HjNYBHT4-Eo6MnkhfsUm8eVkNlpLPUH9vH2tiaqGyCf4aANFxYr99k/s640/officelife.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">On our lunch break on February 2012</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Here at the exquisitely designed and masterfully made </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"></span></span></span></b><u><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3% Realty and HighRidge Homes</span></span></span></b></i></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> office on 27th Street! </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">We love working together for a season! It is so surreal!</span></span></span></b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZHvfwxRn5Cev1_rf8cP-VEfvmNTK0Rd8KwYE5N8hsSBrZeS7TFiTfAE2UizP_Qh22AL5ZDj-RB8XOn0FJj2t76HjNYBHT4-Eo6MnkhfsUm8eVkNlpLPUH9vH2tiaqGyCf4aANFxYr99k/s1600/officelife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">_____________________________________</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Awoke early this Winter's morning to comforting sounds. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First sound of all wasn't a sound at all... The tinnitis and rushing sounds in my ears that I had 24/7 for years, is still gone :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With the pitter patter splitter splatter of glorious rain as it drip-dropped onto our skylight, I smiled. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Smiling hurts my jaw and face mostly in the mornings though, but how can I keep from smiling? :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I heard the wind blowing the trees outside our windows and my ears took in the assuring sounds of the fan in our room. But when I turned over (as much as my shoulder pain would allow for), my senses were filled with the most incredible sound of all: the steady rhythmic breathing of my strong beloved as he slept deeply beside me, not yet stirring. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The pain was pretty overwhelming as my ears continued to appreciate these sounds, but the pain was NOT searing and aching ALL over... For the past couple of weeks, it has mainly just been my neck, shoulders, arms, and head/face/jaw. Since starting COLUBRINA and Lymphatic Complex (Homeopathic drops from my local ND) and Dr. Platt of California USA recommendation of CORVALEN to help with flushing lactic acid that can build up in hips and SOOO many other places, the lower/core body pains have indeed gone WAY down!!!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We made banana pancakes together, but realized after the first two ingredients were mixed, that we were out of eggs! So yours truly wrapped on a thick scarf and pulled my down jacket around close, putting on one of my hats and drove three minutes to Coopers for the essential ingredient! :) I don't like them without eggs. haha </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How surreal is that?! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THAT I CAN DRIVE ON MY OWN IN THE MORNING (I WAS HOME BEFORE 9:45AM) AND GET GROCERIES AND BE FREE PHYSICALLY SO MUCH?! Wow... Tears of grateful disbelief brim over even now as I reflect on the "normality" of this morning! But how extraordinary such a thing is for Justin and I.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Friends, my family, and "lyme/cancer/chronically sick" followers, how are YOU doing as you read this? </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Health-wise and otherwise?</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am so hoping that this dreaded flu; this nasty viral infection that is STILL going around, will pack it's yucky suitcases and leave for good!!! But I'm proud of those of you who have made an effort to REST and make use of your time by reading, praying, catching up on e-mails, and just being still and quiet :) I think our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls crave this if we don't stop once in a while and "take it easy" :) What do you think? </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, keep taking care of yourself in ways you feel is best. We're helping our bodies along a wee bit by taking oil of oregano, Goldenseal Echinacia, Olive leaf extract, fresh organic oranges, home made broths and chicken veggie soups, etc :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Justin and I are totally healthy so far, and haven't been sick since October with the virus we both picked up while at the Lab Corps at the Swedish Hospital in Seattle... We were so tired that day, and our bodies were weak. Anyway, we are so thankful to be unhindered by sickness right now since life is SO full with us both working a lot, and then enjoying time together when we're free, and having people over for meals and tea and games and chats, and then we just now had the darling and lovely Kelsey Wolkowski stay a couple nights with us from Calgary! So WONDERFUL! I smile now as I consider how both of us weren't sad to say "good-bye" after such a fabulous visit! </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I drove her to the airport</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">, and we smiled as we hugged, knowing we would be seeing one another shortly, since we're heading to Calgary on the 4th of March!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Which is actually the same Sunday that Justin is preaching at Grace Bible Church here in Vernon. We are also asked to share a bit more in person, about our lives these past years, before Justin gives the sermon. We extend a warm welcome for you to come if you are able to! But to be truthful, we are nervous! Your presence alone would be so encouraging, and please pray for us, especially Justin as he prayerfully prepares. We long for people to see Jesus more than anything else as we share details from the story that our God has been authoring in our lives these past half-decade... And the things He has taught us that we know He doesn't want us to be silent about...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But yea, this flu thing, I'm sad that TWO friends canceled on me today because of how yucky they're feeling! I can definitely relate though and understand empathetically when health holds us back!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, the anticipated "full of friends day" today has been transformed into something different! Still delightful, but not what I expected! With time on my side and the only distraction being that of Mozart and Beethoven, I was able to get heaps of phone calling done (Lyme sufferers seeking answers or prayer or just a listening/empathetic ear, administrative business stuff, my own health->booking chiro etc), helping with a friend's wedding, and so on!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then just as the bright wintery sun was bursting through all the windows after days of low dark clouds and fog (which -please don't hate me- but I honestly LOVE it!!! So cozy and romantically mysterious! Sets my imagination into full force! haha)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anyways, I enjoyed baking sugar-free banana nut muffins for my man who is still going sugar free!!!! Woohoo! So proud of him! He actually finds he has more energy! Yay for experimental diets! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While they were baking in the oven, with calligraphy pen in hand and the ink wells open and ready to be dipped into, I got to work with getting the names and addresses written on individual envelope for Justin's Real Estate introductory letter that's going out soon... And no, I've NOT finished our newsletter... It's starting to make me flustered. Like, does anybody actually want to read it? Who cares to receive one? Should I just get it finished and send em' off anyway? haha It's turned into a daunting task... Not sure what is best to include in it or to withhold!! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, I'm just taking a break from writing addresses to further design my own business cards finally (with contact info for Barnabette Cards and CMVhealth&Prayer etc)! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks friends for the suggestion and to TRIBODA for giving me a good deal! :) </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love ya, Debbie! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Earlier, before I cut Justin's hair this morning in our living room, I'd been enjoying reading and writing by the fire with Oliver to snuggle close! Oh and singing. Did I not yet mention singing?! :) And bbm'ing with my very dearest bestie Verity who is in L.A. with her hubby at Master's Seminary :) </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tonight, it's to Emma's place for some serious chillin' !! She is another one of my forever friends who loved me through it all these past years... She is a profound blessing and we're having so much fun making memories together with the restored and new version of me! :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OH life... To be living and enjoying it again is sometimes experienced in an "out of body" sort of way... as I so deeply appreciate EACH moment of every day. Once when I was at work, I had to quickly collect my emotions when the phone rang and I realized that it was ME who was the one, healthy and able and equipped, to answer it and do the necessary transferring etc... I just can't believe how my life USED to be day in and day out with the symptoms that debilitated my body and made life hellish from Lyme, Protoxmyxzoa Reumatica, exposure to toxic black mold that was not being expelled since my genetic disposition cannot eradicate it on it's own, masses of biofilm protecting infections and making me more sick, and the musculoskeletal issues from being born brutally at the hands of a doc who was intoxicated and used the forceps WRONGLY (according to the OBGYN and Pediatrician and nurses who came in and took over and saved my life), and two MVA's, and countless times fainting or collapsing (passing out into shallow comas) smacking my head on the ground or counter or head side table if I fell out bed from sitting position... And... and every night filled with pain beyond description, fevers, night sweats, shakes, seizures, seizure-like activity, vomiting, toxic levels of pain killers that rarely worked, hardly eating because of the pain and nausea, tachycardia, dizziness, and those almost NIGHTLY horrific, demonic night terrors that apparently made me grind my teeth soooo violently but I couldn't be woken from them usually (until a really intense counseling intercessory prayer time with my Counselor, Sandra that now I've been free from those night terrors and spiritual attacks since Nov 1 of 2010, which was just hours before my precious friend Christy moved all the way to Heaven. I'm sure she LOVES being in her new Home.. Her forever Home, but oh how she is desperately missed.) And now I am free of all the above listed things... Even mornings are getting more tolerable!!!! :) </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, we're going to Calgary--getting a house sitter again :)--for a couple weeks to meet with Justin's family friend who is trained in neuromuscular dentistry TMJ issues (not LVI trained!!!) and has already met with me in 2008 way back when! Therefore, now that I am HEALTHY, I am able to treat the musculoskeletal issues and address them seriously :) </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Has anyone else had headaches from TMJ? Any success with splints and/or orthodics for the jaw? :) </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've heard a few success stories from personal friends... But I love hearing testimonials! So encouraging, and just informative! Everyone is SO different... </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, Justin continues to thrive at work, and loves being around people for his job! I am beyond proud of his character and integrity :) </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My days are full with mentoring a few girls, helping people around the world who are sick with various illnesses, baking, cleaning, cooking, laundry, going for walks, writing our book, reading "easy read novels", meaningful books, the Bible, history, biographies, etc. visiting with friends day and night, spending time with seniors again soon, pampering and spoiling my hubbs (so easy to do! He is so appreciative and I know him well... though I know we're continually changing as we grow up alongside one another :)), singing, watching good movies sometimes--not 24-7 like before when I was in bed always... Oh my I do not miss those years! And so much more! And once Mum is home we're excited to start a Bible study together! :) Similar to how it was back in 2008 before Justin and I moved to Calgary actually... Oh man that was a special Bible study and the Holy Spirit really moved!!! I am thanking Him ahead of time for what He will accomplish as women of all ages gather to pray and sing and read and fellowship :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm also planning a screening of UNDER OUR SKIN (the second showing in Vernon BC) in mid-late May! I will be doing some publicity for this, and let me know if you'd like to help! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We meet with Jim Wilson once we return from Caglary mid-March to discuss details about that. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mum and I are speaking April 23rd at the Women's Tea Event at Grace Bible Church! Sharing God's strong through our lives, and talking about our relationship etc. I am SOO excited and of course nervous too! What an honor to get to speak with my female hero: my Mum :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Big things are happening in the lives of friends around us! Weddings, babies, waiting for babies (many MANY friends of varying ages are in that boat), cancer, surgeries, death, anniversaries, moving to a new place, new jobs, altered treatment for various health issues, engagements, trips overseas for pleasure or ministry, and SO much more! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We keep you all in our prayers and love being included in your lives! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over and out, for now... </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blessings abundant upon your life... As the Author who loves us intimately and infinitely, sees fit :)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUDAF3NVWhQNCeTK-iB3tcTq9VWxET_DlYPTJ2Ih0qQSXYPVL8QlR1aAuyBh0NPsFZ0PI1xwoJ1GufWNVVtTgy_KHJY8MMt3LoEpl-ZB0ItS-6X9QFhWig9E5pgnc6MDWaDhpkDjLlomY/s1600/work1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUDAF3NVWhQNCeTK-iB3tcTq9VWxET_DlYPTJ2Ih0qQSXYPVL8QlR1aAuyBh0NPsFZ0PI1xwoJ1GufWNVVtTgy_KHJY8MMt3LoEpl-ZB0ItS-6X9QFhWig9E5pgnc6MDWaDhpkDjLlomY/s400/work1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying another day at work doing administration and customer service! Ever so thrilled I am healthy now and so free from such agonies as before so I could be of help to our family companies! I've learned SO much, and I'm so proud of my Dad, Ron, and the team!!! Check out the REAL ESTATE company and HOME BUILDING COMPANY on their awesome website!<br /><a href="http://3percentrealty.net/">http://3percentrealty.net/</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Christa Belle Michelle</span></span></span>Christa Michelle Vanderhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08480664103594281597noreply@blogger.com1