This Veteran's Day I did something I have always wanted to do. I took our kids to the Veteran's Day Parade. It was a beautiful day and parking was not difficult. My friend who we stood with told me, "I'm just warnin' you. I get pretty weepy at this parade." Well, that makes two of us.
I thought about my grandfather, my great uncles and cousins who were/are veterans. I swallowed down so many lumps in my throat it was difficult to breathe. Who leaves family and friends and the only home they've known to go to a foreign land and fight for their country? Suffering hardships we can't even imagine so we don't have to imagine living in a country without our freedom. A freedom we all have taken for granted. Who gives like that so unselfishly? A veteran does. And given the chance to do their life all over they'd change nothing. They would serve honorably again and again.
I talked to my kids about the different wars. They didn't understand at first about the men in the blue coats marching in the parade. I told them that was to honor the Civil War veterans because they are all in heaven now. They wanted to know what POW and MIA meant. I explained as best I could about the prisoners of war and the men and women who never came home. I could tell they were really listening because they asked really thoughtful questions. And they wanted more answers and explanations than I could give.
During the parade a veteran caught my eye and said, "Thank you." He was thanking me? No, I needed to thank him. For his sacrifice and service. And though I didn't get the chance, I did thank God. For our country, our freedom and our veterans.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
God's Driving Lessons
When our oldest started Driver's Ed., my dad made the comment that my husband would be the teacher. Slightly miffed, I rose to the challenge. True, my husband does have the patience of a saint (because he basically is one) but I was out to prove I could be a patient teacher of driving skills extraordinaire too.
Out we went and I am slightly pleased to say I only screamed four times. Mostly because the other children were in the car and I didn't want to lose everyone at once. My husband on the other hand, yelled alot. Where did that patience go? Left it in the ditch we almost landed in I'm guessing.
Acquiring the minutes for license acquisition was grueling. Finally we got there. Driving through construction was done fairly well. Driving through anything went fairly well. So, we were off.
Prayers were said. Test taken. License received. Now about that car... My mother-in-law said when they drive somewhere alone the first time, oh how you will pray. She was right. Especially after the horrific video we had to watch about new drivers and fatal accidents for our insurance. I cried during the whole thing. The interviews with the parents reduced me to the fetal position. I informed our new driver, "There will be no joyriding. Whatsoever." I received a solemn nod and a "Yes m'am." Oh, if said newest driver to our family knew the stuff I used to pull!
God, I know, will ride with our child. His driving lessons speak to the driver's heart, soul and head. It is my hope and prayer they will listen. Isn't there a song, "Jesus Take the Wheel?" This has become my mantra. And I know He will.
Out we went and I am slightly pleased to say I only screamed four times. Mostly because the other children were in the car and I didn't want to lose everyone at once. My husband on the other hand, yelled alot. Where did that patience go? Left it in the ditch we almost landed in I'm guessing.
Acquiring the minutes for license acquisition was grueling. Finally we got there. Driving through construction was done fairly well. Driving through anything went fairly well. So, we were off.
Prayers were said. Test taken. License received. Now about that car... My mother-in-law said when they drive somewhere alone the first time, oh how you will pray. She was right. Especially after the horrific video we had to watch about new drivers and fatal accidents for our insurance. I cried during the whole thing. The interviews with the parents reduced me to the fetal position. I informed our new driver, "There will be no joyriding. Whatsoever." I received a solemn nod and a "Yes m'am." Oh, if said newest driver to our family knew the stuff I used to pull!
God, I know, will ride with our child. His driving lessons speak to the driver's heart, soul and head. It is my hope and prayer they will listen. Isn't there a song, "Jesus Take the Wheel?" This has become my mantra. And I know He will.
Friday, November 5, 2010
God's Chicken Noodle Soup
Has anyone ever noticed that when mom is sick things don't stop? I mean we may be able to catch a cat nap but lying in the bed all day is usually out. Unless the Angel of Death is hovering visibly in the corner of the room where the rest of the family can see him/her, you're still on duty. Interesting because when anyone else in the family is sick, mom's schedule becomes null and void. She becomes nurse mom able to leap to get the vomit bucket in a single bound and get everything else done too. She looks good in her red tights though the cape can become a hazard. Bullet deflecting bracelets like Wonder Woman's aren't really practical unless you want them covered in mucus or vomit or something even worse.
I have some viral thing at the moment. I've learned that though my kids love me and my husband really is a great help, I'm pretty much on my own. I have been napping in the afternoon. I've learned that I have to take care of myself. When my husband gets home he'll help where he can as will my kids. I do appreciate that. Some women don't even get that. It's sad to me what some spouses expect from their wives. No understanding follows. So really, I'm blessed. When I had surgery a few years ago my husband took off. And today he brought me flowers. Yes, I am blessed.
I guess my message is to take care of yourselves when you are sick. Don't feel guilty about frozen pizza for supper or piles of unwashed laundry. Unfortunately that laundry isn't going anywhere. And as for the lack of sympathy, know God is there beside you. Pray for yourself and your family. Sometimes I think it scares them when we are sick. Supermom is down for the count? Unfathomable! Who will make my lunch and iron my shirt and bring my forgotten library book to school? Remember the battle is not ours; it is the Lord's. And His chicken noodle soup is the sweetest you've ever tasted.
I have some viral thing at the moment. I've learned that though my kids love me and my husband really is a great help, I'm pretty much on my own. I have been napping in the afternoon. I've learned that I have to take care of myself. When my husband gets home he'll help where he can as will my kids. I do appreciate that. Some women don't even get that. It's sad to me what some spouses expect from their wives. No understanding follows. So really, I'm blessed. When I had surgery a few years ago my husband took off. And today he brought me flowers. Yes, I am blessed.
I guess my message is to take care of yourselves when you are sick. Don't feel guilty about frozen pizza for supper or piles of unwashed laundry. Unfortunately that laundry isn't going anywhere. And as for the lack of sympathy, know God is there beside you. Pray for yourself and your family. Sometimes I think it scares them when we are sick. Supermom is down for the count? Unfathomable! Who will make my lunch and iron my shirt and bring my forgotten library book to school? Remember the battle is not ours; it is the Lord's. And His chicken noodle soup is the sweetest you've ever tasted.
Monday, November 1, 2010
God's Treats
Well, it was the usual Halloween rush for us. A quick dinner. Running our oldest to a Halloween party. Getting costumes we thought were ready together. Buying a bit more candy just to be sure. Finding a way to encase the dog so she doesn't scare the trick-or-treaters. Crazy fun!
Until I moved up north, I'd never known people who didn't celebrate Halloween. I've met adults who find it scary and want nothing to do with it. I was in a Bible study with a woman who really went off on it. I felt a little attacked. So I told her, "Like anything else, Halloween is what you make it. Make it scary and it will be. Make it fun and you will have tons. We make it a time for fall, beautiful colors, pumpkins, gourds and candy corn. We thank God for the farmers and their hard work all year round. We thank Him for a good harvest. Of all the scary costumes out there, there are so much more that are funny, pretty or strikingly original. My favorite? An outhouse!" She just glared at me. Oh well.
I don't mean to make fun of anyone. You don't like Halloween then that's your choice. I do get people who are scared by it. But, there's a small part of me that enjoys that. I have great memories of trick-or-treating in my small hometown. Going to friends' houses and favorite teachers. My grandparents was always the best. Can you say "Motherload" ? Because they sure could!
As we got older it was haunted houses and haunted woods. And some other stuff I plead the fifth on.
However you feel about it, I like to think of the religious significance of it. Being a huge fan of Martin Luther we celebrate Reformation Day at church. That's when Big Marty nailed his 95 theses on the church door. Didn't go over too well. I guess that makes us the protesters of the protester. Groovey.
Our Catholic friends celebrate All Hallow's Eve and All Saints Day. I believe my celtic ancestors brought the tradition over. They believed the hobgoblins were out on the 31st and dressing like them would keep them unawares and the humans safe. Good plan really.
This year I really reflected on God's treats as a bunch of kids sang, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when I opened the door. How cool is that? Totally broke the two piece candy rule on that one! It made me think about Christmas. There was a chill in the air afterall. It made me think of all we've been blessed with. Enough for a pretty good life. Enough to buy costumes for our kids and candy for the neighborhood kiddos. To laugh and love and even get some exercise as we retrieved candy. Seeing some incredibly creative costumes and talking to friends. Though few things compare to chocolate, God's treats far outweigh anything I can think of!
Until I moved up north, I'd never known people who didn't celebrate Halloween. I've met adults who find it scary and want nothing to do with it. I was in a Bible study with a woman who really went off on it. I felt a little attacked. So I told her, "Like anything else, Halloween is what you make it. Make it scary and it will be. Make it fun and you will have tons. We make it a time for fall, beautiful colors, pumpkins, gourds and candy corn. We thank God for the farmers and their hard work all year round. We thank Him for a good harvest. Of all the scary costumes out there, there are so much more that are funny, pretty or strikingly original. My favorite? An outhouse!" She just glared at me. Oh well.
I don't mean to make fun of anyone. You don't like Halloween then that's your choice. I do get people who are scared by it. But, there's a small part of me that enjoys that. I have great memories of trick-or-treating in my small hometown. Going to friends' houses and favorite teachers. My grandparents was always the best. Can you say "Motherload" ? Because they sure could!
As we got older it was haunted houses and haunted woods. And some other stuff I plead the fifth on.
However you feel about it, I like to think of the religious significance of it. Being a huge fan of Martin Luther we celebrate Reformation Day at church. That's when Big Marty nailed his 95 theses on the church door. Didn't go over too well. I guess that makes us the protesters of the protester. Groovey.
Our Catholic friends celebrate All Hallow's Eve and All Saints Day. I believe my celtic ancestors brought the tradition over. They believed the hobgoblins were out on the 31st and dressing like them would keep them unawares and the humans safe. Good plan really.
This year I really reflected on God's treats as a bunch of kids sang, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when I opened the door. How cool is that? Totally broke the two piece candy rule on that one! It made me think about Christmas. There was a chill in the air afterall. It made me think of all we've been blessed with. Enough for a pretty good life. Enough to buy costumes for our kids and candy for the neighborhood kiddos. To laugh and love and even get some exercise as we retrieved candy. Seeing some incredibly creative costumes and talking to friends. Though few things compare to chocolate, God's treats far outweigh anything I can think of!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
God's Calm
After a quick trip to celebrate a first birthday party I was reminded once again about stress levels. Not only mine but that of my loved ones.
Not only did we have a leaky tire, we had to buy two new ones. The next day, one of the new ones was flat. Talk about stress considering we had a seven-at least-hour drive ahead of us. It was all so mind boggling for me I couldn't even concentrate. It was also disheartening to find my sister in her kitchen upset because she was running late for the party. I told her not to worry about it, it was only a party and we'd all help her. Then I was whisked back to my kids' parties. We really delude ourselves into thinking we can do it all and it will be perfect.
So, I hushed up, said a quick prayer, and asked what was left to do. Darn, I ended up giving the baby a bath. For a doting aunt, this is SUCH an inconvenience! We had fun splashing and scrubbing and rub-a-dub-dubbing. I was able to help feed her and put on some good smelling lotion too. The pink party tutu was accessed at the party by her Momma.
The party was, of course, a huge success thanks to all my sister's planning and organization. Food was abundant and icing was all over the baby! Great-Grans got to hold and feed and generally spoil our little one year old properly. Pictures were taken and presents were opened. It was a good time all around. And the stress all fell away.
On our ride home-and yes, the tires held up-thank you Jesus-I was reading a new book I'd been wanting to take a look at for a Bible study. I came across a verse or two from scripture that really gave me pause. "Stand firm and see the deliverance I will give you. The battle is Mine, not yours." Wow and double wow. Now, I realize a birthday party is not a battle. Well, not most of the time usually. But stress is. It isn't easy to let things go when you want everything to look nice and go well. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn. And I spend alot of time relearning it. I like to think I am getting there.
What would happen if we just lifted up our "battle plan" for everything we face and said, "There you go Lord. Now show me what to do and what's really important. Guide my decision making process to show Your wisdom. Thanks." We'd feel a calm unknown to us most of the time settle on our hearts. We'd be able to trim the fat and have a workable stragedy. Did I mention the calm? I'm going to again. Why? When it occurs for me there is nothing like it. It is God's. A gift to us when we are flailing. And I am always flailing.
Remember to seek God's calming love whatever battle you find yourself facing. It is the calming peace that passes all understanding.
Not only did we have a leaky tire, we had to buy two new ones. The next day, one of the new ones was flat. Talk about stress considering we had a seven-at least-hour drive ahead of us. It was all so mind boggling for me I couldn't even concentrate. It was also disheartening to find my sister in her kitchen upset because she was running late for the party. I told her not to worry about it, it was only a party and we'd all help her. Then I was whisked back to my kids' parties. We really delude ourselves into thinking we can do it all and it will be perfect.
So, I hushed up, said a quick prayer, and asked what was left to do. Darn, I ended up giving the baby a bath. For a doting aunt, this is SUCH an inconvenience! We had fun splashing and scrubbing and rub-a-dub-dubbing. I was able to help feed her and put on some good smelling lotion too. The pink party tutu was accessed at the party by her Momma.
The party was, of course, a huge success thanks to all my sister's planning and organization. Food was abundant and icing was all over the baby! Great-Grans got to hold and feed and generally spoil our little one year old properly. Pictures were taken and presents were opened. It was a good time all around. And the stress all fell away.
On our ride home-and yes, the tires held up-thank you Jesus-I was reading a new book I'd been wanting to take a look at for a Bible study. I came across a verse or two from scripture that really gave me pause. "Stand firm and see the deliverance I will give you. The battle is Mine, not yours." Wow and double wow. Now, I realize a birthday party is not a battle. Well, not most of the time usually. But stress is. It isn't easy to let things go when you want everything to look nice and go well. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn. And I spend alot of time relearning it. I like to think I am getting there.
What would happen if we just lifted up our "battle plan" for everything we face and said, "There you go Lord. Now show me what to do and what's really important. Guide my decision making process to show Your wisdom. Thanks." We'd feel a calm unknown to us most of the time settle on our hearts. We'd be able to trim the fat and have a workable stragedy. Did I mention the calm? I'm going to again. Why? When it occurs for me there is nothing like it. It is God's. A gift to us when we are flailing. And I am always flailing.
Remember to seek God's calming love whatever battle you find yourself facing. It is the calming peace that passes all understanding.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
God's Priority
This weekend we are heading South for my niece's first birthday. I am really excited but not about the seven or so hour drive- and that's one way folks. We can split it up at my parents but on Sunday we make the long haul. I could say it isn't fun, the ride lasts an eternity, etc. but I'm working hard on the positive. Seeing my niece. Seeing all my nieces and nephews. It will be fun for my kids to see their cousins and enjoy a visit.
I'm already giving myself the pep talk for a different trip down. We are NOT going to watch movies all the way down there. We are going to play games everyone can participate in including the driver. We will eat some nutritional snacks. We will NOT veg out on hand held games. So help me. And I mean that literally.
I find as I critique myself as a parent that at times it is easier to check out than check in. I hate that. We have to figure out things to do with our children. And here's the sticking point: don't ask them, tell them. We are making a batch of cookies. NOW! And so help me, you will enjoy your time with your mother! Because that type of family time always works!
Seriously, when I begin to question the time we spend as a family, I many times get a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can let this feeling run away with my imagination or I can ask for some help. My friends have good ideas and so does my husband. But, once again, I am stunned at the ideas I know God is putting on my heart. This past weekend I asked my daughter if she'd like to paint some pictures with me using the left over painting kits from her birthday. Yes, I asked which may have been my first mistake. However, though she declined the paints, she did offer another suggestion. We read three more chapters in a book we were reading together this summer! Wow! It was so much fun!
I really felt God's guidance here. I was so appreciative of Him giving her the idea! I know I've written about family time before. I know I've written about God looking at the small things in our hearts and hearing them as much as the bigger things. This though was special. As we sift through the day to day we need to take time to check in with our families. If we are too busy to do that, then we are too busy. God is never too busy for us. We were so much a priority to Him that He sent His son to take on our sins and die for us. Prayer and a relationship with God should be our first priority so all the other ones fall into place. I know this, I just have to remember it! It's my prayer for my family and for yours also!
I'm already giving myself the pep talk for a different trip down. We are NOT going to watch movies all the way down there. We are going to play games everyone can participate in including the driver. We will eat some nutritional snacks. We will NOT veg out on hand held games. So help me. And I mean that literally.
I find as I critique myself as a parent that at times it is easier to check out than check in. I hate that. We have to figure out things to do with our children. And here's the sticking point: don't ask them, tell them. We are making a batch of cookies. NOW! And so help me, you will enjoy your time with your mother! Because that type of family time always works!
Seriously, when I begin to question the time we spend as a family, I many times get a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can let this feeling run away with my imagination or I can ask for some help. My friends have good ideas and so does my husband. But, once again, I am stunned at the ideas I know God is putting on my heart. This past weekend I asked my daughter if she'd like to paint some pictures with me using the left over painting kits from her birthday. Yes, I asked which may have been my first mistake. However, though she declined the paints, she did offer another suggestion. We read three more chapters in a book we were reading together this summer! Wow! It was so much fun!
I really felt God's guidance here. I was so appreciative of Him giving her the idea! I know I've written about family time before. I know I've written about God looking at the small things in our hearts and hearing them as much as the bigger things. This though was special. As we sift through the day to day we need to take time to check in with our families. If we are too busy to do that, then we are too busy. God is never too busy for us. We were so much a priority to Him that He sent His son to take on our sins and die for us. Prayer and a relationship with God should be our first priority so all the other ones fall into place. I know this, I just have to remember it! It's my prayer for my family and for yours also!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Seeing God in Miracles
This past week the world watched as thirty-three miners were pulled from a dark "safe room" around a half mile below the surface to safety. After seventy days they were reunited with their families. The news coverage was extensive. And some of the comments before they reached the "real world" were anything but positive.
A few experts said life as they knew it was changed forever. Reuniting with their families would consist of getting to know each other again. They'd be in the media spotlight and offered more money than they'd know what to do with. Movie and book deals would follow. The attention would be overwhelming.
I'm not an expert. I can't imagine what is in store for these men and their families. But naysayers really bug me. Can we look at the positive? None of these experts mentioned that. These men endured more than two months of hardship like few people I have ever known. They are survivors. They became family-lifting one another up when things were bleak. One of the men is from Bolivia. The president of his country of origin visited him in the hospital offering him land and a job if he came home. He graciously rejected the offer. He said he wanted to stay in his new home with his brothers. Doesn't sound like this particular gentlemen was swayed by money. He was swayed by his underground family.
Another man said he met God and the devil. God won. Yes, God won. Hopefully He won over all those men's hearts as they survived so far below. He lifted them up while they were still stuck down there. He kept them safe. He kept them safer as they traveled up to meet their families in that cramped little capsule. The walls of the tunnel held. The whole story is indeed a miracle. Do people see God in that? I really hope so. I know the miners did.
A few experts said life as they knew it was changed forever. Reuniting with their families would consist of getting to know each other again. They'd be in the media spotlight and offered more money than they'd know what to do with. Movie and book deals would follow. The attention would be overwhelming.
I'm not an expert. I can't imagine what is in store for these men and their families. But naysayers really bug me. Can we look at the positive? None of these experts mentioned that. These men endured more than two months of hardship like few people I have ever known. They are survivors. They became family-lifting one another up when things were bleak. One of the men is from Bolivia. The president of his country of origin visited him in the hospital offering him land and a job if he came home. He graciously rejected the offer. He said he wanted to stay in his new home with his brothers. Doesn't sound like this particular gentlemen was swayed by money. He was swayed by his underground family.
Another man said he met God and the devil. God won. Yes, God won. Hopefully He won over all those men's hearts as they survived so far below. He lifted them up while they were still stuck down there. He kept them safe. He kept them safer as they traveled up to meet their families in that cramped little capsule. The walls of the tunnel held. The whole story is indeed a miracle. Do people see God in that? I really hope so. I know the miners did.
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