To Know Him and To Make Him Known

As I reflect today, one month away from our due date and 24 days away from maternity leave, I thank God that His plans are immeasurably greater than anything I could ever ask or imagine. 

When I first came to CIU in March 2010, I was a 23 year old baby. I had no idea how the Lord would grow and shape me when I sat down at my "big girl" desk in my "big girl" office for the first time. I did not know that in the next 5 years I would get married, live in the on-campus apartments with my HUSBAND, change job titles, join a Bible study with Abbey and other CIU grads that would change my life and show me how to truly study the Bible, earn a seminary degree (well not me *technically* but I deserve some credit!!), meet women who have become life long friends, buy a home, get pregnant, and transition from full-time marketing manager to full-time mommy.

So much has changed in my life over the last 5 years, but CIU has been a constant. It hasn't been an easy 5 years. In fact, many (MANY!) months were very hard as I sometimes struggled to embrace God's pruning and refining by fire. While I have certainly learned a lot professionally, the things that have impacted me most have happened through the working of the Holy Spirit through His people, His Word, and His faithfulness. 

:::

It is because of CIU I have learned what it means to serve and love God with reckless abandon. Never before had I seen a community of people really live and breathe God's Word until I came to CIU.... looking at Scripture not only as a road map for victorious Christian living, but as their Daily Bread. People ready to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. 

It is because of CIU that I've witnessed the church be the church... the hands and feet of Christ. I've seen CIU's core value of "prayer and faith" lived out as I've prayed weekly with my teammates, in small groups, with total strangers... in the middle of the work day. 

It is because of CIU that I've had the opportunity to worship in chapel twice a week and sit under the teaching of godly men and women. I've seen students, staff, and faculty raise their hands in worship and have been challenged to live a life totally and utterly surrendered to the will of God.  

:::

Unless Levi decides to make an early debut, my last day as a full-time employee at CIU will be May 22. I plan to take 10 weeks of maternity leave and begin part-time as the CIU Social Media Specialist, managing the messaging and the branding of the university's accounts, on August 3rd... from home.  

It has been our fervent prayer over the last few years that God would provide a way for me to stay home with our children and also provide an income. God faithfully answered that prayer through a series of divine events when I was just 7 weeks pregnant. I cannot express in words how grateful I am for this opportunity to stay home with Levi or for how kind and sovereign the Lord is to orchestrate the details of our lives with such care. 

I am thrilled for what's ahead of us and for how God has used CIU in such an instrumental way to equip me as a professional, to mold me as a wife and Believer, and to prepare me as a mother. CIU's motto will continue to serve as a constant reminder that no matter where I am or what my "job" may be in this life, my ultimate purpose is To Know Him and To Make Him Known. 

My dear friend, Kyndra, is just one of the many reasons I'm grateful God placed me at CIU. She and my beloved coworkers threw Ryan and me a baby shower at Mellow Mushroom on April 22 and showered us with gifts and godly advice for baby Levi. 

((Ephesians 3:20-21))

 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Church Baby Shower

This past Saturday, eight ladies from our church hosted a beautiful baby shower for little Levi and me. These ladies and our students are so special to me. I am so grateful Ryan and I get to do life with such a loving, caring church family! 

Gorgeous and yummy :)

How cute is that fruit baby carriage?!

That's a black lab like Finley on the table!! 

My second mom, Patty. So glad she could be there!

My mentor, my friend, my prayer warrior, Maria. She was also one of the hostesses :) 

A few of the wonderful hostesses

Some of our students :)

Faith and Kaitlyn

Mrs. Q, Sara Lynn and Landry Nell 

Gotta love the candids ;)

Sweet Amanda from Bible study

Thankful for this beautiful friend and all of her prayers and encouragement!

Levi's Mimi :)

I had another painting done so we could hang them together in the nursery. Ryan chose the verse for this one. Love how it turned out!

Aunt Holley and gifts galore!

Wonderful women on both sides. Thankful they were both there on Saturday to share in the joy!

 ((Mark 2:14))

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Bumpdate {33 Weeks}

pic from 32 weeks 

Thanks, Kyndra, for the "Oh boy" shirt! ;)

How far along: 33 weeks 

Size of baby: Honeydew melon


Total weight gain/loss: +24 pounds

Sleep: Back in the bathroom again at least twice a night but otherwise sleeping just fine. 

Cravings/Aversions: Can't really call them cravings but I eat a lot of fruit (strawberries, bananas, grapes) and I drink a lot of milk. Sometimes I feel like I'm back in the first trimester again because nothing sounds appetizing and I'm either ravenous or nauseous all the time.

Exercise: Still power walking about 4 times a week.

Movement: Levi gets the hiccups a lot these days. I started noticing them around 30 weeks or so and now I feel them just about every day- usually multiple times a day! He is still very active all.day.long and his feet have been lodged in my right side for weeks. The doc says he is head down... Praying he stays that way! 

Labor Signs/Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, fatigue, and heartburn... that's about it for now! I have two more appointments before I start going every week!!

Best moment this week: Ryan and I took a little beach babymoon this past weekend and loved every second! We spent the whole day on the beach Friday (it was gorgeous!!) and Finley got to experience the ocean and his first walk on the beach. Holley was with us so she graciously took some maternity pictures of us on the beach Friday evening and we enjoyed a yummy dinner and ice cream together. Saturday morning we walked around the outlets and then went to Rayne's birthday party and then headed home Saturday afternoon to be back for Easter Sunday. It was so nice to get away for a couple of days, put our feet in the sand, and soak up some rays. Can't believe that was our last trip before Levi comes, but I'm glad we spent it at the beach and I look forward to the day we can take our boy with us!

Ryan is a pretty private person and he would rather I not give him lots of public shout-outs, but I just have to say that he is the sweetest husband in the world. I cannot wait to see him become a daddy. He is always doing something thoughtful for me, his mood is always steady and cheerful, and he greets me like he hasn't seen me in days when I walk in the door from work. Since Sunday is a work day for him, he always leaves for church a lot earlier than me. On Easter Sunday, much to my surprise, I woke up after he left to a big chocolate bunny, a bag of jelly beans and a card from him to "Levi's mom" on our "last Easter without a child." The little things mean so much... he is truly the best. 

What I am looking forward to: My church baby shower this weekend hosted by 8 of the sweetest ladies I know!

What I miss/What I'm loving: I miss sleeping on my stomach, running, doing normal activities easily- like bending over, shaving, painting my toenails, etc. I am loving the spring weather, extra daylight, and getting to see all of my favorite people at my baby showers!! So very thankful to God for the wonderful family and friends that surround us as we count down the days before we meet Levi. 

What I’m reading: Planning to watch the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD this weekend. :) 

Because He Lives

The countdown is on. Less than 8 weeks until Levi's due date. Eight weeks (give or take!) until our lives will change forever, we will become a family of three, and Ryan and I will become parents to a sweet little soul. I cannot wait until that moment... when labor begins, we call our loved ones, and we prepare to meet our child, God's child, for the very first time. 

The anticipation of a big event is usually very hard for me. The waiting for an upcoming holiday/birthday/momentous occasion is not typically very fun. After years of contemplating it, I believe I am this way because when my Dad was sick, I always anticipated this Christmas or this birthday to be the last one we had with him. So I just wanted time to stand still. I didn't want to celebrate or look forward to a big event because I didn't want it to be my last one with him. I enjoyed, and still do, ordinary days. Days when I didn't have to prepare myself for big emotions and feelings. I could just enjoy them with no expectations. 

Before baby, I always envisioned my pregnancy going the same way. Desiring to trust God with every detail, but inevitably worrying over baby's growth and development in utero, fearful of labor and delivery, anxious about what was to come. 

But God.

God, being rich in mercy and kindness, has given me peace. By His grace, I have not fretted about Levi's health and safety or about what is to come. The Lord has used this pregnancy to help grow my faith and trust in the One who created this precious life inside of me. Do I have emotional moments? Of course. I am human. And hormonal. :) But I can anticipate Levi's birth and this new chapter of life for us with great expectation and joy because He has assured me that the best is yet to come. This life, and all the beautiful things it holds, is merely a preface to eternity. "Our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)

I know this because of Easter, the resurrection. Because Jesus kept a promise. Because he defeated sin and death. And ultimately...  

Because He Lives. 

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. The battle has already been won. He has prepared the way for all of our tomorrow's and will meet us there. "For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Because He lives, All fear is gone. He has commanded us: "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Because I know He holds the future. He has a plan for each of us and His plans are "for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

During these last 8 weeks, I pray I will savor every baby kick and hiccup, every moment alone with Ryan, every hour of sleep, and every little and big thing the Lord wants to teach me. I pray I will soak in the present moments and look toward the future... not just in terms of pregnancy, but in terms of faith. I know these days will be gone in a flash and this little boy will soon be in my arms and no longer in my belly. And when he is, I can't wait to sing to him a now sacred verse of this hymn:

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy He gives; 

But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncertain days because He lives!

I pray the Lord will help me keep this mindset as He launches us into parenthood because one day, Lord willing, our baby will become a toddler, then a boy, and then a man. I want my life and calling as a disciple, wife, and mother to reflect the love of Jesus so Levi will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and discover the beautiful realization...

Life is worth the living just because He lives. 

Baby Shower Blessings

I had my very first baby shower this past Sunday. Holley, Megan, Jessica, and Meredith hosted such a beautiful and thoughtful shower for little Levi and me! The food, flowers, favors and fellowship were simply perfect. I am so thankful for each of them and for everyone who came to celebrate.

Beautiful and delicious spread 

Blue cheetah print-- do they know me well or what?! ;)

Each guest got to stamp their fingerprint on the tree. Can't wait to hang this in Levi's nursery!

The finished product!

Jess with her mom, grandma and Levi's little friend Harrison!

Kyndra, Nash and Karen :)

Celin and the Kneece ladies

I can't wait for Levi to meet his awesome Aunt Holley!

Coach and her cheerleaders :)

Four wonderful hostesses + Brady and Katelyn!

Levi's Aunt Lauren

Friends since fifth grade and now our boys get to be playmates!!

My CIU and Bible study girls :) Abbey, on the far left, came all the way from WV to be there and got to stay the night with us. Meant the world to me!

Sweet Sally is due with baby girl Adelaide May 16! 

17 weeks with Asher and 31w3d with Levi

Mine and Megan's first pregnant picture together. :) Being pregnant with my best friend is such a joy and something I could have only dreamed of. Levi, and her son-to-be, Asher, are names of two brothers and sons of Jacob in the Old Testament. These two boys will, Lord willing, be less than four months apart. I pray they, along with Isaac, will become brothers in Christ and experience the same kind of uncommon friendship the Lord has blessed Megan and I with over the last 18 years. I couldn't imagine life without this girl and I praise God that he has allowed us to experience every season of life together: middle and high school, cheerleading, college, ADPi, cancer, death, weddings, and now motherhood. It's a friendship story only God could write. 

I can't wait to see my amazing sister become Aunt Holley. Her constant prayers and encouragement keep me going. I know she will be the best aunt ever to little Levi because she is the best sister ever to me. He will adore her, just as I do, for her heart of gold and love for Jesus. I wish my Dad was here to see what an amazing young woman she is-- he would be so proud of her and so captivated by her beauty both inside and out. 

Loved the little baby carriage favors with Easter egg M&M's inside! 

Holley read this beautiful prayer over Levi and Megan prayed to close us... it was the  perfect way to end such a sweet and thoughtful shower! 

((Psalm 127:3-4))

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.

Bumpdate {29 Weeks}

How far along: 29 weeks (+/- 11 weeks 'til he's here!! Say WHAT?!) 

Size of baby: Small cabbage


Total weight gain/loss: +20 pounds

Sleep: For the last few weeks I've (mostly) been able to sleep through the night without any bathroom trips or leg cramps! Woohoo! 

Cravings/Aversions: My sweet tooth is slowly starting to come back. I've had an occasional hankering for oreos and milk, but try to only indulge in dessert once or twice a week. I'm already starting to run out of room so I get fuller a lot faster now.

Exercise: Over the last week I've officially transitioned from running to power walking. I'm SO thankful I've been able to run the majority of my pregnancy (and was able to run/race the Gamecock 6k, 3.75 miles, in 39 minutes!) but it's starting to get a little uncomfortable now.

Movement: Levi is still constantly movin' and shakin' :) 

Labor Signs/Symptoms: Heartburn is more frequent and I'm still popping Tums like candy. I can tell I'm starting to fatigue more easily now too. Ryan and I usually go to bed pretty early, but I'm starting to fade a lot quicker in the evening. Gotta get sleep while I can, right?! 

Best moment this week: Passed my glucose test last week-hooray! The nursery is starting to come together with the crib, changing table, bedding and glider. I have always been a "nester" so pregnancy has only deepened my love for organizing, decorating, and putting together his nursery piece by piece. We've also gotten our stroller! Some sweet, generous family members chipped in so we could get a Bob jogger. I can't wait for the day I can take my little guy for a spin in his new wheels! 

What I am looking forward to: We have our annual student ministry Disciple Now next weekend. Ryan has worked so hard to plan this event and we are praying the Lord moves in a powerful way through each individual student and our group as a whole. Jeremy Kingsley (a CIU alum) is the speaker and I'm so excited to hear him... he is one of my favorites. I'm also soooo excited for my first baby shower on March 29th hosted by my best friends!

What I miss/What I'm loving: I love sharing the journey of pregnancy with my friends! I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to be pregnant at the same time as Jess, my best friend, Megan, and Sally, my dear friend and ADPi sister from college. I love sharing stories, questions, prayer requests and constantly checking in on each other! What a blessing.


What I’m reading: In addition to my pregnancy devotional and weekly Bible study with Ryan, I've finally started reading my birthday present from Abbey: Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet. :)

Bumpdate {25 Weeks}

Before dinner at Miyo's with my Valentine

How far along: 25w2d

Size of baby: turnip

Total weight gain/loss: +15 pounds

Sleep: Sleep is still good but interrupted by leg cramps (more on that below).

Cravings/Aversions: No cravings or aversions right now. I am a little bit hungrier these days so I make sure I eat a morning and afternoon snack-- usually fruit or trail mix in the morning and Greek yogurt in the afternoon. 

Exercise: My running goal is 40 miles this month and I'm about halfway there! Ryan, Holley and I are running the Gamecocks Run 6k on the 28th and I'm so excited... It will be Levi's first race! 

Movement: All day every day! Love it. I actually took a video of my belly moving the other day... you could see little Levi squirming around in there-- the coolest thing ever.  

Labor Signs/Symptoms: My pregnancy symptoms here lately have been heartburn and leg cramps. I cannot make it through the day without lots of Tums. I asked the doctor at our appointment on Thursday if I could overdose on Tums... he assured me I cannot. :) I went to lunch with my friend Sara Lynn this week and she told me the myth about heartburn and a full head of hair was true for her and her baby girl, Landry Nell. Ryan and I were both bald babies so it'll be interesting to see if my heartburn produces any hairy results for Levi! 

I've also been waking up with leg cramps for the last few weeks and have had a few charley horses in my right leg that have sent me jumping out of bed. Ouch! Since I am active, drinking lots of water, and getting enough calcium and potassium, the doctor said the best medicine is for my hubby to help with some leg massages. Hehe. I will take these symptoms over constant nausea and vomiting any day. :) 

Best moment this week: I came home from work on Thursday night to an early Valentine's gift from Ryan. He cooked us a steak dinner and then took me into Levi's room where he surprised me with an assembled crib!! Unbeknownst to me, the crib and changing table were delivered Thursday while I was at work, and after he went with me to our 25 week appointment that morning, he came home and put the crib together! On his day off of work! He put a card and cookie cake inside the crib... it was the cutest, most thoughtful thing ever. He wrote in the card, "I can't wait for it to be Levi instead of a cookie, but this will have to do until later." I hugged and kissed him and told him how sweet he was and then sadly had to tell him, "This is the wrong crib." Buy Buy Baby delivered the wrong one!!! Nooooo! Poor guy went through all that trouble for nothing. He said, "Oh well, at least I got some practice in before the right crib comes." Sweetest man alive. Here's a picture of my little surprise, the best Valentine and gift ever... 

What I am looking forward to: Ryan and I are going to Holley's ADPi Parent's Cocktail next weekend. I remember taking my parents when I was an ADPi and had the best time eating dinner and dancing with them. We will surely miss my Dad but I'm thankful Ryan and I can go and share this night with her. 

What I miss/What I'm loving: I have loved the second trimester of pregnancy. I understand now why people call this the "honeymoon" phase! It's so fun to feel him move, to finally be showing, and to start collecting things for his nursery. I think being sick in the beginning has made me even more grateful to feel so good now. I'm thankful for a healthy babe, energy, no sickness, and of course that great pregnancy hair!! haha :) I've been told not to get used to it since it may fall out after baby, but for now I'm loving it! 

What I’m reading: Ryan and I have been doing a parenting Bible study together every week called Ready to Launch: Jesus centered parenting in a child-centered world. It's been such a sweet time for us to read, discuss and pray together and it's made me even more grateful for Ryan and how he loves and leads me. He's a wonderful husband and is going to be a wonderful daddy.

((Proverbs 22:6))

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.