So I took the day off. I have committed to help out in A & D's classrooms on Fridays. Today it was too much for me to handle. The clutter in my house and my never-ending to-do list has caught up with me and I am a bit of a stressed-out-not-very-patient mom. So, I took the day off.
I am happy to say that the house is now cleaner, and I finally finished a project I had begun in Decmber 2007... yes, 2007... that is not a typo!!! That project was sadly clinging to the end of my list... along with at least 10 other things... and I am working toward completing these things. Yet they are not crucial, and thus are moved to the "leave until tomorrow list".
As I turn my "wanting to finish things" energy to tackling the clutter in my home, I am struck with the thought... what about the clutter in my soul? Those things that I haven't wanted to think about, to deal with... that I have put off until I have time and space to think about. Maybe that is also what is really causing my lack of patience and my short fuse? I am convicted by the need to declutter my soul, to journal, to pray through different areas of my life, to once again surrender my will to the will of My Father. Maybe that will help restore peace, peace in me and peace in my home.
Take time with me today to create space, to declutter your soul. And if you see me, ask me if I did it. Ask me if I de-cluttered my soul.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Happy Halloween??
I guess now is as good a time as any to restart my poor neglected blog!! I really don't like Halloween, at least I don't like all the scary decorations, the glorification of evil, the trying to make dead things seems funny and entertaining. I do like the excuse for a party, to be creative in making costumes, and the dressing up part. So, here are the highlights!!
Anna wanted to be a fruit bat, thus the brown bat costume. Fitting for my girl who loves animals and loves fruit!!
Dillon's wish to have a chargers uniform was granted, so he was a charger. He was so excited, it was worth the over-priced costume... I guess all professional sports is always overpriced!! =) Dillon and Daddy get to go to a game in a few weeks, so we felt this was appropriate and will be worn more than once!! =) Happy Birthday Daddy!! Merry Christmas Dillon!!
We also enjoyed pumpkin carving, from two pumpkins grown in our own backyard!! =) Isn't that fun??? We are such good parents!!! =)
Of course, Dillon was a bit feverish and had to stay home. Anna was a good big sister and shared her loot with her brother. I am confident that my introvert son was not too disappointed to stay home while his sister did all the work!!
I am also thankful that his fever is not too serious... it has made him a bit grumpy at times... but he seems to be ok. He would have been fine... but we didn't want to contribute to the spread of germs!! =)
Well, I think of you all often, and hope that this will not be my only post in November!!!
Anna wanted to be a fruit bat, thus the brown bat costume. Fitting for my girl who loves animals and loves fruit!!
Dillon's wish to have a chargers uniform was granted, so he was a charger. He was so excited, it was worth the over-priced costume... I guess all professional sports is always overpriced!! =) Dillon and Daddy get to go to a game in a few weeks, so we felt this was appropriate and will be worn more than once!! =) Happy Birthday Daddy!! Merry Christmas Dillon!!
We also enjoyed pumpkin carving, from two pumpkins grown in our own backyard!! =) Isn't that fun??? We are such good parents!!! =)
Of course, Dillon was a bit feverish and had to stay home. Anna was a good big sister and shared her loot with her brother. I am confident that my introvert son was not too disappointed to stay home while his sister did all the work!!I am also thankful that his fever is not too serious... it has made him a bit grumpy at times... but he seems to be ok. He would have been fine... but we didn't want to contribute to the spread of germs!! =)
Well, I think of you all often, and hope that this will not be my only post in November!!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Susan Boyle: Confidence and Joy
Have you listened to Susan Boyle sing? I guess I live under a rock, because I only heard about this remarkable woman on Tuesday night. The next morning I watched her video, and was mesmerized!! I watched several more videos (youtube is addicting!!) and read a few articles. As I got back to work my thoughts were continually drawn back to this woman, this frumpy British spinster, with the amazing voice, this woman who had captured the attention and imagination of millions.
What is so captivating about Susan Boyle? It has to be more than her voice… what is it? I am sure there are many answers, but what captured my attention was her confidence and joy. Watch her video again. See how she giggles right before she is going to sing?? She knows… this woman knows that she can sing, and that this judgmental audience of regular people and talented artists will be amazed. She may not have expected their reaction, but she confidently knew that their laughter would be silenced by her song. That giggle showed such confidence in the beautiful gift she was giving to the world, her beautiful song.
This confidence brought her joy. She wasn’t angry by their laughter, by their preconceived ideas. She was joyful in the expectation of what she knew they would hear, and of her secret that they would soon know; that her frumpy exterior concealed a beautiful voice she knew she possessed.
And so, almost defiantly and without apology, she shared her dream, as ridiculous as she knew it would seem to that audience, and sang. She silenced their jeering laughter.
In watching the amazed reaction of the crowd, of the judges, and of her response to theirs, I began to think about the beautiful gift I too often conceal, and I wonder at my own lack of confidence and joy.
The gospel, what Paul calls “of first importance”, is beautiful. The beauty of its message is often concealed by our own weakness and silenced by the preconceived ideas of others. Too often we let our fears of their opinion and judgment silence our song, to silence our joy.
Today, will you sing? Will you sing of the beauty of the Lord, of his desire to know us, and to build his kingdom through us? Will you defy the preconceived judgment of others and speak the truth, joyfully and confidently sharing your precious gift with the world?
1 Corinthians 15: 3-4,10a
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
What is so captivating about Susan Boyle? It has to be more than her voice… what is it? I am sure there are many answers, but what captured my attention was her confidence and joy. Watch her video again. See how she giggles right before she is going to sing?? She knows… this woman knows that she can sing, and that this judgmental audience of regular people and talented artists will be amazed. She may not have expected their reaction, but she confidently knew that their laughter would be silenced by her song. That giggle showed such confidence in the beautiful gift she was giving to the world, her beautiful song.
This confidence brought her joy. She wasn’t angry by their laughter, by their preconceived ideas. She was joyful in the expectation of what she knew they would hear, and of her secret that they would soon know; that her frumpy exterior concealed a beautiful voice she knew she possessed.
And so, almost defiantly and without apology, she shared her dream, as ridiculous as she knew it would seem to that audience, and sang. She silenced their jeering laughter.
In watching the amazed reaction of the crowd, of the judges, and of her response to theirs, I began to think about the beautiful gift I too often conceal, and I wonder at my own lack of confidence and joy.
The gospel, what Paul calls “of first importance”, is beautiful. The beauty of its message is often concealed by our own weakness and silenced by the preconceived ideas of others. Too often we let our fears of their opinion and judgment silence our song, to silence our joy.
Today, will you sing? Will you sing of the beauty of the Lord, of his desire to know us, and to build his kingdom through us? Will you defy the preconceived judgment of others and speak the truth, joyfully and confidently sharing your precious gift with the world?
1 Corinthians 15: 3-4,10a
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sin is Like a Balloon
“Mommy, can I show you what I learned?”
Busy and distracted with preparing to leave, I don’t even glance up at her.
“What, Anna?”
“See, sin is like this balloon.”
“And God is these scissors.”
What? I look up, suddenly tuning in to what she is saying.
She has a deflated balloon stretched over her fist, and is waving the scissors in the air.
“He finds this crevice, and cuts off our sin.”
I look at her hand, she has poked the scissors in the space where the balloon is stretched over her palm, and cuts off the balloon.
“So now we are free!!”
She triumphantly waves her hand in the air, the crumpled, deflated balloon lies on the floor.
She smiles and laughs as I give her a big hug, she knows she has said something special; she has made her mommy proud.
As I write this, I realize how insightful she really is. Sin is like a balloon, it first appears fun and exciting, but the next day, it lies deflated on the floor. If you cut off the pretty ribbon, it may float a little in the air, but by that afternoon, it is dead. It has lost all its appeal.
Sin is like a balloon stretched over her fist, it is confining, it restricts movement.
God does free us; He sets us free from the bondage of sin. It is only in Him that we are truly free.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:21-23
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1-3
Busy and distracted with preparing to leave, I don’t even glance up at her.
“What, Anna?”
“See, sin is like this balloon.”
“And God is these scissors.”
What? I look up, suddenly tuning in to what she is saying.
She has a deflated balloon stretched over her fist, and is waving the scissors in the air.
“He finds this crevice, and cuts off our sin.”
I look at her hand, she has poked the scissors in the space where the balloon is stretched over her palm, and cuts off the balloon.
“So now we are free!!”
She triumphantly waves her hand in the air, the crumpled, deflated balloon lies on the floor.
She smiles and laughs as I give her a big hug, she knows she has said something special; she has made her mommy proud.
As I write this, I realize how insightful she really is. Sin is like a balloon, it first appears fun and exciting, but the next day, it lies deflated on the floor. If you cut off the pretty ribbon, it may float a little in the air, but by that afternoon, it is dead. It has lost all its appeal.
Sin is like a balloon stretched over her fist, it is confining, it restricts movement.
God does free us; He sets us free from the bondage of sin. It is only in Him that we are truly free.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:21-23
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1-3
Friday, March 27, 2009
What Every Dad Should Listen to!! =)
House of Memories
Ten Shekel Shirt
You're my hero little girl
You always save the day with your smile
You know I'm in love
With the one behind those pretty eyes
chorus
I will build for all time
A house of memories
Just for you and I
There you'll find
Rooms inside
Filled with laughter, joy
And your daddy's pride
Around the table
And down the hall
We'll chase each other
Till the laughter makes us fall
In the evening
We'll lay our heads down
And thank God for these memories
You're my angel
Sending messages of love
You're my future
A part of me that carries on
Ten Shekel Shirt
You're my hero little girl
You always save the day with your smile
You know I'm in love
With the one behind those pretty eyes
chorus
I will build for all time
A house of memories
Just for you and I
There you'll find
Rooms inside
Filled with laughter, joy
And your daddy's pride
Around the table
And down the hall
We'll chase each other
Till the laughter makes us fall
In the evening
We'll lay our heads down
And thank God for these memories
You're my angel
Sending messages of love
You're my future
A part of me that carries on
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hear the Birds Sing
I am choosing to hear the birds sing
Living in this not-quite-city/not-quite-suburb is a challenge for an outdoors girl like me.
I long to hear the sounds of nature; to hear the birds’ songs framed against the background of the roar of the ocean or the stillness of the mountains. Instead, I find myself straining to hear any sound other than the city noise of the cars and trucks and sirens that fill my world. Birds still sing, seemingly unaware of life rushing around them, but I can barely hear them, their music hides in the background of this noisy city/suburban life. Yet when I focus on their song, I hear the beauty of nature, and the noise of man-made life fades away into the background. Their beautiful music is what I choose to hear.
Life is like this too. Too often I let the noise of “doing” life drown out the joy of “living” life. I want to live my life “choosing to hear the birds sing”. Yes, “doing” life is important, the dishes must be washed and the laundry done. I can even find joy in “doing” life. Yet I want to “listen to the birds sing”, to take a moment to have a chat with my children, play a game with the family, go for a family bike ride, or read one more story at bedtime. Life must not only be done, but lived, joyfully aware of the beauty amongst the noise.
Choose to listen to the birds sing. The dishes can wait.
Living in this not-quite-city/not-quite-suburb is a challenge for an outdoors girl like me.
I long to hear the sounds of nature; to hear the birds’ songs framed against the background of the roar of the ocean or the stillness of the mountains. Instead, I find myself straining to hear any sound other than the city noise of the cars and trucks and sirens that fill my world. Birds still sing, seemingly unaware of life rushing around them, but I can barely hear them, their music hides in the background of this noisy city/suburban life. Yet when I focus on their song, I hear the beauty of nature, and the noise of man-made life fades away into the background. Their beautiful music is what I choose to hear.
Life is like this too. Too often I let the noise of “doing” life drown out the joy of “living” life. I want to live my life “choosing to hear the birds sing”. Yes, “doing” life is important, the dishes must be washed and the laundry done. I can even find joy in “doing” life. Yet I want to “listen to the birds sing”, to take a moment to have a chat with my children, play a game with the family, go for a family bike ride, or read one more story at bedtime. Life must not only be done, but lived, joyfully aware of the beauty amongst the noise.
Choose to listen to the birds sing. The dishes can wait.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Running Uphill to Run Downhill
I like the challenge of running uphill, it feels good, to accomplish this hard thing of getting to the top. The reward is so worth it. I love the feeling of running downhill, the feeling of settling into the run, and being able to run fast with less effort.
My life is like that too. I try to get the majority of my housework done on Friday, to “Run uphill”, so I can relax and “run downhill” over the weekend. I feel free to simply enjoy life when my house is clean.
I get a sense of “running uphill to run downhill” in David’s words.
Psalm 63
1O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
5My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9But those who seek to destroy my life
shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10they shall be given over to the power of the sword;
they shall be a portion for jackals.
11But the king shall rejoice in God;
all who swear by him shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
There is a sense of working hard to get to a place of finding refuge in God, of getting to that place where we are singing for joy in the shadow of God’s “wings”.
So I think of other times in my life where I have had to “run uphill”.
Wednesday would have been my brother’s 30th birthday. 30… I think of all the missed milestones, the nieces and nephews he never saw, the wedding and children he never had. Missed memories…
My own memories, while precious and treasured, often bring pain. His excitement of finding out that I was pregnant, that he would be an uncle, his joy in loving and caring for his friends. His smile as he said goodbye after we celebrated my 27th birthday, our precious conversation on Christmas day as we drove back to our house from my aunt’s house, where we spent such a special few days together as a family, Christmas of 2000.
Grieving is “running uphill”. Yet it is good to check in, to see how I am doing, and to do that hard work. It is worth it, to be reminded of the joy.
The “downhill part”, in a way, is thinking of where he is, and where we will be. That brings me joy, it brings new meaning to my life here on earth.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Revelation 21:1-5
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new… "
Friday, December 12, 2008
#14 These last two weeks have been great because...
...Anna and Dillon timed their illnesses so I could go to work (the end of the semester is a bad time of year to cancel class) and so we could go to their wonderful Christmas performance!!
Friday, their school held their annual Christmas performance. It was so great to listen to children singing with joyful hearts about Christmas!!! What a way to start the new year!!
Saturday was great, because we finally have gotten around to starting to finish the project in our "red room". Crown molding is a bit tricky to put up!! hopefully we will finish this weekend... or maybe next week...
Sunday, I went back to reading Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas. Here are some lovely quotes for you to consider. Maybe they will inspire you to read his book!!
We are meditating on grace this week for our Sunday School class at church. Yikes!! I am not doing so great, and I was the one who wrote this week's activities!!! I think I am improving, it is God's grace that we are meditating on and practicing grace this week!!!
And finally, no matter what happens, this month is great because we celebrate the birth of our Savior!!!!
Friday, their school held their annual Christmas performance. It was so great to listen to children singing with joyful hearts about Christmas!!! What a way to start the new year!!
Saturday was great, because we finally have gotten around to starting to finish the project in our "red room". Crown molding is a bit tricky to put up!! hopefully we will finish this weekend... or maybe next week...
Sunday, I went back to reading Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas. Here are some lovely quotes for you to consider. Maybe they will inspire you to read his book!!
"See, that's the thing with fear: It makes us worry about the evil that might happen, and, when we're focused on that, we grow blind to the great good that can result. It's not just shortsightedness, it's pessimistic-shortsightedness--vision obscured by worry, blurred by fear. While Scripture honestly admits the real threats we face in life, it remains equally forceful about not being driven by fear of them."
"Instead of listening to your fears, talk to yourself! A pastor recommended the following exercise to me, which has helped greatly. Instead of listening to yourself, talk to yourself. Emotions can prey on us unless we mentally take charge and fight back. We don't have to let ourselves 'tune in' to doubts and fears. We can talk back to ourselves; we can build our spirits with Scripture."
"Instead of listening to your fears, talk to yourself! A pastor recommended the following exercise to me, which has helped greatly. Instead of listening to yourself, talk to yourself. Emotions can prey on us unless we mentally take charge and fight back. We don't have to let ourselves 'tune in' to doubts and fears. We can talk back to ourselves; we can build our spirits with Scripture."
We are meditating on grace this week for our Sunday School class at church. Yikes!! I am not doing so great, and I was the one who wrote this week's activities!!! I think I am improving, it is God's grace that we are meditating on and practicing grace this week!!!
And finally, no matter what happens, this month is great because we celebrate the birth of our Savior!!!!
"I Celebrate The Day"
by Reliant K
And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be
And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever
And so this Christmas I'll compare the things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life
by Reliant K
And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be
And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever
And so this Christmas I'll compare the things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
#13 Monday was a good day because...
...it is finally December!!! I love December, my birthday month, the month that we celebrate Jesus' birthday, the month we always have vacation and get to spend time with family, the month when everyone is just a bit nicer and more joyful. I have always loved December.
Of course, our December began with sickness and grumpy kids. Monday was supposed to be my day of solitude, a day to relax, reflect on our year, and begin our Christmas letter. Well, Anna had an ear ache, fever and "digestive issues", and Dillon.... well.... let's just say he needed one more day of vacation and an understanding mom. It was hard to let go of my Monday, my first day of December, and seek to be a servant to my children. God eventually brought me to this place of surrender, and I began to see what I could be thankful for.
Now I am glad that they are on the road to recovery, praying that Todd will get better too, and hoping to stay in this place of having a servant's heart for my family.
I also changed a few plans so I could have a day of solitude today... yippee!!! I am learning to say no to good things.... for the good of my family and for my sanity!! This is a hard lesson to learn, I enjoy social events, but I want to be a nice mom and wife too... which is way more important!!!
I am so thankful for God's patience and grace as He teaches me more like Him. I love this verse and have been praying it for myself and my daughter. May you too be pleasing in His sight, for His glory!!!
"Now, may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Of course, our December began with sickness and grumpy kids. Monday was supposed to be my day of solitude, a day to relax, reflect on our year, and begin our Christmas letter. Well, Anna had an ear ache, fever and "digestive issues", and Dillon.... well.... let's just say he needed one more day of vacation and an understanding mom. It was hard to let go of my Monday, my first day of December, and seek to be a servant to my children. God eventually brought me to this place of surrender, and I began to see what I could be thankful for.
Now I am glad that they are on the road to recovery, praying that Todd will get better too, and hoping to stay in this place of having a servant's heart for my family.
I also changed a few plans so I could have a day of solitude today... yippee!!! I am learning to say no to good things.... for the good of my family and for my sanity!! This is a hard lesson to learn, I enjoy social events, but I want to be a nice mom and wife too... which is way more important!!!
I am so thankful for God's patience and grace as He teaches me more like Him. I love this verse and have been praying it for myself and my daughter. May you too be pleasing in His sight, for His glory!!!
"Now, may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 13:20-21
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
#11 Yesterday was a good day because...
...we had a nice time watching a movie with other families from our school!! The PTA put on a family movie night... what fun!! We were going to watch the movie "out under the stars", but the rain forced us to make a change to the cafeteria. It was still a nice time. I am so glad that we are getting to know the families in our neighborhood. It is so nice to be at a school that values family time!!!
Today, we are enjoying a lazy, rainy day. Anna and Dillon have already played outside in the rain and got soaking wet. Now is is really pouring. Oh how I love the rain!! We still need to make a trip to the store... we will have to time it so we don't get caught in the downpour!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Today, we are enjoying a lazy, rainy day. Anna and Dillon have already played outside in the rain and got soaking wet. Now is is really pouring. Oh how I love the rain!! We still need to make a trip to the store... we will have to time it so we don't get caught in the downpour!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
#10 Monday was a good day because...
...we had a nice, uneventful day...well... almost. The three of us made it through Costco successfully, Anna and and Dillon were great helpers. It seemed like everyone was in a good mood, maybe because of the cheery thought of a nice Thanksgiving break?? We had no homework, which was a nice break, and had a nice family time playing Sorry.
Everything was great until I went into Anna's room to say goodnight. Yikes!! Stuff hidden under the blankets, stuffed in the closet... oh my... we have our work cut out for us... teaching her to clean up after herself and be responisible with the things in her bedroom. Note to self... never try to convince a tired 7 year old to do a better job cleaning her room after 8pm... it won't go over very well and the end result will be frustration and grumpiness galore!!!
Everything was great until I went into Anna's room to say goodnight. Yikes!! Stuff hidden under the blankets, stuffed in the closet... oh my... we have our work cut out for us... teaching her to clean up after herself and be responisible with the things in her bedroom. Note to self... never try to convince a tired 7 year old to do a better job cleaning her room after 8pm... it won't go over very well and the end result will be frustration and grumpiness galore!!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
#9 Sunday was a good day because...
...we turned in our Christmas Child boxes. I love the service our church has. We watch their precious video with pictures of children around the world receiving their boxes. Then we hear from someone who has visited and witnessed first-hand children opening their boxes. I pray that Anna and Dillon will share our love for people around the world and that they will realize what is truly important... that all will hear the gospel. The gift of life that God offers in His Son, the redemption He offers to the world... these are far more precious than any physical gift.
We were challenged by our Pastor yesterday with the following questions, consider them with me today.
Are you a disciple of a slave king?
If you are His disciple, do you look like Him?
Am I being vigilant to guard against all forms of pride?
Do I live serving others?
"the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
We were challenged by our Pastor yesterday with the following questions, consider them with me today.
Are you a disciple of a slave king?
If you are His disciple, do you look like Him?
Am I being vigilant to guard against all forms of pride?
Do I live serving others?
"the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
#8 Saturday was a good day because...
Anna's team won first place in soccer!! The girls worked so hard, the game was so exciting, and Anna ran after the ball and blocked a few shots!! What fun!! Their second game... can you believe it? They had to play two games!!! ...their second game was tied, they had to play overtime, and then won with penalty kicks!! Such pressure!! But they had fun, and were so excited to get their 1st place medals. We are so proud of our soccer girl!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
#7 The last few days have been good because...
...I have had a chance to speak words of peace and truth. My PTA is suffering. We are under "new management" and the transition has not gone well. I have many heartfelt conversations with the women involved, and I hope that I have been salt and light in this difficult time. I feel tired and drained, and there are a few more conversations that I want to have. I am thankful to be here at this time to help.
On a happier note... we are looking forward to three days off from school!!! They are giving us Wednesday off too! I don't know if we will go somewhere, or just relax at home... but it will be nice for the three of us to get to hang out a bit, and then our family will get to be together for four days!! We are going to a friend's house for Thanksgiving... thanks friends!!! I am constantly reminded of how God has provided "family" for us down here. We miss our family up north and out east... but we are thankful for the community of friends God has richly blessed us with here.
Thanks God!!!!
On a happier note... we are looking forward to three days off from school!!! They are giving us Wednesday off too! I don't know if we will go somewhere, or just relax at home... but it will be nice for the three of us to get to hang out a bit, and then our family will get to be together for four days!! We are going to a friend's house for Thanksgiving... thanks friends!!! I am constantly reminded of how God has provided "family" for us down here. We miss our family up north and out east... but we are thankful for the community of friends God has richly blessed us with here.
Thanks God!!!!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The promised pictures!!!
September...
Our "first day of school" shots. Aren't they cute??? =)
From our last trip to CA Adventure... once again, thanks Grandma and Grandpa Rosencrans!!!
Here are my pictures from camping... I hope to get more... let me talk to my friends who actually remember to grab their cameras... unlike me!!! =)
October...
We had a nice time at Todd's sister's wedding. (I know, I have no pictures of the bride and groom... those are not yet in my possession...)
We only went up for the weekend, but managed to squeeze in a trip to the coast... my absolute favorite spot on this side of the world!!!
November...
New haircuts and styles!! Look now because I haven't yet learned to style their hair quite like this!!!
Our "first day of school" shots. Aren't they cute??? =)
From our last trip to CA Adventure... once again, thanks Grandma and Grandpa Rosencrans!!!
Here are my pictures from camping... I hope to get more... let me talk to my friends who actually remember to grab their cameras... unlike me!!! =)
October...
We had a nice time at Todd's sister's wedding. (I know, I have no pictures of the bride and groom... those are not yet in my possession...)
We only went up for the weekend, but managed to squeeze in a trip to the coast... my absolute favorite spot on this side of the world!!!
November...
New haircuts and styles!! Look now because I haven't yet learned to style their hair quite like this!!!
#6 Yesterday was a good day because...
...Dillon got to go to his friend's house for his very own "playdate". Just him!! He loved the time with his friend, and I loved the time with just Anna... except I wasn't feeling that well... but still. I am recovered now. I have decided that I want to arrange more of these playdates. It is so good for them to spend time with their friends too!! I get too intense about homework and all, and forget to include playtime!!! With soccer almost over, we have a bit more time to spend. I am thankful for this reminder... hopefully I will now do something about it!!!
I am also so thankful for my neighbor. She has such an amazing outlook on life. Nothing seems to ever rattle her. She reminds me of truth, that my children are God's children, that I am doing a good job, and that I must trust Him for their actions, their lives, everything. I can come to her, heavy with the weight of what I think are my problems, and she helps me to lighten up, to trust God, come up with a plan, and then do it. She is so practical, and makes me laugh at myself. She is such an answer to prayer!!!! I hope you all have a friend like this. I am so glad that God has made us relational people, and that in relationships we can better understand His Character. Spend some time today thanking God for those special people in your life!!!
I am also so thankful for my neighbor. She has such an amazing outlook on life. Nothing seems to ever rattle her. She reminds me of truth, that my children are God's children, that I am doing a good job, and that I must trust Him for their actions, their lives, everything. I can come to her, heavy with the weight of what I think are my problems, and she helps me to lighten up, to trust God, come up with a plan, and then do it. She is so practical, and makes me laugh at myself. She is such an answer to prayer!!!! I hope you all have a friend like this. I am so glad that God has made us relational people, and that in relationships we can better understand His Character. Spend some time today thanking God for those special people in your life!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
#5 Yesterday was a good day because...
...I learned I was wrong!! I was wrong about the book The Five Love Languages. I was interested in reading it, but I put it in the category of "pop psychology", like "Ten Ways to Improve Your Marriage". (My favorite book on marriage is Gary Thomas's Sacred Marriage... the complete opposite of most marriage books) I finally started reading Love Languages a few days ago, and I have to say, I was wrong! This book includes some very simple yet profound insights into what communicates love!! He gives great suggestions for determining your spouse' love language and how to then speak that language. Yes, some of the book is a bit over-simplified, and I have only read about half so I cannot speak to the latter half, but, I was wrong to dismiss it entirely. I will include some of my favorite quotes with tomorrow's post, or maybe this evening.
On a different note, I just want to publically thank my wonderful husband!! He came home to a pretty grouchy wife, listened to my frustrations... even though I know it is bad to "dump" on your husband first thing... and calmed me down. He was tired from work and not feeling that great, and still worked pretty hard at calming me down in a loving way. He is amazing!!!!
The reason for my grouchiness was my children's reluctance to do their homwork. Any suggestions?? I try to make it fun, we even played "sight-word" hide and seek. Maybe we should have started with that.... I feel so inept in this department... which is why I chose to teach high school and now college, and not elementary!!! I do not know what I am doing!!! Today is a new day... I have a few ideas... hopefully it will go over better this time...
Enjoy your day!!!
On a different note, I just want to publically thank my wonderful husband!! He came home to a pretty grouchy wife, listened to my frustrations... even though I know it is bad to "dump" on your husband first thing... and calmed me down. He was tired from work and not feeling that great, and still worked pretty hard at calming me down in a loving way. He is amazing!!!!
The reason for my grouchiness was my children's reluctance to do their homwork. Any suggestions?? I try to make it fun, we even played "sight-word" hide and seek. Maybe we should have started with that.... I feel so inept in this department... which is why I chose to teach high school and now college, and not elementary!!! I do not know what I am doing!!! Today is a new day... I have a few ideas... hopefully it will go over better this time...
Enjoy your day!!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
#4 Yesterday was a good day because...
...I was so encouraged to hear the way God has been at work in the lives of the women who teach our Bible studies. We met for our last meeting of the year... no outline due this time, just a chance to share how God is at work in the lives of the women we teach and in our own lives as well. It is so amazing to have the privilege to study God's word and to teach with these women. I have been so encouraged by these women who pray for me and give me words of wisdom when I share my struggles. We are strengthened as we each share a similar love for God's Word and struggle to teach His Truth. God is at work and we are a part of it. What a beautiful and humbling truth!!!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
#3 Today was a good day because....
...because Dillon scored two goals in soccer!!! He just took that ball and drove it up the sideline and scored!!! This was our first year with two in soccer. It has been a bit crazy at times, and occasionally frustrating, but overall we enjoyed our experience. It was nice to get to know other families in our community and to start to teach Anna and Dillon how to work together on a team.
After the soccer games, pizza party, and a hour of much needed "quiet time", we enjoyed the evening just hanging out as a family. After the craziness of the day, it is nice to relax, play a game of Sorry, and hang out before bedtime. Soccer is fun... but it will be nice to have our Saturdays back!!!
After the soccer games, pizza party, and a hour of much needed "quiet time", we enjoyed the evening just hanging out as a family. After the craziness of the day, it is nice to relax, play a game of Sorry, and hang out before bedtime. Soccer is fun... but it will be nice to have our Saturdays back!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
#2 Today was a good day because....
...because I finally was able to clean my house!!! It feels so good to have it back to normal. How quickly it falls to pieces when I fail to be diligent to clean up a little each day!! Now I am just tired, and hoping that Dillon won't wake up crying in the middle of the night tonight... are growing pains normal for five year olds??
So, what caused the collapse of my house? The children were off school on Monday... doctor's appointments with Todd... taking way to long to grade this last batch of tests.... life!! Todd had/still has kidney stones!! We were in and out of doctor's offices, the hospital, urgent care, and the ER all day last Wednesday.... thankfully they diagnosed him Wednesday evening. What a relief to know what was causing all his pain!! A normal diagnosis brings such relief and calms the wonderings about weird diseases no one knows about.
We were so thankful for our kind neighbor and friends who watched Anna and Dillon on that crazy day. God has richly blessed us with extra family down here!!!
I know I keep promising pictures... they will come. Keep faithfully checking back and you will be rewarded!!!!
Love to you all!!!
So, what caused the collapse of my house? The children were off school on Monday... doctor's appointments with Todd... taking way to long to grade this last batch of tests.... life!! Todd had/still has kidney stones!! We were in and out of doctor's offices, the hospital, urgent care, and the ER all day last Wednesday.... thankfully they diagnosed him Wednesday evening. What a relief to know what was causing all his pain!! A normal diagnosis brings such relief and calms the wonderings about weird diseases no one knows about.
We were so thankful for our kind neighbor and friends who watched Anna and Dillon on that crazy day. God has richly blessed us with extra family down here!!!
I know I keep promising pictures... they will come. Keep faithfully checking back and you will be rewarded!!!!
Love to you all!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)