tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post3117350779201270767..comments2024-02-02T23:18:20.621-05:00Comments on Baby Bangs: Looking BackAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16777762608528843328noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-80560670571321705262008-01-30T00:40:00.000-05:002008-01-30T00:40:00.000-05:00Amanda, You don't have to post this, especially si...Amanda, <BR/>You don't have to post this, especially since I'm responding nearly a month late. I stumbled on this blog quite by accident and I just felt led to add a few cents. <BR/><BR/>First, I understand the baby nostalgia all too well. =) I had four children in 4 1/2 years (they're 9,8,6&5) and each and every time the two-year mark was especially poignant... it is right on the edge between baby and little boy/girl. It's precious but bittersweet. <BR/><BR/>Second, I've spent the last few months(well, two years really) looking back at all the hard things that have been thrown my way. My heart aches over so many of them - the pain, the grief, the betrayal, the losses... it overwhelms me sometimes to think of it. And yet... and yet, joy comes in the morning. <BR/><BR/>I weep over what my life was, over the mistakes I made, over what might have been if I'd only reached out to someone... and I cry some more because God took all of that and He's refining me into someone who will bring Him glory. God has refined you in many ways and knowing your past struggles only proves how amazing He is. <BR/><BR/>I also look forward to the day when Jesus exacts justice from the enemy for all of us who have suffered under his attempts to break us. Praise Him that justice has been in the plan from the moment the serpent wound himself around the tree in the Garden! <BR/><BR/>May the peace of Christ be with you,<BR/>BethanyBethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17972449568989237676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-35911792348764869752008-01-12T02:09:00.000-05:002008-01-12T02:09:00.000-05:00I loved this post (in all its randomness :)) and s...I loved this post (in all its randomness :)) and seeing how God has worked.<BR/>And yep, I have two separate blogs as well--I can definitely understand the desire/need for that! :)Faithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184341900706877284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-5979263578270323452008-01-10T10:46:00.000-05:002008-01-10T10:46:00.000-05:00Congratulations Melissa! You are amazing Amanda.....Congratulations Melissa! You are amazing Amanda....even as a 15 year old....Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17774514715558934425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-22800761431843779402008-01-10T06:24:00.000-05:002008-01-10T06:24:00.000-05:00A very touching post--thank you for sharing and be...A very touching post--thank you for sharing and being so honest. It definitely took me back to my own teenage years. The part about adults reaching out to you and you not receiving them sounds familiar. Now God has you married to a minister and working with college students; wow, He really knows how to use us, doesn't He? <BR/><BR/>On a separate note...good job on keeping such a HUGE secret. And since September? You're my secret-keeping hero :)Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13446040378646493370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-22796789018062087982008-01-09T22:43:00.000-05:002008-01-09T22:43:00.000-05:00I agree he stinks.My parents were in the ministry ...I agree he stinks.<BR/>My parents were in the ministry when I was growing up and I have scars to prove it. <BR/>It does bring me great satisfaction to know that for eternity he will PAY! Pay while I am walking on gold streets-whole, healthy without a care in the world. <BR/>That is a thought that brings great joy.Sharon Brumfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04662853880018410132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-35338942901667018692008-01-09T21:49:00.000-05:002008-01-09T21:49:00.000-05:00Amanda - I think it's great that you kept Melissa'...Amanda - I think it's great that you kept Melissa's engagement a secret from us on the WWW. Some things need to just be "private" for awhile and not shared until you're ready for them to be public. And that's a-okay. :)<BR/>I also totally understand and can relate to you about your personal and public blog. I have two as well. No one really knows about my private one except some friends and I don't list it under my blogger profile. I have two "tones" on my blogs just as you do. My public blog (that you have probably visited) is much more about reaching women and sharing my faith, journey, and walk as a woman. My private one is much more personal. It's much more about my life. So if you ever want to read about my boring, day to day life as a mom and wife - let me know and I'll give you the secret address! HA :) (Yes, I trust you. )Dionnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887793549770593022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-50754433193395080572008-01-09T15:22:00.000-05:002008-01-09T15:22:00.000-05:00This is exactly why we need more people with stori...This is exactly why we need more people with stories like yours to work with our young people in the church. As we get older, I think that many of us forget (or try to)the 'junk' we dealt with as teenagers. You remember the pain you went through and will be able to help so many young women because of what you went through. <BR/>Even though hard times stink when we are in them, it's funny how God uses our trials to make us stronger so we can encourage others.BethAnnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11238839175341836771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-82565174123074205582008-01-09T14:40:00.000-05:002008-01-09T14:40:00.000-05:00I talked with my four kids at Christmas about what...I talked with my four kids at Christmas about what happened in their teen years as they tried so hard to make life work by doing right things. They see it different right now that it was all good. Your post means a lot to me today. To see you push through what you thought was "life" but wasn't really and now you are fighting the good fight of faith. Thanks Amanda for being willing to share from your heart. Very encouraging.Bev Brandon @ The Frayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14403416688340930011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-69490920373692184022008-01-09T13:20:00.000-05:002008-01-09T13:20:00.000-05:00Well said beloved Amanda, well said!!! I attended...Well said beloved Amanda, well said!!! I attended 1st night last night, it was extremely emotional, to know that I will be set free but you live so long like this, you don't know how to behave as a set free person. . . make sense??Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02415886657792872415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-38939120035330526552008-01-09T13:10:00.000-05:002008-01-09T13:10:00.000-05:00I never would have been able to keep such a secret...I never would have been able to keep such a secret so long! Congrats to your little sis!<BR/><BR/>And I had those painful years, too. Thank God He always kept His hand on me through that time, even though I didn't know it!<BR/><BR/>I have to tell you that my ladies Bible study started the updated version of "A Woman's Heart" last night. It was just the introduction, but we're all so excited about it.Serahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12517052802687019802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-91007011052733504992008-01-09T11:59:00.000-05:002008-01-09T11:59:00.000-05:00Is it not amazing that you held these feeling as a...Is it not amazing that you held these feeling as a teenager...and now you work with those very girls...<BR/><BR/>hmm...<BR/><BR/>He is good. He will always use the hard parts of life for His glory.debra parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01838955108116075225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-14288773401178210442008-01-09T11:46:00.000-05:002008-01-09T11:46:00.000-05:00Awesome news about your sis. That is an especially...Awesome news about your sis. That is an especially joyous time to savor.<BR/><BR/>I think I called my mom a million times after I had my first baby to apologize for all that she endured while I was a teenager. I think that's one of the hardest (of the many) responsibilities of being a parent. Wanting to teach your child life without them having to endure major amounts of emotional pain figuring it out. You said you tried to train your heart not to ache and I think that I had my heart out there for anyone's taking. I just wanted someone to love me the way that no one could. Only God could and can and will forever continue to. It's difficult as an adult looking back and realizing the emotional damage that we were doing to ourselves. Training ourselves in a way that was distorted and confused. So thankful that He is able and willing to heal our pain and hurts and restore our hearts to Him. I love this song by Mercy Me:<BR/><BR/>"Bring The Rain" <BR/> <BR/>"I can count a million times<BR/>People asking me how I<BR/>Can praise You with all that <BR/>I've gone through<BR/>The question just amazes me<BR/>Can circumstances possibly<BR/>Change who I forever am in You<BR/><BR/>Maybe since my life was changed<BR/>Long before these rainy days<BR/>It's never really ever crossed my mind<BR/>To turn my back on you, oh Lord<BR/>My only shelter from the storm<BR/>But instead I draw closer through these times<BR/>So I pray<BR/><BR/>Bring me joy, bring me peace<BR/>Bring the chance to be free<BR/>Bring me anything that brings <BR/>You glory. And I know there'll <BR/>be days When this life brings me pain<BR/>But if that's what it takes to <BR/>praise You, Jesus, bring the rain<BR/><BR/>I am yours regardless of the clouds that may <BR/>loom above because you are much greater than <BR/>my pain. You who made a way for me suffering <BR/>your destiny so tell me what's a little rain? <BR/><BR/>Holy, holy, holy<BR/>Holy, holy, holy<BR/>is the lord God almighty<BR/>is the lord God almighty<BR/>I'm forever singing <BR/><BR/>everybody singing <BR/>Holy holy holy<BR/>you are holy <BR/>you are holy"<BR/> <BR/><BR/>Yes, because He has carried us through the past we can see Him in our present, planning for our future. <BR/>Blessings,<BR/>Amy in OKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-26742879798492435672008-01-09T11:44:00.000-05:002008-01-09T11:44:00.000-05:00Great post. If we only knew then what we knew the...Great post. If we only knew then what we knew then. But even the parts we hate about how we acted helped us grow into what we are today and help us to continue growing. To look back and think how far God has brought me (even though sometimes He had to drag me). It makes me feel better about how far I still have to go. (And I know you are so excited about the upcoming wedding!)Amy Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10142898730112090580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-200116604576515302008-01-09T11:32:00.000-05:002008-01-09T11:32:00.000-05:00I'll join you in the boxing match against the unme...I'll join you in the boxing match against the unmentioned name :)<BR/><BR/>I too taught my heart not to ache (STUUUUPID me - I mean that in the most gracious way. But what was I thinking...really?)<BR/><BR/>I've missed blog-land over these busy weeks of ending school in finals and the holidays, but I hope to be back around now. Bless you sister - and your new lovely hair do :)Shellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03876113486170082394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-88447873581774505482008-01-09T11:23:00.000-05:002008-01-09T11:23:00.000-05:00I had my really rough years in college part sin-in...I had my really rough years in college part sin-induced and part tragedy. As always your words spoke to my heart. Love you!MamaCasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05831981261082646131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-36696636663773102932008-01-09T11:04:00.000-05:002008-01-09T11:04:00.000-05:00Wouldn't it be nice if every adult was granted an ...Wouldn't it be nice if every adult was granted an hour with their teenage selves? So much pain and heartache might be averted. But perhaps we would not be as wise if we didn't suffer through the teenage years and learn things the hard way? <BR/><BR/>Anyway, thanks for sharing your heart. I love to read your blog. There is much beauty in your words. Beauty that comes from the Truth.<BR/><BR/>God Bless!Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16314047292064362344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-41516150791063177832008-01-09T11:00:00.000-05:002008-01-09T11:00:00.000-05:00I am amazed at God's faithfulness to me and others...I am amazed at God's faithfulness to me and others when we fail Him so much! Thanks for sharing personally His faithfulness in your life.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03395656449949372286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-11075550025913736182008-01-09T09:59:00.000-05:002008-01-09T09:59:00.000-05:00Thanks for sharing your heart. Sometimes it is ea...Thanks for sharing your heart. Sometimes it is easy to begin to imagine ministry families lives as being without the pain of 'real life'. I appreiciate your willingness to be open with us.<BR/><BR/>As to the joys of the handsome two year old in your life...enjoy each and every stage. My oldest is 24 and the youngest turns 13 this week. I have learned to treasure each of my five children's individual personalities. It is a blast!Fondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01403093361011528658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-34544831528263595562008-01-09T09:32:00.000-05:002008-01-09T09:32:00.000-05:00"...beat his head againt the wall of hell..." My f..."...beat his head againt the wall of hell..." My favorite thing I've read all morning! :) Love it.Cindy-Still His Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00699695957294293616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-19917823841645635112008-01-09T09:24:00.000-05:002008-01-09T09:24:00.000-05:00I don't think you will find a woman who wouldn't l...I don't think you will find a woman who wouldn't like to go back and bang some sense into her idiotic teenaged self. I missed so many opportunities to grow out of being a milk-fed, fair-weather Christian, I became so entangled in sin, and I believed so many lies. All of which are things I cannot change now. So I've decided to pray thanksgiving over all the permanent consequences of my sin I've been spared from and praise God for being delivered from that time and that place. I hope that makes sense. Praying that your sister's wedding will be a beautiful, restful time for your whole family and that the study will be a balm to so many hurting souls!Misslissleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04223368743440646475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-88151727929357580492008-01-09T09:14:00.000-05:002008-01-09T09:14:00.000-05:00A) CONGRATS to you sweet sister - I too had alread...A) CONGRATS to you sweet sister - I too had already guessed that she was the big wedding you are trying to get ready for :) That is so exciting!!<BR/>b) I constantly look at my 2 boys and feel as if it were yesterday they were babies. They do grow up so fast and each age has it's own difficult stage but it does get better and better. So far my favorite age is 8yr. My oldest is 8 and he is truly so much fun (although I do like the baby stage - oh the cuddles).<BR/>c) I loved the Breaking Free study and I can not imagine what your family went through during your HS years. I also was like you in HS I wanted to be so independent and take care of myself and my emotions. I know now that seeking godly counsel is so important. God uses so many avenues to teach us and mold us into the people He wants us to be.<BR/>Oh and the day when God takes care of the enemy will be well, too good for words!!<BR/>Much love,<BR/>Kimconnorcolesmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15884632453329830736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-52888893920603330252008-01-09T09:04:00.000-05:002008-01-09T09:04:00.000-05:00Amen.Last night at the grocery store, there was a ...Amen.<BR/><BR/>Last night at the grocery store, there was a man and his little boy walking to the car. The little boy was holding Daddy's hand. Daddy was pushing the "truck" buggy (that's a shopping cart for the non-Southern folks). It was such a precious site and it reminded me so much of the men in your life! I could just see Jackson and Curt in those two...<BR/><BR/>I wonder how difficult it is for children to grow up when they have parents involved in ministry: if it's easier or harder for them when they know folks will be there. From your post, I can guess it's about the same as those of us who didn't have ministry parents. (I bet God will use the pain you are remembering to minister to someone else in that same boat!!)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913298649840846183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-792027966617428152008-01-09T07:45:00.000-05:002008-01-09T07:45:00.000-05:00Amanda, my husband and I have come to realize that...Amanda, my husband and I have come to realize that we went through things in our lives...high school...college...early marriage...so that our children wouldn't have to. Or if they did, so that we would know how to help them. A whole lot of little things and some HUGE ones. Some of the things our amazing teenage daughter has gone thru...I went through and struggled with. I, like you, didn't call out for help. Didn't ask for prayer. I thought I was a freak for not being able to deal with it. Not so our daughter. She didn't HAVE to ask for help because we knew what was happening and stepped in and gave her the help. What a difference. <BR/>You'll do that with Jackson. You'll be more in tune (not to say your parents and family weren't) with what he is going thru. More sensitive to his NOT asking for help and reaching out to him.<BR/>Hugs, girl.<BR/>Susan<BR/>Oh and P.S...enjoy these time when they are little...they grow up REALLY fast!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01978040420052714276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-85047179352238728412008-01-09T06:28:00.000-05:002008-01-09T06:28:00.000-05:00Thank you so much for sharing your sweet heart wit...Thank you so much for sharing your sweet heart with us! And AMEN to that head that has a head beating coming from Jesus!<BR/><BR/>I love reading all the stories about you, Janelle, and Sunni and your precious babies! I keep praying that God places Godly mommies in my life like that for me to share in the joys of motherhood come this May!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17372205825781226211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24028336.post-21049064417350214782008-01-09T00:27:00.000-05:002008-01-09T00:27:00.000-05:00i am new to the blogging but have fallen in love w...i am new to the blogging but have fallen in love with your's and lpm.i am actually your mom's age so of course her ministry has been invaluable to me since her very first study. your's has been a tremendous joy because it helps bring back those precious memories of a first child and babyhood. those are some of the most blessed years to reflect on. i can just remember singing "to hold a new born baby" and then right into "yes Jesus loves me." thank you for being the tool to keep me in touch with those special memories. <BR/>i still have my third baby (she is 17) at home and wow this part of parenting is the tough. your blog entry today has reminded me of how difficult this age is for her also not just me. what a great resource you can be to the teens. you are of course a very Godly woman and example to them yet not as old and square as their own mothers. Keep up the great faith for raising your little Jackson and savior every minute. i will continue to enjoy being energized by your youth and glean any wisdom i can about teenage girls.<BR/>maryjaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com