Learning to Embrace the Wait

We have a theme park not too far from our house. We went for opening day of the season.

Which meant we had to stand in lines. Waiting. For our turn.  Watching others board and ride the ride that we anticipated taking.

 As we were standing in line, I glanced down at our little guy as he was leaning against the railing saying repeatedly, over and over, almost as if under his breath, "I hate waiting.  I hate waiting.  I hate waiting."

I interrupted his cycling statement with, "Oh, but waiting is a good thing to learn.  So many times in the Bible God tells us to learn to wait.  It is part of how He created life to work."

And as I was encouraging and educating my son, my Heavenly Father began to point out current situations in my life where I have been standing, waiting, leaning against the railing saying repeatedly, over and over, almost as if under my breath, "I hate waiting.  I hate waiting.  I hate waiting."

And so I am challenged.....

As I was trying to instruct my son in the lessons of waiting... I myself was instructed.

Not because I want to, but rather out of obedience...

Learning to embrace the wait.

My Season of Lilacs

Ah, lilacs.  As I glance through my windows I see that they are almost in full bloom.  Everywhere I go around town I see them... lilacs.  Their scent is even beginning to permeate the air without even necessarily being close to them.

Each year that they come and go, I do a lot of reflecting, remembering, rejoicing, and re-living.

It was this season 10 years ago (but I remember it like yesterday) that I missed the season of my lilacs completely.  It was in that season that our daughter found herself in the hospital facing death for the second time in her life.

We had just moved into our home and I was excited for the first season of my lilacs.  As they started to bloom, we left for what was supposed to be a short trip.  However, our daughter became very ill on that trip and was rushed to the ER as soon as our plane landed.  She was immediately admitted. 

Once she was discharged weeks later... the lilacs were gone.  The season had come and gone, and I had missed it entirely. 

Because of that one season...  Every season now...
* is a reminder to me of God's love
* symbolizes memories of God's mercy
* is a visible witness to me of God's faithfulness, grace and healing power

As I remember that year, I stand amazed at the way God carried us through.

I see His hand so visible in areas that seemed so lonely, frightful and more than I could bear.

If you ask me how I made it through that time, I would have to tell you... it was not by my strength, power or anything of myself. It was by God's very mercy, grace and presence alone that each moment was faced with hope and faith in the sovereignty of my God.

Every year now, their beauty helps to refresh my perspective of what's truly important in life. They serve as an inspiration to count the little things in life as great blessings... to be grateful for the schedules, the tasks needing to be accomplished, the things needing to be done.

These things are stark reminders to me that those demands are needing to be accomplished for one reason... we are living.

Every season, with each glance out of my window...with each fragrant aroma inhaled, I am again brought to a brief quiet moment in my spirit where I realize and remember... I serve a great God whose character and goodness is beyond comprehension.

As we celebrate life being given fresh and anew to us 10 years ago, their season is a heart memory to me of what God walked us through and never left us to face alone.

We are now 3 years past when the doctor said she may need more surgery.  We don't know when... but it will most likely come.

The season of my lilacs serve as a reminder, that regardless of what comes... my God is a grace giving, mercy loving, all sufficient, wisdom containing God who leaves His fingerprints all over every situation that comes my way.

I will forever treasure lilacs and their season in my heart. My "Season of Lilacs" serve as a reminder to me of "A season God alone sustained me."

Start With What You Know

I have a phrase that is uttered often during the school days here at home with my children. When there is a problem to figure out that, to them, seems much too complicated...I tell them, "Start with what you know."

Once given those instructions they go back to the basics and complete what they do know. It's amazing to watch how just completing a few steps of any given problem with what they know somehow helps the bigger problem at hand to not seem so overwhelming and impossible.

 And then I consider those life circumstances that seem too complicated to figure out.  The ones that seem so overwhelming, impossible, unfair and unexplainable. Those situations that leave one reeling and coming face to face with the sovereignty of God and who He is.

When encountering such a circumstance more recently I heard a gentle whisper flow through my spirit in encouragement and direction, "Start with what you know."

So I did. I went back to all I have learned and know God to be. I used my experiences, knowledge of His Word and understanding to get me started down the path of trusting and believing that He does all things well, that He works all things for good to those that love Him.

I encourage you to give it a try. Next time you are faced with something that seems much too complicated, unexplainable, irrational, or just too much to begin to even know where to start in processing it all.... just start with what you know.

It really is a good place to begin.

The Valentine Lie

In case you hadn't noticed, this weekend ushers us into Valentine's Day.

I am mindful that for some, many perhaps, this does not seem to be a holiday worth celebrating. I am conscious of the fact that some people may find themselves feeling downright miserable.

Of course, this is probably not uttered as much as it is experienced. When others are basking in flowers, chocolates and teddy bears, how could one possibly share of their own disappointments, rejections and loneliness?

A day focused on love and significance to another person somehow so easily gets distorted into meaning one must have a significant other to be celebrated.

You may be a reader today that is feeling lonely. You may feel rejected, wondering what's wrong with you. You may find yourself disappointed... yet again.

Not so long ago my young daughter said the following, "Mom, sometimes girls think they need a boyfriend to feel special."

This broke my heart!


I am saddened as I realize my daughter has learned of this ugly lie that struggles to be passed off as truth. How is it that we so easily find ourselves looking to others to affirm our need for value?

It angers me to think of the energy that it takes to fight this lie. But I will do it. With everything in my being I will stand... and fight.

I know the personal fight within myself that this lie has generated. I know the battle that rages in the depths of my soul as I continue the war to sort truth from deception.

I refuse to let her be swept away in this horrible torrent of looking for and hoping in people to gain her value when that is a great lie.

I invite you to eavesdrop on some of the words we exchanged as we rode in the car together that evening that she shared that thought with me... my beautiful daughter created in the image of God... and I.

You are significant.

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." ~ Zephaniah 3:17(NLT)

You are loved.

"I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!" ~ Jer. 31:3 (MSG)

You matter.

"For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life."~ John 3:16 (Amp)

You are never forgotten.

"Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands." ~ Is. 49:16 (Amp)

You are never alone.

"Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" ~Ps. 139:11 (MSG)

To each and every reader today... whether you classify yourself as having a significant other or not... may I have the honor and privilege of wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day...

all because of HIM!

Friday's Favorite Five: Perspective

It's another week of recognizing and sharing our favorites hosted by Susanne.   She's posting her 200th Friday Favorite Five today!  Wow Susanne!  Thank you for faithfully inviting us each week to pause and consider favorites in our weeks!  

Feel free to head on over!  

 I found my five favorite things of this last week to be all about perspective.


1. Rain: We went camping last weekend with a group of friends from church... family really. :-) Our first night there we experienced one of the worst thunderstorms I have been in for quite some time. 

The lightening was bright.  The thunder was loud.  The rain was torrential.

In the past I might have become quite frustrated at the mess we were going to encounter come morning.  But instead, as we were in our tent, my thoughts wandered to a place they would not have even weeks ago.  I found my heart swelling in gratefulness as my thoughts drifted to my new friends in Guatemala.

This is their rainy season.  Many of their homes have dirt floors that turn to mud when it rains.  They don't always have warm food to wake to in the morning.  They don't necessarily have a change of warm, dry clothes.  Somehow, during this long, wet night I felt an unexplainable kindred spirit with them... and I found myself so very grateful.

Perspective in the rain.

2. Fresh Cut Grass at the end of a long day:  I was driving home from a long, grueling day at work.  My drive takes me past a few large fields and grassy areas.  It was then that I noticed it.  I slowed my car a bit.  I rolled down the windows.  I inhaled deeply.  The smell of fresh cut fields and grass filled my car. 

I am convinced that so many other times I have probably whizzed right past without even noticing.  That day... I noticed.  You know that sweet, fresh, hard to explain but so wonderfully beautiful smell?....yeah, that one!

Perspective at the end of a long day.


3.  A Sticky Mess:  We had a family ice cream treat earlier this week.  The little guy was given more than we had envisioned it would be when ordering, but we decided to let him go for it.  What a sticky mess!  Hands, face, clothes...

I could have been frustrated at the mess on him, me, us... but I began to think of how grateful I was that we had the funds to buy the treat.  I was mindful that we even had access to the treat.  And that we were all able to enjoy the time of having a treat together, as a family. 

Perspective in a sticky mess.

4.  Exhaustion:  I have been feeling the effects of the last weeks mounting in recent days.  One night this week my husband began to ask me about it.  To learn what I needed.  To ensure that I was "okay".

As I pondered on this the next morning driving to work, I was overwhelmed.  By his recognition of where I find myself.  By his concern.  By his wanting to help me to navigate this if he can.  By his wanting to be available for what I need.  By his love for me. 

The exhaustion led to this, allowing me to be reminded of how very blessed I am with him in my life.  I told him later that night, "Thank you for marrying me."  And I meant it!! Yes, so blessed indeed!


5.  A Long Drive:  We were on our way home.  It was late.  We were tired.  We were ready to be home, but we still had a ways to go.  Had we been closer to home, we may have missed the moments to just sit and take this in.  God's way of saying, "Hello.  Be reminded that I am here."...

Perspective during a long drive.

Gifts...Grace... Perspective!

I could have so easily missed each one of these.  I cringe to think of how much I have missed in the past.


O Lord, help me learn to live more and more with my eyes wide open...

What became favorites in your week?

Christmas Song Mix Up

Our little guy had a few songs to learn for the Christmas program. Two of them were "Happy Birthday" (to Jesus) and "Away in a Manger".

After practicing both of these songs, he suddenly burst out on his own singing...

"Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear little baby Jesus asleep on the hay.
Happy Birthday to you."

Although he obviously combined the lyrics of both songs into one, sung with his young innocence and excitement, it was one of the most precious Christmas songs I think I have heard in a long time.

Happy Birthday dear little baby Jesus indeed!

Wishing you and your families a Very Merry Christmas... all because of Him!

In This Wait

Do you ever go through a time in life where just a song or two seems to almost scream out and put into words the thoughts that your heart can't seem to pull together?

This has been one of those songs for me in most recent days.  I find myself listening to it over, and over, and over.

We are, once again, on a "battle ground" of sorts as we wait for test results from a specialist.

For those who have followed the story of our family for any length of time, you know that this is not a new experience for us, just a new potential road to walk.

Waiting.

It has given me time to reflect.  To remember.  To be reminded.

And in the waiting I find myself encouraged as I listen to these words.

Regardless of the final news we receive, the truth will remain...

We will not walk alone.
Every step we will be breathing in His grace.
We will be held in His perfect peace.
Evermore we'll be breathing out His praise.

He is Faithful.

Always... Faithful.



Never Once
By Matt Redman

Verse 1
Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we've come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Verse 2
Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You've done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Pre-Chorus
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Chorus
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Repeat Verse 2
Repeat Pre-Chorus
Repeat Chorus

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Bridge
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Repeat Chorus

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Overcoming Fear with Thanksgiving

I have found myself challenged for some time to learn thanksgiving and gratitude at a deeper level.  To just say the words seems like it would be so simplistic, so basic to live out.

However, I am finding that it is taking some time to learn this as a natural way of life.  Not necessarily so difficult when things are going well.  There is so much to be thankful for then.

But what about when moments are more difficult?  Or what of those moments that are even instilled and overflowing with fear?

Not so long ago I had an opportunity to put it into real life practice.

We were out taking a family hike.  When ready to head back, our oldest wanted to take a different trail... by himself.  Both he and my husband were convinced it would only be a short time before the two trails looped back around and joined each other.

The idea of the adventure was gripping my fifteen year old son in his eagerness to venture off for this short jaunt on his own.  And so we agreed, convinced we would soon meet up once again.

That is not how it turned out.

It didn't take long for us to realize that our paths would not meet up with his.  We were veering down the side of the great hill we had climbed in a different direction than we had projected.  We chose not to back track assuming that the trails would both dump out at the bottom in the same location.

Again, we were wrong.

Soon we realized that we were lost.  I was not so concerned for us.  My hubby, myself, our girl and the little guy were all together.  There was no fear in that.  But what about our oldest?  Where was he?  Had he found his way down?  Was he lost too?

Fear began to seize my heart.  My imaginations began to run wild.  Visions of what "might be" began to cloud out any sense of rational thinking.

This was my chance.  The challenge of giving thanks came to mind.  Yes, even in this situation as I felt my heart rate increase by the minute and found my mind racing in fear.

Thankfulness?  In this?  What was there to be thankful for?  And as I prayed, out of sheer determination of will my list started...

Lord,

*  I'm thankful that he has the backpack with the granola bars and bottles of water.
*  I'm thankful that he has the dog with him.
*  I'm thankful that he has done this hike before.
*  I'm thankful that it is beautiful weather for a hike.
*  I'm thankful that he is healthy and in good physical shape.
*  I'm thankful that we have a cell phone.  Once we are again in some type of coverage we can call for help.
*  I'm thankful that we have watched many survival type shows and have done a lot of camping.  At least he knows basic survival tips.
*  I'm thankful that the rest of us are still together with only one being separated.
* I'm thankful that You, God, know where he is, even if I don't.
* I'm thankful....

And on it went, coming up with every thankful thought I could given the situation.

As my thankful list grew, my heart noticeably began to calm.  My panicked thoughts began to turn to the good in this situation rather than all of the frightening "what if's".  My pace settled in and my goal became to just get down to cell coverage.  To think of a realistic plan rather than be caught up in a panicked frenzy.

After some time we did reach cell phone coverage.  We called and arranged for family to go to the base of where we started our hike and had parked our car.

If he had made it down, we knew he should have been there by now.  We had already agreed that if they called back saying he wasn't there, our next call would be to emergency services as the sun was setting and night was quickly falling.

Not long after we made the first call, we received a call and my thankful list found itself increasing in great abundance as we learned the news that both he and the dog were sitting by our car... waiting.

As our walk continued to find exactly where we were and get back to our son and our car, my heart soared in thankfulness to a God who not only kept us all safe that day, but taught me a life changing lesson about overcoming fear with thanksgiving.

I Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

When was the last time you offered thanksgiving in what seemed the most unlikely of circumstances?  Have you ever tried it?

Something to consider...

Track's Life Lesson

Although I recently took a break of silence from my blog, the schedule of our days have been far from silent.  During that time track season started.  This meant five practices a week with two meets most weeks.

With the weather we've been having, track meets found us suited up in our WARM gear.  I'm not kidding.  In fact, one meet I even wore my snow pants.  I was tired of being SO cold!  We sat through pouring rain, freezing temps, and yes... even snow!  And the athletes competed through it all...

This week was the qualifying meet to advance to districts.  My son's high jump history basically guaranteed a place in districts if he could just do his normal round of jumps.

Wouldn't you know it.  The qualifying meet found him having his most off day of the season.  UGH.  There would be no advancing to districts in this event. 

And then he was to run 2 events.

At the qualifying meet...

He took 2 seconds off of his personal best in the 400 meters.

He took 12 seconds off of his personal best in the 800 meters.  Yes, you read that right... 12 seconds!

We went into the qualifying meet prepared to go to district with the high jump.  That was not going to happen this year.

We learned yesterday, to every one's delighted amazement, that he is indeed going to districts...with his 800!

And he is runner up for the 400.  If any of the others that qualified aren't able to make it, he is next in line to compete.

Track season is not yet over... 

Of course we are so proud of his hard work and effort.  It has been exciting to watch him improve during this season.  But going to districts is not the most exciting outcome of that day.

What I witnessed in his spirit and the decisions he made on that day has me the most proud. 

Instead of being completely discouraged about his high jump and giving up, he pushed forward continuing to give everything he had to his running... just doing the best that he could.

In the middle of disappointment, I witnessed perseverance, determination, and continued hard work.  Choosing to rise above the situation and put forth his best into what he had left, even if they weren't his strongest events.

The qualifying track meet became more than an event.  It became a life lesson in pushing through.  In doing everything with excellence and giving it your very best no matter what.  In never giving up...

I couldn't be more proud!

I Cor. 9:25-27 (MSG) "Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.  I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition."

And for the record:  it was finally a warm sunny day for the qualifying meet.  We have mild sunburns but I've not heard one complaint about it.  The sun was shining and we were all happy...

Mothering

Sometimes I forget that it is...

More than just my job.
More than just my title.
It is my primary ministry.

This ministry is extended to more than just women who have physically delivered a child.

My sister directs the children's department of an inner city church. She has not been married nor had children of her own. However, when I look at all the children she has "mothered" over the years, I am reminded that impacting the heart of a child goes far beyond the birthing process.

You are needed.
It is a ministry.
There is none greater.
It matters.

To all women who are making a difference... in the life of your child, another child or others to whom you are giving of yourself...

Happy Mother's Day

Love... In Real Life

So, it's Valentine's Day.

For many a day full of chocolate and flowers and teddy bears and cards.

My day started quite differently.  In the first wee hours of this morning, I was woke by a child in tears who has been sick since Friday and still not feeling well.  I got up to give medicine, tuck her back into bed, and settle myself back down.

Just a couple of hours later, waking for the day found me not only waking to her cough, but to coughing coming from the monitor in the little guy's room.  It was official.  Two down.

Conversations of last night continued this morning between hubby and I.  Nothing tragic, or majorly upsetting... just the needed communication regarding the stuff of life.

He glanced at me this morning surrounded by ill and coughing children, sent a wink and a smile my way with a loving "Happy Valentine's Day".

I have been considering since what Valentine's Day is really about.

My day will be filled with dosing medications, taking temperatures, wiping runny noses, keeping gatorade cold, serving warm soup, and loading up on vitamin C for myself.

It will find my heart continuing to process through the conversations with my hubby and the direction to head with the stuff of life. 

And then I consider, perhaps the things that will fill my day will be celebrating Valentine's Day after all... in it's truest form.

The things of life...

Not likely to bring the most happiness.  But rather demonstrate love at it's core.

Love... In Real Life.

What is one way you could demonstrate love at it's core to someone today?  Not something normally expected for Valentine's Day.

In fact, it may even be something that wouldn't necessarily provide for you the most happiness, but would meet the heart need of another.

Why not share what you plan to do, or share what you did. 

Let's encourage and inspire each other today to not love because it's Valentine's Day, but love because loving is what life is about.

Happy Valentine's Day to YOU!

Wings and this Mother's Heart

While we were getting ready for the day, the radio was playing in the background. This is the song that was playing... have you heard it?
~~~~~
Find Your Wings
By Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dream
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

Chorus:

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
~~~~~

As the song was finishing my daughter came to me. The following is our conversation. Brief but profound...

DD: "Mom, I need you to help me."
Me: "Ok, what do you need help with?" (I'm thinking buttons, hair...)
DD: "I need you to help me find my wings." (Big grin crosses her face).

If she only knew, truly, what she had just asked for... and what that does to a mother's heart. *GULP*

My Children Have Faith in My Abilities... or Not

Setting the scene:  My daughter was watching Little House on the Prairie.  Laura was sitting at a table in the sunshine, working on her book.  Here's our conversation from there...

Me:  "Now that's what I want.  To be outside on a warm, sunny day with quiet to write."

Son:  "You want to write a book?"

Me: "I have a book idea in mind."

Son: "So, mom's going to be an author when she gets older."

Me:  "Just think of all the money you could have from it."

Son:  "If it's a good book that is."

Daughter (from out of nowhere):  "Well, maybe everyone will pay extra because she will be so old."
~~~~~
Too Funny.

But what do you say after that?....

The Challenge of Modeling

I am a model.  

Are you surprised? I have been at it for quite some time. I often forget that I am a model. It has become a natural part of my day. I don't work at it as much as I should. I need to remember this fact more often. I'm sure I would be much more effective if I would.

There is a great challenge that comes with modeling. The responsibility that accompanies modeling can be almost daunting and intimidating if I think about it much. It can lend itself to wanting to give up for fear I will be a complete failure.


You are a model.

Are you even more surprised?

We are all models...
*  whether we want to be or not
*  regardless of whether we think we are qualified or not
* whether we signed up for the job or not

I was reminded of this fact not so long ago. My MIL was sick. My daughter decided on her own that she would make her a card. I later saw her with a Bible in her lap copying words from it. This is not uncommon as she enjoys sitting and copying books word for word to another paper.

However, I soon learned she was copying from the Bible into the card for my MIL. Here is what she copied:

Acts 10:5-6
"Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.  He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." 

Do you find yourself chuckling? We did! It has nothing to do with the illness of my MIL and the get well wishes contained in the card.
I often include a Scripture in the cards that I send. I love God's Word and want to share it with others. Obviously, she has not yet connected the fact that I try to send a Scripture that also pertains to the message of the card that I am sending.

What she sees is a Bible open on my lap as I copy from it into the card. The content of the verse related to the card has not yet connected for her.

She was modeling what she had seen me do so many times. She reminded me, I am a model. The question is... What am I modeling?

That one question leaves me with a challenge to fill my day and many days to come. My hope is that the things I model are things worth repeating.

There has been a great task placed before me. Whether it be your children, other children, or just those around... I'm guessing you also face the same task.  It is the challenge of modeling.

Have you thought of yourself as a model before?  What things do you notice your children (or others) model after you?  What do you find are the greatest joys, and the greatest responsibilities of modeling?

Diapers, Noses and Eternity

Do you sometimes wonder how to appropriately apply a sermon given? I find for myself that sometimes it takes a bit of stepping back and thinking outside of the ordinary.

Yesterday's sermon was about evaluating our time and how we spend it. One of the points was to spend our time wisely by keeping eternity in mind. To make our moments count for eternity.

I'll be honest, one question that came to mind was, "So, how does one make changing diapers, scraping cheerios off of the floor, and keeping up with the many but mundane (and often not so glamorous) tasks in the everyday count for eternity?"

Almost immediately I was reminded of this quote from Dee Breston as she reflected on mothering her own young children.

"I was not wiping bottoms and noses, I was nurturing an eternal soul."

Yes! That is how daily diapers, laundry, dishes, dinners, schoolwork and every other mundane task that fills our days so routinely can impact eternity.

Whether it's our children, husbands or just others that surround us in our days...

We have the opportunity, the potential and can in fact be... nurturing eternal souls...

What eternal soul(s) will you have the incredible privilege to nurture today?

Twas the Night... for Moms

The Night Before Christmas for Moms
Author Unknown

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode,
only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo and Barbie flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle sitting on his knee.

So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, “Now what’s the matter?”

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
she descended the stairs, and saw the old man.

He was covered with ashes and soot, which feel with a shrug.
“Oh great,” muttered the mom, “Now I have to clean the rug.”

“Ho-ho-ho!” cried Santa, “I’m glad you’re awake.
Your gift was especially difficult to make.”

Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone.”
“Exactly!” He chuckled, “I’ve made you a clone.”

“A clone?” she asked, “What good is that?
Run along Santa, I’ve no time for a chat.”

The mother’s twin, same hair, same eyes, same double chin.
“She’ll cook, she’ll dust, and she’ll mop every mess.

You relax, take it easy,
and get some real rest.”

“Fantastic!” the mom cheered. “My dream come true!
I’ll shop. I’ll read. I’ll sleep a whole night through!”

From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
“Mommy?! I’m scared… and I’m wet.”

The clone replied, “I’m coming sweetheart.”
“Hey”, the mom smiled, “She knows her part.”

The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.

“You’re the best mommy ever. I really love you.”
The clone smiled and sighed, “I love you, too.”

The mom frowned and said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal!
That’s my child’s love she’s trying to steal.”

Smiling wisely Santa said, “To me it is clear.
Only one loving mother is needed here.”

The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
“Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.

I sometimes forget, it won’t be very long,
when they’ll be too old for my cradle-song.”

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.”

With the clone by his side Santa said, “Goodnight.
Merry Christmas Mom, you’ll be alright.”
~~~~~~~~~~

Having teenagers and believing in family, I also enjoyed the one Susanne shared.

One of Those Days

Ever have one of those days where you feel like doing this?


Today was one of those days.

The little guy woke much too early. The first few hours were fine. Even the monthly meeting with my daughter's teacher went quite smoothly. It wasn't until we were doing our grocery shopping that the reality of the day began to set in.

The rest of our day continued in similar fashion.

My husband came home from work early. Poor guy walked in to the house with brownies burning. Music was playing in an attempt to help me refocus the thoughts of my mind. The 2 year old sat at the table crying because his graham cracker had broke.

I was in the middle of making lasagna with tomato sauce splattered on the stove, grated cheese on the floor and noodles boiling over.

I found myself whispering personal reminders that this time really does pass ever so quickly. I was desperately searching for confidence that this moment that seems to be lasting forever really is so very fleeting...

It was just one of those days.

The good news?

Tomorrow is a new day...

Lamentations 3:23b (NLT) "... His mercies begin afresh each morning."

The House is Still Standing... So Far

The little guy has learned to open drawers. It took him no time at all to do this with a box of 200 sandwich bags that had recently been opened.



Yes, I know for a fact it was him. He was caught in the act
.


It took him just as little time to do this to his room (while he was to be napping).



In fact, in the last 2 weeks our little guy has learned...

* to consistently get out of his crib
* to open doors even with the child locks on the doorknobs
* to open the child lock we had put on the fridge door
* to crawl on anything and everything
* to climb even higher by opening doors on dressers, etc. and using them as stairs
* to turn down the volume on his radio
* to open the lid on the fish tank
* to remove the heater from the fish tank
* to push the water button on the fridge that then sprayers water everywhere
* to turn on the television in the basement

No wonder I feel like I'm not getting much of anything done.

At least the house is still standing...so far!

What have you been getting done these last couple of weeks? Or maybe I should ask, what has kept you from getting accomplished what you had planned?

That Seems Right

It's been an incredibly long week. Dishes are piled high in the sink. Laundry is a mountain in my basement. Dust is a solid layer on the furniture. Mail is the new tablecloth that covers my dining room table. Shoes adorn the entry way. Toddler toys accessorize every room. At places it feels like I live in a dirt hut with the sweeping that needs to be done. My house needs attention!

Today I decided that these things would wait. Yes, my house desperately needs attention. But my family needed it more.

I went to Linner with the family. (you know... similar to brunch but instead of a mix of breakfast and lunch, it is rather a mix between lunch and dinner). I played a few games outside with the family when we returned home... croquet, badminton, horseshoes. I gave the little guy his bath. I snuggled with my family to watch a movie. I tucked my children in bed. I spent some time doing my 90 day reading.

Everything inside my house remains as it was this morning. Nothing has changed.

I neglected my house.

I focused on my family.

If someone stops by soon, they'll wonder what in the world I've been doing. I have nothing to show for it.

Nothing, except memories tucked deep inside my heart.

Somehow... that seems right.

Reminded of The Most Difficult Prayer

Four years ago when my daughter was recovering from emergency surgery and fighting for her life for the second time, I wrote the following below.

Although this week does not find us facing anything near to what that situation was, it does find us facing a new experience that once again requires me to relinquish my control in exchange for God's plans for her.

I am being reminded of His promises. I am being reminded to pray, what I consider to be, the most difficult prayer...

~~~~~~
Ever since we learned we were expecting our first child, our son, we realized our children would not really be our own. They were God’s gift on loan to us. They were really His children and it was our job to bring them up in the love and knowledge of Him, to serve Him alone.

We have made it a practice to pray with open hands regarding their lives. The majority of the time this is not difficult, to relinquish them to Him. It seems very easy, very natural, very right.

However, there have been two separate times when this prayer became the most difficult prayer for me over any other. The prayer of submitting my child's life and care into the hands of God.

Because I didn’t trust Him? NO. Because I was afraid He would make the wrong decision? NO. Because I was leery He might make a mistake? NO.

Because I am human? YES. Because I have a selfish nature? YES. Because I am a mother? YES. Because their very life was hanging in the balance and it was completely out of my control? YES.

Perhaps part of the reason this is so difficult is because I know it is not always God’s plan to heal, to restore health and life, to touch us physically. I have had friends lose their babies and their children. In fact, it has touched my very own family.

My parents taught me the practice of submitting and relinquishing my children to God. You see, they did the same thing with each one of us, starting with my older brother. God chose to call him home 4 days after he was born. And yet, they chose to continue to open their hands and hearts in submission to the will of God with the rest of us. (There are 5 more children!)

So, as I pray this prayer for my children each day, I know in my head that it is very possible God will not heal, will not restore, will not touch physically. But I also know in my heart that God is God and I am not. I know His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8 )

We prayed this prayer. We opened our hands. We opened our hearts. We submitted and relinquished our ability as parents. We gave our child back to God to do as He saw fit. My heart trembled. My mind raced.

I heard a question over and over in my spirit, “Am I God? Will I still be God, regardless of the outcome?”

Although my mind desperately pleaded and begged God for what my humanness desired, my heart had to truthfully say, “Yes. You will still be the one to make the sun rise and set each day. You will still be the one to bring spring after winter. You will continue to calm the storms, to touch my heart and spirit with your love and peace. You will still be God.”

For you see, I know there are many who do not get the miraculous outcomes. I know that for whatever reason God’s plans do not always match ours. I know that at times our hearts break, our spirits cry out in despair, our minds ask why. I don’t know why some get to experience the miracles and others do not. It does not seem to make sense. It does not seem fair.

But, I also know that God is Faithful to all His promises.(Psalm 145:13) I know that He has plans for us, to prosper us and not to harm us. (Jeremiah 29:11) I know that He loves us (John 3:16) and rejoices over us in song. (Zephaniah 3: 17) I know He works all things together for our good.(Romans 8:28) I know that He does not give stones for bread or snakes for fish, but rather gives good gifts to His children.(Matthew 7: 9-11)

I guess that is what faith is. Trusting and being certain of what we can not see. Believing when it doesn’t make sense. Being confident when it seems utter chaos. (Hebrews 11:1)

I have become convinced that this is probably the most difficult prayer my lips have ever uttered or will probably ever utter. The surrender of my children to Him.

But, I also believe that it is probably one of the most important prayers I will ever utter for them. For what better place will they be protected, sheltered, shielded, and in God’s perfect plan other than the very palms of HIS HANDS! (Isaiah 49:16)