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...

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.

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.

God's Spring Break

Well, it is spring break time again. Many people head out on vacation. Many to a warmer climate. Which for us living in the Midwest, would be just about anywhere. Even Canada. We are staying home this spring break. We had planned to go on a short trip to see my parents but it didn't work out. It's okay; I enjoy hanging around home with the kids and doing things here. But, it's only Monday and two of the three are in their rooms until midafternoon. Bathroom privileges only. But seriously-it's okay. Sleeping in was definately in the plan. Being blasted from our bed by bickering was not. Hence the ongoing fusses which led to the aforementioned isolation in separate bedrooms. Getting up at 5 am to take out the trash was also not in the plan. But considering it's tornado season and the gales have been uncommonly strong lately, I didn't feel like chasing it all over our street. And the next. And the next. Did I mention it really was okay? My husband is away this week with his job. Not diggin' the whole single parent thing. Those of you who do this on a full-time basis, my hat is off to you. And, my prayers are with you. Still, museum and movie choices abound. Staying up later with one lucky child to do something fun is also on the agenda. Misunderstanding this entails taking turns (one child per night) has led to some hurt feelings along with tears but again, it's okay. I have to keep reminding myself that not only is this spring break but it is also Holy Week. Wait-what? Yes, Holy Week. Am I pausing to ponder all that Jesus did for me? What this week should mean to me-including talking about it to my kids-but also what it meant to Him? The One who gave all for all of us? It finally dawned on me several years ago what all Jesus went through for us. It was the year my husband and I made it to all the Lenten services. Pre-kid era. Yes, I remember what that was like. Vaguely. I was amazed that Someone could love me that much! Who loves us like that? Nobody. As I travel along this week wading through the aisles of Easter candy, remembering to send those Easter cards and being mom/regulator I need to take the time to consider all that has been done for me and my family. Thanks to God. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. Thank you for sending your Son. And, thank you for not taking a break during spring to do so!

God's Clothes

It's springtime and that means so many things to so many people! But to me, the clothes horse, it means a new wardrobe. Oops, I mean wardrobe pieces. To spruce up the clothes from last spring. Yes, exactly. So, I of course have been shopping. Easter dresses/outfits and then the barrage of extras I pick up along the way. A cute blouse here, a fun t-shirt there. I enjoy shopping for the entire fam, not just myself. However, this year the clothes have gone beyond interesting. Colors and ruffles and fabric roses are not only out of control but downright scary. I mean some of it works. But most of it only works on the mannequin. You've all heard the line, "It looks better on than it does on the hanger." Not this year. Trust me. I saw the cutest dressy tank on a mannequin. (I wish they'd put the heads back on them.) It was a blue, purple and white design. When I found it on the rack and held it up, I swore it was the wrong tank. It didn't look so cute. It looked like someone had drunk a vanilla blueberry shake, (for fun eaten some violets) and then gotten violently ill all over the shirt. I'm serious. My husband always comments that men's fashions really don't change that much. Basically, I agree. I look at the suits in the old photos men wore when my grandfathers and great grandfathers were young. Not too many things differ in what I see men wear today. How is this fair? Think of all we women have been through! Corsets to girdles to underwire bras! No wonder women burned them a few decades ago. I say stoke up the bonfire again sisters! As I drool over the few nice things I see, I'm taken back to the verses in the Bible about worry. Jesus is saying don't worry about what you'll eat, drink OR wear. Even Solomon in his finest was not near as beautiful as the lillies in the valley. Have you ever seen a meadow of wildflowers? Or tame ones for that matter? The mountains rising gently before you? It's not only beautiful; it is breathtaking. God clothes all of us. Sure, he doesn't make up the colors that are out there on the racks-or the styles for that matter. But, He does clothe us. In love. In humility. In trust. And forgiveness. Plus about a hundred other areas. Maybe that's what we should all be gazing at this spring.

God's Laughter

Is there any other gift that really keeps on giving like the gift of laughter? It has been said a good belly laugh is good for your health. The Bible says laughter doeth good like a medicine. Hmmm... How many of us really experience a good healthy chuckle every day? Is it because we fail to see the humor and happiness in our lives? Don't we all know someone that can laugh in almost every circumstance? Where does that joy come from? It has been theorized that happiness and joy are two different things. Having joy fills you up; happy comes and goes I guess. I'm not for sure on that one. Also, how many of us have heard, "It's not what happens to you-it's how you react to it." Really? I believe this is true. But since I am very much a type A personality, it is hard for me to react positively in some circumstances. Like driving. Dealing with our dog. Rude sales people. Rude people in general. Bullies ( and that would be young and old alike). People who annoy me on a regular basis-I feel this differs from rude people. Diet food. Cleaning. Yes, this list could go on and on. So, I try to breathe evenly and look at the bright side of my pet peeves. At least we have a car that runs. Maybe rude people are unhappy about a sad situation. Ditto for the bullies. Diet food helps us lose weight. I do have a house to live in to clean. Notice I left out the dog. Sorry, that may be a blog yet to come. I recently did my first official speaking engagement. I was terrified and as I spoke it was all very surreal. Yet my biggest fear realized, the women there laughed heartily. Some laughed so hard they cried. I prayed about my huge, huge fear. God told me, "THEY WILL LAUGH." He was right. And I was so appreciative. For the support of these women. For their their friendships and confidence in me. I am glad God gave me the gift to look at situations and bring humor and a tad bit of sarcasm to them. I'm glad when I share my experiences with people it does make them giggle. Most of all I'm glad God has blessed us with laughter. He wants us to be happy AND joyful. I'm sure of it. Share your gifts with others. Not only will God smile, He may get a good belly laugh Himself.

God's Finer Things

I recently spent an awesome evening with a group of special ladies. Some I've known for years, others I met that night. We had a great time. Lots of laughter, lots of Jesus and a few tears.
I marvel at friendships. They come and go. The really strong ones endure a lifetime. The best ones find their way back to each other after a misunderstanding. Why? Because the people involved were humble enough to admit their mistakes and apologize. Those are the strongest. Those are the most cherished. Those are the best.
As women, we tend to guard our friendships and not always let new girls in. I've heard it said that men need women for intimacy and women need women for companionship. Maybe even as the mother they needed and never received. Don't mess with momma-she's a lion. I don't get these relationships. Aren't there plenty of us to go around? Can't we welcome someone new into the pride? Is this still third grade and are we on the playground? I'm warmed to my toes that the ladies I have just started to get to know don't fall into that category. Everyone has a swing on our playground. And everyone is invited to soar as high as they are able.
It is hard to maintain our friendships though. We are in a constant state of go, go, go! Go pick up the kids, go to the store, go out with our husbands-and not only to Menard's please honey-go do some volunteering, go to work... If we are lucky we run into our friends at the grocery store or mall. We chat for a bit and then we are on the go again.
When I'm overwhelmed, I go to my Bible. (Best place to go.) As I'm comforted by God's word and all that Jesus did, I see He had some pretty wonderful friends Himself. His disciples started out fairly clueless but they got the hang of it as time went on. They took up Christ's work. Many of them lost their lives because of it. Yes, it was God's plan for them but it all started out as a friendship. A common thread. Listening to the call of Jesus. A finer thing to be sure.