You know what? I have a wonderful mother. This year for Christmas, she made all of us scarves. In the past, she has made me a sweater and my husband a quilt. I treasure the sweater that she made my grandpa and I was able to keep after his death.
I have learned so much from her and my memories of her when I was growing up are coming to mind more and more as my children grow. Like today, I was washing the floor for the third time, trying to get the stickiness off. The first two times I must have just moved the juice around. My mom taught my sisters and I how to clean. We didn't always cooperate and I remember many times of doing our weekly chores late Friday night, as that was the deadline if we were to get our allowance. These days, I would have absolutely no qualms about my children eating off her floors. They are likely cleaner than my dishes...and I have a dishwasher.
As my children bring in rocks that they found, I am reminded of the boxes and boxes of rocks that I treasured and kept under my bed when I was young. She tried in vain to convince me that I could keep them outside or just have a few. She must have eventually conviced me, because I love to organize and declutter today. Now it's my turn to try to teach my daughter...
As I hear my children say over and over, "Mom, will you read a story?", I remember my mother's love of reading to us.
When my heart swells in seeing my children succeed, I start to understand my mother's heart towards me: matching or exceeding my joy when things went well and crying with me when they didn't.
My mother is a go-getter. If she sees a job to be done, like painting the entire house or moving a huge flower garden to a new location, she tackles it with vigor and persistence. I think that I inherited a portion of this...but could always use more.
I think of my mother and her love for my sisters and I, and her prayers for us over the years.
I know that she prayed that I would be able to use my voice for God's glory. Today, I sing more than ever with my family and at times, just alone to God. As the Lord has seen fit, I have had the opportunity to sing for others...most recently in a cave we explored when the tour guide asked for volunteers to try out the marvelous accoustics. God knows the gifts He has given and when to use them. I wait on His direction.
I know that she prayed that I would grow in love for the Lord and God has generously answered this prayer as well. Each day, my love for Jesus grows and my desire to obey His Word intensifies.
Even though we have been at odds over the years, and don't see eye-to-eye on some things right now, she has influenced my life, and my family's life, in so many positive ways. I have caused my mother much pain and heartache and she has endured much in her life. She did her best in raising my sisters and I, and she did a wonderful job.
Mom, I want everyone to know how much I love you and appreciate you...because I honestly do, from the bottom of my heart.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Getting back in the groove and our Christmas tradition
We are very thankful for safe travels after a busy Christmas season. It's always fun to plan for trips and visit friends and family, but it's also nice to come home. The first couple days home after traveling, the children play so nicely with each other (for the most part). Things are familiar, and there isn't so much stimuli. Today we did a bit of "school" and then I let them play. Meanwhile, I did surgery on a new toy that is nice but was entirely too loud...not anymore. It's amazing what a small screwdriver, 4 cotton balls and a determined Mama can do.
We were able to be home on Christmas day so that we could complete our own Christmas tradition. I had purchased a "Bethlehem Village" nativity set a few years ago. Last year, we came up with the idea of keeping Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus out of it until Christmas morning. I made a road out of brown vinal and used white puff paint to make 25 cobble stones. We also did a bit of research and made the road in the shape of the possible path that they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem including the towns that they may have traveled through and wrote them on it as well. I haven't been able to find a figurine of Mary on a donkey and Joseph walking the size of our other figurines, so I printed off a clip-art picture, laminated it, and stood it up. Then for 25 days before Christmas, we let the children take turns moving Mary and Joseph along the road after a devotional. They loved it and kept saying, "They're getting closer to Bethlehem!" On Christmas day, we put Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the manger without the children seeing, so when they come in and looked, there was Jesus! This is the second year of doing this and we plan on keeping this tradition.
Keeping Christ in Christmas is a challenging prospect and more changes toward this end are likely. Any ideas?
We were able to be home on Christmas day so that we could complete our own Christmas tradition. I had purchased a "Bethlehem Village" nativity set a few years ago. Last year, we came up with the idea of keeping Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus out of it until Christmas morning. I made a road out of brown vinal and used white puff paint to make 25 cobble stones. We also did a bit of research and made the road in the shape of the possible path that they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem including the towns that they may have traveled through and wrote them on it as well. I haven't been able to find a figurine of Mary on a donkey and Joseph walking the size of our other figurines, so I printed off a clip-art picture, laminated it, and stood it up. Then for 25 days before Christmas, we let the children take turns moving Mary and Joseph along the road after a devotional. They loved it and kept saying, "They're getting closer to Bethlehem!" On Christmas day, we put Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the manger without the children seeing, so when they come in and looked, there was Jesus! This is the second year of doing this and we plan on keeping this tradition.
Keeping Christ in Christmas is a challenging prospect and more changes toward this end are likely. Any ideas?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Not necessary, but it would be nice...
As a parent to small children, I have found a few things that aren't necessary, but would be nice.
I enjoy real plants, but frankly, there is enough life around here. The plants are getting neglected. In fact, they have to be quite hardy to survive the frequent droughts, dirt removal by little fingers and hampered photosythesis due to dust. I have one artificial plant so far and I am enjoying it just as much as the others. It has reduced my anxiety and calls to poison control. Yes, I am now on the lookout for more plants of the plastic variety.
While traveling, we occasionally have the luxury of sleeping in a king-sized bed. There is a magnet of sorts for children that draws them to mom and dad's bed. It doesn't take long to find out that two adults and three children fit much more comfortably one, especially if your children do aerobics or gymnastics while dreaming. Our children have a knack for sitting up and then flopping over in any direction and being totally unconscious. There have been quite a few near misses and direct hits between participants and innocent bysleepers. Now that I think of it, a padded room to sleep in would be even better.
Most recently, I have come up with a couple product ideas that I would pay quite a bit of money for...
1. a sewing machine foot control that only responds to my foot. Yes, in my haste and lack of preparation for this season of giving, I have been spending quite a bit of time sewing and the sewing machine has run away numerous times, requiring an operation of sorts to get it back in order. It seems that my now one-year old loves pushing on sewing machine peddles and hearing the whirr of the machine. I have had to resort to turning the machine on and off inbetween seams. One other thing, if you decide to give your all to a sewing project, be ready to clean the entire rest of the house when you get done...it's just the way it is with a house of small children. (Every time I turn around I'm sticking to the floor. But they had fun, let me tell you.)
2. a vacuum that knows what, and what not, to cause to vanish into vacuum oblivion. A Hepa filtration vacuum and corresponding bag to nearly eliminate dust and allergens coming into the air is useless if you have to habitually open up the bag to retrieve socks. I know.
Any inventors out there?
Merry CHRISTmas!
I enjoy real plants, but frankly, there is enough life around here. The plants are getting neglected. In fact, they have to be quite hardy to survive the frequent droughts, dirt removal by little fingers and hampered photosythesis due to dust. I have one artificial plant so far and I am enjoying it just as much as the others. It has reduced my anxiety and calls to poison control. Yes, I am now on the lookout for more plants of the plastic variety.
While traveling, we occasionally have the luxury of sleeping in a king-sized bed. There is a magnet of sorts for children that draws them to mom and dad's bed. It doesn't take long to find out that two adults and three children fit much more comfortably one, especially if your children do aerobics or gymnastics while dreaming. Our children have a knack for sitting up and then flopping over in any direction and being totally unconscious. There have been quite a few near misses and direct hits between participants and innocent bysleepers. Now that I think of it, a padded room to sleep in would be even better.
Most recently, I have come up with a couple product ideas that I would pay quite a bit of money for...
1. a sewing machine foot control that only responds to my foot. Yes, in my haste and lack of preparation for this season of giving, I have been spending quite a bit of time sewing and the sewing machine has run away numerous times, requiring an operation of sorts to get it back in order. It seems that my now one-year old loves pushing on sewing machine peddles and hearing the whirr of the machine. I have had to resort to turning the machine on and off inbetween seams. One other thing, if you decide to give your all to a sewing project, be ready to clean the entire rest of the house when you get done...it's just the way it is with a house of small children. (Every time I turn around I'm sticking to the floor. But they had fun, let me tell you.)
2. a vacuum that knows what, and what not, to cause to vanish into vacuum oblivion. A Hepa filtration vacuum and corresponding bag to nearly eliminate dust and allergens coming into the air is useless if you have to habitually open up the bag to retrieve socks. I know.
Any inventors out there?
Merry CHRISTmas!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
They want to be like us
I have been warned a few times that as our children grow, we will see ourselves in them. Yup, Keith and I are seeing it. For better or for worse.
The other day, my 4 year old daughter came out doing something that I don't even remember right now, but I remember her response to my question of why she was doing whatever it was.
"Because I want to be a mommy just like you."
How flattering and scary at the same time.
Her desire to follow in the role of wife, mother and keeper of the home is so strong. Even when Keith and I gently prod her to go out to the shop with "the boys", she says, "No, I have to stay up in the house with Mom." So we do laundry, wash dishes and whatever other chores I can think of.
My 3 year old son isn't quite as verbal, but I see Keith in him ALL THE TIME. He started laying under vehicles "fixing" them when he was 1 1/2 years old. Most recently I had to take the tank cover off the toilet so that he could see how it works. He stood there looking in the open tank and then wiggled the handle to see how it moved the lever inside, wanting to know what the float was and why there was water in there. A mechanic and "fixer" all the way.
How humbling to think that these miracles from God want to be like us.
But God, I'm not like You enough for them to mimick!
It is keeping me on my knees more and more.
The other day, my 4 year old daughter came out doing something that I don't even remember right now, but I remember her response to my question of why she was doing whatever it was.
"Because I want to be a mommy just like you."
How flattering and scary at the same time.
Her desire to follow in the role of wife, mother and keeper of the home is so strong. Even when Keith and I gently prod her to go out to the shop with "the boys", she says, "No, I have to stay up in the house with Mom." So we do laundry, wash dishes and whatever other chores I can think of.
My 3 year old son isn't quite as verbal, but I see Keith in him ALL THE TIME. He started laying under vehicles "fixing" them when he was 1 1/2 years old. Most recently I had to take the tank cover off the toilet so that he could see how it works. He stood there looking in the open tank and then wiggled the handle to see how it moved the lever inside, wanting to know what the float was and why there was water in there. A mechanic and "fixer" all the way.
How humbling to think that these miracles from God want to be like us.
But God, I'm not like You enough for them to mimick!
It is keeping me on my knees more and more.
Strength for the day
Yesterday seemed huge to me. It seemed even bigger when I hadn't had a very good night's sleep (the privilege of being a parent). I bundled up my tribe to go out and pick up 1/2 a beef that had been processed and then traveled to a different location to pick up 36 chickens. (At $1/lb for free range, already butchered and frozen chickens, it's hard to justify trying to raise them yourself). In between scheduled pick-ups, I had 1 hour and decided to go ahead and make the grocery store stop that Keith had previously offered to do for me. We went to the children's favorite store where they each had a child-sized cart to push. I had to stop them about every 20 seconds to help them get out of the way of others, remind them to stay behind me in a row, etc., but they had a wonderful time.
After stopping to say hello to "Daddy" at work, we made it home by 1:00 or so. We loaded up the freezer and then started making a turkey supper with all the fixings for a family that just had a new miracle born last week. I don't think that I sat down more than once or twice. This is unusual as my feet usually ache desperately after standing for a couple hours. Trying to organize and plan such a meal and have it all done and hot at the same time is hard for me in general, but there's an added dimension when you have to pack it all up and travel 40 minutes with it. Despite the challenge, we arrived at their house at 5:30, held and cooed over the pink bundle and left at 6:00.
On the way home, I was very aware that God in His mercy and grace walked with me through the day. It was one of the few times that I have truly recognized God's strength working through me because I was exhausted before the day had even begun. Normally when other's talk of God's strength for the day, I would think, "Sure, you can call it that, but really, you just put your mind to it and did it." I'm sure that has been my thought because that's what I have done so many times...and then crashed with exhaustion at the end of the day.
But today, it was as though God wanted to show me beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is possible to glean from His strength and it is so much better. I even told Keith when I got home about what God had shown me of His strength for the day and then added, "But I'll probably crash tonight!" God was smiling I'm sure because last night after cleaning up the kitchen following our meal, I went down to Keith's shop and we all helped paint his office. I even offered to finish up while Keith put the children to bed.
God is so good to so graciously give of His strength to make it through each day. I pray that this is the beginning of me learning how to receive such a gift regularly...for His glory.
After stopping to say hello to "Daddy" at work, we made it home by 1:00 or so. We loaded up the freezer and then started making a turkey supper with all the fixings for a family that just had a new miracle born last week. I don't think that I sat down more than once or twice. This is unusual as my feet usually ache desperately after standing for a couple hours. Trying to organize and plan such a meal and have it all done and hot at the same time is hard for me in general, but there's an added dimension when you have to pack it all up and travel 40 minutes with it. Despite the challenge, we arrived at their house at 5:30, held and cooed over the pink bundle and left at 6:00.
On the way home, I was very aware that God in His mercy and grace walked with me through the day. It was one of the few times that I have truly recognized God's strength working through me because I was exhausted before the day had even begun. Normally when other's talk of God's strength for the day, I would think, "Sure, you can call it that, but really, you just put your mind to it and did it." I'm sure that has been my thought because that's what I have done so many times...and then crashed with exhaustion at the end of the day.
But today, it was as though God wanted to show me beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is possible to glean from His strength and it is so much better. I even told Keith when I got home about what God had shown me of His strength for the day and then added, "But I'll probably crash tonight!" God was smiling I'm sure because last night after cleaning up the kitchen following our meal, I went down to Keith's shop and we all helped paint his office. I even offered to finish up while Keith put the children to bed.
God is so good to so graciously give of His strength to make it through each day. I pray that this is the beginning of me learning how to receive such a gift regularly...for His glory.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Where are the churches...
Lord, where are the churches that are always open and never locked, whether people are inside or not? Where weary travelers in this foreign land can stop to rest and glean renewing strength from Your hand?
When did the definition of church change from a place to build each other up in things of You, to a copy of corporate America where numbers are more important than souls?
When did the emphasis turn from You to us and the songs became "me" focused instead of God centered?
When did the tangible buildings, programs and activities overshadow the intangible transformation of the heart?
When did the healing of the body become more important than the healing of the soul?
When did money become the symbol of a prosperous life?
When did suffering become anti-Christian?
I hear more and more examples of those who are earnestly seeking You Lord, and they are disheartened by church "staff" that are too busy or weary...where exciting, vibrant and comfortable services are advertised, but the soul is left empty. The true seekers desire meat versus milk. They desire true fellowship instead of a holiday party where smiles are pasted, but hearts ache...and no one talks about it.
Lord, please draw Your Remnant unto Yourself. In the midst of church, Inc., help those that are truly seeking You. Strengthen us to stand against the wave of trendy "Christianity". Help us to want You and only You.
Thank You for doing miracles every day, whether they are visible or invisible. Thank you for sending Your Son to die for us. Thank You. Thank You.
Amen.
When did the definition of church change from a place to build each other up in things of You, to a copy of corporate America where numbers are more important than souls?
When did the emphasis turn from You to us and the songs became "me" focused instead of God centered?
When did the tangible buildings, programs and activities overshadow the intangible transformation of the heart?
When did the healing of the body become more important than the healing of the soul?
When did money become the symbol of a prosperous life?
When did suffering become anti-Christian?
I hear more and more examples of those who are earnestly seeking You Lord, and they are disheartened by church "staff" that are too busy or weary...where exciting, vibrant and comfortable services are advertised, but the soul is left empty. The true seekers desire meat versus milk. They desire true fellowship instead of a holiday party where smiles are pasted, but hearts ache...and no one talks about it.
Lord, please draw Your Remnant unto Yourself. In the midst of church, Inc., help those that are truly seeking You. Strengthen us to stand against the wave of trendy "Christianity". Help us to want You and only You.
Thank You for doing miracles every day, whether they are visible or invisible. Thank you for sending Your Son to die for us. Thank You. Thank You.
Amen.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Is this a boy thing, or is it just Monday?
I come from a long line of girls. My mom was the youngest of three girls and I was the oldest of three girls. In fact on my mom's side, there is only one cousin that is a boy. So you can imagine my surprise and fear when my second child was of the male species. I was in shock for some time after I heard those words, "It's a boy!" I remember going to pick up my infant from the crib for months afterward and thinking, "Oh, that's right, I REALLY have a son...but,I don't know how to raise a son!" Now that he is three, those thoughts don't come as often, but they still do come.
...Like a few days ago when he was casting a small rubber fish and it came flying within millimeters of my head. Later I was teaching phonics to my four year old and hadn't seen the fish come past me, but screetched when it was jolted back towards me while being reeled in. The next thing I remember was seeing my son climbing onto the desk and crawling behind the computer to regain this same fish which, due to horizontal velocity, had tangled itself up in the cords behind the tower.
Today was slow to get started it seemed. Mondays tend to be this way. Breakfast is at morning snack time, snack time is at lunch and lunch, well...
I finally got them to go to bed for naps. I was looking forward to doing some sewing when my son, yes the same one, comes running out of his room saying with his mouth part open and without moving his lips, "Mom, Mom, I have black stuff!"
Oh yes he did...black, oozing, disgusting looking innerds of a pen all over the inside and outside of his mouth. I race him to the bathroom wiping out his mouth with a washcloth, then run to get a cup. As I'm saying, "Just put some water in your mouth and SPIT IT OUT, don't swallow it, just SPIT IT OUT!", I notice my almost one-year-old with his hands in the toilet. Aaahhhh! I pick him up and wash off his hands, wishing my children would learn to put the toilet seat down.
When I think I have things under control a bit, I go to call Poison Control, wishing I had taken the time to post the phone number right by the phone last time I called. No, it's not toxic. Whew!
I go back to the bathroom to wipe out his mouth again when I find my youngest in the cupboard chewing on toilet paper rolls. New toy...
I usher my son off to bed again, when my daughter comes out of her room and asks what's all over his face. He said, "I wanted to see if that stuff in there was water, but it wasn't. It was just black!"
...Like a few days ago when he was casting a small rubber fish and it came flying within millimeters of my head. Later I was teaching phonics to my four year old and hadn't seen the fish come past me, but screetched when it was jolted back towards me while being reeled in. The next thing I remember was seeing my son climbing onto the desk and crawling behind the computer to regain this same fish which, due to horizontal velocity, had tangled itself up in the cords behind the tower.
Today was slow to get started it seemed. Mondays tend to be this way. Breakfast is at morning snack time, snack time is at lunch and lunch, well...
I finally got them to go to bed for naps. I was looking forward to doing some sewing when my son, yes the same one, comes running out of his room saying with his mouth part open and without moving his lips, "Mom, Mom, I have black stuff!"
Oh yes he did...black, oozing, disgusting looking innerds of a pen all over the inside and outside of his mouth. I race him to the bathroom wiping out his mouth with a washcloth, then run to get a cup. As I'm saying, "Just put some water in your mouth and SPIT IT OUT, don't swallow it, just SPIT IT OUT!", I notice my almost one-year-old with his hands in the toilet. Aaahhhh! I pick him up and wash off his hands, wishing my children would learn to put the toilet seat down.
When I think I have things under control a bit, I go to call Poison Control, wishing I had taken the time to post the phone number right by the phone last time I called. No, it's not toxic. Whew!
I go back to the bathroom to wipe out his mouth again when I find my youngest in the cupboard chewing on toilet paper rolls. New toy...
I usher my son off to bed again, when my daughter comes out of her room and asks what's all over his face. He said, "I wanted to see if that stuff in there was water, but it wasn't. It was just black!"
Monday, December 05, 2005
Grace and Truth
After an enjoyable trip seeing friends and family, we returned home to bitter cold weather. I guess it is December after all...
Some of Keith and my favorite things to do on a trip is read a book and listen to teaching tapes. This time, we read "The Grace and Truth Paradox" by Randy Alcorn. It's a short , but thought-provoking book.
Oh, to realize the depravity of our sinful nature...truth.
Oh, to know that we can't earn salvation and it's only through the gift of the power of God that we can make godly decisions and walk in obedience to His Word out of love for Him...grace.
When we think that we "aren't so bad", we minimize our need or a saviour. The truth is that we are NOTHING without Christ, we deserve NOTHING.
The criminal on the cross that came to the saving faith in Christ knew he had nothing to offer. He couldn't earn his salvation...he couldn't move. He was vulnerable, at the end with no options, no glorious past, no future plans to help further God's kingdom.
In the same way, we have nothing, we are nothing.
On the other hand, what a slap in the face to God to not live the life we are called to as Christians out of a response of love and gratitude...to call ourselves His Beloved while frolicking in the lusts of our flesh.
If we are truly to be called His we have no other option but to be sold out to Him in minute by minute devotion to His will, heeding His call for our lives, willing to die to ourselves, our desires, our compromises, our rationalizations. If we truly love Him, this will not be drudgery. Yes, it may be challenging and the war within may rage, but it is nothing if we love Him wholly.
Some of Keith and my favorite things to do on a trip is read a book and listen to teaching tapes. This time, we read "The Grace and Truth Paradox" by Randy Alcorn. It's a short , but thought-provoking book.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Oh, to realize the depravity of our sinful nature...truth.
Oh, to know that we can't earn salvation and it's only through the gift of the power of God that we can make godly decisions and walk in obedience to His Word out of love for Him...grace.
When we think that we "aren't so bad", we minimize our need or a saviour. The truth is that we are NOTHING without Christ, we deserve NOTHING.
The criminal on the cross that came to the saving faith in Christ knew he had nothing to offer. He couldn't earn his salvation...he couldn't move. He was vulnerable, at the end with no options, no glorious past, no future plans to help further God's kingdom.
In the same way, we have nothing, we are nothing.
On the other hand, what a slap in the face to God to not live the life we are called to as Christians out of a response of love and gratitude...to call ourselves His Beloved while frolicking in the lusts of our flesh.
If we are truly to be called His we have no other option but to be sold out to Him in minute by minute devotion to His will, heeding His call for our lives, willing to die to ourselves, our desires, our compromises, our rationalizations. If we truly love Him, this will not be drudgery. Yes, it may be challenging and the war within may rage, but it is nothing if we love Him wholly.
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