Hello, belly.
I'll see you again soon, feet.
:)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
One.
One life.
One blood.
One life,
You got to do what you should.
One life
With each other.
Sisters,
Brothers.
One life
But we're not the same.
We get to
Carry each other,
Carry each other.
One....life.
Enjoy the concert from above, Deez. We love you.
One blood.
One life,
You got to do what you should.
One life
With each other.
Sisters,
Brothers.
One life
But we're not the same.
We get to
Carry each other,
Carry each other.
One....life.
Enjoy the concert from above, Deez. We love you.
The Rebel and Me.
Just bought a new toy today...a brand-spankin' new Canon Rebel XS digital camera. As you can imagine, we'll be taking quite a few pictures in the near future, and the point-n-shoot just wasn't cutting it in the quality department. Until our photogenic little one arrives, I'll be practicing on the beautiful Duluthian fall foliage. Hopefully it will stop snowing long enough for me to get a few good shots.
Oh, and if you're within proximity of my lens, don't be surprised if you become the subject of my impromptu photo shoot. Just work it.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Don't Leave Me Alone With Myself.
Howdy-ho, partners.
The house is dark, I've completed my essential Thursday-night television viewing, and am now sitting down to pen some thoughts- which will hopefully be coherent despite my tiredness and a determined baby pressing against my belly.
Have you ever felt vulnerable? Of course you have...it's part of the human condition, and a challenging reality when it comes to the spiritual dimension. Vulnerable, that is, to attacks from the devil himself. I figured out my open door to these attacks a while back, and still struggle with keeping that door closed.
It happens when I'm alone for too long. Don't get me wrong...I've never considered myself to be of the co-dependent sort. But I can very easily let my thoughts snowball until I'm a weepy, sobbing mess. And I know that I can consciously stop that from happening, but often choose not to let Jesus fight that battle for me. It's just easier surrendering to sorrow.
Add into that mix a slew of gestational hormones and, well, I can be quite a wreck.
Chris is away at a conference this week, so I decided to combat the lonely-heart blues by surrounding myself with lots of distractions. I went to Moorhead for a couple days to hang out with Chris' family, a visit that was long overdue. Then I picked up my good friend Karen from CA, who will be staying with me for a week. All of this to avoid the inevitable meltdown.
Most importantly, I'm walking with Jesus on a minute-by-minute basis, and reminding myself that I'm never really alone.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Phil 4:7
The house is dark, I've completed my essential Thursday-night television viewing, and am now sitting down to pen some thoughts- which will hopefully be coherent despite my tiredness and a determined baby pressing against my belly.
Have you ever felt vulnerable? Of course you have...it's part of the human condition, and a challenging reality when it comes to the spiritual dimension. Vulnerable, that is, to attacks from the devil himself. I figured out my open door to these attacks a while back, and still struggle with keeping that door closed.
It happens when I'm alone for too long. Don't get me wrong...I've never considered myself to be of the co-dependent sort. But I can very easily let my thoughts snowball until I'm a weepy, sobbing mess. And I know that I can consciously stop that from happening, but often choose not to let Jesus fight that battle for me. It's just easier surrendering to sorrow.
Add into that mix a slew of gestational hormones and, well, I can be quite a wreck.
Chris is away at a conference this week, so I decided to combat the lonely-heart blues by surrounding myself with lots of distractions. I went to Moorhead for a couple days to hang out with Chris' family, a visit that was long overdue. Then I picked up my good friend Karen from CA, who will be staying with me for a week. All of this to avoid the inevitable meltdown.
Most importantly, I'm walking with Jesus on a minute-by-minute basis, and reminding myself that I'm never really alone.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Phil 4:7
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Showered With Love
Ok....a little retroactive blogging is necessary. At the beginning of September, I flew out to Stockton for a couple days to enjoy some family time and a baby shower given by my mom and friends. It was really an incredible event- and I was especially blessed by those who traveled from out of town to be there (and a special appearance by my dad and brother made it complete). Lots of fun, GREAT food (I've been thinking of installing a perpetual chocolate fountain at my home to satisfy the fruit/chocolate cravings...) and a ton of love directed at this new little girl soon to arrive. I went home with a suitcase FULL of clothes and a heart full of joy.
Chocolate fountain heaven.
My beautiful mother (soon to be grandma!) and I. (Note the super cool diaper cake from Grandma Marcia in Minnesota!)
Party helpers and amazing friends.
The fabulous planning committee and my preggo self.
Sportin' the belly.
The whole shebang.
Just a sample of Baby Stavenger's adorable new wardrobe :)
This clothesline of sweetness was sent from my dear friend Stephanie...and there was another line of goodies in the box!
Hmmm....what to do with the leftover chocolate!?
Chocolate fountain heaven.
My beautiful mother (soon to be grandma!) and I. (Note the super cool diaper cake from Grandma Marcia in Minnesota!)
Party helpers and amazing friends.
The fabulous planning committee and my preggo self.
Sportin' the belly.
The whole shebang.
Just a sample of Baby Stavenger's adorable new wardrobe :)
This clothesline of sweetness was sent from my dear friend Stephanie...and there was another line of goodies in the box!
Hmmm....what to do with the leftover chocolate!?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Remembering Derek.
I'm home safe and sound after spending about three weeks in California. Chris and I were fortunate to arrive just before Derek lost most communication ability, and even got a "love you" to hold in my heart. It was an extraordinarily difficult trip, but being with my family at this time was irreplaceable.
Many friends and family turned out to honor Derek's life at the Memorial service on Saturday. So many, in fact, that the church was nearly full! What a tribute to his life and impact on others. The following video was played at the conclusion of the service, a beautiful remembrance of his too-short time here.
Now that life has returned to (a new) normal, I have every intention of returning to my regular blogging...and there is lots to tell! Stay tuned for a barrage of pictures and news from the Stavengers!
Many friends and family turned out to honor Derek's life at the Memorial service on Saturday. So many, in fact, that the church was nearly full! What a tribute to his life and impact on others. The following video was played at the conclusion of the service, a beautiful remembrance of his too-short time here.
Derek Petersen (ws) from Dan Baer on Vimeo.
Now that life has returned to (a new) normal, I have every intention of returning to my regular blogging...and there is lots to tell! Stay tuned for a barrage of pictures and news from the Stavengers!
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