Well, we did it. We registered my middle child for middle school. Remember all the turmoil I was in? You know, there's a reason God is God and a reason why He tells us not to worry. I wish I could remember that better sometimes!
The only glitch in the whole process was that the lockers were out of whack. Something with the computers. Of course, that's what all the new kids worry about the most. The dreaded locker combination. Will it work? Will it not work? Will I be late for class? Will I need to make a will if I am indeed late? I prayed silently for my daughter that despite all that she'd do okay with her locker combination on the first day. We'd been practicing with an old lock of ours. Then, the lady-wait angel-who had been working on the locks to reprogram them came up behind us and offered to fix my child's lock while we were there. "That way he/she can practice." I could've kissed her halo! I should have taken her out to lunch!
This was a true God thing. Never doubt that God not only hears our prayers but He understands our worries. Especially our parental ones. He's a parent too. He's the most giving and unselfish parent ever known to us. And He's our parent. The perfect Father.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
God's Back to School List
It is getting to be that time of year. Almost a month ago Back to School sales were starting. I laughed their way as we languished in the month of vacation before us. Now, I'm not laughing.
As a kid, I never really liked school. Maybe it was because I had undiagnosed ADD. Maybe it's because when Spring came around I really wanted to be outside. (I mean, let's face it, we'd been hibernating all winter except for the occasional sledding activity.) And maybe it was because swimming was one of the best things ever. I dunno. I just know when school approached, I felt like I had hives.
My husband was nice enough to get the school supplies. He's very good at looking for what we have left over from last year and surmising what we really need for this year. And, I am very appreciative. Plus he understands that Back to School shopping makes me crabby and nauseous.
Everything is labeled now. Yes, I was able to bring myself to do that job. Soon we'll go for registration. Our oldest is up for another year in high school and our youngest is back at our dependable elementary building. But, our middle is headed to the middle. Middle school to be exact.
I'm sure things will go fine. Said middle child doesn't seem too uptight. In fact, when I asked how said child felt about moving on I received a shrug and a grunt. I told my husband this translates into, "I have to spend three years in this flippin' place".
As I said, I'm sure things will go fine for our middle one. But, I am swallowing back tears as I post this. It isn't because yet another "baby" is growing up. I'm just worried. Aren't I entitled? But I don't get it. High school for our oldest didn't bother me. It seemed time to move on. However, our oldest has always been independant. Not that our middle isn't; just not as vocal about it. More sighs, less "I can do it myself, my way". I'm learning to listen to the sighs more and back off. OK-it's a slow process but a sure one.
I think too I really like having my kids home. I miss them when they go back even on the days when I think I won't. This is when having God to reach out to really is comforting. I even get down on my knees so He knows I mean business. You know, in case He was wondering or something. I ask for protection for my kids and the blessings of a good year full of good friends and patient teachers. Then, I start bawling uncontrollably asking for courage and control for myself. I'm also reminded that my kids are really God's kids. He's blessed me with them and I'm trying really hard not to mess them up.
Do you ever wonder what's on God's back to school list? I imagine He hopes all His children will trust in Him to bless them with an awesome year!
Welcome back to school everyone! Whether it be elementary, middle, high or college-Welcome back!
As a kid, I never really liked school. Maybe it was because I had undiagnosed ADD. Maybe it's because when Spring came around I really wanted to be outside. (I mean, let's face it, we'd been hibernating all winter except for the occasional sledding activity.) And maybe it was because swimming was one of the best things ever. I dunno. I just know when school approached, I felt like I had hives.
My husband was nice enough to get the school supplies. He's very good at looking for what we have left over from last year and surmising what we really need for this year. And, I am very appreciative. Plus he understands that Back to School shopping makes me crabby and nauseous.
Everything is labeled now. Yes, I was able to bring myself to do that job. Soon we'll go for registration. Our oldest is up for another year in high school and our youngest is back at our dependable elementary building. But, our middle is headed to the middle. Middle school to be exact.
I'm sure things will go fine. Said middle child doesn't seem too uptight. In fact, when I asked how said child felt about moving on I received a shrug and a grunt. I told my husband this translates into, "I have to spend three years in this flippin' place".
As I said, I'm sure things will go fine for our middle one. But, I am swallowing back tears as I post this. It isn't because yet another "baby" is growing up. I'm just worried. Aren't I entitled? But I don't get it. High school for our oldest didn't bother me. It seemed time to move on. However, our oldest has always been independant. Not that our middle isn't; just not as vocal about it. More sighs, less "I can do it myself, my way". I'm learning to listen to the sighs more and back off. OK-it's a slow process but a sure one.
I think too I really like having my kids home. I miss them when they go back even on the days when I think I won't. This is when having God to reach out to really is comforting. I even get down on my knees so He knows I mean business. You know, in case He was wondering or something. I ask for protection for my kids and the blessings of a good year full of good friends and patient teachers. Then, I start bawling uncontrollably asking for courage and control for myself. I'm also reminded that my kids are really God's kids. He's blessed me with them and I'm trying really hard not to mess them up.
Do you ever wonder what's on God's back to school list? I imagine He hopes all His children will trust in Him to bless them with an awesome year!
Welcome back to school everyone! Whether it be elementary, middle, high or college-Welcome back!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Square Brown Bowl
I have returned from my writer's conference feeling very good and much informed. It's a great feeling when things start to repeat and click! Meeting with two wonderful publishers was not nearly as scary as I'd thought! Whew!
The time spent with my husband was great too. R & R and exploring the coast was fantastic!
Now we are home and it is back to the usual. I really did miss my fam! So, as I settle into the life as it is or may be, I noticed one of my favorite things about my husband's and my bathroom. It's just a simple bowl but it has a sentimental meaning to me.
When we decided to paint our bathroom we used the created mixture my husband threw together. It's sort of a goldish color. Kind of. Same color as our bedroom. I felt that browns, blacks and a nice warm red/burgundy would be good to accesorize our newly created area. I also felt it might be nice not to make it too girly since my husband uses it too.
I took my time and by and by added pieces here and there. In my attempt not to make it too effeminate, I found a very nice brown, square bowl. My husband needed something to put his change, cell phone, keys, etc. into at the end of the day. (The one he was using had violets on it.) This square bowl called to me I admit. It said "look at me...I'm masculine..." So, I bought it. I was very excited to place it in the bathroom by my husband's sink and surprise him.
When he arrived home I followed him upstairs. I showed him the bowl. I was even a little shy about it. Actually, I felt guilty about not "manning up" the bathroom before now. As I showed him the bowl and I admitted my guilt.
"This is your bathroom too and I bought a few new things. This bowl said manhood to me. I hope you like it."
Now, my husband is Mr. Phlegmatic. He gets excited but not overly. Unless it's a sporting event. I was expecting a simple thank you. But, instead, he looked at the bowl and said, "I really like it. It is manly. Where is the bowl with the flowers on it?"
"I put it on my desk as an extra container." Wow, I hoped he didn't miss it or something.
"Oh," he said. " I really like my new bowl. Cool designs in the middle of it."
Hmmm...he really seemed to like it. I was so happy. Besides being Mr. P. he is also Mr. Grateful and Mr. Complimentary. But sometimes when he gets like that I wonder if he's really just being Mr. Polite so as not to hurt anyone's feelings. Mostly mine. I didn't go there though; I basked in the happiness that was everything good, square and bowlish.
That night when we went to bed he said to me,"I put my stuff in my new bowl. Things fit just right. I really like it."
"I'm so happy because I like it too. I really want you to feel like it's your bathroom too." He thanked me again and we soon were asleep.
Now when I pass the square bowl I smile. Because I wasn't always thinking about my husband. I usually was quite selfish and only thought of myself. It wasn't a fun marriage to be in. I knew when I finally asked God to help me be a better wife He would help me in alot of areas. Something as simple as remembering it was my husband's bathroom too and finding that square bowl was not a coincidence. It wasn't me either. It was God helping me in huge and small ways to work at being a better spouse. Sometimes the smallest thing can say, "I thought of you today" or just simply "I love you".
I've learned to never discount the little things God puts on my heart. Sometimes, they can be the biggest, most endearing things to the square, brown bowl lovers in our lives.
The time spent with my husband was great too. R & R and exploring the coast was fantastic!
Now we are home and it is back to the usual. I really did miss my fam! So, as I settle into the life as it is or may be, I noticed one of my favorite things about my husband's and my bathroom. It's just a simple bowl but it has a sentimental meaning to me.
When we decided to paint our bathroom we used the created mixture my husband threw together. It's sort of a goldish color. Kind of. Same color as our bedroom. I felt that browns, blacks and a nice warm red/burgundy would be good to accesorize our newly created area. I also felt it might be nice not to make it too girly since my husband uses it too.
I took my time and by and by added pieces here and there. In my attempt not to make it too effeminate, I found a very nice brown, square bowl. My husband needed something to put his change, cell phone, keys, etc. into at the end of the day. (The one he was using had violets on it.) This square bowl called to me I admit. It said "look at me...I'm masculine..." So, I bought it. I was very excited to place it in the bathroom by my husband's sink and surprise him.
When he arrived home I followed him upstairs. I showed him the bowl. I was even a little shy about it. Actually, I felt guilty about not "manning up" the bathroom before now. As I showed him the bowl and I admitted my guilt.
"This is your bathroom too and I bought a few new things. This bowl said manhood to me. I hope you like it."
Now, my husband is Mr. Phlegmatic. He gets excited but not overly. Unless it's a sporting event. I was expecting a simple thank you. But, instead, he looked at the bowl and said, "I really like it. It is manly. Where is the bowl with the flowers on it?"
"I put it on my desk as an extra container." Wow, I hoped he didn't miss it or something.
"Oh," he said. " I really like my new bowl. Cool designs in the middle of it."
Hmmm...he really seemed to like it. I was so happy. Besides being Mr. P. he is also Mr. Grateful and Mr. Complimentary. But sometimes when he gets like that I wonder if he's really just being Mr. Polite so as not to hurt anyone's feelings. Mostly mine. I didn't go there though; I basked in the happiness that was everything good, square and bowlish.
That night when we went to bed he said to me,"I put my stuff in my new bowl. Things fit just right. I really like it."
"I'm so happy because I like it too. I really want you to feel like it's your bathroom too." He thanked me again and we soon were asleep.
Now when I pass the square bowl I smile. Because I wasn't always thinking about my husband. I usually was quite selfish and only thought of myself. It wasn't a fun marriage to be in. I knew when I finally asked God to help me be a better wife He would help me in alot of areas. Something as simple as remembering it was my husband's bathroom too and finding that square bowl was not a coincidence. It wasn't me either. It was God helping me in huge and small ways to work at being a better spouse. Sometimes the smallest thing can say, "I thought of you today" or just simply "I love you".
I've learned to never discount the little things God puts on my heart. Sometimes, they can be the biggest, most endearing things to the square, brown bowl lovers in our lives.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Listen like God
You may be wondering where I've been. Well, getting a book proposal ready is no easy task. Especially the first time! I am almost there though which is a good thing! This will probably be my last blog for awhile because I am still working on it and tweaking away! Also have a one sheet and a stunning pitch to get together. Call this a disclaimer I suppose! Prayers please!
This being said, I feel God is still putting topics on my heart to share. The latest one is listening. We may listen but do not hear? We may hear but not listen. There is a difference. How well do we listen to our spouse, kids, friends, etc.? What about God? The only reason I'm going to this writer's conference is that I finally listened to God. I even have the verse Matt. 17:5 on my card. (Yes, I actually can now say to people, "Would you like my card?" Mind boggling!) This is the verse that God told the disciples when Jesus was transfigured, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him!" I picked this verse for a couple of other reasons too. I am beloved by God also. I still have problems accepting that sometimes because it is so overwhelming. Who am I to deserve that? It isn't about deserving though; it's about God's great love for all of us.
Another part of this verse makes me stop and ponder. Is God well pleased with me? I try so hard. To be a good wife, a good mom, a good person. A good writer. Then I remember to ask God for some help with these things and I do so much better. And I understand why. Because God is always listening. He knows what we need before we ask the Bible tells us. But He listens anyway.
Let's all listen more. Like we'd like people to listen to us. Like how God listens. Always.
This being said, I feel God is still putting topics on my heart to share. The latest one is listening. We may listen but do not hear? We may hear but not listen. There is a difference. How well do we listen to our spouse, kids, friends, etc.? What about God? The only reason I'm going to this writer's conference is that I finally listened to God. I even have the verse Matt. 17:5 on my card. (Yes, I actually can now say to people, "Would you like my card?" Mind boggling!) This is the verse that God told the disciples when Jesus was transfigured, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him!" I picked this verse for a couple of other reasons too. I am beloved by God also. I still have problems accepting that sometimes because it is so overwhelming. Who am I to deserve that? It isn't about deserving though; it's about God's great love for all of us.
Another part of this verse makes me stop and ponder. Is God well pleased with me? I try so hard. To be a good wife, a good mom, a good person. A good writer. Then I remember to ask God for some help with these things and I do so much better. And I understand why. Because God is always listening. He knows what we need before we ask the Bible tells us. But He listens anyway.
Let's all listen more. Like we'd like people to listen to us. Like how God listens. Always.
Monday, July 5, 2010
God's Fourth of July
Another Fourth of July has come and gone. This year, with the fourth being on a weekend most folks received an extra day of celebration. How does everyone celebrate? Some of us have cookouts with friends, some go boating, some camp. Almost everyone enjoys the fireworks. This year I stopped at a road side stand and purchased some sparklers and a few other types of firecrackers that looked harmless. Upon sharing this with my husband, I received a mild look of distress. I'm sure my rebellious teen years came to his mind. I would like to state for the record I was not near as wild as some. I usually erred on the side of caution... Yeah, my husband doesn't buy that either. Seriously though, I did.
I thought about how we celebrated the Fourth when I was a kid. We'd go to a parade and ride all the fair rides afterward. We'd eat lunch there too and then go home to rest up for the evening. As late afternoon approached we'd go to our small carnival benefitting the swim team, eat supper at a nearby friends' and then settle in for the fireworks. All in all a fun way to celebrate.
I don't think I always remembered the reason for the celebration. Our nation's freedom, etc. I reflect on it a lot more now. The men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Our country may not be perfect but whose is? And we do enjoy a lot more priviledges than other countries.
This year I was reminded to pray for our president and all our elected officials. For God to give them wisdom as they lead our country. For discernment as they vote on legislation that will shape our lives. I also prayed for them to pray. God leads all of us. We just have to remember to listen. He knows what's best for us and our country. No matter what some think, we are still one nation under God. Always and forever.
I thought about how we celebrated the Fourth when I was a kid. We'd go to a parade and ride all the fair rides afterward. We'd eat lunch there too and then go home to rest up for the evening. As late afternoon approached we'd go to our small carnival benefitting the swim team, eat supper at a nearby friends' and then settle in for the fireworks. All in all a fun way to celebrate.
I don't think I always remembered the reason for the celebration. Our nation's freedom, etc. I reflect on it a lot more now. The men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Our country may not be perfect but whose is? And we do enjoy a lot more priviledges than other countries.
This year I was reminded to pray for our president and all our elected officials. For God to give them wisdom as they lead our country. For discernment as they vote on legislation that will shape our lives. I also prayed for them to pray. God leads all of us. We just have to remember to listen. He knows what's best for us and our country. No matter what some think, we are still one nation under God. Always and forever.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
God's Favorite Past Time
While watching my son play baseball I realized how blessed we are to have coaches who are Christians. Starting a game with a devotion and prayer is something every league should do. Showing the kids that playing a game is about learning and supporting, not winning and losing. Having fun is key. I admire these parents who take time out of their busy lives to teach our children these values. What a blessing they are!
Sadly, I have been at games where coaches get discouraged and parents get frustrated. The end result isn't a good one sometimes. I don't understand this. Maybe if I was more athletic and sporty I would. I did well walking and not falling over things. Wait-any thing. Sure I'm competitive but six, seven and eight year old baseball?
As usual I think about God. The ultimate coach. He's there being supportive 24/7. He's proud of us no matter how many hits we achieve. He wants us to treat others with love. When we fail He still loves us. He always forgives us. He cheers us on when no one else does. He is great. He is good. He is our biggst fan. And we are His favorite past time.
Sadly, I have been at games where coaches get discouraged and parents get frustrated. The end result isn't a good one sometimes. I don't understand this. Maybe if I was more athletic and sporty I would. I did well walking and not falling over things. Wait-any thing. Sure I'm competitive but six, seven and eight year old baseball?
As usual I think about God. The ultimate coach. He's there being supportive 24/7. He's proud of us no matter how many hits we achieve. He wants us to treat others with love. When we fail He still loves us. He always forgives us. He cheers us on when no one else does. He is great. He is good. He is our biggst fan. And we are His favorite past time.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Jesus Is The Bees' Knees
We just finished another week of Vacation Bible School at our church. I don't know if it's suppose to be capitalized but I think it should be. It was fun as usual. More than fun-it was special. I could feel Jesus in the air.
I helped in the kitchen this year instead of teaching. I saw many children passing by while we made ready the snacks. Some were very little holding each other's hands. Some were very big trying to act like they were too old to enjoy Bible School. They weren't fooling anyone. They were having a great time.
Of course I reflected on Bible School when I was young. We went for two hours, sang "Jesus Loves Me", ate cookies and drank Kool-Aid, made God's eyes and played on the merry-go-round. Nowadays Bible School is more like a camp with drama and larger than life music and videoes. There are different themes every year. (This year we had a bee theme.) Artisic crafts that parents are excited to hang up rather than seriously considering hiding them.
One thing that has not changed though is the Jesus stories. I love a good Jesus story. No matter how many times you've heard His stories they still rock. Sure, now they are complete with a puppet show or even a dramatic portrayal but still they are His. And our children are reminded as are we that we are still His. Even when one only helps with the snacks.
The first day snack-wise I had to make a zigzag line with icing and put a beautiful bee on the end of it. Zigzag was our journey to find Jesus and Jesus was the bee. That simple message touched my heart. God made the whale and the bee. One day the mighty lion and the shy lamb will lie down together. I look forward to that day. Some days, I long for it. And for Him. He sent His son for all to be saved. Loving us like that is incomprehensible yet extremely acceptable. And consoling.
No matter how we help with our Bible Schools we are touched by God's love for us. And His very special Son. We all know the song. And when I think of it I have to add just one more thing: Jesus is the bee's knees in my opinion.
I helped in the kitchen this year instead of teaching. I saw many children passing by while we made ready the snacks. Some were very little holding each other's hands. Some were very big trying to act like they were too old to enjoy Bible School. They weren't fooling anyone. They were having a great time.
Of course I reflected on Bible School when I was young. We went for two hours, sang "Jesus Loves Me", ate cookies and drank Kool-Aid, made God's eyes and played on the merry-go-round. Nowadays Bible School is more like a camp with drama and larger than life music and videoes. There are different themes every year. (This year we had a bee theme.) Artisic crafts that parents are excited to hang up rather than seriously considering hiding them.
One thing that has not changed though is the Jesus stories. I love a good Jesus story. No matter how many times you've heard His stories they still rock. Sure, now they are complete with a puppet show or even a dramatic portrayal but still they are His. And our children are reminded as are we that we are still His. Even when one only helps with the snacks.
The first day snack-wise I had to make a zigzag line with icing and put a beautiful bee on the end of it. Zigzag was our journey to find Jesus and Jesus was the bee. That simple message touched my heart. God made the whale and the bee. One day the mighty lion and the shy lamb will lie down together. I look forward to that day. Some days, I long for it. And for Him. He sent His son for all to be saved. Loving us like that is incomprehensible yet extremely acceptable. And consoling.
No matter how we help with our Bible Schools we are touched by God's love for us. And His very special Son. We all know the song. And when I think of it I have to add just one more thing: Jesus is the bee's knees in my opinion.
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