I realized the other day that I haven't posted in 2011! I even missed my 1 year blog anniversary! What is wrong with me?!
Honestly, not being able to post pics has made me a sluggish blogger. Also, I may think of something to write about and then talk myself out of it by thinking, "nobody wants to read about that".
So goes my first post of 2011...interesting or not! :)
We have gotten the new year off to a start with getting into a groove with sweet baby girl. She's napping pretty well, eating well, growing. I know I've heard and seen it before, but it's such an amazing thing to watch your child grow! I feel like I want to do what I have thought of doing with a plant, (yeah, I'm going to say it) stay up all night/sit there all day and literally watch her grow! I guess that's sort of what I do now.
With all the activities of life, I have to stop myself some days and take time to "watch her grow", to "watch her discover". I am truly loving ever day of being a Mom. I know after 5 months it should have sunk in by now but I still stop and say to myself what I said the day I called to make her first dr. appointment, (they asked, 'are you Mom?', we hadn't met Amelia yet, were picking her up that night), I looked at my mom and said, "I am MOM!!" Maybe when my new holiday rolls around, this May, I will realize it's not a dream. :)
I know for sure it's a dream come true. I know for sure our Lord brought Amelia to us 'for such a time as this'.
I know for sure that I am blessed beyond measure, not only because of the blessing of Amelia, but because of THE faithful God who promised to carry us through the trial of waiting, wishing and hoping. and continues to reveal himself to us as we walk through our days.
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1Peter 1:6-9
2.03.2011
12.30.2010
From Heart to Heart with Holley on New Years
The New Year arrives soon.
My mind races ahead and tries to peer into days, weeks, months.
The questions quickly follow.
What if...?
How will I...?
I want to begin the year with a heart lifted up in HOPE. Yet worry threatens to pull me down.
And in all of this I wonder, "What does God really want from me this year?" I find out on a chilly morning at a wooden table in my kitchen, coffee cup in my hand--
{God} takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord's delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
I ponder those first phrases--the strength of a horse, human might. What does that mean? Oh, the striving, the endless effort, the independence.
Then the others--those who fear Him, those who put their HOPE in His unfailing love. And what does that mean? Yes, the abiding, the relationship, the trusting.
I catch a glimpse of freedom then. Because it's the second that brings not just a smile, not just a bit of joy, but DELIGHT to God's heart. Delight!
Yes, you and I can chase the fear of failure out the door because it's trust God wants--not results. And we can welcome unfailing love with these words instead:
Even if ______________________________________________
God's love will not fail me.
No matter how ________________________________________
God's love will not fail me.
I write out my worries in a list just like the one above. Then I lean back from the kitchen table, smile, and set down my cup.
I feel warmer already.
We may not know what the New Year holds...
but we can be certain of Love that will not let us go.
written with love for you by holley
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My mind races ahead and tries to peer into days, weeks, months.
The questions quickly follow.
What if...?
How will I...?
I want to begin the year with a heart lifted up in HOPE. Yet worry threatens to pull me down.
And in all of this I wonder, "What does God really want from me this year?" I find out on a chilly morning at a wooden table in my kitchen, coffee cup in my hand--
{God} takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord's delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
I ponder those first phrases--the strength of a horse, human might. What does that mean? Oh, the striving, the endless effort, the independence.
Then the others--those who fear Him, those who put their HOPE in His unfailing love. And what does that mean? Yes, the abiding, the relationship, the trusting.
I catch a glimpse of freedom then. Because it's the second that brings not just a smile, not just a bit of joy, but DELIGHT to God's heart. Delight!
Yes, you and I can chase the fear of failure out the door because it's trust God wants--not results. And we can welcome unfailing love with these words instead:
Even if ______________________________________________
God's love will not fail me.
No matter how ________________________________________
God's love will not fail me.
I write out my worries in a list just like the one above. Then I lean back from the kitchen table, smile, and set down my cup.
I feel warmer already.
We may not know what the New Year holds...
but we can be certain of Love that will not let us go.
written with love for you by holley
Would you like to leave a comment or Subscribe by Email?
12.22.2010
31 Reasons to Rejoice After Turning 31 (part 2)
16. Confidence. Before dropping us off at school, my dad would say, "Remember who you are and Whose you are". I have repeated that to myself many times over the years. I feel more confident, now, in who I am, what I'm about and in following Him to wherever He leads.
17. Allison & Dawn. Rejoicing in the Lord for you precious ladies. Forever knit to us in such a special way. We are thankful for you and your sweet spirits.
18. The Christmas holiday season. Truly a joyous time. Candy making, gift wrapping, card envelope addressing, ornament placing, sweet fellowshipping. Just a wonderful month of joyous festivities.
19. Cordova, TN. I have lived in this little suburb most of my life. It has been so neat to watch it grow and develop. When we moved, I felt like we loved so far from civilization. Kroger seemed so far away, as did Germantown Parkway. My sis and I were thrilled as we drove by the building of the Wolfchase Galleria. I think we went there for a solid week when it opened it's doors!
As our area has grown and we now live in our house, we have enjoyed patronizing local establishments and building relationships with folks. We feel the Lord has placed us in our home, on our street strategically, for such a time as this.
20. (so funny to mention and doing so partly as a joke) my iPhone. I use this thing to capacity. Not only is it a telephone, it is my way on to the information super highway (Google, my preferred search engine), ESV Bible app, my Notes app, calculator app, and many more. Yes, I am rejoicing the Lord formy iPhone!
21. Washer & Dryer. Following an unfortunate malfunction, we made the decision to invest in high efficiency w/d. They have revolutionized my domestic life. Not only is it energy/water efficient, but it's a time saver. They gitterdone! :)
Memo: I know this was going to be 31 but, well, it's 21.
Merry Christma to all!
17. Allison & Dawn. Rejoicing in the Lord for you precious ladies. Forever knit to us in such a special way. We are thankful for you and your sweet spirits.
18. The Christmas holiday season. Truly a joyous time. Candy making, gift wrapping, card envelope addressing, ornament placing, sweet fellowshipping. Just a wonderful month of joyous festivities.
19. Cordova, TN. I have lived in this little suburb most of my life. It has been so neat to watch it grow and develop. When we moved, I felt like we loved so far from civilization. Kroger seemed so far away, as did Germantown Parkway. My sis and I were thrilled as we drove by the building of the Wolfchase Galleria. I think we went there for a solid week when it opened it's doors!
As our area has grown and we now live in our house, we have enjoyed patronizing local establishments and building relationships with folks. We feel the Lord has placed us in our home, on our street strategically, for such a time as this.
20. (so funny to mention and doing so partly as a joke) my iPhone. I use this thing to capacity. Not only is it a telephone, it is my way on to the information super highway (Google, my preferred search engine), ESV Bible app, my Notes app, calculator app, and many more. Yes, I am rejoicing the Lord formy iPhone!
21. Washer & Dryer. Following an unfortunate malfunction, we made the decision to invest in high efficiency w/d. They have revolutionized my domestic life. Not only is it energy/water efficient, but it's a time saver. They gitterdone! :)
Memo: I know this was going to be 31 but, well, it's 21.
Merry Christma to all!
31 Reasons to Rejoice after Turnong 31 (part 1)
1. Amelia Rebecca Rose Cline...Nuff said.
2. My faithful, trustworthy, patient & loving husband, Bear.
3. Our growing church, Crossroads. Such a kindred fellowship of believers that are working toward the same purpose of doing church simply, while running to the heart of Jesus.
4. My sweet chocolate lab, Colby and faithful companion through the years, black lab, Charlotte. Always loving.
5. Super sweet friends who, I can say with tears, have literally held me up in prayer and encouragement over the years. You are loved and appreciated.
6. My family. You are the crackers, funniest people ever. As much as I have tried to convince myself that I was adopted, I can't deny that I am the spitting image of my Mama Bell!
7. My job. Being a stay-at-home Mom...finally! Though Bear insists I have to be at home more
than not to qualify. :)
8. Sweet former co-worker/friend and other sweet friends who have graciously donated milk to our Amelia, so she can drink some "real" milk every now and then.
9. Our lovely neighbors on our street. You make our neighborhood such a pleasant place to live.
10. The blessing of our home. Such a refuge for us to return to and a great place to invite guests. Thankful the Lord has strategically placed us on this corner for such a time as this.
11. The ability to run. It has been such a release for me overcthe years. I may not be Speedy Gonzales but I often feel like the Energizer Bunny...ticking off the miles one by one. I have met some awesome people through our local track club this year.
12. Starbucks on Houston Levee. It really is my "third place." I really enjoy the expience of being a customer at that store. They always make a perfect cup of warm yummy goodness for me. :)
13. Willow House (formerly known as Southern Living at HOME). I really enjoy being a Design Consultant for them. I look forward to growing my business on 2011. amandacline.willowhouse.com
14. All of my local friends who handcraft amazing products. From my hairdresser to my tie onsie maker to my buddy who make the yummiest cakes to the best invitation designer. You are appreciated. Look for a website launch entitled, Local Flair coming early 2011.
15. My old, trusty Honda Accord. Manufactured the year I graduated high school and still going strong with almost 200,000 miles on it.
2. My faithful, trustworthy, patient & loving husband, Bear.
3. Our growing church, Crossroads. Such a kindred fellowship of believers that are working toward the same purpose of doing church simply, while running to the heart of Jesus.
4. My sweet chocolate lab, Colby and faithful companion through the years, black lab, Charlotte. Always loving.
5. Super sweet friends who, I can say with tears, have literally held me up in prayer and encouragement over the years. You are loved and appreciated.
6. My family. You are the crackers, funniest people ever. As much as I have tried to convince myself that I was adopted, I can't deny that I am the spitting image of my Mama Bell!
7. My job. Being a stay-at-home Mom...finally! Though Bear insists I have to be at home more
than not to qualify. :)
8. Sweet former co-worker/friend and other sweet friends who have graciously donated milk to our Amelia, so she can drink some "real" milk every now and then.
9. Our lovely neighbors on our street. You make our neighborhood such a pleasant place to live.
10. The blessing of our home. Such a refuge for us to return to and a great place to invite guests. Thankful the Lord has strategically placed us on this corner for such a time as this.
11. The ability to run. It has been such a release for me overcthe years. I may not be Speedy Gonzales but I often feel like the Energizer Bunny...ticking off the miles one by one. I have met some awesome people through our local track club this year.
12. Starbucks on Houston Levee. It really is my "third place." I really enjoy the expience of being a customer at that store. They always make a perfect cup of warm yummy goodness for me. :)
13. Willow House (formerly known as Southern Living at HOME). I really enjoy being a Design Consultant for them. I look forward to growing my business on 2011. amandacline.willowhouse.com
14. All of my local friends who handcraft amazing products. From my hairdresser to my tie onsie maker to my buddy who make the yummiest cakes to the best invitation designer. You are appreciated. Look for a website launch entitled, Local Flair coming early 2011.
15. My old, trusty Honda Accord. Manufactured the year I graduated high school and still going strong with almost 200,000 miles on it.
11.25.2010
I am thankful for...
Thoughtful friendships. I am so thankful for the friends the Lord has provided me with over these past few years. Some I have known since high school and before and others just for a year. These people have been so encouraging and have truly spoken life to me in some of my darkest moments. God's word says to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. They have definitely been there for me. You know who you are! I am thankful for you!
Home. I love our home! I am so thankful that the Lord provided it for us two years ago. It is in such a great location for us and we have the sweetest neighbors.
Amazing husband. Not your average Bear, I have to say! He is so living and gracious towards me each and every day. Watching him be the best daddy to Amelia truly melts my heart. I am thankful and blessed to be living life with you!
Nifty running buddies. I am so thankful for all of my running buddies. They are all so encouraging. Even though I am the slowpoke, they pull me along. I really am encouraged to go faster. I look forward to breaking some personal records in 2011.
Sleep. I have always loved it but now that every moment if it is precious, I am thankful.
Godly church. Crossroads is such a blessing to our lives. We are truly thankful to be on this journey with these people. It has been such an amazing blessing to be in the midst of a new thing the Lord is doing. We look forward to getting back involved and being there more consistently in the coming months.
In-laws- I am very thankful for my in-laws. They are some of the sweetest people I know. I always say that going down to their house in AL is like going on a retreat. It's just more quiet and peaceful.
Victorious warrior- God. He is my strength daily. He is my protector and shield. He is my Heavenly Father and provider. He is truly the lover of my soul. I am thankful he is my reason for living. I seek to proclaim my thankfulness for Him!
Itty bitty baby girl, Amelia. She is truly the light of our life. She has brought us so much joy in the past three months. We look forward to all the growth and fun that the coming year brings with her. Our Heavenly Father is, indeed, faithful.
(I was going to try and do an acrostic with THANKSGIVING but just couldn't make it work. That's why I have some interesting adjectives in there. :)
Home. I love our home! I am so thankful that the Lord provided it for us two years ago. It is in such a great location for us and we have the sweetest neighbors.
Amazing husband. Not your average Bear, I have to say! He is so living and gracious towards me each and every day. Watching him be the best daddy to Amelia truly melts my heart. I am thankful and blessed to be living life with you!
Nifty running buddies. I am so thankful for all of my running buddies. They are all so encouraging. Even though I am the slowpoke, they pull me along. I really am encouraged to go faster. I look forward to breaking some personal records in 2011.
Sleep. I have always loved it but now that every moment if it is precious, I am thankful.
Godly church. Crossroads is such a blessing to our lives. We are truly thankful to be on this journey with these people. It has been such an amazing blessing to be in the midst of a new thing the Lord is doing. We look forward to getting back involved and being there more consistently in the coming months.
In-laws- I am very thankful for my in-laws. They are some of the sweetest people I know. I always say that going down to their house in AL is like going on a retreat. It's just more quiet and peaceful.
Victorious warrior- God. He is my strength daily. He is my protector and shield. He is my Heavenly Father and provider. He is truly the lover of my soul. I am thankful he is my reason for living. I seek to proclaim my thankfulness for Him!
Itty bitty baby girl, Amelia. She is truly the light of our life. She has brought us so much joy in the past three months. We look forward to all the growth and fun that the coming year brings with her. Our Heavenly Father is, indeed, faithful.
(I was going to try and do an acrostic with THANKSGIVING but just couldn't make it work. That's why I have some interesting adjectives in there. :)
11.22.2010
Day 1
Today was officially the first full day of cloth diapering in the Cline household.
It has been so easy! Seriously! The most annoying part was washing them 5 times in hot water and air drying, for the prep. You do the same thing as far as changing with them as with disposables.
I think I am sort of weird in that I enjoy washing her bottles, her clothes and now her diapers. I don't know if it's just the excitement that I finally get to do it or what! It just doesn't get old.
I am drying the diapers on a line outside because they dry quicker that way as well as it being best for them. I love putting them out on the line too!
Another totally weird thing is that I can't wait for her to have a poopy cloth diaper because we got a sprayer that attaches to the toilet. I want to use it! I know this will get old because changing disposable poopies got old fast. :)
Anyway, I just wanted to conical our first official cloth diaper day! I will keep you updated!
It has been so easy! Seriously! The most annoying part was washing them 5 times in hot water and air drying, for the prep. You do the same thing as far as changing with them as with disposables.
I think I am sort of weird in that I enjoy washing her bottles, her clothes and now her diapers. I don't know if it's just the excitement that I finally get to do it or what! It just doesn't get old.
I am drying the diapers on a line outside because they dry quicker that way as well as it being best for them. I love putting them out on the line too!
Another totally weird thing is that I can't wait for her to have a poopy cloth diaper because we got a sprayer that attaches to the toilet. I want to use it! I know this will get old because changing disposable poopies got old fast. :)
Anyway, I just wanted to conical our first official cloth diaper day! I will keep you updated!
11.10.2010
Rocktober
(disclaimer-we cut our Internet off at home for now so my posts may not have a's many pics for a bit. The following post has some pics and also has spits that say pic. I haven't figured out how to scroll down to edit post from my iPhone. Feel free to divulge.)
Lots has happened this past month...
I participated in the Tour de'sprit, which was a 24 hour run benefitting a ministry to Haiti. (don't worry I just ran 7 miles, while others ran 100!)
It was so fun! I hope to be a bigger part of it next year!
http://www.cbu.edu/~aross/biology/Haiti/Help-HMM.htm#race
We finished up showering for sweet Amelia with a fabulous co-ed shower hosted by 7 of our best friends!
I was informed at the customer service desk at Walmart that I am banned from returning/exchanging anymore items for the next 6 months. I exceeded my returns if 4. (learn something new everyday).
Little miss had a great weight check up where she weighed in at 6.10! We were so excited.
Then she went in for her first round of shots and she weighed 8.6 and is 21 inches long! Growing girl!
Bear's birthday was the 15th. We celebrated with family at a local restaurant, Skimo's. For all those in the Memphis area, we highly recommend it!
I ran the two 10 milers in the MRTC Road Race Series at Shelby Forest. If any of you have ran that course...ouch! So so hilly! Probably the hilliest course in this area. But I survived.
Some sweet friends from high school met up one Saturday for an afternoon reunion. It was so much fun! So great to see each other and catch up!
My grandmother, Mem, celebrated her 89th birthday. We all gathered at Logan's for dinner.
Annie Tucker made this spectacular cake.
We ended the month with a blowout weekend of the Harvest Joy festival at Crossroads...
Pic
A birthday party for sweet Cameron Schaeffer, who turned 2.
Pic
A fun surprise birthday celebration for Brandon Smith...
And lastly, on Sunday night we had much fun with a Halloween party at our house.
A full month, indeed. Just the beginning of the busy season. I pray we don't loose perspective during these sacred holidays that are about to be upon us.
Lots has happened this past month...
I participated in the Tour de'sprit, which was a 24 hour run benefitting a ministry to Haiti. (don't worry I just ran 7 miles, while others ran 100!)
It was so fun! I hope to be a bigger part of it next year!
http://www.cbu.edu/~aross/biology/Haiti/Help-HMM.htm#race
We finished up showering for sweet Amelia with a fabulous co-ed shower hosted by 7 of our best friends!
I was informed at the customer service desk at Walmart that I am banned from returning/exchanging anymore items for the next 6 months. I exceeded my returns if 4. (learn something new everyday).
Little miss had a great weight check up where she weighed in at 6.10! We were so excited.
Then she went in for her first round of shots and she weighed 8.6 and is 21 inches long! Growing girl!
Bear's birthday was the 15th. We celebrated with family at a local restaurant, Skimo's. For all those in the Memphis area, we highly recommend it!
I ran the two 10 milers in the MRTC Road Race Series at Shelby Forest. If any of you have ran that course...ouch! So so hilly! Probably the hilliest course in this area. But I survived.
Some sweet friends from high school met up one Saturday for an afternoon reunion. It was so much fun! So great to see each other and catch up!
My grandmother, Mem, celebrated her 89th birthday. We all gathered at Logan's for dinner.
Annie Tucker made this spectacular cake.
We ended the month with a blowout weekend of the Harvest Joy festival at Crossroads...
Pic
A birthday party for sweet Cameron Schaeffer, who turned 2.
Pic
A fun surprise birthday celebration for Brandon Smith...
And lastly, on Sunday night we had much fun with a Halloween party at our house.
A full month, indeed. Just the beginning of the busy season. I pray we don't loose perspective during these sacred holidays that are about to be upon us.
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