Harness The River - Shannon Ethridge

This post could be heavy possibly, but its something thats been on my heart that I feel the need to share!!

This weekend I am attending a conference called Harness the River. Its a Sexual Purity conference. Its put on by the author of Every Woman's battle, Shannon Ethridge. Iam very excited about this!

So maybe your wondering why? I'm married right, shouldn't sexual purity be an easy thing? I always thought growing up that that my life will be so much easier once Im married, when I can just have sex, and all the temptations and struggles will just go away.

Shannon's book, is all about how woman's sexual struggles are often more emotional (however they definitely can be physical!!). Men's sexual struggles are usually more physical than emotional. Woman are more emotional, men tend to be physical.

Here is a part off the website for this conference, that asks you a few questions, and these topics will be addressed this weekend! Yes, they may make you uncomfortable because I feel like some of these topics are taboo in the world when it comes to woman, but its still important to talk about!

Debunk the Lies

Here are a number of common misconceptions about sexuality and self-perception which can cause you struggles and difficulties in your battle for purity. 

Myth 1:
There’s nothing wrong with comparing myself or my husband to other people.

TRUTH:
When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
(2 Corinthians 10:12)

Myth 2:
I am mature enough to watch any movie or television show, read any book, listen to any music, or surf any web sites without being affected in any way.

TRUTH:
The good woman brings good things out of the good stored up in her heart, and the evil woman brings evil things out of the evil stored up in her heart.  (Like 6:45)

Myth 3:
It doesn’t hurt anyone if I fantasize about someone other than my husband when we make love.

TRUTH:
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.  (Romans 8:5-9)

Myth 4:
Thinking about what kind of man I’d like to have if my husband were to die is not a big deal, so long as I am not how plotting to carry that out!

TRUTH: 

 See myth 3.  (Romans 8:5-9)

Myth 5:
Masturbation does not hurt me, my relationship with my current (or future) husband, or my relationship with God.

TRUTH:
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control her own body in a way that is holy and honourable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

Myth 6:
Because I feel so sexually tempted, I must already be guilty, so why bother resisting?

TRUTH: 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.   (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Myth 7:
There’s no one who would really understand my struggle.

TRUTH:
No temptation has seized you except what is common to woman. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

I started reading Shannon's book a few weeks ago, and then heard on the radio that she was coming to town to speak, and I decided that that wasn't just chance. It just so happens her book falls into my lap, and 3 days later I hear about this conference! 

A few of the things that really stand out to me are Myths 1 & 2. As a woman, how often do I compare myself to other woman? Umm, multiple times a day if Im honest! The other one is myth 2. So often I thought I could look through the Victoria's secret magazine and not be affected, or watch a sex scene in a movie and think that its not affecting my mind in one way or another. And I've realized that thats very untrue. I cant look at the cosmopolitan magazine in the check out line, or watch hot & steamy scenes, because it for sure affects me and how I view myself or my marriage and more!!

Id encourage you to check out the conference webpage, http://harnesstheriver.com/index.html and also check out Shannon's book too!! http://www.shannonethridge.com/book/everywomansbattle.shtml 

This book and also conference is changing my life as God is working in me as well!! Im very excited about it! If you have any questions about it or would like to know more about what God's doing in me  I'd love to share that with you!!

And lastly, cause I like to give you lots of interesting information, I'm going to leave these stats with you to ponder on!

In 2003, there were an estimated quarter of a billion pornographic webpages online and the internet usage of these porn sites is almost equal between men and women. In 2009 the statistics have shockingly almost doubled and here are the new stats:

• Size of the Industry is $97 billion worldwide ($57 Billion in 2003)
• Adult Videos account for $37 Billion ($20 Billion in 2003)
• The pornography industry is larger than the revenues of the top technology companies combined: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix and EarthLink (combined revenues were $94.8 Billion in 2009)
• The top 4 countries worldwide were China, South Korea, Japan and the USA for a combined revenue of $86.4 Billion
• 15% of the websites on the Internet are porn sites with a total of 4.2 million websites and over 420 million pages of porn (2009 Statistics) with the USA having 244 million of those pages
• 42.7% of Internet users view pornography and 25% of search engine requests (68 million daily) are for pornography
• 89% of chat room solicitations are for sex. Twice as many women as men in chat rooms
• Largest consumer of Internet pornography are the 35 - 49 age group
• Child pornography revenues today are $5 billion up from $3 Billion in 2003
• US Customs Service claims there are over 100,000 websites offering child porn

Too Loud

Eli has been doing incredible as far as potty training! I dont remember the last time we had an accident, and he always tells me when he needs to go! He only wears diapers at night and nap time. He loves standing like a big boy and peeing! Go figure!

I've been noticing a trend with Eli though. Something that he's been doing for awhile, and I finally decided to do something about it. He has been complaining that everything is "Too loud!!" Anything and everything from my blow dryer, to us playing and cheering, to clapping, or music in the car. I called the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, and they're booked up until February. I spoke to our specialists receptionist (or something along those lines!) and she said to take him in to our family doctor and if anything comes up then to call her back.

Well I made our appointment for Eli to the dr, and we went in this afternoon. He hates this dr (as Ive said before!) but luckily Andy was with me, so it made it easier. His right ear is so full of wax that she couldn't even see his ear drum and the left is very infected. So we have a perscription for antibiotics, and thats that. I called the ENT office though to talk to our dr's receptionist, because its not even winter yet, and we're already having ear issues! I have a very strong feeling that Eli will need tubes again. Feels like this kid won't get a break!!

Braces Update

Its been awhile since I've done an update on the braces home front! So here it is!

I've had my wonderful, fun, enjoyable braces for a full year as of next week! It blows my mind that its gone by so fast, and that my teeth have moved so much already! Looking over pictures from before I had braces, to now, my face has already changed a lot, and Im so excited to get them off! Only another year until Im done with them! I honestly wish I had gotten them sooner! My teeth didnt bother me too much growing up, but looking back at the pictures I dont like the way they look!

The most frustrating and annoying thing for me with my braces has been how hard I am on them! Yes, I continue to eat popcorn, and all that gooey stuff I probably shouldn't be eating, but more often than not I knock the back wire out of the bracket which generally ends up breaking off. Sometimes I catch it, and sometimes it goes down the hatch! Too bad. The other frustrating thing for me is that because my teeth are moving so much, the wire in the back ends up poking and sharp against my cheeks! I end up going in to the orthodontist to get them trimmed usually every couple of weeks! This is normal, but its annoying! My saving grace?? The ladies in the office love Eli, and love to see him! Perfect!

So here are a few pictures of before the braces, when I first got them on ( a year ago!) and a very recent picture!!

Not bad for only 1 year, I think!!

Success!!

Today is Friday! I sure welcome weekends, its so nice to have Andy's help with Eli for a few days, and Eli loves the attention from both of us.

I've really been enjoying Eli this week! He is so funny!! A little parrot to say the least, but he also is copying everything actions wise too! After supper one evening I sat down on andy's lap while we chatted, and at one point gave him a kiss. Eli walked up, after I started to clean up the dishes, crawled up on Andy's lap and leaned in for a kiss!! Then later on in the week, the 3 of us were playing on the floor, and Andy and I (apparently we kissed a lot this week!) started kissing, once Andy moved away from me, Eli proceeded to lean in, open his mouth and try to kiss me!! Andy and I burst out laughing, so of course, as did Eli!

Our dear little boy has also been doing a fantastic job at the potty training! I was feeling defeated, but I took a different mindset. Why stress about it? On Monday, I had quite a few errands to run and it could potentially have been a very stressful day. So I decided that I was going to put him in a diaper. That kids smart. He knows the difference between a diaper and a pull up. Its a diaper either way, he can pee in it and he knows it! But this whole week he has done so well! When he is under wear he tells me if he has to go to the bathroom or he runs to the bathroom saying that he has to go! He loves standing up peeing (just like a big boy!!) And he is holding his pee longer and longer! Can you tell Im a proud mom?!

Weekend To Remember

Some friends in our small group went to a marriage conference last year. Its called Weekend To Remember, and they had nothing but incredible things to say about it! Its all about strengthening your marriage. They sent out an email seeing if anyone would like to register with them for this next years conference. If we register before Sept 30th, we also receive 2 for 1 with this other couple.

Although, we've registered with out friends the weekend is all about spending time with your spouse and not your friends or other people you might know! I cannot even tell you how excited Iam for this weekend! It just happens to be the weekend after our 5th wedding anniversary, and so I convinced my husband that this would be the perfect way to celebrate! Although it will end up being quite expensive, we have like 7 months to save up and prepare for it!

It also happens to be at the Banff Springs Hotel, and thats where we're staying as well! I've never stayed in a hotel like the Banff Springs, and Im so very excited!

This weekend I truly believe will be a life changing weekend for our marriage, and help us to work towards a healthier family, and a healthier marriage. It address things like:

• God’s purpose for bringing you together
• Your distinct roles as husband and wife
• How to resolve conflict and fight fair
• Secrets to putting sizzle in your sex life

On the Saturday night of the conference, its a special date night for you and your spouse. Your encouraged to spend a nice dinner out, or make special reservations somewhere, or just spend the evening in your room relaxing and being together. This weekend is all about focusing on our marriage, and investing time into us a a couple! Im counting down the months, seriously!

So with that being said, if your married and want to take your marriage to a deeper level, I would encourage you to check out the website for this conference. If your not in Alberta, they have conferences all over and you can choose which one works best for your location! Check it out, Im sure you wont regret it!

http://powertochange.com/familylife/events/weekend-to-remember/conference-details/
 

Marvin & The World Water Park

Man, where have I disappeared to!? Seems like since Ive gone off facebook, I have other things to invest my time in rather than the computer! To be honest, Im not feeling too inspired to blog either!

Eli's age right now is very challenging but its also alot of fun! We had family dinner last night at my parents place, and my parents have a new pet... kind of. Not a dog, or a cat, and not a fish. This is an out door pet that has eaten all of my moms flowers, and even eats some of the apples off their trees. They've named this pet, Marvin. Marvin is a moose! A baby one, who seems to be orphaned! He comes around multiple times a day, coming right up to the deck or the dining room window.

Marvin came out for an appearance last night. Eli loved him! He asked if he could ride the horse, then got his play camera out, stood at the window where Marvin was standing and yelled, "Smile Marvin!! Smile!!!" It was so beautiful. Those little things that just warm my heart!

Over the weekend we decided to take Eli to the World Water Park! We've been taking him swimming quite a bit, and he loves the water slide and the big SPLASH thats involved at the bottom of the slide! We thought going to the water park would be perfect because he could slide down on our lap on most of the slides! Boy were we wrong. We couldn't take Eli on any of the slides, except for 1! It was the kids slide, and while it was fun, you can only go down one water slide so many times! We were so disappointed because we had done some research (obviously not enough!) and thought we were good to go and take Eli with us! So a word of advice, dont take your 2 or 3 year old to the water park with the intention of going down most of the slides with your child. Cause it wont happen!

Feeling Defeated

Of course as soon as I post on how well Eli is doing with his potty training, the next day feels like defeat! Yesterday when we were at the park, he pooped, all over himself. I cleaned him up and chucked his underwear because there was no point in trying to salvage it. Today, we were at a friends place and the boys were playing outside. He peed his pants, and I suppose proceeded to poop as well. Ugh. Yuck, it was horrible, I wont go into details, however lets just say I need to figure out how to clean his shoes up it was so bad. The positive side? We were at a friends place, so I threw him in the bath tub and cleaned him up.

He is making progress however. When we were at our moms groups this morning, he told the ladies who were looking after him that he had to pee. They went, he peed, and all was good! I know the hard days are going to be the ones that I might remember more than the positive, easy ones, but still dealing with 2 days in a row of poop, poop, and more poop is really uhhhh . . . crappy.

As most of you know (and I think some of you may have even gone looking for my blog because Ive gone missing) I'am no longer on facebook. At first this was a really really hard choice. As I said before I spend so much time on facebook, and waste a lot of time as well! The first week, I felt like I was going through with drawl or something. I'd sit down at the computer and go to type something in, and facebook.com just rolls off my fingers so nicely! But then... wait, Im not on facebook anymore! Its been a very freeing feeling actually. Hard to get used to, but quite freeing. I dont feel obligated to update my status, or send out an email, or go creeping on so and so's page. But its also tough because there are some people on there that the only way I know how to get in contact with them is through facebook. If we want to get together, I send a message, or write on their wall, not through email, phone, or text, but facebook. Or what about birthday parties and events? Facebook is a great way to connect and find out about whats going on around in your community or in your group of friends or circle of people. Its been hard, but as I mentioned before I've been spending waaaay more time with God. When I feel like I'm having a craving for facebook (yup, I said it, a craving!!) I go and pray and read my bible, and honestly the feeling I get from meeting with the Lord is waaay better than any feeling facebook can give me. My headspace is in a better place, I feel healthier, I have more patience (depending on the day!!) with Eli, and I just feel all together better! It was a tough decision but a good one to make! And for those of you who are reading from facebook, Id love to have your email address so we can connect again!!

Potty Training ... himself.

This past week has been a little busy. Since I returned from Vegas Eli has been taking quite the interest in the big boy potty! I guess while I was away, Andy had him in big boy under wear while they were at home, and he would go to the potty! Its stuck! So my life has been pretty busy toting a potty out where ever we go, potty before we leave the house, where ever we arrive, before we leave, at the park etc. He has done really well, and generally will tell us when he has to go!

I decided that life has to go on, and since he have things to do and programs starting up this week he would be wearing his underwear out. So I bring a change of clothes where ever we go, as well as the potty for those times where he has to go and we dont have time to run into somewhere, and hope for the best! We've only had a few accidents, and they were at the park when he was too busy to stop and tell me he had to go! Unfortunately for me, these accidents were not just pee. I ended up chucking a pair of underwear because it wasn't worth bringing them home to try and save them! Gross, right?  But we had a program we are doing with other 2 year olds, and its a 45 minute class, he went the whole class without having an accident, and had alot of fun!

I am so proud of him, considering the fact that we never really potty trained him. We really didnt! He'd see us go, and let us know when he has to go. Its always been that way! Im sure our next child will be the exact opposite, and the hardest kid to potty train, but for the time being I am so incredibly proud. Not bad for a little boy who was poop trained by 1.5 years old, and pretty much pee trained by 26 months!

Go Eli, Go!!