That's right! I am pregnant! Baby Broggi will be here December 12!
We couldn't be more thrilled to have another baby!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Number Four?
That's right! I am pregnant! Baby Broggi will be here December 12!
We couldn't be more thrilled to have another baby!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Super Mom vs. Abiding Mom
A friend of mine was so kind to send me a link to this amazing website on homeschooling. I have enjoyed all of her ideas for schooling little ones, but what God has used most is her biblical advice.
She has an amazing outlook on children! She challenges parents to see their children as blessings, not burdens. She encourages homeschooling families to have a mission, and to see it as a calling!
She also has these great character studies to do with your children. Jack and I started our first one today, and God used it in both of our lives.
Below is the link that convicted me to the core. I so often strive to please my family (which I am not saying is a bad thing). I want things to be perfect. I want them to be happy and obedient. Who doesn't, right?
But the Lord showed me today that these desires are not always from a pure heart. I should cease striving to please man, and strive to honor the Lord.
These are not new truths that I saw today. In fact, I know that my life should be honoring to the Lord. I know all these truths, but I think I have lost focus. I have let things slip in that shouldn't be here. I have let the problems with my health become more important than teaching and training my children.
Anyway, I hope these simple truths will be meaningful to you as well.
I love how God is always working. He is always revealing my short-comings. He desires my heart and motives to be pure. I am so grateful the I serve such an awesome God.
Click here to see what I read.
Avocado Egg Salad and New Pictures
I have missed The Pioneer Woman's recipes this summer. We have been gone a lot so the cooking has been down to a minimal. I am ready to get back into my kitchen! I even went into Crate and Barrel today to see if there were any new "must have" kitchen gadgets!
I love egg salad! My mom made this often when I was growing up, so I am excited to try out a new recipe!
Below are a few new pictures!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Voddie T. Baucham, Jr.
This man of God was at our church this past Sunday. I didn't get to hear the message live, but I just listened online. It was so encouraging, challenging, and God-honoring.
Listen here.
Listen here.
Friday, June 24, 2011
In Sickness and In Health
Last weekend Jordan and I attended a wedding. I don't know why but weddings ALWAYS make me teary-eyed, no matter how well or little I know the couple. I love watching the groom as he watches his bride walk down the aisle. I love when the father gives his daughter away. I love the music. I pretty much love it all.
But there was something different about this wedding that hit me in a different way. I especially was teary-eyed when the couple was exchanging their vows. I immediately flashed back to our wedding and the vows that we promised to keep.
It made me think. It made me ponder how so many couples promise the exact words that Jordan and I did seven years ago, but have failed to keep them. It was sad to think of the people we know who have divorced, or who have never been faithful to their spouse. I prayed for this couple, and I prayed that their marriage would be solid and lasting. I prayed for their salvation, because without Christ at the center it will be a tough road ahead.
After those thoughts and prayers, I found myself smiling. I was smiling because the man whom I love the most was sitting by my side with his arm around me. But I was smiling the most because I am so thankful for Jordan. Jordan has kept every word of our vows.
Until this year we have never been sick, always in health, so that was easy. It's easy to love someone who is well and can carry their load. What's tough is when someone you rely on is no longer the same. No longer able to do much of what they used to do. It throws things for a loop. No longer predictable.
As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in March. This rocked our world. For almost a year I had been visiting different doctors and physical therapists, but after Christmas things really came to a head. The symptoms were no longer "manageable". There was no more pushing the problem under the rug.
After having a series of MRI's done, it was in fact confirmed, I have MS. There was no more brushing things over. This was real. Our lives were forever changed.
I had suspected MS for about two months before it was confirmed. It was like I had a peace about it. I knew the doctors would confirm it. Jordan, being the optimist that he is told me that there was no way it was MS. He prayed with and for me every day, asking God for it to be something curable.
I still remember all the dates surrounding my diagnosis. Those dates are forever etched in my memory. But with each date, I have a Bible verse or a song that the Lord gave me along the way.
I am so thankful for the timing of my diagnosis. It couldn't have come at a better time for me spiritually speaking.
I haven't been angry with God. I haven't even been asking the "why" questions. God really gave me a peace even before I officially knew. I know God has a plan for my life. God already knew that I would be 28, have a husband and three children when diagnosed. God's timing is never off.
This trial has drawn our entire family even closer to the Lord. We are learning new things each day about God, and His faithfulness to our family. How can we be mad when we have an overwhelming amount of things to be thankful for?
We are choosing to be thankful. Of course that doesn't mean that we are happy that I have a life-long disease, but it does mean that we are trusting the Lord to bring us through this trial.
There have been hard days. Days with a lot of tears. Days when I have no energy to be the wife and mom I so long to be. But there has yet to be a day that God hasn't given me the strength I need to do the things I need to do. God is so good!
Jordan has been amazing. He has been praying and fasting so faithfully for God to heal me of this disease. He has lightened my load in so many ways. He has made sure that I am seeing one of the best MS doctors in the country. He spent hours researching my disease and ways to make things better. I think he knows more about it than I do:-)
He has already taken me on two trips for me to get extra rest and relaxation. He takes care of dinner some nights. He has been so commited to me through this. He has kept his vow to love me in sickness and in health.
God has taught us so much. The biggest lesson we have learned is to live each day for the glory of the Lord. Not that any of us know what tomorrow will bring, but now we truly get it. Tomorrow is not promised. Our health is not promised. So we want to invest even more in the things that will last: God's word and people.
Over the next few months I hope to share some things that God has been teaching me through this trial. I have so many verses that have brought nothing but comfort and encouragement. I have books that have impacted me forever. I hope to share these things over the coming months.
Today I want to share two songs that Jordan has sent me on two different occasions. The first song is a song from him to me, the second is a song that reminded him of me as I was walking through this trial. They were sent at just the right time. God knew I needed them.
But there was something different about this wedding that hit me in a different way. I especially was teary-eyed when the couple was exchanging their vows. I immediately flashed back to our wedding and the vows that we promised to keep.
It made me think. It made me ponder how so many couples promise the exact words that Jordan and I did seven years ago, but have failed to keep them. It was sad to think of the people we know who have divorced, or who have never been faithful to their spouse. I prayed for this couple, and I prayed that their marriage would be solid and lasting. I prayed for their salvation, because without Christ at the center it will be a tough road ahead.
After those thoughts and prayers, I found myself smiling. I was smiling because the man whom I love the most was sitting by my side with his arm around me. But I was smiling the most because I am so thankful for Jordan. Jordan has kept every word of our vows.
Until this year we have never been sick, always in health, so that was easy. It's easy to love someone who is well and can carry their load. What's tough is when someone you rely on is no longer the same. No longer able to do much of what they used to do. It throws things for a loop. No longer predictable.
As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in March. This rocked our world. For almost a year I had been visiting different doctors and physical therapists, but after Christmas things really came to a head. The symptoms were no longer "manageable". There was no more pushing the problem under the rug.
After having a series of MRI's done, it was in fact confirmed, I have MS. There was no more brushing things over. This was real. Our lives were forever changed.
I had suspected MS for about two months before it was confirmed. It was like I had a peace about it. I knew the doctors would confirm it. Jordan, being the optimist that he is told me that there was no way it was MS. He prayed with and for me every day, asking God for it to be something curable.
I still remember all the dates surrounding my diagnosis. Those dates are forever etched in my memory. But with each date, I have a Bible verse or a song that the Lord gave me along the way.
I am so thankful for the timing of my diagnosis. It couldn't have come at a better time for me spiritually speaking.
I haven't been angry with God. I haven't even been asking the "why" questions. God really gave me a peace even before I officially knew. I know God has a plan for my life. God already knew that I would be 28, have a husband and three children when diagnosed. God's timing is never off.
This trial has drawn our entire family even closer to the Lord. We are learning new things each day about God, and His faithfulness to our family. How can we be mad when we have an overwhelming amount of things to be thankful for?
We are choosing to be thankful. Of course that doesn't mean that we are happy that I have a life-long disease, but it does mean that we are trusting the Lord to bring us through this trial.
There have been hard days. Days with a lot of tears. Days when I have no energy to be the wife and mom I so long to be. But there has yet to be a day that God hasn't given me the strength I need to do the things I need to do. God is so good!
Jordan has been amazing. He has been praying and fasting so faithfully for God to heal me of this disease. He has lightened my load in so many ways. He has made sure that I am seeing one of the best MS doctors in the country. He spent hours researching my disease and ways to make things better. I think he knows more about it than I do:-)
He has already taken me on two trips for me to get extra rest and relaxation. He takes care of dinner some nights. He has been so commited to me through this. He has kept his vow to love me in sickness and in health.
God has taught us so much. The biggest lesson we have learned is to live each day for the glory of the Lord. Not that any of us know what tomorrow will bring, but now we truly get it. Tomorrow is not promised. Our health is not promised. So we want to invest even more in the things that will last: God's word and people.
Over the next few months I hope to share some things that God has been teaching me through this trial. I have so many verses that have brought nothing but comfort and encouragement. I have books that have impacted me forever. I hope to share these things over the coming months.
Today I want to share two songs that Jordan has sent me on two different occasions. The first song is a song from him to me, the second is a song that reminded him of me as I was walking through this trial. They were sent at just the right time. God knew I needed them.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
You are Responsible For Your Own Actions.
My sister-in-law, GraceAnna, posted this link to her Facebook this afternoon. I loved this article so much that I had to share.
This article is so true. I sometimes find myself blaming circumstances/people for my actions, so this was a sobering reminder that I am the one responsible to God for my actions!
The biblical wisdom my dad imparted as I was growing up laid a rich foundation that has blessed my life in countless ways.
One simple principle in particular has been helpful to me in dealing with difficult people and circumstances: I am not responsible for what others do to me. I am responsible for my own reactions and responses to others.
The implication is that no one can make us sin. We are prone to try to blame our reactions on people or circumstances: “I acted that way (i.e., I lost my cool, mouthed off, withdrew, became irritable, etc.) because this person treated me this way, this thing happened at our house, or this circumstance happened in my life.”
Circumstances certainly have bearing on our reactions, but the liberating concept for me—one that my dad emphasized even more as I got into my teenage years—was, “You will not have to give account to God for what someone else does to you. You will only be held accountable for how you respond.”
I remember him exhorting me along these lines, regarding my relationship with my mother. She and I frequently tangled during my teenage years. Now, as a grown woman, I see many things differently. But at the time, there were aspects of my mother’s style of parenting that I resisted and resented. I would react to things she did or said that I felt were unreasonable, or that I just didn’t agree with.
A sense of the fear of the Lord kept me from being overtly defiant, but I definitely had a “kick in my spirit” when it came to my mother’s authority.
Observing my disrespectful attitude, my dad wisely made two points to me: First, you must honor and respect your mother. Period. That is not an option. Second, you are not responsible for her attitudes or behavior. You are only responsible for your attitudes and how you respond to her.
I don’t know what he may have said to my mother about her responsibility; but I know what he said to me! He understood that I needed to be less concerned with whether she was right or wrong, and more concerned with whether I was honoring her and the Lord in my responses.
I wish I had “gotten” this truth faster and sooner and easier, but the Lord has a way of creating circumstances to teach us these lessons. I’ve come to see how important this principle is because throughout our lives there will always be people and circumstances that we find annoying or feel are unfair.
At the end of the day, we have to leave it to God to right the wrongs in the universe and to deal with others about their issues. They are not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to respond in faith and in obedience to His Word, through the power of His Spirit. That’s what He will hold us accountable for.
That means our responses and lives don’t have to be controlled by circumstances or by how others treat us. You may have had ungodly parents; you may have an unloving mate or in-law, or foolish children, or an impossible boss or co-worker. I’m not suggesting those things don’t affect you or that you should live in denial. But I am saying that by God’s grace you can respond in love and humility to the people and circumstances He brings into your life.
Who or what have you been blaming for your ungodly responses? Counsel your heart with this truth: I may not be able to control or change those people or circumstances. But I do have a choice about how I respond to them. I am not responsible for the choices or behavior of others. I am responsible before God for my responses.
As you accept responsibility for your own choices and reactions, don’t forget that we can only love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and bear the unbearable as we depend on the Spirit and grace of Christ in us to love and forgive those people and bear those wrongs. “Not I, but Christ!”
This article is so true. I sometimes find myself blaming circumstances/people for my actions, so this was a sobering reminder that I am the one responsible to God for my actions!
The biblical wisdom my dad imparted as I was growing up laid a rich foundation that has blessed my life in countless ways.
One simple principle in particular has been helpful to me in dealing with difficult people and circumstances: I am not responsible for what others do to me. I am responsible for my own reactions and responses to others.
The implication is that no one can make us sin. We are prone to try to blame our reactions on people or circumstances: “I acted that way (i.e., I lost my cool, mouthed off, withdrew, became irritable, etc.) because this person treated me this way, this thing happened at our house, or this circumstance happened in my life.”
Circumstances certainly have bearing on our reactions, but the liberating concept for me—one that my dad emphasized even more as I got into my teenage years—was, “You will not have to give account to God for what someone else does to you. You will only be held accountable for how you respond.”
I remember him exhorting me along these lines, regarding my relationship with my mother. She and I frequently tangled during my teenage years. Now, as a grown woman, I see many things differently. But at the time, there were aspects of my mother’s style of parenting that I resisted and resented. I would react to things she did or said that I felt were unreasonable, or that I just didn’t agree with.
A sense of the fear of the Lord kept me from being overtly defiant, but I definitely had a “kick in my spirit” when it came to my mother’s authority.
Observing my disrespectful attitude, my dad wisely made two points to me: First, you must honor and respect your mother. Period. That is not an option. Second, you are not responsible for her attitudes or behavior. You are only responsible for your attitudes and how you respond to her.
I don’t know what he may have said to my mother about her responsibility; but I know what he said to me! He understood that I needed to be less concerned with whether she was right or wrong, and more concerned with whether I was honoring her and the Lord in my responses.
I wish I had “gotten” this truth faster and sooner and easier, but the Lord has a way of creating circumstances to teach us these lessons. I’ve come to see how important this principle is because throughout our lives there will always be people and circumstances that we find annoying or feel are unfair.
At the end of the day, we have to leave it to God to right the wrongs in the universe and to deal with others about their issues. They are not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to respond in faith and in obedience to His Word, through the power of His Spirit. That’s what He will hold us accountable for.
That means our responses and lives don’t have to be controlled by circumstances or by how others treat us. You may have had ungodly parents; you may have an unloving mate or in-law, or foolish children, or an impossible boss or co-worker. I’m not suggesting those things don’t affect you or that you should live in denial. But I am saying that by God’s grace you can respond in love and humility to the people and circumstances He brings into your life.
Who or what have you been blaming for your ungodly responses? Counsel your heart with this truth: I may not be able to control or change those people or circumstances. But I do have a choice about how I respond to them. I am not responsible for the choices or behavior of others. I am responsible before God for my responses.
As you accept responsibility for your own choices and reactions, don’t forget that we can only love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and bear the unbearable as we depend on the Spirit and grace of Christ in us to love and forgive those people and bear those wrongs. “Not I, but Christ!”
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Thoughts on Suffering
These words from J. C. Ryle have brought me much encouragement:
“Reader, if God has given you His only begotten Son, beware of doubting His kindness and love, in any painful providence of your daily life! Never allow yourself to think hard thoughts of God. Never suppose that He can give you anything which is not really for your good. Remember the words of Paul: ‘He who spared not His own Son—but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things’ (Romans 8:32).
See in every sorrow and trouble of your earthly pilgrimage the hand of Him who gave Christ to die for your sins! That hand can never smite you except in love! He who gave His only begotten Son for you, will never withhold anything from you which is really for your good. Lean back on this thought and be content. Say to yourself in the darkest hour of trial, ‘This also is ordered by Him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.’"
“Reader, if God has given you His only begotten Son, beware of doubting His kindness and love, in any painful providence of your daily life! Never allow yourself to think hard thoughts of God. Never suppose that He can give you anything which is not really for your good. Remember the words of Paul: ‘He who spared not His own Son—but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things’ (Romans 8:32).
See in every sorrow and trouble of your earthly pilgrimage the hand of Him who gave Christ to die for your sins! That hand can never smite you except in love! He who gave His only begotten Son for you, will never withhold anything from you which is really for your good. Lean back on this thought and be content. Say to yourself in the darkest hour of trial, ‘This also is ordered by Him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.’"
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