Tag Archives: Life

San Francisco Love

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 20 May, 2014 None comments

As you all know, my husband and I headed to San Francisco a couple of weekends ago. We enjoyed three full days in San Fran with just the two of us love birds celebrating our second anniversary.

We stayed in Berkley on the marina and surprisingly enough, Berkley was not that great of a town. Worn down and not as nice as I had presumed. We had quite the struggle to find any American Food. We do not mind ethnic food now and again but for some reason we wanted American Food and could not find anything. We drove around for an hour to finally stop at a diner that seemed extremely tasty but found out our hunger overtook the food itself. I realized after I ate almost all my food that there was mold on the bun. I was disturbed the entire rest of the night.

The following day was Easter and we found a fun little place between Berkley and Oakland to eat some delicious Easter Brunch. This restaurant was fabulous, but my husband and I found you can’t go wrong with breakfast places. We love them and love to travel for this very reason!

Easter Brunch-Great Eggs Benedict

After brunch we went to an Easter MLB Game. The Oakland Athletics played the Huston Asteroid’s. Oakland won 4-1, but most of all, it was an amazing day! It was 75 degrees and sunny. Not a cloud in site. We actually weren’t even prepared to have such nice weather that we were sweating out of our jeans and sweaters. My feet and shoulders got burned as that was all that was exposed to the sun, but it was beautiful and not a thing to complain about. We loved it!

That evening we ate dinner at a beautiful restaurant by our hotel. It was on the marina with a great walking trail that took you directly into the water about a mile out. It was a great little walk and beautiful scenery.

The following day was not as nice. We headed to downtown San Francisco and the weather was overcast and definitely chilly on the Pier. We went to Pier 39 after trying the best breakfast place of the trip, Fred’s Diner. They are famous for their Millionaires Bacon and it literally is a millionaire slice. It was incredible. This quaint little place fell in Sausalito, CA and was a beautiful drive along the water. Across the Golden Gate bridge we drove and headed to Golden Gate Park. We took our time walking around as we were in no hurry and our flight didn’t leave until 8:30 that evening.

After walking around the park for some time and seeing all the kids play areas wondering why it’s easy to find kids areas when you don’t have your kid with you but when you do have them, it’s never so easy to find. We wandered down to Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. Pier 39 has definitely grown since I was last their roughly 12 years ago. So many places to see.

We ate at In N’ Out as it’s a must do when in California. Although I previously hated burgers and beef, I know crave a good Animal Style Burger and Animal Style Fries from their secret menu. It’s AMAZING and so incredibly horrible for you. It is cheap food for good food. I love it!

We ended our trip driving to the airport as we did not want to get stuck in Cali rush hour and parked the car on the water and watched planes take off and land. It was beautiful and very entertaining to watch the strategy they have for the thousands of planes coming and going. In one hour, we were so shocked to see how many planes come and go in pairs. 2 take off as 2 are landing. It was fascinating to sit and watch this for awhile and just enjoy great conversation. As we left San Francisco that night, I was excited to get home to my baby but always enjoy a good vacation. Wishing we were headed off to Hawaii for another 10 days with Cooper. :)

Moment of Truth: A husband and wife NEED time alone together for longer than a date night! It is extremely critical to a marriage to be childless for a night or two! :)

Worrying too Much

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 17 May, 2014 None comments

I had a dear friend contacted me this week with a lot of struggle and pain she is battling within her family. I felt the deep urge to reach out and see if things were okay and to my surprise that was the Holy Spirit prompting me to pray for her and her family.

After a long conversation, the questions come up about anxiety, worry and fear. Oh how I know this all to well. The reality is most women probably struggle with this on some level or another. Her and I, are like two peas in a pod with fear and anxiety. We can allow it to consume our body literally paralyzing our souls keeping us from thinking beyond that moment. We go deeper and deeper into the hole of ‘worst case scenarios.’

Telling her and reassuring her that worrying will not change the outcome, it simply will make you feel worse but the outcome remains the same. As I speak this truth to her, I am reminding myself that I need to believe what I say. It’s not always easy. And this is a reality we must choose to remember. Life is hard and painful and when you are not experiencing trials of many kinds, give thanks because we know in life we are either in the middle of the storm, coming out of the storm or getting prepared to head back in. This is the cycle of life.

When we are in a healthy spot, heading into the storm helps prepare us to better handle the situation. The storm itself will also help teach us something new that we hadn’t learned previously. Take the opportunity to look at the positive while in the middle of pain, hurt, tragedy, and heartache. Prepare yourself to learn the truth in the middle of messes. This will help keep you focused and grounded.

My girlfriend mentioned how she thought she had it all together and boy did God open her eyes to realize she didn’t have it all together let alone how desperately she did need Him. What a blessing! God is working in ALL of our lives. We can tend to put our heads down in the sand when problems arise and be blinded to the hurt our dear friends are going through as well. When you pull your head up and allow yourself to be vulnerable, you will find you are not alone. We all have our own stuff to work through and some is more challenging than others. But we will come through! When you are not currently in the midst of the storm, be that shoulder for those who are hurting deeply. You will be surprised what others are dealing with and you will feel a sense of relief to be able to be there with them.

Night time can be our worst hurdle. Laying our sleepy heads to rest and letting your mind wander can be a deadly trap. Waking up from cold sweats to only find you worrying yet again. Laying awake for hours hoping and praying to fall back asleep but you can’t seem to do anything but let your mind take over! These are deadly traps from the enemy. He is out to destroy you and “our minds our the last bastion of rebellion!” The power our mind holds is vast, yet God is even bigger than that!

Thanks to: keithmcadamscoachingtips.blogspot.com

Moment of Truth: We all long for comfort and security. This must come from the Lord and Him alone. But we all need to provide that love and prayer for one another. Be vulnerable! Be compassionate! Be wise! And be loving! I heard it once said, “we are only in the storm for as long as it takes to learn what God has in store.” Take advantage of where you are currently and choose to learn, don’t allow self pity to consume you!

Timeliness

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 4 May, 2014 None comments

Timeliness is everywhere in life. We try and get to work on time, church, bible study, kids sporting activities, dinner dates, play dates, piano recitals, so on and so forth. Everything revolves around time. I’ve come to realize as I have just passed my second anniversary and am coming up on my sons 2nd birthday that life does not slow down. Do I want to be controlled by time or do I want to control the time I have?

How do we feel accomplished in our day? Do we lay our heads on our pillow at night feeling we didn’t quite get everything done that we had hoped or anticipated we would? What was on your list that you wish you could have accomplished? Was it worthwhile? Was it beneficial to your family and your soul, or was is an activity that we make important in our households that may not necessarily be that important?

These are questions that have filled my mind as of recent since the whirlwind began a month ago. The chaos of my day as of recent has been filled with three tiny souls longing to be loved and taught to love. The important things such as making my bed in the morning has taken a backseat. Washing every dish in the sink and vacuuming the floor has become less than an hourly or daily chore. My cleanliness obsession has begun to take a reality check as chasing three kids around doesn’t accomplish this task. Picking what really matters on a daily basis has become the new normal for me. Realizing it’s almost impossible to get anywhere early but roughly right on time or 5 minutes late; I’ve got this down to a science.

Realizing my life has taken a turn of utter chaos not all good and not all bad, has brought to my attention as I can’t believe this year has already brought us to the 5th month of 2014. I feel like we just got through the holidays and found out my mother-in-law was sick. Here we are in May and my son is almost 2 years old. Wondering where the time went and where it continues to still go baffles me beyond belief. The only thing I can stop and do is be thankful for the day I am in. This hasn’t been an easy concept for me, but the older I get, the longer I am married, and the older my son gets makes me realize time only goes faster, not slower. I want to relish in the day I am currently in and find the blessings in the tough days I wish I could sleep away.

As my son reaches his second birthday and we just passed our second anniversary I can humbly say, I’ve learned a lot in 2 full years. This is no understatement. Those of you who know me, know the struggles our family has faced and have been there to love and care for us through the process. Knowing God is doing a mighty work is extremely encouraging even when the hardship seems to cloud the work God is doing. I heard it once said, “It takes failure to bring success!” This caught my attention and made me realize we would never grow if we didn’t face hard circumstances in life forcing uncomfortability. As much as I want the extraordinary life, it also requires trials to bring perseverance which brings about a deeper relationship with Christ. We can’t get there without learning along the way.

My goal is to bring glory to God and be a blessing to my family. I want the world to know there is a happiness and peace that comes from trials knowing God is holding my hand along the way. The world would like to keep us blind to real happiness and often they succeed. It’s easy to get caught up in the mundane of life and allow petty things to dictate our accomplishments of the day. I know there are many times I lay my head to rest running down my mental checklist of what I got done and need to do the following day. These are not important tasks. After losing my mother-in-law, being reminded that all of her accomplishments in her career were nothing that lasted. They fall away but her soul remains. Nothing in her life that was career driven, self driven or for worldly pleasure went with her when she passed. The moment she took her last breath at 60 years old, none of that was important. Her soul, heart and mind is ALL that mattered.

Moment of Truth: What are you striving for in life? Is it worthwhile? Will it last for eternity or is it temporary? Strive to be more than this world has to offer.

Enough is Enough

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 25 April, 2014 None comments

As a mom you know the little joys that take place all throughout the day, or perhaps you know the little annoyances that are testing your patience. I’ve longed to be a mom for as long as I could remember. I used to play with my water baby who seemed so real and would pretend she was my child. She my baby and I was going to take her anywhere and everywhere with me. Where I got this notion, I’m not too sure, but I do know it has been a longing since I can remember putting the white jammies with little red hearts on her saying I would care for her as long as I lived.

Becoming a parent for me, happened entirely different than I had dreamt of. I thought I would get married and fall helplessly in love, travel and be the happiest family on the face of this earth. I did fall in love and I do travel with my family, but it didn’t happen in the order I had scheduled on my agenda. I got pregnant after knowing my husband for a short 6 months to only test the boundaries of love and what that meant for the little child within my belly. We decided to take the plunge and get married two months prior to our little bundle of joy entering this world. We traveled within three months of him being born and still do. We’ve made it work, it hasn’t been easy but we’ve accomplished the unthinkable. It’s been a long journey, there are days you think it would be easier to run away and give up. There are moments of wondering who my spouse truly is amongst the crying and laughter filling the house. There are moments of curiosity: will my husband and I get along without the babe around? Will we learn the depths of one another’s soul even with a toddlers pitter-patter running rampant throughout the house. These are all questions that are posed in the midst of falling in love and creating love all at the same time. But when the end of the day hits, I am blessed and thankful!

There are many challenges to starting life the way my husband and I did. But, there are many joys and blessings that we wouldn’t have, had we not go pregnant and married. The pure bliss of our family is a blessing no matter the hardship that has occurred. You have to be willing to accept the difficult times along with the good. Fighting for your marriage no matter the cost. Choosing to get to know your spouse on a deeper level whenever possible. Choosing to let your family be your life!

These are all things I’ve chosen to accept knowing that it will not be easy. My husband and I have officially been married for two years now as of this month. We look back and thank one another for being there through all the challenges we’ve had. We’ve gone through A LOT within those two years battling cancer, death, my health, my sons hospitalizations, extended family drama and addictions as well as every day life. I firmly believe if we can make it through that, we can make it through anything. We’ve dealt with more than we bargained for and have chosen to accept it and keep learning and growing with one another. I love my husband beyond description. I know he was meant for me since the day we were born. There are so many positives amongst the challenges and often, we overlook the good.

Two people come from entirely different pasts, and that is a loaded guns as is. :) When you deal with extended family there are many things that encompass “family.” Good and bad. Relating to one another looks different than how my husband grew up. I grew up extremely conservative while he grew up in a family of immense wealth and prestige. He also grew up with very little love and acceptance and dealing with things a young child should never have to deal with. Bringing his family and past into our marriage was a handful for me just as much as the love and extreme communication in my family was a challenge for him. Our idea of a family looked different. We have had to learn to adapt and grow with what we’ve learned throughout life and mesh together our new “normal.”

With all of that to say, sometimes I get caught up in the mundane of life and say “enough is enough!” Forgetting how far we have come, home many more years of love and growth we have with one another, more traveling, more living and more being! Enough is enough when I have lost every ounce of patience with a crying child throwing temper tantrums and becoming severely dehydrated and being hospitalized all in the same week of losing my mother-in-law. Feeling I have to hold everything together, I do my best to not fall apart. I reached the end of myself last week three days before we left town for vacation. Realizing that I wouldn’t have the love of my husband and son had we not taken the road we are on. With all the hardship and patience being worn, that’s all because I am married and have a little munchkin to share my life with. The little moments outweigh the challenging moments. Life keeps ticking away and the hours keep fading, but what still remains is my family of three. I’m thankful I do not have to embark on this life alone. I’m thankful I have a husband who comes home every night, I’m thankful I have a family to share dinner with and cook for. I’m thankful for the laughter that fills my home while my husband and son play. I’m thankful to travel with my husband alone and get to know him even more than I already do. I am thankful and blessed for the little things. Enough IS enough! I have enough and am blessed to have enough! I have the little giggles, I have the little hugs and struggle to enunciate the beginnings of his vocabulary. The incredible knowledge this little man holds is enough for my soul. I have enough with my husband. The moments together of laughter and holding one another, the planning of our future. The talk of more children. Cooking romantic meals for one another and simply being together is enough!

Sometimes mommy cannot be and do everything for the family. We tend to take on this role and try to fulfill the families desires, simply forgetting that we are an individual as well. We take on the roles of wife, mommy, housekeeper, taxi driver, chef, accountant and much more forgetting I am still Me without all the titles. Embrace the titles you hold! Without your family you wouldn’t have these titles. Sometimes they become draining but they are more exciting than having no titles and being needed by those you love. We are needed as a wife and mommy and through the constant questions and nagging, you are needed and have enough! At the end of the day, my frustrations and lack of patience is and will continue to diminish as I embrace the positive in having enough.

Here is an article that I saw this morning and thought it was beyond a good reminder on why we wear all the hats of being a wife and mom. It’s the little things that last; chores and cleaning will always remain but our little munchkins grow up!

Enough is Enough-Read this article to remind you of why you choose to be a mom and a wife!

Moment of Truth: Embrace the day for the simple fact that you are needed to help supply the needs of your family. You are needed to create the relationships and security between your family and you are the biggest blessing to your family. Embrace the little kisses, hugs and words that are uttered from your rug rats and embrace the welcome home kiss from your husband after his long day at work. Embrace the family dinners and family walks together. Embrace life; enough is enough!

Faith or Religion

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 21 April, 2014 None comments

Oh boy, the very topic of religion and faith begin to rustle our feathers. My parents came into town for the weekend to watch our son while my husband and I enjoy a couple nights away for the very first time. We are extremely excited but it’s almost as if we are both waiting for something terribly bad to happen as you can see with our life….things simply don’t slow down. We live in a sarcastic zone right now almost expecting something to occur while joking with one another to only help keep our sanity alive. We sit in a stupor of “what just happened” kind of state while we try and process everything. It would actually be humorous to the outside world taking a look in to our home and the Cook’s sitting on the couch entirely unengaged by what is taking place in life not even able to converse with one another; simply starring at the motion streaming across the TV.

While we were chit-chatting last night with my parents, the topic of religion and faith got brought up. This is a sticky topic and tends to make many people uncomfortable. Isn’t that what we want, a place of uncomfortability? This is where we should be! I know it sounds clique but in all reality a comfortable place is a scary place. We never want to be comfortable with God, there should always be a relationship bouncing back and forth forcing contemplation of life and actions as well as a forward progression.

Thanks to: alookintomymind.wordpress.com

The topic of “earning” our place with God got brought up. Sometimes we live in a world of complete expectation; if you do something for me, than I’ll do something for you. This is exactly how we treat relationships. We fight against this very thing only to find this is exactly what we are looking for if we are honest. Perfect example- my husband was never blessed with a good childhood or parents who truly loved him. He thought from a young age, if he did all these things than they would accept him. That never happened. He joined the Airforce, got his bachelors and masters degree, went ahead and got his CPA license and now here he is….35 years old questioning his very being. What was all of that for? It was all for the very purpose of wanting to be accepted by his wealthy, prestige family who wouldn’t bat an eye at him unless he became something great. Even after all that, he wasn’t successful in their eyes. Years in school, hundreds of thousands of dollars spent only for the sake of their acceptance and longing to be loved never being met; my husbands happiness sunk deep into a hole. Realizing years later that he doesn’t even enjoy what he does for a living, it was all simply for the sake of “becoming something greater” that never existed. That greatness is within my husband, not the jobs be preforms. This is the concept we all need to remind ourselves of. This is a sad reality.

Earning acceptance comes in many different forms but we all do it on some level or another. We crave relationships and this is exactly why the weight of friendships become so heavy. We think we are being the best friend possible to only be let down because their reciprocation isn’t as much as yours is. These are lies that you are believing. We need to live in a relationship for that relationship and not what you can get out of it, but what you can bless them with. This is what makes great people of the world, this is what brings credibility, this is what brings true friendship and love. This is what helps create happiness.

Letting go of expectation will bring about a giving heart. This is where Christ wants us. We need to serve those around us just as Christ has called us to do. This all ties into religion and the expectation that if we are “good enough” God will bless us. This isn’t how relationships work, so why would we want a religion that works that way. Works based religion will only tear you down because you will and cannot ever be good enough. Look at my husband, he did everything he knew they would like but it was never enough. Do you really want to Worship a God who you can’t quite meet up to His standards and waste your life trying? We become consumed with these thoughts to only blame God for not following through on His end of the bargain. “I’ve been faithful, I’ve stayed married, I had multiple children, I help friends, I work hard, I share my money so why aren’t you blessing me back?” These are the very thoughts we take on when life gets hard. I’ve done all these things so why are you bringing tragedy into my life? Why are we in the hospital with my son, I’ve been faithful? Why did my mother have to die without resolution? Why? Why? Why?

The very essence of our works based religion stems from a selfish gain. I’ve done all these things so you should pour down blessing on me? It’s the very thought that keeps our focus on ourselves not Christ. God wants to pour blessings upon us, but when our perspective is on HIM not OURSELVES. He also wants us to get the very essence that we are forgiven before we even act upon our sin. This is a faith based relationship with God, not a religion. God wants us to accept the fact that we are forgiven and have the gift of salvation, NOTHING is to be earned. We don’t want to strive so hard in friendships to earn their approval, those relationships are not worth out time, so why would we do the same with God?

Friends, we all need to remember that God died for us a painful death only for the sake of taking the sin of the world upon His shoulders before we even sinned those very sins. He had to take upon the impossible to create the possible! Without his death and resurrection, there is no point in living! We are redeemed brothers and sisters and need to start living in that redemption. He forgave us when he was strung upon the cross; walk in that freedom! This is Faith not religion. Faith is accepting the gift of Christ not earning something he’s already handed us. There are a million billion doors of love to walk through and one of those doors is for you! God has strategically placed His loving hand in your life waiting for you to accept it and walk through the door of true life; living in grace and freedom! No matter how flawless your behavior, the answer to being worthy enough of Christ’s love is always no. You are not worthy enough by any means, but simply because He loves you. Your performance and Christ’s love are completely different issues, which we all need to sort out. “I love you with an everlasting Love that flows out from eternity without limits or conditions.” ~Sarah Calling

You are not trapped and enslaved to sin! There is a hope and a future! Even though life is down right horrible and painful at times, our hope begins to be refined when in the midst of hardship, begging for something greater than ourselves. When life gets messy we seek for something bigger than our powerless hands, but when life is fantastic we use our hands to try and run the world thinking we have it all under control! We must not let unexpected events throw us off course.

Moment of Truth: Learning to accept the forgiveness already handed to you and choosing to talk in that freedom. You are redeemed! “If I have you permanent Peace, independent of My Presence, you might fall into the trap of self-sufficiency.” ~Sarah Young

The Merry-Go-Round of Life

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 19 April, 2014 None comments

The Merry-Go-Round of life. Shouldn’t this ride be slow and relaxing? Are we riding faster and faster begging for life to slow down a little? Is our patience being tested? Is our integrity failing? Is our lack of trust letting others down? Is our dishonesty destroying relationships?

This merry-go-round of life is never ending and we haven’t quite figure that out yet. It seems that every new twist and turn in the road we are looking for an escape rather than accepting the very day we have been given.

As I had previously mentioned about my patience fleeing my soul as if I became a ravenous dog out to destroy anything and everything in my site, I stumbled across this and found it to be entirely fitting…..WAIT!!! It was not fitting at all, it was convicting to the innermost part of my being. Reminding me why I exercise patience and why I am not running my own life.

I have a devotional that is beyond quick and helps convict you for the entire day with your 3 minutes of reading. :)

This is by Sarah Young, April 16:

I am calling you to a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. The basis for your gratitude is My sovereignty. I am the Creator and Controller of the universe. Heaven and earth are filled with My glorious Presence.

When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I’m mismanaging things. But you don’t know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you tolive by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future of seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge My sovereignty by giving thanks in all circumstances.

Boy was this a mind, body and soul experience to remember to give thanks in all circumstances and that I often act as though I could run the world better than the God that created me! Who am I to think such things and exercise a power that I clearly do not have?

This helped put me back in place remembering I need not say the things I want to say from my flesh. But give thanks when my son is testing my patience for the very reason that I have a son to test my patience. Being thankful in the little things help bring clarity when bigger things arise.

I am thankful for the very fact that I cannot see the future as I would probably be more scared than excited. I would base my every move off what the future would bring rather than living in the moment and allowing my faith to grow and my focus to remain on the Lord. This is the merry-go-round of life. It continually happens and constantly tests my limits.

Thanks to fineartamerica.com

Moment of Truth: I learned through a simple reminder that I am powerless but have a God who is all Powerful! My faith is not in the patience I lack throughout the day, but in God who has given me a desire to exercise patience for the sake of Him to bless my family.

The Million Dollar Question

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 18 April, 2014 None comments

This morning I had a conversation with my husband before work about his job and his happiness. This has become a very frequent conversation as of lately. The million dollar question still remains unanswered; “what will make me happy?” It’s not about the money for him, it’s not about anything but enjoying what he is doing and being successful at it. Does that mean you stay in the same career but in a different position or simply change fields all together? The many questions remain. How to narrow down the answers for the unknown is almost impossible.

As a wife, my biggest problem is wanting to solve this issue knowing I can’t create the perfect job for him that he would love to attend everyday. The struggle of helping him, supporting him, and making a plan with him is extremely challenging for me as I can not create his happiness. I know he turns to me because he wants me to help solve this situation as well and I can’t. It’s a tough position to be in and I wish I could answer that million dollar question.

From an outside perspective, even though I’m not truly on the outside, I can see that some things take more time than we would like. I know answers will come, I know he will gain an interest in what he really wants to do and I know ultimately, he will begin to see more clearly. He’s had a whirlwind of events take place the last couple years but as of frequent, the last three months. The problem isn’t only his job, it’s life. He has battled relationships and abandonment with his mother while reconnecting with her only to lose her a second time and this time for good. He got married and had a baby within months and since then, life has only sped up. There has been no roadmap along the way.

We find ourselves here two years later only to say “wow!” These past two years have encompassed more than we bargained for yet we still can’t believe it’s only been two years all at the same time. Learning how to be married, be parents, and live life while finding our identity is anything but easy. I think most often people tend to dismiss the tough questions in life and tell you to ‘suck it up’ because they do not know themselves how to get there. I know we all struggle with our identity and accomplishment on some level or another, but how often do we push towards the end goal or simply take life in stride not wanting to accept any curveballs thrown.

The problem I see, is more people need to be vulnerable and accept life’s challenges, be there for others going through a similar situation and/or simply listen. My husband and I have traveled these past two years almost solo. We’ve had great people come in and out of our life advising and supporting, but when it comes down to it, we’ve been the two people at the end of the line saying, “I’m still here.” Tough circumstances can be intimidating for others and often be too much for them; almost an inconvenience and wanting to get back to the normal swing of things. This statement in and of itself is where I see my husband and I starting some sort of organization for people who need that constant support and people to journey with them all throughout. But, since we haven’t arrived at our destination yet, we will hold to that hope and know what it is that we wanted/needed while we went through it ourselves.

I don’t want to say that people haven’t volunteered their time now and again, but when you are in the fire of life hoping to come out refined, you need a constant relationship to help advise along the way. I can say we’ve had one couple who have supported us ruthlessly even when we haven’t wanted their help. I’m grateful for them and blessed to have their love and devotion to our family. This is what I am talking about. How come we want to run from problems of life? How come it’s easier to give up when you get tired, and how come we can’t remain constant for those in need?

I’m guilty of these questions as well. I long to offer my life to those around me; advise and support in all facets of life. When life gets messy, you tend to know who is there for you no matter the circumstances. It’s a true test of friendship and love. I think we all need to be reminded that God never said life was going to be easy and that we need not judge those around us. He hung out in the slums, treated those who are lesser than us with highest acceptance. Why do we want life to be so perfect and without inconveniences? Your life will be anything but that, as long as you keep running from it.

We all have our own junk in life that needs to be dealt with. We need honest relationships, real relationships and an extraordinary life. You’ve all heard me say many times to live a life extraordinary and not simply ordinary. Do you honestly believe you can achieve the extraordinary life without coming along people, sharing your struggles as well and not pretending? Relationships are difficult. Friends, relationships are DIFFICULT. They will only blossom when you put in what you want to get out.

Thanks to: www.suitqaisdiaries.com

So, with all of that, the million dollar question still remains in tangible form. What will bring me pure happiness. I can express the deep love and joy Christ has to offer each and every one of us but I think we need to step back and simply look at the relationships we hold with people and how we treat one another. The deeper issue will remain; we all need Christ, but on the surface we can’t have that deep relationship with Christ if we aren’t willing to get dirty and join our friends in the slums.

I can’t provide the answers I long to provide for my husband and our family, but I can help support and pray that God opens many doors and opens them soon. I also pray that our eyes would be open to the hardship knowing we are here for a reason. What we need to learn right now in this season is something I do not want to miss out on. I want that extraordinary life for my family and if that means we are in the fire to come out beyond refined, than by all means, let’s do it. I do not want the busy life that passes by without meaning and worth!

Moment of Truth: What friends do you enjoy being with when life is good? Do you hear the selfishness in that question? We all must give to those without expectation of what you can earn out of it. Life is difficult and will continue to be difficult. Do not dwell on the hardship but take the hardship and bring beauty from it. Help those around you without feeling inconvenienced. Be the love of Christ, not the love of our own flesh!

Waving Goodbye To My Patience

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 17 April, 2014 None comments

After the catastrophe of being in the hospital with my son and the traumatic events of losing my mother-in-law, I’ve been worn to the bone. I feel lifeless and worthless. My body is craving for sleep and sanity to resume. 5 days of forcing fluids with a syringe has been extremely exhausting and beyond description. It doesn’t sound like a lot but it is and you will not understand this process until every hour of your day is surrounded by fluid flushing to avoid a return to the hospital.

I’ve officially reached the end of my sanity. My cap has blown, I’m resembling Mt Saint Helens. Volcanic ash and steam burst from the top of the mountain traveling a large distance. The ash is spreading upon everything along it’s way leaving behind the aftermath of a poor, despicable attitude. This is me; my patience has been worn down to the point that I have lost my patience with anything and everything in sight.

Thanks to: blog.thezeitgeistmovement.com

Typically, I find myself to be pretty patient, accepting and a go-with-the-flow kind of girl. I will truthfully admit this wasn’t who I used to be but I’ve adapted over time. I do not remember the last time I’ve lost my patience so bad that literally anything my husband or son do, I want to rip their heads off. (Not literally, but you get the picture) The frustration of my son and the comments that accompany my husband has left me with a sour taste in my mouth. So sour that all I want to do is dispute every noise the it uttered from their mouth.

The moment I react, I immediately regret my response and the anger that has consumed my body. Embracing my son in a tight hug and a kiss for his innocent little soul, I quickly embrace him full of remorse. Unfortunately, my husband can process what I am saying and takes the outlandish comments on a more personal level while once again leaving me full of remorse and wanting to snuggle with him on the couch while we watch mindless TV; yet I still can’t bring myself to stop. I have spent the last countless days trying to hold things together, keep the family together and be the strong anchor for everything that has taken place. I’ve realized being strong can only last so long, it’s not about how strong I can be, it’s about being the support they need while knowing being strong doesn’t always come in the form of perfection. I’ve also realized that being a mommy and wife is a job that can be very taxing. Everyone needs something from me and it is always at the same time and sometimes mommy and wifey can’t do it all. Sometimes mommy and wifey just wants to be me without the titles of solving everything.

This is all coming from the depths of my selfishness longing to escape when life keeps happening around me. I would never take away being a mommy or a wife as I LOVE the responsibility that comes with is, but for the first time, I’ve actually wanted an escape. What would my escape look like? I’m not too sure, because going on vacation would involve my family. Anything I truly enjoy, I enjoy doing with my family. So, this twisted perspective that I need a break isn’t actually accurate.

I went to the salon yesterday for a good three hours so give my son a break from me losing my patience second by second. By the end of the evening, I was at it again feeling guilty as a laid his little head to sleep after “yelling” all day. My husband received a good three hours of drama since he walked through the door after work. As we went to bed, I apologized ruthlessly knowing I am an idiot now and again. My family is what is important, I need them to make it through the day. They are my love and life and I do not wish it away. I love the laughter that takes place and the two boys running rampantly throughout the house banging toys and screaming for joy. My husband and son put a smile on my face even when I get to the point of being utterly impatient, they are what makes my family a family.

Thanks to www.aniotaoftruth.com-

Realizing today is a new day and I can choose to respond from love and not from the brink of insanity is encouraging as life keeps up with the pace; never slowing down. Today I choose love, patience and enjoyment. I choose enjoyment not wanting to look back wishing I would have spent more time with the things that are important. Delighting in my family no matter the circumstances. They are there when life is happy, easy, hard and sad. They are what makes life go around!

Moment of Truth: We’ve all been there, having no patience to offer and a attitude of self-seeking. But when we look in the mirror at the end of the day what good came from it? Nothing! So, choose to delight in todays circumstances no matter what they bring. If you are in the hospital, forcing fluids, losing a parents, hating a job…..choose joy!

Part II-Series of Traumatic Events

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 15 April, 2014 1 comments

As we were released from the hospital it wasn’t simply because Cooper was better, it was because he was not nearly as dehydrated and reached a psychosis state that became dangerous for him. His age range can not comprehend what is happening around him, but he can comprehend enough that tells him he is scared and wants to go buh-bye.

His hallucinations were beyond terrifying for me. I am his mother and there was NOTHING I could do to calm my child down. This was a horrible feeling and a “bad mom” feeling as well. Knowing I wasn’t a bad mom, you feel that way in the moment because your job as his mommy is to rescue him from the unknown. As time progressed in the hospital we only saw these hallucinations become more frequent and lasting longer. It was definitely scary for us as we were utterly helpless.

On our drive home he was completely quite and exhausted. He refused sleep even than. This part confused me as I knew he had been awake for 36 hours now; why wont he sleep? The combination of dehydration and lack of sleep only made this worse. Hoping once we reached home he would start to feel safe once again.

I laid him to sleep only for him to wake back up 2 hours later with another episode. My wishes that these were over were everything but true. At that moment I was beyond desperate and extremely tired myself, the only thing I knew to calm his little soul was to place him in the car and drive. After driving around aimlessly for an hour and a half I finally came home. The many stops while on our drive was anywhere and everywhere to continue to force liquids down his little mouth. He hated it so much that actually keeping him strapped in his car seat was helpful for me. It was beyond sad to have to “pin him down” to get fluids in him, but it was way better than living in the hospital another day.

Having to give him 10 syringes an hour took up the entire hour. As soon as I reached #10 I was so excited only to see the hour started all over again. Being home had its pluses but definitely was consumed with ONLY tackling him down to fill his little mouth with fluid. It was so horrible! He wanted to play so badly but had no energy to do so that he would get upset. It was so sad as a parent to watch this all unfold. Hoping for a good night sleep we had everything but that.

He proceeded to wake up every hour and a half and Michael had just come down with the terrible cold I had that caused Cooper’s hospitalization. It was a wretched night all over again and full of terrors. Finally, the morning approached and we were back to the syringe once again. He still wont drink fluids and I was confident we were not returning to the hospital due to dehydration. So, our day was consumed all over again.

Here we are day three home from the hospital and things are finally a little brighter. He slept through the night and decided to eat a donut hole and cake pops but still refuses liquid unless I syringe it. Not sure what this is all about but he lets me syringe him fluid but still refuses to sip on his own. It’s tiring. It’s time consuming. It has worn my patience immensely thin and it’s not his fault. My exhaustion has finally set in even after a decent night sleep last night that I found myself getting so irritated with Cooper this morning as he only wanted to be held.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to dress and shower when this takes place. Reminding myself that we are home, he’s eating a little even though it’s not healthy and he is allowing me to force fluids; I need not complain. After losing my patience while trying to blow dry my hair, I realized I am not delighting in what I had been yearning for; to be home and have a healthy little boy. Though he isn’t entirely healthy yet, he is on the upswing.

Moment of Truth: Reminding myself not to get caught up in the little things but to be grateful for the little things. AND I am entirely blessed that I have the bestest friend and sister to supply us with a couple dinners not leaving me to worry about such things.