This morning I am getting some quiet time by myself. The kids are at VBS. Today is the last day but I have had a WHOLE week of it! I love that it is raining and the theme at VBS is water games! What a blessing today has been already!!
Yesterday, my day started at 4 a.m. with waking up in pain. I even had to wake my husband up because I thought I was going to pass out. Let me just say, that was the worst pain I had been in EVER! However, I did fall back to sleep just as the alarm was going off to start the day. So, the kids and their friends got up, dressed, and went to VBS while I came home and rested for the next 3 hours. The rest of the day went pretty smoothly. Kids & friends went to the pool, dropped off at home, and the last day for watching a sweet little baby I've had for six weeks.
Then last night was the awards ceremony for my son's ball league. At this ceremony, I gave the kids some news. After 4 years of watching most of the kids grow up, Rick & I were no longer going to be managing ball. Instead, we are going to really be focusing on our family and what God has in store for us. Thankfully, we do have a new direction and are starting on our journey. This Kuebler household will be starting on the path to adoption.
After having heavily prayed and debated over what we were supposed to do, Rick (who very much leads our home) has decided this is what God is calling us to at this time. We will go until there is a road block and we can go no further. I must say after wishing for adoption for 7 years, I still can't believe this is where we are going. I must give all glory to God.
God truly has changed our entire household. Rick has truly taken that step of faith. Once that was done, our lives and the lives of our children have dramatically been altered. Allowing God to take over my life has been the biggest challenge so far. I am having to deal with many insecurities regarding myself. Learning to become a woman of God is easier than I thought though. My past has always defined me because I LET it. I yell out of anger, I think horrible thoughts of destruction out of sadness, and I sink into myself because I'm a worldly person. I have my days where I think, I shouldn't have it this good. That is not what God desires for me though. HE desires that I have a good life. He just requires that I give it all to HIM. Once I do this, He will take care of me. Yes I will still have trials. That is how my attention must be gotten sometimes. How I deal with them, well, isn't that the real question. Give it all to Him. Ask God if there is a lesson or a blessing to be taken away from that particular experience.
As you or your friends go through the day (Friday the 13th), ask God to begin taking over your life. Give God 1 hour of your day to reflect, engage, or disengage from your perspective to HIS.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Another journey???
Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I have wrote anything. SO much has happened. The Lord has really been working in my family's life. Over the last month, I have seen my husband and I grow closer together. My children has become closer too.
We have had Zech's ballgames all month. In his regular season games, the team was 3rd and in the post-season tournament, the team came in...3rd! It has been amazing to watch all these little boys grow so much over the season. I loved every minute of watching them, even the few losses they had!
Amber was also busy this last month. She and my nieces had their dance recital. Amber enjoyed it so much, she has asked us to take more classes next year. Rick and I have seen her change so much, I would love to keep seeing this maturity happening.
I, myself, am starting on a new journey. Last month, I decided I was going to be selling Pampered Chef. So far, I have held 3 shows. I would like to hold 3-4 shows per month but having 6 would be even better! I've also been reading a great book and learning more about myself.
Rick has also grown so much this year. I know usually about this time of year is when he gets frustrated and needs a break from work. This year is no different. However, he keeps saying he likes to go to work so he can provide for us. He also makes sure that each one of us in this family knows and feels his love for us. I really couldn't imagine our lives without him.
With that being said, we are all starting on a new journey together. After years of requesting and praying, we are going to start the process of adoption. We are not saying yes and we are not saying no. Rick & I will begin taking PS-MAPP classes. We are doing this as an informational class. We will constantly pray as we go through these classes. Whatever God does or doesn't have in-store for us, we will be listening. I ask that anyone that reads this be in constant prayer for also.
Our lives will change in a major way regardless of how this ends up. Our children's lives will change also. No matter which way this is sliced, God is really shaking us up. I can't wait to finish this "New life in a cemetery." My God is truly a God of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. What an awesome God we serve!
We have had Zech's ballgames all month. In his regular season games, the team was 3rd and in the post-season tournament, the team came in...3rd! It has been amazing to watch all these little boys grow so much over the season. I loved every minute of watching them, even the few losses they had!
Amber was also busy this last month. She and my nieces had their dance recital. Amber enjoyed it so much, she has asked us to take more classes next year. Rick and I have seen her change so much, I would love to keep seeing this maturity happening.
I, myself, am starting on a new journey. Last month, I decided I was going to be selling Pampered Chef. So far, I have held 3 shows. I would like to hold 3-4 shows per month but having 6 would be even better! I've also been reading a great book and learning more about myself.
Rick has also grown so much this year. I know usually about this time of year is when he gets frustrated and needs a break from work. This year is no different. However, he keeps saying he likes to go to work so he can provide for us. He also makes sure that each one of us in this family knows and feels his love for us. I really couldn't imagine our lives without him.
With that being said, we are all starting on a new journey together. After years of requesting and praying, we are going to start the process of adoption. We are not saying yes and we are not saying no. Rick & I will begin taking PS-MAPP classes. We are doing this as an informational class. We will constantly pray as we go through these classes. Whatever God does or doesn't have in-store for us, we will be listening. I ask that anyone that reads this be in constant prayer for also.
Our lives will change in a major way regardless of how this ends up. Our children's lives will change also. No matter which way this is sliced, God is really shaking us up. I can't wait to finish this "New life in a cemetery." My God is truly a God of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. What an awesome God we serve!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Ramblings and a Challenge
Before I start, I would like to excuse the ramblings that will come out in this post. I have so much to put in since I have been away for a while.
Since we have put out family values int place, our family unit is beginning to change. I have seen my children's attitude change. My son, while not always agreeable, is understanding more of why we do what we do. I think he does most of it to get at his sister but I'm not complaining.
Rick & I have had our ups and downs with Amber. Unfortunately, we have had to have a disappointment talk with her. At one point, I had to tell her how disappointed I was in her for disappearing for an hour at a public place while with a friend. It wasn't horrible and she was fine but we had to explain the anxiety the friend went through. She got the message loud and clear after that. She even redeemed herself by going with another friend and staying with them the entire time!!
On another front, I have never felt more content in my life. I am finally embracing the season of life I am in! I'm even opening myself up to more spiritual growth than I thought could ever be possible. This past weekend, we had 2 different "bonfires" going at our house. Friday night, we hosted our small group at our house and loved every minute of it. What a relaxing evening and great fellowship.
Saturday night, it was just our family. Then Rick suggested I call a few friends and family and invite them over. I'm sad to say, no one came. HOWEVER, I am happy to say I got to converse with two wonderful ladies. This actually leads into my next weird thought.
Tonight, as my husband and I read a chapter from Mark (my daughter picked it) I was reminded that these two ladies are my family. Mark 3:34-35 says "Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said Behold My mother and My brothers! for whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." Even though each of these ladies faces different trials and have different lives they are still my sisters. I am learning as I become closer to Christ, he is putting more and more Christian brothers and sisters in my life. I may only vaguely know my sisters but I feel so connected to them. This can only be of God. Only HE truly knows that as I lose more of myself and my old friends, I will need new ones to converse with and hold me accountable. For Hebrews 10:25 says "Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
I challenge all of you who read this to hold me accountable. Encourage me and I will encourage you. I want to meet with each of you personally but my schedule with 2 kids doesn't always allow that. I will instead pray for those that I'm not able to see personally. Please stay in contact with me so that I may continue to grow but so YOU too can grow. You may also comment on these posts and I will see them. As these are posted on Facebook also, you can send me a message and I will respond. May God grow you and He is me.
Since we have put out family values int place, our family unit is beginning to change. I have seen my children's attitude change. My son, while not always agreeable, is understanding more of why we do what we do. I think he does most of it to get at his sister but I'm not complaining.
Rick & I have had our ups and downs with Amber. Unfortunately, we have had to have a disappointment talk with her. At one point, I had to tell her how disappointed I was in her for disappearing for an hour at a public place while with a friend. It wasn't horrible and she was fine but we had to explain the anxiety the friend went through. She got the message loud and clear after that. She even redeemed herself by going with another friend and staying with them the entire time!!
On another front, I have never felt more content in my life. I am finally embracing the season of life I am in! I'm even opening myself up to more spiritual growth than I thought could ever be possible. This past weekend, we had 2 different "bonfires" going at our house. Friday night, we hosted our small group at our house and loved every minute of it. What a relaxing evening and great fellowship.
Saturday night, it was just our family. Then Rick suggested I call a few friends and family and invite them over. I'm sad to say, no one came. HOWEVER, I am happy to say I got to converse with two wonderful ladies. This actually leads into my next weird thought.
Tonight, as my husband and I read a chapter from Mark (my daughter picked it) I was reminded that these two ladies are my family. Mark 3:34-35 says "Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said Behold My mother and My brothers! for whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." Even though each of these ladies faces different trials and have different lives they are still my sisters. I am learning as I become closer to Christ, he is putting more and more Christian brothers and sisters in my life. I may only vaguely know my sisters but I feel so connected to them. This can only be of God. Only HE truly knows that as I lose more of myself and my old friends, I will need new ones to converse with and hold me accountable. For Hebrews 10:25 says "Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
I challenge all of you who read this to hold me accountable. Encourage me and I will encourage you. I want to meet with each of you personally but my schedule with 2 kids doesn't always allow that. I will instead pray for those that I'm not able to see personally. Please stay in contact with me so that I may continue to grow but so YOU too can grow. You may also comment on these posts and I will see them. As these are posted on Facebook also, you can send me a message and I will respond. May God grow you and He is me.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Modesty Lesson
As my daughter Amber gets older and the styles keep changing, Rick & I are having to approach modesty with her. Our latest battle is over swimsuits. The biggest in style is the bikini.
About a day or two ago, Amber * I got into a pretty big argument about this. I tried to explain what modesty was. Being a preteen girl, she totally thought I was being mean and OLD. I even tried pulling up a website that showed MODEST swimsuits. These suits we lycra dresses with lycra tights underneath. Of course, Amber didn't like them. I can't honestly say I liked them either! ;-)
Then this morning, my son decided to say some inappropriate language. After he sat down in timeout, we read chapters 2 & 3 from Genesis. We talked about sin and the first sin. It was here that all of a sudden it clicked for Amber. When I read that after eating from the tree of knowledge Adam & Eve were ashamed of being naked and covered up with fig leaves. My daughter then says, "This is why we cover ourselves up." Then as we read that God created tunics from skin she finally says, " I get it, Mom".
I love how God can take everyday experiences and make them the most amazing "Aha" moments. Praying that through your experiences today and the next week, you get that Aha moment. May God bring you and/or your children closer to Him through those daily tasks.
About a day or two ago, Amber * I got into a pretty big argument about this. I tried to explain what modesty was. Being a preteen girl, she totally thought I was being mean and OLD. I even tried pulling up a website that showed MODEST swimsuits. These suits we lycra dresses with lycra tights underneath. Of course, Amber didn't like them. I can't honestly say I liked them either! ;-)
Then this morning, my son decided to say some inappropriate language. After he sat down in timeout, we read chapters 2 & 3 from Genesis. We talked about sin and the first sin. It was here that all of a sudden it clicked for Amber. When I read that after eating from the tree of knowledge Adam & Eve were ashamed of being naked and covered up with fig leaves. My daughter then says, "This is why we cover ourselves up." Then as we read that God created tunics from skin she finally says, " I get it, Mom".
I love how God can take everyday experiences and make them the most amazing "Aha" moments. Praying that through your experiences today and the next week, you get that Aha moment. May God bring you and/or your children closer to Him through those daily tasks.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Values--Something for LIFE
Almost everyone I talk to knows my husband left last month to go on a business trip. What most people don't know is how much of an impact it has had on our family!
When Rick came home from Indiana, I knew there was something different about him. He seemed to walk taller, think bigger, and smile a whole lot more. The kids and I missed him so much. Then he began to tell me some of the things that happened while he was there. The things that stuck with me were the amount of food they had, how big their rooms were, and the values they had to come up with. I didn't realize how much this would have an impact though until weeks later. Fast forward a few weeks...
Last night, we did something as a family we have never done before. We sat down for a family meeting. I knew it was coming because Rick had said he wanted to but the kids had no idea. Earlier in the week, Rick had asked me about setting up family values for us. Thinking it was a good idea, it would be nice to have the kids involved. This was an awesome thing we were going to do.
The kids, Rick, and myself all sat down in our front room with a piece of paper and a pen. Rick explained what was going to happen. We wanted each person to think of 5-10 values and we would vote on them for our family. There were so many to choose from. Believe it or not, there was also many of the same. However, when all was said and done, we chose 4 that suit our family. We chose: Faith, Loyalty, Growth, and Positive.
This morning, I struggled with being positive. I don't know exactly why but I felt so inadequate as a mother and a wife. I didn't realize then but I was being attacked by Satan. During this time, I cried, yelled, hit the shower (literally). It took Rick praying over me in order for me to "snap" out of it! After that, my day got SO much better! The day was a long one with so many activities with my kids and my husband! What a blessed day I had today!
The values we set may take a while to fully take effect but they are so worth it! My son can tell us what each value means to him and so can my daughter. I find that as I think about what they mean, Growth, has come to mean so much to me. I pray that I never become stagnant in my walk with Christ. I pray that whoever reads this will find encouragement. I also want for those who don't know Christ as their Savior, to question me, my family, anyone they come into contact with what it means to have Jesus save them. Remember, even personal values can have a tremendous impact on you!
When Rick came home from Indiana, I knew there was something different about him. He seemed to walk taller, think bigger, and smile a whole lot more. The kids and I missed him so much. Then he began to tell me some of the things that happened while he was there. The things that stuck with me were the amount of food they had, how big their rooms were, and the values they had to come up with. I didn't realize how much this would have an impact though until weeks later. Fast forward a few weeks...
Last night, we did something as a family we have never done before. We sat down for a family meeting. I knew it was coming because Rick had said he wanted to but the kids had no idea. Earlier in the week, Rick had asked me about setting up family values for us. Thinking it was a good idea, it would be nice to have the kids involved. This was an awesome thing we were going to do.
The kids, Rick, and myself all sat down in our front room with a piece of paper and a pen. Rick explained what was going to happen. We wanted each person to think of 5-10 values and we would vote on them for our family. There were so many to choose from. Believe it or not, there was also many of the same. However, when all was said and done, we chose 4 that suit our family. We chose: Faith, Loyalty, Growth, and Positive.
This morning, I struggled with being positive. I don't know exactly why but I felt so inadequate as a mother and a wife. I didn't realize then but I was being attacked by Satan. During this time, I cried, yelled, hit the shower (literally). It took Rick praying over me in order for me to "snap" out of it! After that, my day got SO much better! The day was a long one with so many activities with my kids and my husband! What a blessed day I had today!
The values we set may take a while to fully take effect but they are so worth it! My son can tell us what each value means to him and so can my daughter. I find that as I think about what they mean, Growth, has come to mean so much to me. I pray that I never become stagnant in my walk with Christ. I pray that whoever reads this will find encouragement. I also want for those who don't know Christ as their Savior, to question me, my family, anyone they come into contact with what it means to have Jesus save them. Remember, even personal values can have a tremendous impact on you!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
New Phase of Life = New Life??
The last few weeks have been crazy! I felt like I was never home. I know so many others that said the same thing. All of their kids were either graduating high school, 8th grade promotion, 5th grade "graduation", or Kindergarten celebration. Yes, we can all say we knew or knew of someone in those shoes.
My daughter promoted from 5th grade this year. My son is leaving 1st grade. My husband and I realized we now have a 6th grader and a 2nd grader. Then I started thinking about this new phase we are all entering. I've said it before. As of this fall, I will be homeschooling my children. We feel it is the best way to go at this time.
As of May 18th, both of my children came home to be with me all day, every day. So far, we are all just trying to figure out how this summer is going to for us. We are having to learn how discipline is going to work. Never before have my children had to do "chores" before they were allowed to watch TV or be on the computer. When my DH and I are on the same page and the kids are trying to cope with that. They still seem to think that if one says no, the other will say yes. While they are getting better, it is taking some time.
My daughter seems to be slowly getting better about understanding this. It seems like since becoming that 6th grader, she has taken on new responsibility. She seems to be ready to do her chores in the morning so she can have the afternoon free. If only my little guy would get this concept!
I know my little guy is still young. When I was home for 4 years, he seemed to do really well. He listen a LOT better than he does nowadays. I take the heat for that. I didn't stand my ground a few years ago. It is so important for children to have their parents in their lives. When I went back to work, my children suffered, especially my little guy. He missed having me home to teach him and love on him. I will never get that back but hopefully, he will learn once again that he can be with mom whenever he needs, instead of me pushing him off because I was worried about work or whatever needed to be done around the house since I wasn't home all day.
I guess this new phase that our family is going through is really what this New Life in a Cemetery is all about!
My daughter promoted from 5th grade this year. My son is leaving 1st grade. My husband and I realized we now have a 6th grader and a 2nd grader. Then I started thinking about this new phase we are all entering. I've said it before. As of this fall, I will be homeschooling my children. We feel it is the best way to go at this time.
As of May 18th, both of my children came home to be with me all day, every day. So far, we are all just trying to figure out how this summer is going to for us. We are having to learn how discipline is going to work. Never before have my children had to do "chores" before they were allowed to watch TV or be on the computer. When my DH and I are on the same page and the kids are trying to cope with that. They still seem to think that if one says no, the other will say yes. While they are getting better, it is taking some time.
My daughter seems to be slowly getting better about understanding this. It seems like since becoming that 6th grader, she has taken on new responsibility. She seems to be ready to do her chores in the morning so she can have the afternoon free. If only my little guy would get this concept!
I know my little guy is still young. When I was home for 4 years, he seemed to do really well. He listen a LOT better than he does nowadays. I take the heat for that. I didn't stand my ground a few years ago. It is so important for children to have their parents in their lives. When I went back to work, my children suffered, especially my little guy. He missed having me home to teach him and love on him. I will never get that back but hopefully, he will learn once again that he can be with mom whenever he needs, instead of me pushing him off because I was worried about work or whatever needed to be done around the house since I wasn't home all day.
I guess this new phase that our family is going through is really what this New Life in a Cemetery is all about!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Real Peace and Contentment?
Do you ever have that feeling you are just too much at peace? No? Well, I can say I feel that way today. I know I am not deserving of it either.
Just when I thought that, I read a verse again this morning. "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-my God-will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord."
I had to really let myself see what God was talking about. I realized I am fearful of homeschooling my children this next fall. I worry that I won't be able to do it. They will be terribly unhappy, miss socializing, and angry with me. These words began to sink in though. I don't have to be fearful or dismayed. My God will be with me until I have finished the work he set out for me to do. My DH and I believe that homeschooling our children is what we are being convicted of doing. This is what is best for them and God will be with us throughout it.
I used to be really against homeschooling. Then I warmed up to the idea. My DH was against homeschooling at that point. We are finally on the same "wavelength" of thinking. THIS is a SCARY thought in itself! So again, I am beginning to feel so much peace. God has wonderful timing!
Last year about this time was the beginning of my downfall. I was tempted, not once but twice, last year to leave my DH. The first time actually happened in May. I never could pull the trigger. I knew I was unhappy and very non-content. Thankfully, because my God does not leave or forsake me, I stayed and went through a few more very bad trials. But it has brought me such contentment, I'm now ready to just do it! Do it for HIM!!!
Just when I thought that, I read a verse again this morning. "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-my God-will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord."
I had to really let myself see what God was talking about. I realized I am fearful of homeschooling my children this next fall. I worry that I won't be able to do it. They will be terribly unhappy, miss socializing, and angry with me. These words began to sink in though. I don't have to be fearful or dismayed. My God will be with me until I have finished the work he set out for me to do. My DH and I believe that homeschooling our children is what we are being convicted of doing. This is what is best for them and God will be with us throughout it.
I used to be really against homeschooling. Then I warmed up to the idea. My DH was against homeschooling at that point. We are finally on the same "wavelength" of thinking. THIS is a SCARY thought in itself! So again, I am beginning to feel so much peace. God has wonderful timing!
Last year about this time was the beginning of my downfall. I was tempted, not once but twice, last year to leave my DH. The first time actually happened in May. I never could pull the trigger. I knew I was unhappy and very non-content. Thankfully, because my God does not leave or forsake me, I stayed and went through a few more very bad trials. But it has brought me such contentment, I'm now ready to just do it! Do it for HIM!!!
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