Surviving Motherhood

I'm So Excited!

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you absolutely LOVE your blog friends?

Do you have dreams about meeting them face-to-face?

I do.
And I have had the pleasure of meeting several. How cool it is to be able to throw your arms around the neck of a girl with whom you've established a beautiful friendship.

Well, toward the end of last year I kept getting email alerts from Travelocity about cheap airfare from Detroit to Dallas. I looked at it, checked a few dates, and always found them to be sold out.
But it got me dreaming.
See, I have two blog friends who live near Dallas. One to the east, and the other to the west. And I have long had the desire to meet both of them.
Sooooooo, after the um-teenth email alert from Travelocity, I started to ask some questions. I asked each of these friends if I could spend a couple days with them - if I were ever to make a trip to Texas. And I asked my husband if he would be willing for me to take said trip - if I could get my hands on one of those cheap tickets.
The answer was YES all the way around. And within a day, or two, I had my ticket!

My flight is scheduled to leave Detroit Saturday morning at 7:45. I'm going to spend the first couple days with Edie, and then a couple days with Angela. And I'm so excited!

Today I'm at Sweet Peas and Buddies

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm posting at my friend, Gianna's, place today. It's actually something I wrote several years ago (You'll be able to tell that if you realize Matthew is 11 now...) but it's one of my favorite stories. Please come join me there!

How Long, O LORD?

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream.
Genesis 41:1

Do you know the story from which this line comes?
Joseph, after being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, was wrongfully imprisoned. While in prison, Joseph met a couple guys and interpreted dreams for them. He asked the one who was going to be released from prison (Lucky guy, had a good dream!) to remember Joseph to Pharaoh. Joseph was asking for help to get out of prison.
But once he was out, that guy forgot Joseph. For two full years.
It wasn't until Pharaoh had a dream that Joseph's former cell mate remembered him.

Two full years.

Can you imagine what that must have been like for Joseph?
He had done nothing wrong, but Joseph's brothers were jealous of him and got rid of him. Next as a servant in Potiphar's house, he was an upright man but was still thrown into prison after being framed. Then in prison he befriended two guys and had hopes of being released when one of them was set free.
He just had to wait.
Wait for that man to talk to Pharaoh about Joseph. Wait for Pharaoh to listen to Joseph's case and hope he had a compassionate heart. Wait for his release. Wait.
If it were me, I think I would have expected to wait a week, or so. You know, give the guy time to get back in Pharaoh's good graces before he brings up my case. That seems reasonable. But after two weeks, and three weeks, and then a month went by, I think I would be giving up hope.
How about you?

I wonder if Joseph had lost hope. Certainly he had been forgotten by his friend. Did he feel like God had also forgotten him? Have you ever felt that way? Are you feeling like that right now?

Then let's look at the rest of the story. Pharaoh did find out about Joseph. He did summon Joseph from prison. And, recognizing that God was with Joseph, Pharaoh made him governor of the land. Joseph went on to save the land as he managed the food before and during a severe famine. He ended up being re-united with his father and brothers, and "they all lived happily ever after."

The thought I want to leave with you today is this: God has not forgotten you. Even if the wait seems as though it will never end, you can trust that God is working all things for good.

HE is Enough

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you know what to expect, you shouldn't be surprised when it happens.

Seems like a pretty common-sense kind of lesson, doesn't it? Er, one that shouldn't really need to be learned, since it ought to just be a given. But, you know - I'm a little slow. *ahem*

Fortunately, slow as I may be, I do eventually catch on.

There is this woman at Edgewood who tends to drive me a little crazy. She isn't a resident. And this week I had another encounter with her which left me feeling rather annoyed. As I walked away from the interaction I was mumbling to myself, Seriously??? Why does she always do that? Every.single.time!
That's when it hit me. She does that particular thing every time we are in that particular situation. Like clock-work. And it occurred to me, If I know she's going to do that, I shouldn't be surprised when she does it. In fact, I could just plan to go through it, and choose to not get annoyed by it. Yeah! That seems like such a better option!

Think about it with me a minute. Doesn't it make sense to choose a reasonable response ahead of time, if you already know what's going to happen? Why react negatively to a situation, as if you didn't know it was going to take place?
So this is my new resolve with regards to this certain co-worker: Because I know she has this behavior (which annoys me), and because I know when that behavior comes out, I am going to expect it - and I am not going to get annoyed. Period.

Because, if you know what to expect, you shouldn't be surprised when it happens.

Oh, Rats!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

My girl has lots of loves. Lots of things which consume her time and attention. But lately there are two which have been especially prevalent.

Photography, and her rats.

Did you know she has pet rats? Three at the last count. Don't worry, they're caged. And they stay in the basement (most of the time) so it's safe to come over. *wink*

The other day Elizabeth brought the two newest rats upstairs, and got the camera out for a photo shoot. She gave the girls to me and got busy snapping pictures. Yep, that's me holding the rats.
OK, be honest, when you aren't seeing the tail, they really are cute critters, aren't they?

After a while I had to do other things, so Elizabeth let Star and Snickers roam around the kitchen and she took more pictures.

The dishwasher peeked Snickers' curiosity.

Star was ready to be done 'swimming'.

I know some of you probably think I'm crazy, (I did make sure Elizabeth cleaned the counter tops when the rats went back to their cage!) but it really is a delight to see how much joy my kids get from their critters. Not to mention, it's always fun to see the reactions people have when they find out we have pet rats in our house. *wink*

Press On

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

I had a really good workout yesterday. I dead-lifted nearly 3,000 pounds! OK, so it took 60 reps to get to that number. But who's counting? And I did some good exercises for my legs and abs. My heart rate got up there. I was really proud of myself for pushing as hard as I did.

But, you know what? When my alarm went off, I soooo did not want to get up and work out. I would have much rather stayed in bed for another half hour.
Come to think of it, that's exactly how I felt during my workout Saturday. About half way through my first set of exercises I thought, Ahhh. This is good enough. I don't need to do another set.
But something in me knew it would be better for me if I kept on going. I knew I would benefit if I could just press on.

So I did.

And in the end, I was glad.

Have you been there, too? Wanting to quit, but knowing you really need to press on? Perhaps you're there right now.
I find myself there all the time - in exercising, in mothering, with difficult relationships, even in the midst of God-ordained trials. I want to quit. The pressure feels like it's too much for me. I fear I'm going to fall under the weight of the situation. I'm sure it would be eaiser to just give up. (Please tell me I am not alone!) But I know I need to press on.

So I come to my Father, admitting my weakness. My neediness. And I ask Him to be my Strength. I ask Him to give me the grace I need to press on.
* To love the teenager who is on my last nerve.
* To be kind to the person who is rubbing me the wrong way.
* To keep trusting Him, even when I don't understand.

And God is faithful. HE always carries me through!

Do you need encouragement to press on today? I know the One who can give it to you. And, by the way, the end result will be so worth the struggle it took to get there!

Talking About SEX

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

On March 17, Elizabeth and I are planning to attend an event for moms and their teen daughters called, Pure Freedom. In preparation for the event, we've been doing a lot of talking about SEX. And it's been good stuff!

We are going through a book, What Are You Waiting For?, written by Danna Gresh - who speaks at these Pure Freedom gatherings. We read a chapter each night and go over the discussion questions in the back of the book.
I don't want to give away Dannah's secret, but I will say this: The things she reveals in this book about sex and God's perfect design are fabulous. Elizabeth and I are having great discussions. And I am delighted by what I am learning as we read together. Cannot wait for this event!

Sooooooo, dear mother of a girl, when the time comes for you and your daughter to get right down to the goods about sex, I highly recommend this book. I have not been asked to say these things and am in no way being compensated for this endorsement. I just think the book is that good. As one who shuddered at the thought of talking about sex with her mother (And who would have benefitted greatly by having someone talk to her honestly about sex.) please let me encourage you to keep the communication lines open with your daughter. (Or neice, or other young girl with whom you have influence.) They need to know it's safe to talk to you when they're young, so when they're older it will seem natural to keep the conversation going.

And for those of you who don't have young girls in your life? You might want to get this book, too. Seriously. The things I am learning about God's design for sex are absolutely BEAUTIFUL.

On Neediness

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

HE's Got My Back

OK, so this Lesson didn't actually occur at Edgewood this week. But it was surrounding Edgewood stuff, so I'm counting it! *wink*

The past week has been kinda crazy for me. Family stuff, work stuff, personal stuff. I've been pre-occupied with all that's going on, thinking of this and thinking of that, trying to keep track of which way I'm moving, feeling like I'm trying to juggle a few too many plates.
***That might be my excuse for not posting here Tuesday and Thursday.***

Anyway, Wednesday was a long day at Edgewood, and I had to run some errands after work. Just when I thought I was finished and could go home, I passed the Dollar Store and remembered something I needed. So I turned into the parking lot and trudged up to the store. I located the magnetic pads of paper, grabbed one and turned to leave - just looking forward to getting home so I could be "done" with the day. That's when I spotted the Luau display. And I wondered if the magnets on the paper pad were interacting with the Luau paraphernalia, because I felt pulled toward it.
I stood in front of the display with my mouth wide open. There were window decorations, and cutout designs. Flowers. Parrots. Flamingos. And cute little decorations to hang on door knobs. It was a party-planners dream. A little piece of heaven for an Activities Director who's been overwhelmed with too much stuff going on.

See, we're having a Luau at Edgewood next week. Yours truly is in charge. And although I have made preparations, I was still wanting to get more decorations. I wanted to find something to give away as prizes. (Those door knob things are going to be perfect!) I wanted the party preparations to feel more complete. But I was struggling to find the time. And the money!

I gathered decorations and prizes into my arms, plopped down $7.42 on the counter, and walked out of the Dollar Store with a great big smile on my face.
I had plenty of decorations.
I had prizes.
I had my magnetic pad of paper!
I had no idea I would be getting those things Wednesday evening.

But God did.
HE knew what I needed. HE knew I didn't have much money in my budget. HE knew I could get what I needed at the Dollar Store. And HE knew I'd be driving past Wednesday. *ahem!* I would go so far as to say HE arranged my path so that I would drive past.
HE knew I was feeling overwhelmed. HE knew how to ease my burden. And that's just what HE did.

Ahhhh. I am so thankful that HE's Got My Back!

HE's got yours, too, you know!

A New Theme

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

In 2009, it was TRUST.

In 2010, it was OBEY.

In 2011, it was SURRENDER.

Every year, for the past few years, God has given me a theme word for the year. In 2009, it wasn't until the end of the year that I discovered the theme - I'm a little slow, you know. But one day I realized God had been allowing me to go through circumstances which required me to trust Him in an increasing capacity. And I thought, 'What's that, God? Are You trying to show me I can trust You?'
And that's when I caught on to the theme.

So, after a year of learning to trust God, He took me through a year of putting that trust into action. God called me to act on my trust and to be obedient.
Last year, God took me to another level. To obedience with my heart, not just my actions. And I learned what it means to surrender. I learned trust goes beyond actions of obedience. Trusting with my heart means believing God's ways are perfect. His plans are best. I can confidently submit to God's plan because I trust Him - even when I don't understand.

This year, it seems the theme is PEACE. A beautiful next step on the journey. And yesterday, God gave me an opportunity to experience a piece of that PEACE.

I was scheduled to speak for a MOPS group in Big Rapids Tuesday morning. It's a fairly long drive, so one of the leaders opened her home to me Monday and I drove up ahead of time to spend the night. Had a nice visit with Rebecca and her husband - including a bit of conversation about SURRENDER, particularly as it pertains to my speaking ministry. Then we went to bed.

Tuesday morning I was just finishing getting ready when Rebecca called down the stairs, "I have some bad news. Schools are closed today, so MOPS has been cancelled."
And before my heart had a chance to sink, before I was able to feel disappointed, God reminded me what HE's been teaching me. HE has a perfect plan. And part of that perfect plan involved allowing the MOPS meeting to be cancelled. God knew it would happen, and He allowed it. I know that Truth in my heart. And as I surrendered to His perfect will - which wasn't in line with MY plans - God filled me with PEACE.

I am going to love this new theme!
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Since Rebecca's husband already had planned to stay home with her boys Tuesday morning, she and I and one of her friends went to a coffee shop and enjoyed a little chat time. It was a delightful morning, even without MOPS!

What if the Bad Things are Good?

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

We Don't Have to Follow the Crowd

How many of you know what today is?

It's Friday, the 13th. That unlucky day during which some people will avoid traveling, some will refuse to make business transactions, and others will simply stay inside all day!

However, the Edgewood residents and I will not be playing that game. Today, we are going to count our blessings. We're going to gather together and talk about the blessings in our lives, and then we're going to write it all down to display for all the world to see. That is, if all the world comes to Edgewood. *wink*

Honestly, every month when I put together the Activity Calendar I watch for special days we might want to celebrate in some way. When I saw Friday the 13th coming up, I decided to go against the flow and make good of the day. (Cuz I'm a rebel like that!)
I am looking forward to counting my blessings today. Because, you know, We Don't Have to Follow the Crowd

Here's the finished product. We had a great time talking and writing!

Thanks for Not Helping Me

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed that a single set of words can have two different meanings, based upon the attitude of the speaker?

I'm hoping time and maturity will allow Matthew to to change the meaning of his words to me.

Tuesday morning we were going through our usual rituals. I reminded him how much time he had left before needing to be out the door to catch the bus, and Matthew poked. He doesn't like to be under pressure to get things done, yet he seems unable to heed the clock's warnings.

This was especially so Tuesday.

And when it came down to the wire, when I told Matthew, "You need to be out the door in one minute," he panicked and called out, "Will you put my lunch in my back-pack?"
In the past I have fulfilled this request and gotten his lunch out of the fridge and put it into his back-pack. But I've done that on days when he really has been trying to get ready. Tuesday he was simply poking around, and I decided I needed to let him be fully responsible for getting himself out the door. I realized I had been training him to depend on me too much. So, I said, "No."

I responded, "No, Matthew. You need to get your lunch." And by the way he reacted, you would have thought I'd just taken away his new X-Box.
He yelled and cried about how he was going to miss the bus. And it was all my fault. He couldn't believe I was so mean. *And a few other choice phrases.*

Finally, with his shoes on, his lunch in his back-pack, a tear on his cheek, and a sarcastic tone in his voice, Matthew stomped out the door for school as he called out to me, "Thanks for not helping me!"

And as my grumpy guy marched to the bus stop I envisioned something which I hope will take place one day in the future.
I imagined a grown man who takes responsibility for himself. I thought of this man planning his steps and watching his time so as not to miss something important. I pictured him choosing his activities carefully and being wise in the things he does; not slacking off and leaving a mess for which someone else has to take responsibility. I smiled as I considered this man recalling the day it all began; the day his mother required him to step up and do the work. And I imagined him saying with a sincere heart, "Thanks for not helping me."

Hey, a mom can dream! *wink*

What's In a Name?

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Plenty! If the right Person says it.

I was recently reading the Gospel of John, and was struck by this statement:

Jesus said to her, "Mary."
John 20:16a

Prior to Jesus making this statement, Mary had gone to the tomb of the buried Jesus and found the stone rolled away, and the tomb empty. She ran to the disciples in a tizzy and some of them went back to the tomb with her to check things out. But they didn't stick around, and Mary was left by herself - crying and unsure what was happening. She thought someone had taken her Lord away, and she didn't know where they had put him. She just wanted to find Jesus!
This frightened, crying woman shared her fear with a couple of angels, and then she asked the Man who she thought was the gardener if He knew were her Lord had been taken. That's when, Jesus said to her, "Mary," and her fears were alleviated.

Jesus' statement is the source of my question. What's in a name?

As I read and pondered Jesus' words, I thought about all the things in that name. Imagine this: Frightened Mary asks the "Gardener" where he has put her Lord, and the risen Jesus says to her, "Mary, I understand your fears, but you don't need to be afraid. It's Me. Jesus. I am here! Everything is going to be OK. You don't need to cry anymore."
I know, the only word coming from His mouth was Mary, but - Oh! - What's in a name!

Not MY Girl!

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Oh.my.word!
My daughter just showed me this picture and said when she has enough money, she wants to buy these jeans. She thinks they're sooooooooo cute with the bows on the side.
I looked at the picture and thought, Bows? What bows? All I see is too much skin!

Elizabeth must have read my mind because she quickly added, "I would wear leggings under them!"
I breathed a sigh of relief and thought loudly (in case she was still reading my mind) That's right! Because no daughter of mine is going to wear jeans that show off that much skin.

Call me old. Call me too conservative if you want to. But I do NOT understand most of today's "fashions". *eye roll*

We are One of HIS "Things"

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fun is good exercise.

Yes, that's what I meant to say.
Under the right conditions, good exercise can also be fun. But the lesson from this week is, Fun is good exercise.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:00 you can find me in the Activity Room leading an exercise class for the residents at Edgewood. We do stretches, a little cardio, and some light weight-training for our arms and legs.
In addition to those exercises, we also do a fair bit of joking, laughing, singing, and just being goofy. In short, we have fun.

Wednesday, one of the aides said to me, "I wish I had time to join your exercise class. It always sounds like you are having fun!" (She escorts several residents to and from class, but she has other work to do while we're exercising.)
I assured her we do have fun. Even made some comment about how tight our abs are from all the laughing we do. And that's when I realized the importance of having fun. As much as I'd like to believe the residents are coming to class because they want to make healthy choices for their bodies, I am pretty sure there's more to it than that.

I am quite certain they come for the fun of it.

They come for the laughter. And laughing is a good ab work-out.
They come for the jokes. And I am sure there is some cognitive value to thinking about punch-lines and figuring out why they're funny.
They come for the singing. And I know singing is good for your mental and physical well-being!

It's true, I am excited about the work-out we do. I want to help our residents get stronger and improve their quality of life. I love it when I see the progress they are making! But even if they don't quite get the moves "right", even if they give up before we're finished, I'm so glad they come and have fun.

Because fun is good exercise.

Thinking on my Feet

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Matthew loves to eat apples.

They are his snack of choice, and he eats them regularly.

That's a good thing, right?

Well, yeah. Except for one little problem.

He has an annoying habit of leaving apple cores wherever he was sitting when he devoured said apple.
And I'm the one who tends to find the brown, wrinkley cores hours (or even days!) later.

So, the other night I totally impressed myself with my ability to think fast on my feet.
I was saying good night to the boys as I noticed Matthew sitting on the couch next to an eaten apple. I immediately pictured finding the brown, wrinkley apple core on the couch when I got up for work the next morning. So I asked him ever so sweetly to throw away the apple core. And, of course, he said he would.

We go through this all.the.time. I ask him to do something, he says he will, but he doesn't do it right away, and thus forgets.

In my attempt to have him not forget, I said, "Will you please throw it away right now?"
Matthew was really into his TV program and promised me he wouldn't forget! Then he asked for a piece of gum.

I walked over to my purse, got the gum out and walked away from Matthew. Went through the kitchen and set the gum on the counter right by the trash can. And I said, "Sure! You can get it when you come over here to throw away that apple core!"
Then I went to bed.

Don't know if he did it immediately, or not. But when I got up the next morning the gum AND the apple core were gone.

Score 1 for Mom!

We Are His Desire

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
John 17:24

Go ahead and read that verse again.

Once more, even.

Do Jesus' words strike you as they did me? Are you drawn by His desire for us?
Jesus said He wants us to be with Him, where He is.
He didn't simply ask God to watch over us and protect us from evil. Didn't say, "Father, these folks really mean a lot to Me. Please make a nice place for them in heaven so they can enjoy eternity."
No.
Jesus said He wants us to be with Him, where He is.

What an amazing thought!

I don't know why those words have never reached me before, but I can tell you - my heart has been delighted as I've been considering the Truth that we are His desire. Jesus wants us to be with Him, and to know Him - to see His glory and fully understand Who He Is.

If ever my heart were longing for heaven, friends, it is now!
Who's with me?

The One-Handed Wonder

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Can I just say? It's been a long time since I have played much Foosball.
And when I did used to play with some frequency, it was always with a partner. So I only had to pay attention to two handles. One for each hand. That was enough for me.

So you must understand, I am really not what you would call a Foosball player. I'm just NOT.

Have I made adequate excuse for what I'm about to admit??? *wink*

My mother-in-law got the kids a Foosball table for Christmas. What a great gift! They have been enjoying it tremendously. (As have their friends!)
A few days after the game was all set up, Joshua fractured his left hand. Had nothing to do with Foosball. Had everything to do with the fact that he wasn't thinking about the wooden frame inside the couch when he decided to punch the couch, in an attempt to scare his little brother. *sigh*

Now, if you think a hand in a splint would keep a teenage boy from playing two-handed games like Foosball, you need to think again. Joshua continued to play. With only his right hand.
Yes. One hand for four handles.

And when he challenged me to a game, saying he could BEAT ME, well, what was I supposed to do?
Of course I accepted the challenge. I mean, really! I had two good hands, and he had only one. How hard could it be for me to win that game???

Let me just say, it wasn't hard.

It was impossible!

The boy kicked my b*tt. *head hung in shame*

But, in one of our repeat matches I scored five goals! Never mind that in the game right before, he shut me out 10-0.

What can I say? I have an amazing son! *grin*

Here I am

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Simple kindnesses mean so much.

Monday afternoon I got a call at work from a woman named Wanda. She said she had some craft items she's been making all year, which she wanted to bring over for our residents. Wondered if I could come up with a way to give the items away.

Well, yeah!

I didn't know exactly how or when I would do it, but I was happy to receive her donation. And when she brought it all over, I was even more excited! Seriously. This dear woman brought over lots and lots of items. Pillows, wall hangings, pin cushsions, cross-stitch pictures, even some MSU Christmas trees. She put a lot of time and love into these pieces, and I was happy to be able to give them to the residents at Edgewood.

I decided to bring everything down to the library - which is right by the dining room - and invite people to come in before and after lunch to "Pick their own Christmas present".
Most residents were surprised that someone had brought in Christmas presents for them. And when they came into the library and saw how beautiful the work was, their smiles got even bigger. I reminded them a woman in our community had been working on these items throughout the year and that she'd brought them in as gifts. There was no money to be paid, just gifts to be received.
The 'ooh's and 'aah's, the smiles and joyful laughter, and the comments like, "Really? I can just have this?" made me so grateful for Wanda's kindness. I wish I had taken her phone number so I could contact her to thank her for her generosity and the joy she brought to Edgewood. I want to let her know the impact of her simple kindness.

But I don't know how to contact her. And so I am hoping that by sharing the lesson here, each one of us will be inspired to carry on Wanda's caring ways. Not just in this season, but all year through.

Simple kindnesses mean so much.

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Like most of the blogging world, I am going to be taking a break for the next two weeks. LORD willing, I will be back on January 2, 2012.
Have a very Merry CHRISTmas. May the joy of the LORD fill your heart and your home!

HE is With Us

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23

Could there be anything more remarkable???

One might reason that God could be kind to us and care for us - from afar. That safe in Heaven - where everything is holy and perfect, like HIM - God could sit on His throne and watch over us.
He could keep His distance, and still be kind.
Goodness! God could keep His distance and still use us. Still guide us. Still speak to us.

From afar.

But HE had a different plan. HE became Immanuel. God with us.
Jesus left the glory of Heaven and came to messy Earth.
HE put on our skin. Became a helpless baby!
One minute HE was putting the stars in place, and the next minute HE was having His diaper changed.

What kind of Love does that???

REAL LOVE, I tell ya. Love that cares about more than just being kind, trusted, and loved back. Love that can change the world.
And that's just what HE did. Because Jesus came to Earth, because HE became God with us,
HE changed the world.

As we come closer to December 25, and the celebration of Immanuel - God with us! - I pray you will take time to reflect on, and praise God for, the fact that HE is with us.

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Late-breaking news! Amanda is giving away a couple copies of my book, Confessions of an Irritable Mother. Click here to visit her blog and enter to win!

HE Uses People with Stories

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

The second point Pastor Marvin made in the sermon Sunday was that God uses people with "stories". That is, people with shady pasts whom you might consider are better for over-looking. (Click here if you want to read about his first point.)

Seriously! Have you ever really researched the characters in that genealogy list?

Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife

Matthew 1: 2-6

In this list we have a drunk, a couple of deceivers, a womanizer, a prostitute, and let's not forget the adulterer/murderer who closes out the whole thing!
Yes, there are some "good guys" in the line-up, to be sure. But what of the rubble? God, why did You include them???

Yet that is what HE does. God takes the unlikely candidates and uses them for His glory. And that is such an encouragement to me.
Our past doesn't matter. We are forgiven through the Blood of Jesus, and He makes us new. We don't have to be perfect. Because HE is.

So, let me ask you this: Are you ashamed of your past? Have you made horrible, awful decisions which you now regret? Have you counted yourself out as an instrument of God, because you think your story is too ugly?
May I invite you to re-think these things? God isn't afraid of your mess. (Give Genesis 38 a look!) God uses people with stories. HE can still use you. And it will be beautiful.

HE is a Promise Keeper

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Matthew 1:1

Sunday I was so encouraged by this verse. By the Truth in it.

Are you wondering how? How on earth that statement could lead to anything but a boring list of names and "begat"s?

Then, allow me to share with you what my pastor shared with us at church.
He explained that the Jewish listeners - for whom this text was originally written - would have heard it differently than we do today. Pastor Marvin did a lot of explaining about how important genealogy was to the people of that day, but the kicker for me was the point he made about the Promise. Matthew specifically stated that Jesus was the son of David, and - on hearing that - the Jewish listeners of that day would have immediately recalled the promise God had made some 1,000 years earlier.
God had promised His people that He would send a Savior, who would be from the family line of David. And His people had waited. And waited.
Finally, after 1,000 years, Jesus arrived. And He was the son of David. Hearing about it would remind the Jewish people: God is a Promise Keeper.

After explaining the significance of Matthew's statement, Pastor Marvin reminded us that today, God is still a Promise Keeper. Though we may have to wait, we can trust God to keep His promises.
And that was the moment when I became so encouraged.

Allow me to back up about an hour: In the process of getting out the door to church Sunday morning, Joshua and I were frustrating each other. Big time. And I found myself at the place I often do, where I am rolling my eyes heaven-ward and asking, Really, God? Really??? And I am supposed to survive life with a teenage boy HOW???
Now, fast-forward an hour: I was encouraged because as Pastor Marvin was reminding us that God is a Promise Keeper, God was reminding me of the promise He made to me several years ago. Probably seven or eight, actually.

I was with my mentor and she was reading Luke 1 to me. As she read what the angel spoke to Zechariah about John, I could have sworn God was speaking to me about Joshua.

He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.
Luke 1:14

Ever since that day, I have been holding on to that promise. Trusting that God will use my son for His kingdom. Trusting that - even though I can't see it now - God is working in Joshua's heart and life, and preparing him to serve God and His kingdom.
And although Sunday morning - in the midst of my frustration - I had lost sight of God's promise, HE was faithful to remind me. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.

I believe You, God. Because You are a Promise Keeper.

Are you holding on to God's promises today?

What Does God Require?

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Singing is good for the spirit.

OK. OK. This is not a new lesson for me. For years, singing has been a form of therapy for me. It calms me down. Lifts my heart. Preserves the lives of those in my path. *wink*
I actually learned about a real physical thing that happens in us when we sing. Apparently singing releases endorphins, which make us feel better. I am not a scientist and cannot explain how any of that really works, but I can say this: Singing definitely makes me feel better.

So, on to the Lesson for this week.
On Wednesday we had a musical guest come in to entertain the residents at Edgewood. He's been with us once before and I invited him back because he has such a warm and engaging personality. The residents absolutely LOVE him. And since Christmas is just around the corner (Eeek! I really need to think about writing our Christmas letter!) Dennis played and sang lots of Christmas songs.
As Dennis sang, I was delighted to look around the atrium - and up into the balcony - and see so many residents singing right along with him. We usually have several residents who join in with the singing, but on Wednesday I'd say most of them were singing along. And the smiles on their faces, along with the sparkles in their eyes, gave me a pretty good indication of the condition of their spirits.
It was a beautiful sight to behold and confirmed my belief that singing is good for the spirit.
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All this talk about singing, coupled with the fact that today's post is number 1111 on this blog, (Click on the 1111 link in the lables if you don't know the reason for my affinity to that number. *grin*) made me decide to do something special. That is, I decided to pick TWO winners for the Kathy Troccoli worship CD give-away. No, you don't need to share - I'll have a CD sent to BOTH of you!
And the winners are... Johanna and Ginny. Please email me your mailing addresses and I'll order the CDs for you!

From Boiling to Melting

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have you entered my Christmas give-away?
If not, go here to enter. Then come back and read some more.
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If boiling means a substance is changing from a liquid to a gas, and melting means it is changing from a solid to a liquid, I'm not quite sure it's possible for something to go from boiling to melting.

Except, that is, for this mother's heart within me.

On Tuesday I referred to the fact that I had a "moment" with my boys last week. To be perfectly honest, Joshua was the greater of the two offenders. I was quite angry with him.
Some might have described me as boiling mad.

But later that same evening (The one on which his behavior made me so angry!) Joshua knocked on my bedroom door, came in, and apologized for yelling at me.
It was a sincere apology.
And the boiling stopped.

The next day when I got home from work, I went to my room to change my clothes and saw two unusual things on my bed. A pot of flowers, and an essay. The title of the essay was "My Michigan Hero" and I recognized it as a standard eighth grade Language Arts assignment. Elizabeth had to do the same thing two years ago.
But I was ~~shocked~~ surprised when I read the essay.
Joshua had written all about his mom and dad (That would be Brian and I!) being his heroes. He wrote that while he sometimes thinks we're wrong, he realizes we know what's best for him and that we're trying to be of help to him as he grows. He also talked about the extent to which he appreciates the support we offer him. Said he realizes much of his direction is dependent on himself - he has to do the work and make the right choices - but he knows he can't do it without dear ol' mom and dad. We are his heroes!

And as I sat the paper down, I realized my heart had started melting. It had gone from boiling mad to melting in less than 24 hours.
Oh! The power of words!

A Christmas Gift for (One of) You

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've told you before how much I have been enjoying Kathy Troccoli's worship CD.

And I recall saying a time, or two, something like, You really need to get this CD.

Truly. Listening to that music is a wonderful worship experience. You are ushered into the presence of God, and led to adore Him. To give Him praise. To delight in His greatness. (No. I am not being paid to say this. It comes from my heart.)

So, as I was thinking about you - my dear blog friends - and considering the joy of giving gifts at Christmas, I decided I would give away one of these CDs.
If you would like to be in the drawing for this gift, simply leave me a commentsaying so. I'll draw the winner Thursday night at 9:00 (EST) and tell you who it is in Friday's post.

Ever Felt Like Giving Up?

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I was having a rough time with my boys.
As I often do, I vented on Facebook. So much better for my spirit than screaming at the kids! *wink*
And as they often do, my Facebook friends supported me with prayer and encouraging words.

Love them!!!

I must share one of the quotes with you, which was shared with me. Wise words, these are!

The moment you think of giving up, think of the reason you have held on so long.

BTW, I am having a giveaway tomorrow. Be sure to stop by!

What Does God Desire?

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

All you need is love.

OK, how many of you have a Beatles tune running through your head right now? Here's a youtube link: http://youtu.be/r4p8qxGbpOk Go ahead and listen to it, but promise you'll come back to read about this week's lesson!

If you've read enough Lessons From the Edge posts, you are probably aware that several residents at Edgewood are my 'favorite'. And you may recall stories about one of those favorites who I call C, and how God has used her to teach me various lessons.
Well, C was the instrument for my lesson this week, too.

C is a very warm and caring woman. Our usual way of greeting is to hug one another and say, "Good morning, Sunshine!" She really is like a spot of sunshine in my day.
One day this week, however, when I hugged C, she held on just a little longer and tighter than usual. After our embrace she said, "Oh, I really need that love today." So I hugged her again and said, "Well, have another one!" And I squeezed her tight.
I wish you could have seen the smile on her face at that moment. Beautiful! And with that, she went on to do her other things - bustling about, smiling, and tending to whatever needs she might encounter.

And I stood for a moment thinking, Wow. That was easy. I didn't do much, just gave C a hug so she would be reminded I love her.
But that was enough. Because, really, all you need is love.

Thank You, God, for Hope

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

As I walked to the kitchen in the morning, I nearly tripped over a book on the floor in the hallway. Left there by Matthew.
As I entered the kitchen, I admired the clean counter I'd worked to clear the previous night. The only 'extra' thing on it was a bottle of pills. Left there by Joshua.
And as I sat down to eat my breakfast - looking at the bottle of pills on the otherwise empty countertop - I thanked God. Not just for my breakfast, but also for the signs of hope my boys had left around.

You see, I have a goal. As my boys are growing up, I really want to see them taking more responsibility for themselves. I want to do a lot less ~~nagging~~ reminding. Want to see them thinking for themselves and doing what they need to do, because they know they need to do it. Not because I ~~nagged~~ told them to.
And although picking up after themselves (a.k.a. don't leave things laying around the house) is one of the topics about which I have been known to ~~nag~~ ramble, in this case I was OK with their unattended items.

Matthew's book reminded me of how well he's been working on his book report. We sat down together and charted a plan in his school planner - writing down the progress he should make every day. And he's been sticking pretty closely to it. Without me cajoling.
The bottle on the counter was strategically placed there by Joshua to remind himself to take his pill in the morning. He got it out of the cupboard and put it on the counter before he went to bed. He's been doing that for a few weeks now. And I knew he would put it away after he took his pill. He's been doing that, too.

So even though my boys both left things "out of place," God used those things to remind me He's working in them. Though they aren't perfect, God allowed me to notice some of the progress they're making. And that gave me hope. Beautiful hope!

And in the process of writing this post (started in the morning, finished at night...) these charming boys have given me cause to cling to that hope. *read that: They have been crazy, and NOT showing progress.*
So I cling to Hope.
Because I know God is faithful.
I trust this behavior is a passing phase.
And I'm convinced God isn't finished with them yet.

To what signs of Hope have you been clinging lately?

Sometimes HE Repeats Himself

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

You may know that I am currently meditating on Psalm 40:5 ~ Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you have planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
And if you were around here last week, you know I have been thinking a lot about the wonders HE has done. It is a delight to think of such things, and I have been loving it.

What you may not know is that I have also been reading through John during my quiet times. And I just finished this week.
Know what the last verse in John is?

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Sound familiar?

I have found that sometimes God repeats Himself. And when He does, I try to take notice. So I'm spending more time these days asking God to help me see the things He has done. I don't want to miss Him.

How have you seen His hand at work in and around you recently?

Listen With Grace

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

We hear plenty of talk about our talk.

Choose your words wisely.
Think before you speak.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~Colossians 4:6
(That is one of my favorite verses!)

And I am in full agreement with that advice.
Our words are powerful; able to lift up, or cut down. However, I recently participated in a conversation which convinced me: it is just as important to consider the way we listen.

We were talking in small group about the communication we have as married couples. And some of us confessed to getting annoyed with our spouses when we're having an ~~argument~~, er, ~~heated discussion~~, when we're talking, and the charming love of our life comes up with a line like, "When you X, I feel Y."
One group member commented, "Yeah, because everyone knows that's the way you're 'supposed' to talk so the other person doesn't feel defensive." And we nodded our heads in understanding. Each of us knowing there have been times when we've thought, You're only saying that because you're supposed to. Because someone told you that's the best way to talk to me so I won't feel defensive and get upset.

Then another group member pointed out that it really ought to be significant to us to know that our spouse is intentionally speaking to us in a manner intended to put us at ease. We ought to be thankful our spouse is trying to be gentle with us. And right about then, we coined the term Listen with Grace.
Oh, that we would seek to understand the heart of the one speaking to us. Just as our conversation should be always full of grace, let us filter what we hear through grace, as well.

Take What You Can Get

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Telling of His Wonders, Again

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

Pslam 40:5

And, yet I will try.

To tell of them, that is.

Monday I did a study of John 11 with the residents at Edgewood, and we were delighted with what we saw.
While Mary and Martha expected Jesus to come to their home and heal their brother, He didn't do that. Jesus stayed where He was. And Lazarus died.
It seemed the sisters' plan was defeated. They had lost all hope. We reasoned they were probably confused and quite disappointed with God. And we confessed there have been times when we have felt the same way. When God hasn't moved as we had hoped or expected, and we were disappointed.
But if you know the rest of the story, you know Jesus came to town and raised Lazarus from the dead. That was not what they expected!

And that's where the delight came. In the realization that God's plans for us are so much greater than our own. We were delighted to know we can trust God, even when it looks like He isn't doing anything. When it seems like He is delaying coming to us.
And that is the wonder of which I want to speak and tell: God's plans are perfect. Even when we can't see Him moving, we can trust Him. Because He is perfect. And that's just the way it is!

Your turn! Please join me again in telling of His wonders. I look forward to reading about them.
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I'll be taking a little blog-break for the rest of the week.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! I'll see you back here Monday.

Telling of HIS Wonders

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Did you watch my video devotion yesterday?
I'm hoping you have been thinking about the wonders God has done in and around you. Noticing His hand and good works. Brimming with excitement to declare them!
Because the thing I want to do here for the next two days is to join with you in declaring the wonders He has done. In preparation for Thanksgiving Day, let us give thanks to our great God!

I'll go first. *wink*

I know I have shared with you before the struggles I have with Matthew - trying to get him to do homework, or stay focused, or anything like that. Well, he has a book report coming up and since the last one was an utter failure, we decided to take a new approach this time. The two of us sat down together and made a schedule in his planner. We agreed on dates when he would complete each task, and wrote them down...And the wonder is ~ Matthew is sticking to them! He is reading his book without me telling him to. He is paying attention to the schedule and following it.

Some of you may not see the wonder in this event. But, believe me, this behavior of Matthew's is nothing short of a miracle. And I am truly, truly thankful.

All silliness aside, I see in this cirumstance: hope. Beautiful HOPE.
Though I often get discouraged by Matthew's ADHD and impulsivity, God encourages me every time I see Matthew reading. I am reminded that nothing is too difficult for HIM. My confidence is renewed that God has good plans for my son; that even his craziness can be used for good. And I trust God to make it happen.

HIS works are wonderful. I know that full well!

OK. Your turn. Tell me one of the wonders God has done in your life!

Take the Challenge. I Dare You!

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Some people don't want to hear.

I wish it wasn't the case. But it seems to be.
There is a man at Edgewood, about whom I've written before, who doesn't have long to live. This past week he learned he has kidney failure, and he has decided not to do anything about it.

Our nurse told me people with kidney failure typically live one to three months.

My mind went back to the Resident of the Week interview I did with H. I don't remember the question I asked him, but he started telling me that he never really went to church as a kid. That his family wasn't "religious". Then he said, "I don't know why I'm telling you this."

I trust it was God, planting a seed in me.

A couple days ago H called the office, and I was the one to answer the phone. He just needed help getting a drink out of his refrigerator, so I went up to his apartment. And I trusted this was an opportunity placed in my lap by God, Himself. After I got H his drink, I sat down by his chair. He asked if I had heard 'the news' about his kidneys. We talked about it a bit and then I asked permission to ask him a question. He is a delightful man, and agreed immediately. So I brought up the interview we'd done and asked about his belief in God.
H was very clear that "religion" was not part of his up-bringing and therefore has no real meaning to him. He simply was never taught to value spiritual things. In H's mind, religion is a comforter for people, and he said he just never needed the comfort. Besides, he said, he doesn't like the idea that a person should have to choose between heaven and hell. He isn't worried. He knows he's a 'good guy' and is very comfortable with facing death.

And that was the gist of our conversation. H was as kind and polite as ever. He acknowledged my faith, and seems to respect it, but thinks he doesn't need it.
Even so, he happily agreed to have me pray for him - which I did right there. I prayed then, as I continue to pray now, that God would reveal Himself to H. God knows his heart and He loves H. I know He does! And I am praying God will soften his heart in these final days, that H might be willing to listen.
Because it breaks my heart - as I know it breaks HIS - that some people don't want to hear.

For the Sake of Learning

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Monday morning there was a knock on my bedroom door.
Joshua walked in holding a mouse trap - with a dead mouse in it - proclaiming, "I just want to say, my idea worked!"

You see, in Joshua's campaign to rid our house and yard of all mice, he has discovered that sometimes those little critters are sneaky and can get the bait without making the trap go off. So, Joshua set out to create the ultimate mouse trap.

He thought things through, made a plan, and went to the store for supplies.

Armed with a rat trap, paper clips, and duct tape, Joshua made his trap. He used the paper clips and duct tape to create a platform, somehow rigged that up over the spring of the trap, baited the trap, and attached it to the wall. His theory was that a mouse would climb up onto the platform to get the peanut butter, and the weight of the mouse would release the spring. No way the little critter could carefully lick the peanut butter off this time!

And he was right. The bar across the back of that mouse proved it.

I must admit, I felt a tinge of sorrow for the mouse as I looked at it. But Joshua was so proud of his achievement - so proud he had come up with an idea, put it into action, and been successful - my pity was short-lasting. Instead I saluted the little critter; giving of his life, for the sake of learning. *wink*

HE Does Brake Work

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

OK. Seriously. Why do crazy things happen to me when I have speaking engagements?

Saturday I was driving up to Gaylord. I was going to spend the night with my mom and dad, and then speak for a group of high school senior girls and their moms on Sunday.
I was kinda drowsy so, about 45 minutes into my trip, I decided to stop to get a caffinated beverage.
As I moved into the deceleration lane and began to apply my brakes, I was shocked to discover they were hardly there! With my foot pressed all the way to the floor, the van did come to a stop at the light. I pulled into the McDonald's parking lot and heard a terribly loud squeaking noise coming from the back of the van. (I'd had the radio on for the entire trip, so I had no idea if it had been making that noise the whole way.) Because I wasn't sure I'd be able to stop predictably in the drive-thru - and because the squeaking noise was so embarrasing - I parked the van and went inside to get my drink.
After I came back out I called Brian to get his input on my plan of action. Do I keep driving to Gaylord, hope for the best, and maybe get new brakes before I return home? (On a Sunday. Yeah. That'll happen!) Do I drive back to Okemos and take Brian's car, leaving him to deal with the van for the weekend? OR, Do I stay put and have someone come fix the van in Ithaca?

We decided on the second option.

So I started the van and cautiosly made my way back onto the highway. And I prayed, LORD, please keep me safe on this journey!
I'd driven for nearly half an hour when I had to get onto a different highway. Realizing I needed to be give myself plenty of time to slow down, I applied my brakes a little early. I was shocked again. This time I felt the brakes. In fact, they were quite strong. I pressed them again to make sure I wasn't imagining things, and there they were - as good as new. So it seemed.
When Brian met me with his car, I immediately said to him, "You've got to believe me. My brakes really weren't working!...And now they seem to be." *blush*
We agreed that he should take the van anyway. Just in case. And with that, I was on my way back up north.

Saturday night I texted Brian to let him know I'd made it safely to Gaylord. And this was his response: "Yea! No problems w/the van...but im sure it was acting up for u. Really."
I felt so silly. Though I thought he probably believed me, it just seemed crazy. How could the brakes be working fine one moment, give out the next, and then go right back to working again? *Whatever!*

When I got home Sunday, Brian chided me, "The brakes have been working fine all weekend." And when I drove to and from work Monday, they were still great.
But you've got to believe me. They really did give out on Saturday afternoon! I know, none of it makes sense. I can't understand it, myself. And the whole thing has led me to only one explanation.

HE does brake work.
I mean, I'd asked Him to keep me safe on the journey. What better way for a Father to do that, than to give his daughter new brakes??? *wink*

Yes. That's It!

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

He's brilliant!

And eloquent.

Wish I could have come with it that easily!

Do you hear the sarcasm dripping from those statements?
Last week Joshua and I were arguing over chores. He was upset about having to do work when he had other things he'd rather be doing.
I can so relate!
And my ability to relate so well moved me to turn the tables. I began to complain about making dinner every night when I would rather be doing other things. And Joshua came back at me with, "But that's expected."
I knew what Joshua meant. I'm the mom and it's simply a given that I make dinner.

That's when I realized my son's brilliance. He'd said it perfectly. Just as it's expected - because I'm the mom - that I will make dinner every night, so it is expected - because Joshua is a member of our family - that he will do chores.

Yes. That's it!

Funny thing is, Joshua didn't seem as impressed with my logic as I was.

Go figure! *wink*

HE Knows the Reason

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Encouragement comes in all shapes, sizes, and abilities.

I was having a rough morning Monday. Not sure why. I just was really down. And I was having a hard time maintaining the mask I sometimes put on at Edgewood. Yeah. I'm all about being real. But sometimes my job requires me to put on a mask. It's kind of like role-playing. The Activity Director is supposed to be happy. So when Karen isn't, she plays the part. *sigh*

So, anyway, I was going through the motions, trying my best to appear pleasant. Like I truly was happy to be there, doing what I was doing. And at just the right moment, (Because that's when God does things.) J saw me, smiled, and held out her arms.
J's eyesight is very bad, but when I'm close enough she can see me. She is deaf, but she still talks to me. Her hands are crippled, but she freely holds mine with hers. And her teeth are awful, but she has one of the sweetest smiles I have ever seen.

So there I was, in the dining room clearing plates or something (short-staffed in the kitchen Monday...), trying real hard to keep my smile pasted on. And I saw J smiling and holding out her arms to me. I promptly went over to her, we hugged, and she kissed my cheek. (She always does!) This time the smile on my face was sincere.
And it got even bigger as I thought about the irony of the situation. God was using a half-blind, completely deaf, crippled old woman to cheer me up. He's so clever!

Encouragement comes in all shapes, sizes, and abilities.

We Didn't Rake All the Leaves

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

We have three very big maple trees in our yard. And another one right on the edge.
And right now almost all of the leaves have fallen off of them.
Sunday I decided it would be a good idea to get started raking the leaves, so I called Matthew out to help me. We raked leaves onto a tarp and I dragged them to the middle of some big pine trees in our yard and dumped 'em there.
But we didn't rake all the leaves. It was such a huge task! No way we could have raked them all in one day. But it sure did feel good to make a dent in the project.

When I got home from work Monday I called Joshua out to help me rake more leaves. It took him a while to come outside. I got three loads done before he came out to help. *grr* He did finally come out, though, and we raked lots!
But we didn't rake all the leaves. It was still a big task. No way we could finish it all then. But I was glad to get more of the job completed.

Raking the leaves a (pretty big) bit at a time seemed to be the way to go. Honestly, it is so overwhelming to look at the whole yard covered with leaves and to think about raking it all up at once. But when we break it down to smaller sections and tackle one at a time, it just isn't as scary. And the kids don't complain as much when they're working for 30 minutes as they do when it takes a few hours.

So, as of Monday night I figured a couple more episodes of not-raking-all-the-leaves would finish the job for the season. Yet as I sit here typing, I am looking outside at the leaves blowing all over. More specifically, I am watching my neighbor's leaves blowing into my yard. And on the other side of the yard is a tall fence, so rather than continuing on into my other neighbor's yard, they're all stopping right there. *Very funny, GOD!*

Oh, well. At least there's a huge pile trapped in the middle of the pine trees which we won't have to rake again. *wink*

Reconciliation

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love it when God uses my interactions with my children to help me understand HIM better.

Saturday night Joshua and I got into it with each other. He was giving me all kinds of attitude about his chores, wouldn't listen to me or do what I was asking, and I was angry. He finally yelled at me about being annoying and stomped off to his room.
I.was.so.angry! It isn't like I was asking him to do anything that difficult. And he's been driving me nuts lately with his attitude and refusal to obey. I told him (in a very loud voice) that I realize he's a teenager now, he's growing up and desiring independence. BUT, I said, I am still the parent and he is still the child - and he needs to obey. (That's when he yelled at me about being annoying...)

I stood then, in the kitchen, feeling like I couldn't wait for the next five years to fly by. Realizing I don't really want it to be that way. In my anger I didn't want to have to deal with Joshua or his attitude anymore. But in my heart I want to love my son and have a peaceful relationship with him.
And I prayed God would work in his heart.

Within the hour, Joshua came out to where I was and apologized for yelling at me. I could tell from his face and his tone of voice, he was sincere. He says he's "sorry" for things all the time, but you know he doesn't mean it. This incident was not one of those times. And I extended forgiveness to him.
In that moment, my heart changed toward Joshua. I truly was not angry anymore. I knew that I love my son, and that would never change. It was beautiful.
He went back to his room to do whatever, and I pondered what had taken place in my heart. That's when I realized God had just given me a picture of our relationship with Him. Just like my son's sincere apology brought reconciliation to the two of us, our confession and repentance reconciles us with God. I was no longer angry, and in the same way God turns His wrath away.

What a gift that was! I knew the condition of my heart, the way I felt about and saw my son. How much more does God take delight when we return to Him! I am so thankful for the blood of Jesus which makes that reconciliation possible!

Trapped!

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fishing season is pretty much over and Joshua has found a new interest to ~~obsess over~~ occupy his time. (Though he does make an occasional trip to the pond with his poles. *grin*)

Now he's into trapping.

He dug a hole in the back corner of our yard and put our cooler in it. He rigged up weights on the lid - which is propped open with a stick, and put a peanut butter sandwich inside. Thought he could catch himself a raccoon with this little trap!
When I found out what he was doing I was reluctant to let it go on. What was he going to do with the raccoon if/when he caught it? Why was he using the cooler? Surely a raccoon would shred the insides with it's claws! What's the point, anyway?
But then I observed him thinking and theorizing about the trap, and I was quite impressed.
*The weights fell off the lid, so he came up with another way to attach them.
*When he checked the trap one morning the sandwich was gone but the lid was still up. So he tried to come up with ways to make sure the lid could be held up, which was also sensitive enough to make sure it was able to be knocked down.
*He was thinking and asking questions and trying new ideas.
And suddenly I realized I didn't really care if the inside of the cooler got scratched up. We hardly ever use it, anyway.

I don't really expect him to trap a raccoon. But I think it is wonderful to see Joshua caught up in thinking, creating, evaluating, and re-working his theories. Ahhhh. Seems he has trapped himself into learning. And he likes it!

How Does HE Look?

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

A sense of humor lasts a lifetime.

Spending time with the folks at Edgewood has given me ample opportunity to hear funny jokes and share laughter. Indeed, though their bodies have grown old, most of the residents hold on to their sense of humor.
And this week, one gentleman told me a joke I simply cannot NOT share with you.

An old man went to see his doctor about a problem he was having with his ear.
"It feels like there's something clogging my ear, Doc. And I can't figure it out."
After examining the man, his doctor said, "Oh! I see. You have a suppository stuck in your ear."
The man thought for a moment and then chuckled. "Well. I guess that explains what happened to my hearing aid!"

R was very proud of himself for telling me that joke. I think he laughed even longer than I did. Perhaps he was laughing at me? *wink*
Whatever the case, I don't mind. It just makes me smile to think of the fun people have telling jokes - even when they've been doing it for 70 or 80 or 90 or more years!

A sense of humor lasts a lifetime.

Today I'm Over at Mel's World

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Last month I met Melissa Mashburn face-to-face. (I was absolutely delighted to make her acquaintance.) And today she is hosting me on her blog.

Please join me over there as we talk about desiring God, through an excerpt from my book, Finding Joy.

Living Thankful

2011-11-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

My friend Leah is being intentional about thankfulness. Living Thankful for 30 Days. I love that idea, so today I am linking up with her and focusing on being thankful, too.
It's kind of funny because yesterday - just moments before I read about Leah's thankful journey - I experienced the blessing of being thankful.
I had become very frustrated in the process of getting Matthew up and out the door. Pokey, pokey, pokey. How a person can move so slow and become so distracted, I will NEVER understand! But he made it to the bus stop on time and as I sat down to eat my breakfast I thanked God for that little miracle. I thanked Him for the quiet house and the moment of peace when I could be still. I thanked Him for His faithfulness and goodness to me. I found myself thanking Him for more things which kept coming to my mind. And then I realized something.
I was no longer irritated and full of frustration.
And I think that is the blessing of being thankful. As we focus on God's faithfulness to us; as we look for the things in our lives which are good; as we bless God's heart by giving thanks to Him, HE blesses us by changing ours.
I used to think it was rather hypocritical to try being thankful in the middle of frustration, but now I see things differently. God is good whether my circumstances are making me happy, or not. And when I give thanks, God - in His goodness - changes me.
Indeed, Living Thankful is the way to go!

Ker-plunk!

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

If ever I thought something would bring the world to an end, this was it.

Joshua walked into the house one day last week in tears. I asked what was wrong but I couldn't understand what he was saying. So I asked again. And I couldn't believe what I heard.

Joshua had dropped his phone into a pond while he was fishing.
He didn't mean to. He was just putting it into his pocket and thought it was safe, but the phone slipped out, fell onto the dock and quickly slid right into the water. And he was devastated.
To fully appreciate this boy's devastation, you need to understand how precious that phone was to him. He'd kept notes on it of all his fishing catches - kinds, lengths, and weights. He had pictures of all the fish he has caught. He had "over 100" contacts. And now it was gone. All gone. Sitting in the bottom of a mucky pond.
Though he tried twice to retrieve it with various nets, there was no way that phone was going to be recovered.

The poor kid couldn't bring himself to eat dinner. He was absolutely beside himself. And I was torn with how to respond.
On the one hand, I wanted to convince him the world was NOT going to end. I wanted to rush in and comfort him and remind him everything was going to be OK. But I knew that wasn't what he wanted to hear at the moment. Joshua seemed to want to just be alone, and though leaving him alone went completely against my nature, I knew that was the thing to do. I just hoped by leaving him alone I wasn't communicating that I didn't care. *sigh*

As the evening progressed Joshua began to calm down. The three of us (Brian, Joshua and I) made a plan for how he could get a new phone. And by the time I was saying good-night to him, Joshua was able to say that he wasn't as upset as he had originally been. At that point we were able to talk about the reality that a cell phone in the bottom of a pond does not equate to the end of the world. Joshua had utilized the time alone to reason on his own, and to come to his own conclusion that life would go on.
He didn't need me to tell him.
He didn't need me to swoop in and save the day.
He simply needed that space to think things through.
And though I had been a reluctant observer, in the end I sure was glad I'd given him space.

Argh. There is no end to the learning curve of motherhood, is there!?

By the Grace of God

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Look out for one another.

In a world where people tend to consider their own interests as of greater importance than anyone else's, it is so refreshing to know women like D.
D moved into Edgewood about a month ago. At first she was very timid - not sure where to go, or what to do - but now she seems to have found her place. And it is wonderful to see.

D is a helper and an encourager.

She is a regular at exercise class and I frequently see her helping other residents, either by handing them a cup of water or helping them adjust their weights.
Tuesday I came upon her talking to another resident who has trouble remembering things. D has trouble with that, too, and she was showing this other woman how she keeps track of activities with her calendar. B was so grateful for the idea!
And Wednesday when I went into the dining room to make announcements, D called me over to her table. One of the residents who usually sits there was missing, and D wanted me to check on her.

That's just the way D is. She is happiest when she's caring for others. Oh, she has her own problems and aches & pains - especially her hip right now - but her greatest concern seems to be the well-being of her friends and neighbors.

While some would say we need to look out for Number One, D has chosen a different path. And I, for one, think her path is better. Let us choose to look out for one another.

I Am Not. Am I?

2011-10-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

So the other night I asked Elizabeth to bring my bag of scrap-booking stuff upstairs. She had been using it to make cards (several months ago) and it just never got returned to me. She went down to get it and came back up a few minutes later.
Without it.
She asked me, "Mom, did you bring the bag up already? I couldn't find it."
We went into my bedroom to look and, sure enough! There it was. On the floor right by my closet. Suddenly, I remembered that I had brought it up a week or so ago when I was cleaning a few things out of the basement. I said, "Oh! Isn't that nice? I already brought it up for you!"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at me and snickered, "You're getting old!"

Yeah. I remember when I was a teenager and I thought 40 was old. HA!

Is Anything Too Hard for the LORD?

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

My heart has been both heavy and encouraged recently.
Heavy for friends who are feeling hopeless in their circumstances, and encouraged because I am reminded that nothing is too difficult for God.

This song has been running through my mind and I want to post it for you today.
Are you facing a difficult circumstance? Are you feeling hopeless? Please allow me to encourage you to listen to this song - which you've likely heard many times before - and even say/sing the words out loud. There's something about hearing this truth in your own voice... It's a faith-builder!

I Can Work with That

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Friday morning I went into Matthew's room to wake him for school.

You need to understand, getting this child out of bed is no easy task. It usually involves two or more visits and "warnings" that it's almost time to get up. I typically end up pulling his blankets off of him (a few times), bringing his feet over to the side of the bed for him, then grabbing his arms and helping him stand up.
BTW, I just made that process sound waaaaaaaaay easier than it really is.

Well, Friday I decided to kick it up a notch. I started poking him with my toe. I got him in the side, on his head (He had it covered by the blanket.), and even on his hiney. I was laughing, but Matthew - not so much. He said, "Stop it, Mom," and told me he was working on the pursuit of happiness. Staying in bed made him happy. To which I replied that poking him made me happy, and I was pursuing happiness, too!
I thought I had him, but Matthew is quick-witted. Even when he's too tired to get up. He immediately told me that pursuing happiness at the expense of someone else's unhappiness is a No-No. And I'm pretty sure he thought he had me. HA!
I thought to myself, I can work with that!

I said slowly and clearly, "Really? Well, you staying in bed when it's time to get up makes me unhappy. And I get unhappier and unhappier the longer you stay there. So, according to your rules, I guess you better get up!"
This time I knew I had him. I pulled the blankets off Matthew once more and dragged him out of bed.

Sorry, son. You've got to get up pretty early in the morning to pull one over on me!

I Waited Patiently

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

We have a choice.

Honestly! I started doing the Resident of the Week program for the benefit of the residents. I wasn't thinking about me. I wasn't being selfish. Honest!!!
Yet, I feel like I am the one who benefits most from the interviews. The joy I receive from meeting with each resident and learning their stories - gleaning from their wisdom - is such a delight to me. It's hard to believe I get paid for this! *wink*

This week, I interviewed D. D is 73 years old and is a charming man. He loves to sing and knows just about every song there is! Seriously. He sings along with everything. There is a sparkle in his eyes, and almost always a smile on his face.
D also has Cerebral Palsy and is essentially confined to a motor-scooter. He can't read and it is often difficult to understand his speech. He told me about a bike accident he had as a young boy which caused a neck injury and brought an end to many of his physical abilities.
D told me the doctor says eventually he'll be paralyzed. And he can see it progressing already. Numbness here and there. Loss of some use in his hands. It was sad to sit and listen to D talk about losing his physical abilities.
Yet, even as he spoke, I could still see the sparkle in his eyes.

We were almost finished with the interview, and I asked D my final question. "As you think back over your life, what would you say is the greatest lesson you've ever learned?" He looked right at me and said, "I could feel sorry for myself and my problems. But I have chosen to take life one day at a time."
Then I understood the sparkle and the smiles.
In spite of the suffering.
Faced with the option of being miserable or living, D has chosen to live. And so it is with each of us. We all have suffering of varying proportions. We all have the option of feeling sorry for ourselves. But we don't have to. We can live one day at a time, instead.

We have a choice.

"Are You Able to Come?"

2011-10-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

My phone rang Monday afternoon as I was walking into McDonalds. (Had to visit their little girls room. *wink*) I knew it was Joshua calling, so I answered the phone. (Not everybody can interrupt nature's call, you know. LOL) And the first thing I heard was, "Are you able to come?"

He was at his last cross-country meet of the season and as of that morning I hadn't known if I'd be able to go to it. I needed to find someone to call Bingo for me at Edgewood, and told Joshua if I was able to do that I would come to his meet. So he was just calling to check.
I said, "Yes. I just got into DeWitt. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Good! Bye!" (Which is different than, "Good-bye!")
And with that, Joshua hung up.

I chuckled at his abruptness. But I forgave it quickly - as I considered the minor miracle I'd just experienced.
The boy who thinks I am annoying more often than not; the boy who seems to avoid me more than he wants to be with me; the boy who doesn't believe I was ever a teenager who experienced things like he is facing; that boy was glad I was coming to his cross-country meet.

When I got to the school I saw Joshua and he came over to talk to me briefly. But then he had to ~~get away from me~~ go warm up with his team.
I cheered him on as he ran, and met him at the finish line to congratulate him for a race well run. And I resisted the urge to give him a hug, or even a high-five, because I was pretty sure he wasn't looking for any public displays of affection from his mom. Honestly, I was just thankful he was talking to me.
We stayed for the awards ceremony, and Joshua told me I could sit in the stands. He was going over to talk to some friends. So I sat there and watched him with the other kids. I watched him sit with some of his teammates for the ceremony. I watched him receive his individual and team awards. And although I wasn't invited to be part of the festivities "up close and personal" I was delighted to watch from afar. Because I knew Joshua was glad I was watching.

"Are you able to come?" "Good!"
Ahhhh. How sweet the sound!

We've Come a Long Way, Baby!

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

I remember when Matthew was in second grade and his teacher was talking to me about troubles with his behavior in the classroom. I was completely overwhelmed with his problems, and trying to figure out ~~what to do with~~ how to help him. I took everything she said as a judgement upon my mothering abilities. Not because that's what she meant to convey, but because that's the direction my thoughts always went. And I tried unsuccessfully tried to keep a flood of tears at bay.

I remember the email messages I got from Joshua's sixth grade teachers just before parent/teacher conferences. They wanted to meet with me to discuss his classroom (mis)behavior so we could come up with a plan to improve things. As I read about their ~~complaints~~ concerns, I couldn't keep myself from crying. My mind was racing with thoughts like, I'm failing as a mother, and, These teachers probably think I'm a horrible mom. Because, that's where I always went with my thinking.

Matthew's fourth grade teacher was wonderful. She had an adult ADHD son. So she totally understood what I was going through. Even so, I cried in her presence, too.
And the first time his fifth grade teacher called me at home, well, you can guess what I did.

It drove me crazy that I cried so often. I hated that my thoughts were so negative about myself all the time. But I felt completely unable to hold back the tears, or to think differently.
Last March I finally visited a psychiatrist and told her about my tears and my thoughts. Just having me talk about it gave her the opportunity to see the tears for herself. *sigh* She diagnosed me with generalized anxiety and depression.
I started taking an anti-depressant and began learning how to combat my negative thinking. I worked on developing rational thinking. And I was astounded by the changes in me. For once I felt like I was in control of my emotions. Somehow it seemed like the medicine gave me time to pause and think rationally, instead of falling immediately into the negative thinking to which I was so accustomed.

And last week I had the opportunity to witness just how far I've come.

I was home Thursday, enjoying my day off when the phone rang. It was Matthew's teacher. She had his other teacher on the line and they wanted to conference call with me. This can't be good, I thought. They proceeded to tell me about issues Matthew was having with not turning in homework, and blurting out in the classroom. They told me - while they think Matthew is a great kid - these problems are not going away and they didn't want to wait until parent/teacher conferences to address them. And then one of them said, "Gee. I hope you don't feel like we're ganging up on you by having a conference call with you."
For a moment, I recalled what I would have done in previous years, with previous phone calls. I think I would've been in tears when I heard, "This is Matthew's teacher..." as I anticipated the flood of negative emotions which was about to come over me.
But this time I took a deep breath and said, "No. It's OK. I'm glad you called. I've been through this before and I think it's good for us to talk to each other so we can work through these issues." Because this time I was able to pause and think rationally. This time I knew it wasn't about me, or my mothering skills. It was about Matthew and how we could work together to help him be the best he can be. This time, I didn't cry or think negatively about myself.

This time I thought to myself, We've come a long way, baby!

I'm Not Biting

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

You must know by now that my Joshua is an avid fisherman. Well, last Thursday he seemed to be throwing out bait for me - only I wasn't biting.

Joshua was in a foul mood from the moment he arrived home from school. He was still stewing over the fact that the dock had been pulled early at his favorite fishing location (He'd found that out the day before.), he didn't want to do the thing our family was going to be doing together that night, and - to top it all off - he couldn't find anything to eat. He walked around opening and closing the refrigerator and freezer and various cabinet doors. (Slamming might be a better description.) Further, he was groaning and complaining as he paced in and out of the kitchen, where I was preparing dinner.
Typically when he behaves like that, I tell him to stop slamming things and get control of himself. To which he usually responds, "I'm NOT slamming things!"
And the argument ensues.
I'd been thinking a lot on Thursday about God being my strength - about Him fighting my battles for me. So I stood in that moment, as my son slammed and stomped and moaned around me, and I prayed. I asked God to take this one for me. Asked Him to fight for Joshua's heart, and to help me just be silent.
That's when I made the connection to the fishing thing. I thought, Joshua is tossing me all the bait that usually hooks me into an argument with himself. But I'm not going there today. Joshua, I'm not biting!

And I didn't. By the grace of God I was able to remain silent during Joshua's fishing expedition.
***********************************************
In spite of the small victory in avoiding Joshua's hook, my heart was heavy. I spent the next 24 hours thinking about my son and his behavior. Wondering about the direction of his life. Contemplating what I can possibly do to love him and lead him and encourage him. And God used one of His servants - a friend, and a mom who has 'been there' - to speak truth to me, to encourage my mother's heart. So as I continue to avoid biting Joshua's bait, I will also find comfort in the knowledgethat God is fully in control - not me! And I will trust Him to fulfill His promises, and complete the work He has begun in my son.

Thank You, Jesus!

HIS Strength is Perfect

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

OK. I'll say it once more. You really need to get Kathy Troccoli's worship CD. It is such a blessing!

Lessons From the Edge

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

You shouldn't take yourself too seriously.

I was looking forward to doing my Resident of the Week interview this week.

Because the next person up is H.

He is a charming man. Seems very cultured and proper. He knows all about music. And he can sing! He usually wears a button-down shirt and dress pants - often his shirts are monogrammed. In short, H is a classy guy - and I was looking forward to getting to know him more.

Our interview started off as I would expect. Childhood memories, the way things 'used to be', an impressive work history - including H's selection for Officer Training School in the United States Navy.
But when I asked, "What makes you smile?" I was surprised by his response. H said, "I have my own teeth!" And I started laughing.
H went on to say that he was raised in a family with a good sense of humor. He knows it's important to laugh.
I finished the interview by asking if there was anything else H thought I should know before writing up his story. He looked at me and said, "I've never been in jail." And he laughed.

And as I thought about it more, I was able to recall that for as many times as I have been impressed by H's air of 'cultured', I have been touched by his wonderful belly-laugh. H was a gun captain in World War II. He studied at Princeton and Columbia. He's been in management for big companies. He's even been an upper-level guy at a couple of NATO bases. He is an accomplished man.

But he still knows how to laugh, and he knows you shouldn't take yourself too seriously.

Next?

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Can you picture the dis-interested receptionist in the crowded waiting room working her way through the line of customers, calling out, "Next?" as she finishes with each one? She doesn't seem phased by the long line. Simply does what is necessary for each person and looks ahead to those still waiting. "Next?"

I kind of felt like her this past Sunday. Only, rather than dealing with a long line of customers, I was addressing a long line of excuses.

I had reminded Matthew that he needed to spend some time reading, but he said he didn't think he had his book home. I responded with something like, "You mean the Percy Jackson book with the yellow cover that is sitting on the table by the couch?" Next?

Then I reminded him about his reading journal. He's supposed to keep track of the time he reads, and turn it in to his teacher. But Matthew protested that he'd left the reading journal at school, so it really wasn't worth spending time reading - since he didn't have the reading journal. I told him to write down his time on a separate piece of paper and transfer the information to his reading journal when he got to school Monday. Next?

Finally, after he'd read for a while, I suggested that Matthew spend time working on his book report which was due Tuesday. But, alas! That paper was a school, too! I thought, Really? You think this excuse is going to work? Haven't you learned? And I had him do what we knew he had to do, while I emailed his teacher to clarify the part of which he wasn't sure. And - wouldn't you know it - she replied and Matthew had enough information to work on that report.

Next?

Please Fight for Him

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

The LORD God Almighty

Who is HE?

He is the Lord of Hosts. The Leader of the fight.

Sunday morning our worship leader was talking about the LORD God Almighty and reminded us that - as the Lord of Hosts (That's the literal translation.) - God fights for us. He directs His heavenly army to do battle for us. And our worship leader encouraged us to trust the One who leads the fight for us.
In that moment my heart was drawn to the truth I'd just heard. And I began praying, LORD God Almighty, please fight for him!

You see, I have a teenage son. And I get scared for him. Right now he is terribly self-centered and self-absorbed. He seems to have almost no interest in the things of God, but only the things of his own pleasure. And I really don't know if it's a 'phase' thing, or a heart issue. I know I cannot force my son to love God. I can only pray and be a model for him. And I do both of those things to the best of my ability.

Even so, that makes me feel woefully inadequate.

Which is why I think I was so drawn to the image of the LORD God Almighty. The Lord of Hosts, fighting for us. I know God loves Joshua. I know it is His desire that Joshua would love Him back, and follow Him closely. And so I prayed with confidence that God would fight for my son's heart. That HE would do battle with all the things vying for Joshua's affections. Yes, LORD. Please fight for him!

Is there someone or something for which you have been battling? You can trust the LORD God Almighty. Call upon him to do battle for you!

Another Dream

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

As if I need another thing to occupy my mind and fill my dreams.
*wink*
This weekend Elizabeth accompanied me to the women's retreat at which I was speaking.
It was delightful to have her along. But the most delightful part of the weekend didn't have anything to do with the retreat, itself.
Saturday during our free-time, Elizabeth cozied up to my side and said, "Sometime, you and I should speak at a retreat together." Elizabeth has never expressed an interest in public speaking, so her proposal came as a complete surprise to me. She followed up her comment by explaining that we could maybe speak at a retreat for mothers and daughters about mother/daughter relationships.
I don't think I can adequately express how much that idea touched my heart. I trust it means she is pleased with our relationship - that she would want to tell other moms and girls about it. Besides that, I have admired a mother/daughter team in our church who serve on the worship team together, and thought it would be wonderful for Elizabeth and I to do something like that, too.

But until this weekend I had no idea Elizabeth might share that interest. And now that I know she does? Well, there's another dream rolling around in my head and heart.

*big grin*

Are You in a Slimy Pit?

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

If you haven't spent significant time around elderly folks and/or text-crazy teens, I apologize. This post might not be as funny to you. (Read it anyway!)
Because my kids are so into texting, and even speak in text-talk sometimes; and because I spend so much time with seniors, this list of 'texting codes for seniors' really made me laugh. Enjoy!

BFF - Best Friends Funeral
BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM - Covered By Medicare
FWIW - Forgot Where I Was
HGBM - Had Good Bowel Movement *My personal favorite. LOL!
LOL - Living On Lipitor
LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out
TTYL - Talk To You Louder
BTW - Bring The Wheelchair
WAITT - Who Am I Talking To?
WTFA - Wet The Furniture Again

It's good to laugh. (Just keep your dentures in!) Hoping this list brought some laughter to your day.
And - Many thanks to my funny co-worker for sharing this list with me. *grin*

I may be annoying...

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

...but one day you'll thank me!

Oh, dear. I am soooooo annoying my sons!
*I'm requiring them to make their lunch BEFORE they go to bed. Because there have been too many mornings when the rush to get to out the door has been crazy. (And I have ended up driving one or two boys to school.)
*I call them from wherever they are in the house to come to their bedrooms and turn off their lights - even though I could simply turn it off for them when I walk by.
*I vowed to Joshua that I will not drive him to school again because he missed the bus. He needs to plan ahead - and ask me the night before - if he needs a ride to school.
*Though I am not their school teacher, I tell them they need to work on projects prior to the night before they're due. Trying to convince them it isn't a waste of time to do work instead of playing.
*AND, I won't do their homework for them. Help? Yes. But they like to try to get me to do it. HA!

Those things plus my repeated reminders to pick up dirty socks, throw away empty yogurt cartons and snack wrappers, rinse out their ice cream bowls, and empty the trash make me ANNOYING.

Maybe. But if they get into the habit of doing these things, I am confident one day they'll thank me for being so annoying. Or, at least their future wives will.

*wink*

Yes. More Than These.

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

So, this past Friday when I arrived at Cran-Hill for my retreat, I kinda felt like a little girl going to her friend's house to play. After I got settled in I wondered, What now? You know, like when kids get together and spend half their time trying to decide what to do?

So, God, I'm here. What do You want to do now?

I'd been spending the past week thinking about Psalm 40:1, "I waited patiently for the LORD..." and that verse was running through my head at the moment. I asked Him, Do You want me to just wait for You?
So that's what I did.

I waited.
And while I waited, I read through my journal. Entries going to over two years ago. That was a fun read!
And it prompted me to start journaling about some of my dreams. I included this one about meeting my Compassion child, and others about meeting blog friends, and several which relate to speaking. It was wonderful time of surrender - trusting that GOD, Himself, will bring about the fulfillment of these dreams if it is His will.

Nothing else matters.

And then Saturday morning arrived.
Something - make that SomeOne - lead me to read John 21:15-25 and I was drawn to verse 15. "Simon son of John, so you truly love me more than these?"
I realize the "these" to whom Jesus was referring was the other disciples. Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Jesus more than the other disciples loved Jesus. But in that moment, it was as if He were asking me if I loved Him more than these. And it was very clear to me the "these" to which Jesus was referring when He spoke to my heart. I wrote in my journal,

I felt like You were asking me - Karen, do you love me more than speaking? More than writing? More than the praises of man?
And I say with confidnece, Yes, Lord! Yes, I do! I love you more. Truly, I do. I love You more than all of these!

What a wonderful place God had brought me to. First, of waiting for Him, then of surrendering to Him, and finally - of being sure of my love for Him. That God really is the most highly treasured object of my love.

HE is!

And what about you, my friend? Do you love Him more than "these"? Is there anything competing for your devotion to the One who loves you endlessly? I pray you'll invite God to ask you this question, too.

A Little ADHD Humor

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

I know I have shared my woes here about the trials of raising an ADHD boy.
It feels like I am constantly walking behind Matthew in the mornings, asking him if he's done this, or that. Reminding him to stay on task. Telling him what time it is, so he realizes he needs to get moving.

It gets tiring.

The other day I knew Matthew had finished his shower. But he was still in the bathroom with the door closed, so I still needed to prod him along. I walked by the bathroom to tell Matthew he had 10 minutes, and to ask how he was doing. (How ya doin' in there? is code language for, Matthew, you don't have time to dilly-dally. Stay on task!)
As I asked the familiar question, Matthew responded, "Fine." And he paused. Then he said (and I could hear the smile in his voice), "I'm just about to get into the shower!"

Oh, funny boy!
Wish I could have thrown open the door to see the look on his face.
'Cuz I know he thought he 'got me'.

I said, "You're funny, Matthew. I know you've already taken your shower." And I heard him sigh. Awwww. Poor kid. He was playing a joke on me, and I didn't fall for it.
Maybe next time. *wink*

A Weekend with GOD

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

By the way, you NEED to get Kathy Troccoli's worship CD. What a delightful way to be ushered into the presence of God!

Lessons From the Edge

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's hard to face another day.

I talked to B this week and saw this lesson in full color. He was in the hallway looking lost, so I stopped to ask if he needed any help. B looked up at me and said he didn't want to be here anymore. And I knew the "here" to which he was referring wasn't his wheelchair, or the hallway, or even Edgewood. He told me he doesn't know where he is half the time, and he's lonely because his family hardly ever visits, and he's tired of the aches and pains. I've heard him say these things before, but this time he seemed more sure of his feelings. The fact of the matter is, B is tired of living here on Earth.
I knealt down in front of B, grabbed his hands, and said, "Let's pray."
B thanked God for his many blessings, and I prayed for B's heart. I asked God to bring him peace, and to buoy him with hope for the day when the confusion, the loneliness, the pain, and every tear will be no more.
Sitting there with B, seeing the tears running down his cheeks, I realized I cannot understand the extent of his feelings. I cannot comprehend what it must be like - feeling trapped in a body that hurts, and which cannot do the things it used to do. I can't imagine not wanting to wake up to live another day.
It's beyond me.
But that's right where B was sitting.

Sometimes it's hard to face another day.

Yet, we still have hope. Because there will come a day when all the confusion and loneliness and pain and EVERY tear will be no more.

Mom Jeans Graduate

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Do you remember my little 'issue' with jeans? And my kids' evaluation of my Mom Jeans? Well, it seems I have moved up in the world of teen-approved-fashion!

I went shopping last weekend and found a pair of jeans which I liked. They fit me in the waist. And they were $15. As long as the waist-size and price criteria are met, (Which doesn't happen very often!) I will buy a pair of jeans.
So Monday after work I put on my new jeans and went to the kitchen to start making dinner. Almost immediately, Joshua asked, "Did you get new jeans, Mom?" Elizabeth looked up from what she was doing and commented, "Oh. I like those!" And I responded, "Why yes, I did. You do?"
Elizabeth said, "They look like jeans I would wear. They're nice." And I sputtered, "You would? But, look. The waist goes all the way up to my waist!"
She said that was OK. Because they aren't baggy in the thigh, and they kinda flare out at the bottom. She would wear them if they fit her.
So I asked the question. The big question. "You mean, these aren't Mom Jeans?" And Elizabeth said with a smile, "No. They aren't. Looks like you've graduated out of Mom Jeans."

My kids are so proud of me.

And I feel so cool. *wink*

Change of Plans

2011-09-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Many are the plans in a man's (woman's!) heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21
I pray that today you will be sensitive to God's purpose - allowing Him to alter your plans according to HIS perfect will.

So said my Facebook status Monday morning.

I had no idea - as I prayed for my Facebook friends - that God would use that same prayer to soften my heart later in the day.

Monday afternoon I was sitting at home after work, talking with my daughter, when my phone rang. It was the program director at Cran-Hill Ranch, where I was scheduled to speak for a women's retreat this coming weekend. I imagined he must be calling to go over some final details.
Not so. Instead he said, "We had to make a hard decision today to cancel this weekend's retreat." He went on to give some explanation and I could tell from his voice, he was feeling very sorry to cancel the event.
And I would be lying if I said I was not twice as disappointed as he was sorry.
Oh, I have been sooooo looking forward to the retreat. Excited about the content; the hope I believed God was going to deliver; the opportunity to minister grace and peace. Yes. I have been living and breathing this retreat as I've prepared.
And now it was cancelled.

As I was letting that piece of information sink in, the program director made me an offer. Besides telling me he wants to have me come as the speaker for next year's retreat, he said I could still come to Cran-Hill this weekend if I wanted - to have a personal retreat.

HELLO!!!

If you know me at all, you know I didn't have to spend two seconds debating that offer.
I've already got the day off from work Friday. All the plans have been made for my family to survive without me for the weekend. Goodness, I even have next week's menu and grocery list ready to go. (My usual Sunday afternoon chore.) So there is nothing holding me back from fully enjoying time alone with the Lover of my soul.
Yes, I want to have the retreat! But I trust God knows a better time for it to happen. And, I am going to be speaking for a different women's retreat next weekend - which has NOT been cancelled - on the same topic. *grin* I realize that I don't see what He sees, nor do I know what He knows. So I am simply choosing to trust the change of plans.

Besides, as I consider all the plans which have gone into this coming weekend, it delights my heart to realize God's purpose was to get me alone with HIM.

Taking a Sick Day

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have been fighting a cold since my birthday last week. Soooooo tired am I!

And sooooo not feeling creative enough to write.

Sooooo I'm taking a sick day today. Hope to be back into the swing of things tomorrow.

Loving 40!

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Grumpy people need love, too.

So, there's this man at Edgewood who is kinda scary. He's grumpy and he yells at people frequently. He drives around in one of those automatic wheelchair gizmos, and sometimes a person might fear that he's going to run them over. Seriously.

The first time I talked with him, I didn't know he was grumpy. In fact, he seemed nice. But as time went on, I learned.

Or did I?

A few weeks ago he wheeled by me when I was kneeling down, petting our nurse's dog. And he stopped to see why I was on the floor. We started talking about dogs and funny things they do, and had a delightful conversation. *That was a surprise!*

Another day I chatted with A for a few minutes after I made announcements at lunch time. It was during our conversation I learned that A used to attend church regularly, and I suggested maybe he should come to our Bible study some Monday. He said, maybe he would.

And this past Monday, he did! There were a few individuals who were surprised to see him there. But everyone received him kindly.

And Wednesday this week was A's birthday. A balloon was waiting for him when he wheeled into the dining room, and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to him. After I made announcements I went over to A's chair, gave him a hug, and wished him a happy birthday. I'm telling you, that grumpy old man had the sweetest smile on his face!

It's true. A yells. He complains. Often times, he is a very unpleasant man. But it is as though he's a totally different person when you're pouring love out on him. It's beautiful!

Soooooo, is there a 'grumpy old man' (or woman, or young teen, or needy toddler...) in your life from whom you feel like running away? Will you accept a challenge to pour love on them, and see what happens? It could be beautiful!

Because ~ Grumpy people need love, too.

Congratulations to Lorri ~ winner of yesterday's give-away!

A Birthday for Me, a Gift for (One of) You

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Yes. It's true. I am 40 years old today.
Ha! I remember when 40 sounded old. LOL
Not so much anymore. Especially since most of the people with whom I spend my days now are at least twice my age. (Our oldest resident turned 104 yesterday!)
Anyway, it's my birthday today and I have a gift to give away to one of you! Well, technically, I don't HAVE it. But I have the privilege of giving it away and sending the winner's address to the appropriate person - who will then send said gift.

Here's the deal: Coca-Cola wants to help families enjoy time together with Coca-Cola Family Night through My Coke Rewards. And to help get you started, they are offering a Game Board Prize Pack worth approximately $100 and consisting of:
• (1) $25 Amex Card for snacks and supplies
• (1) Coca-Cola Coupon
• (1) Yatzee Board Game
• (1) Monopoly Board Game
• (1) Coca-Cola Polar Bear Puzzle
• (1) Checkers Mat
• (1) Set of Playing Cards

Can you say "FUN!"?
So, who wants it??? Just leave me a comment saying so, and make sure I have a way to contact you. That is, if your email address isn't already connected to your comment, please leave it in your comment. I'll choose the winner at 9:00 EST tonight.

Here's to having lots of fun with the family. *grin*

• The prize was provided by Coca-Cola, but Coca-Cola is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Coca-Cola.
• Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US or Canada only. Winner to be chosen at random.

I Have a Dream

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

I want to go to Ecuador to meet my Compassion child and her family.

I recently heard a story about a woman who sponsored several children in one family and was able to go meet them. I saw video footage of the meeting, and it was just beautiful.
Of course, seeing that video inspired me to want to meet my child. (I've seen pictures. She is ADORABLE.) And I started day-dreaming about it. Honestly, I enjoy writing to Noemi, and it is a delight to pray for her. But to meet her face-to-face and to be able to pick her up and hug her would be a dream come true.

Then I received a letter from Noemi's mother (She doesn't know how to write yet!) and at the end of it she asked, "Will you ever come to Ecuador?"

In my reply I said I would come if God makes the way. I know He can do it. And I'm praying He will!

Remember, I have a fun give-away tomorrow. Be sure to visit!

Seriously?

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

God must have been chuckling.

HE knew how things were going to proceed Thursday morning, and when I said, "Hurry, please. I don't want to have to drive you to school, too!"
He must have been chuckling.

Wednesday night Elizabeth came to me a bit teary, asking if I would drive her into school a little early Thursday morning. She'd forgotten to sign up for something and needed to take care of it ASAP, or she feared a detention. I wasn't so sure the consequence would be that severe, but I knew I'd have time Thursday morning, so I agreed.

Upon arriving home, I saw that Matthew was up eating breakfast, and Joshua had unloaded the dishwasher. Two good things. However, something happened to throw Joshua off schedule and he ended up missing his bus. He walked into the house and told me it had just driven away. And would I please take him to school?
I'd just gotten out of the shower. Had wet hair and was wearing my bathrobe, but I grabbed my purse and said, "Let's go."

Upon arriving home the second time, I found that Matthew was taking his shower. Not knowing how long he'd been in there, I knocked on the door and asked, "Are you almost finished?" Matthew said he was almost finished, and I relaxed a bit. Silly me. That's what he always says!
Five minutes later I was knocking on the door again. This time I said, "Turn the water off, Matthew. You're DONE!"
And a few minutes later I was back at the door, just checking his progress. Was he dressed? Had he brushed his teeth? Then I made the comment which came back to bite me in the, well, you know.
"Hurry, please. I don't want to have to drive you to school, too!"
He scurried around getting his shoes and coat on, then ran through the back yard to take the 'short cut' to the bus stop. I went into my room to finish my make-up and get dressed, and after a minute or two, I heard the door shut. Uh oh. That can only mean one thing, I thought to myself. And, sure enough, the next thing I knew Matthew was standing in my room with tears rolling down his cheeks. He'd made it to the bus stop just in time to see the bus going around the corner as it left his stop.

I was going to be driving him to school, too.

All I can say is, it's a good thing these events all took place on my day off. Cuz if I had to do all that running around and still make it to work on time? Yeah. Matthew would've been walking to school! LOL

By the way, I have a fun give-away coming up Thursday. Be sure to stop by!

HE Knows

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the background noise on the video. Especially when the fan on my computer turns on. I re-recorded it but couldn't get rid of the noise.

Anyway, I know God can speak through the noise, and I pray He'll reach your heart with these words today.

Lessons From the Edge

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Forgetful people are gracious people.

Has this ever happened to you? You go into a room to get something, but when you get there you can't remember what you're after?

If this is a foreign concept to you, feel free to close the window. You need not read further. But, do come back for Monday's devotion please. *wink*

For those of you who know what I'm talking about, I have a story to share.

Last Tuesday was Pizza Night at Edgewood. Once a month I host a pizza party in the Activity Room, and we always have a good time. So, anyway, I was getting the Activity Room set up and discovered I needed to get another table. I knew the card tables were all in the library and I walked down the hall to get one. Now, the Activity Room is a good distance from the ~~rest of the world~~ atrium, office, dining room and library so it took me a couple of minutes to get there. Yes. I am totally trying to justify what I'm about to say. And when I entered the atrium I looked around at the five or six residents sitting there talking with each other, and I realized I had completely forgotten why I was there. Completely.

The look on my face must have conveyed my embarrassment, because one of the residents asked, "What's wrong?" I sort of shuffled my feet and replied, "Uh, I just came down here to get something, and now I can't remember what I was coming for." *blush*

The rest of the residents chuckled and said, "Don't feel bad. We do that all the time!"

I knew they were speaking the truth, and I thanked them for understanding.

And I made note of another lesson learned. Forgetful people are gracious people.

*****************************************************************

By the way, after our interaction I said to myself, "What's going on tonight? Pizza Night. So why might I be here? Oh, yeah! To get a card table out of the library!"

All's well that ends well. *wink*

I'm the Rubber, You're the Glue...

2011-09-15T06:00:00.001-04:00

...It bounces off me and sticks to you!
How many of you remember calling out that little rhyme when you were a kid - any time someone said an unkind thing to you?
Well, I didn't say that line out loud yesterday, but I thought it. I know. I'm so mature!

You must understand. Joshua has a habit of frittering away his time in the morning and tends to miss the bus. No big deal, he says, because he can just ride his bike to school. And I'm not about to argue that one. If he wants to waste his time and miss the bus and ride his bike, instead? I say, Go for it.

But Wednesday morning as soon as Joshua opened the door and stepped out into the garage, he turned around and came right back inside. "Mom, can you drive me, please? It's too cold." (It must have been all the way down to 53 degrees. Poor kid was probably concerned about frost bite!)

I looked at him, paused with a sigh, and said, "Uh, no." I mean, seriously??? Did he really expect me to drive him to school? After all the lectures I've given about taking responsibility and not wasting time in the morning? Did he now want to sit in the van with me for five or six minutes and listen to another rant about timeliness? I couldn't do that to him! LOL

So I said, "NO."

And at that, Joshua turned back to the door, grumbled, "Mean parent!" and was on his way.

I imagine he thought he really got me with that parting statement.

Little did he know what I was reheasing in my head. I'm the rubber, you're the glue. It bounces off me and sticks to you!

Yep. Maturity at it's best, folks! What can I say?

*wink*

Order My Steps

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel like life is more than you can handle? There's too much to do, and simply not enough of you to go around?

Silly questions. I know. *wink*

I was feeling that way last week.
I was getting ready for our big Grandparents' Day celebration at work and, as much as I love holidays, I was even more overwhelmed because I didn't go into work on Monday. Felt like I was a day behind on Tuesday, and wondered how I would get it all done.
Wednesday morning as I sat down to pray before going to work, I laid out my day before God and said, Father, You know everything I need to get done today. You know how overwhelmed I feel. You know I can't manage it all. So I'm asking You to order my steps. Order my steps, LORD, and please lead me through this day.

And can I tell you? That is exactly what He did.

I walked through that day amazed by God's hand in every circumstance. Delighted by how obvious He was making Himself. So very thankful that He truly was ordering my steps.

So, I'll ask it again. Do you ever feel like life is more than you can handle?
Remember none of it is too much for God. Trust Him to give you strength as you lay your life at His feet. And ask Him to order your steps.

How have you seen God order your steps?

Nobody is Driving Me Nuts

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago I noticed a hole in one of the cushions on the living room couch. I asked Elizabeth about it, but she knew nothing. Matthew said he didn't do it. Joshua professed his innocence, as well. (But he pointed out to me that I could just flip the cushion over. Nice.)
So, it wasn't the kids.
And it wasn't me or my husband.
I guess Nobody did it.

Last weekend Elizabeth asked me to buy some bagels. I got a bag of twelve mini-bagels, thinking it would be a nice snack - which should last for a few days. The next day, she asked me how many bagels I'd eaten. I told her I'd not eaten any, and she looked puzzled. She said, "Dad ate one, I ate one, Mary had one, Matthew had two, and Joshua said he only had one. There are three left. Who ate the other three?"
That must have been Nobody, too.

And this isn't new behavior. Nobody has been doing stuff like this for quite a while. Like Joshua's school picture in the hallway. One day I was walking past it and noticed there was no glass in it anymore. Looks like it was broken and thrown away. But none of my kids knew a thing about it.
Another mess, made by Nobody.

Recently, I noticed a spoon laying on the living room floor. I was about to go in and pick it up, but I stopped myself. I thought, I didn't put that spoon there. Surely, whoever left it will come back and take it to the kitchen. That would be the responsible thing to do, right?
But the next day when I walked through there again, I saw the spoon.
Nobody put the spoon away!

I found a hole in another living room chair, two holes in a pillow on the couch, and there continue to appear finger prints and smudges on the mirror in the living room. But the only responses I get from my kids about these issues are, "It wasn't me," "I didn't do it," and "I dunno." And that can only mean one thing. Nobody is wreaking all this havoc in my house.
*grrrrr*

Nobody is driving me nuts!!!

Hope, Joy, Peace, and TRUST

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Oops! I said Romans 5:13 in the video. It's really Romans 15:13.

Lessons From the Edge

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

We're doing things a little differently this week for Lessons From the Edge.

I made this video with D on Wednesday. It's for his granddaughter, but I enjoyed it so much I just couldn't NOT share it with you. *wink*Besides, there are some good lessons in here.
For school children. hahaha
Enjoy!

Are We Having Fun Yet?

2011-09-08T06:00:00.002-04:00

My apologies to any unmarried friends who may be reading here today. But this post really is intended for my married friends.
*******************************************
Do you remember when you were newly married?
Or when you were still dating?
Remember how everything was fun? and new? and exciting?
Several years of marriage, maybe a few kids, and a whole lot of familiarity can really change things, can't it?

Brian and I recently had a fun exchange, and today I want to encourage you to have fun, too.

I'm sure I've mentioned Brian's new job here before. It is really stressing him out. He works at work, and works at home - just trying to get all that learning into his head and out onto the computer.
The other night as I was saying goodnight to him and the kids - I walked over to where he was sitting with his computer on his lap, and saw that his phone was also there. So when I went to bed, I sent him a text.
"I'm going 2 bed n*ked. Thought u might want 2 know."
His reply? "I'll b right there!"
We were giggling like teenagers when Brian came into our room.
Imagine! Cutting out on work to be with your wife. And while the kids are still up. Scandalous!
It still makes me smile to think about our little rendezvous. Just having fun. Being spontaneous and playful. It's good!

I don't know what ideas are coming to your mind, but may I encourage you? Go with it!
And have fun. *wink*

The Power of HIS Love...

2011-09-07T03:00:00.000-04:00

...and music.

I don't understand either one, but I'm thankful for both!

Sunday night I sat at the computer with a less-than-happy-heart. It had been a long afternoon and I was simply in a foul mood.
So I turned on Pandora.

Because music soothes my soul.

And after a while, this song started playing. I found myself humming to the music. I was feeling peaceful. The 'stuff' of the day was over and I was convinced once more of my Father's love. *ahhhhhh!*

Are you in need of a heart pick-me-up today? Why not pause a minute here, click the play button, and let God sing to your heart?

Beginner's Luck

2011-09-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

I believe I have previously given adequate information for you to judge what an avid fisherman Joshua is, have I not?
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
The boy LOVES fishing.
He breathes fishing.
In fact, I'm wondering if he's going to exhibit any withdrawal symptoms now that school has started and he won't be able to go fishing nearly every day. For several hours.

Yeah. He's that into it.

Joshua reads about fishing, looks fishing information up on the internet, watches YouTube videos about fishing, dreams about fishing, and loves spending time at the store just looking in the fishing aisle.
So you can imagine his feeling last week when he took his sister fishing with him.
Thought he'd teach her a bit about this fascination of his; help her cast a few lines; you know - give her a little taste of this fine activity.
Joshua let Elizabeth use one of his new lures and she was delighted when a little Blue Gill bit the hook. Rather than reeling it in, Elizabeth wanted to let the fish swim around, like it was her pet on a leash. Only, as the little fish swam around, a 20-inch bass caught sight of it and decided Elizabeth's pet looked good enough to eat. So he went for it.

Before Elizabeth knew what was happening, she had a 20-inch bass on her line!

Joshua helped her reel it in, and they let it go. But Joshua couldn't let go of the fact that his sister - the Newbie! - just caught that big fish. Without even trying.
He showed me the lure and said, "Mom, look at how small this hook is. She shouldn't have been able to catch that fish with this hook! I can't believe she caught a 20-inch bass! It was her first try!"

I just smiled at him and said, "Joshua, that's what we call Beginner's Luck."

And hoped his ego isn't permanently damaged. *wink*

God is BIGGER

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

Lessons From the Edge

2011-09-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

God sets our appointments.

Wednesday when I was leaving work I found out about a scheduling problem for Thursday morning. Two of our residents had appointments in opposite directions - at nearly the same time. Since it was not physically possible for our driver to accommodate them, my boss was going to take one of them. But she was the only one scheduled to be in the office that morning. (My day off, co-worker on vacation...)
One of the appointments was near my house, so I volunteered to take J. I planned to get up and work out, go pick him up, and come home to shower while J was seeing his dentist. It just seemed like a reasonable option.

Thursday, as J and I were driving to the dentist office, we had a delightful conversation. J used to be a minister and was telling me stories of God's goodness. Including the struggle he and his wife faced trying to have children. She was not conceiving, and even adoption wasn't working out. They finally accepted that God must have different plans for them besides parenthood. And shortly after their surrender, she became pregnant. Twice!
When we arrived at the dentist office, I signed J in and started to ask how long his appointment would last. Wanted to find out how much time I had to go home and shower. That's when we found out - his appointment was September 15, not September 1! Oops.
So we drove back to Edgewood.
And continued our delightful conversation about God and His goodness. It was a great morning!

After I dropped J off and was on my way home, I realized his appointment Thursday was with me, not the dentist. He'll get his crown and filling on the 15th. But the plan for the 1st was mutual encouragement and delighting in God's glory. God knew it would be that way. He wasn't surprised by the 'mix up'.
Because, God sets our appointments.

Cell Phone Prayers

2011-09-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

"I'm in the van with Mom. So make sure it's appropriate."

So said Joshua last week, as we were driving along.

At first I giggled to myself, finding his comment quite humorous. Then I thought about it a little more and began to pray.
I prayed for my son's heart, asking God to capture it and shape it. Asking Him to bring Joshua to the day when the desire to do and say good things would come from his heart, rather than from his motivation to avoid a lecture from Mom.
I mean, for now I understand his motivation is external. He doesn't want to get into trouble, so he tries to do what is right. But as I listened to him on the phone with his sister that night, God was prompting me to pray for his heart. Reminding me I can trust Him to work in my son to complete the good work He's already started.

As their conversation ended and Joshua explained the reason for the call, (Elizabeth's friend was having boyfriend troubles, and they wanted to talk to Joshua to get a guy's perspective.) I was prompted to pray again. This time it was a prayer of thanksgiving. Thinking back to all the fights the two of them have had - and the moments I have wondered if they would EVER get along - I couldn't help but be glad for this picture of friendship.
It was a ray of hope for me.
A reminder that God works in the hearts of my children.
And since I was just praying about my son's heart, this was an appropriate encouragement for me.

Hmmmm. When Joshua made his list of 101 reasons why he should have a cell phone, he didn't include, "So you will be reminded to pray for me."Perhaps that inclusion would have gotten him a phone sooner. *wink*

Call Me SLOW

2011-08-31T06:00:00.003-04:00

Seriously.

Just call me Slow.

And watch me shake my head in wonder at God's great patience with me. *sheepish grin*

Last Friday I got annoyed.
I was trying to get some things done. And I got interrupted.
Need I say more?

But I didn't want to be rude, so I continued the conversation - making quick plans for Saturday; contemplating how those plans might interfere with the things I wanted to get done Saturday. All the while thinking, I have other things to do right now...

And then it occured to me.

I think it was the still small voice speaking to my heart which got my attention.

It went something like this: Karen, darling, do you suppose I might have better plans for your time tomorrow? Even now? Do you suppose I might be planning to use you to bless this person? Will you trust Me?

I just stood there, shaking my head. Wondering when I will ever get past my selfish, self-centered nature that always thinks of 'me' and 'my agenda' first. *sigh*
But I'm learning not to beat myself up with negative thinking, so I moved past those thoughts and smiled at God. I do trust Him. And I was confident He was up to something good.

Sure enough, the next day I picked up my friend and we had a delightful time together. It was a beautiful day. She really needed to 'get out of the house', and I was able to help her do it.
And?
I was able to get the other things done which I needed to do Saturday. Yes. God took care of all the details. Just like He always does. I should have known He would.

Yeah.

Call me Slow.
*wink*

Could It Be My Fault?

2011-08-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Last week Joshua asked me when I would be home from work Friday.
I think he asked me Tuesday.
And Wednesday.
And Thursday.
He wanted to go fishing Friday and wondered if I could take him. Each time, I told him I thought I'd be home by 4:00. And, yes. I would take him to Lake Lansing.

Fast-forward to Friday at about 3:40 p.m.

I had put in a full day at work, stopped at Sam's Club to pick up a few items and was now running into Meijer to pick up one more thing before going home.
And my cell phone rang.
I knew it was Joshua, because my phone announces who's calling - and I thought, Really? But I tried to sound polite when I answered the call.
"Hi, Mom. It's Josh."
I thought, I know! But I said, "Yes?"
"Are you on your way home?"
I thought, Yes. But first I'm doing some shopping. Because when I get out of work, I'm really not finished working. Noooooo. The work is just beginning. I know, I know. You want me to take you fishing. But it isn't 4:00 yet. Will you give me a break? I'm working on getting home! But I said, "I'm running into Meijer quick. I'll be home in a little bit."
He said, "OK." But I'm pretty sure he was thinking, Hurry. I want to go fishing!

As I walked into the store I marveled at Joshua's display of impatience. I mean, calling me at 4:15 would have been understandable, but 3:40? Really??? C'mon, Joshua. Relax!
Then I got to thinking about my own struggle with patience. God and I are working on it, but patience is definitely NOT my strong suit. And I started wondering, Is there an 'impatience gene'? Did I pass that on to my son? Could this whole thing be my fault?

Yeah, yeah. I know. It's our sin nature.
But God used the moment of reflection to get me off my high horse, and to remind me I'm just as needy for His grace as my son is needy for mine!

WORD!

2011-08-29T06:00:00.000-04:00