values driven family

This is a cool site I just found out about from Lisa- they are having a huge give away- you should check it out:
http://valuesdrivenfamily.blogspot.com/2008/10/we-are-having-huge-yard-sale-this.html

I am looking forward to looking at this site more on another day!

This is, in part, an email I sent to my aunt as we continue in our friendly dialogue over some of the issues- after I wrote it, I thought it was powerful enough to share with a wider audience:

Noone ever talks about how abortion affects the woman- only the "freedom" it will give her (freedom to make the same mistakes again???) Everyone acts as if women have abortions and just walk away- I have trouble believing that most, or any do- we were not created to be that unaffected by such events. So I'm not sure about the "rights" we are protecting- why would we protect the right of a woman to murder her unborn child- ending life, and causing very real pain to both? One traumatic experience will not be healed by compounding it with another. One thing I will never understand is why so many people want to protect the rights and lives of criminals and terrorists who hate us, but will not defend the true well being of women and children.

Many people have referred to unwanted pregnancies as a consequence and a punishment- one that can be "fixed" with a quick pill, or a "surgical procedure". Yes, pregnancy is a natural consequence of sexual activity- you cannot, and should not separate the two- but why is it seen as a punishment just because it is "unwanted"? In my years living and ministering here in the city, I have seen the lives of many women change positively through the reality of children- not an easy path- but one God can use to help these women become more than they ever thought they could be... I've also seen families blessed through the foster and adoption opportunities they have taken part in at all levels... and ofcourse, I have taught some of these that might have been considered "unwanted". I can't imagine looking these children in the face and saying "your mom's life would have been better if she hadn't given birth to you". On the flip side, I have witnessed several women struggle with the very real physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of abortion.

Finally, I'm tired of hearing the weak arguments about back alley abortions, and the rights of those that have been raped. Statistically speaking- rape victims comprise a very minimal portion of the women having abortions http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html, and the back alley argument is like saying- "well, people are going to kill each other anyway, let's just give them guns so they do it right!" If people really cared about the rights of those being abused and raped, they would take another serious hard look at abortions. The laws that strong abortion advocates such as Obama want to put into practice would actually help abusers of minors cover up their abuse by forcing their victims to have abortions- easy to do if parents don't have to be notified, or give their permission!

Again, I ask do you really believe that the "rights" of a woman really superceed those of an unborn child? Are you really okay with babies being burnt, strangled, suctioned, poisoned, suffocated, skull punctured/ brain removed, or other otherwise tortured so that women don't have to "suffer" the consequences of (for the most part) their own poor choices? If you're a mother, please, think back to the time when you were carrying your child- think about the joy and excitment you had knowing a life was growing inside of you- even before anyone else could see or know. Did you honestly think that it wasn't a real life yet? Ofcourse not, your child, Hollyn, Iyrie, and every other baby were real the moment they were conceived. The definition of life is not relative to whether it is wanted or not- it is what it is- a baby. We are learning more and more each day about what babies hear, feel, and know inside the womb- would you really want to take the chance, even with one life? Do you really believe that robbing babies of their right to life, and the world of their unique contributions is in the best interest of anyone?

Let's not hold onto a landmark decision like "Roe vs. Wade" as an idol that can never be touched- people are of far greater value than some "women's rights victory". I truly believe that one day in the future, once abortion has been eradicated from our laws and practice, future generations will look back on our society and be absolutely shocked that we permitted this holocaust and called it a "right"- they will be appalled at this barbaric practice and will place it in the same category as the human rights atrocities occuring in China, the Sudan, and many other places around the world, and throughout history.

Please help me understand how this is a right? I just don't get it.

That's my heart- and it is more than enough for now!

Goodnight!

Family Update

Oma returns from Germany!
Bundling up for a fall morning walk
Iyrie chews on anything she can get her hands (and teeth) on
Hollyn's a dork- what can I say?


Well, we survived illness, teething, and the beginning of my new "job"- we're all doing quite well and finding some semblance of order. Did I mention that Travis' changed his job schedule in the midst of all of this? He now works four 11 hour days and has off Wednesdays! It is really nice to have the extra day together- we eat our big meal for lunch, and then I go into work in the evening... He also works a super long day on Monday nights (16 hours- yuck!), my mom comes over after work that day, and I go over to the church to work- which helps break up an otherwise very long day for me... so all in all it is working out!

I'm up late again, because as I mentioned in my previous post I've become obsessed with politics- but also because Iyrie has not been sleeping through the night- at all. She is up every four hours (usually 12am- just fed her!, and 4 or 5am...) It is hard to go to sleep knowing she's going to be waking up soon... so now I need to finish up and go to bed as she'll be waking me up in four more hours- ugghhh... She turns 6mos. this Sunday- I am really reluctant to start her on cereal, but I may have to- she just seems to be requiring more calories. I can keep up supply wise, but I'm not sure I can sleep wise... hey- I'm losing weight!

Hollyn had a bout with her fears again this week- I think she is going through some emotional and physical growing- in a way it is almost like PMS (Lord, please help me...) she is just very sensitive about everything. Ofcourse, the Halloween decorations and all of that other junk we see around town is not helping much- I can't wait for that to be over. Yuck! I feel like we've had some victory the past few nights- I spent a lot of time on Monday in spiritual warfare over our home, and the girls- thank you Jesus for the victories, and those yet to come!

As you can see from the pics, I have some very goofy girls- we've been having a lot of fun. If anything, these new work schedules are really causing us to appreciate our family time, and time with the girls more... Tonight we all just sat on the couch reading books and cuddling- it was a simple, fun way to be together.

What are they doing?

Iyrie~ chewing, army crawling, no interest in sitting up- goes straight for the belly, beginning to make a lot more sounds- trying to "talk", laughing alot, very conscious of where I am in the room, loves "face time" and cuddling

Hollyn~ articulating thoughts and feelings, becoming more social with outsiders, beginning to do more independent and creative (imaginative) play, becoming more crafty and interested in "school" although her favorite thing to play is still "babies", doing great with the potty, and beginning to use manners more consistently- please, thank you, may I etc., able to dress herself (with some assistance)

Well, I'm at it again~ up late emailing and watching YouTube videos- this election has really regenerated the political bug inside of me- I used to be very into politics during my high school and college days. Today all the world was astir on the test that I sent around www.BarackObamaTest.com... tonight I'm looking at these great links a friend of mine sent about abortion- please check them out!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GDSNYnnjmE
http://www.durarealidad.com (having trouble with this one- keep trying)
http://www.lifesitenews.com
http://www.bornalivetruth.org
http://www.jillstanek.com

Why am I so bold about wearing my political leanings on my sleeve- and not worrying about who I offend, but I am much more cautious about sharing my faith in Jesus? This is way more important, and yet I hold back "so as not to offend"?

I keep thinking how pressing and important this election is, but if Jesus came back tomorrow, none of that would matter. Besides, it is possible that this election may not turn out the way I think it should for a reason- does that mean that God will not be glorified? Perhaps it is going to take more for us slumbering Christians to wake up and get our heads out of the sand to see the reality of what is really going on in the world around us... We know things are going to get worse before He returns- there's a part of me that says "bring it on"- I'm tired of the same old...

Lord, there are so many things to be passionate about in this world- the beliefs and interests I hold dear are a result of my faith in you- but they cannot replace my faith in you. Help me order my time and "broadcasts" to put you first in all things. I confess that I haven't been doing that lately. From now on, I will only email and view what you want me to email and view- help me to know what is important for building your kingdom and advancing your will for my life, and what is me just airing out my opinion for all the world to hear. There needs to be less of me, and more of you in everything I do and say. In your name, Amen.

Someone, including me, needed that- I don't normally put things this personal on my blog- I guess my obedience to the Holy Spirit starts right now!

Well, it is late, and I haven't posted pictures or stories about the girls- but tomorrow is another day.

Good Night!

Iyrie's First Illness

Well, my baby had her first cold this week. I'm not really sure what it was- probably a double whammy of a cold and teething- she started with a runny nose and a little cough- and then began crying a lot and insisted on being held. Her temperature was 101.7 last evening, but by this morning, the fever had broken. She was happy for little while, then back to crying (like in pain) unless she was held. By the evening she was smiling and laughing like normal... thank you Jesus!

Which girl would you choose?

This is an excellent article I received today:

"Which Girl Would You Choose?"
by Sandy Rios

It was the annual "Summerfest" in a community about 60 miles west of Chicago. We were expecting rides and cotton candy, but were greeted instead by tractors and a pork chop dinner. The crowd was populated by just plain folks — old and young, enjoying the easy camaraderie of small town life. One family stood out. It was a mom and dad with a boy about eight I'll call "Johnny."

We had come to see a Chicago band, awkwardly positioned on a flatbed truck, who didn't disappoint. They delivered great Chicago-style blues and rock, but as great as they were, they were promptly upstaged by Johnny. As the band started, he bolted to the grassy area before the stage and began to dance deliciously. He didn't just have one "move," he had lots of them with finger strategically pointed, and attitude enough for the whole band. As the singer jumped off the stage, Johnny would follow, imitating him playing harmonica and clutching his cordless mic as he serenaded a select few. When he finished a set and took a bow, Johnny took his, too...deeply, like a shadow on the lawn. The crowd roared and I was especially delighted when he came to serenade me with his imaginary microphone. I wanted to grab and hug him, but he would have none of it. I looked down the row to see his parents standing silently, not with wild cheering but with wonder, amazement and...pride. You see, Johnny has Down syndrome. It was a moment parents of special needs kids seldom get to enjoy. It struck me in that moment that nearly 90 percent of babies born with Down syndrome are now aborted. Most Johnnys never get the chance to delight a crowd or bring deep, abiding joy to their parents — because they never get a chance to live. It was a Down syndrome baby that nurse Jill Stanek cradled until death at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, denied of food or medical treatment. Another imperfect baby, unwanted by its parents, starved out of existence. When legislation to prevent such callousness and neglect sprang to life as a result of Stanek's story, Barack Obama spoke out against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. He argued that it was unfair to the mothers to let these babies live — that it would turn back abortion rights (as though infanticide and abortion were in the same legal ballpark). He voted against the legislation and tried to persuade others in the Illinois legislature to follow his lead. On the issue of abortion, he later publicly declared that he wouldn't want his daughters "punished with a baby," should they find themselves pregnant and unmarried. With that perspective Obama would surely find a Down syndrome baby beyond punishment. It's not the only time in human history when something like this has happened. In attempt to breed the Aryan race, the Nazis began a systematic extermination of "useless eaters." Videos were produced to illustrate the horrors of the disabled and thousands were led to their death with the approval of the German citizenry. One notable exception was Dietrich Bohhoeffer, a pastor later hanged to death with a piano wire for opposing the Nazis. In the face of the Aryan tide he penned these words: "Not only do the weak need the strong, but the strong need the weak." One has only to be the parent of a child like Johnny to grasp the truth of Bonhoeffer's words. The Johnnys of the world teach us to endure with perseverance, build character and allow for a love that wells up from a place too deep for words to describe. Sarah Palin gets it. That's why she and husband Todd chose not to abort baby Trig in spite of his alleged imperfections. To some, he is a "useless eater." He will never win the snow machine race his father is famous for or be mayor or governor of anything, but Sarah and Todd know the value of his life in ways that can never be explained to a man like Barack Obama. A baby like Trig is a precious life. And the baby carried by his sister is not punishment. In his book The Power of the Powerless, Christopher De Vinck tells the story of his severely disabled brother, Oliver. As Christopher grew older and began dating, he brought his girlfriend to the family farmhouse and eventually asked if she would like to meet Oliver. Since Oliver lived on the top floor and had to be fed and diapered by family members, the first girl said a polite "no." The next girl, however, said, "Yes!"...climbed the stairs, crawled up on the bed with Oliver and proceeded to patiently spoon feed him. "Which girl would you have married?" asked De Vinck. The power of the powerless; the ability of the helpless or infirm to reveal not their infirmity, but the character of those around them. We have two candidates, one for president and the other for vice president, with very different views on the value of life. What does their attitude toward the Johnnys of this world — or the tiny lives who have come inconveniently — tell us about them? And by the way, which girl would you have chosen?

Sandy Rios is host of the "Sandy Rios Show," heard weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m. on WYLL AM1160 in Chicago and serves as president of Culture Campaign, a non-profit dedicated to awakening a sleeping army of concerned citizens never before involved in public policy. This column is printed with permission.

Opinions expressed in 'Perspectives' columns published by OneNewsNow.com are the sole responsibility of the article's author(s), or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted therein, and do not necessarily represent those of the staff or management of, or advertisers who support the American Family News Network, OneNewsNow.com, our parent organization or its other affiliates.

who made God?

while lying in bed this morning (both girls slept with us last night...) hollyn looks up at me and asks "who made iyrie?" "God" i replied.... then she asked who made mommy, and daddy, and a series of other people, all to which i ofcourse replied "God", then she looked straight at me with a puzzled look and asked "well, who made God?" to which i replied "He always just was" and she said "oh"- apparently satisfied with that answer. what an awesome combination of an inquisitive mind, and faith to accept the unexplainable!

daddy and the girls

well, today was my first six hour day at the church- it went okay, but my brain started to fizz out at the end... it felt a lot more like a job than i would have liked. i'm feeling a little overloaded with info, and having trouble getting myself organized/ knowing where to start... there's just soooo much to do. i feel like i'm distracted at home right now because i've been spending a lot of time thinking about these things over the past week- i'm going to need to learn to "cut it off" when i come home, unless ofcourse i'm working at home... this is going to be a challenge for me- i don't like to feel disjointed.

anyway... travis was with the girls today. this is the longest he has ever had both of them by himself- he was very apprehensive about it, but i think he surprised himself by how well he did! when i came home (late), both girls were napping (something i can't always accomplish!!) and the house was pretty much in order. he even used the cloth diapers! he really blessed me by saying what hard work it is, and he doesn't see how i ever get anything else done- he says he could never do it, which is fine by me because i'm not planning on giving this particular job (being mommy) up anytime soon! i was sooo missing the girls after three or so hours!

while he did a really good job, his day was not without event. apparently at one point hollyn went up to use the potty and somehow got poopy on the seat- then somehow stepped in it and got it all over the bathroom rug etc... needless to say travis was a little frustrated. as he tells it, he got it all cleaned up, but was a little short with hollyn. they went downstairs and she continued to do some annoying toddler type things (this was right before her naptime...) and travis reprimanded her.... a few minutes later she went to play- he looked over and she was talking to "me" on the phone saying "yeah, daddy is really frustrated right now!" ofcourse travis just melted and talked to her, apologized etc. she is sooo sensitive and perceptive!

when i got home, i went upstairs to take a nap- iyrie was sleeping in our room. i was secretly hoping she would wake up and want to nurse so i could get some relief and lay down with her... she did end up waking up, and our reunion was a genuine "love fest". it is amazing how this girl has such a calming effect on me- just holding her and smelling her makes the rest of the world melt away- i know it is some kind of hormonal thing God designed so mothers don't abandoned their babies- but it is better than any drug (i haven't tried many...) !

this is hard, but i think we are going to be okay!

diet, exercise, and budgeting

i need to preface this entry with a disclaimer- i didn't do so hot today in the diet area... we went on a family date to wendy's (yeah for the 99 cent menu) and then to dairy queen (friends gave us a giftcard) for dessert.

anyway, i've been trying to really watch the things that we eat and our budget at the same time. did you ever notice that the healthy stuff actually costs more? it's hard, but we're eating better and spending less! last january i made a list of "resolutions" for our eating- i found this list today and was pleased to see that we are doing most of these things. here's the list:

1. switch to sea salt and raw sugar (check)
2. use canola oil instead of vegetable oil (check)
3. use organic milk, eggs, meat, and cheese (we try- this one is tough because of the huuuuge price difference- i get it when we can, and atleast buy milk without growth hormones....)
4. use whole wheat and flax seed in baking. (check)
5. more fish, turkey ,and beans- less chicken, pork, and beef (check)
6. more fresh fruits and veggies (check- we actually have always been good with this thanks to travis working for a produce distributer!)
7. less chips, salty, and sugary snacks (check- unless someone else brings it into the house- or we're out somewhere... i'm a sucker for potato chips and ice cream!)
8. more nuts and seeds (check- homemade trailmix is a great snack)
9. eat less, more often (well... we're getting there- i am nursing!!!)
10. less processed foods/ preservatives (check)

so we're doing pretty good here, i read the labels a lot more closely, and i'm learning to make a more things myself- rather than buying a box mix or a can...

one way that i'm able to keep costs down and follow this plan is by preparing two vegetarian meals a week- this comes pretty naturally to me because i've been a vegetarian before, and my parents were vegetarians when we were young- i've really been enjoying getting back into this, and even borrowed some of their old cook books- i recommend:
The Vegetarian Epicure- Anna Thomas
Laurel's Kitchen- Laurel Robertson
The NY Times Natural Foods Cookbook by Jean Hewitt

anyway- here is the list of the meals i've come up with (most of them aren't even from these books- i use the books when i'm feeling adventurous or need a new idea... i also use them for baking alot)

eggs: eggs flourentine, souffles, quiche, omlets all with various veggies, egg casseroles

beans: chili, beans and rice, beans and veggies over couscus, blackbean and veggie wraps, lentil soup, minestrone

cheese: baked mac n cheese, grilled cheese and tomato soup, potato soup, cream of broccoli soup, lasagna, eggplant parmesean, homemade pizza

other: veggie stuffed tomatoes, veggie burger wraps, sauteed veggies over pasta (i like to use barilla plus because it has a lot of extra protein) sauteed veggies over rice or in a wrap

i use zucchini, squash, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes, asparagus, spinach, broccoli- whatever is available- and we always use some sort of cheese for extra protein.

i am also very blessed with a husband who will eat anything, and even though he did not grow up eating this way, has become very accustomed and appreciative of it. he loves it when i try new things and has been very complementary lately- i think his exact quote was "i am very impressed with your execution lately" meaning things are getting done right, and on time! i don't know what i would do if i was married to a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy.

another thing that helps with our budget is that i make my menu after i go to the store (i make my menu for two weeks because i shop every other week)- if you do it the other way around, you'll end up buying a lot of recipe specific items that will jack up your grocery bill- instead, my grocery list is based on the staples that we always need:

juice, cereal, cheese, bread, yogurt, pasta, rice, beans, condiments/sauces,spices, butter, milk, eggs, chips and salsa (travis' must have!), crackers, 1 seafood (whatever is on sale), 2 lbs. turkey burger, 1 beef or pork (whatever is on sale), 1 3lb pack of boneless/skinless chicken breasts, 2 16 oz cans of tuna, 1 bag of hamburgers (all beef) or chicken patties (all white meat) for quick dinners or weekend lunches, mixed nuts, raisins, progresso soups (lots of veggies, minimal preservatives), peanut butter, real fruit spread (not jelly), some frozen/canned veggies (winter), honey, baking ingredients- flax, sugar, flour etc., tea, coffee, and ofcourse all of the toiletries and cleaning supplies. (obviously i don't get all of this stuff all of the time, but these are the staples that i always have on hand)

i go to b.b's a local discount grocery store where i am able to purchase a lot of organic and natural products (usually just past the dates...). whatever isn't available there (i'm picky about bread, peanut butter, meat...) i go to walmart for. i'm trying to get away from using walmart because i don't agree with some of the things they have been supporting- but i also believe in the free market- and they consistently have the cheapest prices i can find.... i get my milk and eggs at a local dairy (cheaper, local, and no hormones) and travis brings me my fruits and veggies from work as needed almost every evening.

when i get home, i sit down and write out a list of 12 meals i can make based on what i bought (we usually get atleast 2 freebies from visiting our parents), then i strategically place them on my calendar based on our schedule for the next two weeks (easy meals on busy nights- mix up the type of meals etc.) since most of my meat will go in the freezer, i have the liberty to switch things if i need to- but i know what ingredients i have and i'm careful not to use them for other things...

sooo... that is how we are doing it on $200 a month (plus another $100 for produce which comes directly out of travis' check)- that is a whopping $75 a week- not bad, huh?

as for the exercise- i have a double jogger stroller that i bought on craigslist (highly recommended) and we try to get out every morning- i power walk for about a half hour or so (depending on our day, and the girls' moods)- about 2 miles. i absolutely love to walk, and the girls love the fresh air. we have our little routine and places we walk- sometimes i pray, sometimes hollyn and i sing songs, sometimes i just space out... every once in a while i'll surprise hollyn with a special treat like stopping at the park or the library, but mostly we just walk. this morning we didn't go because i knew i'd be dancing later on in the day and i had other things to do- half way through the morning hollyn asked why we weren't going- i'm so glad that she enjoys it too!

so hopefully through all of this, my girls are learning some good habits about diet, exercise, and stewarding resources... i have to be careful not to get too radical and religious about all of this- but i really believe that it is something that pleases the Lord- we need to take good care of our bodies, and the earth, and steward all of the resources that God has given us- especially our health, our family, and our finances!

random pictures and thoughts

my two little cloth diaper babies

hollyn's castle- future architect?

well, i think i need to start walking around with a pen and paper everywhere i go because there are several stories i have made a "mental note" to tell, and now i can not remember them for the life of me... i think one was really good too!

one thing i can say is that i know this girl (hollyn) is always watching me- we were spending time yesterday morning just worshipping- dancing and running around the room just having fun- when iyrie started getting a little fussy- i picked her up and rocked her, and hollyn did the same thing with her baby kelsey! later that day i was sitting at the table with a friend when i peeked into the living room to see hollyn lying on the floor doing one of my pilates moves. she is definitely a mirror for me to see myself, so far it's mostly good things she is copying- we are going to have to be very careful!

the top picture is of the girls in their new cloth diapers. i have been using cloth on iyrie since birth, but now that she is in the next size i am able to use them on hollyn for naps and bedtime as well. i thought hollyn might be a little offended to go back to "diapers" (she had been wearing pull-ups to bed) but she loves them and thinks it's cool that she and iyrie get to share. i really like using the cloth diapers- it's definitely more work, but we're saving money, and not throwing away all of those diapers that take forever to decompose. i use kissaluv contours with pro-wrap covers and have had far less messes with them than even disposables. now that iyrie is older, i am even brave enough to go out of the house with them because i can usually make it 3-4 hours without having to change her. http://www.cottonbabies.com is a great site to check out- that is where i order from- one really cool thing about this company is that they have a program where they give free diapers to families that are serving as missionaries- i love supporting companies that invest in this way! while i'm on the topic of diapering- my aunt amy got me hooked on weleda diaper cream- it is the best- all natural, smells great and gets rid of rashes like nothing else! you can go to http://www.ihealthtree.com to order it online.

hollyn really did do most of that castle by herself- i put a few supports down to help things stay in place- but she was very determined to do it herself, and often told me to back off (in so many words)- it seems like just yesterday she couldn't even put the blocks together!

iyrie actually has two teeth right now, apparently they came in together- that is why she was in such bad shape... she seems to be doing better now, although i'm still anxious for her to do a better job napping during the day- she is still into the "cat nap" thing.

i have a few more pictures and a video up on our picasa album- you can check it out at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/hollyniyrie/September202008#

Never Say Amen!

after a difficult first week "at work" learning to juggle my new ministry/job ( i don't really like looking at it as a job...) with oma and opa in germany, and nan in the hospital ( please pray for her healing) it was a pretty crazy way to start. this email from my friend denise was a powerful reminder that my relationship with the Lord is more than what i can etch out in the mornings, or whenever i have my "devotional times"- it needs to be an all day thing!

Never Say Amen
by Jon Walker

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. Matthew 26:40 (NIV)
Read this devotional as a prayer:
Help me, Lord, to develop a strong prayer life. I know you desire intimacy with me, and you want me to watch with you and pray (Matthew 26:40).
Yet, I never seem to find the time to pray in a deep, fervent, consistent, persistent way. What draws me to my knees the most is when I have a problem, when I want something from you, when I need your help.
I’m flipping through my calendar, stressing with commitments, and you just want to hang out – with me. Help me turn my prayers into conversations with you that keep flowing throughout the day, an on-going communication where I never say “Amen.”
Keep me close to you, no matter what it takes. I’m not sure I really want to pray that; I have bruises and scars from “whatever it takes” discipleship, but, then again, I confess the crush of these moments have taught me to throw myself on the stone before the stone falls on me.
And that has moved me closer to the love that compels my obedience, closer to becoming one with your heart. So, I’m asking that you change me until my deepest want is to be with you.
With this I pray that you will create me worthy of my calling and that your power will fulfill every good purpose you plan for me and energize everything I do in faith.
My prayer is that your life will emerge in my face and in my hands, in my thoughts and in my words. I know your grace will make it so (paraphrase of 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, NIV).