Safe and Sound

We just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas (even if it is late) and all the best in the New Year!! 

We just made it back from Kelowna today and are exhausted, a little sick from the flu and desperately needing to get back on schedule!  I have lots to share and lots of pictures to post, but will have to play catch up later.  

Praise the Lord for good roads, safe travels and that we made it both to Kelowna and back again safe and sound!

God Bless,

The Gooches

5 Years Ago.....

I made the most important decision of my life----and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart to be my personal Saviour.

I don't usually get too personal about my faith on this blog, but this time I will. I have been reflecting a lot lately on the 5 year anniversary and was trying to think of a way to... I guess document it. I really want my kids to know about my journey with the Lord. I want to be able to encourage them, love them, praise them and just be there for them and show them that no matter what challenges they face in life, God will ALWAYS be with them. I want God to be the centre of their lives and will strive to live as an example to them. Since becoming a mother I think that the biggest burden I have on my heart is trying to be the best Christian mother I can possibly be, and lately I feel like I am failing in so many areas, but I know that God has mercy on me, and through God's grace and answers to prayer I will get better!

So looking back on a few things that I have learned and that have helped me grow, I decided to do a list! I am still a work in progress and even though I have heard some of these scriptures over and over again, it takes a bit to just sink in! :o)

1.) I now know what it means to have a personal relationship with the Lord. I never knew what this meant and how important it is and has been in my life.

2.) DO NOT WORRY! I have had the following scriptures pasted on my fridge, mirror, where ever for a few years now. I need these constant reminders ALL OF THE TIME as I am a chronic worrier.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:25-27

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, Oh you of little faith?

Matthew 6:28-30

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

3.) Persecution. I knew that being a Christian was not always going to be this wonderful, blissful walk with the Lord (that will come later in heaven), but I never anticipated the persecution, insults, judgement that I have received. So these versus are constant reminders that I am not alone.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (this is not an easy task)

Romans 12:14

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:12-13

4.) Perseverance! There have been so many times when I have just wanted to give up, just pack it in and forget about trying to live my life according to God's will. The amount of critisism we have received for the decisions that we have made is sometimes just too much. We make all of our decisions based on prayer and seeking God's will. Unfortunately there are not many that will ever understand that and have said some pretty harsh stuff about us. One example (there are many more)is our trip to Australia. Tonnes of research (you have no idea how many years) went into this move, and most importantly a lot of prayer and really seeking God's wisdom and provision. So many doors were opened and opened wide. Even though we came back a lot sooner than we anticipated we still believe 100% that it was God's will for us to go there. Too many prayers were answered in some pretty incredible ways while we were there, and we also learned some pretty amazing, difficult, but important lessons. However, we are continuously critized (and of course John is always blamed) for the money that we spent. We don't really care about the money, after all it is just money. It is not money that we serve or that provides for us, it is GOD and only GOD. That was a huge lesson for us. Was it a struggle when we were in Australia, you have no idea! Most of the critics are unfortunately those who have never moved out of the country and tried to live and settle in a new country, haven't done much travelling, but think they know everything.

I get pretty frustrated and upset over this, but lately as I have been talking to God, the one thing that he has revealed to me and laid on my heart over and over and over is the image of Christ on the cross during his last hours facing these people who only a week ago were worshipping and praising his name, witnessed miracle upon miracle and now were ordering his death, hurling insults, and in the midst of all of this the Lord Jesus said, "Forgive them Father for they do not know". Powerful words in such an agonizing time, but so true. So something that I really need to work on and remind myself of. These people need Jesus in their lives and they just simply do not know Him, but I pray that one day they will know Him.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

5.) Sharing my personal relationship with the Lord with my husband. I am so blessed that i can share my tears, my fears, the joys, the hardships with my husband. It is amazing that we can share this intimate spiritual connection because of our relationship and committment to the Lord Jesus Christ. I could not imagine if we did not have the same beliefs and did not want to live our lives for the Lord and follow his will accordingly. Praise the Lord for our unity!

There are a lot more things that I could write, but I won't. I am so blessed and even though there have been so many hardships these last few years, there have also been so many blessings. The Lord has answered so many of our prayers and has provided us with so many blessings or miracles, it is sometimes overwhelming. God Bless you and I hope that you take the time to rejoice in this magical season as we celebrate the best gift of all, the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ!

A Bit of Randomness

1.) I have been so EXHAUSTED lately. I know, I know, I am pregnant, but I am past the first trimester so my energy should be coming back soon--I hope! So with this exhaustion I seem to put Zech into bed and then crawl into bed shortly after myself--pretty sad. I am behind in emails, commenting on blogs, phone calls, cleaning, you name it!

2.) My sister-in-law just shared this picture with me! She just had some family pictures done last weekend and they are absolutely stunning!! Her photographer just started her business and was actually a mother of a kid that went to school with my youngest nephew. She did a great job and of course it helps that they are such a photogenic family! You can check out the slideshow here.

3.) Read this on our friends blog and thought it was an interesting read. Especially with all of the political hype that has been going on both here in Canada and in the States. (You will have to read on the left hand side for the post titled "Defining Politics", he posts a lot of stuff (good reads if you have the time--I might add), but it may be hard to find the post I am talking about)

4.) My friend Heather continues to inspire me. She just completed a 20 page scrap book challenge and I was lucky enough to see all twenty of her pages while we were at their place visiting. I am so amazed that she was able to complete 20 pages with a newborn and two year old in tow! I can't even complete one page and I just have Zech! I absolutely love her work too!

5.) Compassion Canada has an amazing blog that just grabs me and puts me to tears every time I read it. I don't know what it is, but both John and I are so touched and affected by children who are suffering, we both are brought to tears and desire to do so much more. We are sponsors and it really is such a blessing to have these kids in our family. We are so fortunate and take so much for granted here.

6.) Operation Christmas Child just ended it's annual campaign. I have tried to make this an annual activity, but missed out last year. I had a lot of fun this year doing up a couple of boxes. I would really like to make this a part of our family Christmas traditions. I think it is such a great way to teach our kids about giving to those less fortunate and to show them how blessed we really are. Then I was quickly enraged to discover that there is controversy about this program because they give a Bible out with each shoebox (in their native language) to the kids. My goodness, what is next! Is this really all that some people can be upset about; a great program that teaches kids about those less fortunate and how to give and not take for granted all of the wonderful things that they are blessed with. I am appalled! No, instead we force sex education, drug education, let our kids watch all sorts of filth on TV at an extremely young age and this is what enrages some people the fact that a Bible is given out! Pathetic!

7.) My big plan was to finish all of my Christmas shopping by December. That did not happen, but I am close and all the presents that I do have are all wrapped and ready to go. As for Christmas baking and Christmas cards.......the baking may be sparse this year and the Christmas cards are ordered and just arrived today!

8.) I got to hear the baby's heartbeat today and it truly was incredible. It kind of made everything seem so real now (not that my growing belly--ok huge belly didn't---I questioned whether it was one or two heartbeats---i am so big this time)!

9.) We had Zech weighed and measured the other day. He is a whopping 28 lbs. 8 oz. and is 3 ft 1 1/2 inches tall. He is in the 50th percentile for his weight and the 95th for his height. Not much as changed, but I was quite surprised at his height. We measured him right before he turned two and he was just barely three feet, and now he is over! Little monkey!

10.) Zech is so into Christmas this year. He just loves all the lights, the snowmen, Santa, baby Jesus, you name it. It is so much fun watching him and sharing in his sweet, innocent, excitement. It really makes you appreciate all the small things and of course the most important things surrounding this beautiful holiday.

GrEIGHTful!

Once again a little late, but better late than never!

I take back what I said a few weeks ago about being grateful for the right to vote, because as it stands with our current situation with our government I am disgusted, irrate and angry. Our votes mean nothing and this is far from being a true "democratic" country. I will continue to pray for this lost, confused nation of ours, but I have lost a lot of hope. God please save this country!!!!

On a lighter note, it has been a busy, tiring and eventful week. Lots to be grateful for!

1.) My sister who looked after Zech for a day, so that John could get some productive studying in. Zech LOVES being with his Aunty, and cousin Jonas and of course his Uncle too. She also made us supper!

2.) That another week of work has ended! :o) Lots happening, not always easy to deal with!

3.) A chance to get together with my friend Pamela and go for a nice, adventureous walk! :o) Pam and her hubby are expecting their first and are about a week ahead of us! So excited for them!

4.) Bright NIghts with the Nenasheffs! We had a great time and Zech went nuts looking at all the lights!

5.) A chance to connect with some dear friends! We went to Calgary on Sunday and spent the night with the Moll family! It was so awesome to see them and meet Silas for the first time. It was too short and filled with a lot of excitement. Zech was pretty excited to see Helayna and made a point of showing off. He was so full of energy, he really played John and I out! We really did have a good time and are so thankful that we could stay with them!

6.) A chance to see Vince, one of John's good friends that just recently moved to Calgary. These two have quite the history.

7.) Safe travels and a good reliable vehicle--praise the Lord!

8.) My wonderful husband who gets me up every morning, makes my lunch and drives and picks me up from work. Not to mention all of the work he does around the house, looks after Zech and goes to work and studies hard. He is just an amazing man and I am so blessed to have him in my life!

Jokes from a two year old...

One of the many things I LOVE about my little boy is his amazing sense of humour! Who would have thought (I know that I never did) that a two year old would be capable of joking around.

Now I am sure you must be curious how this little monkey of mine jokes around, well let me tell you!

Every morning when he wakes up this is our conversation!

Mom/Dad: Are you hungry?

Zech: Yeah!

Mom/Dad: What would you like to eat?

Zech: Icecream? (followed by uncontrollable laughter)

Mom/Dad: No, you can't have icecream for breakfast you silly boy!

Zech: Cake? (followed by even more laughter)

Mom/Dad: No, you can't have cake for breakfast (laughing)!

Zech: Cookies? (laughter turns into snorting)

Mom/Dad: No, you can't have cookies for breakfst (by this time it is hysterical laughter and tickles and then we start over....)

Zech: Icecream, cookies? (thinking maybe if I ask for two, I may just get one)

It is pretty funny and he thinks he is just the funniest guy on earth. Maybe we have a comedian in the makings!

The second thing he LOVES to do is pretend to sleep. We'll be playing and right in the middle of playtime, he looks at you and waves and says "night night" and drops to the ground and pretends to fall asleep. The funny thing about his pretend sleeping is that he snores and he even closes his eyes. Then he wakes up and we say good morning and tickle him like crazy. This little game could go on for a good half hour or longer. It just cracks me up that he actually does a pretend snore and if we are talking, he will open his eyes and give us the "SHHH" (he even uses his finger)!! This kid is too funny!!

(His cheeky boy look)

GrEIGHTful!

I know it's already Wednesday!! This week is going by really fast, but I did want to get my GrEightful list up before next week, so I don't have to play catch up again!! :o)

This week I am grateful for:

1.) The fact that I survived my first LONG week at work!! It was hard and I am exhausted!

2.) That we all slept in on Saturday! I was worried that Zech would wake up at 6:30, but we all must have been tired and slept in until 8:30! Those extra two hours were marvelous!

3.) That we made it through the first trimester with no complications!! It has been a LONG, exhausting first trimester and I thought it would never end, but it is getting better already!

4.) Lunch and shopping with the Nenasheffs!

5.) A chance to meet some of John's friends from High School (who live in Alberta now). It is amazing how many people John has re-connected with on facebook (and I as well). This weekend though, we had the chance to meet up with some friends that he has not seen in about 20 years. It was really great and I was so amazed at how they were able to just pick up right where the left off and get into some really deep, encouraging conversations. We look forward to seeing them again!

6.) My sister and brother-in-law and the wonderful supper they came over and made for us! Plus we got to babysit Jonas while they went to the movie. It was nice to have some alone Aunty and Uncle time with him, but he really missed his parents and wasn't too keen on going to sleep! He is a real cutie though--even when he is upset!!! :o)

7.) My beautiful little boy! He is amazing and we are so blessed to have him in our lives. Plus, he is the best darn veggie and fruit eater I have ever seen! This kid thinks that raw broccoli and cauliflower is a treat!!

8.) Photoshop! I wish I could take perfect pictures all the time that never require any editting, but I am far from being that good--yet! ;o) I love Photoshop and don't know what I would do without it. So here are some of the pictures that I took of Zechy after I editted them!

The Inevitable

I wanted to wait just a little longer, but it appears that I just don't have control over everything or most importantly how my body is once again changing right before my eyes.  I honestly didn't think that I was even showing, but it has started, random people coming right out and asking if it is number #2.  I can't lie and soon everyone is going to know, so it is ANNOUNCEMENT time.

Yes we are very happy to announce that Baby G #2 is on its way.  I am 13 weeks prego, with the estimated arrival June 1st, 2009.  We are pretty excited and a little nervous since the first pregnancy was pretty rough! So please do keep us in your prayers!!!

Zech is pretty excited and we are so amazed at how much he understands.  Or misunderstands--he pointed to John's belly and asked if that was the baby and then he lifted up his shirt thinking the baby was in his belly, but then I explained that the baby is only in Mommy's belly and I think he understands now.  He gives me and the baby lots of kisses (it is soooo sweet) and he likes to show the baby his toys, so every night I get trucks, trains and cars driving over the belly!  Plus he has a book on being a big brother and he loves it! So much so, he started ripping the pages out and carries around the picture of the baby that he ripped out---erghhh!

Lots of changes once again, but we are so excited and feel so blessed! And we really do need your prayers!! :o)