Here's the news...

Well, the biggest news with us that we're expecting!

I am (according to my best estimate) about 8 weeks along.
We found out about 3 weeks ago, about Oct 8.

For about a week before I tested I pretty much "knew" in my heart that I was pregnant, even though I hardly had any evidence to tell me anything for sure, and couldn't test to confirm it yet.

The pregnancy has been an adventure so far. I've been dealing with morning-, afternoon- and night-sickness. Some days are better than others, so I can't say it's all miserable. I'm figuring out what I can and can't eat, and trying to keep appetizing snacks on hand. Appetizing being a changing thing - what was great one day might sound terrible the next.

The hidden blessing in this season is that I have been laid off as of 10/17. This means I don't have to get up early in the morning and keep myself out of the bathroom at work all day, only to come home too exhausted to do anything productive.

The catch is that now I have to go through the unemployment process, looking for and applying to jobs, and trying to figure out what to do for insurance. I've been declared uninsurible, because pregnancy is not covered for new insurance plans, so we either have to cough up nearly $400/month just to keep the same or similar coverage I've had free from my employer, or go through the Medicaid route, which I can't really figure out until my unemployment filing is processed and I can see or show how much I am receiving. It's interessting, that's certain.

Through all of this, while it has been stressful because of all the unknowns, and the change of suddenly being at home and feeling sick, it has been very clear that God knows what He has for us, and we really can't be worried. Also, Sam could hardly be any more kind, flexible, and willing to help me feel more comfortable or keep me fed or help clean up or grill steaks (one of the few things I can still eat with gusto)!

We did manage to adopt out the big dogs, Jacob and Sarah. We are so happy about the family who picked them up last weekend, and they are in love with these dogs. It was also a relief to find out that Jacob's leg pain was not due to hip dysplasia but bad arthritis in one of his knees, which can be controlled by pain meds and less exercise, instead of expensive surgery. Susie, the lady who has taken them in along with her husband, called us on Sunday to tell us how they are doing, that they are happy, and they have each lost at least 20 lbs from the time that we had gotten them in July (they went from 120 and 116 to 105 and 95)!

Sam has only one last semester of school left after this fall semester. That means, Lord willing, he will graduate in May 2009! This semester is a pretty tough one, with 4 classes, and he is barely keeping his head above water, it seems. But the end is in sight!

coffee ... take 1

I am experimenting with trying to figure out how to post this picture...

Ta da!

I am ready for "Company Girl Coffee"! See Home Sanctuary for the source of these company girls. This is the first time I've participated, because it's the first time I have been home on a Friday to add to my blog. I don't know what the day's topic will be, but that's fine. I hope it's something like, curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. I would be all over that.

Ironically, I have not been able to enjoy the taste of coffee for about a month; tea is not that much better, but it is easier to drink. Yay for the taste changes I've been experiencing lately, making any meat except for steak (go figure) send me gagging, and harmless smells like rice cooking keep me hiding in the bedroom with a candle lit.

Okay, now that I feel like I've accomplished something, I will now see if I can think of something to say here. Not like there hasn't been anything going on!

To be continued....

Did you have fun today?

I haven't put anything up here in a long time, so I figured I would add something.

Since last time I wrote, we have gone on vacation, so I should post something from our trip:

Hush, my beloved, and rest

I wrote a song this morning. This is a first - I don't write songs, but today I did. Oddly enough, it's in the key of Eb. Another thing that never happens. ;-)

~~~~~~~~

I'm weary of exhaustion from meaninglessness,
Of trying so hard and seeing the same mess

(refrain)
Just hush, my beloved, and rest;
Just hush, my beloved, and rest.

I can't go on seeking my way in these things,
it never gives joy like Your purpose brings.

(refrain)
Just look, my beloved, and trust;
Just look, my beloved, and trust.

(bridge)
How happy is the one who fears the Lord,
Who lines up with his very own word.
Your work will bear fruit and your home will be blessed.

(refrain)
Just hope, my beloved, and trust;
Just hope, my beloved, and trust.



(c) 2008 Cindy Chen

Back again

I'm back again!







Camp of Champions Texas was wonderful, and it was such a privilege to be involved there last week. I am grateful that I flew instead of being part of the road trip gang, though the road trip has its place.

Jacob & Sarah

We picked up 2 dogs last night, as sort of a foster situation. In other words, we will be happy to let someone adopt them later.... But for now, they live in our yard and seem to be quite happy with this situation.

Strength of Will

This morning I was lying in bed asking God to grant me the strength to get up on time. Then I was reminded of what my pastor said several weeks ago:

If God has given us everything we need for life and godliness, as the word says in 1 Peter 1:3, then God has given us the strength to do everything He has ever asked us to do. We just need the will to obey in the strength He has given.

Then I found the online version of "My Utmost for His Highest" online, and there was a similar statement there, as well:

If we will only start on the basis of His redemption to do what He commands, then we will find that we can do it. If we fail, it is because we have not yet put into practice what God has placed within us. But a crisis will reveal whether or not we have been putting it into practice.

This morning, my crisis was getting up on time. Later today I will have plenty of other opportunities to believe and obey on the basis of His redemption, and on no other basis.

If I lean on any other reason or basis to "obey Him" then it will fail, since the only one that is of any worth is what is done in faith, and what is done according to the Cross, and according to what He has done to redeem and cleanse and adopt me to Himself.

Glory to God!