Letting go...these two simple words describe past eight months of our journey. There are a lot of other words I could use such as crazy, bittersweet, busy, challenging, faith-based. But, the reality is, looking back, it really has been a journey of faith and surrender.
In February, Chris and I received a phone call from a guy named Jon Oakley. I had heard Chris mention him and his wife, Priscilla before, but really wasn't sure why he'd be calling Chris in Texas, since he lived in Tennessee. He called to ask Chris to become the next campus pastor of a church in Chris's hometown. Wow!!! I remember praying
I look back at my years in Texas with great JOY! Not only was God preparing me for the journey ahead, but He was also using me to teach, to share Christ, and as a friend recently shared, "to show her the way to LIFE!" As we said our goodbyes at Southcliff, I remember thinking, "I'm glad it's hard to leave." I'm sure you're thinking, ummm....you're weird, why would you say you're glad? It gives me joy to be affirmed that God used us to invest deeply in the lives of students and families, challenging them to walk with Jesus! Joy to realize that the tears came from a deep love and care for the ones we were asked to let go! Joy to know that we made miles that mattered!!
So after many weeks of prayer, seeking wise council, and considering God's direction, we knew God asked us to move. MOVE...such a simple word, yet one that brings HUGE change. I remember sitting in a service with Chris listening to a sermon on God's kingdom at a church plant in Fort Worth. The pastor explained God's kingdom sometimes is about small things, or about investing in specific people, but also, like selling everything to buy the pearl, sometimes God asks us to do CRAZY things! CRAZY...in our life was defined as having a baby, quitting our jobs, leaving those we loved, packing and driving 16 hours with a one month old, living in Chris' old bedroom for an undetermined time, looking for a house, starting a new job, and planting a church! Crazy was definitely the word, but God had asked us for obedience and to love Him MOST...so we did.
The best part of it all is that in the craziness, God was consistently by our side, providing in ways we never could have imagined. When a baby sleeps the entire trip in the car and at the hotel all night for two days straight, you know without a doubt that prayers have been answered. God has filled our lives with new people to love, who care for Moriah and desire to see her know Jesus. God has given us a wonderful home, a precious gift from him, that we are excited to use to share life with others! Obedience is not always easy, in fact many times it's about letting go of things or people you love, but I am amazed at the way God has blessed after our choice to obey.
It has been an exciting journey with many challenges and adventures that require a deeper dependence on the Lord than I've ever needed before. In the book, Just Walk Across the Room, Bill Hybels, explains it like this, "Jesus knew the heart of the Father so intimately that even when facing death he could not let go of his preoccupation with people. As he inhaled his last breath, his heart still beat for people." God has given us the opportunity to invest in people who need Jesus. A chance to share what God has done in our own lives and teach others how to share the same. Yes, it has been a crazy journey, but more than anything these miles matter!!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Moriah's Arrival
It's funny how movies tend to influence one's idea of how something should happen. In this case, particularly Father of the Bride II. Anyone who has seen this movie knows that right after giving birth to a child, there is that special moment of holding the baby in your arms, completely enthralled by the beautiful and precious miracle that has just occurred. Additionally, only comedies have situations where the father takes sleeping pills just before the mother goes into labor...NOT SO!
As I said in the last post, my due date came and went and everything remained the same, just waiting. So, I decided to prepare for my mom's arrival. Because I was nine months pregnant, Heidi graciously offered to pick mom up from the airport and bring her to Fort Worth. She arrived at my house about 7pm and the three of us girls headed to dinner at Mimi's Cafe. We enjoyed catching up and after headed to my favorite frozen yogurt place in Fort Worth. On the drive home (yes I was still able to fit behind the wheel), I began to feel like I had to go to the bathroom, but I had just gone at the yogurt shop. Hmmm...all the books said only 15% of women have their water break, this must just be pee. We headed inside and Chris was home from work. While he, mom and Heidi caught up, I went into the other room, realizing my shorts were getting wetter by the minute. As I went back to tell everyone I thought my water broke, I heard Chris tell mom he had just taken a sleeping pill because he had class at 7am the next morning and really wanted a good nights rest. HAHA...guess what, "I think my water broke." We headed to the hospital about at 9:30, and I was going to be very disappointed if this was not the real thing. Although the drive to the hospital was not as eventful as Steve Martin's, we arrived and the process began.
I don't think all the childbirth classes in the world could have prepared me for what happened next, but I am thankful for a Savior who gives peace beyond our understanding that is able to calm hearts and minds. When I arrived at the hospital, my temperature was up and I was not progressing at all. The Dr. on call was my friend's doctor, which definitely gave me some peace. She explained they would induce me and give me an antibiotic and see how I progressed. Contractions came hard and quickly, and both mom and Chris stayed by my side. After an epidural, Chris (Mr. Sleepy Head) and I both tried to get some rest. My body progressed quickly after that, and by 8:30am I began to push (right after my doctor, Dr. Robbins came on shift)! The next hour and a half were pretty intense, and to make a long story short, when Moriah came out rather than the special moment I envisioned, Moriah was quickly wisked away to the NICU.
The whole thing felt like a whirlwind of craziness and being a little anemic didn't help...truthfully I didn't understand what was happening, but unlike my normal reaction of panic, a sense of peace and trust filled my heart. In fact, Chris was the one who seemed ready to jump someone to get our baby back. I remember nothing of the conversation when Moriah's doctor informed me of the situation, yet able to trust a complete stranger to provide the care my daughter needed that I could not give her. The next thing I remember was waking up from a nap realizing my fever finally broke.
We were moved upstairs to another room, and again my expectation was to have Moriah in my arms, but that did not come. Due to my fever, I was not allowed to visit Moriah until 24 hours later. Heartbreak!!! This was not the perfectly imagined delivery I had expected and so, the first time I saw my daughter's face was on the screen of our digital camera. God, again, came to my rescue and filled my heart with joy knowing that she was here, alive, breathing, and the one of the healthiest babies in the NICU. When Chris described his first visit to the NICU a few hours after delivery, I could not wait for my own. At 10:30am the next morning, I hobbled down to the NICU and got to hold our baby girl for the first time. Tears flooded my eyes as I quietly thanked the Lord for giving us such a precious and beautiful gift!
As the day progressed, we finally received more details on Moriah's condition, learning that after all the tests they had run to make sure she was ok, the main concern was the abnormal roller coaster of her blood sugar. One of the funniest moments was walking into the NICU and seeing a flower on the top of her head. "Oh, how cute," I thought, "they gave her a little bow." Just kidding, the nurse actually decorated the IV line they had to place in her head. Thankfully I saw it first with my mom and got to warn Chris before he headed down after us. After only four days in the NICU, and amazing care from the hospital staff, Chris and I were able to take Moriah home!!!
A few things
God is good and answers prayer. It meant so much to my mom to be there for the birth...and I went into labor only 2 1/2 hours after she arrived!
God meets needs. I had the best OBGYN ever who understood my needs, and continually encouraged and cared about us throughout this pregnancy!
God's timing is perfect. One of our nurses, Kathy, provided the perfect words to encourage us and help us trust the Lord at our moment of brokenness!
The journey has begun and we love being a family of three! Moriah has brought so much joy to our lives and has taught us to depend on the Lord in the midst of chaos! With all the complications in the delivery, God protected Moriah and she is our beautiful, healthy, lively baby girl.
As I said in the last post, my due date came and went and everything remained the same, just waiting. So, I decided to prepare for my mom's arrival. Because I was nine months pregnant, Heidi graciously offered to pick mom up from the airport and bring her to Fort Worth. She arrived at my house about 7pm and the three of us girls headed to dinner at Mimi's Cafe. We enjoyed catching up and after headed to my favorite frozen yogurt place in Fort Worth. On the drive home (yes I was still able to fit behind the wheel), I began to feel like I had to go to the bathroom, but I had just gone at the yogurt shop. Hmmm...all the books said only 15% of women have their water break, this must just be pee. We headed inside and Chris was home from work. While he, mom and Heidi caught up, I went into the other room, realizing my shorts were getting wetter by the minute. As I went back to tell everyone I thought my water broke, I heard Chris tell mom he had just taken a sleeping pill because he had class at 7am the next morning and really wanted a good nights rest. HAHA...guess what, "I think my water broke." We headed to the hospital about at 9:30, and I was going to be very disappointed if this was not the real thing. Although the drive to the hospital was not as eventful as Steve Martin's, we arrived and the process began.
I don't think all the childbirth classes in the world could have prepared me for what happened next, but I am thankful for a Savior who gives peace beyond our understanding that is able to calm hearts and minds. When I arrived at the hospital, my temperature was up and I was not progressing at all. The Dr. on call was my friend's doctor, which definitely gave me some peace. She explained they would induce me and give me an antibiotic and see how I progressed. Contractions came hard and quickly, and both mom and Chris stayed by my side. After an epidural, Chris (Mr. Sleepy Head) and I both tried to get some rest. My body progressed quickly after that, and by 8:30am I began to push (right after my doctor, Dr. Robbins came on shift)! The next hour and a half were pretty intense, and to make a long story short, when Moriah came out rather than the special moment I envisioned, Moriah was quickly wisked away to the NICU.
The whole thing felt like a whirlwind of craziness and being a little anemic didn't help...truthfully I didn't understand what was happening, but unlike my normal reaction of panic, a sense of peace and trust filled my heart. In fact, Chris was the one who seemed ready to jump someone to get our baby back. I remember nothing of the conversation when Moriah's doctor informed me of the situation, yet able to trust a complete stranger to provide the care my daughter needed that I could not give her. The next thing I remember was waking up from a nap realizing my fever finally broke.
We were moved upstairs to another room, and again my expectation was to have Moriah in my arms, but that did not come. Due to my fever, I was not allowed to visit Moriah until 24 hours later. Heartbreak!!! This was not the perfectly imagined delivery I had expected and so, the first time I saw my daughter's face was on the screen of our digital camera. God, again, came to my rescue and filled my heart with joy knowing that she was here, alive, breathing, and the one of the healthiest babies in the NICU. When Chris described his first visit to the NICU a few hours after delivery, I could not wait for my own. At 10:30am the next morning, I hobbled down to the NICU and got to hold our baby girl for the first time. Tears flooded my eyes as I quietly thanked the Lord for giving us such a precious and beautiful gift!
As the day progressed, we finally received more details on Moriah's condition, learning that after all the tests they had run to make sure she was ok, the main concern was the abnormal roller coaster of her blood sugar. One of the funniest moments was walking into the NICU and seeing a flower on the top of her head. "Oh, how cute," I thought, "they gave her a little bow." Just kidding, the nurse actually decorated the IV line they had to place in her head. Thankfully I saw it first with my mom and got to warn Chris before he headed down after us. After only four days in the NICU, and amazing care from the hospital staff, Chris and I were able to take Moriah home!!!
A few things
God is good and answers prayer. It meant so much to my mom to be there for the birth...and I went into labor only 2 1/2 hours after she arrived!
God meets needs. I had the best OBGYN ever who understood my needs, and continually encouraged and cared about us throughout this pregnancy!
God's timing is perfect. One of our nurses, Kathy, provided the perfect words to encourage us and help us trust the Lord at our moment of brokenness!
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| The Miller Three |
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| Grandma T and the flower IV |
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| So Little!! |
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| Going Home from the Hospital |
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Waiting Game
Well, it's about time I caught everyone up on life in the Miller family...we have definitely covered a lot of miles since my last post!!! Because there's so much involved, I'll begin this post with the rest of my pregnancy.
After Christmas, everything progressed soooo quickly! We loved being able to share the name and gender with everyone and now it was time to prepare. Life was in full swing as Chris was taking 12 hours of classes and working two jobs, and I was working part-time and enjoying the rest, while waiting for Moriah to arrive. Movies, naps, and baby shopping quickly became the norm for me and of course, my weekly stop at McDonald's to get a hot fudge Sundae!! (Delicious, especially with extra fudge) Chris being the loving husband he is made many of these stops on his way home from Morningside...what a man!!!
Around the end of January, Chris and I began talking about what the future looked like, knowing he had another semester of school left, I would probably have to get a job where I could take Moriah with me. There were a lot of unknowns, but God revealed that when we got a phone call at the end of February from one of Chris' friends from Johnson City. (This is a way longer story...details in another post).
God continually amazed us during the pregnancy through the generosity of others. We were given a few baby showers and literally showered with so many amazing gifts, cards, words of wisdom and encouragement! So thankful to everyone who provided so much for our little girl. It is incredible to be on the receiving end when God uses the body of Christ to bless and meet needs!
The days kept getting shorter and my belly kept getting bigger...and in March a sneeze drove me into panic mode because I truly thought my water broke! Thankfully, it was not, but like they say, the nesting instinct kicked in and that night I had my bag packed for the hospital. During the weeks to come, Chris and I did a lot to keep busy and everyone was getting more and more excited. My mom was even asking everyone to pray that Moriah would not come until she got to Texas (2 days after her due date).
One of the most enjoyable trips was a visit to Mark and Julie's in Round Rock to see Alan and Brian! We stayed for a long weekend and had a blast talking, playing games, and eating real Texas BBQ!! Delicious, and Alan considered getting a to-go order to take with him on the plane!
With the child birth class finished and the arrival of April, the anticipation increased. Chris and I decided to make the most of our time together, making sure to eat out at our favorite places and spend time outside before the Texas heat came back. I took my maternity leave a week before my due date (April 17th) and really enjoyed a few more days off. My due date came and went and for more details...
you'll have to read the next blog!! =)
After Christmas, everything progressed soooo quickly! We loved being able to share the name and gender with everyone and now it was time to prepare. Life was in full swing as Chris was taking 12 hours of classes and working two jobs, and I was working part-time and enjoying the rest, while waiting for Moriah to arrive. Movies, naps, and baby shopping quickly became the norm for me and of course, my weekly stop at McDonald's to get a hot fudge Sundae!! (Delicious, especially with extra fudge) Chris being the loving husband he is made many of these stops on his way home from Morningside...what a man!!!
Around the end of January, Chris and I began talking about what the future looked like, knowing he had another semester of school left, I would probably have to get a job where I could take Moriah with me. There were a lot of unknowns, but God revealed that when we got a phone call at the end of February from one of Chris' friends from Johnson City. (This is a way longer story...details in another post).
God continually amazed us during the pregnancy through the generosity of others. We were given a few baby showers and literally showered with so many amazing gifts, cards, words of wisdom and encouragement! So thankful to everyone who provided so much for our little girl. It is incredible to be on the receiving end when God uses the body of Christ to bless and meet needs!
The days kept getting shorter and my belly kept getting bigger...and in March a sneeze drove me into panic mode because I truly thought my water broke! Thankfully, it was not, but like they say, the nesting instinct kicked in and that night I had my bag packed for the hospital. During the weeks to come, Chris and I did a lot to keep busy and everyone was getting more and more excited. My mom was even asking everyone to pray that Moriah would not come until she got to Texas (2 days after her due date).
One of the most enjoyable trips was a visit to Mark and Julie's in Round Rock to see Alan and Brian! We stayed for a long weekend and had a blast talking, playing games, and eating real Texas BBQ!! Delicious, and Alan considered getting a to-go order to take with him on the plane!
With the child birth class finished and the arrival of April, the anticipation increased. Chris and I decided to make the most of our time together, making sure to eat out at our favorite places and spend time outside before the Texas heat came back. I took my maternity leave a week before my due date (April 17th) and really enjoyed a few more days off. My due date came and went and for more details...
you'll have to read the next blog!! =)
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| In October with Claudia Busse...barely showing |
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| February |
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| March |
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| BBQ |
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| Easter Sunday |
Friday, January 6, 2012
Christmas 2011
This year our Christmas adventure led us to the beautiful Northwest. Ever since I met Chris, he has talked about traveling to Eugene, OR to walk in the footsteps of some of his running heroes. Because we were going to California for Christmas, and the baby is coming soon, we decided the timing was perfect.
We arrived in Portland, OR first and spent a few hours exploring downtown...Texans, if you think Austin is weird, go to Portland, they've got you beat for sure. Chris also had the chance to meet Grandma and Grandpa Tonissen at dinner our first night. The next day we enjoyed a day of exploring in Eugene at the University of Oregon. First stop, Heyward Field, where the Bill Bowerman (co-creator of Nike running shoes) statue stands. However, we were one day late, because the stadium was closed for resurfacing. I don't think I've ever seen such a disappointed look on Chris' face, I even contemplated walking away so Chris could jump the fence. BUT...God definitely knows the desires of our hearts (even small ones) and shortly after knocking on the door to the field, the cleaning lady turned the corner and allowed us onto the field as long as we promised not to walk on her mopped floors. Basically, we had the field and statue all to ourselves!!
Second stop, a goose-hunt to find the Steve Prefontaine memorial. We only knew a general area, so we drove, and drove, and drove...and then we saw it, a sign that pointed us in the right direction as we were leaving, what a blessing. Our third stop was running Pre's trail at Alton Baker Park where many famous runners and olympians have tread. Chris considers it the best trail he's ever run...checkout the pics. The rest of the day we enjoyed some much needed rest, delicious food, and relaxation. We loved Oregon, the weather, the mountains, the beauty!
In order to see more of the country, Chris and I drove down to Grass Valley to spend Christmas with the Tonissen/Morrish family. We surprised Mom and Dad by arriving a little earlier than expected and had a great few days to just hangout before Christmas. One of the greatest gifts I received was quality time with Melissa, Charlie and Jack...I have missed them a lot this year and it's a joy to watch them and learn from them as parents. During the week our activities included time with baby Jack, Christmas lights in Roseville, gingerbread creations, Cornish Christmas, quality family time, and a play date with Hannah and Elijah. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is having the entire family together (we missed Stefanie, Robert and the kids)! Especially, getting to surprise everyone with the news that we are having a baby girl!!! Chris and I are excited, blessed and praise God for His incredible gift to us.
Christmas day began with a delicious breakfast of Mom's homemade quiche (yummy!!!) and a fun-filled day of worship, presents, visiting and games. Family time is so precious and I am thankful for the amazing family God has blessed us with on both sides. It is a joy to know we are loved, supported, and prayed for continually as God leads us to fulfill His purposes.
One other highlight of our trip was a photo shoot of pregnancy pics with Alan...we are so impressed with his ability, his heart, and thankful for him giving us his time. I put a few pics below, but for more you can checkout facebook.
Thanks for letting us share our journey with you and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration. We praise God for another year ahead and look forward to how we can be used by Him as parents and in ministry. Love to you all...the Millers
We arrived in Portland, OR first and spent a few hours exploring downtown...Texans, if you think Austin is weird, go to Portland, they've got you beat for sure. Chris also had the chance to meet Grandma and Grandpa Tonissen at dinner our first night. The next day we enjoyed a day of exploring in Eugene at the University of Oregon. First stop, Heyward Field, where the Bill Bowerman (co-creator of Nike running shoes) statue stands. However, we were one day late, because the stadium was closed for resurfacing. I don't think I've ever seen such a disappointed look on Chris' face, I even contemplated walking away so Chris could jump the fence. BUT...God definitely knows the desires of our hearts (even small ones) and shortly after knocking on the door to the field, the cleaning lady turned the corner and allowed us onto the field as long as we promised not to walk on her mopped floors. Basically, we had the field and statue all to ourselves!!
Second stop, a goose-hunt to find the Steve Prefontaine memorial. We only knew a general area, so we drove, and drove, and drove...and then we saw it, a sign that pointed us in the right direction as we were leaving, what a blessing. Our third stop was running Pre's trail at Alton Baker Park where many famous runners and olympians have tread. Chris considers it the best trail he's ever run...checkout the pics. The rest of the day we enjoyed some much needed rest, delicious food, and relaxation. We loved Oregon, the weather, the mountains, the beauty!
In order to see more of the country, Chris and I drove down to Grass Valley to spend Christmas with the Tonissen/Morrish family. We surprised Mom and Dad by arriving a little earlier than expected and had a great few days to just hangout before Christmas. One of the greatest gifts I received was quality time with Melissa, Charlie and Jack...I have missed them a lot this year and it's a joy to watch them and learn from them as parents. During the week our activities included time with baby Jack, Christmas lights in Roseville, gingerbread creations, Cornish Christmas, quality family time, and a play date with Hannah and Elijah. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is having the entire family together (we missed Stefanie, Robert and the kids)! Especially, getting to surprise everyone with the news that we are having a baby girl!!! Chris and I are excited, blessed and praise God for His incredible gift to us.
Christmas day began with a delicious breakfast of Mom's homemade quiche (yummy!!!) and a fun-filled day of worship, presents, visiting and games. Family time is so precious and I am thankful for the amazing family God has blessed us with on both sides. It is a joy to know we are loved, supported, and prayed for continually as God leads us to fulfill His purposes.
One other highlight of our trip was a photo shoot of pregnancy pics with Alan...we are so impressed with his ability, his heart, and thankful for him giving us his time. I put a few pics below, but for more you can checkout facebook.
Thanks for letting us share our journey with you and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration. We praise God for another year ahead and look forward to how we can be used by Him as parents and in ministry. Love to you all...the Millers
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| Pre's Memorial |
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| Bill Bowerman statue (standing on a waffle iron) |
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| Stockyard Ginger |
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| Packer Stadium |
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