Raising Micah

What did we do with our time before we had Micah? Michael and I often ask ourselves this question. We were married for 8 years before he made his appearance last year, and we enjoyed those 8 years together serving in ministry, growing together, going on trips, numerous date nights, walks around the neighborhood, dinners with friends/family, game nights, and what not. And while we were very blessed and content with where God had us then, as just a couple, it's hard now to imagine life without that sweet smile, adorable laughter, and yes, even the crying fits. While I'm thankful for the 8 years that God gave to us as a couple to grow and strengthen our marriage, I'm so thankful that we have Micah to share this journey with now. Even as I'm typing, he's pushing a box around, picking it up and walking around with it, and sitting down beating on it like a drum...all while smiling and laughing. It makes my heart melt! He has brought so much joy to our lives and while he may cause me to have some sleepless nights, throw fits when he doesn't get his way (that's his new thing right now), and be clingy at times....I would not change a thing. I'm so thankful that God allowed us this blessing of parenthood and pray that we will honor and glory God through raising Micah.

Micah's ABC Book

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11 Months

Our sweet Micah is now 11 months old and his first birthday is only weeks away. Just this past week he's finally realized he can walk without help. He will walk across the room or from one couch to the other couch. He will walk to his toy basket and take his toys out. He can stand up from a sitting position too but he hasn't figured out how to put the two together and just stand and walk yet. It's amazing how after just a week, he's already walking much better and I know it won't be long before he decides he would rather walk instead of crawl, which he will still do now because he can go faster that way. His hair is starting to curl and while I love it, Michael is ready to cut it! We are trying to hold out until after the first birthday party though. His eyes are still the prettiest blue and I'm praying they stay that color. He went through a period of separation anxiety but seems to be doing much better with it. He has six teeth now and eats very well, although he's still small for his age. I love his little smile and laugh, they make my heart happy! He's such a joy and blessing! I can't wait to celebrate his first birthday with friends and family!

Our Journey - Marriage

Nine years ago today, walking down the aisle to the front of the church, I had no idea what the future held for us. I knew that I was choosing to love Michael regardless. I knew that God was in control of that future and that Michael was the man that God was placing in my life to walk through that future with. And I knew that I was so blessed to have Michael as my husband and spiritual leader of our home.

It's hard to believe that I have known Michael Buffaloe for 11 years now and that 9 of those years, we have been married. We have built 2 houses together, been to seminary, struggled with infertility issues, enjoyed vacations and a cruise, grown together as a couple, been so blessed in ministry, met some amazing people that I am thankful to call friend, experienced the pain of a miscarriage, been so blessed to be called to CrossPointe Church, and so much more! Regardless of what we have gone through together, the good and the bad, our marriage has been strengthened and so has our faith in the Lord. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be Michael's helpmate and that He has placed us in ministry together! There is no place I would rather be!

No More Believing Lies

I'm doing a Bible study with some awesome ladies and we are reading the book Lies Women Believe. In my reading this morning, I came across this paragraph below and wanted to share it.

The Truth is that happiness is not found in (or out of) marriage; it is not found in any human relationship. True joy can only be found through Christ. (James 1:16-17)
The Truth is that God has promised to give us everything we need, and if He knows a husband would make it possible for us to bring greater glory to Him, then He will provide a husband.
The Truth is that contentment is not found in having everything we think we want but in choosing to be satisfied with what God has already provided.
The Truth is that those who insist on having their own way often end up with unnecessary heartache, while whose who wait on the Lord always get His best. (Psalm 37:4.....which is my life verse!)


WOW! I know SO many people that are believing the lies of Satan in these areas and need to cling to the Truth of our God instead. And I am one of those people! Thankfully, I've never really struggled with thinking happiness is found if I just get married. I married Michael KNOWING that God had placed us together for His glory and it's been an awesome journey. That doesn't mean we don't have other struggles. We are both sinners but we love the Lord and strive to always keep Christ at the center of our marriage.

However, I have found myself struggling with contentment and insisting on having my own way. The time that immediately comes to mind was while we were in seminary. God grew me a LOT in those three years and did a lot of pruning during that time, and pruning can hurt! I spent most of the first two years of seminary struggling with being consumed with trying to get pregnant. We had been married two years at the time and it seemed like every where I turned, everyone was pregnant. Instead of being content with the season of life God had placed me in at the time, I allowed myself to be completely consumed with the idea of having a baby. I was not content with what God had already given me and wasted so much time worrying about getting pregnant. I wanted things done in my own way and my own timing. Anyone who knew me well could probably see that I struggled with this because I know I let it take over my life at that time.

Oh, how I wish, I would have held on to the Truth's listed above. Contentment is NOT found in having everything we think we want but in CHOOSING to be satisfied with what God had already provided. Ouch! I wasn't satisfied with what I had and just wanted more and boy did I let that show. I would like to that I have learned my lesson there, but will have to admit that sometimes I still struggle with being content. I will say though, that I am thankful that I recognize those times more easily now and can immediately go to God and lay it at His feet when they happen.

And oh how I wish I had realized earlier that insisting on having my own way was just going to lead to unnecessary heartache. What I should have been doing was waiting on Him so that I could receive His best! I certainly learned this lesson the hard way. I would be the first to say that I trusted God and that I knew His ways were best, even during that time. But, the way I lived my life did not SHOW that I trusted God and knew His ways were best. I have learned, since then, to give it to Him and let God work in HIS TIMING instead of wanting things done in my timing and done my way. HIS WAYS truly are BEST!!

There are many other lies of satan's that I've believed over the years, but I'm learning more and more now to be able to recognize those lies and to go to God's Word to find the Truth! And to write that Truth on my heart so that I can live it out! I'm still a work in progress, but I'm thankful that He's still working on me and has never given up!

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6