Today was a morning slammed into rather than gently eased into. Rather than prepared for the night before. Rather than cheerily breezed into. Oh I did have a few moments of
devo time in my couch corner but probably needed a whole spa worth of time in the Word and maybe even at a honest to goodnes spa place! My poor family..as mom's morning goes so is the tone for their day started...
However as I told Lydia yesterday I carry enough mommy guilt . I frequently must remember it isn't mine to carry. Most of it relates to the sheer humanity of being a mom and constant juggling of schedules, food, finances, emotional and physical well being of those of various ages from small to tall in my care. And there is a whole lot, as moms everywhere know, packed into each of those 5 categories being juggled. Let us not forget that some of us for various reasons also "work outside the home" in different capacities for differing amounts of time. I find that when I am interviewing women for an insurance quote I ask "Do you work outside the home also?" Just want to validate what is done at home and for family as WORK and worthy work at that.
Ah but I am getting off track in my thought process.
So by the time we had figured out who was taking what car where for all the places needed to be at by 8 am and after, by the time I had pulled together and packed hasty
lunches with what was on hand and today it was slim (we would have been fine for eating if it was at home)for a toddler and two teens, made coffee, brushed my teeth, made sure said teens were up and moving, fed dogs and a cat, made french toast for everyones breakfasts, threw clothes on, had a hurried conversation on mortgage refinance and paying bills (something that should not be hurried through!!!) brief prayer with Marty and got out the door all in 45 minutes I knew the kids would be late. If we could have left 5 minutes sooner well maybe you know how it goes too.
Traffic is different just leaving even 5 minutes earlier or later I have found. So today we found ourselves behind a school bus. My heart sinks thinking of it and I am not even behind it anymore. So I tried a different approach.
"Thank you God for that school bus driver. Bless them. Thank you for a person willing to get so many children to and from school safely. Bless Jamie Lord (my friend who drives one).
And thank you Lord for the school my kids are at this year. Thank you for the good it has been in our lives, for more people who care genuinely about them. Thank you that they are playing basketball this year and they are healthier for it.
Thank you Lord even for this sound of silence on the drive (even if it is representative of exhaustion this morning) this silence is a calming thing for me. Bless my kids and give them a good day inspite of the rushed and tired start. Help them and make them strong and able to learn what they are taught. Bless their teachers..."
And then I remembered after dropping them off the song I had taught my class sunday and my grandbabies yesterday, sung to the tune of When the Saints Go Marching In..
Oh thank You God
Oh thank You God
Oh thank You God for what You've done
You've blessed my home and my family
Thank You God for what You've done
Was still tired when I got back about 8:30. Ate leftover chili for breakfast, fell asleep in the tub, washed my hair, unloaded the dishwasher, started getting ready for the office and then, well then unloaded here. I hope you can identify. God has NOT left us even when we are brain and bone weary. Nothing can separate us from His love and as mom's we get that. Nothing separates me from loving my children as imperfect as I may be at times and inspite of any of their imperfect moments.
I am loved and so are you!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Nearly Breathless (two toddlers under two today)
Such loving, trusting eyes! All four of them! No its not an alien. Its my most local living grandaughters paired up today because it is Monday and that is most generally the day when both of them are here with me. Anni and Neena as they call each other are both under two years adorable and extremely mobile in every conceivable way. If it is walking forward, sideways,backwards or running, tripping and climbing, chattering, reaching up to be held bringing an owie to be kissed, book to be read, a Barbie to be dressed, looking for food or sippy cup, songs to be sung, diaper to be changed, nose to be wiped, hands and face to be washed on Monday it is times two.
And Grandma's (or MA or MEEMA depending on who is calling), heart rate is clipping along at a rapid rate and hopefully burning some calories for me. "We" made blueberry muffins today which I ate and they have not yet.
They have been good together for most of the morning and now at a bit past noon are down for naps, all little sing song voices have quieted and I am here and thinking of calls to make and stuff to do when actually what I want is to take a nap myself! Neena's daddy has now gone to work. So even with him here pitching in (and he really does!) I find myself in this state.I am definately not the young mommy person I was when mine were this age!
Of course I was also up earlier than everyone for school prep and devotional time. Filled out two sets of sports forms. Helped locate a missing practice jersey which when it was found realized it really was me who moved it in the first place!!!Made school lunches, simple breakfasts, made and drank coffee, drove teens to school, discussed money with Marty, all before Neena and her daddy were awake. Have been on facebook and looked at pictures with Anni. Registered for an online webinar for life insurance sales, sung the clean up song while we each picked up toys in nearly every room played in today...
Whatever you do whether in play or work or relationships with people big or small.. do all to the glory of God- my 1 Corinthians 10:31 paraphrase
I hope my simple, ordinary yet "breathtaking" doings bring Him glory. And I remember how Paul recognized Timothy's Mother and Grandmother for the foundation of faith laid in him as he grew up. So I endeavor to follow that. I love to hear their little voices say "Jesus!" when I ask them about Him...I love that they have parents who show them living for Him and honoring Him is a normal part of life. I think the nap (short one of course) is going to win for now.
And Grandma's (or MA or MEEMA depending on who is calling), heart rate is clipping along at a rapid rate and hopefully burning some calories for me. "We" made blueberry muffins today which I ate and they have not yet.
They have been good together for most of the morning and now at a bit past noon are down for naps, all little sing song voices have quieted and I am here and thinking of calls to make and stuff to do when actually what I want is to take a nap myself! Neena's daddy has now gone to work. So even with him here pitching in (and he really does!) I find myself in this state.I am definately not the young mommy person I was when mine were this age!
Of course I was also up earlier than everyone for school prep and devotional time. Filled out two sets of sports forms. Helped locate a missing practice jersey which when it was found realized it really was me who moved it in the first place!!!Made school lunches, simple breakfasts, made and drank coffee, drove teens to school, discussed money with Marty, all before Neena and her daddy were awake. Have been on facebook and looked at pictures with Anni. Registered for an online webinar for life insurance sales, sung the clean up song while we each picked up toys in nearly every room played in today...
Whatever you do whether in play or work or relationships with people big or small.. do all to the glory of God- my 1 Corinthians 10:31 paraphrase
I hope my simple, ordinary yet "breathtaking" doings bring Him glory. And I remember how Paul recognized Timothy's Mother and Grandmother for the foundation of faith laid in him as he grew up. So I endeavor to follow that. I love to hear their little voices say "Jesus!" when I ask them about Him...I love that they have parents who show them living for Him and honoring Him is a normal part of life. I think the nap (short one of course) is going to win for now.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Don't Go In There (it's haunted!)
I was reminicing with a group the other day as we were discussing a chapter from a book we had all just read - Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Two and one half years of married life, two sons nineteen months and two weeks old, Bible College in Pensacola, Florida under our belts we had a decision to make as in "what's next God?". With the help of my youngest sister to pack and take turns with the kids, and a generous graduation gift from Martys Dad, we headed back up to live in Indiana.
We had gone to Bible College for heavens sake, and had our sight set on pastoring a church. As of this point we did not have a church to step into so began first attending the church we had been members of before we went away. We lived temporarily with my parents. Marty began hunting for a place to rent. We still had a cushion financially but it wouldn't last forever we knew.
One day about two weeks back in Indiana, he came home super excited! He had found a place for us. It was behind a building we knew and could start a church plant in that building while living in the little house. (Yikes! Now this was an event of trusting God since I had not even been with him to make a decision). It was then I heard the Holy Spirit tell me "you are going to move somewhere you are going to hate". Praise God for those annointed disclaimers...
Do not fear nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with your wherever you shall go...
Be strong and courageous...
I will never leave you nor forsake you... All there for a reason since there will be times
we are tempted to doubt His presence with us in adversity.
And so we did. We moved to a town I had grown up with extreme predudice toward..Kind of like can anything good come out of Nazareth kind of thinking. A place sure not on my radar of places to go. Send me to Africa. Send me to China. Send me! I will go anywhere except...And so there I was in my very own local mission field in the state I had grown up in. Fancy that. No fund raising or mission board just plenty of opportunity to trust God and see Him at work in my life and the lives of others. There is alot more to be said about that leg of my journey with Him but I really wanted to get to what my title is talking about.
We lived a total of 3 places during our time in this little community. The 3rd one was a place I had been very specific about in my desperate plea to God when we needed to move.
Please do not send me to the house on Stevenson Street! Mmm hmm..So home comes my husband with keys in hand like a hunter bagging a 10 point buck to- you already know.
I don't remember our conversation exactly but ultimately he went without me to go check it out. When he returned, he immediately sat in the chair and began searching the classifieds declaring we could not live there. There was wet furniture in there from when a tree had fallen through the roof. Old magazines. Incomplete construction..Yep all that and more.
Strange thing happened though. Suddenly I had this supernatural FAiTH that burst up inside me that YES WE COULD do this and it was a God thing even if it was in disguise. So he wearily gave me the keys to go see for myself while he watched our now 3 kids. Our fourth was due in 3 months. I pulled up in the driveway. Overgrown grass and litter meeting me as I climbed as best I could from behind the steering wheel. And then I heard it. A creaky voice greeting me saying"don't go in there, it's haunted!" I began to rebuke demons right then and there and moved forward to enter the house.
We did move in with help from friends and family to clear it out and clean it up. We lived 3 months rent free for doing work on the house for the landlord. And you know what we were happy there. Held Bible studies in the house. Shared Jesus with our neighbors one who stays in touch today and one a child who turned out to be the creaky voice that met me that first time in the drive playing jokes on me from inside his window. Our daughter Deborah was born in that house. Shortly after the 3 months we had to move on and this time it was out of the little town I had come to know and prayer walk in with my four under age 7 kids and learned to know God in a better way in.
We had gone to Bible College for heavens sake, and had our sight set on pastoring a church. As of this point we did not have a church to step into so began first attending the church we had been members of before we went away. We lived temporarily with my parents. Marty began hunting for a place to rent. We still had a cushion financially but it wouldn't last forever we knew.
One day about two weeks back in Indiana, he came home super excited! He had found a place for us. It was behind a building we knew and could start a church plant in that building while living in the little house. (Yikes! Now this was an event of trusting God since I had not even been with him to make a decision). It was then I heard the Holy Spirit tell me "you are going to move somewhere you are going to hate". Praise God for those annointed disclaimers...
Do not fear nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with your wherever you shall go...
Be strong and courageous...
I will never leave you nor forsake you... All there for a reason since there will be times
we are tempted to doubt His presence with us in adversity.
And so we did. We moved to a town I had grown up with extreme predudice toward..Kind of like can anything good come out of Nazareth kind of thinking. A place sure not on my radar of places to go. Send me to Africa. Send me to China. Send me! I will go anywhere except...And so there I was in my very own local mission field in the state I had grown up in. Fancy that. No fund raising or mission board just plenty of opportunity to trust God and see Him at work in my life and the lives of others. There is alot more to be said about that leg of my journey with Him but I really wanted to get to what my title is talking about.
We lived a total of 3 places during our time in this little community. The 3rd one was a place I had been very specific about in my desperate plea to God when we needed to move.
Please do not send me to the house on Stevenson Street! Mmm hmm..So home comes my husband with keys in hand like a hunter bagging a 10 point buck to- you already know.
I don't remember our conversation exactly but ultimately he went without me to go check it out. When he returned, he immediately sat in the chair and began searching the classifieds declaring we could not live there. There was wet furniture in there from when a tree had fallen through the roof. Old magazines. Incomplete construction..Yep all that and more.
Strange thing happened though. Suddenly I had this supernatural FAiTH that burst up inside me that YES WE COULD do this and it was a God thing even if it was in disguise. So he wearily gave me the keys to go see for myself while he watched our now 3 kids. Our fourth was due in 3 months. I pulled up in the driveway. Overgrown grass and litter meeting me as I climbed as best I could from behind the steering wheel. And then I heard it. A creaky voice greeting me saying"don't go in there, it's haunted!" I began to rebuke demons right then and there and moved forward to enter the house.
We did move in with help from friends and family to clear it out and clean it up. We lived 3 months rent free for doing work on the house for the landlord. And you know what we were happy there. Held Bible studies in the house. Shared Jesus with our neighbors one who stays in touch today and one a child who turned out to be the creaky voice that met me that first time in the drive playing jokes on me from inside his window. Our daughter Deborah was born in that house. Shortly after the 3 months we had to move on and this time it was out of the little town I had come to know and prayer walk in with my four under age 7 kids and learned to know God in a better way in.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Juice Boxes (and the squeeze)
One of the handier inventions since I raised a passel of youngens is the Juice Box or Pouch. Not so great for our environment perhaps or even our budget sometimes but they seem to be an item here to stay because of their convenience at least when we are traveling. There is however, a downside to this convenience beyond what I already stated...
THE SQUEEZE! The slightest pressure and out spurts the juice! And not just a little drip but fountain like much to the joy of many children who are discovering how the world around them works. It is pretty sure to create a domino effect of one sort or another. If an adult is around it makes them move and fast! Now depending on the adults day it might provoke gentle response but again depending on the day and the adult it could be a frantic and frustrated response. Of course the juice has gotten any number of things sprayed and soon to be sticky. And of course it could be the adult applying pressure.
Today I feel like a juice box. Some pressure being applied..Vacation prep ( no the house will not vacant for any evil people who might be tempted to break in and steal stuff), reluctant to move off the couch teen, submitting to anothers preference in what I wear, hot weather so hot house and as I mentioned in another blog hot flashes....Yep the makings of a big squeeze. So what do I do to not gush geyser like all over every one around me!? I am asking not telling... because I am not being very successful this morning. It did occur to me to pray in the spirit though so I am going to give it a go and see if that could be the key to spraying expired sour juice or just easing up the straw to refresh others by controlled communication.. You know the fruit of the spirit like with self control and gentleness and so on...
THE SQUEEZE! The slightest pressure and out spurts the juice! And not just a little drip but fountain like much to the joy of many children who are discovering how the world around them works. It is pretty sure to create a domino effect of one sort or another. If an adult is around it makes them move and fast! Now depending on the adults day it might provoke gentle response but again depending on the day and the adult it could be a frantic and frustrated response. Of course the juice has gotten any number of things sprayed and soon to be sticky. And of course it could be the adult applying pressure.
Today I feel like a juice box. Some pressure being applied..Vacation prep ( no the house will not vacant for any evil people who might be tempted to break in and steal stuff), reluctant to move off the couch teen, submitting to anothers preference in what I wear, hot weather so hot house and as I mentioned in another blog hot flashes....Yep the makings of a big squeeze. So what do I do to not gush geyser like all over every one around me!? I am asking not telling... because I am not being very successful this morning. It did occur to me to pray in the spirit though so I am going to give it a go and see if that could be the key to spraying expired sour juice or just easing up the straw to refresh others by controlled communication.. You know the fruit of the spirit like with self control and gentleness and so on...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Facewash (fancy and fatigued)
Facewash...Well now the other evening sure brought back memories of making do with what is on hand. Not that I didn't have facewash on hand mind you. I did. A fine quality one in fact. What I didn't have was the desire to wait for hot water to make its way from the hot water tank through cold pipes through my faucet. Plus my drain wasn't draining well so all thoughts of wasteful water misuse aside I didn't want it to build up in the sink either- waiting for the warm water that is. And as much as I thought I would have loved living off the land in my late teens early twenties I really don't like washing my face with a cold water wash cloth! I am seriously doubting I would have had much more patience with heating my water on the open fire if I am struggling with running water from the indoor plumbing! I am feeling rather pampered and pathetic right about now...But here is what I did. I got a baby wet wipe and washed my face with it. Any one else resorted to such tactics? How about a cotton ball saturated with alcohol? (also cold but for some reason more acceptable to me...who knows why)
But here is why it brought back memories. I had baby Annali that day and only the Lord knows how I even got makeup on to need to wash off later. She is not a difficult child. She is wonderful!
But she is a child and some how the fact that she is my GRAND child makes me even more vigilant. And I was pretty much on top of things when mine were tiny. But I know how precious mine are to me and so I am very aware of how precious they are to my grown kids now parents. They also have a way they prefer things done and it isn't always how I did them (ouch but oh well I do try to accomodate in this. I am sure they are a bit stretched by my way of doing things sometimes too)
I am much older now. I am really tired when the end of a baby day comes. So therein comes the rememberance of fatigued facewashing from the early days when it was baby days every day.
Somehow do not become weary in well doing didn't inspire proper face wash proceedures. Some times I simply put a second layer of make up over the previous one when I got up the next day if I had to be somewhere that is. Ok now I am trusting you all in this vulnerable transparency.
I do better most of the time now a days.
So lets see: We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Some day my face is going to shine not from make up or the removal thereof but because of His glory! Bless God! And those things that fatigue me day to day are the very things used to transform me from glory to glory when I wash with the water of His word. And you know what there is NO condemnation when we are tired from the stuff He knows we have to do. Some times our word washing is more like a quick cleaning with the baby wet wipe. Not the best perhaps but a move in the right direction. And that is good. Then there are the times we will soak and clean up good. Jesus loves us sooooo much! Remember it is what Easter is about - His sacrifice and resurrection for our cleansing from sin...And recieving that is where my real face cleaning happens.
But here is why it brought back memories. I had baby Annali that day and only the Lord knows how I even got makeup on to need to wash off later. She is not a difficult child. She is wonderful!
But she is a child and some how the fact that she is my GRAND child makes me even more vigilant. And I was pretty much on top of things when mine were tiny. But I know how precious mine are to me and so I am very aware of how precious they are to my grown kids now parents. They also have a way they prefer things done and it isn't always how I did them (ouch but oh well I do try to accomodate in this. I am sure they are a bit stretched by my way of doing things sometimes too)
I am much older now. I am really tired when the end of a baby day comes. So therein comes the rememberance of fatigued facewashing from the early days when it was baby days every day.
Somehow do not become weary in well doing didn't inspire proper face wash proceedures. Some times I simply put a second layer of make up over the previous one when I got up the next day if I had to be somewhere that is. Ok now I am trusting you all in this vulnerable transparency.
I do better most of the time now a days.
So lets see: We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Some day my face is going to shine not from make up or the removal thereof but because of His glory! Bless God! And those things that fatigue me day to day are the very things used to transform me from glory to glory when I wash with the water of His word. And you know what there is NO condemnation when we are tired from the stuff He knows we have to do. Some times our word washing is more like a quick cleaning with the baby wet wipe. Not the best perhaps but a move in the right direction. And that is good. Then there are the times we will soak and clean up good. Jesus loves us sooooo much! Remember it is what Easter is about - His sacrifice and resurrection for our cleansing from sin...And recieving that is where my real face cleaning happens.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Freezers (the size of a shoe box)
There was no getting around it. The freezer, such as it was, absolutely had to be defrosted since it had ice build up so thick I couldn't even slip an envelope in. Not that I wanted to. That was just so you get the picture. Do refrigerator freezers even have ice buildup nowadays?
The process was always agravating. The thing was only the size of a large shoebox but challenging anyway. Get out the gear! That meant chiseling tools of various types ( I know not recommended but so hard to resist) small fan and blowdryer, and time.
I paused and thought why should I accept this challenge? I don't have money to shop with to fill it any way. Then on the heels of that thought came another. "No! I am going to trust You to fill my freezer today!" So on with the chopping.
Zoom on through my day and on to tucking kids in for the night. Still no food in the freezer. I remember thinking "Well Lord, Maybe that was just presumption on my part." And then the phone rang. "Lea, Mike and Alice just gave me a check for you. Do you want me to wait until tomorrow or can I bring it by tonight?" My freezer was filled that night. Oh and can I say here the I am going to trust you to fill my freezer tonight ...that was between me and God alone. I hadn't said anything to anyone else....
He loves to show Himself strong for you..
The process was always agravating. The thing was only the size of a large shoebox but challenging anyway. Get out the gear! That meant chiseling tools of various types ( I know not recommended but so hard to resist) small fan and blowdryer, and time.
I paused and thought why should I accept this challenge? I don't have money to shop with to fill it any way. Then on the heels of that thought came another. "No! I am going to trust You to fill my freezer today!" So on with the chopping.
Zoom on through my day and on to tucking kids in for the night. Still no food in the freezer. I remember thinking "Well Lord, Maybe that was just presumption on my part." And then the phone rang. "Lea, Mike and Alice just gave me a check for you. Do you want me to wait until tomorrow or can I bring it by tonight?" My freezer was filled that night. Oh and can I say here the I am going to trust you to fill my freezer tonight ...that was between me and God alone. I hadn't said anything to anyone else....
He loves to show Himself strong for you..
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Of Cars (and 15 passenger vans)
Never as a teenager through early twenties did my driving anything larger than the family station wagon enter my mind. And driving the station wagon while part of the privilege of being a driver in the house was only ok because I was a new driver and happy to be allowed to drive at all!
My own first car was a push button plymouth bought from my grandparents. And then it was the need for a car that eventually led to meeting the man who would become my husband. (a story for another time). Our first car was a little green vega which served us well and was eventually traded up for an eagle about the time we had four kids. It was totalled in a terrible 13 car accident during a white out one winter where a semi jacknifed across the highway. The settlement from that gave us the down payment on a mobile home moving us to the Valpo area just in time to start our first child in Christian School.
We were a one car family until we had our fifth baby when I began praying for my own car and found a really good deal on a small dark green vega station wagon. Up until then Marty was working long hours at our business quite a distance away, so getting kids to any thing was hard as well as my OB visits or grocery shopping ect. So I saw this as a NEED and prayed for it as such since I knew the promise of God to "supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus". I prayed for the car I wanted down to color and price as I remember it.
Soon after I began noticing every evening as we prayed before bed Jeremiah 7 years old at the time, would pray for a red van. And I mean every evening he would ask. I asked why red? He told me because it was the color of the blood of Jesus...One night Marty came home from work and said "Come see what is out in the driveway!" And there it was a beautiful red mini van! Given to us free and clear! Praise God!
As awesome as that is (and it is still awesome!) I will make a general observation about how the circumstance we are at in life sometimes dictates what vehicle is exciting to us.
As time went on we developed an unofficial outreach which had us taking neighborhood kids to church with us constantly. We moved up to full sized vans to 15 passenger vans (great for road trips with a large family too) (prompting me to question as I tried to park that at a grocery store- "What's next Lord? A semi truck?") We even owned a bus for a while. Embarrassing for the kids I am pretty sure.
We are back down to moderate size vehicles now. A jeep for Marty and a pretty malibu for me. Both blessings albeit not free and clear this time. We have driven big vehicles, small vehicles fancy cars and junky cars.
Maybe I wil paraphrase Ecclesiastes 3
To everything there is a season
A time for every purpose under heaven:
There is a time to drive small cars
There is a time to drive vans
There is a time to drive crummy cars (well used maybe even abused)
There is a time to drive new cars ( or gently used)
and I have to laugh as I see verses 3 and 4
A time to kill (how many times did I kill the motor learning to drive our stick shift)
A time to heal
A time to break down!
and A time to build up
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance!
Bless you all and may you have vehicles that do NOT break down and may all your needs be met through Jesus Christ who loves you!
My own first car was a push button plymouth bought from my grandparents. And then it was the need for a car that eventually led to meeting the man who would become my husband. (a story for another time). Our first car was a little green vega which served us well and was eventually traded up for an eagle about the time we had four kids. It was totalled in a terrible 13 car accident during a white out one winter where a semi jacknifed across the highway. The settlement from that gave us the down payment on a mobile home moving us to the Valpo area just in time to start our first child in Christian School.
We were a one car family until we had our fifth baby when I began praying for my own car and found a really good deal on a small dark green vega station wagon. Up until then Marty was working long hours at our business quite a distance away, so getting kids to any thing was hard as well as my OB visits or grocery shopping ect. So I saw this as a NEED and prayed for it as such since I knew the promise of God to "supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus". I prayed for the car I wanted down to color and price as I remember it.
Soon after I began noticing every evening as we prayed before bed Jeremiah 7 years old at the time, would pray for a red van. And I mean every evening he would ask. I asked why red? He told me because it was the color of the blood of Jesus...One night Marty came home from work and said "Come see what is out in the driveway!" And there it was a beautiful red mini van! Given to us free and clear! Praise God!
As awesome as that is (and it is still awesome!) I will make a general observation about how the circumstance we are at in life sometimes dictates what vehicle is exciting to us.
As time went on we developed an unofficial outreach which had us taking neighborhood kids to church with us constantly. We moved up to full sized vans to 15 passenger vans (great for road trips with a large family too) (prompting me to question as I tried to park that at a grocery store- "What's next Lord? A semi truck?") We even owned a bus for a while. Embarrassing for the kids I am pretty sure.
We are back down to moderate size vehicles now. A jeep for Marty and a pretty malibu for me. Both blessings albeit not free and clear this time. We have driven big vehicles, small vehicles fancy cars and junky cars.
Maybe I wil paraphrase Ecclesiastes 3
To everything there is a season
A time for every purpose under heaven:
There is a time to drive small cars
There is a time to drive vans
There is a time to drive crummy cars (well used maybe even abused)
There is a time to drive new cars ( or gently used)
and I have to laugh as I see verses 3 and 4
A time to kill (how many times did I kill the motor learning to drive our stick shift)
A time to heal
A time to break down!
and A time to build up
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance!
Bless you all and may you have vehicles that do NOT break down and may all your needs be met through Jesus Christ who loves you!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Rub A Dub Dub (there's a ring in the tub)
Absolutely adorable! That's how she looked at about 2 years old while I was pregnant with our 5th baby. We had mud puddles fresh from a summer storm and with a pair of boots, shorts, sweat shirt and head of blond, tossled curls she proceeded to wade, then splash in one at the corner edge of the grass.
How fun! But in the end she was mud head to toe. And dirty as she was, my love did not diminish. No. Into a tub of water to clean up. And it couldnt be a simple playtime soak. It would be a leave a ring in the tub kind of bath. She needed a thorough cleaning-a head washed and behind the ears kind of cleaning.
I remembered that as I read Gods word and and felt a behind the ears cleaning of sorts. His love was not diminished. His love "took me to the tub" and I was washed by the water of the word. And the ring in the tub well He washed that away too. What a loving Daddy He is.
Do you see it? He isn't harsh about it. Just like I took my little girl and wrapped her up to dry, held her close, then got her dressed, He doesn't leave us shivering and dripping. He is tender and loving and puts His clean robes of righteousness on us. He sprinkles us not with baby powder but with the fragrance of His love. Then sets us loose to "go play but stay out of that puddle". Turns us loose to live.
How fun! But in the end she was mud head to toe. And dirty as she was, my love did not diminish. No. Into a tub of water to clean up. And it couldnt be a simple playtime soak. It would be a leave a ring in the tub kind of bath. She needed a thorough cleaning-a head washed and behind the ears kind of cleaning.
I remembered that as I read Gods word and and felt a behind the ears cleaning of sorts. His love was not diminished. His love "took me to the tub" and I was washed by the water of the word. And the ring in the tub well He washed that away too. What a loving Daddy He is.
Do you see it? He isn't harsh about it. Just like I took my little girl and wrapped her up to dry, held her close, then got her dressed, He doesn't leave us shivering and dripping. He is tender and loving and puts His clean robes of righteousness on us. He sprinkles us not with baby powder but with the fragrance of His love. Then sets us loose to "go play but stay out of that puddle". Turns us loose to live.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
All The Dirty Dishes (where do they all come from)
Sing it to the tune of the Beatles Eleanor Rigby...
Dishes sparked a discussion of sorts (really it was not a fight) this morning before Marty left. They were pretty stacked. I was out yesterday most of the day and the kids at school. Then one fell asleep right after getting home and the other was fighting a cold and I still had dinner to make late in the day creating yet again more to add to the pile. Then I sat with Marty to watch a 2 hour, 2nd day, new season of 24. (Yes I was shocked and sickened at the end- in fact woke up thinking about it in the night) After the show, I helped with homework.
Did you know you can build not only trash sculpture by strategic placement of trash in the can that really is already full, but dish sculptures as well? Even with washed dishes on the dish drainer. Artsy minds in avoidance mode...
Any way the discussion began something like this:
Marty to me: What are you going to do today? as we stood in the kitchen near the sink.
Pause there one second ladies because I almost always react poorly to this question! If not outwardly then certainly inwardly. I have, however, been listening to CDs in my car as I am DOING what I have to DO in order for kids to get places, food to be brought from afar proverbs 31 like, cars oil changed, chiro apt ect. These CDs are on communication differences in marriage and I am realizing now that this many years old question asked in our 32 years of marriage is likely not meant as "You never do anything! Look at these dishes and we have a huge pile of papers to organize and so on and so forth..." which is how I hear it.
Perhaps my husband has really just been interested in what I plan for my day. You know. Maybe because I am his wife he wants to be involved and just know about my day. This is not to say he wants all the details I would like to give him because he is a guy not a gal and just wants the overview at that point. (Another thing that is frustrating if I let it be.)
So with that in mind I can pivot in my response. I can assume the best of him and respond without malice or defending myself like a hissing cat. I can be matter of fact and look for conversation later on instead of harboring resentment all day long about the brevity and the question. I can let our day start well and set the tone for us all to be blessed. And then I can get going with the dishes and the rest of the stuff in my day. Which I did just for the record.
The wise woman builds her house
The foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1
I want my house built and strong and secure. I do not want to do or say things that weaken it...so I will look for God to give me wisdom and keys that unlock understanding. Just that little turn of the key, that bit of understanding the difference between how we communicate can make the difference between building or tearing. In this series the speaker describes it as men hearing, seeing, doing, thinking "blue" not wrong or bad just different from women. And women hear, see, do, and think "pink". Not better. Not wrong or right in comparison to men. Just different from each other. And we need to adjust to one anothers differences in how we are wired. But in this case I am responsible to handle the information I am given. The series is by Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs.
Dishes sparked a discussion of sorts (really it was not a fight) this morning before Marty left. They were pretty stacked. I was out yesterday most of the day and the kids at school. Then one fell asleep right after getting home and the other was fighting a cold and I still had dinner to make late in the day creating yet again more to add to the pile. Then I sat with Marty to watch a 2 hour, 2nd day, new season of 24. (Yes I was shocked and sickened at the end- in fact woke up thinking about it in the night) After the show, I helped with homework.
Did you know you can build not only trash sculpture by strategic placement of trash in the can that really is already full, but dish sculptures as well? Even with washed dishes on the dish drainer. Artsy minds in avoidance mode...
Any way the discussion began something like this:
Marty to me: What are you going to do today? as we stood in the kitchen near the sink.
Pause there one second ladies because I almost always react poorly to this question! If not outwardly then certainly inwardly. I have, however, been listening to CDs in my car as I am DOING what I have to DO in order for kids to get places, food to be brought from afar proverbs 31 like, cars oil changed, chiro apt ect. These CDs are on communication differences in marriage and I am realizing now that this many years old question asked in our 32 years of marriage is likely not meant as "You never do anything! Look at these dishes and we have a huge pile of papers to organize and so on and so forth..." which is how I hear it.
Perhaps my husband has really just been interested in what I plan for my day. You know. Maybe because I am his wife he wants to be involved and just know about my day. This is not to say he wants all the details I would like to give him because he is a guy not a gal and just wants the overview at that point. (Another thing that is frustrating if I let it be.)
So with that in mind I can pivot in my response. I can assume the best of him and respond without malice or defending myself like a hissing cat. I can be matter of fact and look for conversation later on instead of harboring resentment all day long about the brevity and the question. I can let our day start well and set the tone for us all to be blessed. And then I can get going with the dishes and the rest of the stuff in my day. Which I did just for the record.
The wise woman builds her house
The foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1
I want my house built and strong and secure. I do not want to do or say things that weaken it...so I will look for God to give me wisdom and keys that unlock understanding. Just that little turn of the key, that bit of understanding the difference between how we communicate can make the difference between building or tearing. In this series the speaker describes it as men hearing, seeing, doing, thinking "blue" not wrong or bad just different from women. And women hear, see, do, and think "pink". Not better. Not wrong or right in comparison to men. Just different from each other. And we need to adjust to one anothers differences in how we are wired. But in this case I am responsible to handle the information I am given. The series is by Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hi Ho, Hi Ho (it's off to church we go)
And let's be happy about it! Every mom knows the saga of preparing to go out the door,
TO BE ON TIME TO WORSHIP GOD, and look pulled together, with baby clean, changed and for many of us baby's siblings as well. How many times did I say "Don't you go outside to play now! Stay clean!" As if they couldn't find a way to get dirty staying inside, clever kids with their built in dirt magnets....
Meanwhile its checklist time:
kids all fed
everyone clean and dressed
quiet snacks packed
extra clothes for every child
wet wipes
diapers
baggies
bottles
pacifiers
quiet toys
paper and pencils
Bible (as if I will get to open it)
purse
stroller
blankets
Ok, ok, I'm ready to go. Let's go. You all get in and buckle up. Oh my gosh! I 'll be out soon. I have to change the diaper again and baby's outfit and try to wash off the spit up and blow dry my outfit...
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" Hebrews 4:16
There were times when it hardly seemed worth it but what held me fast was wanting them to know from early on- This is what we do as a family. As part of our worship we gather with other believers.
Hang in there! Establishing values takes time, but in the end is so worth it. (and just so you know, while age 18 may be legal adult age it is not the end yet) And I really never believed it when I was told, but it is true this baby/toddler time will be over before you know it. Take it one day at a time. Breathe and pray and try to enjoy even the crazy moment stuff knowing your own character is being built in the mix by God who makes it all work out for good cause we love Him and are called for His purposes.
TO BE ON TIME TO WORSHIP GOD, and look pulled together, with baby clean, changed and for many of us baby's siblings as well. How many times did I say "Don't you go outside to play now! Stay clean!" As if they couldn't find a way to get dirty staying inside, clever kids with their built in dirt magnets....
Meanwhile its checklist time:
kids all fed
everyone clean and dressed
quiet snacks packed
extra clothes for every child
wet wipes
diapers
baggies
bottles
pacifiers
quiet toys
paper and pencils
Bible (as if I will get to open it)
purse
stroller
blankets
Ok, ok, I'm ready to go. Let's go. You all get in and buckle up. Oh my gosh! I 'll be out soon. I have to change the diaper again and baby's outfit and try to wash off the spit up and blow dry my outfit...
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" Hebrews 4:16
There were times when it hardly seemed worth it but what held me fast was wanting them to know from early on- This is what we do as a family. As part of our worship we gather with other believers.
Hang in there! Establishing values takes time, but in the end is so worth it. (and just so you know, while age 18 may be legal adult age it is not the end yet) And I really never believed it when I was told, but it is true this baby/toddler time will be over before you know it. Take it one day at a time. Breathe and pray and try to enjoy even the crazy moment stuff knowing your own character is being built in the mix by God who makes it all work out for good cause we love Him and are called for His purposes.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
More on Heels (this time the bread end kind)
I caught myself midstream about to believe a lie today! Did you know that contrary to what I would like to believe, French Toast made with bread ends has just as many calories as French Toast made from the other parts of the loaf of bread?!! There seems to be a theory in the Motherhood life that if it is food children won't eat and I do therefore eat it, it will be calorie free. Oh and won't count as food eaten so I can still eat a full meal besides.
Wow! How often do I tell myself that? I don't really say it to myself but it is part of my belief system evidently since smooth as melting butter in a hot skillet, I was about to eat the piece made from the heel of the bread as I slipped it from the spatula! Because it was made from the heel. Because no one else here would likely want it (how picky is that?) and I had made it to use up the rest of the egg mixture anyway.
And knowing full well I would eat more after they left for school and my husband for work.
Truth just kind of ran interference for me today. Just blocked that piece of untruth manifesting as an extra piece of calorie filled French Toast from entering my mouth. At least from entering without foreknowlege of what I was doing (believing something untrue). The French Toast heel is still on the plate. I did eat some F.T. before everyone was gone but only 2 slices this time no 3rd piece believing I am "obligated" to eat what the others won't so food isn't wasted. I guess in the name of a good deed or mom martyrdom there are no calories either...
Finally Moms (and others), what ever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good reports, virtuous and praiseworthy, meditate on these things, and the peace of God will be with you... Phillippians 4:8-9 (my paraphrase). No more just going through the motions when I am cooking. I should pay attention and not nibble on what I am cooking to make sure it tastes good and then because it really does eat some more! How fun is that?! Not at all! Ok all things in moderation then. I will still test and taste of course but but pay attention and not lie to myself that it doesn't count. How is that?
Wow! How often do I tell myself that? I don't really say it to myself but it is part of my belief system evidently since smooth as melting butter in a hot skillet, I was about to eat the piece made from the heel of the bread as I slipped it from the spatula! Because it was made from the heel. Because no one else here would likely want it (how picky is that?) and I had made it to use up the rest of the egg mixture anyway.
And knowing full well I would eat more after they left for school and my husband for work.
Truth just kind of ran interference for me today. Just blocked that piece of untruth manifesting as an extra piece of calorie filled French Toast from entering my mouth. At least from entering without foreknowlege of what I was doing (believing something untrue). The French Toast heel is still on the plate. I did eat some F.T. before everyone was gone but only 2 slices this time no 3rd piece believing I am "obligated" to eat what the others won't so food isn't wasted. I guess in the name of a good deed or mom martyrdom there are no calories either...
Finally Moms (and others), what ever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good reports, virtuous and praiseworthy, meditate on these things, and the peace of God will be with you... Phillippians 4:8-9 (my paraphrase). No more just going through the motions when I am cooking. I should pay attention and not nibble on what I am cooking to make sure it tastes good and then because it really does eat some more! How fun is that?! Not at all! Ok all things in moderation then. I will still test and taste of course but but pay attention and not lie to myself that it doesn't count. How is that?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cervical Pillows (and high heel shoes)
I could have called this "What goes around (comes around)". If any of you remember my note on "Every Wind of Doctrine" on face book a few months back, I mentioned rolling a little towel or blanket to place under my childrens necks when they were grade school age and younger, as they laid on their backs to sleep. All in the cause of straight teeth...I didn't keep it up for long. Now flash forward to 2010. I have visited the chiropractor and she has not only advised but provided a cervical pillow for me to use as I sleep at night. You might have guessed, even if you have not used one, its purpose is not to grow my teeth in straight! No it is to help in the treatment of realignment of my back which shows some scoliosis and the misalignment of my hips and neck causing numbness in my arm . I honestly had to laugh as I sat in her office and she let me know this was how I would be sleeping. It is pretty much along the lines of the towel behind the neck idea...Well kids just so you know, God has provided not revenge, no. Let's see what is the word? I guess a taste of my own medicine! I know more than one word.
Though perhaps those years of pregnancy and nursing babies may have had to do with some of the misaligning...No guilt intended but just saying...it was about 23 of my 55 years all total. And then carrying all the needed equipment around like diaper bags stuffed because I was like a boyscout and always needing to be prepared...and carseats and snowsuited children...Poor me, I know!
In all fairness though, I do also love high heels! I mean I really do! And I was also informed on my now second visit "no heels higher than 2 inches". I wanted to pull a tape measurer out right then and there because I of course had my fairly new high heel boots on. Silly me even wearing them to the chiropractor but I figured there is no point pretending I wear flats all the time. Because honestly unless its flip flops or very occaisionally tennis shoes, I wear shoes or boots with a heel. The bright side is I will get some new shoes! Did in fact find a pair of super cute low heel winter boots on clearance which are drying from their waterproofing as I write. I don't expect to never wear my heels ever but will wear them much less and I will continue using my new torture pillow. I did write torture and it isn't- but it is a big adjustment no play on words intended.
I am looking at a verse in Amos 7;7-8 where God is showing the prophet a plumb line and is using it to measure the straightness of his people. I need to continually use His word to straighten my life. To keep it aligned if you will with the things that He says are right and good. And just the way He is using some natural things to straighten my back, I can do daily things to make spiritual adjustments too. It makes me function better in every way though it may be uncomfortable at first. But in this case maybe since it took a while to get in the shape I am in I can expect a bit of pain before my gain. I was warned about that and do find it is true. So wouldn't you say it's best I do the daily stuff so it isn't a worse pain later? I am trusting you to be honest with me- I am guessing none of you are making a chiropractic commission here! And you probably don't sell newbalance shoes or such. Ladies what are your favorite shoes? Are they always the most comfortable? Do you go primarily for function? Or do you go for fashion statements in your style? I could do another whole thing on shoes alone and maybe someday will but it is time to pick up Lily from school! Oh and the boots I had on? They were a 3 inch heel. One inch too high!
Though perhaps those years of pregnancy and nursing babies may have had to do with some of the misaligning...No guilt intended but just saying...it was about 23 of my 55 years all total. And then carrying all the needed equipment around like diaper bags stuffed because I was like a boyscout and always needing to be prepared...and carseats and snowsuited children...Poor me, I know!
In all fairness though, I do also love high heels! I mean I really do! And I was also informed on my now second visit "no heels higher than 2 inches". I wanted to pull a tape measurer out right then and there because I of course had my fairly new high heel boots on. Silly me even wearing them to the chiropractor but I figured there is no point pretending I wear flats all the time. Because honestly unless its flip flops or very occaisionally tennis shoes, I wear shoes or boots with a heel. The bright side is I will get some new shoes! Did in fact find a pair of super cute low heel winter boots on clearance which are drying from their waterproofing as I write. I don't expect to never wear my heels ever but will wear them much less and I will continue using my new torture pillow. I did write torture and it isn't- but it is a big adjustment no play on words intended.
I am looking at a verse in Amos 7;7-8 where God is showing the prophet a plumb line and is using it to measure the straightness of his people. I need to continually use His word to straighten my life. To keep it aligned if you will with the things that He says are right and good. And just the way He is using some natural things to straighten my back, I can do daily things to make spiritual adjustments too. It makes me function better in every way though it may be uncomfortable at first. But in this case maybe since it took a while to get in the shape I am in I can expect a bit of pain before my gain. I was warned about that and do find it is true. So wouldn't you say it's best I do the daily stuff so it isn't a worse pain later? I am trusting you to be honest with me- I am guessing none of you are making a chiropractic commission here! And you probably don't sell newbalance shoes or such. Ladies what are your favorite shoes? Are they always the most comfortable? Do you go primarily for function? Or do you go for fashion statements in your style? I could do another whole thing on shoes alone and maybe someday will but it is time to pick up Lily from school! Oh and the boots I had on? They were a 3 inch heel. One inch too high!
Monday, January 4, 2010
They're Back! (at school that is)
First day back to school after Christmas break. I frankly was not looking forward to today. Many mom's probably don't feel the same way but it isn't that I don't like the hours to myself (I do)...they are not exactly lady of leisure hours true enough...I guess I don't enjoy the slamming into the school morning rush. It is still dark for one. And its super cold right now. And school days don't end when they come home. There is usually residual known as homework for the evenings. We have issues with adhd also. More and more I have considered homeschooling options. It used to be me balking at that. Now it is my kids. Not that they don't like some of the features of homeschooling. The biggest draw back in their point of view is missing other people interaction.
So here we are back to the if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him and he will gladly tell you...and He doesn't resent my asking but I do need to believe He will tell me and not be doubtful (james 1:5-6). There has been alot of doubting perhaps in the decision process. So many pros and cons for all forms of schooling and I have been checking them out. As for today they are back. As for today there are numerous things waiting for my attention here at home and out and about. So time to get on with the ones I haven't touched yet this morning because I am not homeschooling and can arrange my hours accordingly...
So here we are back to the if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him and he will gladly tell you...and He doesn't resent my asking but I do need to believe He will tell me and not be doubtful (james 1:5-6). There has been alot of doubting perhaps in the decision process. So many pros and cons for all forms of schooling and I have been checking them out. As for today they are back. As for today there are numerous things waiting for my attention here at home and out and about. So time to get on with the ones I haven't touched yet this morning because I am not homeschooling and can arrange my hours accordingly...
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Wearisome Work (the house kind)
You would think since my last blog had to do with being tired of dishes that I moan and complain about all housework. I don't. It is now ending the 2nd week of Christmas break (or to be understood in a politically correct way-Winter break) extra activities and decorations which I frankly kept to a minimum this year and it still seems like alot to put away. The house needs vacuuming and you guessed it there is no one home but me at the moment to do that task but there will be kids and friends over some time today and one I haven't met yet so for some ridiculous reason I don't want my home to be seen in this midstream holiday life style. That is to say "messy". In nearly every room. Well ok honesty dictates I admit it is every room not just nearly.
I have heard a thought that a womans house is a reflection of herself or an extention of herself so maybe that is why messy bothers me. I don't want to be messed up...and even if I am sometimes dealing with issues, I don't want to always be vulnerable about them. Because does that reflect Jesus very well? Some how I forget He traveled dirty, dusty roads through mountains and got his feet dirty. I am figuring His sweat glands worked so He likely got sweaty (and I wonder did He ever have morning breath like the rest of us). He spit in mud to make a paste to put on a blind mans eyes for healing. He touched "unclean" people without fear. He told Martha she was busy about many things but her sister had chosen well to sit at His feet and eat and drink the things of the Spirit- my paraphrase. I know he wasn't saying housework was bad or to be neglected forever but being frantic about it and assuming it was at that moment more important than what Mary chose was off! Maybe it was prideful even.
I guess the vacuuming will get done in a bit and decorations down but I do think before people come in I will lay down and rest this cold winter afternoon and fight off the headcold that wants to take over my head. And I will tell myself to be ok with it too (though I am sure it will be a struggle and how restful is that!?) Even letting you in on this little picture of my life is hard because it shows me in my imperfection. But you know where I am usually most comfortable is where others are comfortable and living in their homes...I want my home to be welcoming not just picture perfect though the pictures are quite pretty they are just that arranged photos not real life. So here I go on with the living.
I have heard a thought that a womans house is a reflection of herself or an extention of herself so maybe that is why messy bothers me. I don't want to be messed up...and even if I am sometimes dealing with issues, I don't want to always be vulnerable about them. Because does that reflect Jesus very well? Some how I forget He traveled dirty, dusty roads through mountains and got his feet dirty. I am figuring His sweat glands worked so He likely got sweaty (and I wonder did He ever have morning breath like the rest of us). He spit in mud to make a paste to put on a blind mans eyes for healing. He touched "unclean" people without fear. He told Martha she was busy about many things but her sister had chosen well to sit at His feet and eat and drink the things of the Spirit- my paraphrase. I know he wasn't saying housework was bad or to be neglected forever but being frantic about it and assuming it was at that moment more important than what Mary chose was off! Maybe it was prideful even.
I guess the vacuuming will get done in a bit and decorations down but I do think before people come in I will lay down and rest this cold winter afternoon and fight off the headcold that wants to take over my head. And I will tell myself to be ok with it too (though I am sure it will be a struggle and how restful is that!?) Even letting you in on this little picture of my life is hard because it shows me in my imperfection. But you know where I am usually most comfortable is where others are comfortable and living in their homes...I want my home to be welcoming not just picture perfect though the pictures are quite pretty they are just that arranged photos not real life. So here I go on with the living.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)