Little Godzilla Ruined My Day!

As a military spouse, we face extended times of separation.  During those times it is the job of the people left behind to take care of the families of the soldiers who are gone.  We do everything from mowing lawn to babysitting in order to make sure long times apart are a little bit easier.

My family chose to help another family who was facing an 6 month deployment.  We were happy to jump in.  We didn't know each other very well, but when you're military, you're family.  When that spouse calls, you answer, no matter what! 

The girls and I were getting ready for a picnic with my husband's unit and their families.  Translation: we were all bathed, hair done, cute outfits (and I'd even managed to put on some make-up, which is a VERY rare happening in our house!) and ready to go.

Just as we were on our way out the door, I received a frantic phone call from the spouse who we were supporting.  I automatically feared the worst: the loss of our soldier.  After calming her down enough to understand what she was saying, I was relieved to find out that her husband was fine, but the family lizard was not.  

Yup, that's what I said: The family lizard died! 

After taking a deep breath myself, to process what she'd just said to me, I asked what I could do to help.  She immediately responded that I should come over.  So, without hesitation, I loaded up the kiddos and over we went.

I had no idea what the expect, but when I arrived, she was hysterical.  After calming her down, I asked what she would like to do with the lizard.  She wanted to bury it.  So, we got a box and shovel and out to the yard we went.  She gave me the shovel and, through her crying and mumbling, pointed to the spot she'd like the lizard buried....Looks like I'm the one digging the hole!

So here we are, me (in a super cute sundress and flip-flops w/ full done hair and make up) in the 100 degree heat, digging a hole for some random reptile's final resting place, whilst Little Godzilla's owner is sobbing uncontrollably.  The excavation took about 15 minutes, we lowered the box into the hole, I covered it up and turned around to walk inside.

I thought the weird part of this situation was over, after all, the lizard was in his final resting place.  NOPE-Now I'm asked to say a few words and perhaps a prayer.

At this point, I had no idea what to say, but being the good Pastor's Kid that I am, the 23rd Psalm just started coming out of my mouth....

When I had finished residing over Little Godzilla's funeral service, it was time to leave.  I was SUPER late to the picnic and had to tell my husband and his boss 3 times what had happened b/c no one could really believe I was now officially a reptilian reverend.

In the end, I am happy that in her hard time, I was able to help.  It was weird, but I will do anything for my military sister!  I just hope that next time it doesn't involve any reptiles! 

Dear Bottle Feeding Mommy,

Dear Bottle-feeding Mommy,

You are doing an amazing job! Having a baby is the most challenging adventure you will ever take on as a woman.  You are loving and nurturing your baby every day and night, despite the lack of sleep, inexperience, and huge changes, you are succeeding (and it does get easier!).

I know that every time you take out a bottle in public, you feel a sense of dread.  I know that you wonder if the looks from other moms are looks of disappointment and disapproval.  They are not.  You are doing the best for your baby.  I know that not breastfeeding is a hard choice that you very seriously considered. Maybe you work and after trying to pump, in a dark room so many times a day, you just couldn't do it anymore.  That's OK, you are not cheating your baby by bottle feeding.

Or maybe for you, it was not a choice.  Perhaps you tried everything and your body or baby didn't cooperate.  You've agonized, lost sleep, and cried countless nights with a baby at your breast that was losing weight and still would not eat from you.  I know you didn't make this choice lightly or decide to bottle feed b/c you just thought it would be easier. You tried so hard, but in the end, it just wasn't meant for you and this baby.

Rest assured, us breastfeeding moms are not better than you and we are not judging you.  We are lucky it worked for us.  We are blessed to have that experience, so that is why we share our thoughts, pictures, and encouragement with you, perhaps naively at times.  Maybe we've said things about it that have hurt you, I am sorry, our intention is NEVER to hurt another hard working, caring mom.

Your sweet baby doesn't love you any less b/c you snuggle her, lovingly in your arms, with a bottle instead of a breast.  She is still your baby, she is still bonding with you every time you hold her, feed her, and talk to her.  You are not robbing your baby of any of your love by not breastfeeding.

There is not a "Breastfed" or "Bottle fed" box to check of on your child's college application.  No one asks in a job interview if your child was breastfed or bottle fed.  You are raising a baby who is going to be a meaningful part of society, breastfed or not. So take a deep breath, and stop feeling guilty.

Next time you take out that bottle in public, know that we are all in this together, us Moms! We are trying our best to do what we can to love and nurture our kids.  Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks about you not breastfeeding! You are a great mom and you're doing great at the most difficult job in the world.

Love and Sisterhood,
Breastfeeding Mom

Christians are mean!

I must preface this by saying this is not meant to be a complaint, but rather, an encouragement to true believers.  I love how I grew up. I have amazing parents. God showed our family great favor b/c of my father's integrity while he faithfully lead and my mother's true joy in submission to both my father and God.

I am a PK (Pastor's Kid).  I spent most every day inside the church building.  We used to jokingly say that if the doors were open, we were there, and even when the doors were closed, we were still there.

Because of my family's fierce devotion to God's calling, I have seen the gross underbelly of the church-the people who do anything to hurt those in charge, others so self-centered they choose to follow their own will rather than God's, and worstly, those who hurt us personally in order to feel better about sin in their own lives.

I am not suggesting my family was perfect.  We argued, we (mostly me in my teenage years) yelled, and there were more than a few slammed doors (again, those teenage years, YIKES).  But we always knew that the unconditional love of Jesus is what governed our family, our relationships, and our actions.  Despite rarely seeing that love manifested in a meaningful way in our interactions with church members.

That love, that glorious, unconditional, SAVING love of Jesus is what we as Christ-followers are called to.  Period, no if's, and's or but's about it! The sad thing is, I can count on one hand the number of times I actually saw that love conveyed within our various church families....

Which leads me to understand why so many of my PK counterparts have walked away from the churches they were raised in.  Churches have failed us-we have been taught about rules and rituals, but never been truly embraced and loved by those who were following our fathers' Godly leadings.

I am not suggesting that all churches are like that, but let me share a few of my own experiences:

In my pre-teen and teen years my Sunday School teacher actually called me a whore b/c of the dress I wore one Sunday (which my mother bought me and was more than modest!).  On another occasion, a girl in our youth group bought tickets for everyone to attend a Christian concert, but said to my face (in front of the whole youth group) that she didn't invite me b/c I was the PK.  I also had someone stalk me daily at school, intimidating me, yelling horrible slurs about my family and me b/c their family didn't like the new direction God was leading the church after my family's arrival.  (And these are only a few of the crazy ways I experienced church life.)

My parents were always quick to defend us.  They held us to THEIR Godly standards, not the expected standards of PK perfection (which are unattainable even for most adults).  They made sure we knew that we were accountable to them and God, not others.  For that, I am very thankful, as I believe it is the main reason I didn't just give up on these "crazy Christians" and walk away.

I still go to a Bible preaching church.  However, I have a difficult time volunteering to serve.  I am paralyzed by the idea of getting too involved and thus, ending up back on the "inside" where everyone's dirty laundry or hidden agenda, become the focus....

I know other PKs, who are now adults, and literally have anxiety when going to church.  Concerned that they will be hurt by people who call themselves Christians, but then act otherwise.

As a result of my experiences with Christians,  I don't want to be a Christian.  It's become an ugly word to me-and most of our society these days.  A word that means you say one thing and do the opposite, or you harshly judge others so you don't have to look at your own sin.  I don't want to be a hypocrite-I want to be someone with a real relationship with my God and Savior.  I want to be a Christ-follower.

I spent many hours praying this through with God.  I have come to truly appreciate those in my life that were genuine Christ-followers.  The ones who stood up and did what was right.  The ones who were not drug down by misgivings, and falsehoods of others only in the church to seek their own human satisfaction.

Those people, like my parents, various youth leaders, adopted grandparents, and family friends, are the ones I am blessed to know.  The ones God used and continues to use in my life to keep me on His path.

I now look at our most turbulent times with a new, eternal perspective.  I know God allowed me to see these things so I understand how to be real-not "I am following all the rules to be a good Christian" real, but "I'm broken and can't survive today without Jesus' love" real.

I pray that someday I will be able to volunteer in a church, fully committed to serving without opening up things in my past that have hurt so badly, but for now, I know that's part of my brokenness.  Part of my long, bumpy road to eternal glory and someday, by God's grace, I'll get there.

I didn't write this to discourage you, or complain about my tough experiences.

My intention is simply to challenge you to do 2 things:

1.) Look at what your actions are saying-Are you a TRUE Christ-Follower? What in your life demonstrates that you are?  Be real with yourself and God, but also be real with the people you go to church with.  Even when you think it's too ugly, complicated, or big, share it with the world-you never know who might be encouraged by your struggle and/or encourage you through your struggle! That's what true Christ-followers do for each other (it's in the Bible, folks! Hebrews 10:19-25 is my favorite for this one!)

2.) Uplift your your Pastor.  Be the love of Jesus to his family, you may be the only one doing that.  Satan attacks those who love God and are doing his work, so if your pastor is leading your church in a Godly direction, Satan is going to do all he can to stop that! Don't stand by silently and let Satan beat your pastor down-instead, stand with him, love him, encourage him, and know that it has an eternal impact.

Everything we do should have an eternal impact! Be a Christ-Follower in all you do.

What does your tag say?

I am a bargain hunter, to say the least.  My favorite place to shop for clothes is thrift stores.  I needed some new "lounging" pants, so I bought the most comfortable pair of yoga pants I've ever worn.  They are soft, stretchy, and fit me perfectly.  As I was pulling them up, I noticed the tag read "Maternity Pants".  Since I am done with that stage of my life, I didn't want that tag in my drawer.  I know it sounds silly, but for some reason just seeing it makes me feel badly about myself physically.

So what's a girl to do? Well, instead of just getting rid of those comfy pants, I just cut out that menacing tag.  Now no one will ever know (except my blog readers, shhh!!!). The problem is, deep down, every time I put on those pants, I know what the tag once said.

Today during my devotions, God brought that pesky tag to my mind...What sinful things in my life are so cozy that I don't call them sin anymore? What things have I "cut the tag" out of so I don't have to see the sin and change my behavior?

I cut out my "Pride Tag": I often omit details in situations where I may look weak or foolish, in order to preserve my ego, but at the expense of the entire truth.  I do it sometimes now without even noticing it, because it is more comfortable to leave out my shortcomings, than to admit I messed up or need help.

I cut out my "Gossip Tag": I ask others how people are doing, so I can "be in the know" about what is going on.  That always ends up in a conversation that is negative.   I should just call the person and ask myself, but it's easier to just talk about them.

I cut out my "Impatience Tag": My 3 year old loves to help me with household chores, but oftentimes she makes a bigger mess or takes so long, I get annoyed.  Instead of practicing patience and loving guidance, I flip on a movie so she will not bother me.

As I began to pray, God lead me to my Verse of the Day:"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" James 4:17

All of these sins used to bother me, much like that maternity tag, because I knew they were wrong and did them anyway and that made me uncomfortable.  But living the way God has called us to is not comfortable,  so why do we feel like it should be? We know what is right, yet justify away our behavior so we can be more cozy in our sins.

I challenge you to ask God help you answer the following questions: 

What is so comfortable that you have forgotten it's a sin?

What behaviors have I altered to accommodate sin in my life?

What can I do to step out of my comfort zone for Christ?


Also, if you are looking for a great study about Sin, check out "Sin Makes You Stupid: There's a Better way to Live"  (Kindle Version is just $1.99!)

Letter to your Congressperson about NOT cutting Military benefits

We are military family.  Last week, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel released the Department of Defense's part of the 2015 budget.  Those cuts mean that military families will now be shouldering much more of the cost of healthcare and living expenses, while also limiting cost of living raises.  With so many other areas of waste in our system, I am having a hard time with the idea that military families are considered (by the government)  an appropriate place to make up those costs.  In response, I have drafted a letter below to my congressperson.  If you are military or former military,encourage you to use this letter to contact your congressperson as well.  at the end of the letter, there is also a link where you can find the names and contact information for your representatives.  



Dear Congressman NAME HERE:

I am a military spouse.  Like many other military families, we face long separations from our loved one, frequent relocations, and living a life of complete service to the country we love.  I am very proud of not just my husband's service, but my family's service as well. I am writing to you because I am greatly concerned about the changes to military healthcare, basic allowance for housing, and pay raise limitations proposed by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in the 2015 Budget.  

I understand that budget reform is desperately overdue.  I support the idea of reform, but not on the backs of our soldiers.  There are many areas where costs can be cut that don't take away from military families benefits.  

I ask that you do not approve these cuts when the 2015 budget comes to the floor for debate and vote "No" on any cuts directly affecting military members healthcare, basic allowance for housing, and pay raise limitations.  I encourage you and your colleagues to work with the Military Officers Association of America, as well as the Office of Veteran's Affairs to work together to make budget cuts in areas that will not risk the financial stability of our soldiers and their families.  

"Service Before Self" is not just a pledge my husband has made to his country, but one that our entire family holds close with every move, separation, and time of uncertainty-which are quite frequent in our service.  I ask that you serve us as diligently as military families have served our country.  Do not allow these cuts to military benefits to pass. It is up to you, our elected officials, to make sure military service can continue to be our focus, rather than concerns about rising healthcare and living costs.  

I thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the American people.  

Sincerely,

Kimberly Rodriguez

Wife of Captain Matthew Rodriguez USAF

Find the name, email, and mailing address of your local Congressperson on this site.  

http://usgovinfo.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=usgovinfo&cdn=newsissues&tm=2258&f=20&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=4&bts=4&zu=https%3A//www.senate.gov/general/contact%255Finformation/senators%255Fcfm.cfm

My Morning Talk with God

Tother day I found myself thinking "Man, those people made horrible choices and look, they ended up with everything better than me, and I've done all the "right" things and still can't seem to catch a break or get what I want"

YIKES! how terrible that sounds when you say it? We replay that horrible sentiment back to God, as if He must not know how "good" we've been.

But truly consider how you sometimes may feel that too-the guy at work who is a total jerk gets the promotion over your hard working husband; That teenage girl who is suddenly pregnant, while you and your husband have been praying and trying for years to have a child of your own; The family down the street in all kinds of careless debt gets to just walk away from their house, but you put all your hard-earned money down on your house and now cannot sell it to move on to the next stage in your life. It's not fair, why would God allow that or give those people the things you so desperately yearn for.  

As I was praying about our future, I pulled that "It's not fair!" 3-year-old whiny stuff with God.

His answer was instant-He said,  "Kim, why do you even worry about her-You are a sinner just like her! Look at all I have given you-how sad that you're missing what I'm really showing you.   When I make you wait or saying "No!" to the things you THINK you want, it is because I have something so much better for you!! I will take care of all of the things that weigh on your heart, but you have allow Me to do it, not you, not the world, ME!"  

I thought about what God told me during our prayer time,  the question I kept thinking, was "Why?" not "Why did God answer me that way" but "Why do I feel the need to constantly ask Him for something more or greater than what I already have?" 

The answer is humbling: I am selfish and unthankful.  No mincing words here-God has given me so much, so much that others pray for and sometimes never get.  I have a Godly husband, wonderful children, enough money to stay home with my kids and still provide comfortably for the entire family.  More than that, I have a God and Savior who has something so amazing for me, that my human desires can't even imagine its greatness!  He has answered all of those prayers with abundance, so why do I continue to wonder if what He's doing for someone else means He's not doing for me?! I know He's got this-He always has and even in my greatest moments of disappointment, He's brought me things I never would've thought to ask for, better things! 

So I am working on being truly thankful: Heart Thankful.  The "God, I am thankful that YOU are in charge and I will not doubt that what you are providing for me is exactly what I need for Your plan in my life, even if I don't understand it now!" Because true Heart Thankfulness is actually true faith and joy as well! 

I encourage you to also pray the Heart Thankful Prayer above! Let's see what God reveals as we follow him in full faith, joy, and thanks! 

Now I have so much more!

It seems like a recurring theme with the mommies I hang out with, the idea of what we “used to be” or have before we had kids.  There is nothing wrong with thinking about the past, but these conversations always seem to be laced with negatives of how we can’t get our bodies back, go out spontaneously with the hubby, or sleep in anymore.

 I am a natural “glass half empty” kinda girl.  Not to say that’s always bad, but in the New Year, God has challenged me to stop romanticizing the past and take stock in the things I have now! So I thought it would be fun to make a list:

1. I USED TO have no stretch marks, NOW I have a body that God has blessed to carry children and see the reminder of His miraculous gift to me as a woman every day when I look in the mirror

2. I USED TO be able to sleep in every weekend, NOW I am awoken with little kisses, laughter, and joy of a wondrous new day by my toddlers VERY early every day

3. I USED TO have time to read real adult books, NOW I get to instill love of reading in my own children by reading silly, funny, and simple kids’ books

4. I USED TO have a meticulously clean house, NOW I get to play tea party, dress up, and legos all day without worrying about those pesky dust bunnies!

5. I USED TO go the grocery store and leisurely stroll around without a list and just enjoy shopping, NOW I have 2 little assistants who help me see the world in a fun way, and save me time by making the trips short

These are just a few little ones, but I challenge you to do your own list and be thankful that God has given you the awesome gift of looking at your world in a whole new way