This past Fourth of July weekend we-my sibs and our spouses-helped clean out my parents' basement. Despite the strong smell of mildew and everyone's strong suspicions of mold growing wild, we pretty much got rid of it all. Lots of memories were relived as we went through old yearbooks, old pictures, old clothes, old toys and old everything else.
I found out alot about my family. We can come together to aid our parents without killing one another. We work very well as a team. And my sister is a toy thief. While going through her old boxes of toys she announced, "I don't remember this doll." I turned to find a lump rising as I saw one of my most beloved dolls. "Baby Jenny!" I exclaimed grabbing her from my sister. Okay, okay. I love my sister. And she really isn't a baby doll thief. She is a baby doll kidnapper.
My mother found many things she didn't want to part with. This is understandable. We've all gone through the I-used-to-love-it-but-now-it's-time to-say-goodbye syndrome. Especially hard are the items that belonged to her parents. I reminded her she had a lot of special things from her parents and there just wasn't room for her to keep lots of it. She agreed readily and reluctantly. In the end it was all good.
I started to think how we at times live our lives in the basement of our making. All those memories crowding in can be a blessing. For some of us though, it can be a curse. Cleaning out the corners and getting rid of old memories-the painful ones-isn't always easy. Holding onto the sweet recollections is painful too though in a good way as we realize how much we miss our loved ones who have gone home to Jesus.
What if we could give the hurtful past over to God to throw on the trash heap? He'd haul it away and take it to the dump for us. What if the things we refused to get rid of were only the good, happy memories that make us laugh and sometimes cry in a good way? We tend to forget God not only can do this for us but wants to do it for us.
We threw away a lot of trash this past weekend. The pile was huge! There was a certain satisfaction in the purge. My parents were relieved to have it done. I was glad to walk away with some treasures. Treasured memories of God's goodness in my life. Past, present and future.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
God's Temple
Wow! Dieting. Can I just say it stinks? Up a pound, down a pound. Why does chocolate have to be fattening? Why does everything that tastes great have to be fattening? Well, not everything but...yeah, I'm whining.
Eating healthy isn't really that hard. We just have to do it. I'll even admit there are alot of healthy choices that taste pretty good. Not great, but good.
I am one of those people who has struggled in a lifelong battle with their weight . I need to stop struggling and start eating better. And exercising. But Zumba? I seriously think I would hurt myself doing that. Or I'd kick someone else. Even in college I stayed to the back of the aerobics class. In a big tshirt and baggy sweatpants. Spandex? Now I'm really laughing.
I know God wouldn't like my complaining. Why do we struggle with food? All those folks with eating disorders. It's very sad. Whether you overeat or don't eat enough I think I may know the culprit. We aren't asking the right person for a plan.
God made our bodies to take in nutrition. A good, well rounded dose of it. Plenty of water and exercise too. Our body is a temple, right? Mine needs a lot less plaster and brick. If that was accomplished, maybe my curtains wouldn't need to be so heavy.
I think asking God to be our fitness coach and dietitian is the best goal we can achieve. When I have been in faithful prayer for help in this area of my life, I am stunned at how unappealing those chips suddenly look. God can even be my diet buddy? How cool is that? Never saw that coming. Asking and receiving is really awesome. I thank God for His encouragement in every area of my life. Wonder how we'd do at Zumba?
Eating healthy isn't really that hard. We just have to do it. I'll even admit there are alot of healthy choices that taste pretty good. Not great, but good.
I am one of those people who has struggled in a lifelong battle with their weight . I need to stop struggling and start eating better. And exercising. But Zumba? I seriously think I would hurt myself doing that. Or I'd kick someone else. Even in college I stayed to the back of the aerobics class. In a big tshirt and baggy sweatpants. Spandex? Now I'm really laughing.
I know God wouldn't like my complaining. Why do we struggle with food? All those folks with eating disorders. It's very sad. Whether you overeat or don't eat enough I think I may know the culprit. We aren't asking the right person for a plan.
God made our bodies to take in nutrition. A good, well rounded dose of it. Plenty of water and exercise too. Our body is a temple, right? Mine needs a lot less plaster and brick. If that was accomplished, maybe my curtains wouldn't need to be so heavy.
I think asking God to be our fitness coach and dietitian is the best goal we can achieve. When I have been in faithful prayer for help in this area of my life, I am stunned at how unappealing those chips suddenly look. God can even be my diet buddy? How cool is that? Never saw that coming. Asking and receiving is really awesome. I thank God for His encouragement in every area of my life. Wonder how we'd do at Zumba?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
God's Loaves and Fishes
One of my favorite miracles Jesus performed was the feeding of the five thousand. Even when I was little, I thought it would be cool to eat lunch with Jesus. And I wanted to see those fishes and loaves keep on a-comin' from the baskets at His command. I wanted to run and play with the kids from Biblical times-well, you get the idea. The bottom line was that God takes care of us and gives us abundantly when it appears it just isn't in the cards. The reality of the situation can overpower our human thinking. We tend to forget that even now, God is the God of miracles.
We have all sighed in defeat at having one of those days. But when a day turns into a week, month and unfortunately at times a year or longer, we can really feel beaten down. Maybe we compare ourselves to the big fish at work. We feel like a guppy next to them. Among our friends we many feel like a pebble as their lives become "boulder". Sometimes, the hurt lies among family members. We feel like a crumb being swept away.
Here's the truth of those times. God has a plan for us. His plan for me is different than His plan for you. Comparing ourselves to others is really a waste of time. Our accomplishments may seem guppy-sized but by going about our tasks with a whale-sized heart we shine in our own light. And there is something to be said for a "boulder" sized life. It can roll down hill with no power to stop.
As for the crumbs or crummy way we may feel, it is a lie. We are not crumbs; we are loaves. Some us are made like wheat-we may bend in the wind but we spring right back up. Some of us are a nutty/fruity type of bread. Sweet but standing strong when needed. You might feel you'd be more of the plain white loaf variety. Maybe you feel because of this, folks have nibbled away at you because you aren't as snazzy as other types of bread. Not so. Because as ridiculous as you may find comparing yourself to a type of of bread may be remember this; God is the baker. He has made you to be just who you were supposed to be. God is also the yeast. With Him standing firm beside us-and He always does-we can rise higher than the rooftop in strength. Because He is our strength.
Don't be afraid to stand firm for whatever or whoever it is you are fighting or fighting for. God is right there fighting with you. Rising you up to heights of strength you never thought possible.
We have all sighed in defeat at having one of those days. But when a day turns into a week, month and unfortunately at times a year or longer, we can really feel beaten down. Maybe we compare ourselves to the big fish at work. We feel like a guppy next to them. Among our friends we many feel like a pebble as their lives become "boulder". Sometimes, the hurt lies among family members. We feel like a crumb being swept away.
Here's the truth of those times. God has a plan for us. His plan for me is different than His plan for you. Comparing ourselves to others is really a waste of time. Our accomplishments may seem guppy-sized but by going about our tasks with a whale-sized heart we shine in our own light. And there is something to be said for a "boulder" sized life. It can roll down hill with no power to stop.
As for the crumbs or crummy way we may feel, it is a lie. We are not crumbs; we are loaves. Some us are made like wheat-we may bend in the wind but we spring right back up. Some of us are a nutty/fruity type of bread. Sweet but standing strong when needed. You might feel you'd be more of the plain white loaf variety. Maybe you feel because of this, folks have nibbled away at you because you aren't as snazzy as other types of bread. Not so. Because as ridiculous as you may find comparing yourself to a type of of bread may be remember this; God is the baker. He has made you to be just who you were supposed to be. God is also the yeast. With Him standing firm beside us-and He always does-we can rise higher than the rooftop in strength. Because He is our strength.
Don't be afraid to stand firm for whatever or whoever it is you are fighting or fighting for. God is right there fighting with you. Rising you up to heights of strength you never thought possible.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
God's VBS
It's Vacation Bible School-yes I'm captalizing it-for many of us. I have great memories of Bible School! And so whether I am teaching, crafting or whatever, I want the little ones entrusted to my care to have fun like I did back in the day.
This year, I am helping out in crafts. A friend of mine is in charge. God bless her straight to Heaven. I don't think I could count out all the items needed for one day of crafts, let alone five. Yesterday we painted. Yeah...'nuff said there. Today, we made tamborines out of paper plates. Hole punched rims served as perilous tunnels to which ribbons were fed through. Little jingle bells were attached to make joyous music unto the Lord and decorate everything up right.
Though some of the boys wanted "manly" colors of ribbon and some girls wanted "brighter" colors, they all turned out beautifully. Stringing the ribbons through the bells and even the holes of the plates was daunting for some of us (and yes, that includes this craft helper.)
One little girl had many questions which I happily obliged to answer. When I was across the table helping someone else and her teacher approached to offer assistance, she waved her off. "I want her," she said pointing to me. I now have a new bff. Honestly, it warmed my heart since my children not only are embarrassed to be seen with me in public but treat me as though I have the plague at home too.
I marveled at the three year olds. I forgot how little these special ones are. I noticed one child's small hand smudged with paint. The tiny browness of it made me want to cuddle her close. Then again, since I'm the reincarnation of Typhoid Mary I refrained. Don't want to give the cheese touch to anyone else.
As I run here and there for crafts I ponder how God would run VBS. It would be run perfectly I know. That's a given. But I think it would be full of special moments. Loads of hugs, laughter and a deeper understanding of who our awesome God really is. And, this realization doesn't include only the children. We adults are reminded of Him too and all He sacrificed for us. I look around at our VBS and know we are pretty darn close to having accomplished all God would want us to achieve! Thanks to everyone everywhere who is doing the same this summer for God and His children-no matter what the age!
This year, I am helping out in crafts. A friend of mine is in charge. God bless her straight to Heaven. I don't think I could count out all the items needed for one day of crafts, let alone five. Yesterday we painted. Yeah...'nuff said there. Today, we made tamborines out of paper plates. Hole punched rims served as perilous tunnels to which ribbons were fed through. Little jingle bells were attached to make joyous music unto the Lord and decorate everything up right.
Though some of the boys wanted "manly" colors of ribbon and some girls wanted "brighter" colors, they all turned out beautifully. Stringing the ribbons through the bells and even the holes of the plates was daunting for some of us (and yes, that includes this craft helper.)
One little girl had many questions which I happily obliged to answer. When I was across the table helping someone else and her teacher approached to offer assistance, she waved her off. "I want her," she said pointing to me. I now have a new bff. Honestly, it warmed my heart since my children not only are embarrassed to be seen with me in public but treat me as though I have the plague at home too.
I marveled at the three year olds. I forgot how little these special ones are. I noticed one child's small hand smudged with paint. The tiny browness of it made me want to cuddle her close. Then again, since I'm the reincarnation of Typhoid Mary I refrained. Don't want to give the cheese touch to anyone else.
As I run here and there for crafts I ponder how God would run VBS. It would be run perfectly I know. That's a given. But I think it would be full of special moments. Loads of hugs, laughter and a deeper understanding of who our awesome God really is. And, this realization doesn't include only the children. We adults are reminded of Him too and all He sacrificed for us. I look around at our VBS and know we are pretty darn close to having accomplished all God would want us to achieve! Thanks to everyone everywhere who is doing the same this summer for God and His children-no matter what the age!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
God's Rest
I am exhausted! This whole week has been topsy-turvey for me. Ever been there? Sure you have. We all have been. Not only physically tired but mentally as well. It isn't pretty.
My husband has been traveling again. Last full week of school Yikes, is all I can say.
And, I don't sleep as well without him here. It isn't as nice as one would think to have the bed all to themselves. Actually, it's oddly huge.
The kids have been great until the last morning. As usual on Saturday morning, my two youngest were fighting over the television. So, when they lost that privledge, a screaming fit ensued from my daughter. It was way too early for that situation.
The dragging of my person out of bed began far too early. I've decided after I clean the bathrooms, I'm taking myself out for a movie. And hopefully no one will call or text me to interrupt it. Hopefully.
I think about the difference between sleep and rest. Didn't someone say a body at rest stays at rest? When exactly does that occur?
I wonder what God did on the seventh day when He rested? It had to be awesome. He's God. Maybe He went to one of His new beaches? Or, perhaps he's more of a mountain guy?
All I know is that when I am able to truly rest and/or sleep I am grateful! God definately knew what He was doing when He created us. We do need a break to rejuvenate. A slowing of the mind and everything else. Thank you God for sleep! Now, about that siesta for today...
My husband has been traveling again. Last full week of school Yikes, is all I can say.
And, I don't sleep as well without him here. It isn't as nice as one would think to have the bed all to themselves. Actually, it's oddly huge.
The kids have been great until the last morning. As usual on Saturday morning, my two youngest were fighting over the television. So, when they lost that privledge, a screaming fit ensued from my daughter. It was way too early for that situation.
The dragging of my person out of bed began far too early. I've decided after I clean the bathrooms, I'm taking myself out for a movie. And hopefully no one will call or text me to interrupt it. Hopefully.
I think about the difference between sleep and rest. Didn't someone say a body at rest stays at rest? When exactly does that occur?
I wonder what God did on the seventh day when He rested? It had to be awesome. He's God. Maybe He went to one of His new beaches? Or, perhaps he's more of a mountain guy?
All I know is that when I am able to truly rest and/or sleep I am grateful! God definately knew what He was doing when He created us. We do need a break to rejuvenate. A slowing of the mind and everything else. Thank you God for sleep! Now, about that siesta for today...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
God's Family
A couple of weekends ago we went down to see our families. Interesting creatures families. Whether you are close or not, functional or not, nasty or not, sitting back to look in from the outside can be very educational.
One can begin to see why they enjoy the company of one sibling over another. Why a favorite aunt is indeed a favorite aunt. Why there is humble gratitude that there are only plastic forks on the table and not real "weaponry" as your least admired and most annoying relative sits next to you. Unvited.
Sometimes the realization hits that one is moving into the role of their parents as their parents move into the roll of our grandparents. It can be an ugly thing when this reality hits or it can be full of warm blessings.
We tend to reflect upon our own family. Are we doing a good job of parenting our children? Are we as supportive of a spouse as we could be? And then the really important questions begin to occur. Is the bathroom floor as clean as it should be?
Seriously, the important questions that really do come to mind may be more like, "Are we instilling good values in our children?" Or, most importantly, "Do they have that personal relationship with God that we hope they have?" Have we talked about God, religion, prayer enough with our children?
Daunting as it can be and as hard as it may be, we need to turn this over to God. Yeah, dump it all right back into His lap. Especially the worry. It amazes me how His peace can settle on and calm my heart. It also blows me away what information comes to mind to help in parenting. But, why should it? God is the perfect parent. Loving us no matter what. Sending His son to take our place. We didn't deserve that but God did it anyway. Again, because He loves us. Pretty cool family to be a part of.
One can begin to see why they enjoy the company of one sibling over another. Why a favorite aunt is indeed a favorite aunt. Why there is humble gratitude that there are only plastic forks on the table and not real "weaponry" as your least admired and most annoying relative sits next to you. Unvited.
Sometimes the realization hits that one is moving into the role of their parents as their parents move into the roll of our grandparents. It can be an ugly thing when this reality hits or it can be full of warm blessings.
We tend to reflect upon our own family. Are we doing a good job of parenting our children? Are we as supportive of a spouse as we could be? And then the really important questions begin to occur. Is the bathroom floor as clean as it should be?
Seriously, the important questions that really do come to mind may be more like, "Are we instilling good values in our children?" Or, most importantly, "Do they have that personal relationship with God that we hope they have?" Have we talked about God, religion, prayer enough with our children?
Daunting as it can be and as hard as it may be, we need to turn this over to God. Yeah, dump it all right back into His lap. Especially the worry. It amazes me how His peace can settle on and calm my heart. It also blows me away what information comes to mind to help in parenting. But, why should it? God is the perfect parent. Loving us no matter what. Sending His son to take our place. We didn't deserve that but God did it anyway. Again, because He loves us. Pretty cool family to be a part of.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
God's Vacation
It's vacation time for many of us. As for me and my house, we will follow the Lord and my husband back down to Disney. And yes, when we go I will have one more child on my hands. Not to mention myself who acts wholeheartedly like a ten year old getting my crazy on.
Still, it would have been fun to do something a little different. Going out west to see the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore. Heading east to Philly or Beantown or even New York. Taking the journey down South. Anywhere is good for me in the Motherland. But it's back to MouseTown we go.
Honestly, I do love it. The Magic Kingdom is my favorite though I do get pretty giddy over everything. Then I started thinking. I should be thankful we can go on vacation. Many people can't afford it. And some people never make it to Cinderella's castle. So, complaining is really pretty selfish.
I'm thankful my husband has a job. I'm thankful I have a husband. And, I'm thankful God has blessed us with this wonderful trip. I ponder, does God ever wish He could go on vacation? I mean, since that whole "and He rested on the seventh day" thing, He never really gets a break.
True, He's perfect and always with us so He doesn't need one. But if He could, where would He go? Then again, if He's always with us, doesn't He go on Space Mountain and Peter Pan? I'm sure He's laughing along with us especially as I scream my way through Mount Everest. Maybe God's vacation entails what He blesses us with. And enjoying every minute of His children's happiness as much as they do.
Still, it would have been fun to do something a little different. Going out west to see the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore. Heading east to Philly or Beantown or even New York. Taking the journey down South. Anywhere is good for me in the Motherland. But it's back to MouseTown we go.
Honestly, I do love it. The Magic Kingdom is my favorite though I do get pretty giddy over everything. Then I started thinking. I should be thankful we can go on vacation. Many people can't afford it. And some people never make it to Cinderella's castle. So, complaining is really pretty selfish.
I'm thankful my husband has a job. I'm thankful I have a husband. And, I'm thankful God has blessed us with this wonderful trip. I ponder, does God ever wish He could go on vacation? I mean, since that whole "and He rested on the seventh day" thing, He never really gets a break.
True, He's perfect and always with us so He doesn't need one. But if He could, where would He go? Then again, if He's always with us, doesn't He go on Space Mountain and Peter Pan? I'm sure He's laughing along with us especially as I scream my way through Mount Everest. Maybe God's vacation entails what He blesses us with. And enjoying every minute of His children's happiness as much as they do.
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