Seeing Double

This weeks marks 33 weeks in my twin pregnancy with Kelly Joy & Mia!  Let me tell ya - preparations are in full swing.  Actually, I feel like I'm on the downside now and everything is in place, with just a few things to get ready before their grand arrival.  I thought it would be fun to post a few pics of our preparations! 
Blessings,
Lydia

Bobby's - these will get a lot of use!

Adorable matching car seats in our nifty double stroller frame

Decor from their room

Clothes,clothes and clothes!  Just a sample of the cuteness filling their closet :)

Everything Tastes Better in a Starbucks Cup!

Whether it's an iced tea, iced mocha, frappacino, vivano or plain water - everything tastes better in a Starbucks cup!  If you're like me maybe you've wondered why.  Could it be the fact that Starbucks water is triple purified or the cup is just...cool?  Whatever the reason, I always enjoy my Starbucks drink!

This funny little concept got me thinking about real life and how as humans, we can be quite stubborn.  If something isn't "just how we like it" we are apt to disregard it completely, complain about it and freely give our opinion on how we think it should be.  We like things a certain way and as human nature goes, if we don't get our way...watch out world!

The bottom line is that if you have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (which means you have His Spirit living on the inside of you) you are called to do something great that the Lord has designed for you to do.  The bible talks about (Lydia's paraphrase) the works that are prepared for us beforehand and that His desire is that we walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). However stubborness, which is rebellion, keeps us from accomplishing the plan of God for our lives. 

My youngest son James (2 1/2) has a habit of throwing rocks, toys, gadgets and any trinkets he can get his hands on over our block wall back yard fence.  This is of course a big problem and one he has been consistently disciplined for.  You'd think after the first disciplinary action, the well of tears and repentence that he'd get it!  But no - rocks, toys, balls and bats keep flying over the fence!  So again, my husband Scott and I take the actions needed to discipline him and bring correction.  Unfortunetely, James has still not gotten the point and to this day, we are still working on this problem. 

You see, James has formed a habit.  This may seem a silly little example, however you and I have habits too that keep us from "walking worthy of the calling with which you were called." (Ephesians 4:1).

You are called and I am called.  However, there are things that keep us from our calling.  Even though according to you it may "taste better in a Starbucks cup", have you asked the Lord lately where you're settling for what YOU think is best instead of walking in HIS best? 

When you realize God's best and His unique plan, purpose and call for you - everything will taste better!

Lydia

Pregnancy Progress So Far!

Hey Eveyone!
The great adventure continues!  I am 23 1/2 weeks and our precious baby girls are growing and doing so great!  I thought it'd be fun to post some pictures of the progress thus far.  I do want to take a moment to thank ALL OF YOU for your prayers for us.  It means so much knowing that the people of God are praying and believing with us for health and a wonderful pregnancy.  Also, your words of encouragement and love have meant so much to me and Scott.  We feel extrememly blessed!

Inside & Out - Week 8

Inside & Outside - Week 13

Week 16

Outside & Inside Week 19



Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Hello loved ones!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!  We love this time of year and all it represents.  A lot has happened in our family this year.  As I've reflected on all the change that has taken place I'm reminded of a simple yet profound truth; my God does not change!  Jesus Christ is constant - in fact the Word says He's the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  No matter what valleys or mountaintop experiences you've had this year isn't it good to know that God is faithful in every season?

In an earlier blog post I expressed my thoughts on transition.  I wrote this post the night before Scott and I found out that I am pregnant with twins!  Isn't that comical? In my own words transition is exciting, challenging, tiring, elating, fun, emotional and riviting. By definition transition means: movement, passage or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change.

Our year has been full of movement and change.  In July we moved from our home on Anthem Ridge to the comfortable and beautiful home of Scott's parents.  Our church, Grace North, has also transtioned 3 times since April.  We are finally "Home for Christmas" and are settled in our incredible new facility on Opportunity Way!  The Lord has truly worked miracles in each transition.  That is simply because He is a miracle working God!  We can never forget that God is cabable of and desiring to work miracles in all things.  Yes there have been hardships and trials, but the glory of the Lord has been revealed in each circumstance and situation.

Personally, even with major change there have been some fun family experiences we've had!  Here are a few of the highlights of 2010.

In March we enjoyed a wonderful family vacation to Newport Beach, CA which included two days at Disneyland!  This week of relaxation and family time was just what we needed!

 Newport Beach, CA

 Dominic loved the water!

 Scott & James enjoy the beach and waves!

 Disneyland - Jonathan was with us :)

 Dominic and his "best friend" Goofy!

 James and his favorite thing...believe it or not...ice cream!

California Adventure

In June we had the privilege of traveling to Atlanta for Foursquare Convention together with some of the wonderful staff at Grace North Church.

 Me with Stevie Mitchell in the van to the airport.

 On the subway in Atlanta with our co-worship pastors Torrey & Christina

 Torrey & Christina with Becky Casteel from Grace Chapel, Scottsdale

 Us with Marion and Joe Ingegneri

John Rusk (aka: Manian 4 Missions) on the big screen at convention!

In August, the tent that served as "church" for Grace North for 6 months collapsed in a severe rain and wind storm (see a previous post for more details.) Scott and several other pastors were inside the tent but were protected and walked away unharmed.

 GN tent before

GN tent after

The day after the tent collapsed in August, Scott traveled to Haiti with 7 other guys from Grace North to run a basketball camp for the kids and partner together with Foursquare Missionaries and family friends, John & Debbie Booker.  Despite the disaster, Scott and the team left determined and confident to minister the love and salvation message of Jesus Christ.  God used them powerfully!  Approx. 250 people gave their lives to the Lord!

Scott & Torrey Inez (fellow GN pastor and good friend) with some of the beautiful and excited Haitian kids!

Scott instructing a "jump and shoot" workshop.  His interpreter is with him in this picture and the little girl in front really gets it! :)

 

Scott (2nd from right) with most of the guys from Grace North in Haiti.

In September and October, Grace North Church transitioned once again, this time permanently, into our new church facility!  We also found out on October 29th that we are expecting twins. :)

Twins at 13 weeks (I am now - as of Christmas time, 16 1/2 weeks)

Scott exhorting the congregation at our dedication service in November.  Worship team in the background.

Grace North congregation worshipping!

Our Christmas was joyous and restful and we greatly look forward to 2011!  For those who may be wondering, our due date with the twins is June 8th, however we are expecting them to be born in May.  We will keep you updated on their growth. 

We love you, our friends and family, very much!  We pray blessings over your household. 

With Much Love,

Scott, Lydia, Dominic, James & Babies Ingegneri

Surrrrprizzzzeee!

Good morning friends and loved ones!  By now, you may have already heard the phenominal news that we are expecting twins!  Here they are...my two little peanuts!

(Sorry for the somewhat poor quality - taken with my phone.)

On Friday, October 29th we found out about our incredible blessings!  Total elation and shock flooded both Scott and I.  As if it's not exciting enough to find out your pregnant - the news of twins is beyond description!  As the ultrasound tech conducted the external ultrasound I immediately saw a second "blob" hovering above the first twin. At first I wondered what it could be and before the ultrasound tech said anything at all I just knew!  Before I could even ask she announced that there were two perfectly strong heartbeats and we were indeed having twins.  Scott and I both laughed and cried.  Again, it's hard to find words to express that moment.

This weekend has felt like a bit of a whirlwind as we've announced the news to family, friends and our church family.  We've been completely overwhelmed by the support and ecstatic responses of so many.  This is an unknown and new journey we are embarking on.

My last post, entitled TRANSITIONS, was written on Thursday night, the day prior to finding out about the twins.  How timely!  "Transitions" has taken on an entirely new meaning.  I bless the Lord for His incredible faithfulness.  His gifts are overwhelming and He only gives good gifts!  Even though I would have never planned this outcome, I trust that He knows exactly what is best for our family.  I am honored!

Trusting,

Lydia

Transition

Hi Everyone! I'm back!  Don't you hate it when you take longer than you intend to return to something?  I tend to do this with projects like scrapbooking, writing cards...and blogging!  I apologize.  It's on my heart to fill you in on the last few months of my life.  The only word that describes it perfectly is TRANSITION!  Transition is exciting, challenging, tiring, elating, fun, emotional and riviting. 

By definition (I like definitions) transition means: movement, passage or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change.

Well there has been a lot of movement (literally)!  In July we moved from our home on Anthem Ridge to our new residence on Sousa Drive, which is the home of my amazing in-laws, Joe and Marion.  For a season, the Lord has planted us here and we are loving it!  In August, the tent our church was gathering in collapsed in a storm (see previous post for info on that) and we moved into a gym connected to our office building.  For four weeks we had services in the gym.  We were handed the keys to our brand new church facility on Fri, September 24th and had our first services on Sat/Sun October 2nd and 3rd.

On Sunday, September 26th Scott and I found out we are expecting our 3rd child!  This came as an absolutely amazing, wonderful surprize!  I am now 10 weeks and pregnancy symptoms are in full swing. 

I've learned that transition should be embraced rather than avoided.  Transition can be scary.  There is always the unknown, right?  Very rarely has the Lord revealed to me the end result at the beginning of the journey!  Would I embark on the journey if I knew all the bumps, mountains and potholes (in other words - obstacles) I'd encounter?  Probably not! At the beginning of 2010 the Lord spoke to me that I'd encounter some trials, however I was not to loose hope, but rather COUNT IT ALL JOY! (James 1:2-8).  I have stood on this word!  I could never have imagined some of the trials we've faced.  But in the trials I've pressed in to gain a new perspective.  The Lord has taught me some priceless lessons, deepened by faith, and delightfully caused me to walk in His joy, which has been my strength!

If you are in a season of transition, be encouraged!  The Lord is with you.  If you'll open your heart to Him and refuse to walk in fear, you will experience some amazing mountain top experiences even in what may seem like a valley. 

James 1:2-8 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man,  unstable in all his ways."

Counting It All Joy,
Lydia

Grace North Tent Down...Grace North Church Stands!

I am priviledged to serve as a pastor at Grace North Church in Phoenix, Arizona.  We have been meeting in a tent since April 25th, 2010, while our new facility is being built.  On Tuesday, August 24th our tent collapsed due to a powerful monsoon/storm that swept through the area.  The collapse of the tent destroyed everything inside of our tent, including televions, speakers, sound equipment and chairs.  Four of our pastors, including my husband Scott, were in the tent when the wind swept through, causing the tent to fall on top of them.  By the mercy and protection of the Lord, Scott and the other pastors are safe and suffered no injuries. 

Outside of tent BEFORE

Inside of tent BEFORE

Outside of tent AFTER

Inside of tent AFTER

The occurance was a huge shock to our staff and church and has caused us to hear God quickly and move quickly!  We did not expect to end our season of "tent days" in this manner.  Our new facility will be complete within 4-6 weeks, so the immediate question is "Where do we go from here?"

I am sure you are familiar with the story of Moses and the responsibility that rested on his shoulders to lead the Israelites out of captivity into the Promised Land.  I can only imagine how often he cried out to God for wisdom, answers and directions.  The pressure on this man's shoulders to lead millions of grumblers was not an easy burden to bear. Well, Grace North is certainly NOT full of grumblers, however there is still a responsibility to lead in the midst of the storm!

My pastor, Marion Ingegneri, who is also my mother-in-love, said it well today: When the cloud moved, so did the people!  God did not give warnings to the Israelites.  The instruction of the Lord to them was to move when the cloud moved and to make camp when the cloud did not move. God has provided covering and shelter for us until our facility is complete.  We will congregate in the gymnasium connected to our church office complex with family style services. 

Grace North are a people moving forward!  We are not fearful, doubtful or anxious about our future.  A church is not walls, the people are the church.  So we, as a church, will obey and trust in this very interesting and adventurous season!

I love my church and I love my God!  I look forward to filling you in on the miracles to come.
Lydia