Our living room is absolutely full of boxes. Matt and I knew this would happen. We knew we would get to the point where we'd have little room to move about main living spaces of the house and that time has come. Matt had looked into getting a local moving company to park a truck in our driveway for a week, but then he found out they only do that for out-of-state moves. Then Jessica from our church called and offered her double horse trailer to us. What an answer to prayer! She'll drop it off tomorrow morning--none too soon.
Tuesday night elders John, Jason and Roland got all the books in the house into boxes--35 of them. I should have heeded my friend Julie's warnings at yard sales, "Stay away from those books. You don't need any more books."
Yesterday my friend Sherri from Bible study came to help me. She packed so well and so fast that I had a hard time keeping up with her. We finished packing the storage room off the master bedroom. That was a big weight off my mind. I had originally thought that it would only take me a couple of hours to pack this room--I was sorely mistaken--it ended up being about 6 or 7. My pregnant self is pretty slow moving right now.
Joan from church came yesterday afternoon and packed the china hutch. My stuff, three grandmas things and yard sale treasures combined to make it a pretty big job. Joan had had a hard day at work and then came to my house to help me. She was a trooper, though, and got the job done.
Today Grace, Elizabeth and I worked in the morning and then Beth from church came this afternoon to help. She and Grace got most of the school room packed.
We've found plenty to give to Goodwill along the way. I also plan on giving a bunch of stuff to my friend Brooke who just adopted 3 children from Ethiopia (to add to her other 3). She's having a yard sale this weekend. Perfect timing!
Joel is very much enjoying his new found freedom. He re-learned how to sit yesterday and figured out how to crawl again today. He even stood up for a few minutes at the play kitchen. Lydia said, "I can't cook with this baby!"
We had a surprise dinner guest this evening. My Uncle Keith (and godfather) was down here on a farming errand and joined us for supper. I didn't feel like running to the store to fill out our meal of chicken and rice, but the Lord provided what we needed. Matt came home with some CSA produce from our friends Brian and Julie. We were able to put together a nice salad and grill some fresh asparagus. Uncle Keith brought three kinds of ice cream, including bubble gum, which proved to be the most popular choice. What kid doesn't like bubble gum? What little girl named Lydia doesn't like anything pink? What a nice way to end a very long day--good food and good conversation.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Joy Comes in the Morning
Last night Joel slept in our bed as has been his routine since he's been in his cast. We figure we'll get him in his crib again once we move to the new house. It was such a blessing to feel Joel's two little feet kicking my back during the night (no kidding!). When I got up, I saw Joel's ten little toes peeking out from the covers. He was sound asleep on his stomach--something he hasn't been able to do for seven weeks.
When I got out of the shower, I heard Joel squealing excitedly. Paul was in bed with him, tickling his toes. I got dressed and then scooped Joel up and sat in bed with him. He patted his left leg and looked up at me with a big grin on his face. I think Joel had forgotten that his cast was off and he was so happy to wake up and discover his legs were free. I then took Joel to Daddy. He sat on Daddy's lap and patted his own legs. He wanted Daddy to know about his little legs, too. What a great way to start the day.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b
When I got out of the shower, I heard Joel squealing excitedly. Paul was in bed with him, tickling his toes. I got dressed and then scooped Joel up and sat in bed with him. He patted his left leg and looked up at me with a big grin on his face. I think Joel had forgotten that his cast was off and he was so happy to wake up and discover his legs were free. I then took Joel to Daddy. He sat on Daddy's lap and patted his own legs. He wanted Daddy to know about his little legs, too. What a great way to start the day.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Free at Last! Free at Last!
JOEL'S CAST IS OFF! This morning we had an early appointment with the doctor. When he came in to see Joel he said, "There's not a note here in the chart about taking off the cast today, but that was the plan, wasn't it?" My heart skipped a beat and Matt said, "Yes, that was supposed to be the plan." The doctor then looked at the x-ray that had just been taken of Joel's leg, said it looked "beautiful" and gave orders to the cast tech to take off the cast. Whew!
The cast tech did a marvelous job. She was really sweating (literally). She said she'd removed two other spica casts and we could tell she was a bit nervous, but she took the thing off like a pro. (I was praying the whole time.) Matt, myself and two nurses held Joel down during the process. He cried at first, but seemed to understand what was going on and then settled down. When the cast tech was done, she gave us a box of wet wipes and said, "There you go, clean him up." Then she left the room. I think she needed a few minutes to get herself together. After Matt and I cleaned Joel up the best we could, we put a diaper and some shorts on him. It's been almost two months since he's worn any bottoms. The doctor came in and said he'd like to see Joel in a couple of weeks and get one more x-ray, just to be on the safe side.
Matt then went to work and the kids and I headed to the expensive for "very special occasions only" bakery. I told Paul and Elizabeth (Grace and Lydia were at home) they could pick whatever they wanted. They both looked at me with big eyes and then back at the cookie case to make the absolute best choice. In the past, I've told them they could only pick out something $1 or less, so they were delighted to not have to follow that rule today. Joel pointed to a frosted blue bird cookie, so that's what I got him. The kids and I then picked out something for Daddy, Grace and Elizabeth and got back in the van to head to Joel's appointment with the pediatrician. By the time we got to the doctor's office, Joel was covered in frosting. Good thing we were a couple of minutes early so that I had time to clean him up.
The pediatrician gave Joel a clean bill of health. His ears are clear and won't require another round of antibiotics. Another answer to prayer! I just didn't want to fiddle with all of that while trying to pack to move.
I put Joel in the tub after we got home and ate lunch. He started kicking both legs and laughing and squealing. I gently scrubbed as much dry skin off as possible. It was so good to give him a thorough cleaning. After his bath, I rubbed Joel all over with lotion and put clean clothes on him. I picked him up and he squawked and kicked to let me know how good he felt. What a luxury to be able to fill a tub with hot, clean water and give just one child a bath. So many mommies in the world can't do that.
I read two chapters of Anne of Green Gables to the kids and then we all had a really good quiet time. Joel was so happy to be in bed and be able to move both of his legs. He patted my face and looked at me contentedly, then he fell asleep.
I'm sure it will take a bit for Joel to recover full use of his leg, but he's already raring to go, so I know it won't take too long. I've told the kids we have to watch him very closely, especially during the move. And as the doctor said, "No more bunk beds!"
The cast tech did a marvelous job. She was really sweating (literally). She said she'd removed two other spica casts and we could tell she was a bit nervous, but she took the thing off like a pro. (I was praying the whole time.) Matt, myself and two nurses held Joel down during the process. He cried at first, but seemed to understand what was going on and then settled down. When the cast tech was done, she gave us a box of wet wipes and said, "There you go, clean him up." Then she left the room. I think she needed a few minutes to get herself together. After Matt and I cleaned Joel up the best we could, we put a diaper and some shorts on him. It's been almost two months since he's worn any bottoms. The doctor came in and said he'd like to see Joel in a couple of weeks and get one more x-ray, just to be on the safe side.
Matt then went to work and the kids and I headed to the expensive for "very special occasions only" bakery. I told Paul and Elizabeth (Grace and Lydia were at home) they could pick whatever they wanted. They both looked at me with big eyes and then back at the cookie case to make the absolute best choice. In the past, I've told them they could only pick out something $1 or less, so they were delighted to not have to follow that rule today. Joel pointed to a frosted blue bird cookie, so that's what I got him. The kids and I then picked out something for Daddy, Grace and Elizabeth and got back in the van to head to Joel's appointment with the pediatrician. By the time we got to the doctor's office, Joel was covered in frosting. Good thing we were a couple of minutes early so that I had time to clean him up.
The pediatrician gave Joel a clean bill of health. His ears are clear and won't require another round of antibiotics. Another answer to prayer! I just didn't want to fiddle with all of that while trying to pack to move.
I put Joel in the tub after we got home and ate lunch. He started kicking both legs and laughing and squealing. I gently scrubbed as much dry skin off as possible. It was so good to give him a thorough cleaning. After his bath, I rubbed Joel all over with lotion and put clean clothes on him. I picked him up and he squawked and kicked to let me know how good he felt. What a luxury to be able to fill a tub with hot, clean water and give just one child a bath. So many mommies in the world can't do that.
I read two chapters of Anne of Green Gables to the kids and then we all had a really good quiet time. Joel was so happy to be in bed and be able to move both of his legs. He patted my face and looked at me contentedly, then he fell asleep.
I'm sure it will take a bit for Joel to recover full use of his leg, but he's already raring to go, so I know it won't take too long. I've told the kids we have to watch him very closely, especially during the move. And as the doctor said, "No more bunk beds!"
Monday, May 26, 2008
Dinner Al Fresco
Tonight Grace and Elizabeth made dinner. They even cleaned off the picnic table on the back porch so that we could eat outside. We had Asian chicken salad and French bread. Paul had a corn dog. During dinner, Daddy discussed the meaning of Memorial Day. Lydia said, "In a couple weeks, we get to move to our new house and touch EVERYTHING!" (The three times we've visited the house, we've made it very clear to the kids that they were not to touch ANYTHING.)
God is in the Details
Matt and I are getting a bit nervous about getting everything done for the big move on June 7. God has made it so clear to us that this house is from Him. Since this was God's idea, Matt and I have to trust that He won't leave us stranded in the sea of details needed to make this move happen. In the last few days, we've seen how God has provided.
Friday morning my friend Tammy came here to help me pack and defrost the big upright freezer. Her older girls watched Paul and Lydia at their house. Elizabeth watched Joel and Grace helped Tammy and me. Fortunately (Tammy had to point out to me the "fortunately" part), one of the kids had not gotten the freezer door shut tight the day before and I had to throw away a bunch of food. "Look at it this way," Tammy said, "now you won't have so much to move." We also had a head start on the defrosting. That night, Tammy and her family dropped off a bunch of boxes and joined us for s'mores around what was probably our last campfire at this house.
Matt and Grace worked in the yard on Saturday. Elizabeth watched Joel while I packed some boxes. I put a turkey in the oven for dinner and then realized I had already packed my meat thermometer. I dug it out of it's box and decided I'd better hold off on packing it again until we get closer to moving day.
Yesterday we went to early church and then headed north for a family reunion. It was raining here when we left, so we figured the whole swimming part of the event would be canceled. By the time we arrived at my uncle's house, however, the sun had broken through the clouds. Matt and the kids (minus Joel) stayed in the pool for 3 1/2 hours straight. Joel thought he should be allowed to swim, too, but we explained to him he'd have to wait a few more days. The three littles were asleep by the time we hit the highway and they slept the whole 2 1/2 hour drive home.
This morning I took Elizabeth and Lydia with me to put some flowers on a couple to friends' graves. Matt took the other kids to the Memorial Day service at the cemetery. We're trying to impress upon the kids that this country's freedom isn't free. That's so hard for all of us to remember when we live in a time of such peace and prosperity.
Lydia and Paul will play at their friends Cooper and Taylor's house for the morning so that we can get some more packing done here with a couple less distractions.
Matt's mom has arranged for two young ladies from her church to come to our house this afternoon to do some yard work. They're earning money to go on a mission later this summer. We definitely have no lack of work around here, so we know they'll be a big help to us. Thanks, Mom!
Yesterday after church, I had a couple of women offer to help me pack. Also, two elders offered to help us. After all the stress and worry, we see that God truly does care about the details and He will provide for our every need.
Friday morning my friend Tammy came here to help me pack and defrost the big upright freezer. Her older girls watched Paul and Lydia at their house. Elizabeth watched Joel and Grace helped Tammy and me. Fortunately (Tammy had to point out to me the "fortunately" part), one of the kids had not gotten the freezer door shut tight the day before and I had to throw away a bunch of food. "Look at it this way," Tammy said, "now you won't have so much to move." We also had a head start on the defrosting. That night, Tammy and her family dropped off a bunch of boxes and joined us for s'mores around what was probably our last campfire at this house.
Matt and Grace worked in the yard on Saturday. Elizabeth watched Joel while I packed some boxes. I put a turkey in the oven for dinner and then realized I had already packed my meat thermometer. I dug it out of it's box and decided I'd better hold off on packing it again until we get closer to moving day.
Yesterday we went to early church and then headed north for a family reunion. It was raining here when we left, so we figured the whole swimming part of the event would be canceled. By the time we arrived at my uncle's house, however, the sun had broken through the clouds. Matt and the kids (minus Joel) stayed in the pool for 3 1/2 hours straight. Joel thought he should be allowed to swim, too, but we explained to him he'd have to wait a few more days. The three littles were asleep by the time we hit the highway and they slept the whole 2 1/2 hour drive home.
This morning I took Elizabeth and Lydia with me to put some flowers on a couple to friends' graves. Matt took the other kids to the Memorial Day service at the cemetery. We're trying to impress upon the kids that this country's freedom isn't free. That's so hard for all of us to remember when we live in a time of such peace and prosperity.
Lydia and Paul will play at their friends Cooper and Taylor's house for the morning so that we can get some more packing done here with a couple less distractions.
Matt's mom has arranged for two young ladies from her church to come to our house this afternoon to do some yard work. They're earning money to go on a mission later this summer. We definitely have no lack of work around here, so we know they'll be a big help to us. Thanks, Mom!
Yesterday after church, I had a couple of women offer to help me pack. Also, two elders offered to help us. After all the stress and worry, we see that God truly does care about the details and He will provide for our every need.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
God's Fingerprints
Yesterday afternoon we had the new house inspected. I was quite nervous about what problems might crop up on a 1954 home. When we had our current house inspected before we moved into it (it was built in 1950), there were a couple of fairly big issues that needed to be addressed. Well, it turns out that our "new" house has had extensive floor joist work, so now it's got a good solid floor. It also has a good roof and everything else checked out just fine. The homeowner even called Matt to explain all the work he had had done on the house. I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was. God has definitely gone before us in all of this.
Last night I was telling Matt how discouraged I was with the progress (or lack thereof) I have made on packing. I related to him all the small details I've seen the Lord work out already, but that I was really starting to worry about getting everything packed. My energy levels are pretty low right now and I haven't been sleeping well, which makes things worse. My pregnancy nausea has returned, but I know it's due to stress. So, we decided to pray for help.
This morning I went to my last Bible study of the year. I had planned on staying home to pack, but my friend encouraged me to take the time to go. I am so glad I went. It was so nice to get my focus back on Christ. We sang hymns and shared how the Lord has worked throughout the year in our lives. It was so encouraging to hear these stories from my sisters in the Lord. Afterwards, a gal from my group asked me if she could come help me pack next week. She said she's moved 5 times in the last 10 years, so I know she'll be a good help to me.
This afternoon the head elder from our church called and said he'd get a group of men together to help us move. My parents are going to hire some movers to get the furniture and piano over to the new house, but we'll still need plenty of man power for all the boxes. We also plan to move our chicken house (Matt's labor of love to me) and our shed (since we won't have a garage). It'll be nice to have some men to help with these projects.
I usually have a very difficult time accepting help from people, but the Lord has changed my heart in this area recently. At the beginning of our spica cast adventure with Joel, my sister-in-law said, "You'd better accept whatever offer of help you get and don't turn anyone down." Well, I've tried to put that into practice. Even Jesus let the women who followed Him minister to Him. A real test came to me the other day when my friend called and said she and her husband were going to have a woman go to our new house and clean the kitchen and bathrooms before we move in. Six months ago, I would have declined the offer, but I accepted, knowing that the Lord had prompted her to offer this gift to us.
I see God's fingerprints all over this "big move." It's just like Him to lavish so much grace. What a wonderful Savior we serve!
Last night I was telling Matt how discouraged I was with the progress (or lack thereof) I have made on packing. I related to him all the small details I've seen the Lord work out already, but that I was really starting to worry about getting everything packed. My energy levels are pretty low right now and I haven't been sleeping well, which makes things worse. My pregnancy nausea has returned, but I know it's due to stress. So, we decided to pray for help.
This morning I went to my last Bible study of the year. I had planned on staying home to pack, but my friend encouraged me to take the time to go. I am so glad I went. It was so nice to get my focus back on Christ. We sang hymns and shared how the Lord has worked throughout the year in our lives. It was so encouraging to hear these stories from my sisters in the Lord. Afterwards, a gal from my group asked me if she could come help me pack next week. She said she's moved 5 times in the last 10 years, so I know she'll be a good help to me.
This afternoon the head elder from our church called and said he'd get a group of men together to help us move. My parents are going to hire some movers to get the furniture and piano over to the new house, but we'll still need plenty of man power for all the boxes. We also plan to move our chicken house (Matt's labor of love to me) and our shed (since we won't have a garage). It'll be nice to have some men to help with these projects.
I usually have a very difficult time accepting help from people, but the Lord has changed my heart in this area recently. At the beginning of our spica cast adventure with Joel, my sister-in-law said, "You'd better accept whatever offer of help you get and don't turn anyone down." Well, I've tried to put that into practice. Even Jesus let the women who followed Him minister to Him. A real test came to me the other day when my friend called and said she and her husband were going to have a woman go to our new house and clean the kitchen and bathrooms before we move in. Six months ago, I would have declined the offer, but I accepted, knowing that the Lord had prompted her to offer this gift to us.
I see God's fingerprints all over this "big move." It's just like Him to lavish so much grace. What a wonderful Savior we serve!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Who am I?
I've been reading 1 and 2 Samuel in the mornings. It has struck me anew how long King David had to wait to actually become king. Even though he was "taken from the sheepfold" and anointed king by Samuel, he did not actually hold that office until years later, during which time he was relentlessly hunted by King Saul and his armies. My Bible also has the psalms that David wrote during this time alongside the readings from 1 and 2 Samuel. David was tormented in spirit during these years, but he always put his trust in the Lord. David had two opportunities to kill Saul and become king, but he would not touch the Lord's anointed. He would not push forward with God's plan in his own way.
When David finally did become king over all of Israel, and the Lord gave him rest from his enemies, David desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the ark. "See now," he said, "I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains." (2 Sam. 7:2). The Lord's reply to David was a plan to bless David and establish his throne forever.
When David heard this, he asked the Lord, "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far?" (2 Sam. 7:18).
When I read King David's words this morning, I prayed them back to the Lord. "Who am I?" That's what I've been feeling for the last week. Matt and I have really been through a "night season" in our lives. We've had to continually cling to the Lord, knowing that He is sovereign and He loves us. God has used the trials of the last few years to bring us to a greater dependence on Him and we wouldn't go back for anything. Yet we know what we've been through is nothing compared to what we've seen around us.
Matt's mom and dad have a friend who died of colon cancer this past weekend. We've been praying for this man and his family for about a year now. He leaves behind his parents, a wife and two daughters, ages 9 and 11.
My friend's granddaughter is still struggling with leukemia. She survived a crisis last week. We all prayed to this end, but we know that the road ahead will still be a rough one.
My internet friend's husband has still not found a job. Their son with the mitochondrial defect is very ill and the health insurance runs out in about a week.
I read the Voice of the Martyrs magazine yesterday. Christians in China are being horribly persecuted right now because the government is cracking down on them before the Olympics. These people have lost all their possessions, have had their elderly parents imprisoned, have been beaten unconscious and have been jailed repeatedly for their faith in Jesus Christ, which they refuse to renounce. Through it all, they pray for their tormentors, they read the Word and praise God for suffering for the name of Jesus.
"Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" Matt and I pray that we will use this current time of blessing to God's glory. We desire to always remember that we are just sojourners here. Our real citizenship is in Heaven. Thanks be to God!
When David finally did become king over all of Israel, and the Lord gave him rest from his enemies, David desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the ark. "See now," he said, "I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains." (2 Sam. 7:2). The Lord's reply to David was a plan to bless David and establish his throne forever.
When David heard this, he asked the Lord, "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far?" (2 Sam. 7:18).
When I read King David's words this morning, I prayed them back to the Lord. "Who am I?" That's what I've been feeling for the last week. Matt and I have really been through a "night season" in our lives. We've had to continually cling to the Lord, knowing that He is sovereign and He loves us. God has used the trials of the last few years to bring us to a greater dependence on Him and we wouldn't go back for anything. Yet we know what we've been through is nothing compared to what we've seen around us.
Matt's mom and dad have a friend who died of colon cancer this past weekend. We've been praying for this man and his family for about a year now. He leaves behind his parents, a wife and two daughters, ages 9 and 11.
My friend's granddaughter is still struggling with leukemia. She survived a crisis last week. We all prayed to this end, but we know that the road ahead will still be a rough one.
My internet friend's husband has still not found a job. Their son with the mitochondrial defect is very ill and the health insurance runs out in about a week.
I read the Voice of the Martyrs magazine yesterday. Christians in China are being horribly persecuted right now because the government is cracking down on them before the Olympics. These people have lost all their possessions, have had their elderly parents imprisoned, have been beaten unconscious and have been jailed repeatedly for their faith in Jesus Christ, which they refuse to renounce. Through it all, they pray for their tormentors, they read the Word and praise God for suffering for the name of Jesus.
"Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" Matt and I pray that we will use this current time of blessing to God's glory. We desire to always remember that we are just sojourners here. Our real citizenship is in Heaven. Thanks be to God!
Car Crazy
A few weeks ago, I bought a Little Tykes car at a yard sale for Joel. It has a long handle on the back so that an adult can push the child from behind. I knew Joel would be a bit atrophied after his cast was removed, so I figured he'd enjoy getting pushed around. I didn't think the car would work for Joel at all with his cast on. Grace tried him in the car last night and he actually fit! We had to put a sock on his casted leg to keep his toes from scraping on the wheel, but other than that, it worked. He absolutely LOVED it. The last six weeks, Joel has just had to watch from the side lines while all the other kids were having fun. As Grace and Elizabeth pushed him around in the car, he squealed with delight and made all the appropriate car sounds. All the kids were cheering him on--clapping and saying, "Yeah, Joel Bob!" When it was time to go inside and get ready for bed, Joel's fingers had to be pried one by one from the steering wheel. It did this mommy's heart good to see her little boy have such a good time.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Work Day
We accomplished a lot today. The Lord gave us the strength because we're not usually so efficient.
Grace and I headed out to yard sales early this morning. We were able to find several things that we needed to make this house more ready to sell. We found a refrigertor (I want to take mine with me) and some tab top curtains for the school room. My neighbor Marge sewed tab top curtains for me a few years ago and attached my Grandpa Paul's ties to them. These curtains are too special to me to leave here, so I was glad to find some replacements for them this morning. I also found a nice space heater for $3 for Matt's office at the new house (it's not heated by the central air system). I bought a few more things for baby Jude and a cool camo hat for Paul. Grace and I scored a whole bunch of boxes from a couple that had just moved. They were tickled to get rid of them. Matt had to pick them up for us in the trailer later in the day because we couldn't fit them all in the Subaru.
My friend Julie stopped by in the afternoon. We've been friends since kindergarten and it was nice to catch up with her. We live about 20 minutes from each other, but our lives are so busy we don't see each other much. Her eldest son graduates the day we move, so unfortunately we'll miss the festivities.
My other friend Tammy stopped by to say "hi" so I got to take a break from yard work for a bit. It got plenty hot here today--97 degrees. All of us drank a ton of water and donned our hats and sunscreen.
Matt weedwacked, mowed the lawn, got sprinklers set, cleaned out and mulched several flower beds, took a load to the dump, went and got the boxes and the refrigerator, hosed off three very muddy kids, sold his trailer, changed a big mess of Joel's ( after which we decided to forgo the antibiotic for his ear infection until after he gets his cast off) and took a picture of an owl in our arborvitae.
We still have a ton of work to do, but we got a nice amount of work done today. I'm sure we'll all sleep well tonight.
Grace and I headed out to yard sales early this morning. We were able to find several things that we needed to make this house more ready to sell. We found a refrigertor (I want to take mine with me) and some tab top curtains for the school room. My neighbor Marge sewed tab top curtains for me a few years ago and attached my Grandpa Paul's ties to them. These curtains are too special to me to leave here, so I was glad to find some replacements for them this morning. I also found a nice space heater for $3 for Matt's office at the new house (it's not heated by the central air system). I bought a few more things for baby Jude and a cool camo hat for Paul. Grace and I scored a whole bunch of boxes from a couple that had just moved. They were tickled to get rid of them. Matt had to pick them up for us in the trailer later in the day because we couldn't fit them all in the Subaru.
My friend Julie stopped by in the afternoon. We've been friends since kindergarten and it was nice to catch up with her. We live about 20 minutes from each other, but our lives are so busy we don't see each other much. Her eldest son graduates the day we move, so unfortunately we'll miss the festivities.
My other friend Tammy stopped by to say "hi" so I got to take a break from yard work for a bit. It got plenty hot here today--97 degrees. All of us drank a ton of water and donned our hats and sunscreen.
Matt weedwacked, mowed the lawn, got sprinklers set, cleaned out and mulched several flower beds, took a load to the dump, went and got the boxes and the refrigerator, hosed off three very muddy kids, sold his trailer, changed a big mess of Joel's ( after which we decided to forgo the antibiotic for his ear infection until after he gets his cast off) and took a picture of an owl in our arborvitae.
We still have a ton of work to do, but we got a nice amount of work done today. I'm sure we'll all sleep well tonight.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Sting
As Matt and I have discussed moving over the last two years, our conversations have always included regrets of having to leave our neighbors. Marge (and her late husband Ernie) and Paul have been such blessings to us. They've always watched over us and we've always done the same for them.
Marge has sewn every curtain in my house, mended countless clothes, fashioned Robin Hood hats, given us fresh-baked bread, attempted to teach Elizabeth to read (not Marge's fault that it didn't work--more on that in another blog entry), had the kids over for hot chocolate and Christmas tree decorating and has served as a refuge for me when I get frazzled and need a break. We've shared many wonderful conversations over tea in her living room or at her kitchen table.
Paul would be considered a bit eccentric by most people's standards, but he's been a wonderful neighbor. He's watched our dogs (when we had them) whenever we went on vacation. He didn't just give them food and water, but extra pets and loves as well. Paul has always kept an eagle eye on our property when we're away and when Matt's on a business trip and he knows the kids and I are alone. Every Christmas, Paul gives each of the kids one troy ounce of silver. He even makes sure my niece (who was with us for a year) gets one. When we first moved here, we only had two kids, but Paul always makes sure all the kids get a coin. This past year, he over counted and when we told him he had given us too many coins he said, "Just go ahead and keep it."
Yesterday we told these two people that we would be moving in three weeks. As I walked over to Marge's I was sick to my stomach. Well, I got it out and she was very gracious, saying she was tickled for us.
Matt told Paul. He said it would have been more humane just to hit Paul over the head with a frying pan. We cried and prayed ourselves to sleep last night. I've known all along that if we moved, leaving our neighbors would be the sting. I have to trust that God in His sovereignty will see to their needs as well. Matt and I are praying that kind and gentle people will move into our house and come to love Marge and Paul as much as we do.
Marge has sewn every curtain in my house, mended countless clothes, fashioned Robin Hood hats, given us fresh-baked bread, attempted to teach Elizabeth to read (not Marge's fault that it didn't work--more on that in another blog entry), had the kids over for hot chocolate and Christmas tree decorating and has served as a refuge for me when I get frazzled and need a break. We've shared many wonderful conversations over tea in her living room or at her kitchen table.
Paul would be considered a bit eccentric by most people's standards, but he's been a wonderful neighbor. He's watched our dogs (when we had them) whenever we went on vacation. He didn't just give them food and water, but extra pets and loves as well. Paul has always kept an eagle eye on our property when we're away and when Matt's on a business trip and he knows the kids and I are alone. Every Christmas, Paul gives each of the kids one troy ounce of silver. He even makes sure my niece (who was with us for a year) gets one. When we first moved here, we only had two kids, but Paul always makes sure all the kids get a coin. This past year, he over counted and when we told him he had given us too many coins he said, "Just go ahead and keep it."
Yesterday we told these two people that we would be moving in three weeks. As I walked over to Marge's I was sick to my stomach. Well, I got it out and she was very gracious, saying she was tickled for us.
Matt told Paul. He said it would have been more humane just to hit Paul over the head with a frying pan. We cried and prayed ourselves to sleep last night. I've known all along that if we moved, leaving our neighbors would be the sting. I have to trust that God in His sovereignty will see to their needs as well. Matt and I are praying that kind and gentle people will move into our house and come to love Marge and Paul as much as we do.
Serving an Awesome God
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
I've been a follower of Jesus Christ since I was a little girl. He has always been faithful to me, He has never once failed me. There have been times I've prayed so hard for something I thought I just had to have and He didn't give it to me, only to find out years later that had He given it to me, my life would have taken a completely different and miserable course.
This past year, Matt and I have worked every angle of our small (for us) house problem. We've gotten rid of a lot of stuff and rearranged furniture, sometimes in some very unconventional ways. We've talked about remodeling and even called an architect. We've looked at countless houses on the internet and in person. We've prayed. We've had our friends, family and Bible study groups pray. On the one hand, we felt terribly guilty even looking at houses knowing that most of the world would consider our current house to be a mansion. On the other hand we were feeling the squeeze, especially with another little one on the way.
I kept telling Matt I didn't want to move when I was pregnant because I know how low my energy levels are in that condition. Yet, we kept looking at houses. Maybe if we found a house early enough in the pregnancy, we could still manage it. House after house, none of them were "the one." All the while, God was showing us our wrong and sinful attitudes. These sinful ways of thinking were taken to the Cross, one by one.
A couple on months ago, I read an article in a financial magazine. It explained how to calculate how much house you could really afford. I calculated and found that we could afford something $200,000 less than most of the houses we'd been viewing. We have loved living on this acre of land because the kids have plenty of room to romp and play. However, any house around here on an acre with five to six bedrooms is just out of our price range. After I read that article, I cried. We'd never find a house, I concluded. I had forgotten that I serve an awesome God.
With my tummy expanding, with Joel in a cast and our summer schedule rapidly filling up, we concluded a house was on the back burner until a year from now. God had different plans. This past weekend, Matt looked at the real estate section in the newspaper (I had quit reading the ads--too discouraging). He found a house he wanted us to see. We called the realtor and we saw it on Tuesday. We put an offer on it on Wednesday. Yesterday, our offer was accepted ($12,500 less than the affordable asking price). We're still in a state of shock.
Let me tell you how perfect this house is for us. It meets our very long list of must haves and even nice-to-haves. Close to Matt's work, close to the grocery store, not on a busy road, but some sort of road so that we can take our walks, on and acre of land, a fireplace, a huge kitchen, a separate dining room big enough to accommodate guests, six bedrooms, a family room, master bath with double sinks, a shower and a tub (I love my hot baths), an attic loft for school books and toys, a basement with a huge pantry area and lots of storage, lots of mature trees, a back patio, a fire pit (we like to read books and roast marshmellows by a fire on summer nights) and even a hot tub!
Throughout this process, I've told Matt that I didn't want granite counter tops, I didn't want a media room, I just wanted a big old farmhouse that someone else had renovated and God did it. We are absolutely bowled over and completely humbled that the Lord would choose to give us this awesome gift. We pray that it will be used for His glory.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20
I've been a follower of Jesus Christ since I was a little girl. He has always been faithful to me, He has never once failed me. There have been times I've prayed so hard for something I thought I just had to have and He didn't give it to me, only to find out years later that had He given it to me, my life would have taken a completely different and miserable course.
This past year, Matt and I have worked every angle of our small (for us) house problem. We've gotten rid of a lot of stuff and rearranged furniture, sometimes in some very unconventional ways. We've talked about remodeling and even called an architect. We've looked at countless houses on the internet and in person. We've prayed. We've had our friends, family and Bible study groups pray. On the one hand, we felt terribly guilty even looking at houses knowing that most of the world would consider our current house to be a mansion. On the other hand we were feeling the squeeze, especially with another little one on the way.
I kept telling Matt I didn't want to move when I was pregnant because I know how low my energy levels are in that condition. Yet, we kept looking at houses. Maybe if we found a house early enough in the pregnancy, we could still manage it. House after house, none of them were "the one." All the while, God was showing us our wrong and sinful attitudes. These sinful ways of thinking were taken to the Cross, one by one.
A couple on months ago, I read an article in a financial magazine. It explained how to calculate how much house you could really afford. I calculated and found that we could afford something $200,000 less than most of the houses we'd been viewing. We have loved living on this acre of land because the kids have plenty of room to romp and play. However, any house around here on an acre with five to six bedrooms is just out of our price range. After I read that article, I cried. We'd never find a house, I concluded. I had forgotten that I serve an awesome God.
With my tummy expanding, with Joel in a cast and our summer schedule rapidly filling up, we concluded a house was on the back burner until a year from now. God had different plans. This past weekend, Matt looked at the real estate section in the newspaper (I had quit reading the ads--too discouraging). He found a house he wanted us to see. We called the realtor and we saw it on Tuesday. We put an offer on it on Wednesday. Yesterday, our offer was accepted ($12,500 less than the affordable asking price). We're still in a state of shock.
Let me tell you how perfect this house is for us. It meets our very long list of must haves and even nice-to-haves. Close to Matt's work, close to the grocery store, not on a busy road, but some sort of road so that we can take our walks, on and acre of land, a fireplace, a huge kitchen, a separate dining room big enough to accommodate guests, six bedrooms, a family room, master bath with double sinks, a shower and a tub (I love my hot baths), an attic loft for school books and toys, a basement with a huge pantry area and lots of storage, lots of mature trees, a back patio, a fire pit (we like to read books and roast marshmellows by a fire on summer nights) and even a hot tub!
Throughout this process, I've told Matt that I didn't want granite counter tops, I didn't want a media room, I just wanted a big old farmhouse that someone else had renovated and God did it. We are absolutely bowled over and completely humbled that the Lord would choose to give us this awesome gift. We pray that it will be used for His glory.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Advantages of Spica Casts
As we are now five weeks into this adventure, I feel I'm qualified to attest to the advantages of spica casts.
- I don't have to pick up all the little choking hazards I find on the floor (definitely an advantage for this pregnant mommy).
- I don't have to constantly ask the kids, "Where's Joel?" I know he'll be right where I left him.
- Snuggles, snuggles, snuggles. Joel can't wriggle away from my cuddles.
- Joy! When I pick Joel up, he absolutely bursts with delight. He pats my back and smiles, hugs my neck and holds my face in his little chubby hands. Joy abounds-- for both of us.
- Nap time. Joel insists that I put my face right against his and we both fall asleep extra snuggly close.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day
As Matt and I read in bed last night I told him that the day was probably the best Mother's Day I'd ever had.
I awoke in the morning to Lydia's loud voice--not an unusual occurrence, just an unusual hour (5:50 a.m.). The kids were outside in the wind and cold weeding my flower bed (see previous post). I do love them so. Then Matt made everyone a delicious breakfast, we ran everyone through the bath/shower and headed to church. After cleanup in the kitchen and sanctuary, we all headed to lunch at the Mexican restaurant. They even gave me a rose as we left. We stopped at the store for a few things, then on to Dairy Queen (as soon as the word "ice cream" was mentioned, Joel started screaming and waving his arms in anticipation). We arrived home late in the afternoon and had a very short quiet time (much to the delight of the kids). Matt and the kids worked on Bible study while I made a quick dinner. Before bedtime, I began reading Anne of Green Gables to the kids. We figured Anne and her antics would bring us some cheer and she delivered. We'll continue to enjoy the red-headed heroine until we finish the book. We're always so disappointed when we read the last chapter of a good book, but as they say, "all good things must come to and end."
Speaking of good things coming to an end, today Grace had her braces removed. She now has an even more beautiful smile than before. She's turning into a lovely young lady, both inside and out. Daddy and I are so proud of her and all the other wee ones with which the Lord has blessed us. We're so undeserving of His extravagant grace.
I awoke in the morning to Lydia's loud voice--not an unusual occurrence, just an unusual hour (5:50 a.m.). The kids were outside in the wind and cold weeding my flower bed (see previous post). I do love them so. Then Matt made everyone a delicious breakfast, we ran everyone through the bath/shower and headed to church. After cleanup in the kitchen and sanctuary, we all headed to lunch at the Mexican restaurant. They even gave me a rose as we left. We stopped at the store for a few things, then on to Dairy Queen (as soon as the word "ice cream" was mentioned, Joel started screaming and waving his arms in anticipation). We arrived home late in the afternoon and had a very short quiet time (much to the delight of the kids). Matt and the kids worked on Bible study while I made a quick dinner. Before bedtime, I began reading Anne of Green Gables to the kids. We figured Anne and her antics would bring us some cheer and she delivered. We'll continue to enjoy the red-headed heroine until we finish the book. We're always so disappointed when we read the last chapter of a good book, but as they say, "all good things must come to and end."
Speaking of good things coming to an end, today Grace had her braces removed. She now has an even more beautiful smile than before. She's turning into a lovely young lady, both inside and out. Daddy and I are so proud of her and all the other wee ones with which the Lord has blessed us. We're so undeserving of His extravagant grace.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Let Me Count the Ways
This picture was taken at 6 AM Sunday morning. While it should properly be considered a day of rest, it was also a day to honor mothers. On Saturday, the girls were desperate to know what they could get Melissa for Mother's day. (That they could afford.) I asked if they knew what she wanted, which was met with silence. Finally, I coaxed out the answer, "She wants her flower bed weeded." Followed by, "And I hate weeding." Perfect, I said, you can get up early and get it done before she gets up and she'll be surprised.Proverbs 31:28 - Her children will rise up and call her blessed.
What more could be said of her, than her children have said by doing for her. (Matt)
In the Spring of Life
Every Mother's day coincides with Grandma Macduff's birthday (or thereabouts) making it easy to remember. They say that the last time Easter occurred this early in the year was 1913. A month and a half later Grandma was born and she has seen 94 Easter's since then. Considering she fell and broke her hip 3 months ago, she is doing terrific. Everyone missed her the 2 months she was in recovery and she had a huge turnout to celebrate her birthday on Saturday. It's hard to keep up with her. In the picture above, Maggie, one of 13 great grandchildren (so far) gives Grandma a present at the reception held to honor her 95th birthday. (Matt)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Lone Ranger
Yesterday, while the girls and I did school work, Paul and Joel entertained themselves by watching one of those dollar DVDs. It was an old black and white of the Lone Ranger. I found Paul dressed with all the proper accouterments when I came to check on the two boys. What you don't see in the picture is that Paul is sitting on a stuffed toy horse. He's so cute.
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Girl with the Curl in the Middle of Her Forehead
Lydia can be very, very good--and sometimes, she can be horrid. Grace has been working hard to earn tokens at the orthodontist's office. She does this by being on time to appointments and brushing and flossing well. Grace has been saving her tokens for over a year now. She had her eye on the walkie talkies at the little "store" where the tokens can be used. On her last visit, Grace was finally able to get the walkie talkies.
The other day, we discovered that Lydia had scribbled all over the walkie talkie instructions. Needless to say, Grace was not pleased. On the way to Bible study, we realized Lydia had put one of the walkie talkies in her back pack. She pulled it out, put it up to her mouth and said, "Paul, do you hear me?" (Paul was sitting right behind her in the van.)
Paul fell and scraped his knee a few days ago. He needed a band aid. A little while later, Lydia came to me with her hand on her forehead. "Mommy, I need band aid." "Why, what's wrong?" "I think I have a spwintur (splinter)." So Lydia has had a band aid on her forehead for the last three days.
As our friend recently said of her, "That Lydia--she's a dandy!"
The other day, we discovered that Lydia had scribbled all over the walkie talkie instructions. Needless to say, Grace was not pleased. On the way to Bible study, we realized Lydia had put one of the walkie talkies in her back pack. She pulled it out, put it up to her mouth and said, "Paul, do you hear me?" (Paul was sitting right behind her in the van.)
Paul fell and scraped his knee a few days ago. He needed a band aid. A little while later, Lydia came to me with her hand on her forehead. "Mommy, I need band aid." "Why, what's wrong?" "I think I have a spwintur (splinter)." So Lydia has had a band aid on her forehead for the last three days.
As our friend recently said of her, "That Lydia--she's a dandy!"
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The End of the Day at the Farm
We've been giving Joel small toys he can play with on his chest. We assumed with his immobility that this was all he could manage. The other night he pointed to his barn and insisted on playing with it. Matt set Joel up on the bed with the barn and he managed to play with it quite well. It was hard work for him, though, and he soon fell asleep. Joel actually fell asleep with a hand on each fence post--too cute, but we missed it with the camera.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
More Than Halfway
Today the littles got to go back to Bible study. Between Joel's recast and their colds, Lydia and Paul haven't been to class in a while. They were both pleased to be back and their teachers were glad to see them again.
We celebrated our goddaughter's birthday with her and her family by meeting for lunch at Burger King Play Land. She was so was premature and so tiny when she was born 7 years ago. Now she's such a big girl. Time flies!
Then we headed to the doctor's office to get another x-ray on Joel's leg. It seems everything is healing well. We're more than halfway through this seven week process. Only three more weeks to go!
Here's a list of some of the blessings the Lord has given us over the past week:
1. Grace and I went to two big church yard sales over the weekend. We came home with four garbage bags of clothes--Gap, Gymboree, OshKosh--all 50 cents each.
2. Matt and I were able to have a double date with our good friends--no kids (courtesy of Grandpa Bob and Grandma Dianne) and some time for good fellowship.
3. My brother-in-law's church had a chili feed fund raiser. At the end of the night, the woman in charge of the food said, "Here, take this to your sister-in-law who has the baby in the cast." We now have enough cornbread and chili in our freezer to feed an army :)
4. Daddy actually had time over the weekend to get the pasture mowed (so we wouldn't have to pay someone to do it) and to place a couple of railroad ties around the swing set to get us that much closer to completing that project.
5. We got to go to our niece's last softball game of the season. Her team won-- 17-5 (which was a much nicer way to end the season than the game she had a month ago in which they lost--19-1). Raphaella even got beaned, but still played out the game--way to go!
We celebrated our goddaughter's birthday with her and her family by meeting for lunch at Burger King Play Land. She was so was premature and so tiny when she was born 7 years ago. Now she's such a big girl. Time flies!
Then we headed to the doctor's office to get another x-ray on Joel's leg. It seems everything is healing well. We're more than halfway through this seven week process. Only three more weeks to go!
Here's a list of some of the blessings the Lord has given us over the past week:
1. Grace and I went to two big church yard sales over the weekend. We came home with four garbage bags of clothes--Gap, Gymboree, OshKosh--all 50 cents each.
2. Matt and I were able to have a double date with our good friends--no kids (courtesy of Grandpa Bob and Grandma Dianne) and some time for good fellowship.
3. My brother-in-law's church had a chili feed fund raiser. At the end of the night, the woman in charge of the food said, "Here, take this to your sister-in-law who has the baby in the cast." We now have enough cornbread and chili in our freezer to feed an army :)
4. Daddy actually had time over the weekend to get the pasture mowed (so we wouldn't have to pay someone to do it) and to place a couple of railroad ties around the swing set to get us that much closer to completing that project.
5. We got to go to our niece's last softball game of the season. Her team won-- 17-5 (which was a much nicer way to end the season than the game she had a month ago in which they lost--19-1). Raphaella even got beaned, but still played out the game--way to go!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Challenging Ground Floor Assumptions
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
The other day, a friend and I were lamenting the fact that we've been receiving so many comments about having a "teenager" in the house. Her eldest is turning 13. Our Gracie will be 13 in four months. For the past year, Matt and I have had many people comment in jest or in true concern about the impending "adolescenthood" that's coming to our family.
Over the last half a dozen years, through the diligent study of God's Word and the counsel of mature Christians, Matt and I have had many of our "ground floor assumptions" challenged. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways," says the Lord. Through God's grace, we've made many changes in the operation of our family because of these truths which we have learned.
One of our "ground floor" assumptions was that as soon as our kids hit about age 12, we should expect moodiness, aloofness and rebellion. Then we were challenged in this thinking by God's Word. One sermon, in particular, had much to do with this change in our thinking. Dr. S.M. Davis, pastor of a Baptist church in Illinois, gave a sermon entitled, "What to Expect of a 12 Year Old." In the sermon, he cited numerous historical examples from preachers to sea navigators to great men of our nation, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln who were pursuing greatness in their teen years. The term adolescence, Davis says, has only become a part of our culture in recent times. For most of this nation's history, young people were taught to become adults, not expected to go through a time of rebelliousness as some sort of rite of passage into adulthood.
The strongest example Davis gave in this sermon was that of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus was 12, He traveled to Jerusalem with His family for the Passover Feast. It wasn't until one day into the return trip home that Mary and Joseph realized Jesus wasn't among their company. By the time Mary and Joseph found Him, He had been on His own for five days. During this time He had taken care of His basic bodily needs on His own and was found in the company of godly men in the temple. If we are to be conformed to the image of Jesus, then we should follow His example, even at the young age of 12.
For the past year, I have taken Grace more closely under my wing. We've talked about many "ground floor" assumptions our society has about kids her age. We've talked about the well-meaning advice Matt, Grace and I have received. "She needs her privacy." Grace has her privacy for bathroom, dressing and devotional time. "She needs her own room." We've found that Grace sharing a room with her sister has been a blessing. I've informally polled women from my grandparents' era, many of whom had to share a room with a sibling, and they've all said they wouldn't trade the late night conversations and closeness they shared. "She needs to express her own style in her dress." Grace does have much to say about the way she dresses. However, most of the clothes marketed to young girls these days is too tight and too revealing. We've had extensive conversations about modesty and about not defrauding her future husband by putting her body out there for all to see. "She needs her own life." Grace has pursued her interests in music, sewing, etc. Yet, she is a member of this family. We function as a family, not as individual fragments.
Grace has also been under my tutelage in more practical areas as well. She helps me with meal preparation, canning, shopping (and looking for the best prices), housework and childcare. Someday, Lord willing, Grace will have her own family that she'll be raising for the glory of God. She will need these skills to manage her own household. Do I expect Grace to do all of these things well and without exception? No. She's only 12, but Matt and I are training her with godly womanhood as the goal.
Am I too naive to think that we won't have problems with moodiness and selfishness? No, we all by nature are sinful and unclean. Do hormones play a factor? Most definitely they do. I'm 37 and I'm still at the mercy of my hormones at times. We give each other grace and space during these times. Am I dreading the impending doom of the teenage years? Absolutely not. I'm seeing all that the Lord has done and is doing in my Gracie's life and I praise Him for it.
The other day, a friend and I were lamenting the fact that we've been receiving so many comments about having a "teenager" in the house. Her eldest is turning 13. Our Gracie will be 13 in four months. For the past year, Matt and I have had many people comment in jest or in true concern about the impending "adolescenthood" that's coming to our family.
Over the last half a dozen years, through the diligent study of God's Word and the counsel of mature Christians, Matt and I have had many of our "ground floor assumptions" challenged. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways," says the Lord. Through God's grace, we've made many changes in the operation of our family because of these truths which we have learned.
One of our "ground floor" assumptions was that as soon as our kids hit about age 12, we should expect moodiness, aloofness and rebellion. Then we were challenged in this thinking by God's Word. One sermon, in particular, had much to do with this change in our thinking. Dr. S.M. Davis, pastor of a Baptist church in Illinois, gave a sermon entitled, "What to Expect of a 12 Year Old." In the sermon, he cited numerous historical examples from preachers to sea navigators to great men of our nation, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln who were pursuing greatness in their teen years. The term adolescence, Davis says, has only become a part of our culture in recent times. For most of this nation's history, young people were taught to become adults, not expected to go through a time of rebelliousness as some sort of rite of passage into adulthood.
The strongest example Davis gave in this sermon was that of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus was 12, He traveled to Jerusalem with His family for the Passover Feast. It wasn't until one day into the return trip home that Mary and Joseph realized Jesus wasn't among their company. By the time Mary and Joseph found Him, He had been on His own for five days. During this time He had taken care of His basic bodily needs on His own and was found in the company of godly men in the temple. If we are to be conformed to the image of Jesus, then we should follow His example, even at the young age of 12.
For the past year, I have taken Grace more closely under my wing. We've talked about many "ground floor" assumptions our society has about kids her age. We've talked about the well-meaning advice Matt, Grace and I have received. "She needs her privacy." Grace has her privacy for bathroom, dressing and devotional time. "She needs her own room." We've found that Grace sharing a room with her sister has been a blessing. I've informally polled women from my grandparents' era, many of whom had to share a room with a sibling, and they've all said they wouldn't trade the late night conversations and closeness they shared. "She needs to express her own style in her dress." Grace does have much to say about the way she dresses. However, most of the clothes marketed to young girls these days is too tight and too revealing. We've had extensive conversations about modesty and about not defrauding her future husband by putting her body out there for all to see. "She needs her own life." Grace has pursued her interests in music, sewing, etc. Yet, she is a member of this family. We function as a family, not as individual fragments.
Grace has also been under my tutelage in more practical areas as well. She helps me with meal preparation, canning, shopping (and looking for the best prices), housework and childcare. Someday, Lord willing, Grace will have her own family that she'll be raising for the glory of God. She will need these skills to manage her own household. Do I expect Grace to do all of these things well and without exception? No. She's only 12, but Matt and I are training her with godly womanhood as the goal.
Am I too naive to think that we won't have problems with moodiness and selfishness? No, we all by nature are sinful and unclean. Do hormones play a factor? Most definitely they do. I'm 37 and I'm still at the mercy of my hormones at times. We give each other grace and space during these times. Am I dreading the impending doom of the teenage years? Absolutely not. I'm seeing all that the Lord has done and is doing in my Gracie's life and I praise Him for it.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Do Not Worry About Your Life
I'm a worrier. I see the glass half empty, which is one reason why I married Matt. He's not about doom and gloom, he always sees the positive in a situation. I've certainly had my excuses for my worrying. "It's in my German blood." "I come from a long line of worriers." "Some one's got to worry in this family." Matt will sometimes ask me why I didn't sleep well. My reply is, "I was trying to add a cubit to my life." In reality, there is no excuse. The Bible says that worrying is sinful--period. Yet I still indulge in this sin more often than I'd like to admit.
This past week I spent too much time worrying. I worried about Joel and his ear infection. I worried about all the kids and Matt being sick. I worried I'd get sick and wouldn't be able to take care of the family. Then my friend called and asked me to pray for her sixteen year old granddaughter whose leukemia has returned. This girl and her mother will spend the better part of the next year in the hospital as they pursue aggressive chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. My Great Uncle Henry used to say, "If every one's problems were hanging on the line for all to see, everyone would pick their own."
Ever since we bought the van, we've been trying to sell the Suburban. We've had it advertised online, thinking we'd hit a broader audience that way. We've had calls on it, but only one person came to see it. After last month and all the the extra pressure on our budget due to Joel, we decided we'd have to redouble our efforts to get the truck sold. We lowered the price again and put it in the newspaper. We've had one call on it so far. So I began to worry (it's worked so well in the past, why not try it again). Then I read the blog of a woman for whom I've been praying for months. Her toddler has a mitochondrial defect from which he will most likely die. His medical needs cost $1000 per day. The other day, this woman's husband lost his job. He was an excellent and loyal employee, but he was downsized. He was given one month's pay and health insurance. This woman sees all of this as God's opportunity to manifest Himself mightily in her family. Wow.
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6:31-34
This past week I spent too much time worrying. I worried about Joel and his ear infection. I worried about all the kids and Matt being sick. I worried I'd get sick and wouldn't be able to take care of the family. Then my friend called and asked me to pray for her sixteen year old granddaughter whose leukemia has returned. This girl and her mother will spend the better part of the next year in the hospital as they pursue aggressive chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. My Great Uncle Henry used to say, "If every one's problems were hanging on the line for all to see, everyone would pick their own."
Ever since we bought the van, we've been trying to sell the Suburban. We've had it advertised online, thinking we'd hit a broader audience that way. We've had calls on it, but only one person came to see it. After last month and all the the extra pressure on our budget due to Joel, we decided we'd have to redouble our efforts to get the truck sold. We lowered the price again and put it in the newspaper. We've had one call on it so far. So I began to worry (it's worked so well in the past, why not try it again). Then I read the blog of a woman for whom I've been praying for months. Her toddler has a mitochondrial defect from which he will most likely die. His medical needs cost $1000 per day. The other day, this woman's husband lost his job. He was an excellent and loyal employee, but he was downsized. He was given one month's pay and health insurance. This woman sees all of this as God's opportunity to manifest Himself mightily in her family. Wow.
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6:31-34
Happy Joel
Here's a picture of Joel in his new wagon. He did a "happy dance" (with just his arms, of course) the first time we put him in it. Joel still would rather be held or be outside in the stroller watching the kids, but he does enjoy small spurts of time in his wagon. It's much safer for him than our other wagon because it's deeper, so he can't possibly fall out. Joel also loves to have his sippy cup close by in the handy dandy cup holder. On the whole, Joel seems to be more resigned to his lot in life, which makes life better for everybody.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)