I love how Lukus is talking to Emilie about how not to step there.....you'll fall in the water!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Gotta Love ICE!!!!
Kids are little daredevils. They wanted to go out and play in the ice today but when I turned around...they were on their bikes. YIKES! I may work at the hospital but I don't want my kids as patients there! I quickly snapped a couple of pictures and then they had to put their bikes away.
I love how Lukus is talking to Emilie about how not to step there.....you'll fall in the water!
I love how Lukus is talking to Emilie about how not to step there.....you'll fall in the water!
Prayers are good stuff!
Don't you love it when you ask someone to pray for you?
I'm not one that likes to do that often. I'm more of a "I have this friend who needs prayers" type of person.
I learned over the years to admit my faults and that part comes quite easily! ;o)
What I have trouble doing is asking someone to pray on my behalf. That's admitting my fault to someone else and makes me vulnerable. Silly little me.
Last night I struggled with a fault of my own and lost sleep over it. Today I asked a friend to be in prayer that I may overcome my faults.
It's amazing how much is lifted when you come to your brothers and sisters and let them pray for you. Therefore, the spirit intercedes for you.
Romans 8:25-27 says: (The Message)
All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Not like I haven't heard it before.....but...THAT'S JUST SOME GOOD STUFF!!!
I'm not one that likes to do that often. I'm more of a "I have this friend who needs prayers" type of person.
I learned over the years to admit my faults and that part comes quite easily! ;o)
What I have trouble doing is asking someone to pray on my behalf. That's admitting my fault to someone else and makes me vulnerable. Silly little me.
Last night I struggled with a fault of my own and lost sleep over it. Today I asked a friend to be in prayer that I may overcome my faults.
It's amazing how much is lifted when you come to your brothers and sisters and let them pray for you. Therefore, the spirit intercedes for you.
Romans 8:25-27 says: (The Message)
All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Not like I haven't heard it before.....but...THAT'S JUST SOME GOOD STUFF!!!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
And so it begins....4th day of school!
I haven't made it through the first week of school yet and I've already had one quiz, gone through 6 chapters combined, and I'm not totally lost! I was very excited to look at my PERFECT score on my quiz today! Total memorization is all I can say! There's no other way around it! Because there is no multiple choice in the medical field!!!
Unfortunately, the migraines are back with vengeance!!! I will go back to see the eye doctor again soon so I can find out if there are any adjustments needed to be made. But I don't enjoy wearing my glasses at all. Sometimes you have to do the things you just don't like to survive huh?
I've been reflecting on quiet times this week. I've had a lot of time to just sit and think at home while being surrounded by the quietness. I should probably use those moments to study but I've really needed some time of rest and solitude. Since I don't get a chance to attend much of church, I like times of reflection. I also find myself often watching those Evangelist on TV too. (Outside of the wonderful
DVD's of Terry I get each week....those come first)
But I think it's good to stop and think of God. Just think about Him. What do you think about?
Sometimes for me...it depends on the day. I think of the blessings I have, the hard times I have, the gifts I've received, etc. But when I stop and think about it...those all start with "I".
I've been working on different ways to praise Him and make my lack of churchgoing a lot less about me and a whole lot about Him. Ways of Thanking Him, Blessing His Name, Digging into the Word, Accepting His Grace (hard for me), Knowing His Glory, and so many other things.
I am a person that is very critical of myself so when I screw something up....I have a hard time accepting His grace. I know it's there and I have a very forgiving Father. I need to model His image more and not try to BE him...if that made sense. Forgiveness begins with me and is about me. So if I can't forgive myself for my own mistakes, how do I expect Him to? I don't have to think about it....because He just does!
Bob Hostetler wrote an article called 31 Ways to Praise and I have that on my fridge to remind me when I have some down times. I really like it as it is a quick reminder when I walk by that in all things, give him praise!
God the Creator
"Creator God, I praise you because you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you'. . . . " (Nehemiah 9:6).
The Only God
"God, I praise you because you are the LORD, and there is no other; apart from you there is no God. . . ." (Isaiah 45:5).
The Almighty God
"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD," and I praise you . . . ." (Psalm 89:8).
The Everlasting Father, the Ancient of Days
"I praise you, Lord, as the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), who lives forever and ever. . . ."
A Loving God
"I praise you because you are a loving God, whose very nature is love. . . ." (1 John 4:16).
A God of Justice
"Lord, I praise and magnify you, who is just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. . . ." (Romans 3:26).
The Trustworthy God
"Heavenly Father, I give you my praise and adoration, because you are a "faithful God, keeping [your] covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love [you] and keep [your] commands. . . ." (Deuteronomy 7:9).
A Merciful God
"You, O Lord, are a gracious and merciful God," (Nehemiah 9:31), and I praise you for your great mercy. . . ."
God my Refuge, my Fortress
"I praise you, Lord, for you are my mighty rock, my refuge. . . .'" (Psalm 62:7).
A Long suffering, Persevering God
"Father, I praise you because you are patient with [all your children], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9). Thank you for your patience with me. . . ."
The Only Wise God
"I give praise to you, my Father, the only wise God [my] Saviour' (Jude 1:25). May all glory and majesty, dominion and power, be yours both now and ever. . . ."
The Holy One
"Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. . . ." (Revelation 4:8).
A Personal God
"I praise you, God, because you are a personal God, who gives me the honor of
knowing you personally, just like you did to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. . . ." (Matthew 8:11).
A Giving God
"Praise and honor be yours, O God, because you are a generous God, who did not even stop short of giving your own Son (John 3:16). . . ."
The Provider God
"I praise you today, Lord, as my Jehovah-jireh, who will generously provide all [I] need'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The Shepherd God
"I bless your name and praise you as my Jehovah-rohi, who will shepherd me and guide me in the paths of righteousness for your name's sake" (Psalm 23:1-3).
God my Victory
"Praise to you, my God, because you are my Jehovah-nissi, God my victory, who always leads [me] in triumphal procession in Christ'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 2:14).
God my Peace
"I praise you with all my heart, Lord, because you are my Jehovah-shalom, the God of peace [who] will soon crush Satan under [my] feet. . . ." (Romans 16:20).
The God Who Heals
"Father, I praise you because you are the Lord who heals me. . . ." (Exodus 15:26).
The God of All Comfort
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. . . ." (2 Corinthians 1:3).
The God of Miracles
"Lord, I praise you because You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people'. . . ." (Psalm 77:14).
A Forgiving God
"I want to bless you with my praise, Father, because you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love'. . . ." (Nehemiah 9:17)
The Burden-Bearer
"Praise be to the LORD, to God [my] Savior, who daily bears [my] burdens'. . . ." (Psalm 68:19).
A Faithful God
"I praise you because your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies'. . . Great is your faithfulness'. . . ." (Psalm 36:5; Lamentations 3:23).
God the Blessed and Only Ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords
"All honor and praise be to you, my God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords'. . . ." (1 Timothy 6:15).
God the Liberator
"I praise you because You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD'. . . ." (Psalm 70:5).
The Lifter of My Head
"Father God, I praise you because you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head' when I am weary or depressed. . . ." (Psalm 3:3).
A God of Light
"I praise you, Lord, because you are my light and my salvation,' and because you know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with you'. . . ." (Psalm 27:1, Daniel 2:22).
A God of Joy
"I give you my praise, O Lord, because you have granted [me] eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of your presence'. . . ." (Psalm 21:6).
The God Who Answers Prayer
"I praise and honor you, Father, because you are a God who loves to answer prayer, and who begins to answer even before I begin to pray" (Isaiah 65:24).
The God of All the Earth
"I praise and adore you, Lord, as the Holy One of Israel. . . [my] Redeemer. . . the God of all the earth'. . . ." (Isaiah 54:5).
Unfortunately, the migraines are back with vengeance!!! I will go back to see the eye doctor again soon so I can find out if there are any adjustments needed to be made. But I don't enjoy wearing my glasses at all. Sometimes you have to do the things you just don't like to survive huh?
I've been reflecting on quiet times this week. I've had a lot of time to just sit and think at home while being surrounded by the quietness. I should probably use those moments to study but I've really needed some time of rest and solitude. Since I don't get a chance to attend much of church, I like times of reflection. I also find myself often watching those Evangelist on TV too. (Outside of the wonderful
DVD's of Terry I get each week....those come first)
But I think it's good to stop and think of God. Just think about Him. What do you think about?
Sometimes for me...it depends on the day. I think of the blessings I have, the hard times I have, the gifts I've received, etc. But when I stop and think about it...those all start with "I".
I've been working on different ways to praise Him and make my lack of churchgoing a lot less about me and a whole lot about Him. Ways of Thanking Him, Blessing His Name, Digging into the Word, Accepting His Grace (hard for me), Knowing His Glory, and so many other things.
I am a person that is very critical of myself so when I screw something up....I have a hard time accepting His grace. I know it's there and I have a very forgiving Father. I need to model His image more and not try to BE him...if that made sense. Forgiveness begins with me and is about me. So if I can't forgive myself for my own mistakes, how do I expect Him to? I don't have to think about it....because He just does!
Bob Hostetler wrote an article called 31 Ways to Praise and I have that on my fridge to remind me when I have some down times. I really like it as it is a quick reminder when I walk by that in all things, give him praise!
God the Creator
"Creator God, I praise you because you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you'. . . . " (Nehemiah 9:6).
The Only God
"God, I praise you because you are the LORD, and there is no other; apart from you there is no God. . . ." (Isaiah 45:5).
The Almighty God
"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD," and I praise you . . . ." (Psalm 89:8).
The Everlasting Father, the Ancient of Days
"I praise you, Lord, as the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), who lives forever and ever. . . ."
A Loving God
"I praise you because you are a loving God, whose very nature is love. . . ." (1 John 4:16).
A God of Justice
"Lord, I praise and magnify you, who is just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. . . ." (Romans 3:26).
The Trustworthy God
"Heavenly Father, I give you my praise and adoration, because you are a "faithful God, keeping [your] covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love [you] and keep [your] commands. . . ." (Deuteronomy 7:9).
A Merciful God
"You, O Lord, are a gracious and merciful God," (Nehemiah 9:31), and I praise you for your great mercy. . . ."
God my Refuge, my Fortress
"I praise you, Lord, for you are my mighty rock, my refuge. . . .'" (Psalm 62:7).
A Long suffering, Persevering God
"Father, I praise you because you are patient with [all your children], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9). Thank you for your patience with me. . . ."
The Only Wise God
"I give praise to you, my Father, the only wise God [my] Saviour' (Jude 1:25). May all glory and majesty, dominion and power, be yours both now and ever. . . ."
The Holy One
"Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. . . ." (Revelation 4:8).
A Personal God
"I praise you, God, because you are a personal God, who gives me the honor of
knowing you personally, just like you did to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. . . ." (Matthew 8:11).
A Giving God
"Praise and honor be yours, O God, because you are a generous God, who did not even stop short of giving your own Son (John 3:16). . . ."
The Provider God
"I praise you today, Lord, as my Jehovah-jireh, who will generously provide all [I] need'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The Shepherd God
"I bless your name and praise you as my Jehovah-rohi, who will shepherd me and guide me in the paths of righteousness for your name's sake" (Psalm 23:1-3).
God my Victory
"Praise to you, my God, because you are my Jehovah-nissi, God my victory, who always leads [me] in triumphal procession in Christ'. . . ." (2 Corinthians 2:14).
God my Peace
"I praise you with all my heart, Lord, because you are my Jehovah-shalom, the God of peace [who] will soon crush Satan under [my] feet. . . ." (Romans 16:20).
The God Who Heals
"Father, I praise you because you are the Lord who heals me. . . ." (Exodus 15:26).
The God of All Comfort
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. . . ." (2 Corinthians 1:3).
The God of Miracles
"Lord, I praise you because You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people'. . . ." (Psalm 77:14).
A Forgiving God
"I want to bless you with my praise, Father, because you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love'. . . ." (Nehemiah 9:17)
The Burden-Bearer
"Praise be to the LORD, to God [my] Savior, who daily bears [my] burdens'. . . ." (Psalm 68:19).
A Faithful God
"I praise you because your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies'. . . Great is your faithfulness'. . . ." (Psalm 36:5; Lamentations 3:23).
God the Blessed and Only Ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords
"All honor and praise be to you, my God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords'. . . ." (1 Timothy 6:15).
God the Liberator
"I praise you because You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD'. . . ." (Psalm 70:5).
The Lifter of My Head
"Father God, I praise you because you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head' when I am weary or depressed. . . ." (Psalm 3:3).
A God of Light
"I praise you, Lord, because you are my light and my salvation,' and because you know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with you'. . . ." (Psalm 27:1, Daniel 2:22).
A God of Joy
"I give you my praise, O Lord, because you have granted [me] eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of your presence'. . . ." (Psalm 21:6).
The God Who Answers Prayer
"I praise and honor you, Father, because you are a God who loves to answer prayer, and who begins to answer even before I begin to pray" (Isaiah 65:24).
The God of All the Earth
"I praise and adore you, Lord, as the Holy One of Israel. . . [my] Redeemer. . . the God of all the earth'. . . ." (Isaiah 54:5).
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Did God make that?
Today Emilie was looking through my anatomy book and this is our converstaion:
Emilie: Mom...did God make those eyeballs?
Me: Yes he did!
Emilie: All slimy and gross like that?
Me: Yes, he sure did!
Emilie: Why didn't he put those eyeballs on a person?
Me: He did...but someone cut them out of a person!
Emilie: OH!!!!! YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THEM???
Me: WHAT???
Emilie: The Devil will get them for that one! Um....we quickly had a converstaion about eye donors!
Boys!
Why is it that boys ALWAYS want to wear shorts? Even on the coldest days....Lukus is begging me in the morning to wear his shorts! Don't your legs get cold? Do you not know it is winter? I am so lost as to why this boy wants to wear shorts everyday! I even went out and bought brand new jeans!!!! HE WON'T WEAR THEM! It's shorts or nothing! (Okay...well not nothing)
I finally convinced him today that he can't wear shorts again until he wakes up in the morning and it is over 50 degrees outside! So now I have him watching the weather continusly! Oi!
I finally convinced him today that he can't wear shorts again until he wakes up in the morning and it is over 50 degrees outside! So now I have him watching the weather continusly! Oi!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Toilets! Seriously!!!!!!
There are some things in life that I just find rather funny! Toilet seats! Have you ever been to the local hardware store to see just how many different ones they have on display? I had to laugh and think..."Who would buy these?" Seriously! I don't want one I can see through and I certainly don't want one that glows! But you can even have them custom made to say whatever you want! I just find this totally amusing! I have no idea what mine would say....but I think I'll stick with the standard white toilet seat!
Join me in praising!
Yesterday Ian came home in the best mood! As a matter of fact, he went to school in the best mood! He even told me he loved me as he got out of the car this time.
The car conversation yesterday:
Ian: Mom...I was REALLY good today.
Me: Really? I'm so proud of you!
Ian: Mom...seriously, this is good news.
Me: Yes Ian! It is really good news.
Ian: Did my teacher e-mail you and tell you?
Me: Not yet, but I'm sure she will! Did she tell you how good you were?
Ian: Yes she did!
Me: How did that make you feel?
Ian: It felt great! I want to have another good day tomorrow! The teacher never did e-mail yesterday and confirm this good news. However, this afternoon, she sent me an e-mail that said Ian has now had 2 really good days and is showing improvement in his work!
Praise God this is the best news I have heard this year and the IEP has not even started yet!!!
The car conversation yesterday:
Ian: Mom...I was REALLY good today.
Me: Really? I'm so proud of you!
Ian: Mom...seriously, this is good news.
Me: Yes Ian! It is really good news.
Ian: Did my teacher e-mail you and tell you?
Me: Not yet, but I'm sure she will! Did she tell you how good you were?
Ian: Yes she did!
Me: How did that make you feel?
Ian: It felt great! I want to have another good day tomorrow! The teacher never did e-mail yesterday and confirm this good news. However, this afternoon, she sent me an e-mail that said Ian has now had 2 really good days and is showing improvement in his work!
Praise God this is the best news I have heard this year and the IEP has not even started yet!!!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Another day...another semester
Tomorrow I start another semester tomorrow. I am normally really nervous and worried....but I'm actually excited to start classes again.
Last semester was really rough for me emotionally at school and at home so I think I am just ready to get the ball rolling again. The classes get a little more difficult each semester, but again, I think I will be okay this semester. I guess it's normal to go through periods of burnout and growing weary of this whole school thing. If I loved it 100% of the time I would probably not be a normal.
So I'm home tonight ready for a good nights sleep and back to my normal routine tomorrow.
Last semester was really rough for me emotionally at school and at home so I think I am just ready to get the ball rolling again. The classes get a little more difficult each semester, but again, I think I will be okay this semester. I guess it's normal to go through periods of burnout and growing weary of this whole school thing. If I loved it 100% of the time I would probably not be a normal.
So I'm home tonight ready for a good nights sleep and back to my normal routine tomorrow.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Something is seriously wrong with me!!!
Tonight we went to dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse downtown. This is normally our night to just go out and have a nice dinner somewhere. Kinda a date night...except tonight, we had our kids.
Anyway...the servers started clapping and walking over to a table to sing the happy birthday song of their choice. All of the sudden they go to another table....and then another....and pretty much...they just save it all for one moment and sang to everyone at the place that had a birthday.
However, I don't know WHAT happened to me but while they were singing to the table next to us....tears filled my eyes. Chad looks at me and says: "Are you laughing or really crying?"
I had to admit I was really crying and I had NOOOO idea why! I was dumbfounded as to why I was even crying. I was even embarassed by this.
I will cry at anything!!! It drives me nuts!!! Seriously!
Conversations with Theresa!
This is why soprano's act up at Praise Team Rehersal!
Me: I can't sing this song...it makes me laugh cause it has the word "Thorny" in it and it makes me think of that movie with the Wal Mart baby!
T: Yeah..they have some weird names in that...like...NOVA LEE! Who would name their kid NOVA LEE?
Me: But what about her kids names?
T: Uh..Brownie
Me: Ha! Baby Ruth....and what's that other name?
This conversation went to every snackfood name at this point that we could think of.
Twinkie? Oatmeal Cream Pie? Snowball? Then my favorite....MOON PIE! I was determined the child's name was MOON PIE! I left trying to convince T that it was MOON PIE!
Well...it was really....Brownie, Praline, Baby Ruth, and Cherry!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
What happens when friends come to town?
We go to lunch and watch Mr. Rogers making pottery....
We play with lizzards...
And sit around playing on all 3 laptops!
Thank God for special friends!
We play with lizzards...
And sit around playing on all 3 laptops!
Thank God for special friends!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
What's more important??
Ian is so fixated on the earth, space, asteroids, and meteors.
This morning on the way to school he was talking non stop about a science magazine he read and how a meteor is going to hit the earth in the next few years. He proceeds to tell me how they are doing everything possible to divert the direction of this meteor so that it will save the earth.
As I listened to him go on and on about this in a rapid speech pattern, I started wondering....."Does he know that Jesus will come to save us?"
So I decided to ask him.
Me: "Do you know what it says in the Bible about the last days?"
Ian: "I know God said He would never flood the earth again, but I've seen a lot of rain."
Me: "So how will we know when the last day is?"
Ian: "The meteor will hit"
Me: "Is that what it says in the Bible?"
Lukus: "No...Jesus will come back as a thief!"
Me: "NOT EXACTLY CORRECT!!!!"
Lukus: "Yeah...it says he will be a thief at night!"
I quickly corrected that statement as we were getting off track. So we start again with the discussion of what the Bible says and not the National Geographic Science magazine says. I'm not real sure that we got to the point as I was quickly directed back to the meteors and space talk, but it is always interesting to hear how the kids view things! Hummm....wonder what our dinner topic will be tonight!!!
This morning on the way to school he was talking non stop about a science magazine he read and how a meteor is going to hit the earth in the next few years. He proceeds to tell me how they are doing everything possible to divert the direction of this meteor so that it will save the earth.
As I listened to him go on and on about this in a rapid speech pattern, I started wondering....."Does he know that Jesus will come to save us?"
So I decided to ask him.
Me: "Do you know what it says in the Bible about the last days?"
Ian: "I know God said He would never flood the earth again, but I've seen a lot of rain."
Me: "So how will we know when the last day is?"
Ian: "The meteor will hit"
Me: "Is that what it says in the Bible?"
Lukus: "No...Jesus will come back as a thief!"
Me: "NOT EXACTLY CORRECT!!!!"
Lukus: "Yeah...it says he will be a thief at night!"
I quickly corrected that statement as we were getting off track. So we start again with the discussion of what the Bible says and not the National Geographic Science magazine says. I'm not real sure that we got to the point as I was quickly directed back to the meteors and space talk, but it is always interesting to hear how the kids view things! Hummm....wonder what our dinner topic will be tonight!!!
Kids prayers are too cute!
Each night for dinner we've been allowing the kids to choose what we have for dinner. It's been going well as I don't have to plan the menu anymore. The kids are loving it and run to the calendar each day wondering if it is going to be their day.
If it is their day, they are required to help set the table, prepare the meal in whatever way I can find for them, and then clean up as well. We also have a book called "Devotions for Young Readers" and if it is their night, they get to pick the story and read it at the table for everyone else and ask the questions at the end. So far they have really enjoyed it. Last night we learned about Samuel and how he listened to God.
It was interesting for me to learn that the kids only think that God can year you when you are praying. Lukus says: "He doesn't hear you unless you say..'Dear God'."
We quickly clarified that.
The other neat part of dinner is that the kids seriously fight over who gets to say the prayer. This is not something that is a normal routine for us so I was surprised by the kids willingness to do it. God is amazing!
Another thing we are not use to us praying with our kids before they go to bed. I've never been a good "tuck in" mom. I tuck the kids in and then they get out of bed so I gave up long ago. This pretty much left the kids going to bed for years on their own. This is something I've been trying to get better at.
Last night, I was putting the kids to bed and was going around praying with all of them one at a time. Lukus would do it if I went first. Ian wanted only me to pray. Emilie wanted to pray for a really long time. So by the time Emilie was praying for her hair to be highlighted....I was saying "Okay....amen" as we giggled together. She said "Can't I ask God for that?"
I said "Yes, you can ask God for anything you want."
She said "Yeah...he's like Santa. He'll give you what you want if you pray really hard."
I think we need to work on our value of prayer! ;o)
If it is their day, they are required to help set the table, prepare the meal in whatever way I can find for them, and then clean up as well. We also have a book called "Devotions for Young Readers" and if it is their night, they get to pick the story and read it at the table for everyone else and ask the questions at the end. So far they have really enjoyed it. Last night we learned about Samuel and how he listened to God.
It was interesting for me to learn that the kids only think that God can year you when you are praying. Lukus says: "He doesn't hear you unless you say..'Dear God'."
We quickly clarified that.
The other neat part of dinner is that the kids seriously fight over who gets to say the prayer. This is not something that is a normal routine for us so I was surprised by the kids willingness to do it. God is amazing!
Another thing we are not use to us praying with our kids before they go to bed. I've never been a good "tuck in" mom. I tuck the kids in and then they get out of bed so I gave up long ago. This pretty much left the kids going to bed for years on their own. This is something I've been trying to get better at.
Last night, I was putting the kids to bed and was going around praying with all of them one at a time. Lukus would do it if I went first. Ian wanted only me to pray. Emilie wanted to pray for a really long time. So by the time Emilie was praying for her hair to be highlighted....I was saying "Okay....amen" as we giggled together. She said "Can't I ask God for that?"
I said "Yes, you can ask God for anything you want."
She said "Yeah...he's like Santa. He'll give you what you want if you pray really hard."
I think we need to work on our value of prayer! ;o)
Monday, January 01, 2007
Like we didn't already know! ;o)
Brenda
&
Chad
&
Chad
95% Compatible
♥ Brenda and Chad have been romantically-together for a long time. That alone demonstrates a degree of compatibility. Their shared faith will help form a bond between them. They both abstain from drinking, so that helps compatibility. They are also both gamers. Both are also sports fans, and that can bring people together. Their astrological signs are in harmony, which is a plus. And their views on children are similar. The fact that Brenda is dominant, while Chad is submissive will help make a relationship work harmoniously. Overall, Brenda and Chad are highly compatible. They are capable of having a beautiful relationship together. ♥
Test Your Dating Compatibility
Test Your Dating Compatibility
Friday, December 29, 2006
Having fun in church!
I saw this video tonight and just laughed. One day...yeah...this will be my kid!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Me & Video Games!!!
I will be the first to say that I am NOT a fan of video games. I don't like them, I don't like my kids playing them, and I think they are a total waste of time and money. I can't stand it when we are at the store, movies, mall, or anywhere else and the kids are begging me for a quarter to play a game. Most of them these days do not operate off of one quarter. With that being said, I can tell you that we do own...not one but two different game systems in our house. We are normally at least 2 years late in getting the most current system as I will not fork over 300.00 for one of these things. I will even bargain on e-bay! I'll say that I don't really like the choice for games that children are given. Most of it is guns and fighting and nothing pure for their heart. Always somebody killing someone else...even if it is just Power Rangers....it is still violent!
But this year while Christmas shopping we came across these neat little Joy Sticks that you just plug right into your T.V. and it can play 5 different games. I thought...what could it hurt right?
So we bought the one that had Ms. Pac Man, Pole Position, Galaxa, Mappy, and something else.
I hate to admit who has been playing it more. ME!!! And even more so...in fierce competition! It brings back a good memory for me. Every Sunday after church my parents would eat out for lunch at Western Sizzlin. They had one of those combo packs of Ms. Packman , Donkey Kong, or Frogger in the box.
My brother and I would hurry to finish our lunch and my dad would always bring out a handful of quarters. I think most of the time it was to get us out of their hair so they could eat in peace, but it was such a memorable moment.
Now, Chad and I sit in our over sized chair in fierce competition after the kids have gone to bed laughing hysterically at how silly we are acting over a little thing on T.V. eating dots and being attacked by ghost. I'm sure there are much better things we can do with our time, but I'll admit...I've had fun!!
But this year while Christmas shopping we came across these neat little Joy Sticks that you just plug right into your T.V. and it can play 5 different games. I thought...what could it hurt right?
So we bought the one that had Ms. Pac Man, Pole Position, Galaxa, Mappy, and something else.
I hate to admit who has been playing it more. ME!!! And even more so...in fierce competition! It brings back a good memory for me. Every Sunday after church my parents would eat out for lunch at Western Sizzlin. They had one of those combo packs of Ms. Packman , Donkey Kong, or Frogger in the box.
My brother and I would hurry to finish our lunch and my dad would always bring out a handful of quarters. I think most of the time it was to get us out of their hair so they could eat in peace, but it was such a memorable moment.
Now, Chad and I sit in our over sized chair in fierce competition after the kids have gone to bed laughing hysterically at how silly we are acting over a little thing on T.V. eating dots and being attacked by ghost. I'm sure there are much better things we can do with our time, but I'll admit...I've had fun!!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
God's World Records are in the right book!
Tonight we were watching an episode of the Worlds Tallest Man, Leonid Stadnyk. He is from the UK and if you look him up in the Guinness book of World Records, you will not find him. He does not want to be published and he does not take credit for this world record. He says that he gives all credit to God for giving him his height and that it is God's world record not his.
I was quite impressed by this statment. So I decided to look up and see if they have God or Jesus listed anywhere int he Guinness book and they do not. Seriously, do they not give credit to the man who had the greatest world records ever recorded?? I don't know...maybe they are leaving that stuff in the good book of life. Funny though, nobody has ever beaten those world records huh?
Saturday, December 23, 2006
First Corinthians 13 - Christmas Version
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strand of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen, Carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity; but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Live is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.
Love bears all things; believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails!
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust; but giving the gift of God's love to others will endure.
Author Unknown
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen, Carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity; but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Live is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.
Love bears all things; believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails!
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust; but giving the gift of God's love to others will endure.
Author Unknown
Friday, December 22, 2006
The Cross
My husband Chad grew up in a Lutheran church. When we were dating he said he really didn't mind where we went to church as long as we were on the same page together and were the to worship God. He was not attached to his denomination. At the time, I didn't go to church at all. I was following in my families footsteps of choosing no church or religion at all. However, I couldn't stay away for long.
The one thing that Chad ask me all the time is this....
"Why aren't there any crosses hanging in the church?"
I don't know how to answer this question as to 'why' we don't have some, we just don't. But this is one of the things he misses greatly from his childhood church growing up.
Last night we were watching a church on TV and many times they panned in on the cross in the church as a reflection to the praises going up. It was nice to just sit and look at this old rugged cross they had placed there.
During this we started talking about how nice it would be to have crosses hanging in our church.
What about a wall of crosses? Or crosses just randomly placed throughout the building. Not necessarily that the church just buys and hangs up....but more so...a cross brought by the families of our congregation. Maybe in honor of someone, Maybe it meant something to them. Wouldn't it be neat to have all different kinds of crosses hanging up? Big ones, little ones, shiny ones, dull ones, old ones, and new ones. The cross is symbolic to everyone in a different way....and it is something I would love to see in our congregation.
It maybe a silly idea...but what a great way to honor my father...by remembering the cross.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Cool!
So this is obviously the thing to do now with your christmas lights. I wouldn't be able to find the time or the energy to create something this spectacular...but it's cool!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Uh Oh!
This month at work they banned all smoking on hospital property. It's been a little rough on some of my co-workers. So I found this video on Roberts blog and I'm sad to say...I did laugh for a moment. Let's hope this was not real...but is was pretty funny.
A day in the woods...
Chad took the kids to Red Bud Drive this weekend for a time of hiking and just being outdoors. They had a blast as you can tell! They love to climb!
A PIERCING DAY!!!!
Oh...I said I would never do this until she was 10!!! But she looked at me with those big brown eyes and said "Please" so cute I couldn't resist! Chad and I will be in so much trouble when she gets older! She was a big brave girl as you can tell and didn't move a muscle. She has been very responsible in taking care of her new toys and well...I just don't like it....she now even looks older! Sheesh! What's a mother to do! They grow up way too fast! But I love the boys behind the glass watching. That was too funny! They refused to come into a store that was mostly PINK!!!
Honoring Logan
It's been a while since I've shared photos...so here we go!
This is the day that the school honored Logan before he left for duty. He went to combat traning for a couple of weeks and will get to come home this weekend for Christmas. Then he will turn right around and leave for one more week of training before he is off to
Afghanistan. Here you see Logan, Sarah, and their baby Olivia. Sarah is also expecting again but not sure Logan will be here for the delivery. This is also the school saying goodbye and presenting him with gifts the day he left. It was truly a special day to honor him and we will miss him!!!
This is the day that the school honored Logan before he left for duty. He went to combat traning for a couple of weeks and will get to come home this weekend for Christmas. Then he will turn right around and leave for one more week of training before he is off to
Afghanistan. Here you see Logan, Sarah, and their baby Olivia. Sarah is also expecting again but not sure Logan will be here for the delivery. This is also the school saying goodbye and presenting him with gifts the day he left. It was truly a special day to honor him and we will miss him!!!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
How about Love?
Let's talk about Love for a moment.
Is love conditional or unconditional?
Do you choose to give love only to those you know, or do you give it away?
I believe that Jesus gave love away in the most unselfish and compassionate way. It was the unconditional love that most people long for.
Love is such a good, but odd word to me. I love the word love. I love to love those around me. I love to let others know how much I love them. However, I haven't always been comfortable with that.
I didn't grow up in a family where we practice saying 'I Love You' to each other. We don't say it every time we are together and we don't say the usual 'I Love You' at the end of a phone call.
Actually, hearing it from my family is a bit odd. Even saying it back is odd for me. It is uncomfortable. I grew up in a family that showed their love by their actions. Does it make them love me any less? I don't believe so. But I believe we miss out on opportunities to tell each other how much we love one another. Our days are numbered and we won't always have that many opportunities to SHOW love...so why not say it?
I have no problem telling my friends how much I love them. I think Jesus was a man who walked around loving everyone He met. He knew His father had a plan.
So...shouldn't it be the same for us? Shouldn't my actions reflect Jesus' love to everyone around me....to the world that I embrace?
Offering my love to someone is a choice and I can choose to love someone...or I can choose to hold it back. But why would I do that? What is so great about me that I can't or wouldn't share my love?
I want others to know I'm a follower of Jesus by the Love that I show to them. I pray that others see what my Father sees in me.
Is love conditional or unconditional?
Do you choose to give love only to those you know, or do you give it away?
I believe that Jesus gave love away in the most unselfish and compassionate way. It was the unconditional love that most people long for.
Love is such a good, but odd word to me. I love the word love. I love to love those around me. I love to let others know how much I love them. However, I haven't always been comfortable with that.
I didn't grow up in a family where we practice saying 'I Love You' to each other. We don't say it every time we are together and we don't say the usual 'I Love You' at the end of a phone call.
Actually, hearing it from my family is a bit odd. Even saying it back is odd for me. It is uncomfortable. I grew up in a family that showed their love by their actions. Does it make them love me any less? I don't believe so. But I believe we miss out on opportunities to tell each other how much we love one another. Our days are numbered and we won't always have that many opportunities to SHOW love...so why not say it?
I have no problem telling my friends how much I love them. I think Jesus was a man who walked around loving everyone He met. He knew His father had a plan.
So...shouldn't it be the same for us? Shouldn't my actions reflect Jesus' love to everyone around me....to the world that I embrace?
Offering my love to someone is a choice and I can choose to love someone...or I can choose to hold it back. But why would I do that? What is so great about me that I can't or wouldn't share my love?
I want others to know I'm a follower of Jesus by the Love that I show to them. I pray that others see what my Father sees in me.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
YAY....I did it again....
I am a person who lacks confindence in a lot of areas. Especially school! I am never confident enough that I can even pass the class. I get so psyched out. Maybe that's a good thing. If I was overly confident in myself, then I might not study and try as hard and then I really wouldn't succeed! Right???
So today...I waited and waited and waited for my grades to be posted. The whole time I'm praying..."God..please let me pass, please let me pass, please let me pass"!! And my heart is pounding out of my chest. I know I didn't do so well because the final just about KILLED me!
Just then...the grades are posted!
Yep! I'm on the honor roll again! Holy Cow! Just when I was waiting for the bad news...the best news came. OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH!!!! And only to top that...I made one of the highest grades on the final too!!!
I'm so excited!!! Here is one of my hardest classes out of the way now and I can move on! YAY!!!! Could this day get any better????
So today...I waited and waited and waited for my grades to be posted. The whole time I'm praying..."God..please let me pass, please let me pass, please let me pass"!! And my heart is pounding out of my chest. I know I didn't do so well because the final just about KILLED me!
Just then...the grades are posted!
Yep! I'm on the honor roll again! Holy Cow! Just when I was waiting for the bad news...the best news came. OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH!!!! And only to top that...I made one of the highest grades on the final too!!!
I'm so excited!!! Here is one of my hardest classes out of the way now and I can move on! YAY!!!! Could this day get any better????
Friday, December 15, 2006
My Brain Hurts!!!
We just wrapped up a two hour session with Ian's doctor and HOLY COW....my brain probably doesn't hurt 1/2 as bad as his does. I am so overwhelmed with information and emotion right now.
They pointed out all the imperfections....all the insecurities and the lack life he really has. It was truly the most depressing two hours I think I have ever been through.
My heart really hurts. I felt bad for Chad as he had to walk out of there early and leave not being able to process this information before going back on the road.
The diagnosis was everything we expected it to be...and then some.
Did it hurt me to hear these things??? Yes!
Do I feel hopeful??? A little
I know it will get better as we educate ourselves. I was given SOOO many resources as a parent and I'm a little excited to go out in search of support.
They assured us of this....
There is no cure....
There is educational opportunites...
There is help out there....
We are NOT alone.....
He can learn to manage and cope and eventually learn to live in society as a normal child.
I have thoughts....I have ideas....I have a little hope for the future.
My goal for next week is to explore Town and Country to see if we can afford for him to go there. The doctor thinks this would be the PERFECT fit for him if we can find the financial means for it. I pray that God will open a door of opportunity for us so we can get him in.
They pointed out all the imperfections....all the insecurities and the lack life he really has. It was truly the most depressing two hours I think I have ever been through.
My heart really hurts. I felt bad for Chad as he had to walk out of there early and leave not being able to process this information before going back on the road.
The diagnosis was everything we expected it to be...and then some.
Did it hurt me to hear these things??? Yes!
Do I feel hopeful??? A little
I know it will get better as we educate ourselves. I was given SOOO many resources as a parent and I'm a little excited to go out in search of support.
They assured us of this....
There is no cure....
There is educational opportunites...
There is help out there....
We are NOT alone.....
He can learn to manage and cope and eventually learn to live in society as a normal child.
I have thoughts....I have ideas....I have a little hope for the future.
My goal for next week is to explore Town and Country to see if we can afford for him to go there. The doctor thinks this would be the PERFECT fit for him if we can find the financial means for it. I pray that God will open a door of opportunity for us so we can get him in.
Did Jesus Laugh???
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, to laugh. My best of friends know how much I love to laugh and how much I long for it. There is something so refreshing about a good laugh. Now....I could do without the whole crying while laughing...or the nearly wetting the pants laughing...(yes...I just said that!). But I love to get together with people and have a great time laughing. Sometimes about totally nothing at all.
So after an entire evening of LAUGHING last night....I wanted to know if Jesus had ever laughed as hard as I did? Many scriptures say "Jesus Wept" but none say "Jesus Laughed".
I challange you to help me find places in the Bible where Jesus laughed! Or where you think He may have had a sense of humor.
I know Jesus was sent here and was merely a man....without sin! In Hebrews it is 'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.' I think he did all the things we do...yet...without sin! So I'm just convinced that he laughed...just as hard as I do! Why would God have created laughter if He hadn't experience the joy of laughter Himself. It's such a great thing.
I think the Lord wants us to be filled with joy and laughter. I love that song..."The Joy of the Lord...will be my strength".
I think joy and laughter is SOOO much better than the alternative! I can imagine a life without depression...but I can't imagine a life without LAUGHTER!!!!
So after an entire evening of LAUGHING last night....I wanted to know if Jesus had ever laughed as hard as I did? Many scriptures say "Jesus Wept" but none say "Jesus Laughed".
I challange you to help me find places in the Bible where Jesus laughed! Or where you think He may have had a sense of humor.
I know Jesus was sent here and was merely a man....without sin! In Hebrews it is 'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.' I think he did all the things we do...yet...without sin! So I'm just convinced that he laughed...just as hard as I do! Why would God have created laughter if He hadn't experience the joy of laughter Himself. It's such a great thing.
I think the Lord wants us to be filled with joy and laughter. I love that song..."The Joy of the Lord...will be my strength".
I think joy and laughter is SOOO much better than the alternative! I can imagine a life without depression...but I can't imagine a life without LAUGHTER!!!!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Passion
Do you ever feel passionate about something that you really want to do but the timing just isn't right? Boy...I feel that way all the time.
How about in ministry? Where do you find you are most passionate for the Lord?
I have three places that I feel God truly leads me to serve:
#3: Praise Team - Let me say that I am not the most gifted or talented individual when it comes to singing, but I truly love to be with the team, have fun, and praise God in song. I think I find a lot of passion in just the serventhood of praising Him with my fellow brothers and sisters.
#2: Children's Praise Team - This is an area that I truly LOVE! I love to see children passionate about praising God and it warms my heart to teach them songs and movements. One day, I would love to put on a kids talent show, similar to our adult Christmas Party, so the kids have a time and place to showcase their talents that God gave them. Doesn't have to be singing...there are a wide variety of things children can do to show their passion for the Lord. Sometimes, they just need help finding it.
And my #1 place that makes me feel closer to God when serving is:
Women's Ministry! I feel passion, I feel praise, I feel happy all over and excited to get women toegether for a common goal. A common purpose! A common Love!!!!! I love to plan evenings out, I love to plan parties, I love to plan retreats, I love to do anything that deals with the wonderful women in our church.
One of my biggest problems in this area is that I dream TOO BIG and then I have to modify. That's what's hard for me. And then my other problem is school is holding me back from being able to move forward with a dream for this.
Lea Henley paid me the best compliment last night and she didn't even know it...and guess what it had to deal with???/ Women's Ministry. Go figure!
Where is your passion?
How about in ministry? Where do you find you are most passionate for the Lord?
I have three places that I feel God truly leads me to serve:
#3: Praise Team - Let me say that I am not the most gifted or talented individual when it comes to singing, but I truly love to be with the team, have fun, and praise God in song. I think I find a lot of passion in just the serventhood of praising Him with my fellow brothers and sisters.
#2: Children's Praise Team - This is an area that I truly LOVE! I love to see children passionate about praising God and it warms my heart to teach them songs and movements. One day, I would love to put on a kids talent show, similar to our adult Christmas Party, so the kids have a time and place to showcase their talents that God gave them. Doesn't have to be singing...there are a wide variety of things children can do to show their passion for the Lord. Sometimes, they just need help finding it.
And my #1 place that makes me feel closer to God when serving is:
Women's Ministry! I feel passion, I feel praise, I feel happy all over and excited to get women toegether for a common goal. A common purpose! A common Love!!!!! I love to plan evenings out, I love to plan parties, I love to plan retreats, I love to do anything that deals with the wonderful women in our church.
One of my biggest problems in this area is that I dream TOO BIG and then I have to modify. That's what's hard for me. And then my other problem is school is holding me back from being able to move forward with a dream for this.
Lea Henley paid me the best compliment last night and she didn't even know it...and guess what it had to deal with???/ Women's Ministry. Go figure!
Where is your passion?
Hearts & Minds
Do you ever wish at times you could find someone else to carry your burdens for you? Especially without having to say anything at all?
Nobody can read minds, but I think we can all read hearts and if they are hurting.
Last night I felt very alone, somewhat like a stranger, but one person read my heart all the way though and stopped me...made eye contact...and knew...I had a burden to lay down. That's a true gift when you can see and feel the hearts of others when they can't bare the pain any longer. Not even enough to speak.
Nobody can read minds, but I think we can all read hearts and if they are hurting.
Last night I felt very alone, somewhat like a stranger, but one person read my heart all the way though and stopped me...made eye contact...and knew...I had a burden to lay down. That's a true gift when you can see and feel the hearts of others when they can't bare the pain any longer. Not even enough to speak.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Rough Week
If you haven't heard of Charlie Freeman yet....you should watch this video.
http://www.newsok.com/article/2984128
Our dear friends Charles and Carrie lost Charlie last weekend in a farming accident. I haven't had the heart to even blog about it. Each time I try...I get the biggest lump in my throat and my tears overwhelm me. I'm comforted in knowing that Charlie has gone home to be with our Father but it doesn't make it any easier.
Charlie was a bright young boy full of life and energy. He loved his family, his sisters, his mom and dad, and most of all, it was obvious that Charlie loved God.
Today I celebrate Lukus' birthday on the same day that Charles & Carrie will bury their son and my heart breaks. We will celebrate Christmas with our kids, they will be missing one. We have to turn our thoughts away from this loss and glorify in Heaven's gain. But still...it hurts so much.
I don't ask God why....I know he has a plan. I know our days are numbered before He ever gave us life. Sometimes, it hurts more than one can even imagine.
Please watch the video and remember Charlie....and cover this family in prayer!
http://www.newsok.com/article/2984128
Our dear friends Charles and Carrie lost Charlie last weekend in a farming accident. I haven't had the heart to even blog about it. Each time I try...I get the biggest lump in my throat and my tears overwhelm me. I'm comforted in knowing that Charlie has gone home to be with our Father but it doesn't make it any easier.
Charlie was a bright young boy full of life and energy. He loved his family, his sisters, his mom and dad, and most of all, it was obvious that Charlie loved God.
Today I celebrate Lukus' birthday on the same day that Charles & Carrie will bury their son and my heart breaks. We will celebrate Christmas with our kids, they will be missing one. We have to turn our thoughts away from this loss and glorify in Heaven's gain. But still...it hurts so much.
I don't ask God why....I know he has a plan. I know our days are numbered before He ever gave us life. Sometimes, it hurts more than one can even imagine.
Please watch the video and remember Charlie....and cover this family in prayer!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
My favorite things....
My kids are so silly!!!
About 4 years ago...I sang at a Christmas concert "My Favorite Things"
This music is on one of the CD's in my car. As we were listening to it yesterday, the kids decided to get funny and make up their lyrics. THEY LOVE TO MAKE RHYMES!!!! When you read it...sing it to the tune of my favorite things! I'm sure today they will come up with more!
Ian sang:
Blankets & Doggies & Pumpkin Pie yummy
Wrapped & eat up it's warm in my tummy
Making a mess and my mom cleans it up
These favorite things of mine make her go nuts!
Lukus sang:
Playstation, frustration, my situation.
I want to go up and see a space station. (we laughed really hard on that!!)
Blast off up high in the big great big sky
I don't know why mom keeps on asking me why
Emilie sang:
Baribe and drawing and singing with lady (our dog)
Makes me want to have a big baby (I freaked out on this one)
Christmas trees, lots of leaves, put them on me
Doesn't anyone know I have to pee?
This just made my day fun!!!
About 4 years ago...I sang at a Christmas concert "My Favorite Things"
This music is on one of the CD's in my car. As we were listening to it yesterday, the kids decided to get funny and make up their lyrics. THEY LOVE TO MAKE RHYMES!!!! When you read it...sing it to the tune of my favorite things! I'm sure today they will come up with more!
Ian sang:
Blankets & Doggies & Pumpkin Pie yummy
Wrapped & eat up it's warm in my tummy
Making a mess and my mom cleans it up
These favorite things of mine make her go nuts!
Lukus sang:
Playstation, frustration, my situation.
I want to go up and see a space station. (we laughed really hard on that!!)
Blast off up high in the big great big sky
I don't know why mom keeps on asking me why
Emilie sang:
Baribe and drawing and singing with lady (our dog)
Makes me want to have a big baby (I freaked out on this one)
Christmas trees, lots of leaves, put them on me
Doesn't anyone know I have to pee?
This just made my day fun!!!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Brain Duh???
Okay...if you say it really fast Brain Duh....what does it sound like? This actually came up on a docs orders the other day and we laughed and laughed. There was actually more to the order...but that was just really funny. Now you know what they like to call me at work!
So I only have 2 more weeks of this semester left. I can't be any happier. I'm NOT in the least bit excited for my finals. I have one this Thursday and then next Thursday. This class has been a little harder than I expected in the beginning.
One thing I love to do is give presentations. I love to reserach something and then come back and teach it to others. I find that the research part is so fascinating!!! Today my end of semester presentation was somewhat fun and exciting.
I found out that the final is REALLY hard and I'm not excited about that information!
I have to work the entire weekend up to Christmas but I'm excited I'm going to get off early to go to church on Friday night. I am looking forward to being with the family again.
My family has decided to celebrate Christmas later during the day so I can get some much needed sleep on Christmas morning. But I look forward to watching the kids open their gifts and have a blast. I am also looking forward to playing poker with my brother again.
So...this seems like a random post for the day....well...it is!
So I only have 2 more weeks of this semester left. I can't be any happier. I'm NOT in the least bit excited for my finals. I have one this Thursday and then next Thursday. This class has been a little harder than I expected in the beginning.
One thing I love to do is give presentations. I love to reserach something and then come back and teach it to others. I find that the research part is so fascinating!!! Today my end of semester presentation was somewhat fun and exciting.
I found out that the final is REALLY hard and I'm not excited about that information!
I have to work the entire weekend up to Christmas but I'm excited I'm going to get off early to go to church on Friday night. I am looking forward to being with the family again.
My family has decided to celebrate Christmas later during the day so I can get some much needed sleep on Christmas morning. But I look forward to watching the kids open their gifts and have a blast. I am also looking forward to playing poker with my brother again.
So...this seems like a random post for the day....well...it is!
Monday, December 04, 2006
It's still cold!
I have to change my blog today becuase I can no longer look at those weather pics I posted! ;o)
I want to say that my friend Chris updated his blog and has a really thought provoking update. Of course...you have to admire his new baby girl, Genesis, when you're scrolling down to see the blog on "Worship & Lament"!!! I encourage you to read it & add your thoughts.
http://www.chrislindsey.blogspot.com/
I want to say that my friend Chris updated his blog and has a really thought provoking update. Of course...you have to admire his new baby girl, Genesis, when you're scrolling down to see the blog on "Worship & Lament"!!! I encourage you to read it & add your thoughts.
http://www.chrislindsey.blogspot.com/
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Do we live in the North Pole???
Wow! Something about these two pictures I'm not particurally fond of! 
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Old Church Songs
Do you have a favorite church song from the past? You know...the hymnal songs???
Our beloved worship misinster....bless his little heart....loves to throw me for a curve when it comes to singing songs. I start reading through the list to sing for the day and all of the sudden...there is this song....I've never heard of it.
More often than not...these are songs that are written in the 1800's and let me say...I wasn't even thought of at that time. But some of our beloved basses love to pick on me and the older songs I don't know.
There are some that I truly love:
My hope is built....(This is my absolute FAVORITE!!!)
It is well with my soul
Paradise Valley
Those are just to name a few. I don't know if I should even go into naming the songs I don't like to sing. That ususally comes back to haunt me later. ;o)
So what are your favorite hymnal songs?
Our beloved worship misinster....bless his little heart....loves to throw me for a curve when it comes to singing songs. I start reading through the list to sing for the day and all of the sudden...there is this song....I've never heard of it.
More often than not...these are songs that are written in the 1800's and let me say...I wasn't even thought of at that time. But some of our beloved basses love to pick on me and the older songs I don't know.
There are some that I truly love:
My hope is built....(This is my absolute FAVORITE!!!)
It is well with my soul
Paradise Valley
Those are just to name a few. I don't know if I should even go into naming the songs I don't like to sing. That ususally comes back to haunt me later. ;o)
So what are your favorite hymnal songs?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Humph!
Yesterday was the second round and of testing for Ian and let me say....."HE DOES NOT LIKE IT!" Wow! He was so angry when it was time to leave. They didn't get as much accomplished as they would have liked to, so we go back 2 more days next week. Not only frustrating for him, but us as well.
I needed something to hold onto so this is what they told me.
We know he definitely has Autism...just not sure what degree yet. The more we can get done during the testing...the more we will know.
He has a verbal learning disorder...which is totally opposite of what they were expecting. Most children with the symptoms he has, have a non-verbal learning disorder. However, he's never managed to fall into any certain category like everyone else. He's always the unique one. Go figure!
His IQ is very high. He is very smart, however, his brain doesn't allow him to do the normal everyday functions that other children can do on their own.
They've reassured me that Ian will be able to make it in a normal school with the appropriate classes. Of course we are talking special ed classes so we need to make sure by next year, we find a school that has a really good program. The options for Town & Country or Riverfield are still open, however, I may need to donate a lung or kidney or something to afford the tuition.
But here was the kicker.....
There is no cure
There is no medicine to help his condition
He will not outgrow it
It could get worse with age
So even when we get a firm diagnosis, we will be in no better shape than we were when we started this process. Other than we will finally know what is wrong, and we will have to learn to manage our lives around him and find ways to help him better deal with his disorders.
I don't want to sound discouraged. The Lord says do not be discouraged. I'm not. Does frustration fall into that same category??? ;o)
God wants the best for us. We are His children and we are unique and special in our own ways. We are like that because He designed us that way. When I get frustrated with my kids, I wonder how many times our Father has been frustrated with me?
I want to do what is right for Ian and give him the best care and love a mother ever could. Lately, I'm not really good at it. I want him to feel as special as my God makes me feel. I want Him to share in that same glory. He may never be normal...but then again...who really is?
I needed something to hold onto so this is what they told me.
We know he definitely has Autism...just not sure what degree yet. The more we can get done during the testing...the more we will know.
He has a verbal learning disorder...which is totally opposite of what they were expecting. Most children with the symptoms he has, have a non-verbal learning disorder. However, he's never managed to fall into any certain category like everyone else. He's always the unique one. Go figure!
His IQ is very high. He is very smart, however, his brain doesn't allow him to do the normal everyday functions that other children can do on their own.
They've reassured me that Ian will be able to make it in a normal school with the appropriate classes. Of course we are talking special ed classes so we need to make sure by next year, we find a school that has a really good program. The options for Town & Country or Riverfield are still open, however, I may need to donate a lung or kidney or something to afford the tuition.
But here was the kicker.....
There is no cure
There is no medicine to help his condition
He will not outgrow it
It could get worse with age
So even when we get a firm diagnosis, we will be in no better shape than we were when we started this process. Other than we will finally know what is wrong, and we will have to learn to manage our lives around him and find ways to help him better deal with his disorders.
I don't want to sound discouraged. The Lord says do not be discouraged. I'm not. Does frustration fall into that same category??? ;o)
God wants the best for us. We are His children and we are unique and special in our own ways. We are like that because He designed us that way. When I get frustrated with my kids, I wonder how many times our Father has been frustrated with me?
I want to do what is right for Ian and give him the best care and love a mother ever could. Lately, I'm not really good at it. I want him to feel as special as my God makes me feel. I want Him to share in that same glory. He may never be normal...but then again...who really is?
Monday, November 27, 2006
Brokenness...Poker...and Jerry Springer!
Each year I really don't look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday. Honestly, it means getting together with my family and sometimes, that just wears me out. Not that they are like anything off the Jerry Springer show...but sometimes....things just don't work out with everyone being together.
Right after high school I took a job here and decided college could wait until I was ready. 3 years later, I was married and starting a new chapter of life. What I think I missed out on was getting out of town, getting away from home, and really appreciating what I had here. Sometimes, it's difficult to appreciate something that you take for granted until it's gone. I've been married now for 12 years, I've moved 5 times, and I still live in the same square mile I grew up in. And I must say...it is also 1/2 a mile from my parents home as well.
I never had the opportunity to move away, and my family has never moved so we don't really appreciate that "away from home" feeling.
Living close doesn't always provide the best relationship possibilities.
My dad and I had a falling out last summer and truly, I don't know who is having the more difficult time getting over it. Me or Him. I think in my heart that both of us want to make amends, but we just don't know how. I feel like time will certainly heal this wound, but truly wish I could forget the words that were shared in anger.
So last Thursday I was not really excited about getting together. I had it in my mind to just go over for dinner, eat and leave. He sat at the head of the table, and I sat at the far end about 25 other people away. There was absolutely no way to communicate with my mom & dad during dinner, but had a nice time talking to my other relatives.
After dinner was over we did the usual "family photo" session and then most everyone was leaving around 2:00. Ian was having a difficult time with the whole "big family" thing so I took Ian and Chad home and came back to get the other two kids who desperately wanted to spend the night with Grandma and Papa.
My brother and sister in law are big into "poker" and teaching everyone else how to play. I for one have never been a fan of the game....mostly...because I don't know how to play. They invited me in to start a new game but I saw my dad was playing. I wasn't sure I wanted to sit through that for very long.
Then we all had to switch seats for a moment and next thing I know...I'm sitting here next to my dad as we are both learning to play this game together.
Now...I'm not good at it at all....my dad...is even worse. He's betting all his chips just because they are in front of him. What's he got to lose except chips anyway. The man bet every hand...never folded...and did pretty well.
So we sat there for what felt like an eternity...laughing....playing...laughing...playing until...well...of course, my brother....the di-hard poker player takes all our chips.
I guess the important thing is that we were spending some quality time together having fun and laughing. It's been over a year now that we've had any fun even being in the same room. So I can truly say that this year was something I really enjoyed.
Did we mend our brokenness with each other??? No. But I think it was a start.
I want things to be like they use to be in the past, but we can't change things that we are not willing to acknowledge. I think that begins with me. I pray God gives me that strength I need.
Right after high school I took a job here and decided college could wait until I was ready. 3 years later, I was married and starting a new chapter of life. What I think I missed out on was getting out of town, getting away from home, and really appreciating what I had here. Sometimes, it's difficult to appreciate something that you take for granted until it's gone. I've been married now for 12 years, I've moved 5 times, and I still live in the same square mile I grew up in. And I must say...it is also 1/2 a mile from my parents home as well.
I never had the opportunity to move away, and my family has never moved so we don't really appreciate that "away from home" feeling.
Living close doesn't always provide the best relationship possibilities.
My dad and I had a falling out last summer and truly, I don't know who is having the more difficult time getting over it. Me or Him. I think in my heart that both of us want to make amends, but we just don't know how. I feel like time will certainly heal this wound, but truly wish I could forget the words that were shared in anger.
So last Thursday I was not really excited about getting together. I had it in my mind to just go over for dinner, eat and leave. He sat at the head of the table, and I sat at the far end about 25 other people away. There was absolutely no way to communicate with my mom & dad during dinner, but had a nice time talking to my other relatives.
After dinner was over we did the usual "family photo" session and then most everyone was leaving around 2:00. Ian was having a difficult time with the whole "big family" thing so I took Ian and Chad home and came back to get the other two kids who desperately wanted to spend the night with Grandma and Papa.
My brother and sister in law are big into "poker" and teaching everyone else how to play. I for one have never been a fan of the game....mostly...because I don't know how to play. They invited me in to start a new game but I saw my dad was playing. I wasn't sure I wanted to sit through that for very long.
Then we all had to switch seats for a moment and next thing I know...I'm sitting here next to my dad as we are both learning to play this game together.
Now...I'm not good at it at all....my dad...is even worse. He's betting all his chips just because they are in front of him. What's he got to lose except chips anyway. The man bet every hand...never folded...and did pretty well.
So we sat there for what felt like an eternity...laughing....playing...laughing...playing until...well...of course, my brother....the di-hard poker player takes all our chips.
I guess the important thing is that we were spending some quality time together having fun and laughing. It's been over a year now that we've had any fun even being in the same room. So I can truly say that this year was something I really enjoyed.
Did we mend our brokenness with each other??? No. But I think it was a start.
I want things to be like they use to be in the past, but we can't change things that we are not willing to acknowledge. I think that begins with me. I pray God gives me that strength I need.
Another day of testing....
I'll shre some of my favorite Theresa pics as well. FAB job my friend! 
This weekend was just a bit exhausting at work so today I am really tired. Yet...I continue to get up at 5:30am. Not sure exactly why....just routine. There's no such thing as sleeping in for me. ;o) But I enjoy the mornings and the quiet time I get to have my devotinals.
Today is our second round of testing for Ian. I know selfishly I would just like to walk in today and hear "no need....we have a diagnosis" but I know it doesn't come that easy. These test make the day SO LONG but I can rest in comfort knowing that today is the LAST of the longest days of testing. Anything after this will be short moments of testing. I look forward to when I can blog about something more solid.
Emilie has her last Orthopedic appointment today to see how the new growth on her arm has healed.I'm so excited that her arm is doing better.
Finals are coming up and I'm a bit nervous. It seems sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to study for it and then I wonder if I can retain all fo the information. No wonder I have migrains huh? Ha!
So I'm off for the day...excited for all the wonderful possibilites that God has lined up for me. Could be just another day...but truly, that statement doesn't exist for me. ;o)
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Happiness...and Sadness...all at once!
I got my Christmas present early this year. Actually....the day before Thanksgiving. I'll give you a hint...it has 4 wheels...is all black...has black leather interior...and a 6 disc CD changer. As it was something I didn't need....I will say I was surprised and love it!
However.....
Today, I dropped my cell phone in water. Um...I don't think I'm allowed to get a replacement for a while. Unfortunately, it's the only phone I ever use. I must learn now how to be quiet and spend less time on the phone.
I know this just opened up some comments for some of you....all I can say is practice restraint!;o) LOL!
However.....
Today, I dropped my cell phone in water. Um...I don't think I'm allowed to get a replacement for a while. Unfortunately, it's the only phone I ever use. I must learn now how to be quiet and spend less time on the phone.
I know this just opened up some comments for some of you....all I can say is practice restraint!;o) LOL!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
What does God control?
I have no idea even how to start this blog.
I was having a very nice conversation with someone today about our son. She said to me:
"I don't know what you did to have a child like this"
I was so confused as to what she meant. When I asked her to elaborate she said:
"Well you have to had done something. Kids aren't just like this for no reason"
I explained to her that I believe we were given the kids we have because God trust us enough to take care of them like nobody else could. He knew us before we knew ourselves and that He gave us the family we have so that we would in turn....teach them to glorify Him and raise them up right.
Well....the conversation went south for me at that point. She says:
"I don't believe that. I believe there is a beginning and an end and God is a part of that. Everything else here on earth is done by choice and God has nothing to do with it."
I was dumbfounded!!! I honestly did not know what to say. I was lost. She believes that my children are the way they are because of something that I did here on earth to make them this way.
Wow....I could go on and on with this forever, but in my anger now...I will trust as I know how much my God loves me. I know He doesn't not punish us. I know that I do not have that kind of power to do the things she gave me credit for. I am strong enough to continue loving her and praying that God will open her eyes and pray that she will not pass blame onto me for the disabilities that my child suffers.
God I know you love me and I know you have all the power here on this earth and beyond. I know that you made my children special just for me and God I thank you for them! I thank you for their special needs and I thank you for trusting us to take care of them here on earth. You are the God of all greatness and I see your miracles every day. I pray God that she will see those too and know that YOU are in control of our lives...regardless of what the outcome may be. We know that you have the ultimate power and I pray God that in my conversations with her that you help me control my tongue and give me the correct words to communicate Your love for her as well. Amen
I was having a very nice conversation with someone today about our son. She said to me:
"I don't know what you did to have a child like this"
I was so confused as to what she meant. When I asked her to elaborate she said:
"Well you have to had done something. Kids aren't just like this for no reason"
I explained to her that I believe we were given the kids we have because God trust us enough to take care of them like nobody else could. He knew us before we knew ourselves and that He gave us the family we have so that we would in turn....teach them to glorify Him and raise them up right.
Well....the conversation went south for me at that point. She says:
"I don't believe that. I believe there is a beginning and an end and God is a part of that. Everything else here on earth is done by choice and God has nothing to do with it."
I was dumbfounded!!! I honestly did not know what to say. I was lost. She believes that my children are the way they are because of something that I did here on earth to make them this way.
Wow....I could go on and on with this forever, but in my anger now...I will trust as I know how much my God loves me. I know He doesn't not punish us. I know that I do not have that kind of power to do the things she gave me credit for. I am strong enough to continue loving her and praying that God will open her eyes and pray that she will not pass blame onto me for the disabilities that my child suffers.
God I know you love me and I know you have all the power here on this earth and beyond. I know that you made my children special just for me and God I thank you for them! I thank you for their special needs and I thank you for trusting us to take care of them here on earth. You are the God of all greatness and I see your miracles every day. I pray God that she will see those too and know that YOU are in control of our lives...regardless of what the outcome may be. We know that you have the ultimate power and I pray God that in my conversations with her that you help me control my tongue and give me the correct words to communicate Your love for her as well. Amen
Monday, November 20, 2006
More on that last post....
Okay...so my morning bible study challenged me last Friday. It wasn't what I expected to read at all and since I took on an extra shift and day at work this week....I didn't have time to just sit and ponder over this and pray about it in regards to my life.
Do you ever think at times that God just has picked YOU to do something that you really feel like isn't you?
Boy! I do! I find myself all too often telling God I'm not cut out for this or that...and then I'll wait. I'll wait for the "better" person to step up to do the job instead of me.
So where would we be today if Moses had done what I did? 3 times Moses told the Lord he could not do want he wanted him to do. "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10 ). But what did God do??? He developed a plan for Moses. Just like He does for us.
I can't tell you the countless times I have said "Lord...you've got the wrong person for this" but yet He always makes it clear to me WHY he has chosen me.
Being the mother of a child with a mental disability...I've said "Why did He choose me for this"
And the fact is....I know he chose me for so many reasons. Not sure I can always see what HE sees in me...but I know that he equipped me long before I ever thought of having kids to be able to cope and deal with this.
Going into the medical profession I often wonder..."Am I the right person for this" and then He showes me how I am able to help in some unbelievable situations.
Sometimes, I...like Moses....just don't have the right words to speak and ask Him or adequately tell him what I'm trying to communicate. But I know that God knows my fears before I come to Him. All I have to do is come.
The struggles this week are becoming ever more clear. New things have popped up that totally blindsided us. Nothing that I can't accomplish...it's just puts another spark in the flame...and that's okay. I know he has a plan and I have a plan...which is to follow HIS plan!
Psalm 20:4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
All my plans my not succeed in my book...but I believe they follow His plan. Now...my job...is to work with Him in obedience to what He has given me to do...and follow His plan. I think that's how both of us can come together.
Not sure I am communicating very well what my heart is going through...but it's worth a shot!
Do you ever think at times that God just has picked YOU to do something that you really feel like isn't you?
Boy! I do! I find myself all too often telling God I'm not cut out for this or that...and then I'll wait. I'll wait for the "better" person to step up to do the job instead of me.
So where would we be today if Moses had done what I did? 3 times Moses told the Lord he could not do want he wanted him to do. "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10 ). But what did God do??? He developed a plan for Moses. Just like He does for us.
I can't tell you the countless times I have said "Lord...you've got the wrong person for this" but yet He always makes it clear to me WHY he has chosen me.
Being the mother of a child with a mental disability...I've said "Why did He choose me for this"
And the fact is....I know he chose me for so many reasons. Not sure I can always see what HE sees in me...but I know that he equipped me long before I ever thought of having kids to be able to cope and deal with this.
Going into the medical profession I often wonder..."Am I the right person for this" and then He showes me how I am able to help in some unbelievable situations.
Sometimes, I...like Moses....just don't have the right words to speak and ask Him or adequately tell him what I'm trying to communicate. But I know that God knows my fears before I come to Him. All I have to do is come.
The struggles this week are becoming ever more clear. New things have popped up that totally blindsided us. Nothing that I can't accomplish...it's just puts another spark in the flame...and that's okay. I know he has a plan and I have a plan...which is to follow HIS plan!
Psalm 20:4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
All my plans my not succeed in my book...but I believe they follow His plan. Now...my job...is to work with Him in obedience to what He has given me to do...and follow His plan. I think that's how both of us can come together.
Not sure I am communicating very well what my heart is going through...but it's worth a shot!
Friday, November 17, 2006
What does God want?
Does he want our "obedience" or our "ability"?
What are your thoughts? Think about this and Moses!
What are your thoughts? Think about this and Moses!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
First phase of testing is underway....
It was an exhausting day of testing for Ian...as well as me. But I can only imagine that his brain was in overload this afternoon. He came home complaining of a terrible headache. I can only imagine.
I was comforted in speaking to the doctor today that there is hope. Hope that we will finally...after 11 years...make a firm diagnosis on Ian. Not that there will be only one...but could be several firm ones.
She gave me a ton of homework to do and I was eager to get started. As I got into the first hour of it, I was already exhausted. The information I had to recall and the things I had to write down on paper were not encouraging at all. I started to get discouraged. But I kept going and finished all of it in time to turn it back in before we left. She said..."Oh wow! You get a gold star for completing it today" and I said "You have no idea how eager I am to get this done".
However, she confirmed that there is no way we can just do this in 2 appointments. It's impossible for him to complete it. So we will be making several trips.
She gave me a couple of things we are possibly looking at and I won't say them until we have a firm diagnosis. I hope to know something before Christmas. I won't say that it doesn't hurt, because it does. Everyone wants the best for their child...the perfect child...well...I have a perfect child!
I just have to come to the realization that Ian will always be a special child in more ways than one. He will always have special needs...we will just have to accommodate him. The hard part for me will be asking others to make special accommodations for him.
God makes everyone special but He made him extra special just for us. We just have to find ways to make life a little more special for him so he can enjoy life to the fullest.
I was comforted in speaking to the doctor today that there is hope. Hope that we will finally...after 11 years...make a firm diagnosis on Ian. Not that there will be only one...but could be several firm ones.
She gave me a ton of homework to do and I was eager to get started. As I got into the first hour of it, I was already exhausted. The information I had to recall and the things I had to write down on paper were not encouraging at all. I started to get discouraged. But I kept going and finished all of it in time to turn it back in before we left. She said..."Oh wow! You get a gold star for completing it today" and I said "You have no idea how eager I am to get this done".
However, she confirmed that there is no way we can just do this in 2 appointments. It's impossible for him to complete it. So we will be making several trips.
She gave me a couple of things we are possibly looking at and I won't say them until we have a firm diagnosis. I hope to know something before Christmas. I won't say that it doesn't hurt, because it does. Everyone wants the best for their child...the perfect child...well...I have a perfect child!
I just have to come to the realization that Ian will always be a special child in more ways than one. He will always have special needs...we will just have to accommodate him. The hard part for me will be asking others to make special accommodations for him.
God makes everyone special but He made him extra special just for us. We just have to find ways to make life a little more special for him so he can enjoy life to the fullest.
Surprise Problem?
I don't like to use those two words but they came up as one of my questions this morning in my bible study.
"Have you had a 'surprise' problem lately?"
Well, I had to really think about this one. I could almost point out a problem everyday that I'm surprised about. This morning it was not enough flour to make waffles. Yesterday...it was no Diet Dr. Pepper and no cash in my pocket. And tomorrow I'm sure it will be something else. At work...well...I have LOTS of surprise problems that I'm not expecting. Everyday, a new surprise will appear. It's how we deal with those.
For me, I don't always do what I should. I'm a jumper! I like to jump right in there, fix the problem, and then move on. That way, the problem no longer exists and I know that it was done well. Why? Because I fixed it. I am in control.
But how many times do we rely on God to fix our 'surprises' of the day? I mean...even not having enough flour!! Did I go to God with that? Not really? Okay...maybe I said..."Lord, please let me find something else for my poor starving children so they aren't angry they are not getting waffles"....but yeah...I still don't think that is exactly what my study was trying to say this morning.
Do we listen to the Holy Spirit whispering promises to us? Well...I don't think I really thought about it until I was driving back home from dropping the kids off. That's my quiet time with God. Did I pray for more flour??? No...because I knew that wouldn't happen. Did God know my heart really wanted to find something to make the kids happy? Yes, I believe he did. Does He know I'm doing the best I can? Yes..but I feel He probably thinks I can do better.
But what exactly is it that the Holy Spirit would be promising?
* "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
* "As your days, so shall your strength be" (Deuteronomy 33:25).
* "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory forever and forever" (Philippians 4:19).
* "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
What those kind of verses....do I even need to question it? Probably not! ;o)
Have you had any 'surprises' sneak up on you lately?
"Have you had a 'surprise' problem lately?"
Well, I had to really think about this one. I could almost point out a problem everyday that I'm surprised about. This morning it was not enough flour to make waffles. Yesterday...it was no Diet Dr. Pepper and no cash in my pocket. And tomorrow I'm sure it will be something else. At work...well...I have LOTS of surprise problems that I'm not expecting. Everyday, a new surprise will appear. It's how we deal with those.
For me, I don't always do what I should. I'm a jumper! I like to jump right in there, fix the problem, and then move on. That way, the problem no longer exists and I know that it was done well. Why? Because I fixed it. I am in control.
But how many times do we rely on God to fix our 'surprises' of the day? I mean...even not having enough flour!! Did I go to God with that? Not really? Okay...maybe I said..."Lord, please let me find something else for my poor starving children so they aren't angry they are not getting waffles"....but yeah...I still don't think that is exactly what my study was trying to say this morning.
Do we listen to the Holy Spirit whispering promises to us? Well...I don't think I really thought about it until I was driving back home from dropping the kids off. That's my quiet time with God. Did I pray for more flour??? No...because I knew that wouldn't happen. Did God know my heart really wanted to find something to make the kids happy? Yes, I believe he did. Does He know I'm doing the best I can? Yes..but I feel He probably thinks I can do better.
But what exactly is it that the Holy Spirit would be promising?
* "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
* "As your days, so shall your strength be" (Deuteronomy 33:25).
* "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory forever and forever" (Philippians 4:19).
* "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
What those kind of verses....do I even need to question it? Probably not! ;o)
Have you had any 'surprises' sneak up on you lately?
Monday, November 13, 2006
Testing day!
Tomorrow we take Ian in for his first set of neurological testing. My heart hurts about this.
Don't get me wrong, I really am ready for it....but it will be hard to hear the results.
After talking to a friend and co-worker, I took a different step in hopefully the right direction.
I called special Olympics to see about getting Ian into a sport. Now...as that doesn't sound very difficult, as a parent, it really is. I think we have been in denial for so long that it is time to step out of the box we have been living in...ore moreso....hiding in and find a place where Ian fits in.
After I hung up the phone, I called Chad to where I got very emotional about this. I think reality sometimes just hurts. I want to help him, but it comes back to my selfishness and being on my terms. I have to get over that.
I want to do anything I can to help him and children like him get what they need. A life well deserved. He has no friends and that is so hard for me to sit back and watch. I love him dearly and want him to have the best life possible. That means I have to swallow my pride and quit thinking about what I want, and do what ultimately is best for him.
I'm sure there's some biblical truth in that!
Don't get me wrong, I really am ready for it....but it will be hard to hear the results.
After talking to a friend and co-worker, I took a different step in hopefully the right direction.
I called special Olympics to see about getting Ian into a sport. Now...as that doesn't sound very difficult, as a parent, it really is. I think we have been in denial for so long that it is time to step out of the box we have been living in...ore moreso....hiding in and find a place where Ian fits in.
After I hung up the phone, I called Chad to where I got very emotional about this. I think reality sometimes just hurts. I want to help him, but it comes back to my selfishness and being on my terms. I have to get over that.
I want to do anything I can to help him and children like him get what they need. A life well deserved. He has no friends and that is so hard for me to sit back and watch. I love him dearly and want him to have the best life possible. That means I have to swallow my pride and quit thinking about what I want, and do what ultimately is best for him.
I'm sure there's some biblical truth in that!
I called Jenny!
I went to weigh in this morning and I've lost 3 more pounds! Yay!!! If I had only lost 2 more ounces, I would have lost a total of 20 lbs! Well...I'll settle for the 19 pounds I have lost along with the many inches I am shedding. I was excited to fit into a new pair of jeans 2 sizes smaller! I look forward to shedding the other 30 I'm trying to lose! It will be tough....but I'm doing it! I will feel so much better when I can start really seeing the results with my own eyes and not being so critical of myself.
Friday, November 10, 2006
In-ted-gritty
Conversations with Emilie:
Emilie: Mom...I know what In-ted-gritty is.
Mom: Okay...what is it.
Emilie: It's when you do somebody's elses wrong better.
Mom: I'm not sure that's quite right.
Emilie: Yeah it is....When someone is doing something wrong, you do it better.
Mom: Do you mean When someone is doing wrong...you do the right thing anyway?
Emilie: Okay mom...I mean....When someone does something wrong, I make sure I do the same thing...I just do it better than they did!
Oi!!!
Emilie: Mom...I know what In-ted-gritty is.
Mom: Okay...what is it.
Emilie: It's when you do somebody's elses wrong better.
Mom: I'm not sure that's quite right.
Emilie: Yeah it is....When someone is doing something wrong, you do it better.
Mom: Do you mean When someone is doing wrong...you do the right thing anyway?
Emilie: Okay mom...I mean....When someone does something wrong, I make sure I do the same thing...I just do it better than they did!
Oi!!!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
I'm not what I could be....
I am often guilty of going to God only in the difficult times. Hard situations make me rely on Him more often. I find myself talking to Him more when I'm down, rather than rejoicing His name when I'm up.
I know I'm not the only person that does this. However, it's something about me that I want to change.
The past two months in our home has been very difficult. At times, I felt like I was at the end of my rope and even turning to God wouldn't help. In fact, I blamed Him for many things that were happening in our lives. As I look back...I see how foolish that really was. However, I know I have a God who can handle my anger. He's just big enough for that! ;o)
This morning I was driving the kids to school and notice a very unusual peaceful feeling in the car. It's one that I don't find often. As the kids got to school I got my usual hugs and kisses and watched them walk away. All smiling, all happy, and me....well...I was pondering the moment. It's those peaceful moments of the day that I long for. I don't get very many....and I'm not complaining.
When driving back home, I had about 20 minutes to myself. 20 minutes I could use to be grateful to God for all the things I have and the happiness he brings. To thank Him for these peaceful moments of rest he has allowed me over the past week or so. I think He knew I needed a break. In fact...He probably knows a lot more than I give him credit for.
I'm not the best mother in the world, but I do try. There are days I don't want to try. I don't want to think about it. But today isn't one of those. Today I am joyful for the children I have and small glimpses of light and hope that God gives me into their future.
I'm not the best wife in the world, but I do try. Again, there are days I don't want to try or think about it....but today isn't one of those. I'm so proud of the husband I have and the love and support he gives me. I can't imagine my life without him. Some day's...I don't feel good enough for him...but he never makes me feel that way. He is so special to me.
I'm not best Christian I could be. I try...but I don't try as hard as I could. I don't put as much time and energy into being a christian as I do being a wife and mother. I think that since it is something that I am....then it should already be easy. Nope....it's not. It too needs work.
Maybe if I got my priorities straight, many things would be much easier.
For today, I thank God for the moments of grace He allows me and the peace that He put in my heart. Life is not easy, and Satan will attack me for sure....but I know with His love and mercy, He will help strengthen me into the woman I really need to be.
I know I'm not the only person that does this. However, it's something about me that I want to change.
The past two months in our home has been very difficult. At times, I felt like I was at the end of my rope and even turning to God wouldn't help. In fact, I blamed Him for many things that were happening in our lives. As I look back...I see how foolish that really was. However, I know I have a God who can handle my anger. He's just big enough for that! ;o)
This morning I was driving the kids to school and notice a very unusual peaceful feeling in the car. It's one that I don't find often. As the kids got to school I got my usual hugs and kisses and watched them walk away. All smiling, all happy, and me....well...I was pondering the moment. It's those peaceful moments of the day that I long for. I don't get very many....and I'm not complaining.
When driving back home, I had about 20 minutes to myself. 20 minutes I could use to be grateful to God for all the things I have and the happiness he brings. To thank Him for these peaceful moments of rest he has allowed me over the past week or so. I think He knew I needed a break. In fact...He probably knows a lot more than I give him credit for.
I'm not the best mother in the world, but I do try. There are days I don't want to try. I don't want to think about it. But today isn't one of those. Today I am joyful for the children I have and small glimpses of light and hope that God gives me into their future.
I'm not the best wife in the world, but I do try. Again, there are days I don't want to try or think about it....but today isn't one of those. I'm so proud of the husband I have and the love and support he gives me. I can't imagine my life without him. Some day's...I don't feel good enough for him...but he never makes me feel that way. He is so special to me.
I'm not best Christian I could be. I try...but I don't try as hard as I could. I don't put as much time and energy into being a christian as I do being a wife and mother. I think that since it is something that I am....then it should already be easy. Nope....it's not. It too needs work.
Maybe if I got my priorities straight, many things would be much easier.
For today, I thank God for the moments of grace He allows me and the peace that He put in my heart. Life is not easy, and Satan will attack me for sure....but I know with His love and mercy, He will help strengthen me into the woman I really need to be.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Heartstopper!!!
Thanks to Theresa....I just LOVE this picture. Although...it makes me feel like one of these days we are going to be in trouble by this little one!!!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
You knew I'd blog about it!!!!!
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield;my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Tonight I had the most awesome experience worshipping with our praise team. Shane began by telling us we were going to have a short practice this evening and we were going out to the prayer tower to do something special. I was excited as I LOVE to sing in the tower and I knew no matter what...we would end the night in the tower. It just sounds SOOOO beautiful out there. It's totally a different feeling.
So we end quite early...even after having a great rehearsal and walk to the tower. When we arrived...I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a table set up for communion.
Psalm 107:21-22
21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
I can only tell you that my heart began to beat faster and my hands began to shake. I couldn't believe that finally I was going to be able to take communion with my church family once again. I've been working since July so I have been unable to make it to a Sunday service. But this was no ordinary communion service. It was precious as the thoughts that were shared by each person as God placed something on their heart.
Eagerly I couldn't wait to break the bread...as I walked to the table, my hands were shaking more and more. My heart was beating faster. Why? What was God placing on my heart. The tears were flowing from my eyes. I think Cheryl may have noticed me shaking and came to pour the blood of Jesus for me. I am glad she came to the table with me.
The night continued with heartfelt words and song and ending with of course "There's no God like Jehovah". Ha! That made me laugh but I was ready to dance along as well.
I am so excited tonight. It was more than communion for me. It was being with family. It was celebrating His love and His life for us together. I can't think of a better moment. I couldn't help but cry tonight as I felt God's love pouring through everyone in the tower. Again, I thank God for this moment. I thank God for every moment He allows me to celebrate with my church family. And to think...I almost DID NOT show up tonight because of a migrain. God works in great ways!!!
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
This moment tonight is one that I will cherish forever. Knowing we came together as a group, as friends, as family and broke bread together was priceless. I love this group.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Tonight I had the most awesome experience worshipping with our praise team. Shane began by telling us we were going to have a short practice this evening and we were going out to the prayer tower to do something special. I was excited as I LOVE to sing in the tower and I knew no matter what...we would end the night in the tower. It just sounds SOOOO beautiful out there. It's totally a different feeling.
So we end quite early...even after having a great rehearsal and walk to the tower. When we arrived...I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a table set up for communion.
Psalm 107:21-22
21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
I can only tell you that my heart began to beat faster and my hands began to shake. I couldn't believe that finally I was going to be able to take communion with my church family once again. I've been working since July so I have been unable to make it to a Sunday service. But this was no ordinary communion service. It was precious as the thoughts that were shared by each person as God placed something on their heart.
Eagerly I couldn't wait to break the bread...as I walked to the table, my hands were shaking more and more. My heart was beating faster. Why? What was God placing on my heart. The tears were flowing from my eyes. I think Cheryl may have noticed me shaking and came to pour the blood of Jesus for me. I am glad she came to the table with me.
The night continued with heartfelt words and song and ending with of course "There's no God like Jehovah". Ha! That made me laugh but I was ready to dance along as well.
I am so excited tonight. It was more than communion for me. It was being with family. It was celebrating His love and His life for us together. I can't think of a better moment. I couldn't help but cry tonight as I felt God's love pouring through everyone in the tower. Again, I thank God for this moment. I thank God for every moment He allows me to celebrate with my church family. And to think...I almost DID NOT show up tonight because of a migrain. God works in great ways!!!
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
This moment tonight is one that I will cherish forever. Knowing we came together as a group, as friends, as family and broke bread together was priceless. I love this group.
What is a mother to do????
Emilie had her cast removed Monday. YAY!!!!
She broke her thumb on her other hand last night!!!! Oi!
She broke her thumb on her other hand last night!!!! Oi!
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