The Intentional Life

I didn't start out on this little venture lightly. I wrestled against it for awhile. What if I failed?  What if people make mean comments?  What if I made people mad or they didn't like me anymore? My mind went down all sorts of roads of failure. But my heart kept coming back to where God was calling me.  Take that step. Step out in faith. And trust Me. I've only posted about it one other time on here, but I recently took the step to become a Consultant with a skin care company, Rodan+Fields. I felt God's prompting to do this.  And to turn all proceeds back over to Him. It sounded pretty adventurous, and kinda fun, blessing missionary friends monetarily when they were least expecting it. And then the first paycheck came. And those numbers looked real good sitting in my account.  But I made a commitment to not only those I sold to, but to God, and myself, that ALL of it was being given away. That's when I realized that this giving was a wh...

It may be a few years before I can think of January without shuddering. January 2014 has scarred me and at times I have emotions that come back to me, reminding me of that dark time. But, thankfully, God redeems in the hard and while I shudder, I can also lift my hands in thankfulness, knowing God makes beauty our of messes. January was a march of God showing up in little ways that spoke in BIG ways. He showed up in the little gifts of an ordinary day. A love note passed across church (gasp!) Three Suvar children playing together without argument (double gasp!) A celebration of 34 years Another celebration of retirement after 40 years of devoted work. A quick dance in the kitchen to our favorite love song. Multiple dance parties in the living room. Spending time up in the crow's nest while Paul plays sportscaster. A field trip with Hannah and getting to see her spend time with her best friend. Helping in Madline's class for her 1...

A couple weeks back I posted this picture on Instagram with this comment: "This right here is my refining fire. Practicing spelling with my second grader. Life is not all pretty pictures and upbeat Facebook posts. This brings out my ugly side every time. #spellingisnotherforte #prayingthroughthefire #dailythanks" I used to be a patient person.   And then I became a mother.  And it seems of the 3, our middle is the one who shows me time and time again that I have such a long way to go. I don't say this to demean her. I don't want her to read this some day and think I held anything against her for the fact that she is the one makes me practice my patience on a moment by moment basis. I say this to show that God gives us exactly what we need.  Not always what we want, because that would be dangerous.  But exactly what is needed to refine us. Sometimes the needs that are met are pleasant.    And sometimes they make us come face ...

 2 months old Well, it's finally here.  You are now 6.  You have been anticipating this day for quite awhile.  So excited to be able to use BOTH hands to count your age. 1 year old   You are so thrilled to be getting older, but yet you are hesitant.  Many times you mention how you just want to stay little and live with me.  Some days, lots of days, I'm perfectly fine with that. 2 years old But I know God gave you to us to raise.  To one day walk away from our door, to share the gifts God has given you, with this world.   It would be selfish of me to keep you to myself.  3 years old Your warm heart for all people.  You hardly know a stranger.  I find you conversing with people at the drinking fountain at the grocery store, talking to babies we pass on the street, and waving at every car that passes ours. Your sense of humor.  Your dad and I have always been impressed with your humor....

If you have been a reader of this blog very long then you know of our many goodbyes over the past few years as friends have packed up and moved across oceans to serve in the mission field on foreign soil. At first I took it as a cruel joke that the friend who I felt the most "me" with, was now plane rides away in Zambia.  And then another family whose kids were close friends of ours is making Papua New Guinea their new home for the next 25+ years. And Hannah, introverted Hannah, who was so excited to make a friend in Kindergarten, had to say goodbye 2 months later as her friend's family moved to Poland.   The map that hangs in our house, a daily reminder for prayer and frugality And there are more. I am so thankful to be a part of a Sending Church, a Sending Community.  But with that comes some responsibility. When Paul and I were first married 14 years ago we both felt called to serve in the Mission Field.  Despite different attempts an...

Ah, December.  The month of ALL OF THE THINGS. December kept us moving but it was all good. Thankful for extended family time, random warm weather, a date night, a chance to sleep in, and the the daily reminder of why we need Jesus. The Suvar Christmas.  We hosted at our house this year.  13 people under one roof for  3 days.   It worked. Grandma teaching the granddaughters how to make traditional Slavic nutbreads. And eating the traditional Vilja dinner The next weekend we were with the Steffen side.  I forgot my camera (grrr) so had to work with my mediocre camera phone. meh. Nieces!  All those cheeks need squeezed and kissed. Cousin love.  Madeline wanted to hold all the children 3 and under.   Unfortunately only the 7 month old was willing. We took one evening and drove around the city seeing all of the Christmas lights.  I love taking our kids to see this display; something I gr...

 Rend Collective's "As Family We Go" has been my anthem song this past year and most likely will carry into this current one.  A song of praise for the One who has led us through both triumph and defeat, mountain tops and valleys low. And He has given us family to walk it with us.  Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, into 2016... Your grace will never be forgot Your mercy all my life Will be my soul's forever song My story and my light  January: Paul turns 33!  February:  a get away weekend with long-time friends ...