When There Are No More Child Proofs...

Nowadays, there is a way to child proof our houses from wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling. If there is a potential danger, there is a lock, or some plastic contraption that even most adults will have trouble bypassing. All parents approach this differently; there are the hyper-vigilant parents that even lock their refrigerators and the parents who might have most of their outlets covered. I would say I fall somewhere in the middle, along with most people I know.

But really, as good as most of these safety measures are, someday our children will have to learn that there is danger in drinking a gallon of bleach or playing with the steak knives. Kids eventually become smart enough or even just tall enough to get into whatever they want to and we hope by that point that they can make the right decision or that we are there to stop them.

I think we live in a world that is accustomed to these safety precautions. We all want things that are not good for us to simply be out of our reach or to be locked away so we don't have to face a moment of "big kid" decision making or even worse, waiting for an answer.

How many times have we said prayers like, "God, if you don't want me to take this job, just let them reject me."? It would be nice if the right door was the only one that was open all the time. While kids are frustrated by the child-proofing in general, they love when doors are open to them. An open door is our way of saying, "Go on. It's safe here." Somedays, I still wish that every open door was a good and safe option, but unfortunately, it's not always that clear.

One of the things I dread most as a parent of two very mobile toddlers is going to a house that not only doesn't child proof the medicine cabinets and outlets but it's like they are tempting my children to turn the night into an ER visit or to break their most priceless antiques. They take great-great-grandmas, one of a kind, china doll and place it on the lowest shelf...right next to a tub of toys. Obviously, they mean for my kids to play with the tub of toys, but that is only obvious to everyone over 4 ft tall. So, I sit for a nervous vigil over my children, hoping that my voice is enough to keep them from danger and folly.

And really, eventually that needs to be enough. The voice of the Father, in our ears, leading our every step and directing us where to go, or where not to go. That, and the voice of experience telling you certain things are bad for you and have consequences that you don't want to have to deal with. Just like children must learn to obey our voices and stay away from known dangers, we have to come to a place of maturity in which we learn to wait on God when things aren't clear and walk away when we know that it would be a mistake.

Fortunately, we have a promise that He will always lead us. Isaiah 30:21 says, "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." 

Believe today this Word is true in your life and don't feel afraid to move forward--even when there are no more child proofs. 

The Truth Vigilante

"It is only the cynic who claims "to speak the truth" at all times and in all places to all men in the same way, but who, in fact, displays nothing but a lifeless image of the truth...He dons the halo of the fanatical devotee of truth who can make no allowance for human weaknesses; but, in fact, he is destroying the living truth between men. He wounds shame, desecrates mystery, breaks confidence, betrays the community in which he lives, and laughs arrogantly at the devastation he has wrought and at the human weakness which "cannot bear the truth." -Dietrich Boenhoffer

We all know that person, the one that "tells the truth" no matter how harsh it is. If you ask if your hair cut looks good, or if your recent weight gain is noticeable...watch out. If the worship leader misses a note or the pastor wears an ugly suit...be on guard. For the truth vigilante there is no truth to base or critical to say, because after all, we are called to speak the truth, aren't we?

Ah, but there is the catch. We are called to speak TRUTH. What is truth? It is the life giving Word of God, the affirmation on earth to the affirmation of heaven. It breathes for you when you can't stop holding your breath. It sings a song of freedom when you are bound in chains. Truth is uplifting, hopeful, and life changing. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free".

When we speak facts or statistics to someone in need of truth and mask it as truth it can be damaging. Do we lie then when asked a question that leads to an unfavorable fact? No! We speak the truth! We say what God says in that situation! God would tell someone they are beautifully and wonderfully made. They are called to be a priesthood and a holy nation! He would say that nothing is impossible for them.

Saying, "Goodbye" to My Political Career...

And He (Jesus) said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and Prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

I'm not a politician. There. I've said it. And, I will continue to remind myself of that daily. I will start with an apology to those I have bulldozed with my ceaseless debating and rambling rants. I apologize for any disparaging remarks or reposts about the leadership of our country. (I could post an entirely separate blog of repentance but I will leave it at that.)

Recently, I've read a few blogs and posts and had a few conversations that have brought me to this revelation. There are many "issues" that I have strong opinions about or I am truly passionate about and that is going to continue to be true. However, I now am coming to believe the internet is not the place to air those ideas.

The blog I recently read that has spurred this change of heart, helped me to realize that my assessments of current issues, politics, legislation, etc. are better expressed in a setting with friends, in person with people, or in some cases, not at all. Its difficult to come across loving or to even be loving when conversing with the "internet" and its just not how Jesus would have done it. He dealt with people on a personal basis and ALWAYS from an overflow of compassion.

Bottom line, I truly do love people and have a heart to see lasting, impacting change in our world today towards God and His purposes in our lives. However, that change isn't going to happen because I let you know my opinion and you aren't going to feel my love because I let you know what I think of your opinion. I want you to see Jesus' love coming from my posts, not my emotional reaction to something that has recently come up or that has been bugging me.

I want you to know that I love you even if we don't agree. I want you to see in my life that while I stand for the truth of God's Word, it is because I know God is loving and therefore His Words bring peace, security, blessing, love, truth, light, purpose, identity, joy, and all manner of true GOODNESS into your life. I want you to feel like you can talk to me and know that I'm for you because Jesus is for you. No matter what mess you are in I will cry with you and stand with you. No matter what mountain top you are on I will rejoice with you, I will not envy.

Living the two greatest commandments, the summation of the Bible, that is what I wish to be known for. I want to love God with everything in me and truly love others and put them first. My "political career" is over. No more debating "issues" on social media, no more ranting about political problems, no more bashing of opposing views. I may still feel the same and face-to-face you might get to hear all about it, if we are friends, but the world wide web is safe from future tirades. It is more important to me that you know WHO I believe in and how He operates, than my mood in any given moment.

I'm committing to show God's love and character more in my social correspondence. I will continue to stand for God's Word and the truth in it, but I will seek to do it from a positive stand point and by the prompting of the Holy Spirit and not in an agitated whiplash. Political agenda aside and Godly love at center stage from this point. I am convinced His Word holds absolute truth and I am not shying away from that, but I will no longer use it as a tool for something as trivial as personal politics, but instead as a way to bring healing and hope to a world that is in need.

I am not perfect, I will not be perfect but He IS perfection; He who is beginning this good work in me is faithful and just to complete it.

Almost ONE!

Asher is almost 1 year old! I can't believe it! This year has gone by so quickly. I enjoy my little Bub more than I could ever have imagined. Last night, Dallas and I were looking back at pictures and videos of him throughout this last year. It's amazing how much he's changed and grown and yet, he's still that same little bitty baby! (Although not so little bitty anymore!)

Here is what he has been up to this year!

Asher is the happiest, sweetest little man! He started laughing out loud around 8 weeks and has been itching to laugh every since. There is nothing that boy loves more than having fun, smiling, and laughing at anything! He has even fallen over backward laughing at times. He also, loves to be sweet. Whether it's Dallas and I, Ranger, or even his stuffed animals he is always good for a hug, and maybe even a big kisser! (Beware of the kissers, they are pretty slobbery, but so cute!) He loves to put his head on our shoulders or hold our hands when he is just sitting looking at things. Out and about, he is always smiling and waving at people around us. He is pretty sure they are all there just to see him anyway, haha.

Asher is a traveling little boy. With both of our families living far away from us we have taken so many trips here and there throughout this year with him and many of them have come here on different occasions. We also took him camping back in September, he loves being outdoors.

Asher loves to move! Even before he was born, he was a mover. I was constantly getting kicked and punched from the inside out when I was carrying him and he hasn't ever stopped! He is now a walking, and even occasionally a running, little one. Everyone comments how busy he is when they are around him for any length of time. He's always exploring things or carrying things around. Dallas and Asher wrestle and run around constantly when they are together. Asher thinks his dad is a big jungle gym most of the time, haha!

Asher is a BIG eater! He loves food! (If you haven't noticed from looking at him.) There are maybe 2 things that he has turned down in his little life, Avocados and Corn tortillas (really who can blame him?). Everything else has been taken quickly and easily.

Asher is likes to talk. He is only saying a few actual words, like mama, dada, uh-oh, Ranger (or his interpretation of Ranger at least), hi, and bye-bye, but he is always babbling about something and pointing at things these days.

There are tons of other things I could write about him, of course, but I will stop here since not everyone is head over heals in love with him like I am, haha! I will talk about him for hours on end if I don't rein it in. All in all, he's been a gift from God that I never imagined and I'm so thankful for everyday of his life. And, I just know he's going to be a wonderful big brother come October! :)

BTW, if you haven't noticed, the 366 project flopped, haha. We definitely take lots of pics, at least one a week, but honestly, I just kept forgetting till like 9 or 10 at night and no one wants random, end of the day photos all the time! Oh well, guess it wasn't my thing!

Project 366

So, I'm going to attempt to keep up with the photo a day project that Paige Allen started, we will see how that goes! (Calling it 366 since it is Leap Year!) It's gone good so far, but I will admit that a couple of the pictures were taken pretty late bc I realized I hadn't taken one yet, so they are not that inspired, haha. Hopefully, I will get better over time. SO, here are my pictures, catching up from the 1st till Sunday.



We went to Ruidoso, NM for New Year's Eve and then Elaine (Dallas's Mom) and I headed back to Midland, Tx while the guys went on a hunting trip there in NM. Asher was trying to fall asleep in the car and snuggled up with his new giraffe, which he loves, and Roo that he always sleeps with.










So this is several pictures instead of just one, but it was Gram's Birthday party at Murray's in Midland. We had a good time with all the kiddos and family! In the pictures are, Gram (Dallas's Grandma), Asher, Jessica Ripley (cousin), Crystal Foley (Sister-in-law), Sarah Masonheimer (Niece), Emily Masonheimer (Sister-in-law), and Caleb (Nephew).



I got to go to Lubbock and hang out with my dear friends, AJ and Jessica McColloch, and, of course, their beautiful twin girls! This is, from the left, Zoey, Ellie, and Asher!



Had to say goodbye to these beauties and head back to Midland, but I had a great time with them. Jessica is such a great mom and handles the twins like a pro!



So, here's a picture that I'm actually in! Not the best pic in the bunch, but it was probably one of my favorite nights of the trip to Midland! Elaine, Asher and I spent the night with Emily, Sarah, and Caleb while our husbands were away hunting! After the kids went to sleep we watched "The Help".



We hung out at the house a lot on Friday since I wasn't feeling well and here Asher was attempting to fit as many toys in his mouth as possible. (Don't I have a cute kid? hehe)



Dallas has had a beard since September 1st and it was time for it to go now that the hunting was all over, but he did it in phases. Asher wasn't sure what to think about this look! (He shaved it clean, don't worry!)



Asher has discovered the joy of the walker since we got home. He goes all over the place with it now!

Well that brings us to Sunday January 8th! Hope you enjoyed my pictures this week, I enjoyed taking them and looking back at them as I posted them.

Reflections of a 26 Year Old

Yesterday was my birthday. I just turned 26, which admittedly, is not a very exciting age. There is no new adventure to be had, no new privilige earned, no new phase of life--in fact, I'm pretty sure nothing changed but the date. In spite of an obvious lack of change, it was a great birthday. Here are some reflections on my life at 26:

1. It was my first birthday as a mom. Asher is now 4 months old and I have never known so strongly that I am fulfilling a calling from God on my life. When I look in those blue eyes, I am moved with love and joy (partly because, he got his eyes from his daddy). Asher is growing up so fast and I am amazed at how God designed him to fit so perfectly into my life. I feel the great responsibility of joining my husband in raising our little man to have a relationship with his Creator. I am excited for the day I hear him say that is his desire. I believe God when He said that if we train our children up in His ways that they will not soon depart from them.

2. Dallas Martin Golden. Wow, I feel like just typing his name should say it all. To me, Dallas is a steady rock, a strength I don't have, a bulwark (over the top?) no matter where life take us. He is always striving to be better even though he is the greatest man I know. He makes me laugh when I've decided to be mad, he helps me think it through when I want to rush in, he gives me perspective when my world view shrinks to only me, and he encourages me in, well, everything. God knew what He was doing when He made Dallas and then brought us together. We are a great team and we are getting even better with all this parental practice we are getting. And, on top of all of that, he gave me a very happy birthday yesterday!

3. My little sister got married. She married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Luke McLeod. I have to be honest, Megan Leigh McLeod, is weird for me to see or say; but, I will get used to it soon, I'm sure! Her wedding was beautiful and she, as always, was gorgeous. I look back and remember the many prayers I have said for her over the years...that she wouldn't go through the insecurities that I did, that she would make the right choices, that she would follow hard after God...and I know that I worried too much about her. She is a wonderful, confident, outstanding woman of God who married a man that I know will lead her to even more in her life that any of us can imagine.

4. My birthday reminded me that 30 is not that far away! I'm not scared of turning 30, but I don't want to get there and look back over the last 4 years wishing for more. I want to commit this year to more, more love, more passion for God, more energy (those toddler years are coming!), more family time, more of the things I am called to do...more.

5. Slightly opposite of my last reflection, I'm learning to be...content, I guess. Haha, obviously not there yet. (Just to clarify, I'm not having some internal war, just saying that I want more of what I need more of and to be content in the areas that are just me wanting to skip ahead.) I don't want to wish time away for sure. I want to enjoy every moment with my son especially. I just keep waiting for that proverbial "there" that I want to get to. I need to stop thinking about that, life is perfect, but I would like to live closer to family, own our house...on and on...list that I have going. Most of the things I want are going to happen soon enough and I have a hunch I won't care about the rest.

All said and done, I have to say that I think my life is pretty good at 26. I'm excited to see where we go from here! (But I don't want to jump ahead, haha!)

Baby Boy-The First 10 Weeks

Asher is now 10 weeks old! I can't believe how fast this has all gone. It seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant and now I'm sitting here with this perfect little baby boy! Being a mom is wonderful! He is everything I hoped and more.

The delivery? Well, it hurt, a lot..but it was worth it in the end and I'm proud of myself for doing it naturally! I yelled and thrashed around a little and even kicked a nurse (Sorry! I didn't aim for her or anything!) but all-in-all I think I handled it pretty well! He was so cute and little when he was first born and just slept all the time snuggled up to whoever was holding him. Then, the first couple of weeks had their ups and downs. The only down I would say was just that my milk supply is low and he wasn't gaining weight when we went for his 2 week appointment. The compromise of having to supplement with formula at every feeding sucks, and I had some words with God about it, but in the end I'm thankful to God that I can at least give him some breast milk and then just top him off with formula. He still gets the benefit even if it's not all he eats!

Now, we have hit a good pace in our day to day lives and I really feel like I was made for this! It is amazing to watch him learn and progress even if it is just little milestones every day. Dallas and I get so excited about the little sounds he makes and his little smiles and laughs. We pretty much know he's the most exceptional baby in the world, haha! I think about all the things he'll be able to do after another 10 weeks and I'm so excited, but at the same time I'm happy to be where we are at right now.

We traveled to Tulsa last week and where up in Oklahoma for a whole week. Asher handled it like a champ! It was hard having him sleeping in different places and being stuck in the car seat so long while we traveled, but I'm glad we went. First we had one of Dallas's family reunions to attend. Then, my mom's parents got to meet their first great-grandchild and we dedicated Asher at Wyandotte youth camp. (That's where Dallas and I met!) It was so special to us and we are grateful that Bro. Cecil did the dedication for us. (He's always been one of my heroes) After that, Dallas had to work in Oklahoma for the week and we stayed for Father's Day brunch on Sunday. We broke the traveling up into 2 days on the way back so we got home Monday.

Right now, little man is taking his morning nap. This weekend we have the Golden family reunion near Austin so he better get rested up!

To sum it all up, it's great! We love Asher, he loves us, and Ranger is learning to live with him, haha!