The swimsuit picture, and much more

I know I have a total of about 6 readers (counting my mom and my husband), but a few months ago I promised a picture of the swimsuit I had ordered for myself. It was a long process (see Wrestling with Modesty) but I finally chose one and used it several times through the summer. You'll have to scroll all the way down to see that pic, so on your way, here are some pictures of our fun this summer:

 Papa and Naomi in her "bumper romper" as she calls it

 Because every Porto woman in this house LOVES corn on the cob

Date night with the hubby! A little late, but a 7th Anniversary Celebration (which included a Honda S2000 and peanut butter chocolate ice cream, hello AWESOME) 

 Sorry, I couldn't resist posting another one of these. I love seeing Naomi "dig in" to her cob on this one

 A picture with both my girls smiling is so precious. Who doesn't love swings?

 Doesn't everyone wear ear muffs and a sun hat together? I thought she rocked it...

 One of Michael's very first pizzas since going gluten AND dairy free. Thanks Pizza Ranch for the gluten free pizza, and thanks for fake cheese we added at home!

 We ventured into our new hometown for their summer festival, Michael in his sailor shirt and me completely enjoying a corn dog.

 I just love this girl...

 ...and this one too.

 This was Naomi's very first venture into the world of stickers. I got a good rule from a friend of mine, "stickers go on people and paper, nothing else"

And, because I know you can't wait, the swimsuit:

Thanks for following along! 

~Love,

Libby

Provision

Why do I doubt? Why do I question and complain? O Lord, forgive me! 

Once in awhile, when our sweet Savior knows I am especially weak, He graces me with a fresh reminder of His provision. A few recent examples: 

1. Naomi was 4 months old.  She drooled so excessively, she soaked one bib per hour. This is not an exaggeration. We had just moved and money was super tight, so I made do with the bibs we had and just washed them every night after the days soaking. In the midst of this, on a day when I felt particularly lonely, a package arrived from my grandmother. She runs a volunteer thrift store in her small town and had picked up a few things for me, including four new bibs. Tears dropped down my cheeks as I thanked the Lord for this small gift. A reminder that He saw me, my loneliness, and knew my smallest needs. 

2. Last month, a change in seasons and I needed new clothes for my oldest. I had tried to hit garage sales but things kept getting in the way of going, the consignment shop I tried in town was overpriced, and I so desired to be wise with the money God has given us. I didn't want to just go and spend the money for new clothes. So I prayed. One of those, pray-while-caring-for-kids prayers. One minute after my silent amen, the phone rang. My sister-in-law was at a garage sale with loads of girl clothes. Did I need anything? Oh my Lord, you are sweet!

3. Tonight, as I put off the dishes and chose instead to pop online, I noticed an e-mail from a church member regarding our upcoming youth event. I was in charge of finding volunteers to bring food.  I had enough volunteers for food, but it dawned on me that we will be outside on a 50 degree day and a warm drink would be really helpful. My phone beeped at me, voicemail. I checked the voicemail and it was another church member, asking how he and his wife could help with the event. Could they bring something? 

In most of these stories the exceptional part is not what was provided. A few bibs, some clothes, help with an activity, these are simple. I could easily have survived and gone on with life without any meaningful loss. The exceptional part is the timing. They all came on days when my weakness of heart and faith felt heavy and my spirit fought the grumbling of my flesh, the ingratitude that sneaks in on those weary days. And the nearness of the provision to the recognition of the need. In only one of the three instances did I actually pray for provision. And in two the provisions came within seconds of my realization of the need. 

God knows full well that we don't need these small gifts from Him, and He certainly has no obligation to provide them. But He is our Father, if He has washed us with the blood of Jesus, and we are His children. And Daddies know how to give good gifts to their children. Thanks, Dad. 

~Love,
Libby

Summer Fun and Solid Foods

Aahh, the beginning of solid food...always an adventure for a little baby. One of my favorite parts is watching their faces as they try new foods. And when it came to Rebekah and applesauce, she didn't disappoint. I only wished there was someone else there to laugh with me. So humor me and check out my little sweetie and her lovely expressions. I realize that my babies will always be funnier to me than to anyone else, but maybe let a little chuckle out...then I know I won't have really laughed alone.




We've had lots of fun going on lately...life has not slowed down since the big move. Today was my favorite day of the week...Monday! It's my favorite because it is Michael's day off, and we get to spend it as a family, such a treat! Today we took the opportunity to visit the free petting zoo in Cedar Rapids. It's a pretty tame event-some ducks, chickens, goats and pigs- but to Naomi, it was earth-shattering. Her wide eyes, slowly clapping hands, and quiet, intense voice showed us the amazement that filled her mind and heart as she viewed the animals. Naomi had seen all of the animals before in books, but never live and in person. It was fun watching her take it all in.

On another fun adventure, we spent a few days at mom and dad's place for some relaxing and summer fun while Michael went to a family wedding in Ohio...

My mother has a pic of me eating sweet corn at this same age, crazy curls and all. I know Naomi isn't smiling in this picture, but she's my serious girl and doesn't hand out smiles for the camera. I promise, she LOVED her corn!

Serious again..this time accomplishing a big task-climbing those big steps! This was our first trip there when she was able to climb them on her own. I had to force myself to step away and let her do it herself!

Made it!

What's better than a baby in sunglasses? 

Two babies in sunglasses!

Naomi loves to sit in big chairs...she rocked herself in this one for over 20 minutes!


Alright, closing up here...nothing serious today to write about except this: I pulled the trigger on a swimsuit today. After hours of research and sorting through seemingly endless options, I ordered a swimsuit from www.modestlyyoursswimwear.com. They had so many beautiful styles and fabrics to choose from, but I took a deep breath and made a choice today. I promise to post a pic once it arrives...and more then on my thoughts about why I chose what I chose, even though it's a bit out of the mainstream, even amongst believers.

Love to all who read this!



~Libby

Wrestling with Modesty

A few years ago, Michael and I began to look more deeply into the issue of modesty for both men and women. What did the Bible have to say about it? How has our culture influenced our choice of clothing and our idea of what is acceptable? We know that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19), that we are made in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and that as His children, we are to always strive toward holiness (1 Pet 1:15). How should those truths affect my choice of clothing? There is so much to consider.  The Lord commands women to choose "respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control" (1 Pet 2:9)...yikes for me! When I shop for jeans at Gap, do I pick out the ones that make me think, "wow, this is soooo respectable, I've got to have it!" And then there are my family members in Christ. Should I make another stumble? Paul was willing to go without meat to keep a brother or sister in Christ from stumbling! (1 Cor 8:13). Am I willing to wear clothes that might be a little less "cute" and a little more "respectable?"


I'm not going to lie, this is tough for me. There are already enough barriers to shopping for clothes, mostly time and price. It's tough to find clothes that fit in my budget, and much tougher to find clothes that fit in my budget and don't make me nervous about how much cleavage or thigh I'm showing. Unless of course, I buy frumpy clothes. And I really dread looking frumpy.  Where's the middle ground? At times, my flesh tells me that this would be so much easier if I just had more money to spend on clothing. I could buy richer, thicker fabrics that provided better coverage, and wouldn't be so limited in my choices at each store ("sure! you can dress modestly, if you can afford that gorgeous, modest sweater from Eddie Bauer and those well-tailored jeans from Banana Republic!") Please, someone tell me that I'm not the only one who's listened to this lie! 


Lately, this issue has extended to swimwear. My convictions on modesty have changed since the last time I purchased a swimsuit, and to be honest, so has my body. Two babies later, and I'm not so hesitant anymore to sign on for a swimsuit that reveals a little less. And seriously? I can't go around swimming in something if I wouldn't gladly reveal the same amount at the mall or at church. So even those swim skirts that they sell? Would I wear a skirt that short ANYWHERE? I just can't do it. Therefore, I recently ventured into the world of "modest swimwear." I quickly discovered that this is a broad and relative term and includes the typical tankini/boy short swimsuit all the way to the Islamic-only-show-the-hands-feet-face swim dresses. Do a Google search and you will easily find this out for yourself. 


I'm still trying to decide where I land, and here it is June 9th and I don't have a suit for the summer. I'm leaning towards a particular suit, but it covers a lot more than is traditional, it's fairly expensive, and I'm a little chicken to jump into this new world of modest swimwear. But right now? It's either that suit or I don't swim this summer. And that would be sad. But before my Savior I just can't justify a traditional suit anymore. 


I know I know, "man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" 1 Sam 16:7. I completely believe that. God is probing my heart, revealing the pride and fear and calling me to find complete satisfaction and significance in Him. And if I do? If I really find my satisfaction and significance in my awesome Savior Jesus Christ, would I care if I looked a bit "frumpy"? Would I care if someone thought I was a bit loony and one of those overly "conservative" Christian women? Someone might call me legalistic or even accuse me of drawing attention to myself by wearing something different. But I'm not claiming that my clothing choices earn me salvation, as would be legalistic, so far from it! My salvation came withOUT my effort and so all the more I desire to be wholly His, in all my choices. And as for drawing attention? I pray for the courage to always point that attention heavenward, to my God and Savior, who made this body of mine and calls it His. And so His it is, and as He calls me to do with it, so I will. 

Still in Transition

Last Saturday morning, Michael and I drove to the storage unit in our new hometown. Our truck-o-stuff had arrived and so had nearly 20 people from Community Bible Church. A myriad of trucks were filled to head to the apartment, and the rest went into storage. Thanks to the "many hands," it was "light work!" Within a few hours, church members and even family had headed home.  One more visitor came late in the afternoon to bring us supper and even more food to fill our pantry and fridge.  Michael and I tucked the girls into bed in their new rooms, sat on the couch, and sighed. Made it. 

Sunday morning we received a sincere and joyful welcome from the members of CBC. That afternoon, true to Mother's Day form, I did very little housework, and even had the luxury of a long nap after lunch. On Monday we began to tackle the paperwork that is a state to state move. With Michael's start date another week away, on Tuesday we decided to take a trip to WI to see Michael's parents and brother. So I actually unpacked a suitcase Monday night and repacked it on Tuesday morning! Finally, to today, Wednesday. We packed up the van and drove the easy (and beautiful, might I add) 2 hr drive to Julie and Bill's.

Graciously, the Lord has blessed the girls (and us!) with good sleep through all of this travel and change in bedrooms and beds. Rebekah is as sweet and smiley as ever, and Naomi is ever curious and in wonder at all she sees. For what more could a mother ask? 

It appears that come Tuesday, May 22nd, our time in transition will be at least partially over. Michael will begin his new job, and the girls may actually sleep in the same beds for a few weeks in a row. We will learn our new schedule and settle into a familiar routine. Familiarity will be welcome. Transitions are tough in some ways but God has proven Himself again so faithful to care for our every need. From a stocked freezer, fridge, and pantry to well rested babies, His goodness is shown throughout. He's not required to allow me to keep breathing much less deserve these sweet gifts. And yet He gives them because our Father knows how to give good gifts to His children, just like Jesus said. 

Thank you, Father. 

Almost There!

Tomorrow morning, Michael and I will pack up our remaining items scattered around my parent's place, drop a car off to David who will follow us and drive the 2 hours and 15 minutes to Lisbon, IA. There, we will stop in at our apartment, then head to the storage unit to unload our truck-o-stuff. Once unloaded, we'll load up a few vehicles and head back to the apartment to unload our toys, clothes, and other little necessities. In the meantime, Mom will feed the girls breakfast, pack them up, and by around 10ish leave the house with them. They'll join us just in time to eat again and (maybe) go down for an afternoon nap. By that time, I think I'll be ready to sleep, too :)

For now, Mom is painting her toenails, Michael and Dad are out having man-time, the girls are sleeping, and I'm catching up here on the computer. I know I've been a bit off the radar these last two weeks. Thank you all for your patience. I don't yet have a cell phone so for now you'll have to reach me by e-mail. I should have a new home phone soon, and Michael's got a cell so shoot me an e-mail or FB message if you'd like his number.

It's good to know that we are nearly there. Months of praying, waiting, preparing, and saying goodbyes, all leading up to this weekend. I don't have any particularly deep thoughts tonight, just wanted to give a little update. I'll post a few pics now, with more to come. We took a lot of family pictures these past two weeks, savoring our time together. I have especially been savoring the truth that I can enjoy my family these weeks, knowing that it won't be so many months until I see them again. Such a joy.

 Rebekah hanging out with her Uncle Curtis

 Naomi exploring Nana and Papa's yard, looking for bubbles

 Just two short days after we arrived, we spent the afternoon with family celebrating Jacob's baby dedication...Naomi did so well, even though she was still so short on sleep.

 My mom couldn't resist taking pictures of Naomi in her Sunday best. If there was an opposite to being called a "ham" for cameras, Naomi's the opposite. No fake smiles out of this little girl!

 With everyone together we decided to celebrate Mother's Day a few days early. Happy Mother's Day, mom!

 More Uncle Curtis time for Rebekah

 Finally, I met Elisa in person! Jesse's lovely lady friend came out to Pizza Ranch with us. Her inaugural Pizza Ranch experience!

 I just couldn't resist showing everyone in Mass this picture. Spring has SPRUNG in Iowa and everything is so lush and green already!

Having a great time with my little girlie. 

Waiting

I love waiting. It's hard, and hurts a bit, but then the object of the waiting tastes all the sweeter. Tonight I'm waiting for Michael to get to Iowa. Well, I think he may actually be in Iowa already, but he's still 2 hours away from me. It's 10:22pm and I should probably be in bed, but instead, I'm sitting on the couch passing time until my hubby arrives. The girls are asleep. Rebekah's in the guest room where Michael and I will sleep tonight, Naomi's in the office-moved up from the basement so that her Uncle David can crash on the fouton. There's gluten-free bread in the freezer and fresh sheets on the beds. I am ready for their arrival. All I have left to do is wait.

We've been doing a lot of waiting the past few years. In 2003, we were dating long-distance and waiting to live in the same city. In 2004 we lived in the same city but waited to get married. Until 2007 we waited for me to graduate from college so that Michael could go back to school. Then we waited for him to finish. In the meantime we got pregnant with Naomi and waited for her to come. She came, and we waited for Michael to find work. We moved to Mass into a temporary home and waited to find a house. We bought a home, moved in, and waited for Rebekah to come. We thought there might be a rest from the waiting after her arrival. Nope. While waiting for Rebekah it became apparent that God was moving us away from Heritage Bible Chapel. But where and when? We waited.

God provided Community Bible Church in Mt. Vernon for a candidacy visit. They extended the offer to visit. We declined. We had to wait until Rebekah was 6 weeks old to fly. She came 2 weeks late, and then we waited the 6 weeks. We visited, and then waited for the church to vote. The vote came, we decided to move, and then we waited until we could share our news with the body of Heritage. That wait was short, just a few weeks. But it felt so, so long. With the news out, we planned the details of the move and waited for it to come. Here I sit, 1 week into my 2 week stay at Mom and Dad's...waiting for Michael. Waiting for Saturday when we will move to Mt. Vernon into our temporary in-law suite. We'll move in, and probably wait until God directs us into a more permanent home.

There will always be things to wait for. Large and small, always something. God teaches us to wait. I try to teach Naomi to wait...wait for her supper to cool down, wait for me to feed Rebekah before I can play with her. It's tough to teach a 20 month old to wait. Good thing her mommy's had lots of practice.

I'm glad God is teaching me to wait. For waiting goes hand-in-hand with being a believer in Jesus Christ. He is coming again! And we "groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Rom 8:23) and "wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 1:7). It might ache a bit to wait here for my husband when I haven't seen him for 9 days, but the ache to meet my Savior is deep and life-changing. Again, He is calling my attention heavenward, and honoring His promise  to "keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you" (Is 26:3).

Glory to God.