Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Fasting

Onto some things going on in my spiritual life. It's been a while since I've posted such, but God's been doing much work nonetheless.

The Lenten season began last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. It always sneaks up on me. Don't know why... But I've been desiring to become more reflective and observant during this season. I want Christmas and Easter to be more than mere holidays. More than a day or a weekend, a reason to see family and to give gifts. I want to find a balance for my kids. A harmony of fun and exciting Christmas and Eastery things, but also a weightiness and a value. A seriousness even. (suggestions welcome!)

So as Ash Wednesday came and went, I began praying about what I might give up, sacrifice, fast from (better late than never?). I have to admit, I've never had a great understanding of fasting. First of all, I dread it. I mean, who LIKES to go hungry? But I knew that it was more than that. I read what I could in the Scriptures about fasting. I listened to different thoughts/views on it. Then I came across some super helpful things in this book: Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God by Bobby Gross. Here is what has really helped me wrap my mind around fasting: " 'Christian fasting is the voluntary denial of something for a specific period of time for a spiritual purpose.' (the author quotes of Lynne Baab) In this respect, fasting is much like sabbath-keeping: a restriction that creates space for God." That was the light bulb for me. A restriction that creates space for God.

The author goes on to described different kinds of fasting: partial, traditional, complete and variations of these. Obviously being a nursing mama, I need to be careful if I would give up any type or kind of meal. Not really the greatest option right now. Last year I gave up warm beverages, which was tough this time of year. But back to that idea that hit me, I want to create space for God. Then the author also listed different examples of things that he or others have given up for Lent in the past:
Eating desserts and sweets
Buyings expensive coffee drinks
Drinking alcoholic beverages
Purchasing books
Watching television
Reading books and magazines
Wearing colorful jewelry or using make-up
Listening to music or watching movies
Shopping
Using Facebook

After reading "using Facebook" I immediately thought, Well that is so not an issue for me. I'm not on Facebook! Ha. Then I felt the Lord remind me of one thing I do spend much time on the Internet doing. Yes, the blog. This blog, the blog we started for the kiddos, everyone else's blog and from there the blogs that are linked to their blogs and so on. Wow. Yep. That's a lot of time out of my day and night. That would definitely create some space for God.

Well, you can probably tell where I'm going with this. You won't be seeing any blog posts from me for a while. I won't be reading your blog posts either. So, I guess I'll just have to call or email you, actually talk to you to share my life and catch up on yours. Imagine that. So stone age right?

Trust me. I've already tried to talk myself out of it. Gave myself reasons and justified what this was not a good idea. But in the end, I know that pit I felt in my stomach when the thought came into my head was knowing this would be a sacrifice (as pathetic as that may be). This would create space for Him. This would make time to reflect on what He has gone through so I might live a life with Hope. Forgiveness. A purpose. And end to look forward to.

See you on April 24th or shortly thereafter!


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Time is Running Out

I've seen it on Amy's blog. I've seen it on Colleen's blog. Without Words looks like it's going to be an AWESOME production to stir hearts and raise awareness about the sex trade. My mom and I are for sure going, but the production won't happen if they don't meet their goal of raising $7500 by April 1st. If you want to come with me and my ma, you're invited! And if you make a pledge of $100, a ticket is already included. Just a suggestion....

Friday, March 11, 2011

Music

We do a lot of dancing here at the Martin household. It's part of our daily living for sure. Asher's got some sweet moves and Millie (as usual) comes along for the ride. Here is one of our favorite tunes to dance to. It's good and bouncy. We caught wind of Katie Herzig through our pal Matthew Perryman Jones. MPJ and us go back, reference July 2007 :) Anywho, enjoy Katie's music video. I love the randomness and I have to admit, she and I share a lot of the same dance moves. But only me and my bedroom mirror know that....

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Who's That Girl?

My mom texted me one night: I have photo proof that Millie is your clone. Then she brought this Polaroid with her when she visited. Whatdaya think? Any resemblance?








Friday, March 4, 2011

Hot off the Press

Millie Martin rolls over for the first time. I caught the second roll on video (as well as some drama from Asher...). Check it out:

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

A New Blog!

A while back I had the idea of starting a blog that would allow Ben and I to jot down stories or tidbits from the day to day sweetness we experience with the kids. It's hard to keep up with baby books and although I caught up on them recently, there are still so many precious moments that I want to cling to and for our kiddos to read about one day. So, here is our attempt. Mind you, it's very bare bones at the moment. There' s a lot I want to do with it, but it's a work in progress. You can check it out so far if you want though. Or maybe even start one for your own kiddos!