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!
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