A New Year, A new start

    It's the start of 2017. Wow, how 2016 passed so quickly! Last year we celebrated Josh and I's first anniversary, had our first baby, bought a house (hopefully we'll be able to close and move in sometime in March) and are also expecting our 2nd baby. I haven't been very diligent about posting on this blog. Life has kept me busy. Our little boy, James, who's 7 months old now, keeps me on my toes. While he doesn't crawl or walk yet; he doesn't like it when I'm not within his sight, or if I'm not holding him.
     James started eating solid foods this last month. He's not a huge fan of anything yet, but hopefully that'll change soon.
     My pregnancy has gone well thus far! I'm 14 weeks along now and finally out of the first trimester! We'll find out the gender of our baby at the beginning of February. Josh and I are both
kind of hoping for a girl, but we'll be happy with whatever God chooses to bless us with.
     December was a busy month for us. After coming back from Wisconsin after Thanksgiving, we were home for 2 days, before James was admitted to the hospital. Because of my pregnancy, he wasn't gaining any more weight. They were concerned, and so after 5 days in the hospital, we finally found something that works. As if being in the hospital wasn't enough, we put an offer in on a house while in the hospital that only my husband had seen. We took a step of faith, and our offer got accepted! Now we're just waiting for a couple odds and ins... and of course the closing day! ;)
     After we got back from the hospital, we hadn't been back that long before we set up our Christmas tree/lights..etc... and headed to Colorado the week after that for Christmas. December flew by for me so quickly quite honestly.
     December was a long month for me to learn Patience. I hated being in the hospital. Not only to see James being miserable because he's out of his comfort zone, and out of his schedule, but it's so uncomfortable in the hospital. We were constantly waiting for answers... when would we be released from the hospital? Did we get the offer on the house? Would I like it? Will James ever sleep through the night?... these and other questions were on my mind a lot, but all I could do was wait... be patient... pray.
     "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." ~ Romans 12:12
     I don't have a New Years Resolution, except this... pursue Christ more... even in the midst of us packing, moving, and us getting ready for baby number #2. And last, but not least, love others more... put others before myself.
     What are your New Year's Resolutions? What were the highlights of 2016 for you?

When God Seems Silent

     Waiting on the Lord can be tough sometimes; especially when we want an answer right away. I was reminded of this again on Sunday while our pastor was preaching. It's easy to say that we'll wait on Gods timing, but to actually believe it, and put it into practice is whole other ball game.
     I like what Jon Bloom says in his article, "When God Seems Silent":
I believe there are clues for another purpose...I’ll phrase them as questions.

• Why is it that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” but “familiarity breeds contempt”?
• Why is water so much more refreshing when we’re really thirsty?
• Why am I almost never satisfied with what I have, but always longing for more?
• Why can the thought of being denied a desire for marriage or children or freedom or some other dream create in us a desperation we previously didn’t have?
• Why is the pursuit of earthly achievement often more enjoyable than the achievement itself?
• Why do deprivation, adversity, scarcity, and suffering often produce the best character qualities in us while prosperity, ease, and abundance often produce the worst?

Do you see it? There is a pattern in the design of deprivation: Deprivation draws out desire. Absence heightens desire. And the more heightened the desire, the greater its satisfaction will be. It is the mourning that will know the joy of comfort (Matthew 5:4). It is the hungry and thirsty that will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6). Longing makes us ask, emptiness makes us seek, silence makes us knock (Luke 11:9).  (http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/when-god-seems-silent)

     I believe that during the "waiting" season in our lives, God makes us grow. In James 1:2-4 we're reminded, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
     I pray that during the times in my life when God seems silent, that I can just listen, be patient, and wait upon the Lord, for His timing.
     In what ways can you wait upon the Lord? Are there times when you feel like God doesn't seem to be answering? What things have helped you?

Pregnancy Update: 34 weeks along now, and my husband and I are so excited to welcome our son into this world soon! Baby James is very camera shy, and anytime I try to take a picture of his moving around, he stops. ;) I have the normal pregnancy swollen feet, so I can't fit into to many of my shoes. My midwife says that my water intake is great, and to just keep my feet propped up when I can. It's starting to feel a little real now that we're going to welcome a little boy into this world soon! <3

Waiting: My Story: Part 2

        In my last post, I told the story of how Josh and I met. Going through a courtship, and seeing many courtships, my family and I have been able to see some things that work and don't work. Each family is going to be a little different, and is going to be a little more firmer or looser on their "rules". Honestly, we have biblical models to use as our guidelines, and that's what my parents and I used.
     Before I met Josh, I had many days when I wondered when "Mr. Right" would come. I dreamed of the day that my "knight in shining armor" would sweep me off my feet, and whisk me away at my call. I had anticipated to be married by 19 or 20... but God had other plans for my life. I was asked sometime in early 2014, if I'm ready to be married. My answer: I'm ready now, but I'm not wasting my life just waiting. I'm doing things to keep me busy until that day I get married.
     Many people were astonished that I still wanted to be married. In today's culture, waiting for the right one isn't very common... usually you date a couple people, and then, "maybe", after a couple years, you marry the person. Maybe, you decide to move onto the next person.
     Many people were surprised at how quickly my courtship with Josh was. Some people think that you have to know the person for several years, before any arrangements can be made. Honestly, because Josh was out of state, we talked to each other all the time! By the time we were engaged, we talked more on the phone/FaceTime/and in person than what people would talk about in 8 months time as a couple! We still talk all the time! :-) The question is, why wait 4 or 5 years to get to know each other, when you can get to know each other in a years time?!
     One thing I've noticed with many girls, and parents, is that they're expecting, "Mr. Perfect"... sorry to ruin it for you, but he doesn't exist! Everyone is a sinner, everyone has their faults. Going into the relationship knowing that the other person is a sinner, would be so helpful! I have a couple friends who's expectations are so high in what to expect in a guy, that it's practically impossible as a guy to step into any relationship. Don't get me wrong, having some sort of expectations is great! ... I had some myself! Mine were things like: Does he love God? Does he love his family? Would he put God above me? Is Christ the center of our relationship?
     I didn't have things like: He has to make $______ of money, has to have his own house, has to be perfect, has to have self-control, has to... the list can go on. Going into a relationship knowing that the other person is going to have sin issues that maybe, yes, have to be worked through. But to expect this high expectation of Mr. Perfect, is impossible.
     Honestly, because of all the stories I'd heard of my friends courtships, I wasn't expecting a good one. I was expecting more bad than good... and in all honestly, my courtship was the best that I could have ever imagined! It was a sweet time, and will continue to be a sweet time as I get to know Josh even more! And another thing... you'll continue to know your significant other even through marriage. My parents have been happily married for 25 years, and are still getting to know each other!
     So, yes, I'v had my share of waiting, and honestly, I didn't think the moment would ever come, because I felt that me as a sinner, didn't deserve anyone! ... the truth is, no one deserves anything! We're all sinners, and we all make mistakes! We will all fall short of the glory of God! (Romans 3:23)
     However, because of how good, loving, and sovereign of a God we serve, He gives us more than we deserve, including sacrificing his own son for us! You may have to still wait for a couple years to be married, or you may have your soon-to-be husband waiting around the corner, just waiting for you! Whatever it may be, wait patiently! Your patience on God, will be worth it in His timing!

Psalm 27:13-14

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Waiting: My Story: Part 1

     If you had told me last year that I'd be engaged by December of this year, I wouldn't have believed you! I've had my moments, when I doubted Gods plans for me, and doubted that I'd ever be in a relationship, much less, married!
     In July of this year,(2014) I wrote a blog post for my birthday: http://daughterofdestiny generation78.blogspot.com/2014/07/greater-expectations.html ... in this blog post, I have another perspective on the little things of life that God blessed me with throughout this last year, instead of looking at it as, an un-married woman.

     After I wrote that blog post, about 2 weeks later, I saw Mark Robinette and his family at a church Family Camp. I met Mark earlier that year, when he came to Russia with us, so I was excited that he was going to be one of the speakers at the Family Camp. Him and my dad were talking at one of the tables one morning, and when Mark waved for me to come over, he began telling me all about this young man, "Joshua Narwold". He kept saying how Josh would be a perfect match for me to marry! I was very doubtful, because, I didn't think there was any

chance that I could meet this young man, because after all, when was I going to be going to Ohio?!
     I gave Mark my blog name, and apparently, he called Josh almost immediately, and told him to look at my blog, and get to know my family. Josh called my dad about a week later, letting my dad know that his intentions were serious, and that he wanted to get to know me, with the intention of marriage.
     Josh came out on September 5th, to meet me and my family. He stayed in Colorado through the weekend, and we clicked immediately, and were pretty comfortable talking with each other. After he left, we started to chat via-Facebook, and talk on the phone. My mom and I went out to Ohio on October 5th, to see him, his brother and sister-in-law, and his church friends/community. As my mom puts it, "When we left Ohio, Caitlin's heart stayed with it." :) Coming back to Colorado was very sad for me, because I really felt at home there in Ohio. I was welcomed as part of the family. Josh and I continued to chat and talk on the phone daily, and got to know each other pretty well. He came out to Colorado again in November, and as usual, our time was wonderful! In December, my parents and I would fly out to Wisconsin to meet the rest of his family, and little did I know, it was going to be on that trip, that he'd propose. I've had my share of times that I felt like I'd never be married for several reasons, which I'll go over next blog post. I'd like to leave you with this Bible Verse from Lamentations 3:25-26, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

The Blessing of Marriage

Earlier today, my siblings and I went to Chipotle, because we all had coupons to use. We sat next to this couple who looked like were getting ready for their wedding plans. A planner was there, talking to them, and it was so sweet! Marriage is a beautiful thing!
I've seen many Marriages and Courtships over the last couple of years, and it's been such a blessing!
In today's day and age though... what does marriage mean. ?
In Fireproof Michael is talking to Caleb, and he says, "The sad part about it is, when most people promise for better or for worse, they really only mean for the better."
Isn't this unfortunately the truth in many marriages...?! We love the good times, but when the bad times come, we don't fight for it. We give up so easily. Marriage is something worth fighting for! I haven't learned from experience. I've never been married, so, no, I'm  not an expert. However, I've had many friends give me words of advice and wisdom over the years. I've seen marriages and courtships fall apart, and I've seen them come together like they never had before. I've seen marriages have a closeness with the Savior, that they didn't have before.
What does the Bible say about marriage?
Ephesians 5:22-33

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,"

Genesis 2:24

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Proverbs 18:22

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord."

Hebrews 13:4

"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."

Ephesians 5:25-33

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,"

They're are many more verses about marriage, but I loved these passages.
Marriage is a sacred and honorable thing!
No, I don't know everyone's circumstances. I know of quite a few ladies at our church who's husbands have left them for someone else. If you are married, let God work in you and your husband! If you're a man, let God work in your wife! God can restore your marriage, if you let him!
To the single men and ladies out their, God has your spouse out there somewhere! I know it's not easy to wait, but in the end, it'll be worth it! :)
Enjoy the song below called, "Restore" by Chris August!

Trusting God & Waiting on His timing

This past week, I've been learning a lot about trusting God. I have the opportunity to go to Russia with a homeschooling family that I know. Because they leave in March, I have to get my first passport... So, I sent it in, and expedited the shipping. I got worried, that the passport wouldn't get here in time to get the Visa for Russia. I'm still worried! In fact, I was so worried, that my mom had to constantly tell me, "if it's God's will that you go, then He will make it happen! Don't worry about it! You've done all that you can do, it's in God hands now." What a great reminder! I was so worried that "I" did something wrong and that
"I" didn't do it soon enough, when really, it doesn't matter... it's in God's hands.
I've been really trusting God in this matter. Have you ever had that happen in your life? You feel like you've done all that you can do, and now you just have to... WAIT. :)
Waiting... waiting... and waiting...
Can't say that I like it. Time moves like an Alaskan glacier. The clock ticks every five minutes, not every second. Someone pressed the pause button. Life in slo-mo. We don't like to wait. We are the giddyup generation. We weave through traffic, looking for the faster lane. We frown at the person who takes eleven items into the ten-item express checkout. We drum our fingers while the song downloads
or the microwave heats our coffee/tea.
Waiting on God to give, help, heal, waiting on God to come. We indwell the land betwixt prayer offered and prayer answered. The land of waiting.
Are you in God's waiting room? If so, here is what you need to know: while you wait, God works. (John 5:17) He's working for you as well. "Be still, and know that I am God" reads the sign on God's waiting room wall. You can be glad because God is good. You can be still because he is active. You can rest because he is busy. To wait, biblically speaking, is not to assume the worst, worry, fret, make demands, or take control. Nor is waiting inactivity. Waiting is a sustained effort to stay focused on God through prayer and belief. To wait is to "rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;... not fret."
(Psalm 37:7)
Waiting is easier read than done. It doesn't come easily for me. I've been in a hurry my whole life. Keep waiting! "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
Fresh strength. Renewed vigor. Lets that don't grow weary. Delight yourself in God, and he will bring rest to your soul. :)