Please take a few minutes and read this blog post I just read.
http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/04/designer-babies-designer-god.html
This sweet woman has 4 children, and is in the process of adopting a 5th from Ethiopia. She is very passionate about adoption.
Anyway, I just read it and found myself shaking my head and shouting Amen at several places. It's a very convicting article, very well written...I won't try to restate it--just read it!
Showing posts with label deep thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deep thoughts. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My blog...foreshadowing
I realized just now that I missed my one-year "blogiversary". I started blogging on February 6, 2008. I've really enjoyed it! I hope you have too! Happy Blogiversary to me!
As I looked back I saw one of my first posts: "The Lord Gives, and Interprets Dreams!" I got chills reading this post, because at the time I had no idea that my very dear Grandma was mere months away from her terminal cancer diagnosis and death. In fact, it was shortly after this post was written that she started feeling bad. Her friends have told me they started noticing right around mother's day or a little before that she was bowing out of more and more activities due to tiredness. She was too stubborn to go to the doctor about anything until her pain became unbearable in early July. She died in mid-August.
God was preparing me, and I didn't even know it. And He always is, as long as I am listening. Thank you Lord!
As I looked back I saw one of my first posts: "The Lord Gives, and Interprets Dreams!" I got chills reading this post, because at the time I had no idea that my very dear Grandma was mere months away from her terminal cancer diagnosis and death. In fact, it was shortly after this post was written that she started feeling bad. Her friends have told me they started noticing right around mother's day or a little before that she was bowing out of more and more activities due to tiredness. She was too stubborn to go to the doctor about anything until her pain became unbearable in early July. She died in mid-August.
God was preparing me, and I didn't even know it. And He always is, as long as I am listening. Thank you Lord!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Praising God through the storm
Tonight at church I was so blessed to be able to hear the testimony of Jeff Nowell, a man in our church who about a year ago was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gherig's disease. He is young, probably in his late 30's or early 40's, with two middle-school-age sons and a wonderful Godly wife. He has had a rough year of learning to trust God no matter what. His speech is now slurred and his body doesn't always cooperate when he tries to move, but he got in front of our church's congregation tonight and shared a Word from God anyway. I was captivated.
He said this has been the best year of his life. Imagine! He has grown more spiritually in the last year than he ever has before. He is reading God's Word and soaking it all in. He said he wants total strangers to ask him about his problem, because then he can tell them about how great God is! He talked about faith--how it is simply trusting God. It's not too lofty for you or me to obtain. He has chosen not to live like he is dying, but to LIVE.
As I think about this, I wonder how much I would trust God in such tough circumstances. I think of all the horrible things that I would never want to happen to me or my family--a terminal illness, loss of a child, severe financial ruin. I wonder how I would react under such circumstances. Would I draw closer to the Lord? I don't want any of those tough things to happen in my life, but I do believe I would still praise God, who is in control of all things.
If I desire to be closer to the Lord, why would I not draw near to him now--when I have all the blessings to praise Him for? I have started reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver. It is my desire to be like Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, soaking Him in. I get so busy in my daily life, like Martha, but I need to make time to be like Mary. Lord, help me draw near to You!
He said this has been the best year of his life. Imagine! He has grown more spiritually in the last year than he ever has before. He is reading God's Word and soaking it all in. He said he wants total strangers to ask him about his problem, because then he can tell them about how great God is! He talked about faith--how it is simply trusting God. It's not too lofty for you or me to obtain. He has chosen not to live like he is dying, but to LIVE.
As I think about this, I wonder how much I would trust God in such tough circumstances. I think of all the horrible things that I would never want to happen to me or my family--a terminal illness, loss of a child, severe financial ruin. I wonder how I would react under such circumstances. Would I draw closer to the Lord? I don't want any of those tough things to happen in my life, but I do believe I would still praise God, who is in control of all things.
If I desire to be closer to the Lord, why would I not draw near to him now--when I have all the blessings to praise Him for? I have started reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver. It is my desire to be like Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, soaking Him in. I get so busy in my daily life, like Martha, but I need to make time to be like Mary. Lord, help me draw near to You!
Friday, August 15, 2008
My Grandma is rejoicing with Jesus
It has been such a hard week. Shortly after my last post, my Grandma took her last breaths with me, my mom, my uncle, and his wife all around her bed, holding her hands and telling her to go on to glory. After she breathed that last breath, I realized she was really really gone, and I started bawling my eyes out.
I know she is no longer in pain. I know she is with Jesus. I take comfort in knowing she is seeing long lost friends and family.
But every time I think about the fact that I will never go shopping with her, eat dinner at her house, buy her presents for Christmas, or have her at my children's birthday parties again, I start to cry. I'm probably making you cry now and I'm sorry for that! I loved my Grandma so much and I just want her here with me, all better and by my side.
Last night was her visitation, and so many people showed up to offer condolances and tell her goodbye. It was truly amazing how many people were there. The funeral home had done a beautiful DVD tribute with pictures we had given them, and so many people enjoyed seeing her pictures.
Today at her funeral, her pastor told stories we had told him about her, and then preached the Gospel. One of her very good friends, Katie, sang Beulah Land and Serenaded by Angels. It was a good service, and remarkably I didn't cry until the graveside service was over.
What I'm having trouble coming to terms with is that now there is nothing to do but divide up her belongings and move on with life. And send lots of thank you cards. I guess it will get easier day by day.
Thank you to everyone who has offered kind words and support. I truly appreciate your friendship.
I know she is no longer in pain. I know she is with Jesus. I take comfort in knowing she is seeing long lost friends and family.
But every time I think about the fact that I will never go shopping with her, eat dinner at her house, buy her presents for Christmas, or have her at my children's birthday parties again, I start to cry. I'm probably making you cry now and I'm sorry for that! I loved my Grandma so much and I just want her here with me, all better and by my side.
Last night was her visitation, and so many people showed up to offer condolances and tell her goodbye. It was truly amazing how many people were there. The funeral home had done a beautiful DVD tribute with pictures we had given them, and so many people enjoyed seeing her pictures.
Today at her funeral, her pastor told stories we had told him about her, and then preached the Gospel. One of her very good friends, Katie, sang Beulah Land and Serenaded by Angels. It was a good service, and remarkably I didn't cry until the graveside service was over.
What I'm having trouble coming to terms with is that now there is nothing to do but divide up her belongings and move on with life. And send lots of thank you cards. I guess it will get easier day by day.
Thank you to everyone who has offered kind words and support. I truly appreciate your friendship.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The silver lining
It seems like with the circumstances I am in now, there wouldn't be alot to gush and be happy about. Call me an optimist--I am seeing the silver lining this morning.
Yesterday afternoon it became quite apparent that Grandma is on the edge of life. My mom and uncle came after lunch (I had been at her house since Sunday afternoon), and we held vigil all night. Every breath could be Grandma's last, and the waiting is almost unbearable.
In the midst of this, there are some things I am immensely thankful for!
*Grandma got to say her goodbyes to the world, and her friends got to tell her goodbye. Most people would struggled for months and years with an illness, but Grandma has only strugged for a month. What a blessing to have the best of both worlds--death is not totally unexpected, but not long and drawn out either.
*So many people love my dear Grandma and the cards, flowers, and calls have been pouring in. She worked at a UPS store up to the day before she went in the hospital (July 8th was her unbeknownst last day). So many box holders and other customers have sent cards. Think about your regular errands--if one of the employees at your regular stops was missing, would you think to ask about them? To get an address and send a card or flowers? Surely not, unless they made an impact and impression on your life. And that my Grandma did! In so many people's lives--and they have let her know. Some have even called specifically to "say goodbye." I have told her over and over these last weeks, "You have so many people who love you, Grandma!"
Then there are the people from Grandma's church. We called her pastor to come yesterday afternoon, and he called Katie, grandma's favorite singer at church. Katie came and sang a few songs at Grandma's bedside--In the Garden, Serenaded by Angels, and Beulah Land. Beautiful, and even though Grandma wasn't alert, I feel confident she heard and will thank Katie one day in heaven for singing to her one final time here on earth.
*My family is bonding! We have a small family. My Mom lives alone and we don't see her alot. She doesn't like to leave the comfort of her home very often. We have had some good hours together the last week. My uncle leads a busy life, with a wife who works nights as a nurse and four kids (2 grown but still dependent, 2 in elementary school)...so even though he lives just across town we don't see him very often either. It has been good to laugh and share stories with him.
*I have amazing friends. Last week two friends made meals for me, and more are coming this week--an invaluable service that cannot be underestimated. Several friends are picking up the slack I have left with the consignment sale at our church next week--I am the "technical" person--but I have discovered that the team is figuring out ways to get things done without my expertise (ha!). Last night I sent an e-mail asking for help and one of the guys jumped right on it and told me to stop worrying about it. Such a relief. I am so thankful for my friends.
*Chris's grandmother is LOVING keeping my kids. She has been keeping them full days lately, and she absolutely loves it. She just gushes about how good they are and how well they play and how great Claire is doing with her potty training and how Aaron loved his cheese toast. It is such a relief to know the kids are somewhere they are comfortable, secure, and loved. I don't think I could ever quite repay Mammaw for the blessing she has been these past 5 weeks.
I could go on and on...I am so incredibly blessed. Thank you Jesus!
Yesterday afternoon it became quite apparent that Grandma is on the edge of life. My mom and uncle came after lunch (I had been at her house since Sunday afternoon), and we held vigil all night. Every breath could be Grandma's last, and the waiting is almost unbearable.
In the midst of this, there are some things I am immensely thankful for!
*Grandma got to say her goodbyes to the world, and her friends got to tell her goodbye. Most people would struggled for months and years with an illness, but Grandma has only strugged for a month. What a blessing to have the best of both worlds--death is not totally unexpected, but not long and drawn out either.
*So many people love my dear Grandma and the cards, flowers, and calls have been pouring in. She worked at a UPS store up to the day before she went in the hospital (July 8th was her unbeknownst last day). So many box holders and other customers have sent cards. Think about your regular errands--if one of the employees at your regular stops was missing, would you think to ask about them? To get an address and send a card or flowers? Surely not, unless they made an impact and impression on your life. And that my Grandma did! In so many people's lives--and they have let her know. Some have even called specifically to "say goodbye." I have told her over and over these last weeks, "You have so many people who love you, Grandma!"
Then there are the people from Grandma's church. We called her pastor to come yesterday afternoon, and he called Katie, grandma's favorite singer at church. Katie came and sang a few songs at Grandma's bedside--In the Garden, Serenaded by Angels, and Beulah Land. Beautiful, and even though Grandma wasn't alert, I feel confident she heard and will thank Katie one day in heaven for singing to her one final time here on earth.
*My family is bonding! We have a small family. My Mom lives alone and we don't see her alot. She doesn't like to leave the comfort of her home very often. We have had some good hours together the last week. My uncle leads a busy life, with a wife who works nights as a nurse and four kids (2 grown but still dependent, 2 in elementary school)...so even though he lives just across town we don't see him very often either. It has been good to laugh and share stories with him.
*I have amazing friends. Last week two friends made meals for me, and more are coming this week--an invaluable service that cannot be underestimated. Several friends are picking up the slack I have left with the consignment sale at our church next week--I am the "technical" person--but I have discovered that the team is figuring out ways to get things done without my expertise (ha!). Last night I sent an e-mail asking for help and one of the guys jumped right on it and told me to stop worrying about it. Such a relief. I am so thankful for my friends.
*Chris's grandmother is LOVING keeping my kids. She has been keeping them full days lately, and she absolutely loves it. She just gushes about how good they are and how well they play and how great Claire is doing with her potty training and how Aaron loved his cheese toast. It is such a relief to know the kids are somewhere they are comfortable, secure, and loved. I don't think I could ever quite repay Mammaw for the blessing she has been these past 5 weeks.
I could go on and on...I am so incredibly blessed. Thank you Jesus!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Taking Grandma home...
Grandma is still in the hospital--it will be four weeks on Wednesday. The doctors have told us there is nothing chemo will do to help her, and at this point we just need to make her comfortable. My uncle and I decided today that we will bring her home to her house--her little sanctuary--where hospice will help us take care of her until she passes away. One doctor today told us it could be a matter of weeks. Something tells me it may not be that long.
I have always known in the back of my mind that one day I would attend my Grandma's funeral. I never would have guessed it would have come so soon. Or so quickly, unexpectedly, like it has.
Grandma took such good care of me when I was in high school and college. I lived with her, and she took care of so many things--helping me buy my first car, finding my first real job, selecting a college, getting on my feet at college, helping me financially throughout college, planning my wedding with me, but most of all, being my friend. I always told her that she took good care of me, so one day I would take good care of her.
That time has come, and I am no where near prepared, but I am up to the task. I know God will give me strength, wisdom, energy, and resources.
Please pray for our family as this is going to be a very hard time. We will have to arrange for her care 24/7. We're going to spend much of our time at her house, but at least it is a place we can all be together and be comfortable. I can have my kids there (for brief periods) and I can prepare meals. I can work, once we set up high speed internet. (Thank the Lord for my flexible job--which I would not have if not for Grandma's neighbor telling me about it 12 years ago!) Pray we can find qualified, compassionate caretakers for times we are not able to be there.
Thank you so much for your prayers and concern.
I have always known in the back of my mind that one day I would attend my Grandma's funeral. I never would have guessed it would have come so soon. Or so quickly, unexpectedly, like it has.
Grandma took such good care of me when I was in high school and college. I lived with her, and she took care of so many things--helping me buy my first car, finding my first real job, selecting a college, getting on my feet at college, helping me financially throughout college, planning my wedding with me, but most of all, being my friend. I always told her that she took good care of me, so one day I would take good care of her.
That time has come, and I am no where near prepared, but I am up to the task. I know God will give me strength, wisdom, energy, and resources.
Please pray for our family as this is going to be a very hard time. We will have to arrange for her care 24/7. We're going to spend much of our time at her house, but at least it is a place we can all be together and be comfortable. I can have my kids there (for brief periods) and I can prepare meals. I can work, once we set up high speed internet. (Thank the Lord for my flexible job--which I would not have if not for Grandma's neighbor telling me about it 12 years ago!) Pray we can find qualified, compassionate caretakers for times we are not able to be there.
Thank you so much for your prayers and concern.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
I Stand Amazed in the Presence...
A couple of days ago I heard a classic hymn on Christian radio on the way to the hospital. It was a new contemporary artist who I wasn't familiar with, but I loved his voice and this hymn really spoke to me that morning.
************************
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
Refrain
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!
For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.
Refrain
In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.
Refrain
He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.
Refrain
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
Refrain
*********************
In these last three weeks I will admit I have had some times when I wondered why God was allowing my Grandma to suffer so much. Surely if He loves her, he would either end the suffering or just take her home, right?
No, that's not how it works. I don't understand suffering on this earth, and I never will. But one day there will be no suffering. Jesus even said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33)
And he surely loves me, and my Grandma! Lest I forget the amazing suffering he endured ON MY BEHALF (and on hers!)..."He had no tears for His own griefs, but sweat drops of blood for mine." Oh, He loves me alright. And he comforts me even now.
************************
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
Refrain
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!
For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.
Refrain
In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.
Refrain
He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.
Refrain
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
Refrain
*********************
In these last three weeks I will admit I have had some times when I wondered why God was allowing my Grandma to suffer so much. Surely if He loves her, he would either end the suffering or just take her home, right?
No, that's not how it works. I don't understand suffering on this earth, and I never will. But one day there will be no suffering. Jesus even said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33)
And he surely loves me, and my Grandma! Lest I forget the amazing suffering he endured ON MY BEHALF (and on hers!)..."He had no tears for His own griefs, but sweat drops of blood for mine." Oh, He loves me alright. And he comforts me even now.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Prayer Journaling
Today I'm participating in a blog carnival over on the blog Rocks in My Dryer. It's a weekly event called "Works for Me Wednesday"-- so this is my "works for me" tip!
I have always been a journaler. I loved keeping a diary when I was in middle school, although I don't remember WHAT I wrote in it. When I was in my mid-teens I started using a journal/diary to record my thoughts, particularly things I was learning in Scripture and things I was praying about. I also recording happenings of my day.
For some reason after I got married my journaling kinda fizzled out. Whatever the reason, I have one journal that has 4 years worth of entries--because I only journaled once every couple of months. It made me sad that I couldn't get back into the groove. I just wasn't very good about keeping my thoughts organized in prayer unless I was writing it down, so I knew that I needed to start journaling regularly again. Also, writing it down helped me think of things I wouldn't necessarily think about when my thoughts were jumping around so quickly in my head!!
Several months ago I attended a women's ministry event on prayer journaling. The speaker was an ordinary person--a bank teller, wife, empty-nester--who was just sharing what works for her with prayer journaling. That night we made cute little prayer journals, and I have been loosely following her method to get me back into journaling, and I have been loving it!
It starts with the word PRAISE as an ackronym - Praise, Repentance, Acknowledge, Intercession, Supplication, Exercise. In each of these steps, you just write out what you're thinking or saying to God. There is no perfect length--every step may be 1 sentence or 1 page depending on your day.
Praise - Talk to God about who He IS. Psalm 9 is a good place to start if you need some prompting on some things in God's character. I also printed myself a list of God's Names and some days I just pick one or two and reflect on that element of God's character.
Repentance - Once you have God's flawless character laid out on the table, you will inevitibly see areas of your life where you need forgiveness. Write to God about it, and ask him for forgiveness. Be specific. Ask God to reveal things to you.
Acknowledge - The easiest way to explain this step is with a fill-in sentence: "Because You are ______, I can be ________." Usually this sentence will be related to things you have written in the last two steps. "Because you are a forgiving God, I can be forgiviving to my friend." or "Because you are the Creator God, I can be confident you are in control."
Intercession - This is a big word the means "praying for others". We're all familiar with this one--pray for people who are sick, people who need guidance, people who are lost.
Supplication - This is praying for yourself. For your needs, questions, desires. Because you recognized God's character FIRST, your own needs just fall into place--you recognize that God is going to take care of you, and that maybe some of the things you thought you wanted are not necessary.
Exercise - This is where you say, "What now?" What do I do with what I have learned? Is there anything specific on which God wants me to take action?
I don't stick with this formula every day, because sometimes I just feel the need to brain dump. But it helps to keep my thoughts in a certain order--mainly, remembering WHO God is first and foremost.
It's neat to see how God speaks to me through my journaling. I'll be just writing things out, and as I'm writing something will become so clear! One day it was particularly evident when I sensed God was telling me to do something specific. I wrote out, "But God, I'm scared. What if I'm a total failure? I don't know if I can do this." The next thing I read was something to the effect of "Don't fear." (I wish I could remember the specifics, and I can't find this page in my journal! Too many pages to flip through!) There was no doubt that was God speaking directly to me--almost audibly! It gave me chills and I just thanked God for the gift of journaling so that I could hear his voice that way.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you commune with God!
I have always been a journaler. I loved keeping a diary when I was in middle school, although I don't remember WHAT I wrote in it. When I was in my mid-teens I started using a journal/diary to record my thoughts, particularly things I was learning in Scripture and things I was praying about. I also recording happenings of my day.
For some reason after I got married my journaling kinda fizzled out. Whatever the reason, I have one journal that has 4 years worth of entries--because I only journaled once every couple of months. It made me sad that I couldn't get back into the groove. I just wasn't very good about keeping my thoughts organized in prayer unless I was writing it down, so I knew that I needed to start journaling regularly again. Also, writing it down helped me think of things I wouldn't necessarily think about when my thoughts were jumping around so quickly in my head!!
Several months ago I attended a women's ministry event on prayer journaling. The speaker was an ordinary person--a bank teller, wife, empty-nester--who was just sharing what works for her with prayer journaling. That night we made cute little prayer journals, and I have been loosely following her method to get me back into journaling, and I have been loving it!
It starts with the word PRAISE as an ackronym - Praise, Repentance, Acknowledge, Intercession, Supplication, Exercise. In each of these steps, you just write out what you're thinking or saying to God. There is no perfect length--every step may be 1 sentence or 1 page depending on your day.
Praise - Talk to God about who He IS. Psalm 9 is a good place to start if you need some prompting on some things in God's character. I also printed myself a list of God's Names and some days I just pick one or two and reflect on that element of God's character.
Repentance - Once you have God's flawless character laid out on the table, you will inevitibly see areas of your life where you need forgiveness. Write to God about it, and ask him for forgiveness. Be specific. Ask God to reveal things to you.
Acknowledge - The easiest way to explain this step is with a fill-in sentence: "Because You are ______, I can be ________." Usually this sentence will be related to things you have written in the last two steps. "Because you are a forgiving God, I can be forgiviving to my friend." or "Because you are the Creator God, I can be confident you are in control."
Intercession - This is a big word the means "praying for others". We're all familiar with this one--pray for people who are sick, people who need guidance, people who are lost.
Supplication - This is praying for yourself. For your needs, questions, desires. Because you recognized God's character FIRST, your own needs just fall into place--you recognize that God is going to take care of you, and that maybe some of the things you thought you wanted are not necessary.
Exercise - This is where you say, "What now?" What do I do with what I have learned? Is there anything specific on which God wants me to take action?
I don't stick with this formula every day, because sometimes I just feel the need to brain dump. But it helps to keep my thoughts in a certain order--mainly, remembering WHO God is first and foremost.
It's neat to see how God speaks to me through my journaling. I'll be just writing things out, and as I'm writing something will become so clear! One day it was particularly evident when I sensed God was telling me to do something specific. I wrote out, "But God, I'm scared. What if I'm a total failure? I don't know if I can do this." The next thing I read was something to the effect of "Don't fear." (I wish I could remember the specifics, and I can't find this page in my journal! Too many pages to flip through!) There was no doubt that was God speaking directly to me--almost audibly! It gave me chills and I just thanked God for the gift of journaling so that I could hear his voice that way.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you commune with God!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Divine Interruptions
This morning I successfully rolled out of bed, got a shower, and got to have some quiet time with God before Aaron was up! Hooray! And I got just the Word I needed. My devotion today was titled "Divine Interruptions". The idea is that we can be going along in life with our own plans, but sometimes God has something different in mind so we need to be open to these "divine interruptions".
The last sentence of the devotion said, "The eternal value of serving God far outweighs the worldly value of completed tasks and achievements."
Wow. Talk about exactly what I needed to hear after yesterday's post about feeling so behind in everything I had to do!
Then it translated into application this morning. We got ready and headed out the door for the grocery store. The idea was to be home before 10 so I'd have time to unload the groceries, pack a quick lunch, and get us ready to go to the pool. We got home at 9:50 and while I was unloading the groceries the kids found some water sitting in a cooler in the garage and Claire proceeded to SIT in it. Fully clothed. So I got her changed into dry clothes, and finished packing lunch. I got everyone in the car and realized our little bag with pool toys and sunscreen was no where to be found. I scavenged the house, car, and garage for about 10 minutes looking for it. We couldn't go to the pool without sunscreen and floaties! I finally found the bag-- not sure how I missed it the whole time I was looking.
We got to the Y at 10:30, went to the dressing room and got changed. This is a production in itself--trying to get everyone in swim suits without letting anyone sit on the bathroom floor and trying to keep their hands off of everything. Got to the pool, got sunscreened up, and immediately the whining started. Aaron wanted to eat NOW. I gave him a granola bar to take to the picnic area, and while he was walking over there, half of the granola bar fell onto the ground. He cries any time his food breaks, so he let out this incredibly loud wail which caused the entire pool full of swimmers to turn to see the child who had busted his head open or broken his arm. "Nothing to see here, folks," I said, "Just a broken granola bar." What a drama king.
The water was fairly cold so Claire wanted nothing to do with it. She wanted her floaties on, then she wanted them off. She was mad because the skirt on her swimsuit got a little wet. Ugh, why do I even bother?? At this point they were both whining to go home, even though we had only been there about 20 minutes.
So we left, came home and ate our lunch, then had homemade snow cones for lunch. I think having some time to decompress this morning was just what I needed--instead of a long morning at the pool. As I type this the kids are laughing and playing the living room. I love the sound of them giggling and talking to each other.
What a sweet lesson I have learned today--God is in control of our days, no matter how much we try to plan. And sometimes His agenda is bigger than a morning at the pool or my long to-do list.
The last sentence of the devotion said, "The eternal value of serving God far outweighs the worldly value of completed tasks and achievements."
Wow. Talk about exactly what I needed to hear after yesterday's post about feeling so behind in everything I had to do!
Then it translated into application this morning. We got ready and headed out the door for the grocery store. The idea was to be home before 10 so I'd have time to unload the groceries, pack a quick lunch, and get us ready to go to the pool. We got home at 9:50 and while I was unloading the groceries the kids found some water sitting in a cooler in the garage and Claire proceeded to SIT in it. Fully clothed. So I got her changed into dry clothes, and finished packing lunch. I got everyone in the car and realized our little bag with pool toys and sunscreen was no where to be found. I scavenged the house, car, and garage for about 10 minutes looking for it. We couldn't go to the pool without sunscreen and floaties! I finally found the bag-- not sure how I missed it the whole time I was looking.
We got to the Y at 10:30, went to the dressing room and got changed. This is a production in itself--trying to get everyone in swim suits without letting anyone sit on the bathroom floor and trying to keep their hands off of everything. Got to the pool, got sunscreened up, and immediately the whining started. Aaron wanted to eat NOW. I gave him a granola bar to take to the picnic area, and while he was walking over there, half of the granola bar fell onto the ground. He cries any time his food breaks, so he let out this incredibly loud wail which caused the entire pool full of swimmers to turn to see the child who had busted his head open or broken his arm. "Nothing to see here, folks," I said, "Just a broken granola bar." What a drama king.
The water was fairly cold so Claire wanted nothing to do with it. She wanted her floaties on, then she wanted them off. She was mad because the skirt on her swimsuit got a little wet. Ugh, why do I even bother?? At this point they were both whining to go home, even though we had only been there about 20 minutes.
So we left, came home and ate our lunch, then had homemade snow cones for lunch. I think having some time to decompress this morning was just what I needed--instead of a long morning at the pool. As I type this the kids are laughing and playing the living room. I love the sound of them giggling and talking to each other.
What a sweet lesson I have learned today--God is in control of our days, no matter how much we try to plan. And sometimes His agenda is bigger than a morning at the pool or my long to-do list.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Fear and Worry
The last week I have been filled with so many emotions. It started when I heard the tragic news last week of Steven Curtis Chapman's 5-year-old daughter being killed in their driveway. A couple of days later a friend told me her cousin's family was dealing with the exact same situation where his 5-year-old son had been killed in the driveway. That night Chris and I watched a mediocre movie called Bella, about a soccer star who hits and kills a young girl in a tragic accident. (I had no idea the movie was about that or I never would have watched it!) When we were watching the movie I was so affected that I physically thought I was going to be sick. I had to excuse myself and just have a good cry in the bathroom. After the movie, I cried my eyes out again and told Chris I am just sick thinking "what if that was me?" I love my children more than I can even begin to express, and losing one of them would make me feel like life itself had ended. I think I would end up in a looney bin--it seems like that pain would be so great I could never recover.
The next morning I came to the Lord begging Him to give me some comfort and wisdom. I searched His Word for verses to speak to my fear and worrying, and I found Matthew 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" I realized that all this worry over what MIGHT happen is futile. My devotional magazine, Journey, put it well when the author wrote, "It's normal and good to fear a poisonous snake or lightning when we're caught in a storm, but we shouldn't fear the unknown or be afraid to trust God with things over which we have no control." I am NOT in control of those things so there is no sense in worrying about them! I should keep my family reasonably safe and leave the rest in God's hands.
A blog I read daily, written by a mother of triplets somewhere in Georgia (I don't know this lady but her blog is awesome!), has had several posts lately that really speak to how I've been feeling. In one post she says,
"As Moms charged with the safety and well-being of little lives, I think of the cost of an ill-placed mistake, distraction or lack of judgment on our part. Then I think about my belief in the Sovereignty of God and the advisement in Scripture that we will have trouble and heartache in this world. It is all too much for me to ponder for too long. So, I take a deep breath. I place my trust in my God, not myself. I pray for wisdom, discernment, patience and care."
God is reminding me that he is working everything out for my good (Romans 8:28), so I have to trust Him. The triplet mom quoted Andy Stanley on her blog a couple of days ago, and I like what he says about faith: "Faith is not about moving God to embrace our agendas. It is about being moved to embrace his agenda. As Jesus demonstrates for us, great faith is reflected in great surrender."
My prayer is that God will increase my faith in Him, so I will stop holding so tightly to the things of this world. I want to stop worrying about what I cannot control, and just serve God knowing He has a wonderful plan in motion!
The next morning I came to the Lord begging Him to give me some comfort and wisdom. I searched His Word for verses to speak to my fear and worrying, and I found Matthew 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" I realized that all this worry over what MIGHT happen is futile. My devotional magazine, Journey, put it well when the author wrote, "It's normal and good to fear a poisonous snake or lightning when we're caught in a storm, but we shouldn't fear the unknown or be afraid to trust God with things over which we have no control." I am NOT in control of those things so there is no sense in worrying about them! I should keep my family reasonably safe and leave the rest in God's hands.
A blog I read daily, written by a mother of triplets somewhere in Georgia (I don't know this lady but her blog is awesome!), has had several posts lately that really speak to how I've been feeling. In one post she says,
"As Moms charged with the safety and well-being of little lives, I think of the cost of an ill-placed mistake, distraction or lack of judgment on our part. Then I think about my belief in the Sovereignty of God and the advisement in Scripture that we will have trouble and heartache in this world. It is all too much for me to ponder for too long. So, I take a deep breath. I place my trust in my God, not myself. I pray for wisdom, discernment, patience and care."
God is reminding me that he is working everything out for my good (Romans 8:28), so I have to trust Him. The triplet mom quoted Andy Stanley on her blog a couple of days ago, and I like what he says about faith: "Faith is not about moving God to embrace our agendas. It is about being moved to embrace his agenda. As Jesus demonstrates for us, great faith is reflected in great surrender."
My prayer is that God will increase my faith in Him, so I will stop holding so tightly to the things of this world. I want to stop worrying about what I cannot control, and just serve God knowing He has a wonderful plan in motion!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Mommy in training
Claire is my little "mommy-in-training." She just loves her baby dolls and carries them around everywhere with her. She strolls them around the house either in the stroller or in her grocery cart, and she takes them with her in the car, complete with her diaper bag so she is always ready for their next feeding.
I cannot imagine where she gets this. *eyeroll* I am going to be bold and share what I think will answer that question--a very old picture of me, circa 1989, as an early "mommy-in-training." The digital version of the picture I have here is very poor quality, but you can make out a sling around my neck with two babies in it, and a stroller with three more. I used to play "babysitter" and take my babies for walks around the house.
And now I will go hide in embarassment while you laugh at my horrible late 80's haircut!
This is all a good reminder for me of how my children are emulating me in so many ways, so I need to be ever-conscious to be an example of the kind of person I want them to be. The kind of person GOD wants them to be. And that means being the kind of person God wants ME to be. What a high and noble calling I have as a mother. What a huge responsibility--I can only be properly equipped by Him!
I cannot imagine where she gets this. *eyeroll* I am going to be bold and share what I think will answer that question--a very old picture of me, circa 1989, as an early "mommy-in-training." The digital version of the picture I have here is very poor quality, but you can make out a sling around my neck with two babies in it, and a stroller with three more. I used to play "babysitter" and take my babies for walks around the house.
And now I will go hide in embarassment while you laugh at my horrible late 80's haircut!
This is all a good reminder for me of how my children are emulating me in so many ways, so I need to be ever-conscious to be an example of the kind of person I want them to be. The kind of person GOD wants them to be. And that means being the kind of person God wants ME to be. What a high and noble calling I have as a mother. What a huge responsibility--I can only be properly equipped by Him!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Thankful for Mothers
I had a wonderful mother's day weekend--I hope you did as well! I got to see my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law for lunch on Friday, have a nice lunch with Chris and the kids at church on Sunday, and a relaxed dinner with my mother and grandmother Sunday night. I am so very blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life, besides my actual mother, who have influenced me and deserve to be honored as well.
My own mother, of course, taught me many things. She taught me to value true beauty and to do things for myself. I can't tell you how many things I asked her growing up, to which she would respond, "Look it up!" Thankfully I have Google now so that is alot easier than looking through a dusty encyclopedia! I value my mother's opinion and friendship to this day.
My grandmother was like a mother to me during my college years. I lived with her during my senior year of high school and came "home" to her house during college, and she was such an influence over me. She has taught me the value of financial responsibility and hard work. She is 76 years old and still works 4 days a week! She is not one to have idle hands. She is also the strongest lady I have ever known--the last couple of years have been very hard for her, and I think I would have been committed by now. But she holds on strong and refuses to let fear get her down!
My mother-in-law has been a great example to me of a praying wife and mother. Emmie is a prayer warrior like no other I know--and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was praying for me, her son's future wife, from my infancy, even though she didn't know my name. I firmly believe that many circumstances in my life were direct answers to the prayers of that Godly woman.
My aunt was such a doting "mother" figure when I had my children. Ginger just loves babies, and she was a great resource when I was pregnant, during delivery, and after the babies were born. When both of my children were newborns, she is the only one I felt completely confident leaving my children with, because she is so very good with babies. It was wonderful to have her in my life during that time. She is also fun to talk with about girl stuff--decorating and crafting--which my own mother is admittedly not into!
I also had some wonderful women mentor me during my teenage and college years. During high school, my Sunday school teacher Julie was such an example to me. She was so fun and easy to talk to. My youth minister's wife, Bonita, was so bold to tell us what was right and wrong when the world makes things so fuzzy. She told me flat out what she thought about things, and how God feels about things, which is what every teenager needs to hear (even if they don't admit it then)!
Also during high school, I moved in with a friend's family for a year when my mom moved away, so I could finish at the school where I grew up. The Marshalls were the most profound influence in my life. I got to see how a NORMAL family was supposed to function. My mom was in a toxic marriage at the time and life was in turmoil. I got to step out of that situation and into a family where there was no yelling, everyone loved one another, and everyone was following the Lord. I got to see how a husband should relate to his wife, and vice versa, and how children should act toward their parents and other adults. I think that year of my life shaped me more than any other! Thank you Bro. Wayne, Mrs. Susan, Jessica, and Joy!
During college I had a wonderful discipler, a lady named Allison who was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Allison led Bible studies and showed me practical ways to share my faith, reach out to other women, and walk with Christ. She and I became such good friends, were in each others' weddings, and she is still an example to me today.
There are many other women (and men!) who have shaped my life--too many to list! This is such a great reminder of the influence we can have in another person's life by just getting involved with someone and loving them. A great reminder for me that I'm not just in this life to live each day, but to make a difference. And that can be done--look how these women made a difference in my life!
My own mother, of course, taught me many things. She taught me to value true beauty and to do things for myself. I can't tell you how many things I asked her growing up, to which she would respond, "Look it up!" Thankfully I have Google now so that is alot easier than looking through a dusty encyclopedia! I value my mother's opinion and friendship to this day.
My grandmother was like a mother to me during my college years. I lived with her during my senior year of high school and came "home" to her house during college, and she was such an influence over me. She has taught me the value of financial responsibility and hard work. She is 76 years old and still works 4 days a week! She is not one to have idle hands. She is also the strongest lady I have ever known--the last couple of years have been very hard for her, and I think I would have been committed by now. But she holds on strong and refuses to let fear get her down!
My mother-in-law has been a great example to me of a praying wife and mother. Emmie is a prayer warrior like no other I know--and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was praying for me, her son's future wife, from my infancy, even though she didn't know my name. I firmly believe that many circumstances in my life were direct answers to the prayers of that Godly woman.
My aunt was such a doting "mother" figure when I had my children. Ginger just loves babies, and she was a great resource when I was pregnant, during delivery, and after the babies were born. When both of my children were newborns, she is the only one I felt completely confident leaving my children with, because she is so very good with babies. It was wonderful to have her in my life during that time. She is also fun to talk with about girl stuff--decorating and crafting--which my own mother is admittedly not into!
I also had some wonderful women mentor me during my teenage and college years. During high school, my Sunday school teacher Julie was such an example to me. She was so fun and easy to talk to. My youth minister's wife, Bonita, was so bold to tell us what was right and wrong when the world makes things so fuzzy. She told me flat out what she thought about things, and how God feels about things, which is what every teenager needs to hear (even if they don't admit it then)!
Also during high school, I moved in with a friend's family for a year when my mom moved away, so I could finish at the school where I grew up. The Marshalls were the most profound influence in my life. I got to see how a NORMAL family was supposed to function. My mom was in a toxic marriage at the time and life was in turmoil. I got to step out of that situation and into a family where there was no yelling, everyone loved one another, and everyone was following the Lord. I got to see how a husband should relate to his wife, and vice versa, and how children should act toward their parents and other adults. I think that year of my life shaped me more than any other! Thank you Bro. Wayne, Mrs. Susan, Jessica, and Joy!
During college I had a wonderful discipler, a lady named Allison who was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Allison led Bible studies and showed me practical ways to share my faith, reach out to other women, and walk with Christ. She and I became such good friends, were in each others' weddings, and she is still an example to me today.
There are many other women (and men!) who have shaped my life--too many to list! This is such a great reminder of the influence we can have in another person's life by just getting involved with someone and loving them. A great reminder for me that I'm not just in this life to live each day, but to make a difference. And that can be done--look how these women made a difference in my life!
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