Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year & Short update from 2011
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
who have been called according to his purpose.
When I reflect upon the past year, Romans 8:28 is the verse that comes to mind. Another one that has been my (Stephanie's) motto, mostly during earlier times of the year, is 1 Thess. 5:18 which says; Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. This can be hard to do when we are going through trials, but is still important as we are learning to trust God through our difficulties. Many of you may know that I was struggling with a post-partum mood disorder characterized by extreme insomnia & some anxiety. It was during those long nights that many times I chose to seek God rather than lay in bed trying to catch sleep that wouldn't come. I know now that God used this trial in order for me to gain a better understanding of just how close God desires to be to me & ultimately how he desires to be close to all of us. My eyes were also opened to the fact that I had been idolizing sleep - seeing my "need" for it as greater than my need to spend time with God. I know now, after "fasting" from sleep, that is only through Jesus that my soul is truly restored (Psalm 23:3).
It was during late night times with God (usually between 2-4am) that I began to learn how to pray Scripture such as Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 41:10, and Psalm 91:14-16 to name a few. Through reading books such as "The Power of Simple Prayer" by Joyce Meyer and also her book "Knowing God Intimately - Being as close to Him as you want to be," I began realizing more and more of my need for a truly intimate relationship with God. As I began to experience a glimpse of how our relationship with God should be, it caused my soul to yearn for even more (of Him). It is a sad irony that when I go through periods of life that I am not seeking Him as I should, that desire for Him wanes. This is why I believe God allows circumstances in our lives to test & try us in order to ultimately draw us nearer to Him. Isn't it so true that we usually seek Him more in our hard times than when everything in our life is going good? I also believe that without God loving and desiring us first, we would not desire to love Him (1 John 4:19).
The biggest blessing for me (Stephanie) by far has been the loving support of my husband, family members, & friends who have gone through similar times in their lives. I am so thankful for caring doctors who listened & treated me appropriately so that I could get better and no longer need medications to sleep. Praise the Lord! Most of all, knowing that we got a precious little girl out of it, made it all worth it. Gracelyn Raye (1) has been such a sweetheart, almost always a good sleeper at night, and recently started giving kisses which brings such joy to a mother's heart! :) She is now on the verge of walking - standing for several seconds on her own - and is such an active toddler! She is 18lbs (17th percentile), which is what I was at that age, has four teeth, and is learning more words as time goes by! She continues to amaze us with her high interest in the world & people around her.
Back in January, Vince was blessed with a new job (a huge answer to prayer) at First Midwest Bank in Joliet - only 15 minutes from our house! He is enjoying being a Level 3 Technical Support Specialist, being able to come home often for lunch, and not having the daily 3 hour commute to Chicago anymore. I (Stephanie) continue to work about 2 days/week in the evening at the hospital. Vince gets home from work about 4:30pm which leaves a span of 3hrs that Gracelyn needs a sitter. Between the Nabzdyk girls, Jessie Erbe (all are homeschooled!), and of course, the grandma's & Aunt Sara - we have been blessed with wonderful childcare & know that Gracie is always in the best of hands! God has certainly worked out all things for good this year & we are so thankful to Him!
We hope you all have a safe & healthy New Year and continue to be reminded of God's sovereignty and goodness. He is faithful. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
God bless,
Stephanie, Vince, Gracelyn Raye, and Zoey (the pooch)
P.S. Will be uploading new pictures soon when I get the chance!
It was during late night times with God (usually between 2-4am) that I began to learn how to pray Scripture such as Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 41:10, and Psalm 91:14-16 to name a few. Through reading books such as "The Power of Simple Prayer" by Joyce Meyer and also her book "Knowing God Intimately - Being as close to Him as you want to be," I began realizing more and more of my need for a truly intimate relationship with God. As I began to experience a glimpse of how our relationship with God should be, it caused my soul to yearn for even more (of Him). It is a sad irony that when I go through periods of life that I am not seeking Him as I should, that desire for Him wanes. This is why I believe God allows circumstances in our lives to test & try us in order to ultimately draw us nearer to Him. Isn't it so true that we usually seek Him more in our hard times than when everything in our life is going good? I also believe that without God loving and desiring us first, we would not desire to love Him (1 John 4:19).
The biggest blessing for me (Stephanie) by far has been the loving support of my husband, family members, & friends who have gone through similar times in their lives. I am so thankful for caring doctors who listened & treated me appropriately so that I could get better and no longer need medications to sleep. Praise the Lord! Most of all, knowing that we got a precious little girl out of it, made it all worth it. Gracelyn Raye (1) has been such a sweetheart, almost always a good sleeper at night, and recently started giving kisses which brings such joy to a mother's heart! :) She is now on the verge of walking - standing for several seconds on her own - and is such an active toddler! She is 18lbs (17th percentile), which is what I was at that age, has four teeth, and is learning more words as time goes by! She continues to amaze us with her high interest in the world & people around her.
Back in January, Vince was blessed with a new job (a huge answer to prayer) at First Midwest Bank in Joliet - only 15 minutes from our house! He is enjoying being a Level 3 Technical Support Specialist, being able to come home often for lunch, and not having the daily 3 hour commute to Chicago anymore. I (Stephanie) continue to work about 2 days/week in the evening at the hospital. Vince gets home from work about 4:30pm which leaves a span of 3hrs that Gracelyn needs a sitter. Between the Nabzdyk girls, Jessie Erbe (all are homeschooled!), and of course, the grandma's & Aunt Sara - we have been blessed with wonderful childcare & know that Gracie is always in the best of hands! God has certainly worked out all things for good this year & we are so thankful to Him!
We hope you all have a safe & healthy New Year and continue to be reminded of God's sovereignty and goodness. He is faithful. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
God bless,
Stephanie, Vince, Gracelyn Raye, and Zoey (the pooch)
P.S. Will be uploading new pictures soon when I get the chance!
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