A Heritage of the Lord

So we're sitting around the house last night about to build a fire and Paul has a large flat piece of wood that he's chopping up for kindling. Jaecob grabs it and a pencil and is engrossed for at least an hour. Finally he turns the board around to unveil his masterpiece. Being a mom AND knowing that I'm biased... the critic in me is floored! I couldn't believe that he drew with such attention to detail and perspective. WOW! I was amazed, then, at WHAT he drew; it was a battle scene complete with a castle in the background and an armored man in the forefront battling a fire-breathing dragon. The man had a sword and shield and on his breastplate was the letter "J." I assumed it was for "Jaecob."

It most certainly was not.

It was for Jesus. Across the top of the picture was written, "The Armour of the Lord."

As a mother, my heart swells with pride, amazement and humbleness as a child of 9 is able to bring me back to the blessings that are in my life right now! Nine years ago I gave birth to a child who is a vessel for the Lord. Just like that song "the child you delivered one soon deliver you," although Jaecob is not my deliverer, the Lord uses the small, the weak, to do mighty things!

As we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, this year has been filled with some heartaches and tough times, but it doesn't matter.

What matters is what I am doing for the Kingdom and how I am raising the gift, the HERITAGE that I have been entrusted with on this earth. I'm not perfect (will never claim that title) but my prayer is that I will one day hear the words "well done, child."

Sleep in heavenly peace

CD1 (although last cycle was a BEAUTIFUL dip on 8DPO)

So it's back to the drawing board on TTC. Fertility Friend has 21 documented cycles for me, my serious stint in 2006-2007 and nothing and then 2009's try.

How do you not be mad? I know my Lord and Savior has a plan for my life, what in the world makes me think that I know any better than He? Why can I not find solice in His arms and with his plan? Why am I so discontent? Scriptures abound of the promises made for ME. Specifically me and how He has a plan for me (and for you too, do you know Him? Do you know His plan for you?) and my life, how he'll never foresake me.... You know all those reprimands (spankings too) that you received from your parents when you went against their wishes. They punished because they wanted to guide you in the right direction. Not that I believe God is punishing me by any stretch of imagination! I do know that HE knows my plan and it just might be that it does not include another child. It just might. I don't want to wallow in pity because that's POINTLESS and I do know THAT is not His plan for me. Rather, I request your prayers as I come to a peaceful state of mind if His answer to me is definitively "no."

At least this Christmas season I will find myself at a family Christmas party where no one is pregnant...at least not that I know of. Hmm...didn't think about anyone making an announcement. There's only one that I can think of who would even come close but I don't anticipate it. Oh well. No matter... peace, right?

Ledjana

Several months ago my favorite radio program, Rick & Bubba (www.rickandbubba.com) did a radio-thon for WorldVision. WorldVision sets up shop in different areas of the world and relies heavily on donor support for children in those areas. They bring the Word of God to them and help develop medical clinics, water wells and other basic life necessities to the communities. I'd been led to "adopt" one of these kids last year and I neglected to act. This year I couldn't avoid that burden placed on my heart--and you know when the Lord says go, you go. So this beautiful young lady became a part of our lives. Her name is Ledjana and she is from Albania. She has an older sister, Lorjana and a younger brother Florjan. Florjan is a very sick little boy and their family worries for him daily. Their mother is a home-maker and their father is out of work. Things are very hard on this family but I've already received my first letter from her and they are all very excited to have someone in the states that cares for them. I have to be really careful in what I sent to her because some countries do not have the freedom of religion like I am so blessed to have. I know that her country is free, however, they are predominately of Muslim makeup. It is not something I've asked.

She shares Jaecob's birthday which is really cool for him, but she's 11 years old--I guess 12 now. Anyway, as you pray, please remember her family in your prayers... 1) for healing for her brother, 2) sustainment for their mother in her care for him, 3) that her father would find a job that would have a positive family impact and 4) that the love of our Lord and Savior be surrounding this family and that they would be accepting of His most precious gift: Salvation.

Thanks!

Charting Right Along...

So I've re-upped my subscription to Fertility Friend and I'm charting BBT. It is SO fascinating to see the temperature changes throughout cycles. I'm a data freak though, I understand that's a little weird for some folks. But I've earned my "charting certificate" now and have proudly posted it on my blog.

Got an email from my most dearest of friends the other day after I posted the last quips. You know, I try not to complain when I think of her story. Eleven (YES, ELEVEN) YEARS of infertility, broken hearts, numerous tears, uplifted prayers, failed fertility treatments, etc. And once she laid down her burden it was just like Hannah's petition to the Lord to open her womb, my dear friend conceived. No meds, no treatments, it was the full work of God. He showed his miraculous blessings and demonstrated his power to make things happen when we least expect it. This person knows the true meaning of defeat and gracious miracles.

That being said, I know that the Lord is at work here! I pray that my endurance withholds as I wait for Him, or become at peace with His answer. Until then I lift up my prayers to Him, hoping that He doesn't get tired of hearing me...

How about a positive pregnancy test for a Christmas gift (and of course the subsequent blessing of a happy, healthy full term baby --Girl or Boy, who cares?!).

A Child is Born..... or not.

We just celebrated Jaecob's 9th birthday. He's on his way to double digits!! Which also means that we are entering into year 6 of infertility. I don't know that there is anyone in my family who knows that we've been trying to have another child for six years... but there are some family who happen upon this blog from rare time to time. It's not that it's a secret...you just really hate to tell your family that you are trying for another and then something like this happen; where we've been trying for six years. It's been active on our part but we just recently sought out medical assistance. It's just easier when your family members don't know so they won't ask you "how's that working out?" or "what's the latest?"

But--this whole online diary thing... might be a good outlet. Not sure, but I'm thinking my hubby is really getting tired of the obsession. And since I have no faithful followers I doubt very seriously that many folks will read this. :)

A little history. Jaecob was born in 2000. Not planned, but defintely part of God's plan. I used Mirena (IUD) as soon as I could post-Jaecob. In 2003 we decided to have it removed to try for #2. We figured since Jaecob came along without any issues then #2 wouldn't be difficult at all either. I wouldn't say we were obsessed it was a very laid back approach to making this all happen. When we moved into our own home, the reality of home-ownership dropped like a ton of bricks. We then did nothing to prevent pregnancy but did nothing to encourage it either.

Then I just got fed up with it all. I wanted to know what was going on! I had some medical issues I needed to see a physician about so while I was there I told him our story. He told me that was abnormal and that there might be issues going on but the only way to certify the problem was with a surgical procedure. I was more than happy to find out the truth and source of my issues so in July 2009 I had a laparoscopy. I am now 5 months post-lap and feeling well. That puts me at 4 mos TTC post-lap with no success. I had some secondary endometriosis and those issues were resolved, I have a partially blocked fallopian tube on my right side but other than that: unexplained infertility. I'm supposed to return to the physician on Dec. 11, however, I'd like to try 3 more months on my own before getting into any further fertility treatments. I'm only 32, so I don't feel like I'm very pressed for time at this junction. However, I'm not waiting too much longer to exercise my options.

I would love to hear from anyone reading this, just leave me a comment. I thank you in advance and pray that God blesses you as we enter this Christmas season. Yes, indeed: A CHILD IS BORN!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Until then, "I will wait upon the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him." Isaiah 8:17.

Snakebit...

So I have no pictures of this unfortunate event--thank goodness, I'd hate to have stored for all of prosperity a perfect example of cluelessness for future generations.


Tank must have been bitten by a snake. Although the vet could not definitively say that was the cause. His WHOLE HEAD was swollen then his neck! He looked like a buck in rut! Paul said, "Hey, he's filling out quite nicely, isn't he?" That was on Friday. Saturday he looked like we blew him up with the air compressor. Sunday was worse. Monday the swelling was down significantly but he had a hard knot in his neck. Infection! Swelling continued to go down--but as I would find out later not to the degree of "gone." Thursday it ruptured, time to head to the vet (well, past time, I know...). So Tank had surgery on Thursday to clear out the infection and the vet "installed" a drainage tube. It has to come out today--that should be fun! But he's back to his normal, perky, hyperactive self and yes--the swelling is gone.


I didn't remember his head being so small! HA! Poor baby...

Cake Disaster

So, biggest commissioned cake to date. I thought it was beautiful just pink with fondant balls. However, the job called for monkeys. It was quite a cute little cake and tragedy struck. So I'm trucking along for an early a.m. delivery and I get about 15 miles from my house and I am hearing the familiar sound of press-n-seal wrap crinkle. I mute the radio and listen and yes...I do hear it. I hear "thud" in the back of the car (Rogue 'hatchback'). No---NO---NOOOOOO!!!! THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING TO ME, NO NO NO!

oooh, but it is. No tools, no icing, nothing to fix this cake-NOTHING! The top two tiers slid right off the bottom! I am hysterically crying! I pick up the phone, out of dern minutes. I have to ADD minutes to the cell phone...hubby has left the house, my mother is not answering the phone (everyone is headed to a different b'day party about an hour away), I'm stuck! (Matter of fact, this one really concerned person stopped to ask me if I was ok while I was stopped in the parking lot--I desperately wanted to show her my mess in the back of the car but I was paralized. She eventually moved on, Lord, bless her) I call the customer and agree to meet her and do whatever I can to fix this mess. I drive to her house and I'm armed with a butter knife. I was able to repair it to a manageable condition and her party guests were none-the-wiser.

It was like a Monet--(ha)--pretty lovely from a distance but once you get up close you can see that it's really just a mess.

Side note, the cake--no matter how solidly stacked would have NEVER survived the hills and driveway of this home. *IF* I'm commissioned for the 2nd b'day party then assembly will come On-Site!!! Alls-Well that ends well!!!!

Last post made in June. Ugh! What a loser I am at posting! I guess it's just not my passion. It's fun to do and I do it in spurts...but who knows. Ah, I've got it. Other than YOUTH FOOTBALL, there's not much else going on in my life. I've had to turn down multiple cake orders only to have games rained out. Oak Grove 7/8 team hasn't won a game yet, but we DID score a touchdown in the final 2 minutes of a game making the final score 8 to 6, Curry. I know, it's a loss--but to have a defense that holds the other team to 8, not too shabby, eh? I hope football pictures will be in soon and I hope that they turn out as fabulous as when Jaecob was "John Parker Wilson" for Halloween in 2007... ha ha--he's SO serious!

CAKE!!!!

Here are some of my creations, nothing professional, but it'll do...

Papaw's 90th
B'day Cake. He's "fine as frog hair" hence the frog. Everything is edible (except the wagon).

Clarissa's Baby cakes... 1 Sam. 1:27 "For this child, I have prayed." Little Garrett, you were indeed prayed for! We already love you!

Katie & Ashton's split birthday cake.

Easter (Bunny) cake... Coconut.

Kelley's baby shower cake. Baby Ella.

Tiered baseball cake from 2008; sheet baseball cake from 2007. I didn't have my camera for 2009; still waiting on pictures from other team members....it was a Red Sox cake (logo).

Abby's 1st b'day party.

C.A.'s 80th Birthday cake. He was a minister of music for many years at my grandfather's church.

Kuala Lampur?! WOW!

Well that FeedJit thing told me there was someone who found me from Kuala Lampur... WOW! I'm impressed. Of course--no comments. Oh well.

I guess I shouldn't feel offended in any way. I'm not sure I could even find KL on a map! I know, Geography...never one of my strong suits. Just ask my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Mitchell. I think I got 13 countries right on a identification quiz in front of the whole class.

So Tucker's funeral is tomorrow. It's hard to attend funerals for children, obviously. However, I totally regretted not going to Bronner Burgess' Life Celebration/Going Home. Thankfully, Rick made it available for all of the world to see. What a wonderful message for our Lord and Savior. How He works is always awesome! Romans 8:28 "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." Even in death, God is at work. As we lose our loved ones here on earth we find comfort in the Lord and in the knowledge that death has no sting for those who are destined to the Kingdom. You too, have an eternity...where will you spend it?

Heavenly Father, I lift up the Beam family to you today. Especially in their time of grief and sorrow we know that You too wept. You are our comforter and our peace in times of anquish. Although we do not understand your ways, for they, like the mountains are above ours we do know that you are in control. Today, tomorrow, always--forever. We see a child ravaged with cancer, you see a vessel meant to carry your Holy name. In his perfect body, he takes on the treasures built up in his short time on Earth. For all that are involved with the preparations and funeral services, comfort their hurt, make them strong, lift them up. For any that do know know you today--let THIS be the day that they change their eternal destiny and make you the Lord of their life! In your precious name, Amen.

Well done, Tucker, well done!

Tucker Beam

Not that I think ANYONE reads this thing but sometimes it helps to have an outlet. I'm sure anyone who knows me has at least heard me mention the name Tucker Beam. A beautiful gift from the Lord. He now walks with Christ in a new cancer-free body! Praise Jesus! www.caringbridge.org/visit/tuckerbeam for the entire story. This awesome child battled more demons in his 9 years of life than ANY of us will ever fight...yet, he also served the Lord in a way that we too may never have the chance to. What are you doing for your Lord today? How are you serving him? Too many times I have heard, even out of the mouths of "friends", how can I get more out of church. Dear friends, I tell you, EVEN JESUS CAME **TO** SERVE, not to be served. He charges us with being disciples, going out into the lands and winning lost souls to the Kingdom.

How do you plan to serve Him today? Don't waste one more second --Lord, give me the strength to start RIGHT NOW, TODAY to give YOU and only YOU the praise, glory and honor today. In His precious and holy name, Amen.

FeedJit

Ok, so I got one of those little ticker things to tell me where you folks are from. It's WEIRD. I see lots of folks from FAR away... no one leaving comments. Hmm...

Well if you guys are looking, I'd LOVE for you to say hello! Nothing more needed! What a wonderful way to make friends!

As we enter into this most Holy of weeks, to be a Christian is the most humbling titles I can ever assume. Above all this earth we will be lifted and reside in our eternal home with our most gracious and loving father. I miss my biological dad more than anything I can possibly imagine, but to know the One that breathed life in me, cleansed me of my sin, gave me hope, charged me with leading YOU to Christ and is preparing my own slice of heaven---what more could I need? I hope you know His love today. If you do not, please contact me and I can help you find the way. We are all sinners, yet he cleansed us. He works in mighty ways to glorify even the lowliest. I certainly was one of those! He has offered a gift to you, the gift of eternal life. Won't you accept Him today? I am praying for you, if you have a specific request...PLEASE leave me a message and a way to get back in touch with you. I will pray for your request. God hears, and answers prayer in mighty ways. Praise HIM.

If you don't regularly attend church, just stop by one this week at attend services. You never know, what do you have to lose? You certainly have everything to gain!

In Christ, Heather

Growth--HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANK!

So, our "Puppy"--who is still technically considered a puppy weighs between 60 and 70lbs, and that's a rough guess! He was born on Easter 2008 (3/23) and here Easter is around the corner again!! Here are some comparison pictures...The third picture is one of him the week after we got him and we put him in the Evangelistic Dog Show at our Church (http://www.nhbccares.org/). The shirt he wore at 5.5lbs (6 weeks) barely fit on his HEAD a few months ago. And although he's not an inside dog, he thinks he's a lap baby. He chews up everything, loves chasing a tennis ball and his favorite sport is KEEP AWAY. He wants to keep everything away from us--you should see him and the neighbor-dog "Tuff" play with a stick. Tank keeps it away from Tuff and slows down only enough so that Tuff thinks he might have a chance to get it away from Tank.

After losing Cadie 1/22/08 and Mollie 2/28/08 , Tank has been a therapeutic addition to our family. He finds creeks in the woods that we didn't know were there, he comes home soaking wet. He drags up the most interesting things (a princess mirror, a mixing bowl, an innumerable variety of tennis shoes, dress pants, furry blankets, deer carcasses--yes! And even a deer shed that was 7 points on one side--his, er, Paul's prized find). HA! Dogs, don't you just love them?!

Doesn't snow just make everything more beautiful? Isn't it lovely to wake up and hear--nothing? The hush of the snow falling to the earth screams silence. I love it!

This is a pic of our house on the way to church Sunday a.m., Tank is on the porch...he didn't know WHAT to think about the snow. Jaecob was elated and drove us nuts trying to get home after church / lunch in order to play in it. Fortunately there was plenty left for him at 1pm. We didn't make a snowman. The Payne's made one that was huge--as a matter of fact there was still about a 10" ball still in the field this morning (Friday). I have my suspicions it'll be gone today though! We progressively increased in temps from Sunday by about 10 degrees per day. I think it was in the 20's and low 30's on Sunday, 40's by Monday, 50's by Wednesday and I think the high is supposed to be 75 today and tomorrow! Wow. No wonder so many people are sick, including Jaecob.

Dreaded baseball tryouts are tomorrow...