Late Night Post

Okay, so it's only 9:23pm local time, but it feels like midnight to me! Since Mike has been gone to work I've really had my own work cut out for me.  There was such a different dynamic with having 2 kids and 2 parents at home.  Now it's just Mommy... day shift, night shift, just Mommy.  It's only the end of day 4 (of 42) and I'm already exhausted!


So why am I on the computer then?! Good question! I just wanted to write a quick post to brag on my little man, Harrison.  Today we (mainly I) decided that we are long past due putting him in a "big boy" bed to sleep.  He turned 2 back in May, he's potty trained, but he was still sleeping in a crib.  WAS!! YEAH!!!  Today I rearranged the bedroom that the kiddos share and asked Harrison if Heidi could have his old crib if he could have a new BIG BOY BED?  I am so proud of him for saying YES!  I think he was more ready for it than any one else!


I put the twin mattress on the floor so there wouldn't be far to fall, just in case.  He jumped around on it this afternoon, we snuggled on it, and then we read stories together on it.  I made sure that Heidi stayed off (at least for the first day) just to keep it extra special for him.  I put him down for his afternoon nap on his new bed and while he slept I prayed it would be a great experience for him.  He didn't budge!! He was obviously comfortable and he had a great sleep and stayed dry too, which means he wasn't stressed out.  Praise God!!


When Grandma and Grandpa came home from work he was really proud to tell them about his new BIG BOY BED and he gave them each a personal tour.  Too cute!


Tonight bedtime was a cinch, too.  Harrison has a night snack (grapes and goldfish tonight), then we read his bible and say our prayers, then I tuck him into bed quietly because Heidi has already been asleep for an hour by then.  It went off without a hitch, and he was just as excited to go to bed tonight as this afternoon. I am just SO proud of him and his willingness to learn new things and to be obedient!!!


Wow. In my mind I had worked up this day to be so much more than it has turned out to be.  Thank goodness it didn't turn out like I thought it might.  I am so grateful that this was a "non-stress" change in what has already been a crazy year of change for the BurnettBunch.


Something tells me we're not done yet!


Lots of love,


Momma J

Well if this doesn't make you giggle, then I

think you may need to look into getting your

funny bone replaced.

Goodnight y'all!

The Big Farewell

Poor, poor Heidi.  She cannot breathe through her nose because she is so snotty from a cold. She goes to sleep and wakes up with her nose crusted right over. Ewwww. I feel so terrible, especially for little babies who suffer and can't put words to their discomfort, etc.  Thankfully this is the first time she's ever been sick and she's nearly 9 months old.  Praise God!  On Friday I thought her mucous was turning green and I saw her rub her ears a bit, and since we were leaving for Great Falls Saturday morning I figured I'd better take her to the doctor Friday afternoon.   We drove all the way into town only to find out that they are open Monday-Thursday only. I didn't know another walk-in clinic to take her to so we didn't get her in. Boo. Thankfully she seems to be getting better, not worse.

The good news about Friday was that I was able to get my hair cut (really just re-shaped) and I had bangs cut in!  I love them! I wish I would have done it a few hair cuts before.  I couldn't afford a color this time around, so I'll have to home color one more time.  Hopefully I can avoid any mishaps!

Saturday morning we were up early (6 am) and out the door at 6:45 am.  Mike said goodbye to Grandpa the night before and Grandma this morning.  We snuck out the door while the babies were still sound asleep.  Not even two steps out the door and we were greeted with the most stunning sunrise I have seen in a very long time.  This morning was significant in so many ways.  It was the beginning of a new season (literally, autumn) but also the beginning of a new season in our marriage.  Starting this day Mike was going to be far away for work and I would be at home with the babies, alone.  That's about the only negative thing about our new situation.  We will have an income for the first time in 1.5 years! Mike will be doing a job that he loves and finds very satisfying.  I will be able to focus on group activities with the kids more.  Become more involved in MOPS, etc.  We can tithe/give again because we actually will have an income to work with! There are so many great blessings that are flowing out of this new job and God seemed to capture it all within a magnificent sunrise in order to remind us that all good things come from Him!  I only had my iPhone to try to capture it with and the photo doesn't do it justice, but it is a great reminder to us regardless.

Too bad my iPhone just doesn't do justice to Gods artwork!

Mike and I had great conversation all the way to Great Falls, MT, about a 3 hour drive from The Farm.  It is so reassuring to re-connect as husband and wife without all the distractions while heading into such a big period of adjustment.  We were really blessed to have Saturday to ourselves.  I dropped Mike off at the airport at 7 am Sunday morning, and kissed him goodbye for the next 6 weeks.  It was hard, I'm not going to lie.  But I was also filled with such joy and gratefulness that the sorrow didn't last.  Praise God!

All the way home I listened to Champions Church podcasts and I was totally ministered to by the Holy Spirit... in my minivan!! I had a really amazing time with the Lord and arrived home ready to take on the new challenges of the new season.  We are so blessed!

The Desires of Your Heart

I didn't write this, but I did read it this morning while I was searching the subject.  I personally don't think that it can be stated any more simply than that... God writes the desires on your heart!  Thank you to Joseph Prince for the encouraging thoughts.



Hebrews 8:10
10“… I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts…”
Many of us have been taught that we cannot trust our hearts. We quote verses like “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9), not knowing that Jeremiah was referring to the man who had NOT received Jesus as his Lord and Savior.


I have had people come to me and say, “Pastor Prince, I don’t know what I should do with my life.”
“What is on your heart?” I asked one of them.
“I would love to work among children.”
“Then work among children!”
“But I am waiting on the Lord to tell me to do that.”
“Well, He has given you the desire, so go and work among children!”
“But the desire comes from my heart. How do I know if it is of God?”


My friend, once you are saved, you have a brand new heart (Ezekiel 36:26), and you can trust the promptings of your heart because God dwells in you and He leads you from within. And don’t worry because His promptings will never contradict His Word. It will lead you to good success.


Often, you find that when you follow your inner promptings, it is actually God who has put those desires in your mind and written them on your heart. I remember years ago when I approached one of our church leaders and told him, “I really think that you are called to be a full-time pastor.” It turned out to be a confirmation of what he already knew on the inside. You see, God was already leading him from within. Today, he is one of our full-time pastors.
If you enjoy something and desire to do it, then go for it! Go with the flow. God Himself says that He will guide us from within. Let’s not doubt Him. And don’t worry about the outcome. Your part is just to follow the flow. God’s part is to work in you both the willingness and the performance of it! (Philippians 2:13)


Beloved, because God has given you a new heart, He will write His desires on it. And as you fulfill these desires, you will bring forth fruit, and not wither and die. Whatever you do will prosper!


Thought of The Day
You can trust the promptings of your heart because God dwells in you, and He leads you from within.

Taken at the farm in August

Top 10 Reasons I Love Nebraska!

You're right... I've never been to Nebraska.  But that doesn't mean there isn't lots to love about it.  Here are the top 10 things I love about Nebraska:

10. The largest porch swing in the world is located in Hebron, Nebraska and it can sit 25 adults. No wonder they have a laid back outlook on life.

9. The 911 system of emergency communications, now used nationwide, was developed and first used in Lincoln, Nebraska. I think we're all glad for this one!

8. Nebraska is both the nation's largest producer and user of center pivot irrigation. Living in land-locked Alberta, a farming community, I can appreciate this.

7. Nebraska is the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich. Thank you Nebraska!

6. The Lied Jungle located in Omaha is the world's largest indoor rain forest. As a tree hugger I definitely appreciate this.

5. And this.  J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day in Nebraska City in 1872. 

4. This too... The world's largest hand-planted forest is Halsey National Forrest near Thedford, Nebraska.

3. Not this so much... Spam (canned meat) is produced in Fremont. My husband has a different opinion on Spam then I do, so I included this for you honey!

2.  Kool-Aid was invented by Edwin Perkins in 1927 in Hastings. He changed his soft drink syrup, Fruit Smack, into a powder to make it easier to ship. Doesn't the name "Fruit Smack" say it all???

And the top reason I love Nebraska is:

1. It is the state where my husband will be employed for the next 63 days (give or take a few).  Mike leaves for Nebraska this Sunday, and we likely won't get to see him until Christmas, depending on how his project goes.  Then it will be off to another state, and another project.  I am sure I'll have plenty of time to compile my next top 10 list!

Enlightenment for Today

I recently was in a discussion with my dear friend about the application of the Bible in today's world.  It is very easy at first glance, especially as you delve into the Old Testament to think that "there's NO WAY that this applies to me.  I am not going to build a big stone altar and sacrifice anything, no matter what!"  Don't get me wrong, I am 100% with you on that one... I will not be sacrificing any animals either!  But as I encouraged my friend I also encourage you.  Look past the rituals and the Law of the Old Testament to the principles and values which lie within.

I am currently reading through the Bible using an app on my iPhone, which I love.  I can read in different translations, as well as follow different reading plans.  The reading plan I am currently following is called the "Essential 100" and it covers 50 Old Testament verses and 50 New Testament verses.  Why a reading plan?  For myself I find that it is so easy for me to get distracted when it comes to quiet time and reading Scripture.  Without a plan I'll just flip through and read randomly.  This isn't always a bad thing because ALL of God's truths are applicable, but this way I stay focused and continue reading until I check off today's verses.  I am somewhat slightly addicted to checklists too, which this particular app has, so that may have something to do with it as well :)

So, today's scripture verses were talking about when Moses, with Aaron's help, was trying to convince Pharaoh to free the Israelites (Hebrews) so they could leave Egypt and enter the Promise Land God had prepared for them.  At first I was tempted to speed read these passages because this is part of the Word that I have heard many time before.  But something about The Word is that it is so timeless.  Yes these events happened over 2000 years ago, but as I was telling my friend, there is so much they have to say to you that applies to TODAY.  Let me share what I learned this morning...

The passages can basically be summed up like this:  [starting in Exodus 6] God tells Moses that he is to go to Pharaoh and tell him that God says to let all the Israelites leave Egypt including all the women, children and livestock. Forever. At first Moses says he cannot do it because his speech is impeded (maybe he stuttered).  God says don't worry about it! Your brother Aaron will help you.  My first insight is that despite our imperfections and flaws God can still work through us so that in our weakness we rely on Him and his glory can shine through us for others to see.

God knows Pharaohs heart will be hard and he will not listen to Moses. So God shows many signs and wonders and brings many plagues upon Egypt. At first Pharaoh doesn't even acknowledge the signs and ignores Moses and God.  Slowly the plagues get worse and worse.  Do you ever notice that in your own life? When God is trying to catch our attention and we just don't see or hear Him? Do things get worse or better?  Sometimes I think that I can be just like Pharaoh.

Thankfully God slowly wears Pharaoh down.  Eventually in Exodus 8 Pharaoh says "OK, you can go to the wilderness to sacrifice to your God, but not very far".  Even though this is not what God had commanded of Pharaoh, it was still a step in the right direction.  But, each time God stops the plague and Pharaoh changes him mind and does not free the Hebrews.  Again, I have been just like Pharaoh.  I pray God will change my circumstance or move in my favor, and when he does, what do I do? Continue on the same path as before?

Then in Exodus 10 Pharaoh tell Moses that the men may leave the land for good, but not the women and children, and not the livestock. By this time, the trend was obvious. Pharaoh was appeasing Moses just enough to make the plagues stop, but still not doing what the Lord had commanded.  Sadly I do this in my own life too.  I am a "good enough" Christian so that people know I believe in God, but I am not living the full, supernatural life that God has intended for me, so that signs and wonders are seen in my life and the lives of those around me.

The strongest lesson that I have drawn from these scriptures is that when the Word of God tells me that I am promised something, a blessing, or an inheritance from the Lord that I should persist until I see it manifest in my life. 

Gods word is full of the blessings we are to seize, but so many Christians, myself included, don't know about the full inheritance that should be ours because we do not read The Word!!  We are missing out on so much!  Like Moses, we should persist until ALL that God has promised comes through.  We are not to settle.  Taking just the men, or men and women out of Egypt wasn't good enough.  So why should mediocre or compromise be good enough for me?  I have let it be that way in the past. In the end, Moses leads the Israelites out, men, women, children and all their livestock, and they also collect all the silver and gold from the Egyptians before they leave!! I praise God for the revelation today, and may I no longer settle for just good enough!

My prayer today is that you will dive into Gods Word and his Truth for yourself. May He give you eyes to see what you have been promised and what you have been missing out on for so long.  May His spirit rise up in you, fill you will BOLDNESS to seize your inheritance today and every day. May you live out the rest of your days in the fullness and Glory of our Heavenly Father.

If this is the first time you have heard that there is more to life than the ordinary, I would love for you to contact me.  I also highly encourage you to listen to the teachings of Pastor Richard Humphries online.  Pastor Richard is a very anointed teacher and definitely lives a supernatural life! He is from the church we attended in Abilene, Texas.  The people of this church, especially Pastors Richard and Peggy, have changed my life forever! I know their insights in the The Word of God will change your life too!  You can listen to teachings from Champions Church both online and on their podcasts on iTunes.

Be blessed today!!

xoxoxo,
Momma J

I am a TRIATHLETE!!

Today let's rewind to an important event in my personal life that happened back in August.  I never took the time to write about it then, so I'm making time now... it's never too late!


For several *years* I have been awe-inspired by the men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds who have committed to the many hours of training and sacrifices made to endure the grueling distances covered in the Ironman triathlon.  Given 17 hours to complete the 2.4 mile (3.86 km) swim, 112 mile (180.2 km) bike, and full marathon 26.2 mile (42.2 km) run, many of the professional triathletes finish the race in 8 1/2 hours!  Totally amazing!


So... I certainly didn't compete in an Ironman.  Not even close.  It may have felt that way to me, but the distances I covered were a 750 m open-water swim, 16 km bike, and a 5 km run.


I started training back in April and had a really great routine going and a great support group. I was learning a lot, and it was much easier getting to a workout when you knew that someone else was there waiting on your support, too.  Unfortunately the support/training group slowly crumbled apart and I was left to train on my own.  I am glad this happened, because when you are racing it really comes down to the determination you have within yourself to push through the "uncomfortable".  No one else can do it for you.  Sadly I didn't stay as committed to my training through June and July as I had started out in April and May.  Come race day I had only trained 4 times in the last two months!!  Not promising.


A week before the race I had decided that I wasn't going to go.  My logic/justification here was that I didn't want to compete if I couldn't give it my very best effort.  Being a textbook "Type A" personality I don't like to give anything a half effort.  I prayed about it and realized that I would really regret not participating, even if I didn't feel like I was competing.  I knew this wouldn't be my best effort.  Once I was done the race I knew it wasn't really even a race effort; I had really struggled to finish.  I was tired above anything else.  I am proud of myself for persevering though!  It has given me new drive to train better for more races next summer.  I am thinking of scheduling 4 races for 2011 and two of which will be at the next distance, Intermediate, or Olympic.  This race consists of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run.  I will definitely be challenged by this but I am also committed and excited!


The highlights of this race included:
- completing my first race ever, and becoming a official TRIATHLETE!
- having the learning curve of my first race out of the way.  I learned SO much! Things I was happy with and things I will do differently.
- the AMAZING support from other athletes and volunteers cheering for me along the way! So many people passed me (boohoo) but as they went by they said "Great job 202!" (my race number). It was so encouraging!
- My husband and kids woke up at 5:30 am to come to my race that didn't start until 10:00 am. That is an awesome feat for a 7 month old and a 2 year old!  They found strategic places to stand along the race route to cheer me on as I went past. What an awesome feeling!
-My very best friend showed up with all her professional camera gear and support signs in hand to cheer me on to the finish.  We hugged and cried together after the race, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!  Thank you Jill!! I was so proud to be "Momma J" that day!
- A random supporter along the race route recognized me by race number and shouted "Way to go Momma J!" How awesome is that!
- getting a time (2:04:49) that I KNOW I can improve on next year!

Just before the swim start... can you spot me?

There I am!

Women's sprint swim start

Passing the first buoy

Rounding the far buoy

Finished the swim, entering transition1, removing my wetsuit while running

Exiting T1, running with my bike to the road

My best lil' supporter!

Completing my first lap on the bike, one more to go

Bearing the light rain to cheer for me on the bike route!

Exiting T2, start of my 5 km run.  I'm having a good time, I'm even smiling!

Crossing the finish line!

A sense of accomplishment!

My proud family :)

Congratulatory kiss!

I had a wonderful time and I am so grateful for the path that lead me to becoming a triathlete for life! Thank you for sharing the journey with me.


Swim, Bike, Run,


Momma J

Thoughts for Today

I regularly follow a blog written by Pioneer Woman, from Oklahoma.  She is pretty close to being my hero.  A mother of 4, lives on a working cattle ranch, home schools her children, has a very big-time blog, amazing photography skills, and an awesome cook to boot! This gals got it all, and a kickin' personality to go with it.  If you have never heard of her (Gasp!) please do yourself the pleasure of checking out her blog.

All of that to say that she had some tips for blogging that I rather enjoyed yesterday.  The most relevant to me was her tip to blog often.  My intentions are there, but the fruit or results are not.  Her point was that even if it is a paragraph, instead of a novel, just write.  I intend to do more of that, more often.  I will write.

The Day has finally come.  Mike has a few (30) tests to submit online and then he will be off to the mighty USA for work on Monday (September 9).  This day has been a LONG time coming, yet I still feel unprepared.  How do you say goodbye to your Love for 6 weeks at a time? How will I explain this to Harrison? I know the burden lies with me to help him understand that Daddy HAS to go away for work. I am praying desperately that any seeds of bitterness and resentment will be crushed immediately. I will be looking to the military spouses out there to learn how they adapt when their spouse is gone long-term.  I am amazed at their strength.  It takes so much to make it through these times.  I am so proud of the men and women who make it work!

My main strategy is to stay busy and get involved.  Currently there are a few obstacles in my way, that I am going to have to work around, but I am hoping to uncover (or create!) some really great ways to pass the time.  I have been looking forward to MOPS since March only to find out they had early registration and I missed it, and now they are full (insert HUGE pout here!)  I have emailed the organizer with some suggestions to maybe run a second program, so we'll see how that goes.  MOPS is really a life line to mothers, to me.  It came at such a critical point in my life and made me realize that I am NOT alone.  I am not the only mother out there who thinks a certain way, or feels inadequate.  I really pray that there will be a way to work things out in that department.

In the meantime, Harrison, Heidi and I will all go to Stay & Play in a near-by town.  There is also story and activity time at the library, so I think we should be able to stay busy.  For now our daily excitement comes from walking up the hill to check on Grandpa's 3 new kitties and watching way more TV than I like.  Oh the joy!

We recently had a family photo shoot done by my best friend, Jill Callitz.  She is one amazing gal, and is an incredibly talented photographer. She also has the patience of a Saint!  I have already picked the photo for our Christmas card this year, hooray! She loves challenging herself to take photos of nearly everything, human and not, and is always more than willing to travel to meet all your photography needs.  I'd love to pass along her contact info if you are interested, but in the meantime here is the link to her personal blog.  I will post some photos of my triathlon and the kids once I have the proofs, and permission of course!

This is the end of my thoughts of today... I really can't move past the fact that my husband is leaving in 3-4 days.  Please pray for us, our marriage and our family during the next week or so as we all adjust.

Much Love,
Momma J