Longing for home

Out of the woodwork - here I am again.  It's been a long time since my last entry.  School, three boys, and life, in general, has kept me too busy to blog.  But let me fill you in on the last few months.  We wake up, do school, eat, play, have dinner, wash up, and go to bed.  Not much really has happened that is all too exciting.  We have had the occasional outing - a trip to the beach - we've already had two this year - fun!  Also - we again participated in the Walk for Life, so dear to my heart.  I'll try to blog on that later - I have some awesome pictures of the boys.  And we started a garden.  That has probably been our biggest thing this spring.  A four bed raised garden.  (That is also picture worthy - and will be an entry in and of itself in days to come.)  


But today is about a longing.  A longing deep within just to be home.  Do you ever get it?  Home - not back to where you grew up, or where your parents live - but for Home - our final destination, if you are a follower of Christ.  Heaven.  That beautiful place where there are no more tears, or pain.  No more sin.  No more temptation... just praise. All. the. time.  Praise to the glorious King who is sovereign and reigns forever.  Praise to the One who is not confined to time and space.  Praise to the Savior who shed His innocent blood to redeem a wretch like me.  Praise to my Rescuer, my Friend, my Comforter, my Hope, my Creator, my God, my Life.  How I long for Home.  Today, with every thing in me. I long for home.  


In the run around craziness that is my life, right now - I sit and am still.  I long for home.  Waiting for the day.  Until then I can only stand and fight.  and live.

Major Homeschool Project: #2

A long time ago, like back at the beginning of the year, I started a journey of doing "fun things" that tied in to our lessons... remember the archaeological dig?  Back in August?  Well, we kind of got side tracked when we really got into the swing... and then there was the baby that I had in October - which really threw me off.  I seemed to get into the "check it off the list" mode, instead of the - this is really fun to do and they are still learning mode.

BUT now we are back!  Last week while learning about Crete we also learned about an island that was inhabited called Thera.  Thera was a volcanic island... obviously, the people had to leave when the volcano began to erupt.  The people living on Crete left also because the two were so close together.  Crete was covered in ash, and the crops had all died. So the inhabitants left also.

So as a project we created a volcano.  A little plaster of paris, a little paint, a little water, some baking soda, food coloring, vinegar, and dish soap - and of course, two VERY EAGER BOYS to get into all of it and viola!  Instant volcano!

Here are photos of the lastest project!!! Hooray for homeschooling!

Here's the decorating/painting part!  Both boys got to take turns painting the volcano... all we had was brown... so that's what we used... good thing the only color we had wasn't blue or purple... that would have been odd.

And here is the FUN part... the EXPLOSION!!!!!!

What is YOUR calling?

What is YOUR calling?  This is a question that I have been pondering for some time now.  My calling... what has God intended for me?  What has He asked of me?  What does He have for me?  


The reason for the introspection is just that I have been thinking these questions because a great friend (D.) just left today, with her family, for a hostile part of the world.  So hostile that it is only known by a few exactly WHERE she is going.  A few years ago her husband felt the calling to missions.  Being the submissive wife, D. went along with the calling.  And as a committed follower of Christ she said, "Oh yeah.  We'll go somewhere like a third world country and tell others about Jesus.  Somewhere like South America or Asia.  It'll be fun."  I remember her telling me that she was excited about the prospect of going to these places.  Places that didn't necessarily have a reputation for hostility toward the Gospel of Christ.  But God didn't call them there.  To those places.  God called them to a place of hostility.  Even extreme danger!  WOW!  

I think of her and her family.  Her husband and four children.  YES!  FOUR CHILDREN!   In a country HOSTILE to the GOSPEL!  Could I do that?  Could I live that?? They are so willing to follow what God has for them that they have sold all of their belongings except a few things and are moving, at least for the next three years, to this place.  All for the love of a Savior.  THE SAVIOR.  The Savior who loved us so much that He died for us... took our place on an ugly cross.  He took the HOSTILITY of sin and bore it on His very own shoulders so that we could have a friendship... a relationship with GOD.  


They, D. and her family, are going so that those who are hostile to the Gospel, might have a chance to know it and receive it. They are going with the HOPE that strangers may come to know JESUS who died for them... 

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”    How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:


      “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
      Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Romans 10:11-15

Wow!  How much do I love friends?  Enough to feel uncomfortable?  How much do I love strangers here in the States?  Enough to receive a bit of ridicule for my beliefs?  How much do I love foreigners living in countries hostile to the Gospel of Christ?  Enough to lay down my life?    

John 15:13 says this, "Greater has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."  D. is laying down her life.  She is willing to give up her life.  Her life in suburbia.  Her life of comfort.  Her life of safety.  Her life.  So that she and her family can tell others about Jesus' love.   I always considered that laying down your life meant dying.  It doesn't necessarily mean that.  It means surrender.  Surrendering your comforts. Surrendering your income. Surrendering your safety.  Surrendering those things that I hold on to so tightly sometimes.  D. is going.  She heard the call. She is obeying.  May I be so obedient when I hear God calling.  Whatever He asks of me  - I desire to do it because HE IS SO WORTH IT!

The Friendships of Women

Many years ago my father-in-law loaned a book to me... or maybe he gave it to me... I'm not sure which.  I still have it.  If it belonged to the library I would owe a HUGE sum of money on it by now.  But, I digress.

The book, entitled The Friendships of Women, was a great read.  It described how God created women to be relational - emotionally and spiritually, showing us a true picture of who He is.

As I was headed out of town last weekend to visit my longtime friend, AKA  BFF - I considered her place in my life... as well as the other women that I consider family.  There are not many, but those that the Lord has placed there are so special for so many different reasons.  It's actually funny when I think that the Lord placed these wonderful women in my life... because I couldn't have done as fantastic of a job as He did.  And typically, just when I think that things couldn't get any better and that all is right with the world, He up and moves one to remote places where I can't chat with her regularly  (That's what I get for living in a military town. :) ) or allows her to somehow not be as primary in my life.  But as He moves her, and I weep and mourn over the loss that I am feeling by watching another special friend move away - He drops another right in my path... not to take the place of the one that has left - but to build a new relationship to hone me in a different way.  Just like a stone has many facets - if one of the facets isn't buffed and rubbed in just the right way it won't show it's brilliance to the fullest extent.

Each of these women hone me - to encourage me to shine brilliantly.  Each one has different strengths and weaknesses... each has different talents and dreams.  And just like a puzzle - each one fits me "just right" in certain areas - challenging me to be who God intended for me to become.

As I reflect on each of these girlfriends, I realize how much I am loved by God Himself.  He specifically chose each one of these women to be in my life at this time... He knew I would need each of them for talking, laughing hysterically, weeping, confiding, receiving admonition and advice, and just being.  They challenge me, check on me, encourage me, and pray for me.  And as I just finished visiting BFF - I praise the Lord Almighty for all of the ways He shows His love for me... specifically today, for the relationships of precious women who I consider special friends.  To those women - I love you more than you'll ever know.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

 “Arise, shine; for your light has come,
         And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you."

Isaiah 60:1

And His name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counsellor,
The Mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matt 1:23

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11  

Celebrating the BEST GIFT ever today and throughout the year!!!! Merry Christmas to you! And Happy Birthday to Jesus, my Savior!

 

Worth It!

The past several weeks we have been thrown into a new life station... now we have three boys instead of just two.  Some might not think that that is a big deal... I would definitely argue said point.  I only have two hands instead of three, and although the baby doesn't really need to be corralled at this point... my other two require my two hands and four or five others at times... making for an interesting trip to the grocery store - or anywhere else we may go.  


Speaking of the grocery store... it was today's adventure.  Sometimes after I go places with my guys I wonder what I was thinking after the fact.  Today was one such day.  I prayed on the way to the store - out loud for the boys to hear - for God's favor, for a calm trip, for sanity.  We were good until about half way through.  

My boys were permitted to push the little carts - first mistake.  I was trying to be accommodating for them... not a wise choice. I was initially hoping my oldest would want to push his baby brother in the big cart - to no avail.   I'm sure several customers got a chuckle of the cart parade winding up and down the aisles of Kroger - like a momma duck with her ducklings... however,  my ducks kept running into me and each other. Half way through the trip I ditched both little carts because it was getting ugly.  This brought about fall out number one.  


Fall out number one subsided rather quickly for my oldest - although he made it clear in no uncertain terms that his heart was NOT happy anymore and that his attitude was having a hard time adjusting.  BUT there wasn't falling on the floor accompanied by a heaping helping of screaming and crying for which I was so thankful. BECAUSE fall out number one which DID include a heaping helping of crying and screaming continued with my now middle child through the rest of the trip (about 20 more minutes of shopping) until we reach the check out.


Commence fall out number two:  middle child screaming because he wants gum instead of the M&Ms I promised for good behavior (only because I had a coupon for free M&Ms :) ).  Laid out completely on the floor in line at checkout.  Screaming.  Wailing.  Like I'm the worst mother in the world.  All I could say was "Jesus!"  "Jesus!" - not in an expletive manner, mind you.  But calling out for help - because at this point - He is the ONLY ONE that could help.  The cashier actually asked me how I was doing.  I looked at her and asked in complete honesty (not sarcastically or rudely)- "Do you really want to ask me that question now?"  Reassuringly, she encouraged me by telling me we have all been there - I smiled weakly , picked my child up off the floor, and paid for my groceries.


While we are driving home - at this point middle child has calmed down - (praise the Lord Jesus!) my oldest says to calm middle child - "Isn't it so cool that God knew us before He created the world!"  Middle son said, "Yeah! Before He created me."  Then I jumped in and added, "He knew us AND HE LOVED US!"  


My children ministered to me in the midst of my crazy afternoon.  I was brought to tears, not because of behavior that was uncontrollable, but because my children are getting it.  They can be challenging sometimes.  BUT they are getting it.  The realization that my LORD not only knew me before the dawn of time, BUT He also LOVED me.  He knew my issues!  He knew my inadequacies!  He knew my sin - and LOVED me.  It brought me to tears because my kids are getting it AND because of such huge shortcomings I have to hurdle as a parent.  I wonder why God thought that I was enough to parent these young men.  How He saw that I was the best choice - I'll never know.  But I will press on... the race isn't over.  I may struggle sometimes - many times... but my goal is to raise Godly men who love their LORD.  And after the struggles of today (and yesterday - but we're not going there) I'm pressing on with enough encouragement - just those few words spoken by my boys.  

It's all WORTH IT!

When He Speaks

While growing up I attended a very traditional church.  I still do.  There is not a lot of talk about hearing the Lord when He speaks.  I've never heard the Lord speak in an audible voice.  As a matter of fact, 20 years ago I would have been very skeptical of anyone who had said that they "heard" from the Lord.  I just didn't think He worked that way.  I knew that He used His word to tell us things He wanted us to know... but I never took the words from His Word personally.  Like He was using them to communicate to me.  I thought they just conveyed stories and lessons from those who have gone before - compelling me to learn from their mistakes and follow their wise decisions. 

However, I can tell you now, after being in His Word, after walking with Him, after having fellowship with Him, after experiencing His goodness to me time after time after time - I have heard Him speak.   Just today I was reading with Monkey for school. We have been studying the Children of Israel and the exodus from Egypt.  For our Bible time we were reading out of chapter 14 of Exodus. Here is what the Lord had for me this morning... specifically in verses 13 and 14:

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 

This morning I REALLY needed these verses for many reasons.  The demands of my sweet new blessing have me up several times in the wee hours of the morning with feedings and diaper changes.  The rest of my family is needing me as well.  Even more so than before. The boys demand more of my time because they are feeling the effects of my time being given to the baby.  My husband wants me to spend time with him.  I am feeling pulled in every direction.  Feeling exhausted and having nothing to give... while still my family requires more of me.  This morning I HIT THE WALL!  I could do it no longer.  

I also have realized since having children that I have some issues.  I never thought I was an angry person.  It took a lot for me to get angry.  Most things that bothered me just rolled of my back like water off a duck.  But since I had children I have seen the ugliest side of myself.  I have seen myself scream at my boys - something I never thought I would do.  And with lack of sleep and more demands my angry reactions have continued.  

Last night I was in Bible Study at church under our pastor's leadership.  Our pastor spoke of meekness - defined as being humbled before God and gentle toward others.  Wow!  A hit between the eyes.  In my anger I have not been gentle with my boys.  

Tonight I am meeting with some friends to pray over my angry reactions.  The appointment has been on the calendar for over two weeks now.  Don't even think that my hitting the wall today and my appointment tonight was sheer coincidence.  There is no such thing.  It's the desire of the enemy to keep me from going to pray... to have me continue to live a defeated life... to incapacitate me... to render me useless for His service.

All these things to say that the verse that I read this morning literally took my breath away.  As I read the verse it was almost as if the Lord held my breath.  The words - deliverance, stand firm, be still - held so much power.  Because they were from the Lord... and they were FOR ME!  My Father wants me to BE STILL and know that HE is going to rescue me!  He is going to FIGHT FOR ME!  All I need to do is be still.  What words of affirmation!  

Speak on Lord!  I'm listening!

The Battle of Brokenness

Here I sit... quiet in the house... boys gone with their daddy to a church meeting, where I would normally be, except for the fact that my tummy is swollen with a little one inside... momma needed rest.

The past few weeks I have been in battle.  Fighting tooth and nail with brokenness.  Sometimes almost to the point of exhaustion - broken in my relationships, broken in my strength, broken in my struggles.  Just broken.  

And this broken work has pushed against the goads in my brokenness.  Unraveling with angry words to my boys when they have done something that bothers me.  Snapping at my husband for something simple left undone.  Accepting guilt that is not mine to take, but that which the enemy gives all too willingly.  

BUT in the quiet of a moment with God in the morning... a whispered prayer for the Lord to be with me... knowing He is... feeling His presence in His WORD... because the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us... with the quality of being living and active - I am still.  Still enough to hear the gentle loving words of affirmation - you are broken. 

In the quiet I allow the flood of reality wash over me.  I was born broken because of sin.  Even with a supernatural heart change, I still live broken.  Broken in a broken world.  And what's most frustrating to this broken vessel - is striving to be like Jesus ... perfection - who once came unbroken - but became broken for me.  He experienced the true battle of brokenness - God-Man perfection living and loving among broken people in a broken world. 

He takes this broken vessel and continually reshapes it in His hands - reforms me for His use.  And the use of this broken vessel reshaped time and again - is for whatever would bring Him glory.   For He didn't come to make perfect - He came to forgive.  In that forgiveness I am made blameless, spotless, without reproach before my Creator!  

So the battle continues... to strive to be more like Jesus - but with the reminder that I won't ever be unbroken here.  I will always be among broken people this side of heaven - living in a world filled with brokenness... but more importantly - I stand forgiven!  And because of this gift... I can forgive others in the same broken state... and forgive myself for my brokenness.

Love this!

There are just some things that have to be experienced.  Parenthood is one of them.  You can't just see someone else parent or take a few classes to make you a parent.  Even this teacher thought that I knew a lot about raising kids from all of the college classes I had on education.  LITTLE DID I EVEN KNOW!!!!!!!  

We are caught in this funny area of our lives where my husband and I are on survival mode most of the time.  My goal sometimes is just to be able to get through the day without the kids hurting themselves or each other.  If I can just make it until bedtime... that is success to me.  I wonder when times will slow down.  If I could just get some rest.   Whew! 

This morning - while taking a break and catching up with friends on Facebook I ran across this wonderful video by one of my favorites.  You know her from her fame singing the Momsense Song to the Tune of William Tell Overture.  She's back with another awesome song... a love story.  Take a listen and laugh or cry - because you know you have either been there... or you are there right now.

Enjoy- and happy Friday... it won't be like this forever. :)

Doctors - Ugh!

I had a regular OB appointment today.  I am at the stage where I'm going every 2 weeks.  After having two babies with the same doctor I am pretty familiar with the routine and also his personality, which - if you know my doctor - you definitely need to understand. :)  Right, Heather?

So I go in for a regular check up. He draws blood - normal for appt. at 34 weeks - does the normal weigh in and blood pressure check.  He has one more exam to do - and this one is a bit more than to check the heart beat -  but as he is checking the heart beat he has a hard time finding one.  Now while laying on a less than comfortable table - on my back - definitely the last position I want to be in - besides laying on my stomach at 34 weeks pregnant - he shows a bit of concern... then moves the doppler thingy to a different side of my swollen stomach.  I guess he hears it... but I didn't hear it - as clear as I would have liked anyway.  Then - my dear doctor starts to poke on opposing ends of my stomach... and I jokingly reply, "Hopefully, this isn't an indicator of his lack of compliance later in life."  trying to bring a bit of levity to the situation.   If you know my doctor - levity doesn't go a long way.  He says, "No, it may be an indicator of something else. We're going to do an ultrasound."  Of course, he doesn't tell me what the "something else" may be.  So this momma tries not to think of the things that could be wrong.  He finishes the routine part of the exam and then turns on the ultrasound machine - and of course, we have to wait for it to warm up.  He finally clues me in to what he is suspecting... the baby is not head down - meaning I may be looking at a C-section.

This alone made me a little teary-eyed - having had two babies delivered the "normal way."  Immediately, the "what - ifs" started penetrating my head.  Remembering that Jesus was in the room with me right at that very moment... knowing my anxious thoughts... I began to pray.   The doctor came back in and did the ultrasound... while STANDING RIGHT BETWEEN ME AND THE SCREEN - UGH! I was unable to see anything.  Apparently, I guess everything is normal.  I guess the baby is in the right position for a normal birth... he (the doctor) didn't say anything remarkable - or otherwise.  What this momma needed to hear was a reassuring - "Oh, everything's fine... your baby looks healthy and wonderful." Because let me tell you... the anxiety had planted itself and was taking root... right there. All the way home I was thinking.. if there was something wrong - surely, he would've sent me to the hospital, right?  He wouldn't have released me to go, right? 

Here I sit - with two weeks until my next appointment.  Two weeks until I get to hear that sweet little beat again.  It's almost too long.  Being in anxious mode... after picking up the kids I trekked to Target to get a prescription filled.  I stopped by my favorite watering hole and got a Dr. Pepper - just to make the baby good and jumpy - to ease my worries somewhat... I figure if he's moving around in there - I know he must be okay. :)

For You formed my inward parts;
         You wove me in my mother's womb.
    I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
         Wonderful are Your works,
         And my soul knows it very well.
    My frame was not hidden from You,
         When I was made in secret,
         And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
    Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
         And in Your book were all written
         The days that were ordained for me,
         When as yet there was not one of them.
    How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
         How vast is the sum of them!

Psalm 139:13-17

Obedience and Results

 He has made everything beautiful in His time.  Ecc 3:11

Today I am adjusting.  I am adjusting to reality after a 10 day "break" visiting family in Ohio.  As much as this wasn't the idealistic vacation sipping drinks on the beach under an umbrella while the waves gently broke on the sand - it was time with family, laughter, watching kids play, naps, more laughter, and just being together.  

I always seem to have a hard time getting back into the swing.  There is always so much energy in getting ready for the trip.  Then during the trip - the ability to relax and enjoy each other.  My boys were almost always occupied in play with my sister's kids - or we were on an adventure of some sort.  Just the change of scenery and temperatures were a real treat.  

But now it's back to reality. Back to planning for school that starts next week for us.  Back to getting ready for a baby boy due in just a few weeks. Back to Jeremy being at work until 6 in the evening. Back to planning dinner, making dinner, and cleaning up after dinner.  All the mundane things that can get a mom down - it can lead to trudgery.  

BUT GOD.

Those two words change a life.  They change the story. They changed the world.  They have changed me.  Those small two words are so powerful. 

Today, while reading my Proverbs 31 devotion the writer discussed how God used her to create something huge. She said something very powerful - the words jumped off of the screen and stuck in my heart - "My job was obedience. God's job is results." 

 Last week on our vacation I had a hard time.  (Mom - if you're reading this don't freak out. :) ) I felt bummed because a certain person in our family was doing a huge thing.  A thing that was brand new to her and she succeeded TREMENDOUSLY!!! She made her mark. She did so much more than she set out to accomplish.  I was and am so proud of her.  However, I got lost in the pity party of self... not seeing my life as having much importance.  I was bummed about not having time to exercise like I want to.  I was bummed about not having the funds to go to a gym. I was bummed about not having a significant accomplishment in my 30s (which I might add, are quickly slipping away).  I was bummed about not getting words of affirmation.  

Then I was so gently reminded by my Heavenly Father - with a whisper in my heart - that I was doing what He wanted me to do.  I was right where He wanted me. He has blessed me with so much.  My striving and my selfish pity party were clouding my focus and my purpose.  All I am supposed to be concerned with is that I am being obedient to what God has for me.  God's job is the results.  And His results will bring Him glory.  If I receive blessings along the way - that is the cream.  But I have to step back and reassess my goals.  Are my goals to be in the best shape of my life (not that that is a bad thing to strive after) - or is my goal to make sure that my kids are trained in the fear and admonition of the Lord?  Is my goal to keep up with the Jones' in having the newest stuff or do the most popular thing, or is my goal to model contentedness in every situation I am because I have been blessed by God.   Is my goal earthly accomplishments and accolades, or is my goal heavenly focused?  Is my goal human words of affirmation, or is my goal "well done, my good and faithful servant?"  

My ego is so much less important that God's glory.  My purpose for living is to bring Him glory.  And right now He receives glory when I am a mother cleaning up after a mess, or washing, drying and putting away laundry with the right attitude.  He receives glory when I seek His face in the big things and little things.  He receives glory when I obey Him.  My job is obedience.  His job is the results.

Dinner with a Spiritual Giant

We invited a friend over for dinner last night...a friend who has been in the midst of a storm for a while now... I'm talking years.  Every time I hear her speak I am utterly amazed and dumbfounded.  She has dealt with infidelity more than once, divorce, the pain of her boys hurting, death, ridicule, false accusations, court issues calling her an unfit mother, and just all around ugliness that is almost laughable.   But what is so different about my friend?  

I know that by her nature she would be embarrassed by this post of her... because she knows.  She knows and believes with all her heart that it's NOT her!  You see, she has Jesus Christ as her Savior.  She has the Holy Spirit dwelling inside her - enabling her to make good decisions - and what's even better is that she "plugs in" to that power.  She is in the Word DAILY!  She is on her knees DAILY! Her words are seasoned with love, grace, and mercy that could only be supplied by God's divine love and character.  She is salt and light in a dark world.  I've witnessed her loving her enemies and doing good to those who persecute her.  I have heard her give all praise and glory to GOD in everything that has happened in her life... both good and bad.  She. is. AMAZING.  She is a testimony - not only to those who don't know the LORD... but also, to me and to many like me who love the LORD.   She is an encouragement just by observing her and hearing her display God's grace and mercy.  WOW!  

 As the waves rise about her and the hurricane force winds begin to blow... she gets on her knees and faces the storm - not cowering - but confident - in her LORD JESUS to bring about good for her through all of this that He may be glorified.  And that is all she wants.  His Glory!  WOW!

As I live through my days... may I remember the lifestyle of this spiritual giant - and display more grace, more love, and more mercy... that I may bring glory to my Savior!

Our Summer Adventure Continues-With Video!!!

What could be more exciting than winning the lottery?  Yep, you guessed it... watching my Olympic hopeful for the 2020 games swim and IMPROVE in his meets.  We had another meet last Saturday, July 3rd, and then our first home meet last night.  Yes, our meet started at 5pm... which was a great time to start yesterday... seeing as it was 99 degrees here with climbing humidity.  So by 5 pm a breeze was at least blowing, and we were off to our pool.  

So rather than go through every detail I will leave you with some pictures and time results. :)  Let's get right to the nitty gritty.  At last Saturday's meet the Monkster improved his time for freestyle by 10 seconds... however his backstroke suffered and his final time was 8 seconds more than his seed time.  Well Wednesday, my boy came. to. swim.  He came in first in his heat for 25M freestyle (fourth overall) , and first in his heat in 25 M backstroke (unsure of the final) .  He also came in fourth in the 100M 6 and under mixed relay (boys and girls) , and also swam the boys 100 M 10 and under relay.  He ROCKED!  Okay, I'm a little biased being his mom... but oh how he has improved in the short time that he has been doing this.  

Here are times - just in case you are interested. :)  Of course, you are interested... who wouldn't be?  Hee Hee.  

25M Free                                                  Seed time 39.46      Final  33.94

100M Mixed 6 and Under                                          3:28.54              3:21.65

the other two events weren't posted by the time we left... so these were the only ones that are accurately written down.   His backstroke went from 49.45 sec (seed time)  to 41. something (final).    I can't wait to see what next Wednesday brings.  It's our last meet for the season before divisionals... and it's at home again.  

 team cheers!

Pull for my Monkey -  I'm going to have to change his nickname from Monkey to something aquatic.... we'll have to think on that one. :)

And one last thing... video... enjoy!!!! And pardon the screaming momma in the background... someone needs to put a leash on that woman.

Fireflies in December = GREAT READ

I don't often put books on my blog... except for the ones I plan on reading throughout the year... and as you can see on my sidebar... I'm not reading as fast as I would like to be.  My time right now does not easily lend itself to reading for enjoyment, information, or otherwise.  I have the normal mom struggles of getting the house clean for longer than 2 seconds, keeping my two boys in line, and keeping up with everything else that's going on all while being now 27 weeks pregnant.  Unfortunately, mom time - reading- usually gets pushed to the bottom of the to do list. 

However... I finally got back into reading this summer and have taken myself through a few novels just for my enjoyment.  I think, at this point, I've finished four - four books just for me... an escape of sorts, from the everyday things that a mom has to deal with... laundry, cleaning, dishes, planning and making dinner, etc. 

The one I just finished I REALLY enjoyed.  Entitled Fireflies in December - the story is about a young girl, Jessilyn, who lives in a small town in Virginia in the early 1930s.  It's about a stand, a struggle, and doing what's right - no matter the cost.  Excellent book!  I would recommend stopping by the library and picking it up.  You can get a more in depth synopsis of it at one of my favorite sites, She Reads - just scroll down and you'll see it along with some of the other books on my "to read" book list.   You can also access the She Reads website by checking out the sidebar - a link provided just for you.  I've found it to be a great way to find some great books. 

So jump on your computer, go to your local library's website,  and put a reserve in for Fireflies in December.  You'll be glad you did.

A New Adventure

This summer we started a new adventure - swim team.  We have several friends whose kids do swim team.  Of course, two years ago we were glued to the tv watching Michael Phelps take home the record medals in all of his events.  And the Monkster has always loved the water.  When he was four years old he jumped off of the diving board (both low and high dives), and at 6 he swims like a fish.

So we decided to dive in (pardon the pun) and try it out for ourselves.  We started with practices in May and had our first experience with a meet this past Saturday.  It was totally chaotic, but fun.  I had no idea what I was doing in helping him check in for races, of which he was scheduled for 3 but ended up swimming 4!  We met some great new folks whose kids are also pretty new to swim team that we "tagged" along with.  Pretty soon I was in the flow of what to do and where to go.

Monkey swam the 25m free, 25m back, (both 6 and under) , then swam the 8 and under 100m relay, and the 10 and under 100m relay - both relays didn't go so well for our team.  Of the four who swam in the 10 and under relay - 3 were 6 years old and 1 was 5 years old.  Needless to say, they didn't win the race - but they swam against the big dogs, and they finished with HEART!

The highlight of Monkey's day was coming from behind to win his heat in the 25 M backstroke!  Way to go!  He earned a point for his team by coming in fourth overall.  I was so proud I was tingling - or maybe it was the heat - probably both!  As a matter of fact, it was so hot that I almost past out... not good for an expectant momma - but I drank tons of water, tried to stay in the shade, and only came out when the Monkeyman had a race.  Whew!  By 12:30 pm we were in the AC in the van and headed home to tell Dad and Chopsy all about our day.  

So expect to see many more swimming pictures for the next few weeks.

(our races)

(relaxing before the meet starts)

25m freestyle

(coming from behind in the 25 m backstroke to win the heat!)

(100m relay)

(kinda fuzzy - but the stamp he got for taking first in his heat for the 25 m back)

Snips and Snails

Well - we are embarking on a very familiar journey...the journey of little boys.  We had our ultrasound last night and the result from the pictures was - Boy!   There are many positives from this - I already have a ton of boy clothes and toys from the other two ahead of this little one... no weddings that we will have to pay for completely... carrying on the last name again... and less drama (?)  :).  However, there are downsides as well... the area around the toilet will be clean for only 5 minutes after I clean it....my grocery bill is going up exponentially... and boys are known for not calling their mommas or keeping in touch with them after growing up.


God ordained this little one to be a part of our family... He specifically chose us for this little one and chose this little one for us!  How AWESOME is that to think on!!!!  Nothing happens by chance, but it is all providentially ordered by the God of the Universe!  The Lord has already established the number of this little one's days.  He knows everything he will ever do in his life.  He knows his first word, when he will get his first tooth,  his first bump, etc.  And even more - I know that the LORD loves him, even now,  because my little boy continues to be knit by the Almighty Creator!   My sweet little boy is being fearfully and wonderfully made!  What a precious thought for this momma!  I just can't wait to meet him!

Am I that Sweet???

Last week my BFF, Heather, nominated me for the Sugar Doll Award, an award for bloggers who make the lives of others sweeter.  So Heather over at Goggles and Grace - one of the blogs I check daily, didn't just nominate me but chose me for this fun award.

This award does have some stipulation with it.  The rules are as follows:

1. You must thank the person who gave you the award.

2. Name five bloggers who make your life a little sweeter.

3.  Tell why you were given this award.

4.  Tell the nominees why you are giving them this award.


So here goes.

Thanks, Heather - you have been with me through thick and thin for over 10 years now... we have almost gone through it all together.  Joys, laughter, struggles, tears... God has definitely blessed me with a friend who is as close as a sister.  She is my sister in Christ, and there is nothing that can separate that, right? Now, if you would only move back this way. :)

I was given this award - I think just because I'm best friends with Heather - she was the one who encouraged me to start blogging.  I really didn't think that anyone would really care to read any of my stuff.  So I looked at blogging as an online journal of my life... to celebrate joys, work through difficulties, and conquer challenges - so that when trouble comes, I can look back at God's faithfulness in bringing me through.  He is always faithful.  Seeing the memorial stones set up by way of blogging gives me courage and strength and joy for the journey.

I, like my friend, Heather, am only going to nominate one person for this award... my time is very limited.  Because it is precious, I have only a few blogs that I read daily...so this chosey blog reader is going to give this award to my other favorite blog.

My other close friend, Amy, at The Lemonade Stand, is witty, artsy, and just says it like it is.  I love her humor - she really needs to write a book about all of the simple things in life... cuz she could cause you to have daily cramps in your side just from reading her material.  She blogs about family,  school stuff from her daughter, and life.  Her blog is one of my staples. Always good for a laugh, her blog is full of instruction on how to handle life's little irritations.

The awesome thing about Amy is that she is also my sister in Christ.  Again - inseparable just because of the love of a Savior.  I love how God does that - He takes strangers, makes them friends, and then knits them together even closer to be sisters.  Awesome!

So Amy, thanks for making my life sweeter - and always giving me a reason to smile.

It's Friday... but Sunday's coming!!!!!!

Today we celebrate the ultimate sacrifice.  It seems odd sometimes to call it a celebration... Jesus was brutally beaten beyond recognition almost to the point of death.  Then, made to carry His own cross, He trudged up the hill to Calvary with you and me on His mind... loving us with every. single. step. 

Blessing this Good Friday... just remember -     SUNDAY'S COMING!!!!!




 

A mosaic of Grace

I was chatting with a friend of mine the other day describing to her what God has done with me and friendships.   Ever since I moved to this always transient area I have made incredible friendships, only for the LORD to allow the most special friends to be removed from proximity.  Most have been moved by the Navy, some for other jobs, or to be closer to their parents.  But after I finished the conversation, I realized not only do my circumstances make up the picture of who I am, but also those spectacular people that I call my friends shape me.

Lately, I've been feel like I've been going through the ringer.  I am more tired than normal due to a surprise pregnancy.  So especially in the early stages - you ladies who know - as soon as you wake up from 8 hours sleep you feel like you need to go back and get 8 more.  My two spirited boys that I have keep me going, and my poor husband, I'm sure, thinks the house has been hit by a whirlwind and my cleaning skills have left the building.   As a result of all of this excitement and physical change I have been stuck in a pit.  What a blessing that the LORD secured those gals as my friends, those who support me, pray for me, love me beyond myself, and just listen to my daily struggles and share their own, reminding me that I am not going through this roller coaster ride alone.  It may be an email, a phone call to check up on me, a stop by the house to drop off a special thing, or a quick post on facebook to ask how things are going.

 (And alas - I searched the internet to find a photo mosaic maker for free so I could illustrate my blog - but none that I found worked well... so sorry for the lack of illustration.)

So as I consider who I am, really consider who God has created me to be, I know that circumstances have made me stronger and shaped me, but I also am sure in my photo that there are the faces of those that have made a difference in my life.  Those whom I have the privilege to call friend.  Thank you.

Miracles

The boys and I were reading In Grandma's Attic as a read aloud for school.  We all really enjoyed the humorous stories that Arleta Richardson (author) had compiled about her grandmother who would tell Richardson stories about growing up.  Some of the stories caught me with tears in my eyes, and my boys would ask me why I was sad - when in actuality I was just touched by the stories.  Today we finished the book, much to our dismay (the boys asked me to keep reading).

The last chapter of the book was entitled What Did You Expect?  This was a brief chapter talking about prayer and miracles and how God answers His children.  One she told was about her grandfather, a preacher, needing shoes, and not having money to pay for them.  They prayed for provisions to be able to get the shoes.  Later, one of the members of his church pulled up in a buggy that Saturday afternoon to give the family a chicken for Sunday dinner.  The member of the church had just bought a pair of shoes that didn't fit him right so he gave them to the pastor.  God provides.

Further along in the chapter the author talked about her grandmother making jelly and heating parafin on the stove to seal the jars.  Suddenly the parafin sparked and fire crawled up the wall to the ceiling. The author said that she remembers wanting to run for the door, but seeing her Grandma stand in the kitchen with the wooden spoon in her hand saying, "Lord, please put it out!"  God answers.  The fire was out.

"Well, child, what did you expect?" she asked when she discovered that I still stood speechless in the doorway.  "Did you think the Lord would let the house burn down around your ears?"

What had I expected? I will have to admit that had there been time to think about it, I would not have expected a miracle.  Oh, yes, I knew God performed miracles.  I was brought up on those stories.  But for me?  That was too much to presume.  My first reaction had been to call a neighbor, not God.

Have you seen any miracles lately? You've never seen one? There is only one reason for that. You haven't asked. God doesn't reserve miracles for grandmas or preachers or people who have had a lot of experience in praying. He has them ready for any of HIs children who call for one.

Remember though, a miracle is not something you could do for yourself.  It is an "impossible" in your life. It is a spot with no out. It is for the place where your only foreseeable future is disaster. This is the time to put in an urgent request for a miracle. And this is the time, as surely as you are God's child, that you will see one. 

Well, what did you expect? That's the way the Lord treats His children, you know!      (In Grandma's Attic, c. 1974, pg 138).

Now, I know I have witnessed miracles.  Things that shouldn't have happened, but did, or conversely, things that should've happened, but didn't.  I can even say that I am privileged enough to have been a part of some of them.  God's fingerprints are everywhere.  He loves to bless His children.  If you haven't seen His fingerprints on your life today, ask Him to reveal Himself to you.  It's amazing what you receive when you just ask.