tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308980062024-03-13T12:34:51.770-07:00Lindsey MillerFAITH:
Faith can refer to a religion, or to belief in one or more deities. It has two general implications which can be implied either exclusively or mutually:
To trust;
To believe without reason.
I believe in the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. That God sent his son to die for me and that I am SAVED BY GRACE.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-56059615607062866202010-04-01T11:42:00.000-07:002010-04-01T11:44:03.854-07:00I'm Sorry I'm A Christian<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EieFdXy_HwM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EieFdXy_HwM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-27942415807334649202010-01-20T15:37:00.000-08:002010-01-20T16:38:14.605-08:00Resolution? I hope not.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4291134785_3dbf30aae2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4291134785_3dbf30aae2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Well, at least it hasn't been a whole year since I last blogged, but it has been awhile. I have neglected my writing (along with a few other passions of mine) but I have good reason for it... I have a TWO year old! As you can see above, he is the cutest most fun loving little boy in the whole wide world. (In my humble opinion.) But he also takes up a lot of my attention. But that's not the reason why I am blogging today...<br />Every year, at the beginning of the year we have all become accustomed making a "New Year Resolution." And every year we always seem to break them. Whether it's to lose weight, quit bad habits, eat healthier, do more in our community, exercise more, blah blah blah, they all seem to fall apart by June. So with that being said, the past few years I decided to not make any more resolutions. Why set myself up for failure? Why disappoint myself by not finishing something I've started (yet again?) But this year is different. This year i needed a change, this year I really wanted to evaluate who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses are. Why? Because I'm crazy! Not really, only a little...<br />So here's what the Lord has been challenging me on. At one point in my life I had friendships that were so deep and intentional that we knew the ins and outs of one another lives. We did ministry together, we hung out together, we had what I like to think of as "true community." Now, 4 and a half years ago when Kirk and I moved out to Escondido I was faced with some major changes. Not only was I a newlywed, getting used to having a boy in my house all the time, but I was plucked out of my fish bowl and thrown into the big blue! I was the opposite of Nemo! It's terrifying moving to a place where you know no one and your family is no longer two minutes away. Don't get me wrong, it's the best decision that Kirk and I ever made (with God's prompting) and I couldn't imagine life without Escondido and EFCC, but here's where the struggle came in. I didn't have a job for the first 3 months or so that we lived here and we didn't have children either, so I was home, alone, while Kirk was at work. I didn't really have an area to develop relationships because I had never been anywhere where nobody knew me or my family. So I got in touch with my inner-introvert as I like to call it. (Most people who knew me in the desert would not say I am anything close to introverted, but there it was.) I was definitely lonely and really missed my friends and family in the desert so every chance we got, we were back there. Then slowly, family moved out of the desert, some friends even moved out this way, and people moved on in their life back home. It was no longer the place I needed to go to feel refreshed because I didn't have relationships like I used to there. Now don't get me wrong, the desert is still my home and I miss my Southwest family so much, even now, but things have changed. <br />Moving forward, slowly but surely I was able to connect with people out here, I have met some amazing people that I consider my family and could not imagine life with out them. Kirk and I have couples that we both connect to, which is super rare. And the friends that I had in the desert that are out here, truly an added bonus. We love our Esco family.<br />The challenge? Why am I not closer with those that I feel are my family? I love these people with all my heart, but can't seem to break through, or rather let those walls down to become open and honest about who I am. I started to ask myself how many people really "know" me. Of course people know aspects of me. There are some that I am more comfortable sharing with than others, but who is the true me? I know who I am, my husband knows who I am. But beyond that? Who are the women in my life that know my struggles? That can read me like a book? That can challenge me with out fear of offending me? The same goes for me. Who do I feel comfortable doing that with, or even allowing them that access in my life?<br />So what I feel God telling me I need to work on in my life is my relationships. By being intentional about who I surround myself with and also learning to be more trusting rather than scared to open my heart to others. I have a huge fear of rejection and so I suppose that's what drives me to keep most people at arms length. But I don't want to live through fear. I am a strong woman whom God has given many abilities to use to His glory. <br />It's been amazing seeing the confirmation that God has put in front of me, or really slapped me in the face with, because I know now that I am hearing what he wants from me so clearly that I can't turn away. The messages at church; confirmation. Leadership teams; confirmation. My husband; confirmation. And through those I have shared this desire with already; confirmation.<br />I really look forward to seeing how I am going to grow over these next few months. And at the same time, prepared that it is not going to be easy.I have already been on an emotional roller coaster these past few weeks and I know God hasn't even scratched the surface of what he's going to do in my life. <br />I share this all to ask for prayers, and through the appropriate people, accountability. Like I said, this is not a new year resolution, it's me. It's my life. And I want to honor God in all aspects of it.<br />I leave with this verse from The Message:<br />Romans 8:15-17<br /><br />"This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!"LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-57512181997994831922009-05-26T20:26:00.000-07:002009-05-26T20:47:50.531-07:00Google Reader will be the end of me...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/ShyzFQcLEgI/AAAAAAAAAKM/yQJdv1gRBvM/s1600-h/IMG_7162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/ShyzFQcLEgI/AAAAAAAAAKM/yQJdv1gRBvM/s320/IMG_7162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340340161048416770" /></a><br />It has been so long since I last blogged and I feel ashamed. But that does not mean I haven't been following your lovely blogs. I've got all of my fellow bloggers on Google Reader and so that has become my only stop when it comes to blogs. And I swear, if it weren't for google reader I would be blogging a lot more because the "NEW POST" button would contantly be staring at me. I'm half way tempted to get rid of it so I can force myself to come to my blog more often... then again, that probably won't happen, I know myself to well. <br />As I look back on my last post I realized that so much has gone on in our lives. The most mind consuming and at the forfront of our prayer lives has been the major step Kirk has taken to become the Contempory Worship Pastor. About a week after we decided to accept the job we got the worst new possible. We found out that Kirk's pollup had returned. (If you didn't already know, a couple of years ago he found out that he had a pollup. We were told it has been caused by excessive singing, acid reflux, bad allergies and a few other things. So we changed our habits and eventually it went away, oh and he also couldn't sing for 6 months.)So you can believe that finding out that he would have to take another 6 months off of singing, in the midst of being promoted as well as launching a brand new service, was mind blowing. Well, I can't say that things have become much more positive, with the exception of finding out that instead of having a pollup he has nodes. (The difference being that a pollup is more like a blister and the node is more like a callus.) Since the node was found, Kirk has found out that he has GERD and then got Strep Throat out of nowhere! The only thing that can explain this all dumping down on us at the same time is that this is a huge spiritual attack on Kirk's ministry. You see, everything that has been happening has directly been affecting his throat. No where else, just the place closest to his vocal chords. Ugh! So the reason why I write about all of this is to say, we need prayer. We know that God has something amazing planned for the EFCC congregation thought this new transition. And although some aren't the most excited about the change, we know it is greatly needed. So our prayer is that the Lord protect him from any further attacks, to get his reflux under control and most of all prepare the hearts of EFCC for this change. God has something amazing in store for all of us and I can't wait to see what it is, I just want my husband to use his amazing voice again.<br />Other than that, these past few months (wow months! I can't believe I haven't blogged in months!) have been wonderful. This past weekend we spent some time away from life and relaxed with our baby boy and family. We had a rejuvinating weekend and are ready to hit these next couple of weeks head on. June 7th is the Launch of the new 11:00am service at EFCC and I am also running my very first 5k that morning. So, pray for my family, we need it! And if you see Kirk, give him a word of encouragement... he deserves it. ;)LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-91690197854349542392009-02-12T15:14:00.000-08:002009-02-12T15:23:52.826-08:00Exciting News!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZStdmIFgKI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/8JqCiE2OEeM/s1600-h/_MG_6557.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZStdmIFgKI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/8JqCiE2OEeM/s320/_MG_6557.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302053385284190370" /></a><br />Ok, here it is. The news that we have been talking about, yet not talking about for a week now.<br />Contrary to certain hopes (mainly from my mom) we are not pregnant, no, not yet.<br />Last week Kirk was offered a "promotion" of sorts to become the Worship Pastor for our Saturday night service and the future 11 a.m. service at our church. This week, we accepted the offer. The decision is bitter-sweet for us because we have been with Resonate since it's beginning and our core group of friends go to that service. The move offers Kirk a wider range of people to minister to and allows him to be apart of a big change that the church will be going through. We are very excited about this step in our lives and are excited about how God will use Kirk through this process. <br />So, there it is. I could go on and on about it, but I won't. I'm sure there are a lot of questions that people have, so feel free to ask. But most of all, pray. Pray for Resonate and the person that will be leading at that service once the change happens. and pray for Kirk as he enters into a brand new world of ministry.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-81187825940923563342009-02-10T11:29:00.001-08:002009-02-10T11:44:27.221-08:00God is Good<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHYcYssh6I/AAAAAAAAAJs/xuIYTJKAiAA/s1600-h/Elijah%27s+Foot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHYcYssh6I/AAAAAAAAAJs/xuIYTJKAiAA/s320/Elijah%27s+Foot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301256218569639842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHWVJ_o8_I/AAAAAAAAAJk/X49QVrWY1aw/s1600-h/_MG_6635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHWVJ_o8_I/AAAAAAAAAJk/X49QVrWY1aw/s320/_MG_6635.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301253895340225522" /></a><br />Really, I just wanted a reason to share some photos from our recent trip to the beach. I've got some exciting news to share soon, so be on the lookout for my blog, and no, I am <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">not</span></span> pregnant! Hehe.<br />So enjoy the photos.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHWU57K5MI/AAAAAAAAAJc/IpelJSzwL0o/s1600-h/IMG_6591.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHWU57K5MI/AAAAAAAAAJc/IpelJSzwL0o/s320/IMG_6591.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301253891026511042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHY_xKO8aI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/FGhl7jYpZSQ/s1600-h/_MG_6565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZHY_xKO8aI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/FGhl7jYpZSQ/s320/_MG_6565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301256826431402402" /></a>LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-34097241433879668252009-02-09T16:04:00.000-08:002009-02-09T16:15:16.014-08:00Spaz Attack!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZDErr5YE1I/AAAAAAAAAJU/gbGJTqBxddA/s1600-h/IMG_5904.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SZDErr5YE1I/AAAAAAAAAJU/gbGJTqBxddA/s320/IMG_5904.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300953016211870546" /></a><br />I just felt the need to share that I have recently discovered that my son is a complete Spaz! Growing up, my step daddy always called me a spaz and never understood why, I thought I was pretty normal. ( As normal as a teenager can be.) Anyway, the other day I was washing our sheets and threw my down comforter on the floor so Elijah could lay on it (he loves soft things) and he started rolling around on it. So I thought, I'm going to enjoy the moment and lay down there with him. So as I did Elijah stopped rolling and just stared at me. It was such a sweet moment. Then he started rolling around again. :)<br />Yesterday we were upstairs playing and he, for no apparent reason, started running around in a circle looking up at the ceiling. He babbled for awhile and then would fall to his bottom, then would start rolling around. His new favorite thing is to crawl backwards and he does it until he runs into something.<br />So that's it, I just wanted to share some fun events from the past week, also, enjoy the awesome photo taken by JonnyUps.com.<br />Also, I now understand why I used to be called a spaz and where Elijah gets it from. :)LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-75141019133841806122009-01-22T16:06:00.000-08:002009-01-26T15:47:38.831-08:00I am especially fond of you...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SX46FEFz8uI/AAAAAAAAAI0/f9YvTjCV28I/s1600-h/the-shack1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SX46FEFz8uI/AAAAAAAAAI0/f9YvTjCV28I/s320/the-shack1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295734070506156770" /></a><br /><br />Love. Forgiveness. Redemption. Relationship.<br /><br />These are all things that I was challenged in with this book. For those who have not read it, I will provide what was written on the Back Cover:<br />"Mackenzie Allen Phillip's youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.<br /><br />Against his better judgement he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever.<br /><br />In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant THE SHACK wrestles with the timeless question: <span style="font-style:italic;">Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?</span> The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone around you to read this book!"<br /><br />This book came to me at such an amazing time in my life. Although it is a fictional story, it challenged me in such an amazing way in many areas in my life. From the beginning of this story I was in tears, just the thought of losing my child is devastating, however, they way God chose his daughter's death was absolutely incredible. <br /><br />Throughout this book God is constantly challenging Mack's perception on who and what God should be. Mack also interacted with Sarayu (The Holy Spirit) and Jesus (Yeshua.) Each of the characters (weird to refer to them as "characters") in the book had a different purpose in their interaction with Mack as to break him even more of what the world has taught him about God.<br /><br />The way that WM. Paul Young writes is so incredible that you feel like you are there experiencing everything the main character is. For that alone, I would recommend this book. His descriptions are so thorough and precise, no detail is left out. <br /><br />There are many parts of this book that hit me at the core, one of which being the way that I relate to God. In the book God is referred to as Papa, because that's what Mack's wife calls God. I thought, what a neat way to be able to talk to God. To feel so close that you could say Papa or Daddy. To be so comfortable in your time together that you don't feel that you have to say the typical names that you have been taught to say in Sunday school.<br /><br />The other is the forgiveness that not only is shown from the Trinity, but that which is learned by Mack. I think this was the biggest one for me. Why? Well for the past... well, awhile now, I have been struggling with un-forgiveness in my own life. I have experienced a lot of hurt in my child hood and have found it hard to forgive those that needed it. All within the week that I read this book I had four different challenges on forgiveness from four different venues in my life, all saying the same exact thing. So all that to say, God has been pressing on my heart to begin to let go of that anger and pain that I've held onto throughout these past years. Mack pretty much said what I felt when he was challenged to forgive the person that murdered his daughter; that he didn't deserve it, that he needed to be punished himself and that he should be the one to stick it to him. And of course Papa challenges him saying it's not his right to say whether the man deserves forgiveness or not, it's not his right to say he needs punishment and it is not his right to believe he is the only one that can "fix" this man. Whew! This book is awesome!<br /><br />So overall, I thought this book was pretty amazing. I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding it, so here goes my argument.<br /><br />First of all, this book is <span style="font-weight:bold;">FICTION!!<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> The reason why the author wrote this book was for his family, he never intended for it to become some huge phenomenon. But it did.<br /><br />Second, this is all this authors perspective. He chose to show God as an African America woman. I know right off the bat people will begin the argument that God is not a woman, women aren't even supposed to have that sort of authority over men. All I have to say is "FICTION!" No where did the author claim this to be truth and if God chose to reveal himself to us in some way, if he found us deserving enough to see him, who's to say what he really looks like. It the book, Mack claims to envision God as a sort of Gandalf looking character (side note: awesome LOTR reference.) How often have we envisioned that same thing. People claim that Jesus was a white man, which I think is ridiculous because he so clearly was not from America or was British. I can't stand seeing movies with Jesus portrayed as a white man with blue eyes and flowing blonde hair. It's so wrong, he was from the Middle East!<br /><br />Third, the writer shows the Trinity as three different beings. I think for the story to have the affect that it did, you needed to show them as three different people, although they never claimed to be separate, they always claimed to be one. I don't want to argue this point too much because I don't think it's necessary, some have heard the audible voice of God, most of us need the urging of the Holy Spirit to make us move. Moving on...<br /><br />The last argument that I will bring up is the one about the Ten Commandments. I have heard people say that the book tells us to ignore the commandments because they are confusing and God doesn't really care about them. Now, I'm not about to assume what the author meant when he wrote about the Ten Commandments, but what I got from is was that, God put this commandments in place because the people were worshipping idol gods and were going crazy doing what <span style="font-style:italic;">they</span> wanted to do. I think what the author tried to get across was that, we will never be able to live up to these laws, we will never be able to attain them, there is only one who was able to do so and that was Christ, Yeshua. That does not mean that we can throw all caution to the wind and do what we want, it means we still strive to be like Christ and honor God in all we do. Just because we know we know that we will disappoint our spouses or family or friends doesn't mean we just don't have them. No, we work hard at them, we ask for forgiveness when we need to, we grow from the mistakes and we try to do better.<br /><br />So, that was my assessment of the book, I hope that you do read it, even if you don't agree with it. just remember, it's a fictional story (that does not mean that God can't use it) and it is not meant to challenge your beliefs. Hopefully you can grow in your <span style="font-style:italic;">relationship</span> with the Lord.<br /><br />By the way, once you read the book, you will understand the title of my blog.<br /><br />Thanks for reading. I would love to hear your thoughts.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-45808603141122178842009-01-02T22:52:00.000-08:002009-01-02T23:17:37.612-08:00Late Eve Blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SV8LiW4qTcI/AAAAAAAAAIM/UUb9IIl03hk/s1600-h/IMG_6338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SV8LiW4qTcI/AAAAAAAAAIM/UUb9IIl03hk/s320/IMG_6338.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286957172442942914" /></a><br />It's late and I can't seem to sleep, so I figured, hey, I haven't written a blog in awhile and I always make an excuse that I don't have time to write, so here it goes. <br />I figured if I want to become a <span style="font-style:italic;">real</span> blogger one day, I might as well start the annual tradition of a "reflection" blog. So, here it goes:<br />2008 highlights (in no particular order):<br />~ Celebrated Elijah's 1st birthday<br />~ Had very first getaway with my husband. Julian is quickly becoming our favorite romantic hideaway.<br />~ Started a photography ministry within our Women's Ministry.<br />~ Went to an amazing Beth Moore conference in San Diego.<br />~ Joined women's bible study.<br />~ Started a bible study with some friends.<br />~ Bought our very first Christmas tree and celebrated in our very own home.<br />I know I'm missing a lot, but my mind is starting to become mush. It's waaaaaay past my bed time.<br />Looking forward to 2009:<br />~ As usual I hope to grow closer in my relationship with the Lord.<br />~ Continue to learn more about my amazing husband.<br />~ Get in shape again, I can no longer use the excuse of just having a baby, now it just becomes laziness.<br />~ Learn more recipes. I love cooking.<br />~ Become an amazing mom, I have a great example so if I can be half the mother I have I know Elijah will turn out just fine.<br />~ Grow deeper in my friendship, no more surface-y relationships.<br />~ Lay my roots down in women's ministry, it's an amazing place to serve and am blessed to be involved.<br />I pray that you all have an amazing year to look forward to, and whatever resolutions, promises and hopes you have, I pray you keep them and experience the blessings the Lord truly has to offer you.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-22022716411724681862008-11-12T15:15:00.000-08:002008-11-12T15:38:23.614-08:00Quick updateI haven't had the chance to blog lately, and I have so much to share. I still don't have much time, so what I am going to do instead is post a few recent photos from the past couple of months. <br />Starting from my sweet Elijah's first birthday:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtk42GiKrI/AAAAAAAAAHM/SlNV1ksdw74/s1600-h/IMG_5797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtk42GiKrI/AAAAAAAAAHM/SlNV1ksdw74/s320/IMG_5797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267915116898298546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtk4uhroWI/AAAAAAAAAHE/tF2Qq5EAQ3c/s1600-h/IMG_5785.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtk4uhroWI/AAAAAAAAAHE/tF2Qq5EAQ3c/s320/IMG_5785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267915114864681314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtk34nsz-I/AAAAAAAAAG8/dZv2kds-GR8/s1600-h/chucks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtk34nsz-I/AAAAAAAAAG8/dZv2kds-GR8/s320/chucks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267915100394409954" /></a><br />Halloween:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlw8t4gkI/AAAAAAAAAHs/rjC-PtW2IZw/s1600-h/IMG_6085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlw8t4gkI/AAAAAAAAAHs/rjC-PtW2IZw/s320/IMG_6085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267916080746627650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlwWgCj3I/AAAAAAAAAHk/xhm6vDOChG4/s1600-h/IMG_6082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlwWgCj3I/AAAAAAAAAHk/xhm6vDOChG4/s320/IMG_6082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267916070488018802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlvrZjQvI/AAAAAAAAAHc/_JnXo4IWjAk/s1600-h/IMG_6081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlvrZjQvI/AAAAAAAAAHc/_JnXo4IWjAk/s320/IMG_6081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267916058918077170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlvWDIBhI/AAAAAAAAAHU/nZQM-m_vP2c/s1600-h/IMG_6053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRtlvWDIBhI/AAAAAAAAAHU/nZQM-m_vP2c/s320/IMG_6053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267916053186872850" /></a><br />And last, Minnesota, photos aren't that great of quality, but that darn puzzle was absolutely ridiculous!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRto2vdZ-JI/AAAAAAAAAIE/SX9mS715ZKY/s1600-h/_MG_6106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRto2vdZ-JI/AAAAAAAAAIE/SX9mS715ZKY/s320/_MG_6106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267919478801954962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRto2BCihUI/AAAAAAAAAH8/UW6yzdUa6Y4/s1600-h/_MG_6093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRto2BCihUI/AAAAAAAAAH8/UW6yzdUa6Y4/s320/_MG_6093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267919466341238082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRto18hhkaI/AAAAAAAAAH0/3zJ5R8yjOuc/s1600-h/_MG_6090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SRto18hhkaI/AAAAAAAAAH0/3zJ5R8yjOuc/s320/_MG_6090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267919465129021858" /></a>LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-80119438323971313262008-10-01T20:50:00.000-07:002008-10-01T20:53:41.748-07:00Looking for inspiration...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SORFtUYkbsI/AAAAAAAAAG0/eF9k3mkdGXM/s1600-h/IMG_5684.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SORFtUYkbsI/AAAAAAAAAG0/eF9k3mkdGXM/s320/IMG_5684.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252399710289030850" /></a><br />I enjoyed that last time I asked for blogging topics so much that I'm back at it again. Call it laziness, call it an easy way to blog, but I really enjoy writing about what others really want to read. So, if you are interested, throw out a topic and I'll respond to it as quickly as I can. I always appreciate the input. Thanks y'all.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-58665355913369069312008-09-04T10:33:00.000-07:002008-09-04T11:02:25.268-07:00Took a little break...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SMAcHL6azTI/AAAAAAAAAFE/WuwFrAODfX0/s1600-h/_MG_5550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SMAcHL6azTI/AAAAAAAAAFE/WuwFrAODfX0/s320/_MG_5550.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242220876041735474" /></a><br />Well, it's been a few weeks since I put a blog up and my only excuse is pure distraction! In the past two weeks a lot has happened. First of all, I was completely consumed by the Beijing Olympics. This is the only time I get to enjoy water polo. And I get so proud when I see a fellow Indio Alum coaching the women's water polo team. They got the silver but put up a huge fight when playing against the Netherlands. My poor boys lost against Hungary, but what was amazing about the mens USA team was that they were counted out of the entire competition. But like the Cinderella's of water polo that they are, they surprised everyone and almost made it to the top. They, as did the ladies, took home a silver. Of course everyone was amazed by the machine the is Michael Phelps. As a former swimmer I was completely blown away by what that man accomplished. Who knows if anyone will ever be able to match what he has done. I was so excited to witness history in the making. Honorable mention goes out to Nastia Lukin and Shawn Johnson (I want to carry her around in my pocket!) They made gymnastics a fun sport to watch this year and had such great personalities. <br />So moving on from that... I have recently found an ongoing "gig" so to say with our women's ministry doing the photography for their events. I am in a leadership position so I get to bring other women around me, who have a passion for photography, serve underneath this area. Another goal is to bring some younger women into this ministry and our new women's directors heart is to bridge the gap between the older and younger women. Above is a picture of the kick off weekend. It was a great turn out and I really hope more women join the events and programs that are happening in the upcoming year.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SMAhQ05UdxI/AAAAAAAAAFM/wIZVJEDLNL4/s1600-h/_MG_5566.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SMAhQ05UdxI/AAAAAAAAAFM/wIZVJEDLNL4/s320/_MG_5566.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242226539219941138" /></a><br />In other news, Kirk starts school in a week, so be praying for him. It's a lot of work and he will be gone quite a bit. Pray that he is able to balance his work as well as his school work. Pray that I will be extra encouraging to him during this time and that I will not be too selfish with my time with him. I tend to get that way when I know he won't be home as much. I will be starting a women's bible study on Tuesday mornings, not leading, just attending, and I'm really excited for it. Preparations for Elijah's 1st birthday have already started. I can not believe that he is almost a year old.<br />Well, that's all the update I have for now, I will be back soon. Oh yes, I will. :):)LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-28000764180853571522008-08-07T16:30:00.000-07:002008-08-07T17:33:21.026-07:00A Revelation!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2742996114_1fd08f0f5c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2742996114_1fd08f0f5c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This morning I got to spend some much needed time with my Husband and son. Family Time!! The past few nights Kirk has been helping out some friends lead worship at our former churches summer camp so that meant he was gone in the evening. Also meaning no time with Elijah when he got home. Bummer for him, and coming home to a barely there wife, since I was obviously asleep by 9:30pm!! So this morning after he got ready he tells me, I'm staying home this morning. Yay!! So I quickly got ready and we walked down to Starbucks where the ladies oohed and awed at Elijah. I'm used to it now. ;) While we were there we got to really catch up on the majors and minors of the past few days. I don't like that we miss that time, but it was well worth it to have him home this morning. So as we were talking he let me know about some photography options that would hopefully bring some extra cash in. Wouldn't that be nice. quickly started making excuses as to why I'm not good enough to get paid for my work and no one would want my stuff because it doesn't stand out from every other photographer, there's got to be at least 20 people that I know that are aspiring photographers. Lame. So what sets me apart? Why would some one want to come to me? Other than the fact that I am a friend and it's convenient. So there's the challenge, find out a way to be unique. Get my stuff out there and don't be afraid of criticism! Wow, what a concept. <br />So, this afternoon I was able to go to a friends house who was putting together floral arrangements for a friends wedding on Saturday. She is hoping to start a flower business and provide some beautiful pieces for weddings, etc. So my job was to try to capture the beauty of her work for her future website. Sweet! My favorite photos happen to be floral photos, I don't know why, I just love to shoot them. So I hope that she enjoys what I did and that this could bring some confidence to myself and force me to get my photos out there. So here are a few photos I took, I hope you enjoy them. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJuMXpzw8uI/AAAAAAAAAEs/mC37oIjz2Is/s1600-h/_MG_5391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJuMXpzw8uI/AAAAAAAAAEs/mC37oIjz2Is/s320/_MG_5391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231929730108814050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJuMX59EoNI/AAAAAAAAAE0/wml8ZRJXFEQ/s1600-h/_MG_5387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJuMX59EoNI/AAAAAAAAAE0/wml8ZRJXFEQ/s320/_MG_5387.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231929734442819794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJuMXyQHNOI/AAAAAAAAAE8/L9QJLhJdeHU/s1600-h/_MG_5380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJuMXyQHNOI/AAAAAAAAAE8/L9QJLhJdeHU/s320/_MG_5380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231929732375196898" /></a>LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-82986892736570442002008-08-05T09:56:00.000-07:002008-08-05T10:15:55.617-07:00Missing my blog: Part four... not missing the blog so much these days.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJiKhP9T7fI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TF7v-wBDkWw/s1600-h/IMG_5179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJiKhP9T7fI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TF7v-wBDkWw/s320/IMG_5179.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231083271014837746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJiKhYle47I/AAAAAAAAAEU/eM-PgEC45n4/s1600-h/IMG_5180.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJiKhYle47I/AAAAAAAAAEU/eM-PgEC45n4/s320/IMG_5180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231083273330811826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJiKh1Uk-7I/AAAAAAAAAEc/EHalCv18LUI/s1600-h/IMG_5079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJiKh1Uk-7I/AAAAAAAAAEc/EHalCv18LUI/s320/IMG_5079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231083281044536242" /></a><br /> danielle said...<br />i like writing about random things that need sharing, so maybe that helps...any interesting things that happen to you, or verses that are inspirational. i like what the first girl said about pictures and i agree with summer's authenticity quote...<br />Hmmm, Random things? I feel like most of my posts end up being random, so I figure I'll just write and whatever comes to mind will be posted. :):) Good luck with this one!!<br />Things that bless me:<br />*My husband<br />*My baby<br />*Spending time with my lifelong friends.<br /> -Last night brought a lot of laughter and not suprisingly some tears were shared. Updating each other on our lives was fun and sharing our "challenges" in life was even more exciting. I love those moments when friends allow a vulnerability with one another and really let you in. Those are the friendships I yearn to have and continue to deepen. So in short, I loved last night!!<br />*Having guests in my home<br />*The smell of cinnamon water boiling. Smells life a fresh pie baking in the oven and permiates throughout the entire house!<br />Downer:<br />*My heart breaks for some friends that are struggling.<br />Philippians 4:6 NIV <br />Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-11908669681416298702008-08-04T15:59:00.000-07:002008-08-04T16:17:08.767-07:00In Remembrance...<a href="http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=68442063&albumID=641913&imageID=2349861"><img src="http://b2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01390/27/56/1390386572_m.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />This past weekend Kirk and I drove down to Indian Wells to celebrate the life our our dear friend Lindsey Sowles. About three months ago, Lindsey was diagnosed with a rare form of Soft Tissue Sarcoma. She was 21 and was an active member of the community. While we were at her services we quickly realized the amount of lives that Lindsey had impacted. There seemed to be close to a thousand people there. The service was absolutely beautiful with slideshows and music sung by some of our amazing friends. The people that spoke really touched your heart and gave you a glimpse into Lindsey's life. The whole thing seemed so surreal. I was talking to a friend after the service and just said, the it seemed as if this was supposed to be her wedding, not her funeral. We felt like she would walk in the room any minute with her beautiful smile and she would meet her fiance at the alter.<br />The whole thing was such an emotional roller coaster. We laughed, we cried, we laughed again. The one thing I was most amazed by was her mom. Debbie and I became pretty close while we worked together at Southwest Community Church and I've always known her to be an incredibly strong woman who was deeply rooted in the Lord. Nothing has changed. When we greeted her and gave our condolences, she simply replied with a "thank you and it's ok. I know she is with the Lord and I would rather her be there than in that hospital." Being a mom now, I could hardly imagine what it would be like to lose my son. I don't even want to think about it. <br />Debbie's strength is such a testimony to her relationship with the Lord and how at peace Lindsey was in her last days on this earth. Whenever someone I know passes away, I can't help but think about my own life and how the Lord blesses me every morning with breath. That in itself is a daily miracle. To know that she has done all that she could on this earth is an amazing thought. That there is nothing else the Lord wanted her to do here, that He said, ok it's my turn again. Wow. How amazing.<br />So I write this blog in honor of Lindsey, and the Sowles family. You are in our daily prayers. Thank you for how you have impacted our lives. And we love you dearly.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-49985299522381397652008-08-03T12:24:00.001-07:002008-08-03T16:32:28.132-07:00Missing my blog: Part three<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJYGOz4aEBI/AAAAAAAAAEE/SojCZmbdd-0/s1600-h/IMG_5168.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJYGOz4aEBI/AAAAAAAAAEE/SojCZmbdd-0/s320/IMG_5168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230374868752142354" /></a><br /><br />stevenperez said...<br />"Maybe about being married to someone who is in leadership at a church. I think it's an interesting and overlooked role. It comes with its own set of trials and triumphs. I'd love to hear about some of that as would Haley."<br />When I first read this response I thought, oh boy, this is going to take awhile. But then I thought, what a great opportunity to really share my heart about something that is so important to me and my husband. I am not going to try and glorify the role of a pastors wife nor am I going to make it sound like it's the hardest thing in the world. Because when you have an amazing leader in your life, it is easy to want to follow them.<br />Since the day I met Kirk, I along with everyone else that knew him, saw that he was deeply rooted in the word of God and his relationship was solid. When he lead(s) worship you can see his love and passion shine through. He has never been the type of person to "flaunt" his worship. if that makes any sense at all, because his focus has always been on the Lord, not on those he was leading, after all, that's what worship is about, right?! When Kirk and I were dating, he is the one that made sure we prayed every night before we say goodbye and goodnight to each other, and we still do that to this very day. now all that to say, i feel that it is the most important thing to have my husband be in tune with the Lord always.<br />Now as for my role, I have not always been the type of person to want to be submissive, especially to a man. Before I got saved, I was the type of woman who decided I would do everything I could to be independent from everything and be able to take care of myself. That is one of the biggest changes in my life since I came to know the Lord. I can still see it come out every once and a while and I am quickly reminded that, that is not the woman God made me to be.<br />Now that I am at home with our son and no longer work in an office I am in the midst of what I, and Kirk, feel I am called to do. Serving next to my husband and serving him by caring for our son has been the biggest blessing I could ever ask for. Now, it hasn't been all perfect and wonderful, being a pastors wife has definitely come with it's sacrifices. I think when you are in ministry, it is more than a 40 hour a week job. It's more than just a day job. Ministry doesn't end. Why? Because you are dealing with people, some who often need help and when you are their pastor, you are on call. So boundaries are necessary. You can't predict when people are going to call you because they need help or because volunteers can't remember how things are supposed to be done. So to expect my husband to leave his "work" at work is sometimes not an option. We have to constantly remind ourselves, however, that the Lord calls us to serve the Lord then our families then everything else comes after that. <br />What has been really cool for me is to be able to connect with the women who either serve in Kirk's ministry or are spouses of those who serve in his ministry. I have met some of the most amazing women though him and have made some life long friends. <br />So, Steven and Haley, to you I say, stay rooted in the Lord first and foremost. Love one another and Haley, be willing to sacrifice some of your time with your husband, because there will be times when he has to go somewhere for ministry and you have to stay home and all you want him to do is blow it off to stay at home and spend time together. I am so grateful to serve with him and a life in ministry is one of the coolest jobs you could ask for. You always have a chance to travel, you may have to move, but you are constantly meeting new people who love the Lord and there is always a new place to serve.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-10184476250432517932008-07-30T16:04:00.000-07:002008-07-30T16:33:44.929-07:00Missing my blog: Part two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJD0iX6jC-I/AAAAAAAAAD8/-ZsQEGoPjog/s1600-h/IMG_5227.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJD0iX6jC-I/AAAAAAAAAD8/-ZsQEGoPjog/s320/IMG_5227.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228948038749457378" /></a><br /> summer said...<br />Writers block hmmmm.... I guess I would like to hear about you. The reason I read blog's and twitter is to learn about the heart of the person. What is important to them, what was thought provoking during the day, what inspired them, what experiences life brings both good and bad. real Authenticity, no fluff just heart. Thats what I like to read, however you know I am about authenticity right now anyhow. Have fun :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJD0V8s-6iI/AAAAAAAAAD0/dOPSesHEAZ8/s1600-h/IMG_5257.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SJD0V8s-6iI/AAAAAAAAAD0/dOPSesHEAZ8/s320/IMG_5257.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228947825286375970" /></a><br />Well, this past week Elijah and I went up north to visit my mom and step dad while Kirk attended a worship conference in Austin, Texas. We were there for about 10 days and had such a wonderful time visiting with them and meeting their friends. It's about time, they've only been there for a year and a half! Anyway, this week I realized how much I love my husband and hate for him to be away. Kirk and I have not been apart for extended periods of time since Elijah has been born and let me tell you, I have such an appreciation for single mother's. Or fathers for that matter. Being on your own taking care of your child is a lot harder than it sounds. And even though we were at the grandparents home, they were working all week, so there was no relief until maybe the next morning. I know how blessed and spoiled I am to have my husband come home for lunch almost every day and play with Elijah during the short time he is home, allowing me to get some work done or just rest. Although I recognize it, I underestimate the amount of help and relief is given during that short time. So to all of you parents who are on your own, I give you mad props because you are amazing people for being able to do what you do.<br />Now, my beautiful, wonderful son grew up so much in these short 10 days of being away from home. He had already begun to start crawling a little bit, but it was more like two quick strides and then onto his bottom. While we were gone he went from one end of the house to the other, and quick too! He just became so independent in such a short amount of time, my little boy is growing up. He also cut a tooth. It's the bottom front right tooth and when he smiles real big you can see the tip of it shining. And after a very long nine months of going back and forth from room to room in the middle of the night as well as going back and forth trying to decide whether we should let him cry, Elijah started to sleep through the night! From 7:30pm to 6:30am my baby is sound asleep. No tricks, no special sleeping patterns, he decided he was tired of waking up and just stayed asleep. And to top it off, I can give him a bottle and he will sleep for another 1-2 hours. Praise The Lord!!!<br />Finally on Friday, one week after Elijah and I arrived, Kirky joined us in Discovery Bay and all was complete and right in the world again. I missed him so much and even my mom said,"As much as we love you, and are excited to see you, things just aren't complete with out Kirk here." How cool is that?! My mom and Mike are used to having just me in the house because it was just us for 11 years. But Kirk completes me so much and connects to my family so well that not even my parents feel right when he's not there. I love that!!<br />Saturday Mom and Mike threw a party for Elijah... and his parents... so that all of they're friends could meet him and love on him. It was so nice being able to spend time with these people who have become their family in a new place. We ate, we drank, we were merry. :)<br />It's so great to be home now and see Elijah scurry around his home and explore all the little things that he shouldn't be getting into. He has already learned how to climb the stairs, with no assistance, but very, very close supervision. He is pulling himself up in his crib and I swear he is almost ready to jump out of that thing. All that to say, I am glad to be home, I miss my mom and Mike, but I'm glad to be home.<br />Oh and the featured photos are some shots I took at a Catholic church (more to come) and while Mike and I were on the bike in pursuit of t=some quick shots before the sun went down. i hope you enjoy them.<br />Remember all of my photos can be viewed on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynzmiller">Flickr</a> page any time you would like to see them.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-19608838603948932762008-06-12T21:36:00.001-07:002008-06-12T21:38:17.360-07:00A story you all should hear...Lindsey Sowles is such an amazing testimony. Her story and battle need to be spread. I hope one day that we could all have the strength she has.<br /><br />Please follow this link to hear her story...<br /><a href="http://www.KESQ.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=2586618&at1=News&h1=Former Bob Hope Classic Girl, 21, Faces Grim Prognosis (6/12)">http://www.KESQ.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=2586618&at1=News&h1=Former Bob Hope Classic Girl, 21, Faces Grim Prognosis (6/12)</a>LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-83674780855336431562008-06-11T20:02:00.001-07:002008-06-11T20:13:07.683-07:00Missing my blog... continuedBased off of the first comment/request I got, here it is...<br />I would love to continue to do this, so please feel free to keep sending your ideas my way.<br /><br />"shannon b. said...<br />I just love seeing all the cute pictures of your family!!!"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT2oSXiiI/AAAAAAAAADM/DpRwQveme6k/s1600-h/IMG_2765.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT2oSXiiI/AAAAAAAAADM/DpRwQveme6k/s200/IMG_2765.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210827335604341282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT3ImsY8I/AAAAAAAAADU/DdyS6sQb1CU/s1600-h/IMG_3308.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT3ImsY8I/AAAAAAAAADU/DdyS6sQb1CU/s200/IMG_3308.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210827344279528386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT3WS-7_I/AAAAAAAAADc/ZjyiT3NM6gU/s1600-h/IMG_3397.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT3WS-7_I/AAAAAAAAADc/ZjyiT3NM6gU/s200/IMG_3397.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210827347954954226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT35SzRiI/AAAAAAAAADk/zf7qSCPElX0/s1600-h/IMG_2749.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT35SzRiI/AAAAAAAAADk/zf7qSCPElX0/s200/IMG_2749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210827357349430818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT4IcvMGI/AAAAAAAAADs/mUL2JAgpN0E/s1600-h/IMG_3364.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SFCT4IcvMGI/AAAAAAAAADs/mUL2JAgpN0E/s200/IMG_3364.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210827361417637986" /></a>LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-22744426993154609062008-06-02T15:10:00.000-07:002008-06-02T15:21:38.549-07:00Missing my blog...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SERwQEg7X7I/AAAAAAAAADE/AGzYAmV_k6g/s1600-h/IMG_3447.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SERwQEg7X7I/AAAAAAAAADE/AGzYAmV_k6g/s320/IMG_3447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207410490539204530" /></a><br />It's been over a month now since my last blog. I guess I haven't felt that there is much to blog about lately. Even now I am having a hard time figuring out what to write about. I want to write about something meaningful, something impactful, something that will leave a lasting affect on those who read. But, I'm sorry to say that is just not going to happen today. I'm just sitting here while Elijah is napping and the laundry is running and starting to babble my way through this blog.<br />I have an idea, if you read my blog, I would love to get ideas about what you would like me to write about. I think that could be fun. It could turn out to be a sort of "get to know you" type of thing. I am going to leave this open to pretty much any subject within reason of course. :) So, help me out and give me some ideas. <br />Thanks, I look forward to hopefully getting some good feedback.<br />~LYNZ~ :)LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-29125423317953706642008-04-22T15:52:00.000-07:002008-04-22T16:01:21.763-07:00Nature...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/2380985928_1ac53ac4ed_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/2380985928_1ac53ac4ed_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The biggest reason why I chose to start doing photography is simply because I love nature. This has to be my most favorite time of the year... why? Because the earth looks simply beautiful. I see it fitting to be writing this today... on Earth Day. I am amazed at how God crafted this earth so beautifully. The rocks, the trees and the flowers. They are all so unique. I took the featured photo here during our recent trip to Joshua Tree. This was such a cool day because we had expected to see tons of colorful flowers and blooming trees. unfortunatlely we were a little to early for that. So that's why this tree seemed to pop out. It had such a huge bloom on it and just seemed so perfect. Every time I look at this picture I am grateful because it reminds me that God will always reveal Himself to us wherever we need Him, even when we are in the middle of a desert where the land seems so dry and empty... He is there. I am so grateful for that.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-6535367146521271432008-04-18T13:19:00.000-07:002008-04-18T13:27:16.116-07:00A Very Merry Un-Birthday To You!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SAkD_wiiZnI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Mo7Wj_h79PU/s1600-h/IMG_3283.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SAkD_wiiZnI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Mo7Wj_h79PU/s320/IMG_3283.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190684439417611890" /></a><br /><br />Today is Elijah's six month birthday!! Six months?! My goodness how time has flown. We took him in to get his shots this morning and were there for-ever! I think we ended up getting home by noon. I can't stand doctors offices. So Elijah is now 25 inches long and weighs 18.3 lbs. That means he has gained five pounds in 2 months!! My goodness, I knew he was heavy! Everyone at the doctors office really loves on him. One of the nurses asked if she could "borrow" him for a little while and then walked him around the office and passed him around to the other nurses. Elijah is a little ham because he loved hanging out with those ladies. It's true that when you bring a baby around, no one gets any work done. :) The doctor still didn't want to take his skin tag off, he said he could wait another six months to do it, so I told him no and I wanted it done as soon as possible. Since he's going on vacation he asked if he could do it when he came back just in case something happened and Elijah needed to see the doctor again. So I compromised and said that he could do it in a month when he gets back. I really want to find a new pediatrition, so if anyone knows of a good one that is taking new patients, let me know. He is starting to get one tooth in, it's just coming in, so we are at the very beginning stages of teething... good times. So I guess we are going to hold off on getting him to sleep through the night. We are also going to start taking him to child care at the church on Sunday mornings... eeep. I'm kind of nervous because I don't want him to freak out when we leave him, but we've got to do it, and he'll get used to it. We are also now able to take him to the gym, so here he comes world, watch out for Eli!! So there's the latest. Also, we have some announcements that we have been meaning to send out, so if you haven't received one yet that means we need your address. Please email us and we'll get it out to you right away.<br />~LYNZ~ :)LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-39349489742803361862008-04-15T21:00:00.000-07:002008-04-15T21:02:15.670-07:00To be Known...<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SAFU9QiiZmI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Nz4jtS9xhUk/s1600-h/IMG_3088.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/SAFU9QiiZmI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Nz4jtS9xhUk/s320/IMG_3088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188521657096103522" /></a><br />Disclaimer: This will most likely be a long blog, if you do not have time to read this, I ask that when you do you, you will come back to read this. This weekend I attended a conference and would really like to share my heart with you. Thanks.<br /><br />Psalm 139<br />For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. <br />1 O LORD, you have searched me <br />and you know me. <br />2 You know when I sit and when I rise; <br />you perceive my thoughts from afar. <br />3 You discern my going out and my lying down; <br />you are familiar with all my ways. <br />4 Before a word is on my tongue <br />you know it completely, O LORD. <br />5 You hem me in—behind and before; <br />you have laid your hand upon me. <br />6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, <br />too lofty for me to attain. <br />7 Where can I go from your Spirit? <br />Where can I flee from your presence? <br />8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; <br />if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there. <br />9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, <br />if I settle on the far side of the sea, <br />10 even there your hand will guide me, <br />your right hand will hold me fast. <br />11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me <br />and the light become night around me," <br />12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; <br />the night will shine like the day, <br />for darkness is as light to you. <br />13 For you created my inmost being; <br />you knit me together in my mother's womb. <br />14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; <br />your works are wonderful, <br />I know that full well. <br />15 My frame was not hidden from you <br />when I was made in the secret place. <br />When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, <br />16 your eyes saw my unformed body. <br />All the days ordained for me <br />were written in your book <br />before one of them came to be. <br />17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God! <br />How vast is the sum of them! <br />18 Were I to count them, <br />they would outnumber the grains of sand. <br />When I awake, <br />I am still with you. <br />19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! <br />Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! <br />20 They speak of you with evil intent; <br />your adversaries misuse your name. <br />21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, <br />and abhor those who rise up against you? <br />22 I have nothing but hatred for them; <br />I count them my enemies. <br />23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; <br />test me and know my anxious thoughts. <br />24 See if there is any offensive way in me, <br />and lead me in the way everlasting.<br /><br /><br />April 11-12, 2008.<br />This weekend I had the honor and privilege to attend a conference given by Beth Moore given through LifeWay. I haven't ever done a Beth Moore study nor have I read any of her books, but a friend asked me if I would like to go to this conference, so I said sure. Now, if you've been reading my past few blogs you'll know that I have been in somewhat of a spiritual desert, maybe more of a pit, and I have been doing what I can in this past few weeks to try and dig my way out of it. With the encouragement and accountability of friends as well as lots of prayer, I feel like that ditch is becoming more and more shallow. I am so excited because I feel as though the Lord has been preparing my heart for this weekend. He <em>knew</em> exactly what I needed to get from this weekend to help boost me along the way. <br /><br />So the first evening we walked in and met up with some friends from the desert, it was wonderful seeing them. We entered into a time of musical worship led by Travis Cottrell and Praise Team. It was pretty powerful to hear over 9,000 women singing in unison to God. After that Beth came up and told us that we would be reading from Psalm 139. Apparently she's never taught from this passage and so we were all extremely excited to see what God had in store. The theme of the weekend was "To Be Known By God." The first passage was focused on verses 1-6. I think being "known by God hit me so hard because I need to be reminded that there is someone who is so much bigger than me and knows all of my wacky flaws and knows my inner most thoughts and knows what I've come from and still loves me. What was really cool was that Beth pointed out that God knows us in and out yet he does not cheat himself of searching us. She made a comparison to a relationship, we don't just pour our lives out to people when we first meet them, (most of us) we get to know someone by searching, by asking questions, by inquiring. Why would God choose to bypass such a unique experience. God also thinks that we are interesting, intriguing and worthy to be known. He knows our weaknesses. (Romans 8: 26-27 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.) God has an intimacy with us because he searches. God knows what I am capable of and knows that I am capable of more than I think or realize. As average as I think I am, God thinks differently. I realize that even though I put a happy and confident face on, I am quite insecure. I have a huge fear of rejection and that is why I have become a people pleas er. I feel like I am slowly growing out of that, but it is who I have made myself and not who God wants me to be. I know that he has called me to be a confident woman of God. One who is constantly striving for more, who is not afraid to stand up for what I believe in and can be confident in front of someone who challenges my faith because God stands by my side. His is in front, above, behind and below.<br /><br />Day two consisted of two different sessions. The first going through verses 7-12. The morning was a challenge to deal with our struggles. Not just saying we've dealt with them, but getting down to the root of them, whether the struggle was with addictions of various kinds, pride, disobedience, etc. A lot of times we think we've dealt with something but really we've only touched the surface. we've trimmed the hedges instead of digging deep where we get our hands dirty and dig out the roots no matter how deep they may be. It's funny, today the gardeners came by and tore out all of the weeds that were growing in the front yard and they left them on the sidewalk to pick up later on. As I walked outside to get the mail I thought to myself, this is what I need to do... I need to dig out these weeds, from the root up and give it up to God so he can get rid of them for good. When they were in the ground they seemed to just take over everything surrounding them, it actually took away from the beautiful plants that surrounded them. but now that they are out, I can see the beauty that the Gardner intended to be. In regards to the scripture, Beth said something I've never heard before, "God can't see in the dark, He doesn't see dark." He is the light! He shines on everything, whether it means he is showing us our own faults or just shining in our happiness. He shines. <br /><br />Verses 13-24. Kraus Commentary on Psalm 139:17 When you were conceived, God had reverence. Reverence... the Hebrew word for reverence is Pala meaning wonderfully; to distinguish. God took time to knit our every being. She gave some stats as to how each cell looks and what is consists of and how many we have, to the amount of blood vessels throughout our hearts. it's amazing, God did all of that, how can anyone think we just happened to evolve? She also took us to Job 10: 1; 5-8; 15-16. Job writes about how much he hates himself and would just rather die. God put us all here to glorify Him somehow and self loathing is not apart of that purpose. As women, we have struggles with our self worth at times. We can never loathe ourselves and still love God, it just can't happen. We also think that we are showing humility through our "loathing" but in reality we are often hating ourselves and that is just another form of selfishness. In Jeremiah 1: 4-6 (4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.") God shows that he has a special love for each of us, he thinks we are precious to Him. Have you ever thought that God used baby talk with us? Telling us "look at my precious little baby." That same joy you get when you see your own child is the same joy that God has when He sees us, we are that special to him.<br /><br />In the last few verses the writer speaks of hating Gods enemies. He asks God to "slay the wicked" and says he "abhors" these people, he has "nothing but hatred for them." Now, not everybody has this strong of feelings toward someone, it could be in a different form, but still, it is hate. If I am completely honest with you, I have one person that I truly hate in my life. I know that it is sinful to hate, but because of my past with this person and how I was treated, it is hard for me to find an ounce of like for this person, let alone love. It's interesting because this person has rooted their life into mine and now that they are not physically involved in my life, they are mentally. As much as I have said I have forgiven them and I no longer am affected by them is a lie. I would love to forgive them and find love for them, but I don't know how. This person was in my life for 14 years and a lot happened during that time that can scar a person. I ask for prayer because I know that I am not giving glory to God when I think of this person. He knows my heart, He know my pain, He knows how to rid me of the anger... I just need to figure it out. Beth asked us to turn our hatred into prayer and focus our energy on the Lord because it takes more energy to hate someone. It is easier to let God.<br />Psalm 139: 23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.<br /><br />So that is it. That is the weekend in a nutshell... a rather large nutshell. It may have seemed a little random, but I hope that God was able to speak to you anyway. I am trying to implement some things in my life already so that I can be a more loving wife, mother, and overall person. I want to bring glory to God in all that I do and say. He is who will help me to rid my heart of anything yuck that remains, He knows what I need and will help me along the way.<br /><br />I leave you with this song. Thank you so much for reading. Love to you all.<br />He Knows My Name <br />Words and Music by Tommy Walker<br />© 1996 Doulos Publishing <br />Jeremiah 1:5<br />"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee."<br />I have a Maker<br />He formed my heart<br />Before even time began<br />My life was in his hands <br />Chorus<br />He knows my name<br />He knows my every thought<br />He sees each tear that falls<br />and He hears me when I call <br />I have a Father<br />He calls me His own<br />He?ll never leave me<br />No matter where I go <br />Chorus<br />He knows my name<br />He knows my every thought<br />He sees each tear that falls<br />and He hears me when I callLynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-39029506589450666832008-04-05T18:04:00.000-07:002008-04-05T18:51:14.489-07:00Spring...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2361123497_18da1873d7_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2361123497_18da1873d7_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/2381000724_4b22fbfd22_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/2381000724_4b22fbfd22_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/R_gh4B74RRI/AAAAAAAAACk/sf26ke5c05M/s1600-h/IMG_3154.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/R_gh4B74RRI/AAAAAAAAACk/sf26ke5c05M/s320/IMG_3154.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185932217393104146" /></a><br /><br />Well Spring has sprung and all the excitement that comes with it it has not failed to grace us with its presence. We have had the joy of being able to take Elijah to the beach as well as to Joshua Tree, one trip was wonderful and everyone had a great time, the other... not quite the same outcome. Taking Elijah to the beach was one of the most exciting experiences. We often forget about our first impression of a new thing because we were too young to actually remember the experience. Well, having a child kind of helps you to relive those things. The moment his feet touched that mud and watched the water slowly creeping away he had a huge smile on his face, then it turned into an uncertainty of what was going to happen next. I held onto to him as we slowly walked closer to the shore line in order for him to actually feel the ocean on his tiny baby feet. As Kirk was taking pictures of us we smiled and tip toed closer. Knowing that the San Diego beaches don't have the warmest of waters (this isn't Hawaii after all) I didn't want to shock him, so I tried to ease him is as slowly as I possibly could while looking at an anxious father with the camera held tightly and ready to shoot at any moment. The tide finally came in and Elijah loved it! His little feet sank into the sand as the water drifted back out and so we became a little more adventurous since Elijah didn't start screaming. The next step belonged to daddy. So I took my place as designated photographer and waited to see what step Kirk would take with my precious little boy. I knew in my head exactly what was going to happen, but wanted Kirk to have his moment with his son. We got our photo op and then Kirk started to walk closer and closer to the water, the next thing I know, Kirk is sitting Elijah down in the mud. Not a big deal right? Well, sure, but if you would have seen that water coming in you would be just as nervous as I was anticipating what was coming next. Now I may be a paranoid mom, but that ok, I get to be. :) The water finally came in and Elijah was waist deep in sea water... screaming! That cold water did not agree with him at all. I have to admit, it was a little funny and Kirk immediately took him out, but not before I got some awesome shots of his tight little fist and red face. After that we dried him off in his towel and held onto him to comfort him. We sat at the beach for a little while longer so I could take a few more shots and so Elijah could enjoy the sea breeze and sunlight. I'm sure the next time we go out there he will understand what he's getting into a little better. :) <br />Now as for Joshua Tree... oh Joshua Tree. I remember Joshua Tree from when I was much younger, my step dad took me to go rock climbing and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Well, I can't say poor Elijah had one of those experiences. We were all set to go, camera ready, water bottles filled, sun screen applied. we put Elijah in the hiking backpack and set off to do a little hiking. Well that day just happened to be pretty windy and the higher up we climbed, the more and more windy it got. Poor Elijah could not find his breath, so the walk was short lived... but again, not over before I got some great photos of him. He looked so darn cute in his new hat and camo tee shirt. We had driven that far to get out there so it wasn't like we were going to just turn around and head back home. Plus we had my dad, brother and his girlfriend with us. So poor little Elijah had to sit in his car seat while I went out to take pictures and daddy got to sit with him. Kirk got to take a break every so often as my dad watched Elijah as well as my brothers girlfriend. I got some great shots while we were there, but was slightly bummed at the lack of newly bloomed flowers. Oh well, maybe our next trip. Elijah was extremely well behaved while he was forced to stay in the truck that had gusts of 0mph, just how he liked it. :) He ended up taking a three hour nap and allowed us to enjoy a picnic and quiet ride home.<br />I love to experience new adventures with Elijah. It always turns out to be exciting one way or another.<br />On the personal front, I do believe I hit a wall big time this week. I have not really had a break and neither has Kirk. It's amazing how difficult it is to give all of yourself to two people, one who depends on you for survival and the other who depends on you for companionship. I love everything about my life, my husband and my son, but I have a hard time knowing when I need to take a time out. Well, I think when one is trying to set up a pack and play and doesn't succeed and is doing all they can to hold back tears... that would be the point when you say, no more, time out! Right now is my moment to take a break from cleaning, cooking, taking care of a child and hanging out with my hubby. I don't want to sound ungrateful or like I don't want to be with my family, but God commands us to take a sabbath and I have not been faithful in doing that... at all. My debriefing comes with being alone, reading, writing and taking photos. Today I am able to do 3 of the 4. Praise God that I have a husband who is willing to take care of me when he is just as tired. He works full time, is going to seminary full time and takes care of his home. He deserves as much of a break as I do. <br />An update on my spiritual walk, well, I have started On The Other Side of The Garden and have also been able to incorporate reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers which happens to be one of the best books I have ever read. The person I am reading with has already challenged me on how I can be a better help mate to my husband as well as lead my son. We have incorporated some homework so that we can keep each other accountable in different aspects of our relationships with our husbands as well as the Lord. I really feel like I am turning a corner, so i just pray that I will be able to keep it up. Having an accountability partner in this stage of my life is important. We are also reading with one other dear friend and are anxious to hear what she has been learning so far. God is definitely answering prayers so thank you to those who have been lifting me up.<br />Well, I believe that's it, my fingers hurt a little. I'm going to get back to some reading and then join my family for dinner. Thank you so much to those who read my blog, it is always encouraging to hear from you.<br />Also, if you are interested in seeing more of my photos or pictures of Elijah, here is the website.<br />www.flickr.com/photos/lynzmiller<br />Love to you all.<br />~LYNZ~ :)LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-53183988095463544052008-03-19T16:04:00.000-07:002008-03-19T16:17:12.395-07:00Spiritual Desert...<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/R-GcTh74RQI/AAAAAAAAACc/g_BVZxkVG1Y/s1600-h/IMG_2942.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/R-GcTh74RQI/AAAAAAAAACc/g_BVZxkVG1Y/s320/IMG_2942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179592905793750274" /></a><br />Lately I have been feeling a certain dryness when it comes to my spiritual walk. I realize that I am not enjoying going to church, I merely go for the social aspect. I am distracted by my son when I do go. (Is it time to take him to child care?? AHH!) I hang out with some of my friends and don't feel uplifted at times. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends but I don't have many relationships that I feel are helping to sharpen me. I can count two people in my life (outside of my husband) that I can be completely open with and I respect spiritually.<br />So today I shared my heart with that person and felt like I was able to resolve some of my junk. My prayer life is wonderful... trust me, when you spend all day with a 5 month old you need to talk to someone... Jesus comes in handy at all times! So as a result of that I am, along with this person, going to start reading On The Other Side of The Garden by Virginia Ruth Fugate. I have read this book once before and man oh man, this book is amazing. I am hoping that as a result of this my spiritual life will be a beautiful green valley once again.<br />Please pray for me. Pray that I will find women in my life to help sharpen me and vice versa. oh how I long for the day when I can be surrounded by those amaazing women again, Lord, bring me those women.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30898006.post-28871137923764932492008-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:002008-03-13T14:01:15.312-07:00Mornings are my favorite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/R9mT6EVd7cI/AAAAAAAAACI/DpssgQD0fGk/s1600-h/IMG_2917.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cDejni0gVbo/R9mT6EVd7cI/AAAAAAAAACI/DpssgQD0fGk/s320/IMG_2917.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177331872444575170" /></a><br />Life has dramatically changed since I have become a mother but one of the less important changes is my joy of the morning. Although I have to wake up earlier than I would like I am always happy because I hear the happy coos of my little boy. He is such a morning person... not like mommy and daddy. The minute he sees your face he greets you with a big toothless grin and immediately starts talking to you. I can't think of a more beautiful sound. I thank God for this precious gift He has given us. It is a huge responsibility but such an honor to have.<br />On the home front, Kirk is almost done with school (for the summer) and I can't wait to have him home on those evenings again. It is wonderful to see how much he is enjoying school and how well he is doing. We just joined a gym and are ready to get into shape again. It was a decision that was a long time coming, but since it has been almost 5 months since I had Elijah it is time to get rid of that baby pooch.<br />Not much else is going on... life is going well and we are grateful for every day that we get.<br />Thanks for those who are reading this, I would love to hear your comments, but most of all would love to continue to share my life with you.LynzMillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367096460059936126noreply@blogger.com1