God truly provides

With this baby on the way Lance and I have needed to think creatively regarding finances on how to afford everything this child needs. We had a very rough year financially in 2009 (like a lot of other people in our country due to the recession) due to me being laid off and out of work for 6 months. My new position has helped but it isn't anywhere near what I used to make so we are still trying to recover from this past year. All that to say we had to lay our pride down to the Lord and ask Him to give us creative ideas on how to afford everything from Maternity clothing to baby furniture. This post is to testify how great God is and how He TRULY provides when we humble ourselves and ask. :)

I went onto CraigsList about a month ago. If you do not know what Craigslist is, it is like a buy and sell but for ANYTHING you want. I knew that Mom's put baby stuff on craigslist to sell so I thought maybe they put Maternity clothing on too. Sure enough they do! Now to find my size, season and clothing for work and casual would be the challenge. . . .Not a challenge to the Lord!

I tried one Mom that posted an add who lived in Burnaby. I emailed her to find out her clothing was gone within 4 hrs. of her posting. WOW. So I kept searching. The next day I found a post for my size, my season and she lived in Surrey. (The next city to me) I emailed her right away to see if the items were gone and she said everything was still available if I wanted to come take a look.

So after work I ventured out to her place and not only did she have such nice Maternity clothing that was my style, but it was the right season of clothing, it included work clothes and casual clothes, a beautiful black dress for a wedding (We have 2 so far to attend this summer), a bathing suit and a brand new nightgown!! In total there were 60 items for $150!! That worked out to $2.50 per item. She told me that some of the jeans alone were $80!! God knew what I needed before I did. I didn't even think about the weddings until I saw the dress. WOW! Needless to say I took the 2 full garbage bags and thanked her over and over.

She then asked if I needed anything else for this baby. I told her we were starting from scratch as this was our first child. She then showed me her bouncer that she paid $70 for and said she would throw it in for $10 if I wanted it! (The picture is the one she gave me) Unbelievable!! I gave her a big hug as I left and said, "You have no idea how much you have helped me out today! Thank you!"

I was in tears as I drove home thanking the Lord for providing. Not only providing but providing all the details before we even know we need them. It confirmed to me once again regardless of how we think our financial situation looks, God is our TRUE provider and HE and HE ALONE provides for His kids.

I'm looking forward to seeing how else this 'creative thinking' plays out as God continues to lead and show us His blessings.

Fish sitting

Our good friends have gone on a vacation to Mexico and their girls have entrusted us to take care of their fish 'Toopy'. He is a Beta Fighting Fish and we have had him almost a week already. Toopy is such a fun fish! He gets excited every time we come home from work or wake up in the morning. He swims around and around, side to side quickly in his bowl to make sure we are paying attention to him as if to say "Good morning". He is sitting on our side board that we use a lot and is in the centre of our living space. So whether I'm getting dishes out of the side board, sorting through bills, or organizing teaching stuff, he LOVES that I'm there. I've never met such a social fish! He is so social that when we feed him he doesn't realize it as he would rather show us swimming tricks than clue in there is food at the top of his bowl. Too funny!!

This has got us thinking - maybe we want a fish. I remember having a fish as a kid. In fact the first fish I had I called TERESA!! Why, I don't know. Only in a five year olds mind is that a good name for a fish. :) We have a HUGE vase that would make such a great 'tank' for the fish and it would be a neat pet to have in our house. Hey it is better than buying a cat or dog before the baby comes! At least the fish will still get all the attention it deserves when baby does arrive. :)

We have Toopy for another week and a half so after we give him back we just might have to make a trip to the pet store to pick out a fish.

2010 off to a great start :)

We knew that this year was a big one for us with God's promises coming to pass. We just didn't know it would start right away at the beginning of January. :) We are believing for 5 specific things this year and spent a lot of last year fasting and praying over them. We KNOW God is working them out, lining them up, and getting ready to reveal them oh so soon. Never under estimate the Lord we serve! He is FULL of surprises and great things.

The 1st has been answered! We are happy to announce how excited we are to meet 'Baby Rourke' in the beginning of September!! YES we are expecting! This has a long story to go along with it but please know this is a miracle baby and we are in awe of God's faithfulness. We have had so much fun telling family & close friends that have been praying for us as we have walked this journey and seeing how much this baby is already loved is such a beautiful thing. :)

As Lance and I have been thanking the Lord for how good He is DESPITE our circumstances, we have been reminded of how important it is to always stand in FAITH. Even when everything seems to be going the opposite direction than the way it should be. That was 2009 for us. Things just kept getting worse as the year went on and while all we wanted to do was give up, we kept pressing forward. We chose to trust in the TRUTH instead of doubt and believe the lies. This is the year of us seeing and being in the promise land.

So be encouraged. If you are believing for something and have been for what seems like forever, know that it is already in the works. Keep trusting in God's TRUTH and KNOW that He is always faithful to His promises. (See the scripture at the top of this blog!) In HIS timing the things you are believing for will happen.

Weekends

This is kind of a random post but I've come to the realization that I love weekends! Now most people would say, "Ya, you are like everyone else and you just figured this out now?" But how I came to this conclusion is how much my life is outside of work. During the day I go to work to pay bills, but outside of work is my LIFE! And to have 2 whole days in a row that I can enjoy life without being interrupted with work is such a great thing!! :)

My last job with being in ministry full time was a lot of my life so this is all new to me. I definitely miss being passionate about what I do at my job, but I must admit there is something kind of nice about never thinking of work when I leave it. Never being stressed when I'm away from work worrying about all the things I have to do when I return. I go to work, I do what I need to do and then leave. Nice.

My weekends have become way more valuable as I'm with the people I love doing things I enjoy and am passionate about. They are just never long enough. BUT I know another one is coming and each Friday I almost get 'giddy' thinking about the weekend and that it is almost here! Strange I know.

Helping our 'thumbs'

Last night after a very full day I decided I wanted a bowl of popcorn. For anyone that knows me, they know popcorn is my FAVORITE snack to munch on and I have to control myself to have 1 bowl a week as I could easily have it every evening. . . okay maybe 2 bowls per week :)

While I was using my wonderful popcorn maker (thanks again Jay & Sarah) I was trying to transfer the popcorn to a bowl and somehow caught my thumb on the element that heats the oil to pop the corn. I heard a sizzle and then the pain hit as I jerked my thumb away. Yep, I burnt my thumb. OUCH!! Immediately I put it under freezing cold water for a few minutes until it was numb but the blister started to form as the rest of my thumb turned blue due to the cold. So I enjoyed my popcorn with my other hand :)

The rest of the evening I kept going to use that thumb and couldn't. I never realized how many things I do with that thumb. Picking things up, closing a zip lock bag, opening drawers, doing dishes, washing my face, etc. Once again I was reminded of how every part of our bodies are important and serve a BIG purpose. And how not only do our bodies not function properly if 1 little thing is off but I love how the rest of the body responds to help the part that is in need. Take my thumb. How did the rest of the body help? It automatically formed a blister to protect the new skin to grow and help the old skin to heal. WOW!

I had just explained how our kidneys work to my nieces at dinner (I know you're curious so that conversation came from eating chili and them asking what kind of beans were in it - which lead to kidney beans - which lead to 'why are they called kidney beans' and to anyone who doesn't know that answer - it is because they are shaped like a kidney) and how important they are and vital to keep our bodies functioning at their best. We talked about how every part of the body is so important no matter how small it might be - like our THUMBS!

The bible talks a lot about the body and uses it to illustrate how the church 'the body' need to all work together for a common purpose. Whether you are the head or the foot, the kidney or the thumb, if we do our part, the body functions normal. Check it out in 1 Corinthians 12:14-26

The other 'body' we are apart of is this world. And while Lance and I were lying in bed last night praying for Haiti and all the people affected by this horrible earthquake we were reminded that once again we can help. We can be a part of the body and help the 'thumbs' in need. We can pray and we can give. We don't have much but what we do we will sacrifice to help this country in need. We can give up those extra coffees at Starbucks for a month to help those who have lost everything. That seems like nothing compared to the loss these people have suffered.

So all that to say, What can you do? How can you help the 'thumbs' and be apart of the incredible body God holds in His hands. :)

2010 we gladly welcome you!!

I don't think Lance and I have ever been more excited to bring in a new year like we have 2010!! We know God has such great things in store for this year and we couldn't get to it fast enough :)

2009 was a year full of challenges, trials, hurts, sickness, mourning, breaking and despair for us. Some of which I shared on this blog, but the majority I didn't due to it being to personal. It has been a very hard year. But out of these things have come growth, healing, forgiveness, building of character, strength and God's incredible mercy and FAITH to carry us through to new things and new possibilities! As we have prayed we have such an excitement in our spirits for 2010 and KNOW God has GREAT things in store.

Lance described it so well. He said, "It is like being a kid around Christmas and you have peaked under the tree at your gifts . . .maybe even ripped open a corner of the wrapping and figured out what you are getting - now to WAIT for Christmas is that much harder due to knowing what is under that tree!" We KNOW what is under that tree for us as God has revealed - dreams, promises, blessings & fruit poured out of our lives - now we just have to wait for Christmas day to come. :)

Until then we continue to walk the journey in faith knowing this year God will continue to work, reveal, bless and be true to His word!!

Merry Christmas

A quick note from 'the Rourkes' in wishing you and your family / friends a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

May God truly fill your hearts with His love, joy and HOPE!

More Christmas functions

Lance's staff Christmas party was this week as well. This was the first year of me going as 'the wife' instead of 'the employee' which was a little akward, difficult and strange to say the least. But the party is always a lot of fun and this year did not disappoint. It was wonderful to see all the staff and reconnect with them throughout the evening. Oh how I've missed them :)

Yesterday evening was Lance's birthday gift from me. We went to see the VSO performing Vivaldi's Four Seasons along with other classical music. We had front row seats which was great to see the expression on the musicians faces and watch as they loved playing the music. We both have such an appreciation for classical music and this concert was like no other. There is no way to describe it except that you sit in awe of the music and let it sink in. I'm so thankful the Lord gave us ears to hear the beauty of music. WOW!!

Today we are going to the Lang Christmas party which is my Mom's side of the family. There should be around 50 people there that are ALL related. It is a highlight for my Grandpa as his ENTIRE family is there to celebrate Christmas. Grandpa has 6 kids plus spouses, 14 grandkids plus spouses, and 16 great grandchildren and 1 on the way for spring next year. What a celebration it will be. :) I'll post pics later this week.

I hope you all are enjoying every function of this wonderful season and lovin' on everyone around you as that is the true meaning of Christmas - God's incredible love!

Piano Christmas Party

This fall I had to give up my Piano students due to my new position that demanded more of my time. This was a VERY hard thing to surrender but I knew the Lord was calling me to do it. There was no way I could do both jobs as much as I loved it. The Lord provided another teacher just starting out that I was able to transfer my students over and bless her with the extra income.

The only students I hung onto were what I call my 'adopted nieces' and 2 of my own nieces. These 4 girls have been a blessing to teach and pour into them musically and I'm so proud of how far they have come since the fall.

This past Wednesday I had a Christmas Piano party for them and we had so much fun! It started with making individual pita pizza's, then they played their christmas song for everyone, followed by christmas games and Piano games. Prizes were won for each game and presents ended the night. It was a lot of fun. :)

Lance's birthday - part 2

The surprise party was a huge success but that was only one of the surprises for Lance. :) His brother coming from Edmonton was another surprise and we enjoyed having him spend the night at our place. Lance's actual birthday was last Sunday so we spent the morning with his Brother, had blueberry waffles & bacon for breakfast, drove him to the airport, and then went to Campbell Valley Park for a walk as the snow started to fall. It was so peaceful and calm as the beauty of nature surrounded us.

In the afternoon the surprise was for us to go to the Stanley Park Christmas Train in Vancouver with our 'adopted' family. All 8 of us headed down for dinner at the White spot on Georgia Street and then went to Stanley Park. This has been a tradition in my family since I was a little girl but each year they add more and more lights that are so spectacular to see you are speechless. If you get the chance to go, get your tickets on Ticketmaster. They are open every day (Except Christmas day) until New years day.

Lance's 40th Birthday!

This was a BIG birthday for my husband and I started planning a big SURPRISE birthday bash back in the early fall. This was an undertaking in itself as Lance is SO observant of everything and VERY SNEAKY! He LOVES to be in the 'know' so to keep secrets from him is very difficult.

Lance went to visit his brother and sister in Edmonton back in October for a weekend. I took this opportunity to meet with my family to make the plans into action and have their help to pull it off as when I'm not at work, Lance is around which makes it hard to do anything for a big party. With every one's help we did invitations, slide show, a song about Lance, a hallway of pics from his life, menu planning, music, and the best surprise - His brother was coming from Edmonton!! I have never told so many 'fibs' in my life to pull it off but it was SO worth it!! Just to see his expression on his face when we arrived at my parents place was AWESOME and then his eyes POPPED when his brother came around the corner! What a great moment!! :)

There were about 25 people in attendance (plus kids) and the evening was so much fun! Old friends, new friends, family & kids made the party a huge success.


My sister-in-law was the 1 person that worked and worked and WORKED to make it all happen. For her to do everything she did for this party, let alone be a Mom to 2 boys, was amazing. A HUGE THANK YOU to Sarah!!!! This party would NOT have happened without you!! The hours she spent on Lance's cake did not go unnoticed as that is all everyone talked about.

Overall it was a big success and Lance walked away feeling loved, valued and excited for the next 40 years! We know God has BIG things in store for this significant year in his life. There is something biblical with the #40. 40 days & nights it rained and flooded the earth. 40 years the Israelites wandered in the dessert. But after the 40 came the promise! - A beautiful rainbow and the promise land. We KNOW this will be a year full of promises coming to pass in Lance's life and we are so excited to see how God does it as it will be all HIM!! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANCE!

Tis the season - for busyness!

Only 14 days left to Christmas and yes we have been busy, Busy, BUSY!! I must admit, last night was the first evening I had at home to relax (while multitasking of prep for my Piano Christmas Party) and thought to myself, "This is how December is supposed to be". We are enjoying every day but WOW, talk about a busy season.

Last weekend we spent taking care of my 4 nieces. This was a lot of fun but full of activity. . . as it usually is with 4 kids. :) The 2 older ones are involved in our churches Christmas production (That we are going to see this evening) and so there was a rehearsal each day for them. Then there were swimming lessons, a birthday party and Piano lessons all thrown into the mix. We also took them to the "Spirit of Christmas' at Trinity University. That was a lot of fun.

The other activity I was able to do this year was my annual date with Daddy. My Dad and I every year go for dinner and then Christmas shop for my Mom. This year went so well as we found EVERYTHING in 1 evening for her and I always enjoy the one on one time with my Dad. :)

Let's see,what else -
- Christmas shopping is almost complete - 1 more gift to buy which hopefully we can find tonight.
- Christmas cards are done, just needing the Christmas picture to be printed tonight, then stuff the cards and mail.
- House is decorated
- Christmas baking I haven't started but I hope to bake this weekend.
- I haven't started any wrapping yet but that is what Christmas Eve is for. :)

What is coming up? -
- Lance's birthday is this weekend - so I'll share more later on another post.
- My Piano students Christmas party is next week. - Always so much fun.
- Lance's staff Christmas party is also next week which should be good as well.
- Then there is the Lang Christmas party next weekend and then OH YA, CHRISTMAS!!
Tis the season for busyness :)

In the midst of it all though I have had so many moments of enjoying God's presence and being so thankful for His ultimate gift of sending Jesus to this world. I have been listening to Mercy Me Christmas CD in the car (the newest place for God time) and as tears run down my face I've been able to worship the Lord for having life through him. I can't imagine doing this life without Him and to really think upon that you truly get overwhelmed with what Christmas is all about. For Jesus to come to such a broken world that He created, how it must grieve Him to see His kids suffer - yet He provided a way - humbled Himself and came to this world to let us have eternity with Him. WOW!

Make sure to take a moment - put on some worship / Christmas music and dwell upon what Christ did in coming to this earth for us. It will make this month "How December is supposed to be."

Christmas season has begun

Yes, in our house Christmas season has begun. It seems to hit mid November around here and sure enough this year has been no different. Christmas music is on, shopping has begun, cards are bought, and decor is calling our names from the storage room . . . but we are holding off on that till the beginning of December. :)

We have been taking every Friday evening as a 'date' night as well as Christmas shopping. It is a great night to shop as the stores aren't busy and you avoid the crowds of the weekend. We are starting to get excited for the up coming functions of the Christmas season.

This Saturday I'm going to the 'Lang cousin movie night'. This is my Mom's side of the family and all of the cousins are in the same age span of 12 yrs. Us girl cousins will be watching White Christmas and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers . . .movies our husbands aren't really into. :) Our Grandma LOVED these classic films and we have all grown up loving them too. It will be such fun and I hope this becomes a new 'tradition' with the Lang girls.

This past month has flown by with 'doing life'. Funny how that happens. We have had the chance to catch up with quite a few friends we haven't seen in a while over the past month - from one visiting from out of town, to friendships built over the years, to coffee time with friends from back in my youth. I have come to realize once again how blessed we are by God surrounding us with such quality friends. I have had days of just thanksgiving to the Lord for His richness we seem to walk in surrounding us with friends. He is so good!

2 years of Marriage bliss :)

"I'm getting married today" were the first words out of my mouth, as I woke up 2 years ago today. It was a crisp, fall day with the sun peaking through the clouds and the peacefulness of the morning clung in the air. All the months and months of planning had finally come to the day that would turn our lives into the next chapter. It was a day that a dream became reality for us both. A day God smiled upon His kids and said, "This is good for it is my plan." The entire day went so smoothly and as Lance and I took mental snapshots all throughout the day we praised God for His goodness and love.

2 years have passed and while this year has been FULL of many trials, our Marriage, love for each other, as well as trust and care have grown in leaps and bounds. We are blessed beyond measure to not only have each other but to have God's love and purpose for our lives.

Today we celebrate and reflect back but more importantly dream forward!

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises, and loving toward all He has made."

Promotion

This week has been a whirlwind of great things happening super fast. :) Monday I came into work like I have done every Monday for the past 2 months expecting routine of what my job requires, only to be approached mid-morning by my supervisor offering me a promotion to the Sales department in an estimating role. WOW! I was in shock that they want to move me so quickly as I haven't even finished my probation period yet with this company but what an honour to be asked. I drilled her with questions and throughout the day had them answered with management that knew more about the position.

I had the evening to think it over, chat with Lance and take it to prayer. They wanted an answer by the next day. The nice thing was they said if I didn't like the position or it didn't seem like the right 'fit' in 6 weeks time I could always come back to reception. So what did I have to loose? I would receive SO much training and insight into this company that I couldn't refuse. Tuesday morning I gave my answer as 'yes, I would give it a try' and I started the next day.

So what is this position exactly? Basically I am support to all the Sales reps to do up quotes of the orders the clients have requested. I have a LOT to learn regarding glass 'terminology' but it is a new challenge that I'm up for. I'm thankful for the favour God has placed on me to be able to receive such an opportunity to advance in this company so quickly.

Pretty exciting stuff, eh? God is so faithful to continue leading us in every aspect of our lives and we are very thankful. Even in times we don't understand why we are walking through things, God continues to lead and as we continue to trust Him, He reveals amazing things along the way of the journey.