I couldn't decide which video I liked better...how about you?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Beautiful
I've had this post in my heart for quite some time now- this song really speaks to me. Beautiful....Beautiful....
I've been looking at myself a lot lately, thinking about what He's been doing in my heart since the move- 5 months ago. Coming back to my hometown somewhat began by giving me an identity-crisis of sorts. The last time I lived here I was a teen, living at home. Now, I am here as a wife and mother. My life is VERY different than even 5 years ago. I wondered if friends and family here would 'recognize' me. My growth and change has been a slow progression over the past 15+ years but to some it might look shocking. It's shocking to me sometimes! :)
In thinking about my 'identity,' I've tried to look a lot to my heart. I've tried to go to those places that have been shut off for a long time. I've tried to begin dealing with old feelings and emotions that I shoved deep down inside. It's been quite a challenge getting real with some old issues that I've chosen to hang on to. But, the more I pray and the more I let God in- the better I'm beginning to feel. I used to have panic attacks- not anymore. I used to have huge levels of anxiety and wear a forced smile on my face- not anymore. I'm laughing out of pure and simple joy. The real laughing...belly laughing! As each day passes, I'm able to see that my heart is being restored. Where there were spots of hurt, confusion, and pain- there is becoming a clear, open spot. That spot in my heart that was blackened before is becoming alive again....so beautiful, beautiful. Mercy is reaching to save me...like sunlight burning at midnight....
All the more, my constant growth and transformation reminds me that He loves us with a deep, passionate love and wants our life to be BEAUTIFUL!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Oh my...
Do you ever read something and think, 'Oh my, this is exactly for me- this is exactly my situation!'?? Well, I read this post the other day on an adoptive mom's blog. I have been following her blog since she brought her Liberian children home. We had some similarities and some differences in our adoption journey-I was always curious how things were going with them. Her Liberian children were quite a bit younger than ours, I wondered if there would be any similarities in cultural or adjustment issues.
If you've been following our blog for any time, you know that our 2 oldest Liberian children don't live with us. Since the beginning, we have had a special place in our heart for all 4 Liberian children and we've all gone through growth, struggles and disappointments. It's taken us (as parents) some time to work through certain feelings/issues. I've continually asked God why some things have happened the way they did. I've wondered a lot about His will for us and I've prayed for discernment.
He revealed it to me through this precious Mom's words. Here's just a bit of what she so candidly wrote:
'Had we completely missed God’s call? Had we made a mistake when we brought her home? Sometimes God puts us on a path and we start walking. We are in God’s will and we are where He wants us. We look forward and we think we know where the path will go. But, as time goes on the path begins to twist and turn and it ends up taking us somewhere that we never imagined it would. Does that mean that we were on the wrong path or that we weren’t in God’s will? No. It just means that God didn’t show us the whole path when we started out.
I wish that I could say that if I’d known everything when we started that I would have gone forward. That if I had seen all the hurt, all the confusion, all the condemnation we’ve received from others, that I would have said “Yes, Lord! Sign me up for that!” But that’s not true. If I’d had any idea how hard all of this would be, I never would have done it. But, my Jesus knew that and so He only showed me a little bit at a time, leading me by the hand and helping me go forward even when the path grew rocky and I couldn’t see what lay ahead.
I’m glad that He did that. Because He did, one more child has a family tonight. That is an amazing blessing. She has a hope and a future when just a few years ago her life was nothing but broken pieces. I thank God for that and I am even coming to a place where I can thank Him for letting me be a part of it. I will always have a special place in my heart for her and I am thankful that I got the chance to be her mom, if only for a short time.'
Ok...so I was crying buckets when I read this because I have struggled with this for so long! Thank you, 'Candid-Mama', for writing this and for being so honest. You helped another Adoptive Mom in more ways than you will ever know.
If you've been following our blog for any time, you know that our 2 oldest Liberian children don't live with us. Since the beginning, we have had a special place in our heart for all 4 Liberian children and we've all gone through growth, struggles and disappointments. It's taken us (as parents) some time to work through certain feelings/issues. I've continually asked God why some things have happened the way they did. I've wondered a lot about His will for us and I've prayed for discernment.
He revealed it to me through this precious Mom's words. Here's just a bit of what she so candidly wrote:
'Had we completely missed God’s call? Had we made a mistake when we brought her home? Sometimes God puts us on a path and we start walking. We are in God’s will and we are where He wants us. We look forward and we think we know where the path will go. But, as time goes on the path begins to twist and turn and it ends up taking us somewhere that we never imagined it would. Does that mean that we were on the wrong path or that we weren’t in God’s will? No. It just means that God didn’t show us the whole path when we started out.
I wish that I could say that if I’d known everything when we started that I would have gone forward. That if I had seen all the hurt, all the confusion, all the condemnation we’ve received from others, that I would have said “Yes, Lord! Sign me up for that!” But that’s not true. If I’d had any idea how hard all of this would be, I never would have done it. But, my Jesus knew that and so He only showed me a little bit at a time, leading me by the hand and helping me go forward even when the path grew rocky and I couldn’t see what lay ahead.
I’m glad that He did that. Because He did, one more child has a family tonight. That is an amazing blessing. She has a hope and a future when just a few years ago her life was nothing but broken pieces. I thank God for that and I am even coming to a place where I can thank Him for letting me be a part of it. I will always have a special place in my heart for her and I am thankful that I got the chance to be her mom, if only for a short time.'
Ok...so I was crying buckets when I read this because I have struggled with this for so long! Thank you, 'Candid-Mama', for writing this and for being so honest. You helped another Adoptive Mom in more ways than you will ever know.
Monday, May 03, 2010
New favorites!
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...
“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”
I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...
“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”
So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?
To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up
I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone
Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone
Sunday, April 25, 2010
You can't steal MY joy....
So, I'm reading this book by Joyce Meyer titled, 'Seven Things that steal your joy.' I was intrigued by the title so I picked it up at the library last week. I had just begun the introduction and I read this:
'Satan is an expert at stealing from us, but his favorite target is not our material possessions; it is our joy. He is always out to steal our joy because he knows if we lose our joy, we lose our strength, and that gives him a powerful advantage over us. So our joy is his main concern. He wants to bring discouraging things to our lives and make us believe that all life consists of is disappointments.
We don't have to let the devil take our joy away from us. No matter what is going on in our lives, we need to stay as happy as we can because then we will have the strength to face whatever comes our way.
One way we can stay happy is not making a big deal out of little things that we should just let go. For example, maybe somebody did hurt our feelings, but getting angry will steal our joy; the answer is to get over it quickly. "But what they did wasn't right," you may say. We have all done something that wasn't right at some time in our life. When we did that, what did we need? We needed a little mercy. What did we want the person we offended to do for us? We wanted them to give us a break. That means we need to sow what we want to reap.'
Hmmmmmmmm.........
'Not only do we need to give other people a break, but we need to give ourselves a break. We need to learn not to be so hard on others or ourselves. Why? Because harshness and unforgiveness rob us of joy.'
Is this speaking to you? It's screaming at me...
'Satan is an expert at stealing from us, but his favorite target is not our material possessions; it is our joy. He is always out to steal our joy because he knows if we lose our joy, we lose our strength, and that gives him a powerful advantage over us. So our joy is his main concern. He wants to bring discouraging things to our lives and make us believe that all life consists of is disappointments.
We don't have to let the devil take our joy away from us. No matter what is going on in our lives, we need to stay as happy as we can because then we will have the strength to face whatever comes our way.
One way we can stay happy is not making a big deal out of little things that we should just let go. For example, maybe somebody did hurt our feelings, but getting angry will steal our joy; the answer is to get over it quickly. "But what they did wasn't right," you may say. We have all done something that wasn't right at some time in our life. When we did that, what did we need? We needed a little mercy. What did we want the person we offended to do for us? We wanted them to give us a break. That means we need to sow what we want to reap.'
Hmmmmmmmm.........
'Not only do we need to give other people a break, but we need to give ourselves a break. We need to learn not to be so hard on others or ourselves. Why? Because harshness and unforgiveness rob us of joy.'
Is this speaking to you? It's screaming at me...
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Getting back on track
Have you ever gotten knocked off track of your daily routine(s)? How long has it taken you to get your groove back? Man alive...you'd think something majorly catastrophic has happened around here! I guess I can and should laugh...I can't even keep up with myself!
Spring has sprung around here and there's lots of baby buds on the trees. We went out looking for cattails and pussy willows this weekend...not quite yet. Hubby looked for all the trampoline parts in the garage but that was a no-go as well. There's one load of outside stuff still in AR so I guess that's where the missing parts must be. The bikes are there, our grill is there, our chicken coop and lots more stuff we're starting to miss. Hopefully we can get it soon...
The kids are having a tough time staying focused on school. Having nice weather outside makes it hard to concentrate. We used to take school outside on the trampoline when we were in AR....we're looking forward to that here! I had 3 of our 6 kiddos at the eye doctor today. One got new glasses, one will need glasses in the near future and one has 20/20 vision. Our next adventure (with 5 of the 6) will be the dentist. I already know we'll be starting 2 in braces very soon. Anyone care to donate towards a 'healthy smile' cause? :)
Praise God we've got Grandmas and Grandpas here to help and babysit. It's exhausting doing all this running to appointments. I can't imagine bringing everyone along. We'd be a sight!
My desktop is on it's last legs- I've been trying to download Easter pics of the kids for all you to peruse. I've been able to get them on there (I think), now if I can fight my way online and download them...I'm still using my pitiful netbook- the one that has the black-spider-web cracked screen. I can see about half of what I'm writing...
Did you all have a glorious Easter? We had fun and we were blessed to spend it with lots of family! Hopefully there will be pictures to follow very soon!
Spring has sprung around here and there's lots of baby buds on the trees. We went out looking for cattails and pussy willows this weekend...not quite yet. Hubby looked for all the trampoline parts in the garage but that was a no-go as well. There's one load of outside stuff still in AR so I guess that's where the missing parts must be. The bikes are there, our grill is there, our chicken coop and lots more stuff we're starting to miss. Hopefully we can get it soon...
The kids are having a tough time staying focused on school. Having nice weather outside makes it hard to concentrate. We used to take school outside on the trampoline when we were in AR....we're looking forward to that here! I had 3 of our 6 kiddos at the eye doctor today. One got new glasses, one will need glasses in the near future and one has 20/20 vision. Our next adventure (with 5 of the 6) will be the dentist. I already know we'll be starting 2 in braces very soon. Anyone care to donate towards a 'healthy smile' cause? :)
Praise God we've got Grandmas and Grandpas here to help and babysit. It's exhausting doing all this running to appointments. I can't imagine bringing everyone along. We'd be a sight!
My desktop is on it's last legs- I've been trying to download Easter pics of the kids for all you to peruse. I've been able to get them on there (I think), now if I can fight my way online and download them...I'm still using my pitiful netbook- the one that has the black-spider-web cracked screen. I can see about half of what I'm writing...
Did you all have a glorious Easter? We had fun and we were blessed to spend it with lots of family! Hopefully there will be pictures to follow very soon!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Inspired by BREAD!
Moving just takes a lot out of a person, doesn't it? Whew...we've been here for 3 months now and it's like the whirlwind is finally slowing down- just a little...
We moved just before Christmas, then celebrated Christmas, celebrated New Years, unpacked more boxes, restarted school for the kiddos (we have 5 at home this year doing school plus Angel Baby), I traveled back to AR for a few days to tend to some business issues, Hubby started his new job (he's gone all week), I started painting the house (starting in the kitchen), we celebrated Valentines Day, I continued to unpack boxes, paint some more and decorate a little. Then St. Patty's Day rolled around and Hubby and I flew to AR overnight to finalize all the business stuff. Hubby went to work, there was more schooling for the kiddos, more unpacking and organizing, lots of playing outside (because all the snow melted!) and lots of laundry!
This house is quite a bit smaller than our house in AR so it's been a challenge finding homes for the things we need. We're blessed to have a basement and garage that we're using to store the things we haven't found room for (and didn't have the heart to get rid of). We've moved quite a bit in our 12 years together and I think this was our most challenging yet (probably because of the 6 children, 6 animals and pack-up-to-leave-in-5-days issue).
It's felt like more of survival mode the last few months, just trying to get things back to normal and find our 'new normal.' The kids have struggled a little with not being able to be outside every day. We've had to adjust to the cold weather and all the snow (even though it was a mild winter here). Slow but sure I've felt some ambition and inspiration creeping back in. Being that I'm a type A personality, I always think about what needs to be done so I use that ambition/inspiration on the 'things' needing attention. I have a HUGE list of things I would like to do (fun things) but I always put them off.
A friend of mine brought this (cook)book to my attention yesterday when I said I was gonna make bread. I looked it up and watched the little video on Amazon.
I was blown away at two things: the 'container' method which keeps dough in the fridge for up to two weeks, and the 'freestyle' shaping method. I guess I realize these things are obviously possible but why am I not doing it? I love the idea of grabbing a hunk of dough, forming it and throwing it in the oven to be ready for mealtime. We eat a lot of bread and sometimes I am so rushed to get dinner on the table (or breakfast/lunch), carving out a 2 hour time slot to get our 5 loaves done at once seems impossible.
So, I am inspired by bread today! I'm inspired to dig out my ingredients and start creating some doughy-goodness! We've got 2 sick little ones this weekend so maybe the smell/taste of good ole homemade bread will aid in their recovery.
I'm hoping my ambition/inspiration carries over enough that I can get the bathroom painted this weekend! :)
We moved just before Christmas, then celebrated Christmas, celebrated New Years, unpacked more boxes, restarted school for the kiddos (we have 5 at home this year doing school plus Angel Baby), I traveled back to AR for a few days to tend to some business issues, Hubby started his new job (he's gone all week), I started painting the house (starting in the kitchen), we celebrated Valentines Day, I continued to unpack boxes, paint some more and decorate a little. Then St. Patty's Day rolled around and Hubby and I flew to AR overnight to finalize all the business stuff. Hubby went to work, there was more schooling for the kiddos, more unpacking and organizing, lots of playing outside (because all the snow melted!) and lots of laundry!
This house is quite a bit smaller than our house in AR so it's been a challenge finding homes for the things we need. We're blessed to have a basement and garage that we're using to store the things we haven't found room for (and didn't have the heart to get rid of). We've moved quite a bit in our 12 years together and I think this was our most challenging yet (probably because of the 6 children, 6 animals and pack-up-to-leave-in-5-days issue).
It's felt like more of survival mode the last few months, just trying to get things back to normal and find our 'new normal.' The kids have struggled a little with not being able to be outside every day. We've had to adjust to the cold weather and all the snow (even though it was a mild winter here). Slow but sure I've felt some ambition and inspiration creeping back in. Being that I'm a type A personality, I always think about what needs to be done so I use that ambition/inspiration on the 'things' needing attention. I have a HUGE list of things I would like to do (fun things) but I always put them off.
A friend of mine brought this (cook)book to my attention yesterday when I said I was gonna make bread. I looked it up and watched the little video on Amazon.
I was blown away at two things: the 'container' method which keeps dough in the fridge for up to two weeks, and the 'freestyle' shaping method. I guess I realize these things are obviously possible but why am I not doing it? I love the idea of grabbing a hunk of dough, forming it and throwing it in the oven to be ready for mealtime. We eat a lot of bread and sometimes I am so rushed to get dinner on the table (or breakfast/lunch), carving out a 2 hour time slot to get our 5 loaves done at once seems impossible.
So, I am inspired by bread today! I'm inspired to dig out my ingredients and start creating some doughy-goodness! We've got 2 sick little ones this weekend so maybe the smell/taste of good ole homemade bread will aid in their recovery.
I'm hoping my ambition/inspiration carries over enough that I can get the bathroom painted this weekend! :)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Whatta ya think?
So, lately LOTS of folks have been asking me "When are you writing a book?" Most times this comment comes after me sharing part of our story/testimony. If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I'm full of stories! :)
So, whatta ya think? Would you like to see more of our story? Would you like to know more about our background(s)? What would you like to know more of about us or our family? Do you think our story is book worthy?
Leave me a comment (even if you are 'Anonymous')...and tell me what you think!
So, whatta ya think? Would you like to see more of our story? Would you like to know more about our background(s)? What would you like to know more of about us or our family? Do you think our story is book worthy?
Leave me a comment (even if you are 'Anonymous')...and tell me what you think!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Could it be?
I guess I'd forgotten how springtime 'felt' here in the Frozen Tundra. Today it hit me...the memories came flooding back. We so got lucky this winter, or maybe God had mercy on us, it was pretty mild- not too unbearable. With our two trips up here the end of September and then the end of November, we got a taste of fall before the snow hit. When we arrived with the moving trucks before Christmas, we were met with snow and sub zero temps.
As we were driving to the farm to spend the afternoon with my in-laws, I really noticed that spring is just around the corner. We can almost touch it...
The frost is just about out of the ground, this may be one of the shortest 'break ups' in a long time. We can see a change in our own yard- the snow is gone and the mud went from extra squishy to almost dry overnight. Sign #1.
We are in my great grandparents house, my family's homestead house, if you will. The basement has been wet and nasty for two days. This morning we went down there and it was completely dry. Sign #2.
While driving down a side road to get to the farm we saw 3 people out for a leisurely stroll. We saw families out in their yards doing the usual spring-clean-up (one girl in a tshirt). Sign #3.
It was 52 degrees before noon. Sign #4.
The sun was out! And it held some serious heat. Sign #5.
That certain smell. Different than Arkansas... that familiar smell of spring here in this place. Sign #6.
As I looked around at the trees and the little bit of snow still in the woods, I couldn't help but think, "Almost, guys...we're almost there...just a little while longer." Isn't that what we think as Christians too? Almost guys...we're almost there...He'll be here soon...just a little while longer...
Spring brings new life. Spring brings fresh hope, new beginnings and a breath of clean/fresh air! Spring puts a skip in our step. Spring brings sunshine. Just like Jesus.
My aunt told me awhile back that the longer we're here, the more memories will come flooding back. She's right. We've been here just about 3 months now and the random memories are just crazy! A road we take to go somewhere, a certain corner, a familiar treeline, a smell, or just seeing someone from WAY BACK!
The other week I had a memory about my grandma and her 'slick bottom boots' that she had to wear every winter. She even had these metal gripper things that she would slide over the toe of her boot that was supposed to help with traction. I laughed so hard about that memory! What made me think about it? Who knows. I followed my aunt around in the grocery store that same week, pushing her cart for her as she filled it with groceries. Just walking behind her, watching her mannerisms...made me cry. I so missed her. I'm so happy to be here and to be back in this place that I call home. All the old memories and the new ones we're gonna make, they're all so precious.
I'm a big people watcher. I like to watch people and how they interact with each other and with their families. I noticed a few years ago, on a trip home, that the closer I got the more 'ordinary' the people looked. Just like me. Do you think that about your hometown? Do you think you 'look' like those people? Do you think like the people in your hometown? I think there's a certain way about people, a certain familiar-ness about people who live together in certain communities. Maybe it's the way of life in that region. Maybe it's a difference in culture and/or the heritage of the people living there. My Hubby is a big, tall, blond headed Scandinavian. I didn't see anyone that 'looked' like us when we were in Arkansas. So, when we returned home there was a certain comfort in blending in with like minded folks. And a certain comfort seeing old friends. And of course, the comfort of being surrounded by lots and lots of family.
So, with all of that, I'm waiting on spring. I'm waiting to get my hands dirty in the backyard garden. I'm waiting to see my kids playing outside with all of their happy, carefree smiles. I'm happy for our fresh start, our new beginning. And I praise God for that.
As we were driving to the farm to spend the afternoon with my in-laws, I really noticed that spring is just around the corner. We can almost touch it...
The frost is just about out of the ground, this may be one of the shortest 'break ups' in a long time. We can see a change in our own yard- the snow is gone and the mud went from extra squishy to almost dry overnight. Sign #1.
We are in my great grandparents house, my family's homestead house, if you will. The basement has been wet and nasty for two days. This morning we went down there and it was completely dry. Sign #2.
While driving down a side road to get to the farm we saw 3 people out for a leisurely stroll. We saw families out in their yards doing the usual spring-clean-up (one girl in a tshirt). Sign #3.
It was 52 degrees before noon. Sign #4.
The sun was out! And it held some serious heat. Sign #5.
That certain smell. Different than Arkansas... that familiar smell of spring here in this place. Sign #6.
As I looked around at the trees and the little bit of snow still in the woods, I couldn't help but think, "Almost, guys...we're almost there...just a little while longer." Isn't that what we think as Christians too? Almost guys...we're almost there...He'll be here soon...just a little while longer...
Spring brings new life. Spring brings fresh hope, new beginnings and a breath of clean/fresh air! Spring puts a skip in our step. Spring brings sunshine. Just like Jesus.
My aunt told me awhile back that the longer we're here, the more memories will come flooding back. She's right. We've been here just about 3 months now and the random memories are just crazy! A road we take to go somewhere, a certain corner, a familiar treeline, a smell, or just seeing someone from WAY BACK!
The other week I had a memory about my grandma and her 'slick bottom boots' that she had to wear every winter. She even had these metal gripper things that she would slide over the toe of her boot that was supposed to help with traction. I laughed so hard about that memory! What made me think about it? Who knows. I followed my aunt around in the grocery store that same week, pushing her cart for her as she filled it with groceries. Just walking behind her, watching her mannerisms...made me cry. I so missed her. I'm so happy to be here and to be back in this place that I call home. All the old memories and the new ones we're gonna make, they're all so precious.
I'm a big people watcher. I like to watch people and how they interact with each other and with their families. I noticed a few years ago, on a trip home, that the closer I got the more 'ordinary' the people looked. Just like me. Do you think that about your hometown? Do you think you 'look' like those people? Do you think like the people in your hometown? I think there's a certain way about people, a certain familiar-ness about people who live together in certain communities. Maybe it's the way of life in that region. Maybe it's a difference in culture and/or the heritage of the people living there. My Hubby is a big, tall, blond headed Scandinavian. I didn't see anyone that 'looked' like us when we were in Arkansas. So, when we returned home there was a certain comfort in blending in with like minded folks. And a certain comfort seeing old friends. And of course, the comfort of being surrounded by lots and lots of family.
So, with all of that, I'm waiting on spring. I'm waiting to get my hands dirty in the backyard garden. I'm waiting to see my kids playing outside with all of their happy, carefree smiles. I'm happy for our fresh start, our new beginning. And I praise God for that.
Monday, March 08, 2010
I found the cord!!! Oh- happy day...
Decorating our Christmas tree (in AR). Just weeks before our insanely crazy idea to move- BEFORE CHRISTMAS!
The boys hauling firewood (with Hubby) up to the house (just 2 weeks before leaving AR).
These pics were supposed to be for our Christmas card (the one that never went out this year because of the move!).
Grandma came to see us as we were packing up. There were boxes everywhere, pictures off the walls, etc. We sure do love Grandma, and we miss her SO much!
BFFs saying goodbye... or see you later...
The girls saying goodbye to their most favorite dance teacher ever- Ms. Kim!
Our family Christmas picture- in Arkansas...
The boys hauling firewood (with Hubby) up to the house (just 2 weeks before leaving AR).
These pics were supposed to be for our Christmas card (the one that never went out this year because of the move!).
Grandma came to see us as we were packing up. There were boxes everywhere, pictures off the walls, etc. We sure do love Grandma, and we miss her SO much!
BFFs saying goodbye... or see you later...
The girls saying goodbye to their most favorite dance teacher ever- Ms. Kim!
Our family Christmas picture- in Arkansas...
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
It all started with.....DOG HAIR!
Oops...time got away from me! Sorry!! I hadn't been writing on here for so long that I'm out of the routine...
Today started out good- but I was frustrated with DOG HAIR! You see, our Arkansas dogs must be thinking they are still there because they are now shedding uncontrollably (it's just about spring in Arkansas). I somehow thought their bodies would acclimate quickly to the snow and cold weather of the northwoods and they would be 'on schedule' for the climate here. But, I guess everything takes time... So, none the less, we have a disgusting amount of dog hair that is floating around. I confined the two big dogs to a section of the house while their going through this phase- I figured it would be contained better and easier to clean every day... So, we armed ourselves with dog brushes and the vacuum cleaner every day trying to expedite this process. Probably a hilarious thing to watch from the outside but you just have to understand my extreme dislike for animal hair! **Side note: We have 8 people, 3 cats and 3 dogs in our new (smaller than before) home. And it's winter so we can't bust out into the outdoors just yet...
Anyway, all that to say that I started sweeping, dust mopping and sucking corners out with the vacuum to find any possible stray animal hairs before I felt a freak out moment come on. (Ha! I can laugh at myself on this...hope you are too!) Hubby surprised us and came home early last night from working away. He (and his mama) took all the kiddos to see great grandma in the nursing home this morning. So, I got them all packed up and I vowed to clean and clean some more by the time they got back.
I put some music on and began the morning pick up routine of toys, folding blankets on the couch, gathering stray water cups, finding misplaced hankies (we've been sick on and off for 3 weeks!), and switching the wash out. It was while I grabbed a stuffed animal off the floor upstairs and returned it to Princess' bed that I became overwhelmed with thankfulness.
See, usually I am praying throughout the day for God to give me the strength (and patience) to be the absolute best mama I can be to the kiddos He's given us. Usually I am praying for discernment and patience for what feels like endless bickering and bantering back and forth. Not to mention our sweet, overtired, teething, sick/runny nose Angel Baby stuck to my pant leg. Usually during school time I am bombarded for hours with "Mom, I need help. Mom, I'm frustrated (tears streaming down). Mom, I doooonnnnn'tttt wwwwwaaaannnnttt toooo ddddoooo sssccchhhooollll........all the while falling down across the couch and into a heap on the floor as if his back just broke in a million pieces and he lost all of his strength to go on even one more moment.
Usually I don't get a moment for my bath and to get dressed much before 11am (or even by lunch sometimes). Usually things get cluttered everywhere-very quickly...and I have just about as much disdain for clutter as I do animal hair. I'm constantly needing to remind myself that I am doing God's work, right here as a stay-at-home-mom. This is my mission field and this is THE most important and most special job for me. I'm always reminding myself that I need to have joy in the runny noses, the getting up at night to comfort bad dreams, the endless piles of laundry and dishes and yes, even the bickering. Because you see, this is a gift I've been given. A very precious gift.
And that's why thankfulness hit me head on this morning. Thankfulness that God has given me a man who loves me more than anything else in this world. A man with a heart as big as the sky. A man who will love and protect his family before anything else and a man who will do anything to take care of us (like work away during the week during these tough economic times so we don't have to go without).
Thankfulness that we have a roof over our heads and extended family coming out of our ears who love us and support us. Family who stops in to see how we're doing, family who calls, emails, and texts to see what we need and if there's anything they can do to help. Family who has welcomed us home with open arms as if we had never been gone, as if 5 years was a blink of an eye.
Thankfulness that I have beds to help make, stuffed animals to pick up off the floor, laundry to (endlessly) do, dishes to (endlessly) wash, noses to lovingly wipe and foreheads to smooch on. Thankfulness that we have so many kids and so many animals, it's because of all of them- all mixed up together- that we constantly have so many smiles and giggles going on around here. We have children with very happy and carefree hearts.
Thankfulness that God has recently shown me that our obedience has not been in vain. He's shown me that love is breaking through and that we are truly winning the heart of our (almost) 17 year old daughter. What a precious gift all in itself! All of the tough times in the past and all of the turmoil hasn't been for nothing. We've continued to do what He's asked of us, never looking back, trudging forward, and we're beginning to see fruit. Whoa.... it almost seems miraculous...
All of these things are priceless. And yes, I'm even thankful (today) for our dogs. :)
Today started out good- but I was frustrated with DOG HAIR! You see, our Arkansas dogs must be thinking they are still there because they are now shedding uncontrollably (it's just about spring in Arkansas). I somehow thought their bodies would acclimate quickly to the snow and cold weather of the northwoods and they would be 'on schedule' for the climate here. But, I guess everything takes time... So, none the less, we have a disgusting amount of dog hair that is floating around. I confined the two big dogs to a section of the house while their going through this phase- I figured it would be contained better and easier to clean every day... So, we armed ourselves with dog brushes and the vacuum cleaner every day trying to expedite this process. Probably a hilarious thing to watch from the outside but you just have to understand my extreme dislike for animal hair! **Side note: We have 8 people, 3 cats and 3 dogs in our new (smaller than before) home. And it's winter so we can't bust out into the outdoors just yet...
Anyway, all that to say that I started sweeping, dust mopping and sucking corners out with the vacuum to find any possible stray animal hairs before I felt a freak out moment come on. (Ha! I can laugh at myself on this...hope you are too!) Hubby surprised us and came home early last night from working away. He (and his mama) took all the kiddos to see great grandma in the nursing home this morning. So, I got them all packed up and I vowed to clean and clean some more by the time they got back.
I put some music on and began the morning pick up routine of toys, folding blankets on the couch, gathering stray water cups, finding misplaced hankies (we've been sick on and off for 3 weeks!), and switching the wash out. It was while I grabbed a stuffed animal off the floor upstairs and returned it to Princess' bed that I became overwhelmed with thankfulness.
See, usually I am praying throughout the day for God to give me the strength (and patience) to be the absolute best mama I can be to the kiddos He's given us. Usually I am praying for discernment and patience for what feels like endless bickering and bantering back and forth. Not to mention our sweet, overtired, teething, sick/runny nose Angel Baby stuck to my pant leg. Usually during school time I am bombarded for hours with "Mom, I need help. Mom, I'm frustrated (tears streaming down). Mom, I doooonnnnn'tttt wwwwwaaaannnnttt toooo ddddoooo sssccchhhooollll........all the while falling down across the couch and into a heap on the floor as if his back just broke in a million pieces and he lost all of his strength to go on even one more moment.
Usually I don't get a moment for my bath and to get dressed much before 11am (or even by lunch sometimes). Usually things get cluttered everywhere-very quickly...and I have just about as much disdain for clutter as I do animal hair. I'm constantly needing to remind myself that I am doing God's work, right here as a stay-at-home-mom. This is my mission field and this is THE most important and most special job for me. I'm always reminding myself that I need to have joy in the runny noses, the getting up at night to comfort bad dreams, the endless piles of laundry and dishes and yes, even the bickering. Because you see, this is a gift I've been given. A very precious gift.
And that's why thankfulness hit me head on this morning. Thankfulness that God has given me a man who loves me more than anything else in this world. A man with a heart as big as the sky. A man who will love and protect his family before anything else and a man who will do anything to take care of us (like work away during the week during these tough economic times so we don't have to go without).
Thankfulness that we have a roof over our heads and extended family coming out of our ears who love us and support us. Family who stops in to see how we're doing, family who calls, emails, and texts to see what we need and if there's anything they can do to help. Family who has welcomed us home with open arms as if we had never been gone, as if 5 years was a blink of an eye.
Thankfulness that I have beds to help make, stuffed animals to pick up off the floor, laundry to (endlessly) do, dishes to (endlessly) wash, noses to lovingly wipe and foreheads to smooch on. Thankfulness that we have so many kids and so many animals, it's because of all of them- all mixed up together- that we constantly have so many smiles and giggles going on around here. We have children with very happy and carefree hearts.
Thankfulness that God has recently shown me that our obedience has not been in vain. He's shown me that love is breaking through and that we are truly winning the heart of our (almost) 17 year old daughter. What a precious gift all in itself! All of the tough times in the past and all of the turmoil hasn't been for nothing. We've continued to do what He's asked of us, never looking back, trudging forward, and we're beginning to see fruit. Whoa.... it almost seems miraculous...
All of these things are priceless. And yes, I'm even thankful (today) for our dogs. :)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Peace- Be still
Ok, so I must be missing something...I am being constantly reminded to 'be still.' I've been asking God what is He specifically talking about?! I can't literally 'be still,' I have 6 kiddos under this roof you know. Oh yea, and 6 animals and a gazillion boxes. But, I guess God knows that- I don't need to remind him. I know He's talking about my spirit because I AM NOT still or quieted there. And it's creating lots of havoc. So, I do suppose He knows I need constant reminding... BE STILL!
After this big move I'm also constantly reminded how important family really is. Our immediate family as well as all of the extended family. That's the major reason we came 'back home' after all. But, with that comes floods of different issues, emotions and situations. All part of life, but it's a transition, I tell ya!
I do wonder how we made it 5 years living so far away though. Grandmas and Grandpas have been such a huge part of our coming home the last 2 months. It's really evident that everyone really missed being together. It's also evident to me how nice it is to actually have help with things. Maybe it's so apparent now because things are so turned upside down. I really don't know how larger families do this and survive! It feels like such an impossible feat and that we'll never get everything back together again. I just did a lapbook with Princess this last week on Humpty Dumpty- man, that's how things feel right now. In about a million pieces...but I'm remembering to have PEACE AND BE STILL...
So, in the midst of the chaos and my craziness, here's what He had to say to me the other day in reference to our valley:
'Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to concils and scourage you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.' Matthew 10:16-20
Ok, if that didn't already happen- it would be PROPHETIC! Man, talk about calling that one out. But, in this section of scripture I can see that as we walked forward in faith, He was faithful...again. And He went before us.
He also said: 'But he who endures to the end will be saved (vs. 22b). Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known'(vs.26). THAT HAPPENED TOO! Man, God, do you know what you're talking about! Shouldn't be a surprise to me... This verse also tells me that no matter what, no matter what someone says or does, God is a just God and he will make sure there is justice. Praise Him for that!
'Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops (vs. 27). Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows' (vs. 31). This can be a tough one, it was for us. But, now that we've come out on the other side we can see, again, that everything is better to be brought out in 'the light'. He also told us over and over again 'DO NOT FEAR.' Another tough one in the midst of the lion's den and the firey furnace! But, as I tell our kiddos, God is like the biggest super hero, ever! He's bigger and more powerful than anything and not a thing can overcome Him! So, with God on our side, no matter how scared we are- we really shouldn't fear. Even with knees shaking and heads spinning...
'Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; nor tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.' Deuteronomy 20: 3b-4
AMEN FOR THAT!
After this big move I'm also constantly reminded how important family really is. Our immediate family as well as all of the extended family. That's the major reason we came 'back home' after all. But, with that comes floods of different issues, emotions and situations. All part of life, but it's a transition, I tell ya!
I do wonder how we made it 5 years living so far away though. Grandmas and Grandpas have been such a huge part of our coming home the last 2 months. It's really evident that everyone really missed being together. It's also evident to me how nice it is to actually have help with things. Maybe it's so apparent now because things are so turned upside down. I really don't know how larger families do this and survive! It feels like such an impossible feat and that we'll never get everything back together again. I just did a lapbook with Princess this last week on Humpty Dumpty- man, that's how things feel right now. In about a million pieces...but I'm remembering to have PEACE AND BE STILL...
So, in the midst of the chaos and my craziness, here's what He had to say to me the other day in reference to our valley:
'Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to concils and scourage you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.' Matthew 10:16-20
Ok, if that didn't already happen- it would be PROPHETIC! Man, talk about calling that one out. But, in this section of scripture I can see that as we walked forward in faith, He was faithful...again. And He went before us.
He also said: 'But he who endures to the end will be saved (vs. 22b). Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known'(vs.26). THAT HAPPENED TOO! Man, God, do you know what you're talking about! Shouldn't be a surprise to me... This verse also tells me that no matter what, no matter what someone says or does, God is a just God and he will make sure there is justice. Praise Him for that!
'Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops (vs. 27). Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows' (vs. 31). This can be a tough one, it was for us. But, now that we've come out on the other side we can see, again, that everything is better to be brought out in 'the light'. He also told us over and over again 'DO NOT FEAR.' Another tough one in the midst of the lion's den and the firey furnace! But, as I tell our kiddos, God is like the biggest super hero, ever! He's bigger and more powerful than anything and not a thing can overcome Him! So, with God on our side, no matter how scared we are- we really shouldn't fear. Even with knees shaking and heads spinning...
'Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; nor tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.' Deuteronomy 20: 3b-4
AMEN FOR THAT!
Friday, February 05, 2010
The Valley
Well, the pictures never made it to the computer yet. I'm missing ONE cord...and I'm also missing one cord to hook up the desktop. How does that happen?? We packed everything together so all cords would be in one spot for the tvs, the computer desk, phones, etc. And now I am missing two very important cords...hmmmmmm...
Since I'm speaking of 'packing', one of our announcements is we've moved- 1000 miles! We made the big move just before Christmas time. We'd planned on early January, but plans changed so in a matter of 5 days we packed up and had things loaded on moving vans! Yea, crazy I know. Maybe that's the exact reason I can't find my 2 'very important' cords!!
During this time, we've also come to the end of a very deep and long valley. This valley/trial has been by far the most difficult one of our lives. But, if we learned one thing it is that we need to keep in the forefront that God is always there, faithful and just. We were constantly reminded to "Be still and know that I am God."
So, despite great fear and anxiety- we did just that. We had to rely on His promises to get us through. It was a whopper of a trial but we know that God has a plan- and His plan is always WAY better than ours! That got me thinking about why bad things happen to good people... then that led me to think about what it means to follow Him. The Bible tells us to "enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Then I started asking God why when we followed His direction for our lives would he allow such turmoil and heartache to come to us.
Then when I worked myself all up in a knot, I needed to focus and 'be still.' He brought us through the fire and we're already seeing blessings bestowed upon us. We're so grateful for His mercy and His faithfulness!
Now, if I could just find those cords- I just might be able to get some pictures back on here! Have a blessed weekend!
Since I'm speaking of 'packing', one of our announcements is we've moved- 1000 miles! We made the big move just before Christmas time. We'd planned on early January, but plans changed so in a matter of 5 days we packed up and had things loaded on moving vans! Yea, crazy I know. Maybe that's the exact reason I can't find my 2 'very important' cords!!
During this time, we've also come to the end of a very deep and long valley. This valley/trial has been by far the most difficult one of our lives. But, if we learned one thing it is that we need to keep in the forefront that God is always there, faithful and just. We were constantly reminded to "Be still and know that I am God."
So, despite great fear and anxiety- we did just that. We had to rely on His promises to get us through. It was a whopper of a trial but we know that God has a plan- and His plan is always WAY better than ours! That got me thinking about why bad things happen to good people... then that led me to think about what it means to follow Him. The Bible tells us to "enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Then I started asking God why when we followed His direction for our lives would he allow such turmoil and heartache to come to us.
Then when I worked myself all up in a knot, I needed to focus and 'be still.' He brought us through the fire and we're already seeing blessings bestowed upon us. We're so grateful for His mercy and His faithfulness!
Now, if I could just find those cords- I just might be able to get some pictures back on here! Have a blessed weekend!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Hello again!
I've missed you! I hope all of my readers/followers will return as I start up our blog once again. We've had a crazy few months but things are starting to get back to normal now- we're finding our 'new' normal! I've got lots and lots of pictures to share and I hope to download some for you today.
God has richly blessed us and has been faithful. We give Him all the glory and praise for His constant goodness and grace!
A little bit from The Word this morning:
Matthew 5: 2-12
God blesses those who realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
God has richly blessed us and has been faithful. We give Him all the glory and praise for His constant goodness and grace!
A little bit from The Word this morning:
Matthew 5: 2-12
God blesses those who realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
Monday, October 19, 2009
We'll be back!
Sorry everyone-didn't mean to disappear like that. I put a block on temporarily until I could do some editing. As I mentioned awhile back our family is going through a pretty big valley/trial. As we walk through this, for the safety of our family, I've taken some posts down. I did this during our adoptions and then reposted everything when everyone was home and safe.
I'll be journaling during this time and will put the posts up later. This blog was started to give God ALL the glory and that will not change no matter how big of a trial or valley we go through. We praise God for every single blessing he has given us and even for the valley we are walking through now. We know we will come out the 'other side' with even stronger faith and a deeper relationship with Him.
Have a blessed day- see you soon!
I'll be journaling during this time and will put the posts up later. This blog was started to give God ALL the glory and that will not change no matter how big of a trial or valley we go through. We praise God for every single blessing he has given us and even for the valley we are walking through now. We know we will come out the 'other side' with even stronger faith and a deeper relationship with Him.
Have a blessed day- see you soon!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Song of the day
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Home again- Home again- Jiggity Jig!
We've been home for5 days now and I'm still drowning in laundry and the business of unpacking. The kiddos asked me which I liked better, packing or unpacking. Packing for sure! It's much more fun and a lot less messy! We came home with so much more than we brought- thank goodness my mom-in-law came this past weekend and brought the over flow. I still don't have a final count on the total amount of applesauce (and apple pie filling) we canned, but it was A LOT! We were so blessed to get tons of apples and everyone was so happy to share and bring me bags (or bushels!). My dad found me 1/2 gallon canning jars- we filled 18 of those and lots more quart jars besides.
One cousin brought me tons of veges from her garden and fresh eggs, another cousin brought frozen and packaged foods as well as 4 zucchini and a pumpkin for each child to carve. One of my aunts brought us dessert treats and coffee cake- she also brought the kids little treats when she came to visit. The kids had a blast seeing all the grandmas and grandpas and getting to know my hometown (as well as visiting the library- just down the hill). We had such a great time visiting our old church and re-connecting with friends there. I even attended a weekend seminar there while grandma and grandpa watched all the kiddos. We had to go out and buy some warmer clothes because the weather got colder than I anticipated. I found a great consignment shop and when she saw me come in with all the kids- she gave me 1/2 off everything we got. What huge blessings we received during our visit!
I've been trying to download pics of our trip and even a birthday from the beginning of September! Of course our internet isn't cooperating because we have such icky weather. I joked with Hubby that when he keeps checking NOAA for the weather- he should send them an email and request their name be changed to 'NOAH.' A friend of mine asked on Facebook where anyone could find a good price on gopher wood.... hehe! Family and friends, up north, are enjoying lots of snow. Good thing we're not there now because we really would have been unprepared with the clothes we had! They would have needed full snow garb to play outside in all the pretty, white stuff!
I'll get pics up here soon- you'll have lots to look at when I finally do!
One cousin brought me tons of veges from her garden and fresh eggs, another cousin brought frozen and packaged foods as well as 4 zucchini and a pumpkin for each child to carve. One of my aunts brought us dessert treats and coffee cake- she also brought the kids little treats when she came to visit. The kids had a blast seeing all the grandmas and grandpas and getting to know my hometown (as well as visiting the library- just down the hill). We had such a great time visiting our old church and re-connecting with friends there. I even attended a weekend seminar there while grandma and grandpa watched all the kiddos. We had to go out and buy some warmer clothes because the weather got colder than I anticipated. I found a great consignment shop and when she saw me come in with all the kids- she gave me 1/2 off everything we got. What huge blessings we received during our visit!
I've been trying to download pics of our trip and even a birthday from the beginning of September! Of course our internet isn't cooperating because we have such icky weather. I joked with Hubby that when he keeps checking NOAA for the weather- he should send them an email and request their name be changed to 'NOAH.' A friend of mine asked on Facebook where anyone could find a good price on gopher wood.... hehe! Family and friends, up north, are enjoying lots of snow. Good thing we're not there now because we really would have been unprepared with the clothes we had! They would have needed full snow garb to play outside in all the pretty, white stuff!
I'll get pics up here soon- you'll have lots to look at when I finally do!
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