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~

Giving Thanks

     The Bible is filled with commands to give thanks to God. Most verses go on to list reasons why we should thank Him, such as “His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:3), “He is good” (Psalm 118:29), and “His mercy is everlasting” (Psalm 100:5). Thanksgiving and praise always go together.

     Feeling and expressing appreciation is great! Like any wise father, God wants us to learn to be thankful for all the gifts He has given us (James 1:17). It is in our best interest to be reminded that everything we have is a gift from Him. Without gratefulness, we become arrogant and self-centered. We begin to believe that we have achieved everything on our own. Thankfulness keeps our hearts in right relationship to the Giver of all good gifts.

     Giving thanks also reminds us of how much we do have. We tend to focus on what we don’t have. By giving thanks continually we are reminded of how much we do have. When we focus on blessings rather than wants, it changes our hearts and attitudes. When we start thanking God for the things we usually take for granted, our perspective changes. 

     1st Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We are to be thankful not only for the things we like, but for the circumstances we don’t like. When we purpose to thank God for everything that He allows to come into our lives, we keep bitterness away. We cannot be both thankful and bitter at the same time. We thank Him for His promise that “all things will work together for the good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28

      We can have thankful hearts toward God even when we do not feel thankful for the circumstance. We can grieve and still be thankful. We can hurt and still be thankful. Giving thanks to God keeps our hearts in right relationship with Him and saves us from emotions and attitudes that will rob us of the peace that God wants us to experience. (Philippians 4:6–7)    

     Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ya'll, giving thanks to God the Father Almighty, who's Sovereign on His throne.

• What are some things you're thankful for this year?
• What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
• What yummy foods do you have? 

A Letter to My Mom and Dad

Dear Dad and Mom,

I wanted to write a letter to know to let you know that I love you, and miss you so much! I wanted to let you know that everything's okay here. Dad, Mom, you don't have to worry about me, because you know what? You let me marry a wonderful man! A man who cares about God and the church as much as you've prayed for. You let me marry a man who kind, caring, and gentle. He's very sweet with his words, and he chooses them carefully.
     Dad and Mom, you've let me marry the man of my dreams! He's all that and more. He's so much more than I could've ever imagined, that I'm so grateful to God every day for him. You let me marry a man who is a seeker of the word of God, and a studier. He's a quick thinker, and a great man of integrity. He wants to please me, but more than that, he wants to be like Christ. He wants to strive to be like Christ every day. You know what? He reminds me of both of you. How much you both strive to be like Christ every day, and make sure that Christ is the center of everything!
     You let me marry a wonderful man who will be a fantastic father! Every time I see him hold a baby at church, or our little niece, I see how gentle he is with children, and I wonder, how can God be so good to me?! God gave me wonderful parents who've raised me by the Word of God, and who've let me marry a great man!
     Dad and Mom, Thank you for always being there for me! Thank you for all the times that you gave me advice and encouragement, even when I didn't receive it as well as I should have. Thank you for not letting me get away with things, and for disciplining me. Thank you for being a constant reminder that you are the example of a Godly marriage. Thank you for being there for me through the thick and thin... the days when I was going through trials, and the days when their were good days that I didn't want to end. Thank you for all the Family Traditions and Fun Times we've had. Thank you for all the times that you let me spend with my friends, and trusted me that you knew I'd make wise decisions or poor ones, and learn from them. Thank you for standing on the side lines and cheering for me and giving me encouragement as you watched me succeed and watched me fail. 

     Thank you for being there for me through my courtship with Josh. It's been wonderful to look back and see Gods faithfulness throughout it.
     Dad and Mom, thank you for being wonderful, Godly parents that I can look up to, and know that I have the best parents on earth that God blessed me with to nurture me and to teach me everything that you know! :)
     Dad and Mom, thank you for everything that you do, everything that you are, and everything that you stand for! Thank you for letting me marry the man of my dreams! You don't have to worry about me. I'm blessed! Blessed with Godly parents who lead by example, blessed by a good man who've everything I could've ever asked for. I'm blessed with a Godly pastor who leads us in the way of the Word; I'm blessed with a wonderful church family who've welcomed me in with open arms from day one. I'm blessed with a husband who has a great family! I married into a family that loves God, and loves each other. I'm blessed to have great in-laws, and great friends.
     Dad and Mom, you will always be there for me, and I will always love you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of me all those years, and for continuing to give me encouragement and wisdom. Thank you for all those times that I didn't thank you, especially when you went out of your way to make me happy. Thank you for the way you taught all of us to be studiers of the word of God, and to serve Christ in everything we do. Thank you for letting go of me, even though it was hard. You've let me leave and cleave to my husband, and although I'm not under your headship anymore, I will always look up to you! Thank you for being the great parents you are, and for always being there for me! I'm truly and undeservedly blessed by God! To God be the Glory forever and ever. I love you Dad and Mom!

Love your daughter,

Caitlin Nicole Narwold

Mourning with those who Mourn

     The Bible talks a lot about mourning and weeping.
     Last week, a close friend of ours at church had a miscarriage. To see such a dear friend, so close go through something like this, was hard. I cried, a lot. I cried because I know how important children are to their family, our church, and God. I know that God knew how long that baby was going to be in the womb, before He decided to take the baby home. God knows it all, and it was His will that the baby went home early.
     The Bible says in Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
      Jesus Christ himself mourned the death of Lazarus.(John 11)
     Many years ago, when I was 9, my mother was carrying a child in her womb. She was 8 months into her pregnancy, when she knew something was wrong. My dad and her rushed to the hospital, and my little baby sister, Grace Elizabeth Baughman, was a still-born baby. My parents mourned for a long time. In many ways, it still hurts. However, in the midst of that hurt. In the midst of them fighting those tears, and long nights; they knew that God was in control. They knew that this was all part of Gods perfect plan. Although they didn't understand it, they both begin to seek the Lord even harder than they ever have before.
     God blessed them with another baby 6 weeks later, and 8 months later, my sister, Joy Elianna Baughman, was born. We don't always understand why God does what he does, but we know this... God is in Control! He's Sovereign, and He's on his throne.
     I'm constantly reminded of God's Sovereignty every day. From praying and having faith that my husband gets home safe from work every day, to God's sovereignty over the womb of many babies who've died. God has his perfect plan, and although it doesn't make sense to us, it's His plan. 

     Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

     Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."