One of Riley's favorite things for the last 1-2 years has been building towers (or Chicago skyscrapers) out of his blocks. However, now with a sweet little sister who is on the move, he has to be a little creative in how he does that.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
One of those days...
So as I said before, we're in a rough season. But oh how the Lord has been sustaining us.
Last night was probably the worst night ever for Ava, who seems to be in a constant state of teething (though this time I think she has a cold on top of that)... all that to say, our normally smiley baby is just not happy. She was up every hour last night and today has been a wreck, taking several 30 minute naps all day long. And yet, all through the night and today, I have a peace that makes no sense to me. I have a strange appreciation for my kids. I have joy at the little things. Not a coincidence.
Riley has been awesome - so helpful and patient. He tries to make her smile (which is actually very successful, even in the midst of her tears - wish I could get that on camera!). He has been content to play and color and is just acting like such a big boy.
Ava was asleep so I tried to hurry Riley into his quiet time to get some quiet time for myself. I sat down after Riley was settled and 10 minutes later, Ava woke up. Sigh. I got her up and brought her downstairs to sit with me while I did my devotions. Here's what was written in my book (JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young):
"Thank Me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again. Some of the greatest works in My Kingdom have been done from sick beds and prison cells. Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My way in the midst of these circumstances. Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is living close to Me. Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence with you. Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me. Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms. My Strength and Power show themselves most effective in weakness."
And the verses that went along with that were:
"Be silent before the Lord, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling." - Zechariah 2:13
"The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, 'Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength..." - Isaiah 30:15
"Each time he said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Coincidence? I think not. Thanks, Lord, for hearing me...
Last night was probably the worst night ever for Ava, who seems to be in a constant state of teething (though this time I think she has a cold on top of that)... all that to say, our normally smiley baby is just not happy. She was up every hour last night and today has been a wreck, taking several 30 minute naps all day long. And yet, all through the night and today, I have a peace that makes no sense to me. I have a strange appreciation for my kids. I have joy at the little things. Not a coincidence.
Riley has been awesome - so helpful and patient. He tries to make her smile (which is actually very successful, even in the midst of her tears - wish I could get that on camera!). He has been content to play and color and is just acting like such a big boy.
Ava was asleep so I tried to hurry Riley into his quiet time to get some quiet time for myself. I sat down after Riley was settled and 10 minutes later, Ava woke up. Sigh. I got her up and brought her downstairs to sit with me while I did my devotions. Here's what was written in my book (JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young):
"Thank Me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again. Some of the greatest works in My Kingdom have been done from sick beds and prison cells. Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My way in the midst of these circumstances. Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is living close to Me. Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence with you. Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me. Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms. My Strength and Power show themselves most effective in weakness."
And the verses that went along with that were:
"Be silent before the Lord, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling." - Zechariah 2:13
"The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, 'Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength..." - Isaiah 30:15
"Each time he said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Coincidence? I think not. Thanks, Lord, for hearing me...
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Love for our kids...
So we all love our kids. It's a strange emotion of bonding as if our hearts are physically attached to theirs. Nothing ever changes that.
But truth be told, we feel like we're in the midst of a tough season, given my and Ryan's personalities: these young ages pull at our desires for individual time, time as a couple, sleep, creativity, logical conversations with our kids, uninterrupted conversations as adults and well, sometimes, sanity. And add in winter, and well, you now have a roller coaster of emotions at the Delp house. :)
In recent struggles, I have let myself sink into the pit of discouragement too quickly. And sometimes those pits bring about questions about parenting, our kids' personalities and well, those blasted comparisions to other kids/parents.
And today, as if directly from the Lord, I felt such a renewed appreciation for my beautiful kids. They are different and similar. Riley is fearless while Ava is cautious. Riley loves trying new things while it takes Ava a few tries with uncertain glances at Mommy before she'll decide if she likes something. But they both have fun personalities. They speak their minds (yes, even little Ava lets us know quite loudly what she wants and when); they are unaware of others' opinions and so are just themselves; they love hard and play hard. And their challenges help us grow and see the Lord, ourselves and them with a godly perspective.
And so, in our journey of praying for increasing love and growing faith - and while we love our kids a lot, I'm praying more specifically that our love for Riley and Ava would increase more and more. I'm praying that we would continue to grow in choosing the Lord's perspective in the trying times and choose to see each hurdle as a teachable moment, not just for them but for us as parents as well.
Lord, in all things, make us more like you. Help us love like you love...
But truth be told, we feel like we're in the midst of a tough season, given my and Ryan's personalities: these young ages pull at our desires for individual time, time as a couple, sleep, creativity, logical conversations with our kids, uninterrupted conversations as adults and well, sometimes, sanity. And add in winter, and well, you now have a roller coaster of emotions at the Delp house. :)
In recent struggles, I have let myself sink into the pit of discouragement too quickly. And sometimes those pits bring about questions about parenting, our kids' personalities and well, those blasted comparisions to other kids/parents.
And today, as if directly from the Lord, I felt such a renewed appreciation for my beautiful kids. They are different and similar. Riley is fearless while Ava is cautious. Riley loves trying new things while it takes Ava a few tries with uncertain glances at Mommy before she'll decide if she likes something. But they both have fun personalities. They speak their minds (yes, even little Ava lets us know quite loudly what she wants and when); they are unaware of others' opinions and so are just themselves; they love hard and play hard. And their challenges help us grow and see the Lord, ourselves and them with a godly perspective.
And so, in our journey of praying for increasing love and growing faith - and while we love our kids a lot, I'm praying more specifically that our love for Riley and Ava would increase more and more. I'm praying that we would continue to grow in choosing the Lord's perspective in the trying times and choose to see each hurdle as a teachable moment, not just for them but for us as parents as well.
Lord, in all things, make us more like you. Help us love like you love...
Friday, February 4, 2011
More from the eyes of a Riley-bear...
Here's some more pictures from Riley's camera:
These first few are from when Memom and Pop were visiting in January. A little trip to Home Depot was just the inspiration Riley needed to be a little prophetic... a snow-blower?! Yes, that would have been nice to have a few days ago when we got 2 feet of snow!!
And here's a video of Riley telling the story of "Thomas' Christmas."
These first few are from when Memom and Pop were visiting in January. A little trip to Home Depot was just the inspiration Riley needed to be a little prophetic... a snow-blower?! Yes, that would have been nice to have a few days ago when we got 2 feet of snow!!
And here's a video of Riley telling the story of "Thomas' Christmas."
Riley certainly has an air towards the dramatic... wonder what that means for his future... and ours! :) Man, do we love this boy...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Works of Art...
Riley received his very own camera for Christmas from Memom and Pop and he so enjoys taking pictures of the world. I love seeing what is important and picture-worthy from his perspective.
Here's a sampling of some. These are from Christmas with the Delps and other random pics from December.
Grandpa bowling on the Wii; "Lots of Traffic"; and Backyardigans
Hmm... caught in the act...
Skyping with Memom and Pop...
Don't worry, there will be more to come... :)
Here's a sampling of some. These are from Christmas with the Delps and other random pics from December.
Grandpa bowling on the Wii; "Lots of Traffic"; and Backyardigans
Hmm... caught in the act...
Skyping with Memom and Pop...
Don't worry, there will be more to come... :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Lord, will you grow our faith and increase our love...
This is our prayer for 2011...
Lord, will you grow our faith and increase our love...
Throughout the year, I'll give tidbits into how we're doing and what God is showing us and teaching us in this area. This covers so many avenues, but so far, I've been reminded of my love for Ryan. Reflecting on 2010 was filled with so many emotions and through all of them, I am humbled and deeply grateful for doing life with Ryan. As we get older and face more of life's curve balls, I'm confident that God will provide, He'll allow what is best for us and what will ultimately bring Him glory.
So I was reading a Karen Kingsburgy fiction book called "Forever" a month ago or so and in it was this list. Funny place to get actual marital advice, but I admit that I even wrote these in my journal, and in my kids' journals. Good reminders for loving well...
TEN SECRETS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE
"1. God has you here to serve one another. Love acted out is serving.
2. Women need respect and nurturing. Love your wife so she knows you'd lay your life down for her. Continue to date her and admire her. Share a hobby - find something you can do to have fun together.
3. Laugh often.
4. Be patient. Love crumbles quickly under the weight of unmet expectations.
5. Spend more time trying to fix yourself than your spouse.
6. Keep short accounts. The Bible says, "Do not let the sun go down while you are angry." Make it a habit to forgive.
7. Determine upfront that divorce is not an option.
8. Learn about love languages. Not all people show love or receive it the same way. You want a back rub and your spouse wants a clean kitchen. The love languages are fairly simple: acts of service, time, physical touch, gifts, and words of affirmation. Learn them. Love is better received when it's in the language that person speaks.
9. Words of affirmation are a love language for all men.
10. Men are born to be leaders. He cannot lead unless she gives him the confidence to do so. If you love your husband, build him up. Confident men do not seek love outside the home."
I'm so thankful for my husband. While marriage is not easy, I'm grateful that I know I am loved and that he strives to love me better each day, month, year. As we begin this New Year, I'm grateful for you, Ryan. I'm committed to loving you better as we grow older together, I'm excited about showing our children the realities and joys of relationships and the beauty of striving to do life God's way.
Here's to you, Ryan, may God continue to increase our love for each other and may we be creative in showing that love in random ways throughout this year...
Lord, will you grow our faith and increase our love...
Throughout the year, I'll give tidbits into how we're doing and what God is showing us and teaching us in this area. This covers so many avenues, but so far, I've been reminded of my love for Ryan. Reflecting on 2010 was filled with so many emotions and through all of them, I am humbled and deeply grateful for doing life with Ryan. As we get older and face more of life's curve balls, I'm confident that God will provide, He'll allow what is best for us and what will ultimately bring Him glory.
So I was reading a Karen Kingsburgy fiction book called "Forever" a month ago or so and in it was this list. Funny place to get actual marital advice, but I admit that I even wrote these in my journal, and in my kids' journals. Good reminders for loving well...
TEN SECRETS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE
"1. God has you here to serve one another. Love acted out is serving.
2. Women need respect and nurturing. Love your wife so she knows you'd lay your life down for her. Continue to date her and admire her. Share a hobby - find something you can do to have fun together.
3. Laugh often.
4. Be patient. Love crumbles quickly under the weight of unmet expectations.
5. Spend more time trying to fix yourself than your spouse.
6. Keep short accounts. The Bible says, "Do not let the sun go down while you are angry." Make it a habit to forgive.
7. Determine upfront that divorce is not an option.
8. Learn about love languages. Not all people show love or receive it the same way. You want a back rub and your spouse wants a clean kitchen. The love languages are fairly simple: acts of service, time, physical touch, gifts, and words of affirmation. Learn them. Love is better received when it's in the language that person speaks.
9. Words of affirmation are a love language for all men.
10. Men are born to be leaders. He cannot lead unless she gives him the confidence to do so. If you love your husband, build him up. Confident men do not seek love outside the home."
I'm so thankful for my husband. While marriage is not easy, I'm grateful that I know I am loved and that he strives to love me better each day, month, year. As we begin this New Year, I'm grateful for you, Ryan. I'm committed to loving you better as we grow older together, I'm excited about showing our children the realities and joys of relationships and the beauty of striving to do life God's way.
Here's to you, Ryan, may God continue to increase our love for each other and may we be creative in showing that love in random ways throughout this year...
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