Stacy Navarro's Blog, page 4
August 26, 2014
Growing up-To all those who have ever shed a tear about their kids growing up.
Oh my goodness, I'm growing! Yes, I'm aware of my age. No I don't think I'll be getting any taller than my ginormous 5'2". BUT I've just had a realization... I'm not sad my kids are growing up. Now I can only imagine the groans and eye-rolls of all of you who grasped this concept long ago. I'll ask you to do me a favor and resist your urge to scoff for a minute. After all, I'm pouring out my heart here.
Of course, I've always been glad that my children are healthy and growing, but there have been plenty of times when I've dreaded the thought of them growing up and reaching the age when they had many plans that didn't include me. I know that's very selfish, but I'm being honest.
Here's the good news:
I was sitting in my garden this morning thinking about my kiddos. My oldest has just graduated high school. Her sister is right behind her as a senior this year. Before I know it the boys will be there too. Anyway, imagine my shock this morning when a rush of excitement ran through me as I thought about how grown up my kids are becoming. The sorrow I once felt at the thought of my "babies" growing up has disappeared without my realizing it.
Sure we celebrate our children's accomplishments with them; graduations, job interviews, driver's licenses, mission trips... But admittedly, there are often those moments of sadness that creep in. We miss that newborn smell and that chubby little toddler hand that would wrap around our finger on a walk. In this crazy world, the thought of them being truly independent can be downright scary.
Well, God has finally gotten it through my thick skull (yet another example of His amazing power :). Change, steps forward are the only way for them to become what He wants. They love the Lord and are seeking His will in their lives. This is the whole point of parenting! Yes, I've known this, but rejoicing in it is the difference I'm talking about.
Anyone who has ever planted a garden can relate to the feeling of satisfaction when you see that first glimpse of green poking through the dirt where you'd planted a seed just a week or so before. The real sense of accomplishment comes weeks later when you see blossoms that soon become a tiny squash or tomato. After all, that's the whole reason the garden was planted; to feed our loved ones. Tending our garden triggers a wide range of emotions. Some days bring pure enjoyment feeling the breeze cool us as we slowly water those tender plants in the late evening. Other times the back aching weed-pulling that causes sweat to drip down our face may bring doubt as to whether what we will reap is really worth all of this work.
Well, my little brain is paralleling that with parenting. We teach them, pray for them, correct them, love them; it's hard work but rewarding. So don't be sad when they grow up, figure out what their purpose is, and do it. Celebrate! Of course I still sometimes wince when they pull out of the driveway without me. SO I pray for them, and spend time with them, and AHEM, correct/advise them. But really, I need to recognize missing them as growing pains and grow ourselves. When their dependence on us shrinks we get opportunities to serve in other ways; write, teach others, learn, cook for neighbors...ANYTHING the Lord would have us do.
No moping, people...let's grow.
Of course, I've always been glad that my children are healthy and growing, but there have been plenty of times when I've dreaded the thought of them growing up and reaching the age when they had many plans that didn't include me. I know that's very selfish, but I'm being honest.
Here's the good news:
I was sitting in my garden this morning thinking about my kiddos. My oldest has just graduated high school. Her sister is right behind her as a senior this year. Before I know it the boys will be there too. Anyway, imagine my shock this morning when a rush of excitement ran through me as I thought about how grown up my kids are becoming. The sorrow I once felt at the thought of my "babies" growing up has disappeared without my realizing it.
Sure we celebrate our children's accomplishments with them; graduations, job interviews, driver's licenses, mission trips... But admittedly, there are often those moments of sadness that creep in. We miss that newborn smell and that chubby little toddler hand that would wrap around our finger on a walk. In this crazy world, the thought of them being truly independent can be downright scary.
Well, God has finally gotten it through my thick skull (yet another example of His amazing power :). Change, steps forward are the only way for them to become what He wants. They love the Lord and are seeking His will in their lives. This is the whole point of parenting! Yes, I've known this, but rejoicing in it is the difference I'm talking about.
Anyone who has ever planted a garden can relate to the feeling of satisfaction when you see that first glimpse of green poking through the dirt where you'd planted a seed just a week or so before. The real sense of accomplishment comes weeks later when you see blossoms that soon become a tiny squash or tomato. After all, that's the whole reason the garden was planted; to feed our loved ones. Tending our garden triggers a wide range of emotions. Some days bring pure enjoyment feeling the breeze cool us as we slowly water those tender plants in the late evening. Other times the back aching weed-pulling that causes sweat to drip down our face may bring doubt as to whether what we will reap is really worth all of this work.
Well, my little brain is paralleling that with parenting. We teach them, pray for them, correct them, love them; it's hard work but rewarding. So don't be sad when they grow up, figure out what their purpose is, and do it. Celebrate! Of course I still sometimes wince when they pull out of the driveway without me. SO I pray for them, and spend time with them, and AHEM, correct/advise them. But really, I need to recognize missing them as growing pains and grow ourselves. When their dependence on us shrinks we get opportunities to serve in other ways; write, teach others, learn, cook for neighbors...ANYTHING the Lord would have us do.
No moping, people...let's grow.
July 26, 2014
My world turned upside down; my body is not my own.
Ok, show of hands, who here has ever said words that have come back to slap them in the face? Well, if you just nodded in agreement, you're not alone.
This is exactly what happened to me today when I decided to reread my last few blogs hoping to spark a writing cord. Instead what it led to was my jaw hitting the floor.
I guess I must share a personal aspect of my life if I expect you to get the affect of why I sit with my mouth gaping at my own words. Well, my friends, on May 4 I was slammed with a huge trial...
Stroke or not a stroke? That was the question. Paralysis of my right side and inability to swallow normally was certainly reason for concern. No 37 year old expects to experience that.
Now, two and a half months later, I have been blessed to have made great progress. But if I'm honest, I still feel as though I've been thrown into an alternate universe. I am faced with questions that I don't have answers to and a whole new set of challenges. I admit, seeing them written down makes me feel selfish, but I will humble myself and admit them: My unlimited amount of hyper energy that has always allowed me to call sleep a waste of time is now limited to all my efforts going toward daily functions. The wife who could slide across the wood floor into her husbands arms while dinner cooked and laundry washed is slow as a turtle. The mom that could give her kiddos a run for their money in a race and jump on the trampoline is missing. The carpool mom that always has the maximum amount of passengers is at the mercy of others to drive her where she needs to go. The church secretary that is so excited to be a part of the ministry is now told even a few small tasks is too taxing and exhausting her body. It feels I am no longer me. I'm not gonna lie...it's hard! So, I've found myself asking...What do I do now?
Whew, that was an awful display of a pity party! Anybody still with me? Well, to anyone who managed to plow through that list of whimpers, let me say this...
Just one week before this terrible thing happened to me I wrote a blog titled "My Remedy". Rereading this has given me a jab in the side; not because I said things that were wiser than any other advice I've been given. It's just crazy that, completely unaware of what I would suffer, I wrote words that would challenge me to live out my faith regardless the circumstances and remind me of my beliefs. Of all things, why did I write about my remedy and the benefit of struggles?....THAT IS THE LORD! I'm reminded of who I am.
I serve an awesome God who loves me and will never leave me. He is completely capable of using me to bring Him glory no matter my circumstances. I am praying now to continue to have the courage to be joyful in all things and praise Him in this storm. My body is His; it's not my own.
"Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Feel free to read "My Remedy" and let me know what you think.
This is exactly what happened to me today when I decided to reread my last few blogs hoping to spark a writing cord. Instead what it led to was my jaw hitting the floor.
I guess I must share a personal aspect of my life if I expect you to get the affect of why I sit with my mouth gaping at my own words. Well, my friends, on May 4 I was slammed with a huge trial...
Stroke or not a stroke? That was the question. Paralysis of my right side and inability to swallow normally was certainly reason for concern. No 37 year old expects to experience that.
Now, two and a half months later, I have been blessed to have made great progress. But if I'm honest, I still feel as though I've been thrown into an alternate universe. I am faced with questions that I don't have answers to and a whole new set of challenges. I admit, seeing them written down makes me feel selfish, but I will humble myself and admit them: My unlimited amount of hyper energy that has always allowed me to call sleep a waste of time is now limited to all my efforts going toward daily functions. The wife who could slide across the wood floor into her husbands arms while dinner cooked and laundry washed is slow as a turtle. The mom that could give her kiddos a run for their money in a race and jump on the trampoline is missing. The carpool mom that always has the maximum amount of passengers is at the mercy of others to drive her where she needs to go. The church secretary that is so excited to be a part of the ministry is now told even a few small tasks is too taxing and exhausting her body. It feels I am no longer me. I'm not gonna lie...it's hard! So, I've found myself asking...What do I do now?
Whew, that was an awful display of a pity party! Anybody still with me? Well, to anyone who managed to plow through that list of whimpers, let me say this...
Just one week before this terrible thing happened to me I wrote a blog titled "My Remedy". Rereading this has given me a jab in the side; not because I said things that were wiser than any other advice I've been given. It's just crazy that, completely unaware of what I would suffer, I wrote words that would challenge me to live out my faith regardless the circumstances and remind me of my beliefs. Of all things, why did I write about my remedy and the benefit of struggles?....THAT IS THE LORD! I'm reminded of who I am.
I serve an awesome God who loves me and will never leave me. He is completely capable of using me to bring Him glory no matter my circumstances. I am praying now to continue to have the courage to be joyful in all things and praise Him in this storm. My body is His; it's not my own.
"Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Feel free to read "My Remedy" and let me know what you think.
April 26, 2014
My Remedy
Life's tasks and stresses will gladly consume my time and energy. Before I know it, I'm an accomplished ball of nerves that isn't as nice or focused as I could be...and that's putting it nicely.
I think if I asked some honest friends they'd own up to that too.
Well, let's just say I was there this week. This a.m. I tied up my tennis shoes and headed out the door. We'd gotten a rare rain and it was nippy, but I knew better than to deny myself this for one more minute. So, I wrapped a scarf around my neck, stuck some cotton in my ears and headed out.
Less than fifty steps and I noticed my stride changing. There was bounce in my step and my arms began to swing as I took in the beauty around me. A few deep breaths and words began spilling out to my Lord. They started off as a frustrated rant questioning how I was to handle some of the difficult situations, but within a few minutes I found myself laughing and thinking of all I should be thanking Him for. Yes, I was laughing out loud on a public road, all alone. I know, I'm sure I looked insane. BUT, I felt anything but crazy. I felt free. Outside, among the huge space of outdoors and consciously aware of our HUGE God; my problems felt teeny tiny.
Before I knew it, I was jogging. It's been weeks since I've done this. My once daily remedy has been wadded up and tossed out as one of the tasks on my list I can do without.
No more my friends...some days my body will be too tired, and I'll just plop in the yard and stare at the sky. For me, though, there's just something about it that puts everything in perspective. I know, IT'S MY LORD. Undistracted by my gaze around the house that leads my mind to add more to-dos to my list I can focus on Him.
I am blessed with so much; a great family, home, job...NOTHING is enough w/o Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for pulling me out of my tailspins, grabbing my shoulders, and facing my attention in the right direction. Even when I'm not sure what your goal for me is; I know if I cling to you, that it will be even better than I can imagine if I give you glory in it.
So, friends, I had to share my remedy. Maybe you can't physically run, or it's too cold to go outside. But I encourage you to beg God for your remedy. I know you'll get an answer because he's it; peace, refreshment, an all out attitude adjustment. ;)
I think if I asked some honest friends they'd own up to that too.
Well, let's just say I was there this week. This a.m. I tied up my tennis shoes and headed out the door. We'd gotten a rare rain and it was nippy, but I knew better than to deny myself this for one more minute. So, I wrapped a scarf around my neck, stuck some cotton in my ears and headed out.
Less than fifty steps and I noticed my stride changing. There was bounce in my step and my arms began to swing as I took in the beauty around me. A few deep breaths and words began spilling out to my Lord. They started off as a frustrated rant questioning how I was to handle some of the difficult situations, but within a few minutes I found myself laughing and thinking of all I should be thanking Him for. Yes, I was laughing out loud on a public road, all alone. I know, I'm sure I looked insane. BUT, I felt anything but crazy. I felt free. Outside, among the huge space of outdoors and consciously aware of our HUGE God; my problems felt teeny tiny.
Before I knew it, I was jogging. It's been weeks since I've done this. My once daily remedy has been wadded up and tossed out as one of the tasks on my list I can do without.
No more my friends...some days my body will be too tired, and I'll just plop in the yard and stare at the sky. For me, though, there's just something about it that puts everything in perspective. I know, IT'S MY LORD. Undistracted by my gaze around the house that leads my mind to add more to-dos to my list I can focus on Him.
I am blessed with so much; a great family, home, job...NOTHING is enough w/o Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for pulling me out of my tailspins, grabbing my shoulders, and facing my attention in the right direction. Even when I'm not sure what your goal for me is; I know if I cling to you, that it will be even better than I can imagine if I give you glory in it.
So, friends, I had to share my remedy. Maybe you can't physically run, or it's too cold to go outside. But I encourage you to beg God for your remedy. I know you'll get an answer because he's it; peace, refreshment, an all out attitude adjustment. ;)
April 18, 2014
The benefit of our struggles
In my book, 'Hand Over Your Heart', Lainey feels led to work with children with special needs. Challenges she was faced with as a one pound preemie helped her to see potential and value in EVERY person!...Don't you think we can all look at our struggles as a way God has helped us to seek His strength and relate with other people?
August 8, 2013
Living the moment in a book
Since it's only been just under a year that I've been brave enough to expose my writing to anyone besides the dust bunnies under my bed, the joy of talking with my readers is still pretty new to me. Hopefully, I'll still feel the rush in twenty years when I have many more books under my belt(thinking on the positive, ya know!).
Today a coworker approached me with relief in her eyes. She's just two chapters in to my second book, Hand Over Your Heart. She told me how she was mortified that poor Lainey had to endure such tough judgment from Caleb, but she was excited that it seemed like he might be easing up on her as the story went on.
I was thrilled by her reaction. It's always great to know I'm not the only reader that gets emotionally involved with my characters; including being a little miffed when they're not treated fairly.
Keep reading, Bev, and let me know what you think.
Love you guys and your input!
Today a coworker approached me with relief in her eyes. She's just two chapters in to my second book, Hand Over Your Heart. She told me how she was mortified that poor Lainey had to endure such tough judgment from Caleb, but she was excited that it seemed like he might be easing up on her as the story went on.
I was thrilled by her reaction. It's always great to know I'm not the only reader that gets emotionally involved with my characters; including being a little miffed when they're not treated fairly.
Keep reading, Bev, and let me know what you think.
Love you guys and your input!
July 20, 2013
Hand Over Your Heart Giveaway
Okay, fellow readers, here I go with my first post ever! I just discovered that Goodreads holds giveaways. After entering to win a few I thought, 'Hey, I should do a giveaway with my new book HAND OVER YOUR HEART'! So, ready...set...go; make sure you enter. Can't wait to see who wins :) Looking forward to hearing what you guys think of it.
