Christmas Blessings

     It's that time of year again. The time where family and friends get together with the ones they love. A time when gifts are shared, and laughter is made. A time when families reflect on the year, and celebrate what's to come. A time when, most importantly, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. A time when we're reminded that it's better to give than receive. This year, has been filled with much excitement for me.
     Back in February, my husband and I got married. God began to change us and mold into a family unit of one. God began to work on both my husband and I, in our lives with each other, and those around us. We no longer worked as an individual, but as a team. Now, God has added another family member to our home. The little baby that grows inside my womb, is part of the Narwold family tree, that's growing by the day. :) 

     This Bible verse was perfect for this time of year! ;)

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9:6-7‬ ‭

     What are your plans for Christmas? My husband and I are headed to Wisconsin as I write this to spend Christmas with the Narwold Family. :)
     Have a wonderful Christmas and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season! 

Learning to be Humble

     This past week, I've had to learn a lot about sacrificial love, and about being humble. On Tuesday, I was feeling weak with a Cold that I had been trying to get over. I couldn't do much around the house without me having to take a break to catch my breath. I couldn't bear it, because I felt like I was letting my husband down for not keeping up with the house, and more importantly, God... because I wanted to serve my husband, but couldn't in the way I wanted to.

     Josh has taken very good care of me, especially when I'm sick. When we sat down on the couch, and I needed more water, he was up before I could stop him with my cup in hand, getting me water. 

Yesterday, I woke up, and my stomach had this odd, queasy-empty stomach feel to it. After 4 years of no stomach bug, I had gotten it somehow. I guess I was way past due. 

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      Josh drove to the Family Dollar down the street from us to get me some things, and later that night, he was a total servant! I didn't even ask him to things, he just did it knowing that it'd help me. I was on the couch all day yesterday either falling asleep, or watching a movie. When Josh came home in the evening, he made me a Grilled Cheese Egg Sandwich, and sat next to me. Later that evening while I was resting on the couch, he went to our church to help the men with some building projects. He's great like that. 

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     It was very humbling for me to see that I don't have to do it all. God gave Josh to me. We work as team. It was even more humbling for me to actually LET Josh do things, as opposed to me telling him that he doesn't have to. Today, I feel so much better! Today, I'm thankful for the man that Gods blessed me with! I'm truly humbled to have such a Godly man like Josh! I love you dear husband of mine!... more and more every day!!! 

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1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you..."

Philippians 2:3-11

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ..."

James 4:6

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Matthew 23:12

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

2 Corinthians 11:30

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

Morning Sickness?

     Now that ya’ll know that I’m pregnant, I can tell you a bit about my pregnancy.
     From what I'm told, I haven't had much morning sickness. I've never been pregnant before, so it's hard to compare it to anything, but from what I gather, I don't have much morning sickness. :)

     Most people who know me well, know that I was never much of a breakfast eater, and that I could be satisfied with coffee for breakfast. That would usually hold me over until Lunch. Well, since being pregnant, I have to eat immediately after waking up, and every 2 hours or so, otherwise I feel so sick that I can’t eat anything without feeling like I’m going to throw up. So, there have been many times when my husband will come home, and I just want to sit on the couch and watch something until I feel better. Usually by the end of the show, I’m feeling better. I have to force myself to eat at that point. sigh. Also, I’m starving in the morning and afternoon, but usually after dinner, I’m fine for the rest of the night. weird! 

     The first time I was hungry after dinner, my husband brought up a bag of chips and we ate and played a game of Sequence on our bed upstairs. 

     Because I didn’t used to need much to eat, before I was pregnant, there was a point when I was about 4- 4 /12 weeks along into my pregnancy, where I seriously hated food! Because I had to eat all the time! I still hate food! ;) 

     Since being pregnant, I actually can’t stand coffee! seriously! Many of you know that I’m a coffee lover! I was a snob about it and thought, “when I get pregnant, I’m never going to not like coffee.” Well, I don’t like it. :( I guess it’s better that way though. No more Starbucks runs. ;)

     Many of you know that I love burgers! Well, last month I had my first craving. Can you guess for what?! ;) Not only did I want a burger, but I wanted a Big Mac Meal from McDonalds! Not just any burger, but a big mac! ;) Since then, I haven’t had too many other cravings… no pickles! bleh! On Sunday I had a craving for a steak because my pastor talked about it in his sermon. ;) However, I haven't had too many cravings... maybe 3 since being pregnant. :) 

     This being my first pregnancy, everything is new, and exciting at the same time! I’m constantly being reminded to trust God in everything. My parents and family members are so excited, and I'm excited to be talking about this with them.

    On December 1st I had my first midwife appointment. My blood pressure was great, and I was drinking enough water! :) I'll be getting a blood test soon, so ya'll can pray that will go smoothly.

     HOW I TOLD JOSH...
I told Josh that I had a surprise waiting for him when he got home. He kept asking questions, an he was getting a little warm. ;) When he got home, I told him that he was going to be a dad. He said, "Are you serious?!" He smiled, and gave me a hug. That night was a date-night, but we decided to stay home and let everyone know. We FaceTimed mostly everyone, and we walked over to Josh's brother's that night, and told them in person.
     Josh has been so good to me! And super patient with this baby inside me growing, and my hormones changing constantly. ;) I love you Josh, and I'm grateful that our baby will have a wonderful man to call their father!

     We are very excited to welcome a little one into our own lives. Please keep us in prayer, and the little one inside me. We’re blessed! :) <3 

Pregnancy Announcement! :)

     Hello all! I've been wanting to tell you for a while now, but my husband and I are expecting our first child!!!! 

I'm pregnant!!! 

     The baby's due-date is June 14th approximately :) Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for a little one! This Thanksgiving, even though I'm a week late, I'm grateful for so much! I'm super grateful for a loving and fantastic husband! I'm also grateful for the little baby in my womb! I'm about 12 weeks along now, so I'd appreciate your prayers for a healthy pregnancy. I'll keep ya'll up to date as time moves on. :)

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am Fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I wake, I am still with You." 

~Psalm 139:13-18~