"God is Bigger than the Boogie Man..."

"God is bigger than the boogie man,

He's bigger than Godzilla, or the monsters on TV.

Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,

And He's watching out for you and me."

- Veggie Tales 'God is Bigger'

While I was sitting on the couch feeding my sweet two-month old baby, this song popped into my head. It was a song made popular by the 'Veggie Tales' movies; and the writers did their job well because it is still engraved in my brain. The thing is though, as I've lived more life, the fears and problems that I've watched family, friends and myself face are bigger than the fictional characters sung about in this song.

Even though these problems are so much bigger; whether physical, emotional or spiritual hurts; the truth is, is that God is bigger. Going through hard times in this life is a given; one truth that I wish weren't a reality. As a mother, I wish I could protect my boys from having to suffer any sort of pain or hurt. I wish I could foresee the pain that is coming ahead.  Looking back though, over my own pain and struggles, I can clearly see that it was during those unknown times that I was brought closer to the Lord.

The trials that seemed to spring up in my own life, were not surprises to God. In fact, He knew they were coming, and is already waiting and ready to be there for me when the next one hits. He is bigger. He is all-knowing. He is God.

"The trials that seemed to spring up 

in my own life, 

were not surprises to God."

I do find myself wondering sometimes, "Why wouldn't He stop that from coming? Why did ____ have to endure that? I didn't ask for this. Why..." The conclusion that I've come to, is that sadly in this life I'm not going to necessarily understand or get answered the 'whys.' We live in a broken world where people make poor choices, we make wrong decisions and "good" people end up getting hurt. While those things are all true, God is bigger, stronger and has already overcome this world. He is bigger than the hard things I've already endured, and He isn't going to change when it comes to the things yet to come in my life. He has the power to turn a hurtful and dark situation into the light; He can make what the world intends for evil into good.

"God is bigger, stronger 

and has already overcome this world."

I can't help but think of the story of Joseph in the Bible. A young boy, so despised by his own brothers that he was sold into slavery; while his own father believed he had been viciously killed. God could have left Joseph's story there. God could have said, "Well, that's a bummer, wish his brothers hadn't made such a bad choice." The truth is, Joseph had faith. He believed that even though his present situation looked bleak, that God was bigger, and could make 'good' come of such hurt. After years apart, when Joseph meets his brothers face-to-face he lets them know what he learned, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..." (Genesis 50:20). Joseph trusted the Lord in the midst of heartache and pain; Joseph was blessed. God is bigger, and He is able to make good out of even the hardest and most painful situations.

"You intended to harm me, 

but God intended it for good to accomplish 

what is now being done..."

So thankful that each morning when I wake up, and each night that I go to bed that I am not alone. I have a God that is, and has fought for me. He is faithful and unchanging; even when the situations in life are not. He has the power to make good out of evil. I'm thankful that He is the one, "watching out for you and me."

 

Church Baby Shower...Downpour

This last weekend I was thrown an amazing baby shower at Salem Heights by some very sweet friends. I was blown away at the many details that went into making it so unique and special.

36 Weeks

Leanna, Me and Elle...Some of my great friends who threw a wonderful shower :)

Babies on Board: Michelle (October); Amanda (September); Crystal (August); Alicia (July 31st); Me (July 14th)

The theme was "Mustache," and it was so cute. There was a photo booth where people could pose with some props, a game of 'Guess Whose Mustache It Is,' delicious chocolate and lemon cupcakes and so many people that came to celebrate.

More than anything, I felt like it was a party to reassure me that Jason and I are not in raising this little boy on our own.  We are the main ones that will be doing the job of raising him, but I know there are so many others that love him as well.

"Train up the child in the way he should go; 

even when he is old he will not depart from it." 

Proverbs 22:6

I am so thankful for my family and church family that I know are watching out for us. I was amazed at the outpouring of love and support. We received so many adorable baby clothes and supplies, a crib, car-seat/stroller, bouncer, etc.

More than the gifts though, it took my breath away to look out at all the smiling faces of women that I look up to as mothers, my own mom and mother-in-law, family and friends.  I realize that I don't know what it is going to be like to be a mommy, but I am so thankful for the amazing examples I have from: my own mom, my mother-in-law and my many friends that have already begun the journey of being a mom. My desire is to become a woman that:

"Speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue...

Does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also; and he praises her...

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, 

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." 

Proverbs 31:26-31

Nolz and Bernard Women...soon to add a little BOY