Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A Merry Christmas indeed...
I hope your Christmas was a merry and peaceful one as well.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
It's a snowy Foto Friday
Thursday, December 20, 2007
We made it!
Tomorrow will be a very snowy foto Friday....
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Headed towards a white Christmas
We're bracing for the cold and the snow. Wonderfully beautiful to look at, but not so fun to drive in. We hope to make time to visit with lots of folks, but if the weather doesn't cooperate they'll just have to come to us.
I plan to do some blogging while we're up. If the wind blows properly I can pirate a signal from my sil's next door. If I don't make it on much we plan to return to ring in the New Year here in Georgia.
The girls look forward to car trips because they get to watch a bunch of movies on DVD. Funny, but they seem to choose the same ones over and over and over again. Thank goodness for headphones. Hubby and I usually listen to something a bit heavier, this time Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace. He's graciously allowed audio files of his 13 part series to be downloaded and shared. I've heard his methods are sound and practical. Will let you know what I think after the holidays.
Finally, many of my readers bless my life in very personal ways. I thank you all. I wish you a truly blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the all the riches that only Christ's love can provide.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
A journey
That's when I began to remember that others before me have made journeys of their own. How worried must Mary have been as the birth of her special child approached? How scary to make a long and dangerous trek to Bethlehem so close to the end of her pregnancy? What fear must have gripped her when she realized that there was no place for them to stay and that she would in fact give birth to the Lord in a stable?
We watched the movie "The Nativity Story" this past weekend with the older girls. I heartily recommend it to those who haven't seen it yet. There are such stark contrasts between Mary's journey and ours. Lord willing we will make it in one long day. Mary's journey was much more arduous, lasting many days. We'll also be blessed with plentiful food, drink, and even t.v. as we travel. And finally, unlike Mary and Joseph, who arrived with little fanfare and no accomodations, we'll be greeted with celebration by many when we arrive and welcomed into comfort.
We are blessed indeed to make a journey to our own hometowns this Christmas.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Shopping, and wrapping, and packing- Oh my!
It's been beautifully warm here in Georgia, but in the northeast- not so much. I seriously hope we all don't freeze during our trip. I've begun a scavenger hunt around here for coats, hats, and mittens. We also need to dig out lots of long pants and sweaters too. This year packing a myriad of baby equipment has thrown me as well. I don't know why I'm almost terrified that I'll forget something important each time we travel? They do have stores in southern New Hampshire and guess what? They don't even charge sales tax!!! Hmm... so why is it that I'm bringing everything but the kitchen sink?
Presents, I do wish I could forget about packing those. I may have to if I don't get them wrapped! Definitely not one of my favorite activities. I'm a pretty crafty person and I'll happily spend hours knitting, sewing, or even stamping a beautiful card. But I just can't get into spending time and money on something designed to be torn into and quickly discarded.
That's all I have time for today. More to come as soon as I get out from under the wrapping paper and suitcases and get my check book re-balanced after all that spending.
Friday, December 7, 2007
T'was the month before Christmas
My daughter looked beautiful in her Christmas best, and the singing was sweet and on key. She's worked very hard this semester preparing. They sang about Santa, about snow, about the north pole and the elves, and ended by wishing us a swingin' holiday. They even sang a beautiful song somewhere in the middle about Hanukkah. Not once though, during the 30 minute program was Christmas mentioned. I just don't understand when that word became so dangerous.
I thought I'd pass on what a friend shared with me this week.
Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ‘Holiday ‘.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas;
it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf BlitzenOn Boxer,
on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word,
as they took away our faith.
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
Foto Friday (get elfed)
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1200988762
Quite silly, but still lots of fun. See you next week!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Can you sleep when the wind blows?
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast.He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops .As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him."Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help,hired him.
The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God.We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms. A friend of mine sent this to me today, and I enjoyed it so much, that I wanted to send it to you.I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Making room for Christmas
This can be particularly problematic at Christmas. The thought of making room for all those decorations pains me. If my husband and children didn't take over our decorations would be small scale, very small scale. Don't even get me started on the gifts! I instituted a mandatory pre-Christmas cleanout several years ago. While many children make a long Christmas list, mine face a different decision, which possessions to part with first. Who needs twenty Barbie dolls without enough clothes for them all and a puzzle with a missing piece anyway? See in my mind there just isn't room for it all. Crowding more in just simply isn't an option. I'll admit that even as the gifts are opened I'm already thinking and just where am I supposed to put that?
One of the girls made a great point this week as I was urging them to begin the annual purge. She said, "Mom, I think you should be less worried about making room in the house and more concerned about making room in your heart." Ouch, but so true!
I'm forever reminding them that Christmas is about Christ, not presents. Yet in truth I'm the one who's focused intently on the material things and losing out on Christmas joy in the process.
So... I've decided not to follow through on the big clean up this year and the decorations are all up! Even though we'll be 1,000 miles north come the big day. I'm going to focus on my own personal clutter instead. Yikes, that is a daunting task!
Monday, December 3, 2007
It's About the Cross - Christmas Music Video
This group (Go Fish) also sings another song that is catching on entitled "Christmas with a capital C". While I appreciate their point of view, I like the gentle and thoroughly Christian message in this one a bit better. Hope it blesses you today.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
So many reasons....
1) He cooks for me (yup, tonight he's preparing a special dinner and molten chocolate cake for dessert), yumm.
2) He loves me at my best AND at my worst.
3) He's kind (to everyone, but especially to me).
4) He's a truly devoted father ( I mean a REALLY in the trenches kind of Dad).
5) He's committed to his job, but always maintains a sense of balance between work and family.
6) He is always up for an adventure, but also knows how to relax.
7) He rarely ever complains about anything! (REALLY)
8) He often knows me better than I know myself.
9) He has a superb sense of direction (handy since I have almost none)
10) He knows the Lord and is always anxious to introduce Him to others.
AND- he waited for me when I was late to my very own wedding.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Foto Friday 4 (biggest and littlest)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Christmas thoughts
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Still icky :-(
I feel a bit whiny for complaining about it all when I know of many who are truly ill. I often forget to thank God for his blessing of health for my family. He looks after us and provides for us in so many ways that go unnoticed.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Foto Friday (late)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Cassie's Comments
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Paige's Thanks
I eat turkey on Thanksgiving. We have stuffing for too. We have pies. I'm thankful for pudding and banana pies. That's it.
Love,
Paige- I am 5 years old
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
A New England Holiday
I often visited Plimoth Plantation. This place is the real deal, a 1627 Pilgrim village where the surroundings are so authentic and the villagers speak and act completely in character. You can also visit a Wampanoag homesite and board the Mayflower II, a scaled down version of the original. While in Plymouth, MA we always had to go see the rock which is actually a bit anti-climactic after all that 'living history'. click here to see a pic of the rock
By mid October the leaves were changing, and frosty evenings foretold a winter not far off. By Thanksgiving time silvery tree branches were all too visible, and the cold had crept in permanently. In New Hampshire Thanksgiving was often synonomous with snow. I remember sitting at the bottom of a huge hill two holidays ago and praying that the van would make it safely up. I thought that we might not make it to dinner at all that year as the snow went from 0-6+inches by noon time. Once you start up a long snowy hill, you'd best not slow down or you'll lose precious traction and never make it to the table. The song "Over the River and Through the Woods" often takes on a whole different meaning in New England!
I'll also admit to being a bit picky regarding my Thanksgiving menu. I grew up with the classics: roast turkey with stuffing (in the bird please), mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, peas, and pumpkin pie. I hear lots of talk here about macaroni and cheese, ham, and potato salad, amongst other dishes. Sure they might be tasty, but to me they just don't belong on my holiday table. Check out a quintessential New England menu here . Think cranberries, lots of cranberries folks. Incidentally they flood the bogs to harvest them and those bogs made for some of my best childhood ice skating shortly after turkey day.
We have so very much to be thankful for this year, and of course that's what matters most. At the top of my list are the many friends and family we're missing up north. We've developed a new level of appreciation for you all and can't wait to see you over the Christmas holidays. We're also so thankful for the friends and family that we have here in Georgia- the faces which color our daily lives here with laughter and love. We wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving, no matter how or where you celebrate.
I'm going to let the girls take over the blog during this school holiday so they can let you know what's on their hearts as we gather this year. Stay tuned...
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1
Friday, November 16, 2007
Foto Friday 3 (proud mommy)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Unavailable
Sometimes I hate being so available. Communication is so fast and convenient nowadays, but it can all be a bit intrusive. I've been interrupted way too often lately by the chimes of one phone or another and feel compelled to answer an email or letter once I open it. I often shut the ringers off on the telephones, put the cell on vibrate, and resolve to check email only once every day or so. I'm trying to pull back a bit and focus on the more important things, God and my family. So much of the rest is just that- the rest. Most of that stuff can wait. The kids can't. The Lord shouldn't have to.
I think that's why I'm enjoying blogging so much. It perfectly fits my schedule, never interrupts my day, and once I've got you here you're a pretty captive audience. Selfish, I know :-).
So if you find yourself "leaving a message after the beep" these days please understand that I'll get back to you, when I can. A girl's got to prioritize.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
21 Rules
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Taking care of mommy
Hopefully I'll continue to recover and will get things back in order sometime in the near future. I would certainly do well to remember that I can't take care of everyone else when I don't take care of myself. Being sick always makes me miss my own mommy.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Praying for Paris
Muslim women who come to Christ face tremendous persecution from their friends and family. A dear friend recommended the book The Torn Veil: The True Story of Gulshan Esther . This is a compelling story of the freedom and healing that this young woman experiences as she embraces Christianity. There are many, many more women like Gulshan Esther living in Paris that need to meet Jesus too.
The mission team left on November 9th and will return home on the 17th. Please join me this week in praying for them and the families that they are leaving at home this week. Please pray for the spiritual growth of the team members and that they'll be brought into an even deeper relationship with the Lord as they work as His hands and feet. Please pray also for the women that they will encounter and for potential relationships they'll make there. Pray that many Muslim women will see and feel the love of Christ in tangible ways through this ministry.
Thank you.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Foto Friday 2
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Brrrr...
On an unrelated note, I've been working hard lately on a sewing project. My knitting needles and stamps have been gathering dust for a while. I'm pretty proud of my results, so tune in tomorrow for some pics!
Oh, and kindly keep your cold weather north of the Mason-Dixon line, or at least ship me down some wool socks! :-)
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Family Arithmetic
The flip side of this would division, and while I wish it weren't so, it does exist. I believe this comes not from our heavenly father, but is the unfortunate result of sinful individuals living in a fallen world. At times we're incapable or unwilling to do the things we should to promote peace and prevent conflict, myself included. God gave us the gift of free will, so I think that conflict within our families will always exist to varying degrees. While he does not prevent division, he does prevent subtraction and I thank Him for that. Even if family members become estranged and eventually when they pass away, they are not gone from us. They live on in our hearts and memories.
As much as conflict pains me it's often an opportunity for growth. An argument within my own extended family has troubled me lately, but serves as a reminder that my happiness is not determined by the people or circumstances that surround me. My fulfillment comes from above. He will fill me to the point of overflowing if I let him. I can always find peace by looking up, even when I'm surrounded by strife.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Lord please help me to act in ways that will promote peace and temper anger. I wish for my family to be marked by growth and not division. I ask this in your name. Amen.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Six months?
Monday, November 5, 2007
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Love
Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(NIV emphasis mine)
This chapter of scripture is such a gift, it has always spoken to my heart. The people that God has surrounded me with, my family and friends, are truly blessings to me. I hope that they know that whether we agree or disagree, whether or not I may "like" them at a given point in time, I always love them. I belive that I always will. I believe that love never fails.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Foto Friday 1
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Stuck...
I'm more like that simple raccoon than I'd like to admit. I often find myself stuck simply because I refuse to let go. Sometimes I'm holding on to something that I truly believe is important, but all too often I'm holding on to something that's just, well stuff. All that holding on can definitely hold me back.
Jesus spoke about this several times during his ministry, a few of my favorites are the ninth chapter of Luke and the parable of the rich young man. My prayer today is a simple one...
Lord please help me to let go of anything which is holding back. In your name, I pray. Amen
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The mommy gap
Now we often see things differently. While some of us routinely leave the kids home alone for short periods or drop them off at the movie or football game, others still allow parties and sleepovers only at the home of truly trusted friends. Some have allowed their girls to wear makeup, heels, and string bikinis while others are trying to keep their girls dressing, well, girlish. Some kids have cell phones and IM at will, while others are allowed on the net only for school work. And why am I getting the feeling that things will only get stickier from here on out?
It's definitely not always about right and wrong anymore, it's more about figuring out what's right for my girls. That's why I am so glad to be able to lean on the Lord. I find myself doing so more and more about lots of things, but parenting my 'tweens in particular. I know that I couldn't begin to figure it all out without him.
Thank you Lord for continuing to provide us with the wisdom and discernment to make the right choices for our girls. In your name I pray, Amen.
Teach me in your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path.
Psalm 27:11 (NIV
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
It doesn't have to be good...
Maybe I was just way overtired, but that struck me as so funny. Yup, any old can will do. I'm thinking I'll be hunting for sprinkles and nuts for said ice cream next week.
Monday, October 29, 2007
East to West by Casting Crowns
I'm toying with the idea of "Musical Mondays". Here's one of my current favorites, enjoy.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Now Hiring: Parents
Position(s) Available:
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
Job Description:
Long term team players needed for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings, weekends, and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
Responsibilities:
A lifelong commitment. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from 0-60mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not just someone crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets, and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have the ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Other responsibilities include floor maintenance and general janitorial work throughout the facility.
Possibility for promotion or advancement:
None! Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
Previous Experience:
None required, unfortunately!
On-the-job training offered on a continually, exhaustive basis.
Wages and Compensation:
Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonus. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse salary scheme is that you'll actually enjoy it and wish you could give more!
Benefits:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays, and no stock options are offered this job does supply limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life. If you play your cards right.
Important Disclosure:
There is NO RETIREMENT, EVER!!!
What an exciting career opportunity... ummm.. calling. Thank you God for accepting my application.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Foto Friday 4
Thursday, October 25, 2007
A letter to God...
Dear God,
I hope Suzy doesn't feel sad. Well, Suzy is a new girl in our mission zone class at church. She and her family were missionaries in a far away country for a couple of years. She seems sad leaving her friends there. I was in the same position when I moved from New Hampshire. I lived there for half of my life, five years! I had to leave my friends too. People here helped me to feel welcome, so I want to make her feel welcome. Can you please help me God?!?
Love,
C.
I'm reminded once again what an awesome gift I've been given by the Lord. Witnessing the faith of my children never feels to inspire me and uplift my spirits. You get the picture....
That's all for today. I'm off to write my own letter to God.
*Although I didn't edit this letter for content I did change the names and places to protect the privacy of both girls and got C's permission to share.*
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
On forgiveness
The Lord has shown me that I still have lots of work to do in this area. I personally turned a corner when I finally realized that forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a choice. To that end peacemaker ministries has some really great resources for anyone looking to work on this themselves (and who doesn't need to), particularly their 4 promises of forgiveness. I share these because they were so transforming for me, allowing me to make forgiveness choices everyday and providing concrete benchmarks along the way.
- I will not dwell on this incident.
- I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.
- I will not talk to others about this incident.
- I will not let this incident stand between us and hinder our personal relationship
Now I won't pretend that putting these steps into action is easy, but it provided a great starting point for me. This is exactly the forgiveness that God gave to us and continues to dole out daily. We are asked by Him to do the same for others. He's pretty clear on that. In fact, when I took a look at the concordance in my Bible I found more than 80 references! One that's been on my heart today keeps it simple...
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV emphasis mine)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Praying for rain...
The Bible tells us repeatedly to pray about our needs. This passage in James has been on my heart:
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and annoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 5:13-14 (NIV)
There's a bit of rain potential in the forecast this week, and I think it's time to turn our faces heavenward and pray. Please join me in praying for much needed rain, for the wisdom and discernment of our government officials as they decide how to allocate the resevoir's existing water, and that we'll all be better stewards of the water resources which God has already provided.
And, if you read a bit further in James you'll find that rain is specifically mentioned.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
James 5:17-18(NIV)
You'll find more information about Georgia's drought here .
Thank you for your prayers.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Yankee?
We do take our baseball rather seriously in New England. We like to have something to complain and worry about besides the weather. We've passed along our membership in Red Sox nation to our children and they have an extreme distaste for all things Yankee. So while all northerners may be yankees, we are most definitely not Yankees! That's why I couldn't let today go by without saying ...
GO SOX!!!
Back to serious ramblings tomorrow, but for today I'm going to catch up on my sleep, savor the sweet taste of victory, and enjoy my heritage as a New Englander.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Marathon motherhood
I've learned over the years that the race I run daily more closely resembles a marathon than a sprint. It's become much more about endurance and less about reaching the finish line. Be warned, this is kind of a follow-up to Thursday's post, guess I'm feeling particularly reflective this week...
I once thought that when my girls reached a certain age, they'd need me less. Each milestone would bring independence and I'd be phased out, for better or for worse. As with so many things I've found that I had it all wrong. My older girls don't need me any less, it's just that their needs have evolved over time. I remember fondly the days when everything was so clear cut. Yes, you can play with play dough. No, you can't play with the stove!
Now it seems like we're entering murky waters. Should they wear those particular clothes, see that movie, spend time with that certain friend? Nothing seems quite so clear anymore, but the stakes seem somehow higher. At least I don't need to worry about not being needed :-).
Thankfully, I know that I can rely on the Lord to help me to both navigate through this motherhood maze and to give me the energy to keep on running. I know that this is one race that I intend to finish well...
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...
Acts 20:24(NIV)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Foto Friday 3
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Milestones
It's funny how things can change! I'll admit that with our younger ones I have a much different attitude. While I do my best to cheer them on, those same milestones are just as likely to bring tears these days. Sure, everyone told me that time would fly, but until I had actually experienced it I just didn't quite get it. I've tried to hurry less and enjoy more these last few years and, for the most part, I've been successful.
I've never been the type to keep up with baby books either. I admire those of you who do, but I've just never found the time. I was thinking this week though about all the firsts I've been blessed to be involved in just this year. Here are a few...
- Our first set of braces went on and off (that could have been our priciest first)
- Our first school dances (Yikes!)
- Our five year old tied her shoes and rode the big bus for the first time
- Our nine year old auditioned for her first singing part (and got it)
- And yes, littlest is cutting a tooth and sleeping through the night
Well, from where I sit that's a pretty impressive list! It reminds me of just how blessed I am to be in the midst of all of this. I have a church friend with two young children under five who is struggling with a severe illness right now. She worries that she might not be present for her little ones someday. I often take it all for granted, but I do realize that each and every day, each and every milestone is truly a gift from Him.
Thank you Lord for granting me so many mommy moments...
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
What next?
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=140910&ac=PHnws
I hope I'm not alone here, but I am saddened and a bit, well,... ill at the thought of us making contraception more widely available to middle schoolers!!! I also wonder when it was that we as a society decided that a child's right to privacy trumped our parental duty to keep our children safe!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Releasing Beauty
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity."
~Jeremiah 29:11-14a (NIV)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Buckled In
I was thinking a bit about my compulsion to protect and cradle my girls. I find it comforting to remember that God goes to great lengths to do the same for me. How wonderful to know that he holds us just as securely as any carseat. In fact, I think he's the one that taught me how mommies hold hands in the first place. I don't ever worry that my child is going to let go of my hand in a busy parking lot, because I'm not concerned about their grip. I've got them and I know I won't let go, even if the unexpected happens.
Thank you Lord for keeping me "buckled in".
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.
Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Making a statement
If you're lost (or even mildly interested) check out
fuzzibunz here. They can tell you why lots of people choose to use them. As for me, I think they are just too cute, seem oh so comfy, save us a few bucks, and I quite simply have the time this go around.
Oh, and just for the record... If I was going to make a "statement" it wouldn't be on a piece of cloth secured to my baby's bottom. I think I'd at least opt for a t-shirt or even a bumper sticker. Here's a cute slogan I saw recently...
"Life's short, pray hard" Eph. 6:18
Honestly I care much more deeply about the spiritual state of the world my children will someday inherit. Global warming... not so much.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wrestling
The specifics of this battle aren't important. Suffice it to say that here I am again, kicking and screaming. Wonder if I'll ever learn. He's starting to get the better of me, I'll admit reluctantly. He'll actually drag me if He needs to. He's done it before. I wonder when I'll give in to His will. One thing I'm sure of, He's not going to let up until I say "Uncle!". I don't know where I'd be if He wasn't so gosh darn persistent!
Okay, I take that back. I know exactly where I would be... stuck. Stuck in patterns that where once "good enough" but just don't work any more. Stuck in the rut of living for myself and others instead of for Him. I'm so glad he gave me a mustard seed worth of faith, but sometimes it's still hard to actually put this faith into practice. It seems so much easier to wrap it in a pretty box, tie it with a bow, and stick it up to be admired. Do I really have to DO something with it? Something that may be uncomfortable, scary, or even a bit sacrificial? This whole process of sanctification can really be a bit messy, and well... tiring.
Additional thoughts on wrestling...
"Faith is not getting man's will done on heaven. It is getting God's will done on earth." -Adrian Rogers
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2(NIV)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
On Technology
1)fertile duck eggs (for a 4-H incubation project)
2)baby clothes(well- not so random)
3)a concert video from 1988 that DH found buried in the garage(someone paid us a whole $12 for it)
Well, you get the picture...
How about ordering a pizza online? How cool is that? Ditto for mapquest- on a recent vacation we took the trusty notebook pc with us and figured out what we wanted to do AND how to get there! Google and the other search engines just amaze me. Heck, I never really have to visit the bank anymore with direct deposit and online banking. I often don't carry cash either! For that matter, I don't use many stamps now a days. Email and online bill pay cover most all my correspondance needs. Don't even get me started on You Tube. I could even log in to read my Bible and hear a mighty fine sermon from my church. Do I ever need to leave the house?!?
Well yes, I can log onto Web MD or the like, but once in a while we might need to visit a real, old fashioned doc. We headed in last week for littlest's well baby check-up. And what do you know? Their computer system was down. Since they do ENTIRELY computerized charting now (who needs those bulky folders anyway) they were... well... in trouble, to say the least. They had no idea which patients were coming in as they have a handy dandy computerized appointment system. Gee, did mighty mite gain any weight? Well, our poor frazzled doc just didn't have a clue... literally. The nurse didn't even know what developmental questions to ask. Thank goodness mommy was there to fill in some of the blanks!
Now, we have great docs. I'm sure they have all their records "backed up" and "archived" and all that good stuff. But they just weren't very handy. Thank goodness it was just a well baby check up, ya know?
By the way.... Have you googled yourself lately? You may want to try typing in your name or your even your phone number. You may be surprised by what you find!
Thank you God for technology... I think.
Monday, October 8, 2007
E.G.G. Hunts
Saturday, October 6, 2007
The New Adventures of Jack and Jilly
Kindergarten has changed in other ways too. First and foremost it is now a full day affair. I remember going myself for about three hours, having a circle time and hearing a story, practicing with the calendar, lots of play, and then my favorite subject of all- RECESS! Well now Kindergarten is a bit more serious. You know our schools here must meet their "adequate yearly progress" goals. It's apparently quite a big deal. So we need this whole day to be jam packed with learning. We get lots of homework too. Yes, after spending 7 and 1/2 hours at school, my young student is expected to do some more work when she gets home! Remind me to schedule some time with her teacher to include bed making and room cleaning (they're falling by the wayside for the sake of academic progress).
Now, it's not that I don't care about learning. I think it's great that she's mastering reading and writing so quickly. I'm sure glad she can begin to count her allowance money too. But, what I didn't realize is what else is being packed into her extended day. Her teacher sends home a wonderful newsletter every Friday letting us know what has been covered that week in school. Well, wouldn't you know? Last week along with all those essentials they did find the time to do a bit of teaching on death and divorce. Now aren't those two great letter D words? YIKES! Now, it was of course taught in conjunction with a unit on families and the changes they undergo, but still, YIKES! I wonder what's in store for next week?
Thankfully, we were able to sit down that night and spend some time talking about it with our child. We did a bit of "damage control". It all turned out fine in the end. Just thought you'd want to hear about Jack and Jilly and maybe ask your child (or student of any age) what they learned at school today?