Saturday, May 25, 2013

Happy Birthday, Sophie!





It's hard to believe, but one year ago today we held our brand new baby girl in our arms for the first time! It has been such a joy getting to know this precious baby and having the opportunity to love on her. We are so very thankful that God is allowing us to parent Sophia. She is a heritage that we do not deserve. We pray that the Lord will give us the grace to be faithful in teaching her about Christ and that she will grow up to love and serve Him with all of her heart. Daddy and Mommy love you, Baby Girl!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!




"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze time in. It is what God gave you time for."
~Rachel Jankovic



Friday, May 10, 2013

The Moms of a Mom, part 2


"Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
'Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.'"
~Proverbs 31:28-29


Today, I would like to honor the mom who has known be from the beginning: my "Mommy Dearest," Mary Palma. Most life skills that I possess have been handed down by my mother - playing the piano, how to teach someone to play the piano, the ability to ensure that a mischievous baby will stay in their jammies, and much to Mom's patience, the definition of a preposition ("Becky, Becky. Over, under, around, and through!"). 

There is no one like my mom. I could go on forever about all the funny things she does, sings, or says. (In fact, she even has a friend who is documenting all her hilarious sayings!) I could spend paragraphs writing about all the care that she has lavished on me, my siblings, and now my husband and children. I could tell countless stories of all the fun we had growing up and how we have never, ever doubted her love for us. Hopefully someday I can tell you more about those things.

The picture of my mom that I have most firmly printed in my mind is that of her kneeling next to her bed in prayer. From the time that I was a very little girl, I can remember walking past her room and finding her on her knees. Every morning. Without fail. I have never met anyone who is as fervent in prayer as my mother. 

What does she pray about? Well, if you have ever had a conversation with Mom that has lasted longer than 3 minutes, it is probably safe to assume that she is praying for you every day. It never ceases to amaze me when I hear her tell yet another person that she is praying for them. She loves to go before the throne of God and give requests on behalf of others. And when Mary Palma prays, mountains move! I firmly believe that babies have been born, lives have been spared, and people have come to know Christ through the faithful supplications of my mom. This spiritual discipline stems from her unwavering faith in God and His desire for her to "taste and see that [He] is good."

Thank you, Mom, for your godly example in my life. I love you so much!



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Moms of a Mom, part 1


"Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
'Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.'"
~Proverbs 31:28-29

In honor of Mother's Day, I wanted to celebrate my own mothers whom God has graciously blessed me with. I would not be the mom that I am today without the two, faithful women who have first mothered me.

To begin, I would like to praise Roberta Groppel, the woman who became my mother the moment I said "I do." If you know Roberta, you know that she has a deep love for her grandchildren, waxing her wood floors, and making scads of delicious cookies at Christmastime. As her daughter I have gained countless tips on what to do when my children are sick, the best ways to keep up with laundry, and how to make those fool-proof Christmas goodies. But the thing that I have learned most from Roberta is the meaning of a servant's heart. Anytime that there is a need, Roberta meets it. Whether it's providing food for a church function, wiping down tables, or comforting someone who is hurting, she is there to help.

She is also so faithful to help her children anytime, anywhere. Countless times I have watched her drop all of her own plans in order to help one of us. Often Roberta serves without ever being thanked or even noticed. But that's not why she does it. She serves because she loves her Savior and wants to show others that same kind of love. I am so very thankful for her godly example. (And I will forever be grateful that she raised such a great son!)

I love you, Roberta!