Working with the wave.....

It's another hair post!  But, with deeper meaning, I hope.  All of my life I have had stick straight hair....like don't need a straightener straight.  But, then, I had kids.  Somewhere along the way of giving birth, I developed this crazy wave in my hair.  It isn't subtle at all, but like this huge undercurrent of wave on one side of my head.  It is just nuts...kind of like I have worn a ponytail in that section, then taken it out...you know, the big bump in the hair.  Yes, I have that lovely look going on.  {Side note, I will now be sitting in the back on church so this won't be analyzed by those behind me, lol!}

So, I have this wave that appeared out of no where that I really don't know what to do with it.  And, let's not bring in the stylist, because it looks perfect when I leave her.  For several reasons: 1. she is a pro, 2. she has the right tools, 3. she has two hands and the right angle to make it work better than me, 4. she isn't being needed when she is doing my hair by a small child who was kind enough to let me shower in peace.  So, there you have that....I digress......this wave.  It isn't on the top layer of hair, but the underside.  So it is rearing it's ugly head by the end of the day or if I exercise and don't shower right after and deal with it.

I hope you get the picture.  But, my point is this - I can either work with the wave and embrace it and try to deal with it, or I can work against it.  And, truth be told, I'm not sure what to do.  I'm sure working with it and embracing it would be easier.  However, as I think about it in a spiritual sense - are we called to do the easy thing?  Is the easy thing always right?  From my experience, no.  It would be easy to let my kids sit in front of the tv all day, not discipline them, not teach them and just do my thing all day.  Is that right, no!  Not to me, that isn't my ideal of how I want to raise my children.  {Not saying tv is bad, by the way.}   So, in that case it is easy, but it isn't in line with my beliefs, morals and values, so it isn't right for me.

So, let's say I work against it.....well, what are we supposed to work against?  Things not of Christ.  Is that easy?  No.  Is it right?  Yes.  I guess what I'm learning is we need to pray and submit all things to God and have Him speak into them before we go off and do them.

I realize I am way off topic here as this started with a hair issue, but it has made me think and I think it has some implications to it.  So, what waves in your life are you working with or against?

Resetting the Ruby

Growing up, my grandma had this beautiful ring that I adored!  It was a gift from my grandpa to her and it was very special.  My grandma was born in July, so the ruby was her birthstone.  This ring was beautiful - the ruby was in the center, with diamonds all around it.  Exquisite.  I remember wanting it when I was little and even being able to wear it on rare occasions.

Sadly, my grandma passed away several years ago.  When she passed, my mom was given this ring that I adore.  Now, my mom's birthday is not in July, but September.  When my mom received the ring, she had the birthstone changed from a ruby to her birthstone.  She then had a new ring created out of the ruby for me.  {Which was very nice, thank you mom.}  However, I was devastated that the ring I loved for so long was no longer in its original form.

Life has continued on in our families.  Since my grandmas death, we have had two littles.  One being an April baby, whose birthstone is a diamond and a July baby whose birthstone is a ruby.  Hmmm, just like that original ring, right?  Since Landon was born 3 years ago, I have been thinking of what a perfect representation that ring would be of my children's birthdays.  Through an interesting series of events, that ring is now mine.  For the longest time, I have wanted to have it changed back to its original setting with the ruby. I loved that it represents my children and my grandma.

We were back home again a few weeks ago and we took the ring to our small town jeweler there who was able to change the stones without charging an arm and a leg.  But, I had to wait even longer for them to come!  I'm happy to say that my ring arrived in it's {semi} original setting this week and I love it!  {I say semi because it had to be worked on, you know.}  I have had many thoughts on this ring which translate to faith journeys, so here we go:

That ring was beautiful and perfect in it's original form.  There was nothing wrong with it, but somewhere along the way, it was changed from it's original form and the way it was created to be.  What does that sound like?  Us - we are all born beautiful and perfect in our original form, but sin gets in and messes us up.  Or, we could even take it back to Adam and Eve.  They were perfect in their original form, but sin changed them too.  Frequently, I desired the ring to be back in it's original form, but the conditions had to be right for that to happen - money, time, location, etc.  It was a process that didn't happen overnight.  Much like our sanctification doesn't happen overnight.  It is a process of Jesus working on us.  And, then, once I knew it was happening, I still had to wait!  The refining fire of the Holy Spirit doesn't happen overnight, sanctification is an ongoing process.  We can either embrace it or work against it.

I will say that once my ring arrived and it was as it should be {in my mind}, it was symbolic of things being right.  Things that have been not right are being reset and becoming right.  It is a beautiful picture to me of so many things:

- What Jesus does in us if we are open to it.
- Things being set correctly, as they should be.
- It takes time to reset things, it doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen.
- Jesus is the ultimate re-setter.  He is the only one who can make things as they need to be.

I think that the Lord gave me this picture and image, because I need the visual reminder!  I'm thankful that I can look down at my finger and be reminded of this truth -

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." ~ Phil. 1:6

Be blessed today!

I feel like our grass.....

So, when we moved into our new home, the builders laid sod.  When spring finally came here in SD, our grass was SO green, lush and beautiful!!  {From all the snow, maybe?}   However, there was a small problem - we had a sink hole in the front yard. 

Just a few weeks ago, the said sink hole got fixed.  They ripped up the old grass {transplant} and put in new sod.   So, now, the new sod hasn't quite acclimated to the current sod.  It looks ok, but is not quite as green and lush.  I do know that with the proper care, the sod will acclimate and re-root in with the old sod and you won't be able to tell the difference.

I feel a lot like our grass here in SD!  I'm a transplant here...I'm from Indiana originally and was living in Illinois.  I had a great support system and friends there in Illinois.  I was very well rooted there.  Once we moved, I was uprooted here to start over again.  Much like our grass.  I'm fitting in ok, but don't feel like I have deep roots here yet, which I know takes time.  I do feel a little like our sod looks, kind of out of place, but I know that will come with time too.  I do feel like we are in a great place and have a wonderful support system here, which is amazing.  I'm in awe of all the wonderful people God has put in our path and am so thankful for what He has for us here!

Return of the SPD....

It's been a rough week around these parts lately.  It's been frustrating and discouraging, to be honest.  You may recall when we moved here, Lauren wasn't doing so well in many areas - food allergies, sick at night, sensory challenges, etc.  It was a very overwhelming and emotionally trying time.  However, we had a friend from small group say "when you get to SD, she is going to be a different child."  {I really love the prophetic giftings, btw.} 

And, she was right.  We got here and Lauren really excelled!  We started seeing a wonderful chiropractor, who specializes in sensory processing disorder.  Between changing Lauren's diet {cutting out wheat and dairy}, the craniosacral therapy, supplements and adjustments, she was thriving.  She was a different child!  It was phenomenal!  So, I guess, in my mind, the sensory processing disorder went away.  But, that was not reality.

We were hit hard with the reality that she still has sensory processing disorder and will likely always have it.  Lauren transitioned from preschool {which she loved and had a best friend at} to part time day care.  Her first day at day care, she vomited.  {Chad had also had the flu the night before.}  So, between the transition {transitions are hard for kiddos with spd}, the flu and lack of sleep, it was not going well here at the Rohlfs home.  On top of that, Lauren totally regressed.....like to the point where she was before we moved.  We thought it was the combination of all 3 - the transition, the flu and the lack of sleep.  It turns out it was something else entirely different, though......

Long story short - it turns out there was a pesticide used at the day care that we suspect was affecting her.  We have taken her out of the day care and she is doing much better!  She has also been adjusted several times, as she was totally out of whack!  God provides, as we have a nanny starting in our home next week.  She is a gem!  Her current family's job situation changed, so she got laid off.  Her last day was the day I happened to call her.  So, we are looking forward to a great summer in a controlled environment for Lauren.

Lesson learned - just because something isn't visible, doesn't mean it isn't there.  We will now be more aware and know what to be aware of and look for in the future.  At the end of the day, God is always faithful and He provides!

Random Thoughts on a Monday Night in June....

It's been a while again {sigh} since I've been on here, so I'm just going to do a "brain dump."  These are things that have been on my mind that I hope to one day blog about.  Here goes:

* What is the difference between pride & confidence?
* Do you ever feel like you are doing the same things over & over again as a parent?  {Just wondering.}
* Why is it so hard to be fully present sometimes?
* How often do people see their friends who are far apart?  What is realistic?

That's all for now....

Joy in the little moments....

Aack, here I go getting behind again with my posts.  Life gets busy sometimes, you know?  Quick update, then the "meat" of my title.  Lauren is now 5!  We had a fun party for her with some of her friends from church and preschool.  I'm so thankful she has friends here and we are as settled in as we are after being here for only 6 months (about).  That is a blessing!

I've started working part time at a job and company I love!  (More about that later, in another post!)  So, adding that to the mix has been interesting, but good.  We are getting into our new routine and all is well.  So, onto the "meat."

I have learned a few things in my short journey of parenting.  The most important is this - to be sure to find joy in the little moments.  It is so easy to get caught up in the daily grind, the to do list, who needs to be where when, etc.  Life can be busy, even when you don't want it to be!  Having a family is busy, being involved in a church is busy, having relationships is busy, add on work, etc. and we are busy people!  For me, I have had to discipline myself to find joy in the little moments...you know, those sweet spots in the day where you get a cuddle, a hug, an "I love you," etc.  Instead of focusing on the negatives, or what I don't like, what isn't getting done, etc. I have chosen to focus on the sweet little fleeting moments.  When I find joy in those moments, the bigger picture is prettier!

Joyce Meyer has a new book out called "Making Good Habits and Breaking Bad Ones."  I've been able to listen to her cd on my commute to work and am really enjoying it!  She says if we focus on creating good habits, the bad habits will be broken.  Again, what are we focusing on - the good or the bad?  The Bible says "overcome evil with good."  I love that you focus on the good and not the bad. 
Here's to a joy-filled week, friends!  Choose joy!

It's like my daughters booster seat.....

Lauren will be 5 this week!  Where has the time gone?  I feel like in some ways it has slowly crept by, yet in others it has flown by right before my very eyes.  It is bittersweet, to say the least.  Lauren has been in her forward facing non-infant {is that a convertible one?} car-seat since she was 15 months old. And, she has continued to stay in that same car-seat to this present day.

We have suggested a booster for her since she turned 4, but she would have none of it.  She didn't want to have a booster, she wanted her car-seat.  Even telling her that her peers were in boosters didn't make her budge.  Seeing her friends bring their boosters into preschool for field trips wouldn't make her budge.  {I'm not sure where she gets her strong will from? :)}  She would have nothing to do with a booster and that was that.  Well, ok then.

She actually rode in a booster for the first time a few weeks ago when a preschool classmate took her from the gym to gymnastics {Thank you, Angie!}  She liked it, but wasn't ready to upgrade yet.  However, today was the fateful day.  We realized that we would need an additional seat in Chad's car since I'm starting a part time job, in the event that he would need to drop off or pick up the kids.  {We have presently done the 2 seats in the van - my car and 1 seat in his car method, which has worked out ok.}  But, that all changes this week, thus needing a new seat for the car.

We decided a booster would be easier, less expensive and she is ready for it {age and weight wise, that is.}  So, off to Target we went this afternoon, she picked out her booster and that was it.  We came home, she played with her booster, practiced sitting in it, etc.  and was very happy with it.  {Small miracle, here, folks!}

It's funny how one small change can have such an impact.  I realize now how much more freedom we will have being able to have both of us being able to transport the kids.  We won't have to worry and plan as much, so it is also freeing logistically, which is nice.  And, it's a sign of our little girl growing up and being ok with it.  It is hard to see our kids grow up, but it is also a blessing, because they are healthy, they are safe, they are alive.  With the grace of God, we raise them into God loving adults who make a difference in this world.  Once Lauren was willing to ride in a booster, life got a little easier for all of us.  What do we hold onto that is tying us down?  What are we not willing to let go of, and as a result, miss out on some freedoms?  What is it that we won't change that would be for our good?  Lauren was ready for the booster, but she wasn't willing.  See, it's just like my daughter's booster seat......