By His Wounds We Are Healed

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

We are remembering Jesus today, reflecting on all that He suffered for us so that we are forgiven and can have eternal life with Him. Isn't it amazing to think that Jesus loves us so much that He died for each one of us?! Our names were written upon the wounds that He suffered, including His hands that were pieced and nailed to the cross. Our sins were nailed to the cross right along with Jesus. By His wounds, we are healed. All He asks of us is that we believe and confess in faith.

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe
and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

(Romans 10:9-10)

Idea for using markers to help children visualize Christ dying for each of us comes from Celebrated Families

Follow In Their Footsteps

Cara Lynn and Cynthia taking a short break doing one of the things they do best...chat.

When I think of people who have had the most influence in my life these two wonderful ladies are right there near the top. Cara Lynn and Cynthia both discipled (mentored) me over the years starting my senior year of college when I joined the college group at a local church. Being that I stayed for graduate school and am now still living in the same town, they have had the opportunity to have a LONG impact. While I don't see Cynthia often these days, I am still so thankful for her teaching me to truly study the Word, to disciple other women and to lead bible studies. "Grandma Cara Lynn" is still one of my nearest and dearest friends and has listened to me, cried with me, prayed with me and enjoyed life with me for years. Not to mention that for the past five years she has been watching the Little Miss one day/week while I am at work. I love this woman. These ladies have had a major impact in the lives of hundreds (even thousands!) of women, including most of my closest friends. They are such examples for the importance of taking the time to invest in others and to share the love of Christ. I can only hope and pray that I will be able to follow in their footsteps.

Giving Thanks

Lately as part of the Little Miss’ daily bedtime routine, we have been trying to ask her for at least three things that she is thankful for so we can pray and thank God for them. This has been a good reminder in my own life about the need to regularly take the time to quietly reflect on all that I am thankful for. Here are just a few specific things that come to my mind this week:

1. Our girl’s school – If you’ll recall, this mama was so not ready for the school days to start but I have to say, it has been a wonderful experience and our girl LOVES it. I really appreciate the strong sense of family involvement/community that exists at her school in addition to the academic approach and biblical teaching. I am fully aware that there are very different schools of thought regarding the best approach to schooling (the never-ending public vs. private vs. home school debate). I personally support all three approaches and think there is no perfect solution, each has it’s pros and cons, and depends significantly on the child and family. In our case I am thankful that God has provided a terrific school that is a great fit for the Little Miss and our family. I am excited for our whole family to get more and more involved there over the years to come.
   


2. Reconnecting with an “old” friend – The Little Miss and I had the chance to visit with one of my dearest high school friends (Rebecca) this week and got to meet her adorable three year-old daughter for the first time. Most of my high school memories involve Rebecca in one way or another and she will always have a special place in my heart. Unfortunately I could count on one hand the number of times we have seen each other since we graduated 20 years ago (yikes!). Neither of us could even remember the details of the last time we saw each other or exactly how long it has been (at least 10 years if not more I believe). Such a blessing to see Rebecca and though it was too short to truly catch up, it made my week. Now I’m just hoping we can stay better in touch and that it’s not nearly as long before we meet again.



3. Having my hubby home – Mr. Wagner calculated and realized he had to travel for work about 4 months out of the year last year (excluding weekends). While I am so thankful for his job and the fact that he enjoys it, our whole family is really thankful that he’s starting on a new design project. That means we will have him home more this coming year. The Little Miss and I enjoy our share of “girl time” but we much prefer having the man of our house around! His presence helps us to feel more complete, as our little (but so very blessed) family of three.

Courage to Go Deeper

Yours Truly is excited for the new study our house church (i.e., home fellowship group) is starting. I was really struck this week by the first passage we are focusing on in Luke 5 where Jesus asked Peter if he could get on his boat, then asked Peter to push off from shore a little bit, later asking to go deeper and finally to trust Him and throw in his nets (to catch fish). Such a great picture of how Jesus asks us to invite Him into our lives, then gradually to learn more about Him. He doesn't want us to stop there but invites us to go deeper and even asks that we trust Him and "throw down" to join Him where He is at work.

As I've been praying about this lately I've been realizing that going deeper and joining where God is at work requires not only trust in God but also great COURAGE. Courage to walk with Him every day. Courage to face whatever situations life may bring. Courage to share His grace and love with others no matter what. Courage to stand for the truth. Courage to not give up. When I think of people I know today that have great courage I immediately think of our dear friends Jack and Mel. Jack, while serving as a middle school youth pastor, was seriously injured in a boating accident in his mid-twenties and as a result, is considered to be quadriplegic. His wife Mel, also in her twenties at the time, didn't listen to the counsel of others to leave him and instead stayed true to her marriage vows "in sickness and in health". She has been with Jack through it all. Every day. Now, over 25 years later.

Today Jack and Mel regularly "throw down" with Jesus and are always available to join Him at work. They are an amazing TEAM. They help lead a grad/career group at their church, they disciple and continually pray for others (Mr. Wagner has been meeting regularly with Jack for years), they go wherever there is a need (Mel was with me when I was admitted to the hospital on multiple occasions when I was pregnant with the Little Miss, before Mr. Wagner could get there from work), they provide pre-marital counseling (including ours, Jack even married us) and continue to follow-up with couples they have worked with over the years. Jack and Mel are now like "adoptive" grandparents to our own daughter and her close friend Allison (they sure look young for being grandparents, wouldn't you agree?!). Through it all, they are both two of the most HUMBLE people I know (in fact, I am sure I am going to be in deep murky waters with Mel after she sees this post!). Courage. They have it. Throw down with Jesus and join Him at work? They DO it.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families. This was the first year that we can remember in a LONG time where we were home for the holiday and while we did miss being with extended family, it was really nice to have a quiet weekend at home. We took advantage of the sunshine on Saturday and went on a family walk/bike ride, ate plenty of smoked turkey and chocolate peppermint brownies (resulting in Mr. Wagner and I each needing to go on an afternoon run to attempt to burn off a few of the extra calories), and enjoyed worshipping together at the Christmas Eve service. Christmas morning started off with Mr. Wagner reading to the Little Miss about Jesus' birth, present opening, cinnamon roll eating and relaxing before we joined the Booth family on an outing to find snow (we found a few patches but nothing sled-worthy). One of my favorite memories of the weekend relates to our new tradition of singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus; the Little Miss had been talking for days about how she wanted to sing to Jesus and add a birthday candle to our cinnamon rolls. Being the mindful mom that I always am, I of course completely forgot the plan until that night. She didn't waver for a bit though and went right ahead and made a birthday "cupcake" for Jesus out of her new Lincoln Logs. My heart melted at sharing the moment singing with our girl as she remembered Jesus as only a childlike faith can. Next year I'll do my best to remember the candle in the rolls but for this year, it was perfect!

Be Still and Know

Like many of you, I have a heavy heart today. It is impossible not to as you hear about all that is going on in Japan with the earthquake and tsunami victims, on top of being concerned for the health of friends and loved ones. So much destruction and pain in this world. God has been reminding me today of Psalm 46. While the earth and mountains will give way and the waters will roar, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Be still and know...He is God. He is in control. He is our Rock.

Grateful and Confident in 2011

We hope you and your loved ones had a nice time welcoming in the new year. Do any of you have resolutions for 2011?

Since I never seem to keep resolutions I now choose a couple of words or characteristics to be more mindful of throughout the year. Last year my focus was on being joyful regardless of circumstances and more disciplined spiritually and physically. In addition to those areas, God has laid on my heart the desire to focus on gratitude and confidence this coming year.

Gratitude, or being thankful and appreciating all the blessings that I have been given. Not taking for granted even the seemingly small things. Complaining less. Blessing others more.

Confidence, not as the world defines self-confidence but rather confidence in Christ. Always trusting that He is in control even when difficult trials come our direction. Knowing that Jesus will never forsake me, no matter how hard life can feel. Believing that I, like all of you, am precious in His sight. Having confidence less in me and more in Him.

Wishing all of you the very best for 2011!

Christmas 2010

From our family to yours, may you and your loved ones have a very blessed holiday. Merry Christmas...Happy Birthday Jesus!

Fancy Butterfly Fairy

Our church does a great job hosting a large Harvest Carnival for the local community each year on Halloween. Bouncy houses, petting zoo, horse and wagon rides, bible stories, fun games, costumes, and free food...We are always blessed by all who serve and share the light of Christ on a night that is typically filled with darkness.

Our girl dressed up as a Fancy Butterfly Fairy. We pulled together her outfit by raiding her dress-up clothes so thanks to Nana for the dress and Gr'ma for the pink boa! The sparkly pink shoes? Those are actually her cowboy boots. If only I could pull off barn boots that stylish.
A huge "thank you" goes out to Pastor Sean and all those who planned and served at the carnival!

He Is Risen!

Happy Easter from the West Coast Wagners,

He is risen indeed!

(Even though it may just look like a blank screen below, there really is a video of the Little Miss. Just scroll down and click on the arrow to play. One disclaimer: Yours Truly had absolutely nothing to do with her cheerleader type moves. That was actually all her doing. Totally promise).

Passover Seder

Thanks to the Hansons, we were able celebrate the start of Passover with a "kiddo-friendly" Passover Seder. Tim & Jennifer did a terrific job explaining the meaning and rituals of Passover while also keeping the kids engaged and entertained. We are hoping to make this an annual tradition and are excited to share with our children that Jesus, the Lamb of God, was the ultimate and final sacrifice. Speaking of lamb, I was sure thankful that they didn't actually have a lamb to slaughter. The stuffed animal and red paint served well for "pretends".

The Gift of Motherhood

I absolutely love being a mother. I am blessed every day by the best job in the whole world. No matter the low-paying salary or the lack of accolades, it’s hands down the best honor that a woman could ever ask for.

Unlike most moms, I can’t say that I remember my daughter’s birth or the labor pains (considering I wasn’t actually awake for her birth or the first 30 hours of her life). I often feel out of place around women who are talking about their childbirth experiences because I totally cannot relate. I used to leave situations like that feeling inadequate as a woman and a mother.

Thankfully I’ve discovered that motherhood is not solely defined by sharing your birth canal. Please don’t get me wrong. I have huge admiration for every woman who has ever experienced labor. HUGE. However, to get to the place of accepting that I wasn’t (consciously) there when the Little Miss was born and to not feel guilty by the fact that I didn’t even see her until she was 3 days old, my views of true motherhood had to change.

I’ve learned that women aren’t automatically given a “good mother” award the moment their first child is born. It’s not a onetime stamp-of-approval and isn’t completely due to instinct. This award can only come with time, trials, practice, and the knowledge that it will be tested again and again. Even then, being “good” is not good enough.

I hope I reflect the ways of a good mom. More so however, I pray that I will become a “godly” mother. Not by my strength but His, I pray that Jesus will make me into a Proverbs 31 sort of mom. I pray that the light of Christ will shine through me and that strength and honor will surround me. I pray that my words will be full of wisdom and kindness and that I will care for the needs of my family and provide for them daily. I pray that someday:

“Her children will rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her”…”Charm is deceitful and beautify is passing but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Prov 31:28-30)

Have I yet attained this? Not. even. close. It will take the rest of my life for Jesus to transform me into a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. I will continue to praise Him for His grace every time I fail to live up to the standard. I will always be so thankful for the gift of motherhood.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms, moms-to-be, and like-moms-to-so-many out there!

Sooie, Sooie…Here Pig!

Is it just me or is it getting even harder to follow the news these day? As if the failing economy itself hasn’t been enough to keep our nerves on end, we now have the swine flu to contend with. Swine flu? Had anyone even heard of such a thing before this past weekend?

Yet again, my addiction to keeping up with current events has me in knots. It’s easy to forget that the regular flu has already killed thousands this year alone. While we should all be cautious and take proper precautions, we also need to keep things in perspective (has anyone else been tempted to run out and buy face masks before they are out of stock?).

Regardless of the fact that I have to remind myself on an hourly basis of a few key life verses (Phil 4:6-7,"Be anxious for nothing..."), I do believe that we can find some encouragement in all of this.

Jesus said, “But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end [will not come] immediately…Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:9-11)

God is faithfulling fulfilling His promises. I believe He is showing us yet another sign of the end times. Even if the swine flu fizzles out, other disease and trials are inevitable. Jesus alone, in His redemption and grace, has offered to save us. Have you accepted His offer? If not, why wait?

...now…is that my throat hurting?...A cough I hear?...Could it be???

He is Risen!

Happy Easter from the West Coast Wagners! Jesus has risen indeed!

We have had a very nice Easter. The Little Miss enjoyed pretending she was a princess in her special dress (thanks Mel!)

We went to church and then had a wonderful dinner with the Gossers and Sanders. Seth and Anna Marie even hid some eggs so the Little Miss had her own personal Easter egg hunt (inside due to weather). What great fun!

Here's our girl with a message to you all:



Translation: "Happy Easter!...Jesus is Risen!"

The True Meaning of Christmas

We have been blessed with an unseasonably early "White Christmas" this year. We love the snow so it's been a refreshing change from the typical rainy weather we get during the winter. The most exciting event this month however is not the snow or visiting the lovely Storybook Land or even a fun family vacation (though we sure are looking forward to that). It's not about the holiday dresses or the Christmas tree (or lack thereof) and is certainly not about a heavier-than-average stranger dressed up in a white beard and red velvet tights. Most importantly this month, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Little Miss loved this nativity scene craft project that she got from her Aunt Tonya and Savannah. She often asks to hold it by saying "Baby Jesus!!!" (though once in awhile she gets confused and asks for "Noah". We're still working to get her biblical facts straightened out). When you ask her "What is Christmas about?" she replies excitedly "Jesus!!!". That's our girl.

Merry Christmas from the West Coast Wagners!

A Mother's Anxious Heart

I sure am thankful that God knows so much more than we do. Being a news junkie hasn't served me well in the past couple of days. If you've read a newspaper or watched the news recently you've probably heard about the latest study that reveals additional risks preemies face, including increased mortality rates in childhood and even into adolescence.

As the mom of a former preemie, these reports sure do make it difficult to keep a quiet heart. I can only imagine how hard it is on parents whose babies are still in the NICU. Preemie parents are overwhelmed enough when they learn about all the risks that exist just in their baby's first few months of life.

Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for modern science (most of it anyways) and really am thankful for this study. I welcome every opportunity for us to learn more about premature birth. I am even thankful for all the media attention because it helps keep the general public informed.

I'm just not thankful for the extra worry that can result. From the moment of conception, all parents struggle with anxiety over their child's health and well-being. The ongoing struggle with an anxious heart is a key responsibility included in every parent's job description. We certainly don't need yet another reason to worry.

Am I worried? Absolutely. However, I'm going to choose to turn this anxiety over to my Rock. I'm learning that for all moms and dads, it's a choice we have to make every hour of every day: "Live in fear" or "lift your burdens and concerns to the Lord". My arms are the weakest part of my body but I'm going to use all the muscle power I have to lift! And praise the Lord that when I don't have the strength, Jesus does.


"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7)

He Is Risen!

Happy Easter from the West Coast Wagners!

Good Friday

Thank you Jesus for taking our sins upon yourself so that we are forgiven. Thank you for taking the burden of my loose tongue, my prideful and selfish ways, my anxious heart and limited faith. Thank you for your grace, your undeterred faithfulness and the way that you cover our weaknesses.

Thank you for the Cross.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Photo courtesy of freefoto.com

A Blog To Check Out

Kati posted about this family today and I had to check out the link. The blog is written by the husband of a gal with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). They had their own miracle baby, born a week ago very prematurely and still in the NICU. The mom, Tricia, is in the hospital trying to gain enough strength so she can be placed on the waiting list for a much needed double-lung transplant. Regardless of their trials, this family has serious FAITH.

While I read, I couldn't help but reflect back on our own time in the hospital when Hubby was going back and forth between my hospital room and our Little Miss in the NICU. That was seriously hard and yet this couple has an even tougher and longer trial ahead of them. PTL they know Jesus and He is their Rock.

Check out the blog "Confessions of a CF Husband" and be encouraged to pray.