Wednesday, October 19, 2011

10 things Disney taught me...

I'm BACK!  The last few weeks have been ca-razy!  Two weeks ago we were at Disney World.. you may be looking at your calendar thinking, well it's been 3 weeks, where has she been? Let me just tell you..I forgot how much work a vacation is!  A BIG, 5 membered vacation is in a word...HARD WORK (ok, so 2 words)!  The week before we went I was packing and cleaning and packing some more.  The week after we got back, I was dead tired!  We went and went the entire time we were there.  So much so, that two of the 3 kids came home with colds. (nice)
But..now..1 1/2 weeks later, I finally feel like I am caught up (well, that's what I'm telling myself anyway) and I would like to share a bit of my "travel" to Disney wisdom with you!  The trip overall was phenomenal!  I can say, though, after getting three kids and myself and Daddy Monkey through post 9-11 security, I felt we actually needed a Musical moment where we burst into our theme song while putting on our tennis shoes and frantically chasing a non strapped in Liam through the terminal...hey hey we're the monkeys...the craziest people around...you get the gist.  After being back now for a few weeks, and having time to digest all that happened in the wonderful world of Disney, I thought the BEST way to let you glean from what I learned at Disney would be to make a top 10 list!  (I figured another Disney "guidebook" was a bit too much!)  So, here we go...

 1.  One year olds do not like waiting in line!  (make note of Daddy Monkey's face)

2.  It is not a good idea to dump the popcorn in the floor of the stroller, even IF the baby is able to feed themselves after doing so! (guess whose idea THIS was..I'll give ya a hint..he's a man)

3.  Those are NOT costumes in the parade!  They are the REAL characters! ~per Aidan

4.  One should never conform! 
(While others shiver in fear from the appearance of Darth Vader, Aidan looks on in excitement!)

5.  Mickey souvenirs are not the ONLY dark force at work at Disney World! 

6.  Naps are very important.  Take it when you can get it!
7.  One must search, but you CAN find food that isn't shaped like Mickey Mouse at Disney!

8.  Always give up your seat for a lady.  (Britton is standing because he had just surrendered his seat to a lady..all at his own will)

9.  Vacations are the perfect place to build on relationships!

and last but NOT least...10.  even boys like princesses (especially if they are a TRUE prince)

me and my 4 Prince's (oh, and Belle)

-A vacation that I will never forget!  Love you Monkeys!!

~Love, 
Momma Monkey

Monday, September 19, 2011

The Ultimate ESPRESSO

Had a startling realization yesterday.  For the last week, I have found myself to be VERY grumpy and irritable.  Things that normally roll right off my back, really hurt me and things that are normally ignorable have driven me up a wall!  Major grumpy mode.
Yesterday, I was sitting in church and had this sudden thought....for the past two weeks, things have been so hectic..actually, scratch that..since the first day of school this school year, things have been NUTS...Getting three up, dressed, fed, teeth brushed, driven to school, then home to chase a one year old, who amazingly enough, can wreak more destruction than the other two combined, has made me have this undesirable urge to SLEEP!  Whenever I sit still for too long, I am out.  Eyes close, head bobbing..the whole kit n caboodle!  This new love and desire for sleep, has caused me to do one thing and I believe that this could be the cause for is my extremely grumpy mood (no comments hubby, please)..This new schedule (as opposed to the laid back philosophy we adopted over the summer) has caused me to oversleep and miss my daily quiet time.  That wonderful time that this summer, I spent on my deck or in my chair reading, talking and listening to Him hasn't been happening.  That precious time where I enjoy his presence....I've been missing it.  No time in His word...no journal writing...Insert grump-ola here!   
It is just like when I haven't seen my kids or my husband for a substantial period of time. I have noticed that if I have to go more than 24-48 hours away from my kids, I am always so eager to have them back with me...to see their smiling face...hear their raucous giggles.  And, if by some chance, I am not able to see them for longer than 48 hours, I get a wee bit grumpy (as Aidan would say).  And, now, I notice, the same holds true for my Abba...I haven't gotten to speak to him (my fault) or sit and enjoy his presence (my fault again) consistently since school started...and man is my attitude showing it!  Grouchy McGroucherson party of one!

(did I mention I've been grouchy?)

The problem that I have, and as a fellow momma, you may suffer from this too..is HOW...how do we do it? How do we get up...when we are dying to sleep for 30 more mins before we hit the ground running...(literally, remember I have a 1 year old!).  How do we keep our bodies from crashing...or nodding off during our quiet time? When life is all about schedules right now...how?!  And while I would like to say, "well, let me tell you", I cannot.  I, like all you other momma's, am going to just have to figure this one out myself.  But one thing is for sure...in order for me to be a happy momma, I am going to have to meet my Abba..every morning...without fail.  Perhaps, we aren't all that much UNLIKE the desciples in the garden...we too, wanna sleep, instead of conversing with Him.  hmmmm...However, he has told us...through David, that My(our) soul finds rest in God alone; my(our) salvation comes from Him.  He alone is my(our) rock and my(our) salvation; he is my(our) fortress, I(we) will never be shaken....though coffee is, huh, well, AWESOME...HE is my rock...I only truly find rest and feel rejuvenated when I am with Him...He is, in coffee terms, my quad venti whatever-ochino!
So, tomorrow morning...join me...you in your spot, me in mine...and in spirit we will join Him...and thank Him for the energy to get through the day.  Whether your day involves corporate mergers, driving a tractor, serving food or chasing a one year old...we can do it...while we may get tired...one whispered prayer and he will rejuvenate us...
O God, you are my God 
earnestly I seek you;
My soul thirsts for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.  
And in meeting him...we will be rejuvenating...re hydrating.
Let's keep our souls hydrated...
My "spot"

Sunday, September 11, 2011

At the fire

There was a poem that was in a book that I absolutely adored as a young child.  I can still remember, so clearly, WHERE the book was located in the library at my elementary school.  Every week, during library, there were several of us who just hoped and prayed that our table got called first to go check out a book so we could get that book.  The book was Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.  Still to this day, when I see my own copy of this beloved book my heart does a lil flip and I can't WAIT to open it and read.  Every time, as a child, and I was the lucky one who got to check the book out, would start the same way..I practically had it memorized, but still, I always started with page one.  Odd that I mentioned that you might think since it's a book and starting with page one is usually the way it is done.  However, Where the Sidewalk Ends is a book of poems.  Thus, there is no RIGHT place to start. Just open it up and take off!  My, personal, take off place was always the first poem....
"If you are a dreamer, come in.
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer,
For we have some flax golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!"

Come in...no matter what. No matter what the situation. No matter if you like to dream, wish, hope, pray or LIE..no matter what! Come in. 
I firmly believe I have always loved the idea of being loved for me.  I have always thought the idea of not having to live my life to prove myself, to make someone else happy, to be able to be open and honest about mistakes and not pretend they never occurred would be such a glorious way to live.  That instead of ignoring the 10,000 pound elephant in the room, ask it to sit beside you.  Not simply to be silently accepted..but to be told..no matter what your situation, come in! A dream world, maybe. 
This poem always made me feel that no matter what I am like, brown hair, blue eyes, slightly frumpy...that I am alwyas welcome at Shel's fire.  He wants me to come in no matter what.  He wants to spin fun tales with me!  And after a giddy moment, all those years ago, I would dive face first into his book of flax golden tales! ***ahhhh***
Now, as an adult...I find I am still the same way.  My most treasured friendships are the ones where we can just be in the same room (or driveway) and not have to talk.  Oh, sure, we'll chat every now and then, but silence is ok too.  Complete acceptance.  Just being me.  As glorious as those friendships are, there is something in my life that is even more glorious (if you can imagine).  You see, I have a relationship with the King of Kings.  The most powerful being on the earth...heck, he created the world!  AND, he wants to be with me.  I don't have to confess my mistakes to him and hide my head and hope he still likes me, no...he knows everything already and he still wants to be near me.  No false pretenses, no expectations...just me being me...the me he made.  He knows I am prone to emotion...he's ok with that.  He knows I feel less than adequate, I'll give you the strength, He says.  He too, like Shel, wants me to sit by his fire.  He, too, wants to hear my dreams.  He, too, wants to tell me His plans for me.  But more importantly he, too, just wants to be with ME.  Maybe I'm different...maybe I'mt he only one in the world who feels that the idea of someone just telling me to come in so they can enjoy my presence for a bit is absolutely delightful...maybe.  Or, maybe you too, feel that someone accepting you as you are would be a breath of fresh air.  No pretenses. You just as you are!  Wrinkles? He loves 'em!  Gray hair? No problem!  Bed head...bad breath...none of that matters.  He just wants to meet you...at your fire. 
True, unabashed, unconditional love...just you and Him.  Join Him...at his fire..you have some flax golden tales to spin! 
"My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" Psalm 27:8 New Living Translation

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

We are ALL Jars of Clay

This morning my reading was in 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, which I would like to share...
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.  On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the Glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake.  For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 

When I first read this..I had to research what the "jars of clay" comment was...you see, to me, a person who LOVES pottery, I thought it meant a precious vessel and while we are indeed precious vessel's...that isn't exactly what theologians believe Paul is referring to.  Jars of clay are easily broken...they are frail, fallible.  We as humans, are frail..even fallible, but Jesus, God, trusts US with his message.  So, when we are in ministry whether it be in Zambia, China, our workplace or even in our homes with our little charges, we are entrusted with HIS message.  We do not lift ourselves up and say, "aren't we AWESOME!"  Quite the opposite, we lift Him up and say "isn't HE awesome!" We need to renounce secret and shameful ways.  We need to not be deceitful or distort the Word of God (to fit our own agendas!!)...we need to let the light shine in the darkness. 
This passage hit me between the eyes this morning...as I prepare for another season of Operation Christmas Child, I have to be sure my focus remains on HIM...not me...not the truck (and how many boxes are in it) but the Savior who has asked me, a frail, jar of clay, to pack a shoe box and pray for the child, sight unseen, who will receive it...and in doing so, share the light of Jesus with a dark world. 
I am reminded of a song that was popular when I was in High School, by a band named Audio Adrenaline and I will close with a portion of the song...perhaps the portion that tends to make me stop and re-evaluate my actions every time I hear it! 
I wanna be your hands, I wanna be your feet, I wanna go where you send me, go where you send me.  ~Audio Adrenaline

Monday, September 5, 2011

In the Shadow

While I was outside with Liam this afternoon, I thought it might be fun to put him in the wagon and give him a ride.  Aidan was never "into" the wagon the way Britton was so I have kinda gotten out of the habit of a child who enjoys a wagon ride.  Liam, who no doubt will continue to surprise me, LOVED it.  I believe he enjoyed it more than Britton used to, and that is saying a lot!  While we were taking our walk, I pointed out the pretty trees and I told him stories of what his brothers were like and how I met his daddy.  And he listened..yeah, yeah, I know he's only ONE...but he didn't try to jump out of the wagon which tells ME he loved my stories. (I would appreciate staying ignorant in my bliss, ok?!) So, during my version of how Daddy let Britton unroll all the toilet paper when HE was one & how we learned our lesson on that...I turned and looked at Liam.  He was sitting perfectly still in the wagon, smiling, with his eyes closed because the SUN was blinding him! (yeah, mother of the year, I am NOT) Shucks..so, in being the AWESOME creative person I am, and forgetting that I have sunglasses for him, I decided to block the sun with my body/shadow and pull the wagon backwards.  Now you may be thinking that this is going to end in me tripping or in some other blooper-like fashion, but no....I was fairly graceful....but it was surprisingly difficult to keep him IN my shadow..b/c not only were we moving (me walking, pulling wagon) but he was rocking back and forth in the wagon as well.  It was during my battle at keeping him in my shadow that I had a thought...
I wonder, if it is as hard for the Lord to keep me in HIS shadow as it was for me to keep Liam in mine? Like a child, I am always moving...always thinking I got things UNDER CONTROL! Always leaving his side to see what's "out there".  THEN when things start to fall apart, I wonder where He is. When I can no longer "see" I figure it out and I run back to his side and promise never to leave again. For it is in His shadow that I find rest, safety, comfort, shelter.  And, while it was difficult for me to keep Liam in my shadow, I kept doing it...I never quit (well, till we were done, that is!) and our Abba is the same way.  He stays with me, and even follows my wiggles. WOW.  What a mighty God we serve!  So, the next time you're outside and you see your shadow, thank the maker of the shadow and thank Him for keeping you in His.

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.  
(ok, so I so love that one...apple of his eye...hehe..love that!)

Psalm 36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.  

Psalm 57:1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings, until the disaster has passed.  


Isaiah 49:2a He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me.

Hoping these offer you some comfort and serve as a reminder just awesome his shadow is!
Liam, in the shadow of the house!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

A Moment of Glory

Princess Kate
As I'm sure you've noticed by now, I am quite taken with the idea of momma's sticking together...and in doing so, we will end the Momma-wars that have been occurring since the beginning of time...Sarah/Hagar, Rachel/Leah... I firmly believe, that if we join together not only as believers but as honest women, momma's, we will be a force to be reckoned with.  A force for Him.
So, today, I come to you as a Momma..and ask all you momma's & future momma's to join with me in lifting up a little girl named Kate.  You see, Kate was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Kate's Momma and daddy were given 4 options: abortion, compassionate care only, a series of 3 corrective surgeries or a heart transplant.
Kate is almost 3 and today, she is having another heart surgery.  Kate is a bubbly little girl who believes in princesses and fairy tales but most importantly she believes in Jesus.
Several weeks ago, Kate started showing some distress over having this surgery...she's a smart one, she knew what was coming..and her momma started lifting her up and asking God to give Kate a peace about what was to take place in the coming weeks.  Not too long after, Kate began talking and playing with an imaginary friend named Jeffie.  Kate was adament that the friends name was Jeffie and not Jessie or any other name that she might have heard on tv or in a storybook.  Not sure where Kate heard the name, the family was a bit baffled.  However, as time went on, Jeffie became a "member" of their family, as Kate had him with her at all times.  A couple of weeks ago, Kate's Momma shared with those following Kate's story that a friend of Momma had looked up the meaning of the name Jeffie...it means peace.  *gulp* While writing this I am still speechless over this revelation...this display of God's great love for us...his love for Kate.   My hubs asked me, as I shared the meaning of Jeffie with him, do you think it's an angel? And I have no doubt that God sent an angel...an angel of peace...an angel named Jeffie.
Now, as I've shared in previous posts, God is teaching me a lot about doing things for HIS glory.  How, things occur in our lives and when they do..we should seek His glory in them...if we can't find it, ASK Him to reveal it to us...You see these things that are occurring to Kate are not punishment or a curse, if you will...no..they are just more evidence to the fact that we are humans.  We are flesh & bone...however, we are blessed by a God who loves us, an Abba who will hold us, console us...send angels to give us peace.  And, through Kate's experiences, we are seeing His glory.  These trials that Kate's Momma and daddy and even brothers are experiencing are showing His glory to the world, to those of us who are blessed to hear it...or blessed to witness it with our own eyes.  
John 17:1 (Jesus speaking to God and I have added Kate's name in...)
Father, the time has come.  Glorify your Kate (Son), that your Kate (Son) may glorify you.
The nurses, doctors...all will see His Glory today...

Oh, but it is not enough for us to SEE His glory and do nothing...we could see it, hear the story of Kate & Jeffie and say ooh that gave me chills, maybe wipe a tear or two....and then go on with life as a busy Momma.  No, you see that would be the equivalent of a singer whose voice is straight from the heavens, singing in an empty building...we need to not only see God's glory...but to also praise him for it.  To see it for what it is.  An example of the way He loves us.  John Piper said, "God is glorified not ONLY by his glories being seen, but by it's being rejoiced in." Rejoice...rejoice that God's glory has been revealed in Kate...rejoice that it will continue to be revealed in Kate...through her surgery, her family's willingness to share their walk through this experience, through her friend Jeffie, through her Peace...an example that God exists.
So, if you're reading this..take a moment to spend time with your Abba, your daddy.  And praise him for the love he has for you...your kids...and all other Momma's kids out there.  And as Momma's, join with me and let's lift up a fellow Momma...Kate's Momma...that Jeffie sits with her and holds her hand while her baby is in surgery and while her baby heals and through it all, the WORLD may see His glory!
Psalms 43:4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy; and upon the lyre (a stringed instrument) I shall praise you, O God, My God.  

amen.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Mundane, Fundane....Mothering is HARD..

Today, just for kicks, I checked out the standings for the Parent's Magazine Best Blog awards...I had to chuckle when I saw over 250 blogs in my category. (wow)..Anywho, being a blog enthusiast, I perused through a few of the blogs.  While doing so, I noticed something that got me to thinking...MOST of the topics of the blogs nominated are blogs about how to be a GOOD mom.  While there are also several home schooling blogs and blogs on adoption, crafting, cooking...The majority of the blogs are blogs showing you how "Sally" does THIS and you should too!  As I was reading a few of these blogs that promise to make me, not a GOOD but a BETTER Momma, I was reminded of something that I have struggled with as a stay at home momma.  You see, I have always said I am a reluctant stay at home mom.  I am only home because God has told me to be there.  It is not exactly something I long to do.  I have always loved working and have even given it a shot at one time, at which I QUICKLY learned I am not cut out to be both a working momma and a good momma...Many of you mommas out there ARE good working momma's and man do I envy you.  But, I digress.  Being home, a bit reluctantly, I feel like I am constantly pressuring myself to be BETTER!  And seeing how many blogs are out there telling us how to be better confirm my suspicions that I am not alone! 
As I was looking at the blog topics ( trying not to panic)...and perusing a few of the blogs themselves, I couldn't help but think about how stressful parenting is.  And we momma's are so hard on each other AND ourselves.  If you don't nurse you're a bad momma..if you DO nurse you're a bad momma...if you send your kids to public vs private..school vs homeschool...uniforms vs store bought clothes...Target brand vs Wal-Mart.  The judgements and looks of disappointment come at us from EVERY angle...even from our very own mirrors.
When I think of parenting my sons, if I give it too much thought, I will send myself straight into a panic attack.  Am I strict enough, am I too strict? Do I cuddle enough, do I cuddle so much they're gonna be "momma's boys"?  If I pop a frozen pizza in the oven am I feeding them too many preservatives? And by the time the 20 seconds of contemplation are over I have broken out into a sweat and am frantically reaching for my Starbucks to calm me down!  Why, exactly, do we do this to ourselves? Why are we frantically scouring the web looking for a blog to tell us how to be better momma's?  Why can't we all just..well, to risk sounding goofy...WHY CANT WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?!  or most importantly why can't we accept that WE are who God entrusted with our children...We are THEIR perfect parent..just the way we are!  Why do we have to judge each other? I've said it before but I firmly believe that we momma's gotta stick together.  It's a harsh world out there...a world that desires to educate our children waaaaaaay sooner than they (or we) are ready for.  We need to join together...form a barrier if you will.  Momma's against THEM...not Momma's against Momma's.
You see, we ALL love our babies..kids...teens...adult offspring.  Instead of torturing each other with these Mommy wars, we should be offering support.  Find a mentor-Momma or better yet, BE a mentor momma!  I am a lucky Momma in that I have a dear friend who has launched 2 children into adult-hood and is always willing to listen to me rant about the latest stain on my carpet...she doesn't *tsk* *tsk* at me and say, "enjoy 'em while they're young" (I do NOT wanna hear that right now!!! I have a huge purple circle in the middle of my living room!!!!!!!).  No, instead, she giggles and says hang in there, here's what I used to get grape juice stains out of tan carpet.  She calls occasionally just to say "hey" and occasionally we meet for coffee (whenever my carpet stains will allow it).  She is my mentor-mom.  She is a MOM who mentors ME...she's been in the trenches..our personalities are similar and she passes no judgment because well, to be frank...we're honest with each other...parenting, particularly MOTHERING is flippin' hard work & she offers me sound, biblical advice...she isn't worried about me warping the children...she remembers all to well what it's like...and she shares those experiences...she doesn't sit on 'em and pray no one knows she struggled. If she DID hide her struggles...they would all be for naught.  Instead, she is using them to HELP me!   
As Momma's, we should be willing to tell our fellow momma's how "Johnny" (or Aidan) wouldn't stop yelling BANANA at the top of his lungs last night in the bathtub and you felt like you were losing your mind! And as the listening momma..we should shake our heads and say oh yeah, that stinks, man I've been there..giggle with the sharing momma then offer to buy her a coffee, or tea, whatever her passion!
Let's remove the stress of "perfect" parenting and just admit we are all doing the best we can and while all the parenting books/blogs tell us to do it this way or that way and we better count the calories or our kids will be fat or they will be warped or ax murderers or WHATEVER, we should just KNOW that our kids will be fine...because we are giving them a solid foundation...we are showing them the Love our Heavenly Father shows us...and we are GOOD Momma's!  And, just possibly, the next time your "Johnny" (or Aidan) screams banana at the top of his lungs in the bathtub...step outta the room, take a deep breath, head back in (like a soldier going into battle) and match his "banana" with a yelled SPLIT of your own & maybe even listen closely.  You may be surprised to hear the joy that Little Johnny (or Aidan) is experiencing during bath time!  Psalms 51:8a "Make me to hear joy and gladness." (even if it is to the detriment of your eardrums!)

Don't forget to giggle during the mundane of Mommy-hood...Genesis 21:6 Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me." 
If I could sit down with you and a cup of coffee...I guarantee we would giggle our way through Mommy-hood...because it's just more FUN that way! 
Precisely 2 minutes before the juice stain appeared

Me (makeup less) and my oldest Britton

My hairstylist, Aidan, (he seems to LOVE giving me gray hairs)..well, being Aidan

Giving his 1 year old brother a ride...DOWN A HILL! (I feel my hair changing color just looking at this)

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Digging Deep

I just finished watching a video series that hit me in the gut.  Now as a mom, usually I find that if things aren't pretty or flashing lights, I have a hard time getting interested.  It could have to do with my sleep deprived life of having 3 sons under the age of 7...(well, I'm blaming that anyway!) However, recently I reviewed a video series for the publisher Waterbrook-Multnomah.  The series is called Desiring God by John Piper and is based off of the book that was released several years ago.  In the videos, John Piper further explains how God is most glorified when we are happy in Him.  Hmmmm....interesting concept...Then John Piper explains how today's circumstances and situations in our lives should be experienced with the Glory of God in mind.  Now I'm interested!
Although, the videos did remind me of videos I used to watch in college seminars, *ugh* I couldn't seem to pull myself away from them....I came to the conclusion that John Piper doesn't need bells or whistles..the Word is the meat!  It is what kept me coming back for more.  I found myself longing to just sit and watch all the videos in one sitting...my 1 year old didn't concur.  So, unfortunately, I had to break my viewing up into sessions...bummer.   Now, it wasn't PRETTY...the case didn't chime when I opened it and there was no funny Mom-like figure cracking jokes about diapers and bottles to keep me engaged...but I did find that I learned MORE from these series of videos than just about ANY study I can recall.  Sometimes, I believe we momma's need to get serious about our Faith...and put aside our "fun" "bubble" filled lives and just GET IN the word..and dig deep.  How else can I teach my sons to take their faith seriously, if Momma doesn't...that not ALL spiritual moments are like a day at VBS or Acquire the Fire.
So, if you're a momma and you're looking for a good video to help you dig deep in your quiet time, might I recommend the Desiring God video by John Piper...You will NOT be disappointed!
~in Him...
Misty



Simple as THAT

Joe, Emma, Lisa and Ben Merkatoris (Lisa's gonna hate me for this pic!)

Thomas, Jack & Britton (buddies)
I've been a little quiet this week...it's been a week of tears in our home...now you may have a panicked thought, like, oh NO, what's happened...is someone sick? Did someone pass away? Is someone hurt? and I can answer with a firm NO...however, for the Griffin family the tears flowed just the same.  You see, this week we found out that our neighbors and close friends, the Merkatoris family, will soon be leaving us for the cold air and snow that comes with living in Wisconsin.  While our hearts break for US, we rejoice for them...it is where they want to be...it's where they belong.  My kids understand this feeling so well that on Wednesday on the way home from school Aidan said, "Momma, I wish my daddy would get a job where WE want to be, you know Colowado." Yes, Aidan..I know...but for now, God wants us here.  Hard to swallow at times, but it is all in His timing...oh yes, VERY hard to swallow. 
As I trudged through the week, always one thought away from a torrent of tears, I have been told, by well meaning folk no doubt, "just one more place to visit" and "you'll keep in touch, it will just be on the phone"...but much like a toddler in a toy store, I feel the urge to stomp my foot and scream "That's NOT GOOD ENOUGH".  I enjoy hearing my sons say, "Momma, I'm going out to play with Thomas and Jack," "Momma, can I go play with Emma?"...and I get to have play dates sometimes too..when things get to "manly" in my house, I can escape very quickly, across the street and lose myself in the little girl world of Emma Merkatoris or just sit and talk with her mom, Lisa, about GIRL stuff....it may be a conversation as simple as what ice cream we were craving last night, but for some reason it gives me my "girl" and my "friend" fix all at the same time.  But even more than those wonderful things..is seeing another family as "weird" as we are, outside enjoying the fresh air...having lightsaber battles, riding bikes, just being a family. Sometimes I feel like the times of "just playing outside" have gone away...we are an inside culture...but then again, maybe that is more of a regional thing...but since we have lived in our town, I have noticed more and more that kids very rarely just go outside to BE outside.  When the Merkatoris' moved in, and they were outside..I thought we hit pay dirt and they quickly became a part of our EVERY DAY.  And, now, it's all about to change.  *sigh*
As I said, tears have flowed a plenty this week...and right now is no different *sniff sniff*..I have spent much time in prayer...asking God to HELP me be not only a good friend and support their move and not make a horrible groaning noise when Lisa talks about their upcoming move, but to also be a good solid mommy for my boys who haven't yet had to face the reality of being the only "weird" kids in the neighborhood again...It was during a time of prayer, well, OK PLEADING with God to give me strength..that I remembered this story in the Bible.  It involves David, go figure, and while I've shared it before...I'll share it again.
1 Samuel 20:41-42  here is a little back story first...Jonathan's father, Saul was jealous of David and wanted to kill him...but Jonathan and David were best friends and Jonathan wanted to keep David safe..so they decided that they should depart and perhaps not see each other again..
"..David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times with his face to the ground.  Then they kissed each other and wept together-but David wept the most.  Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord saying, 'The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever." 

You see, I will be David...I will probably weep the most, because, well, I'm a weepy person and I AM the one getting left after all! BUT..there is reason to hope...we live in a world where travel is so easy.  There is no reason for us to not travel to WI to see our friends..to make a promise to see each other at least once a year!  The friendships that have been built between our children will last forever...they are just too priceless not to.  And the kindred spirit I have found in Lisa...well, that goes without saying.  So, for now..I will hug and kiss her....and tell her that the Lord is a witness..we will be friends forever..and our kids will know each other..and love each other..because, that's just the way it is.  And during this time of transition..that is what I will choose to focus on.
Simple as that. 
~love you "Megatrons" aka Merktoris'...



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Simple times in a NOT simple world

Britton & Liam, at the park

Aidy, playing outside, shirtless (how he spent most of the summer!)

Eating breakfast with Momma

Cycling with Dad
 Summer for the Griffin family has officially come to an end.  Today, my middle son started Pre K.  And while I am thankful for the opportunity to clean the house without walking into the just finished room and finding a dumped out bucket of cars, I also feel a little sad.  This summer in a word, was wonderful
As I mentioned in a previous post, the Griffin family decided to break the mold.. & forgo camps this summer.  Instead, choosing to spend quality time.... together.  And as it turns out,  it was the absolute best decision we have yet to make for our family. While Brit did go to cub scout camp, the other weeks of summer were spent making spontaneous trips to get ice cream, staying up late, sleeping in, drawing masterpieces, trips to the park, going for walks, & and many many more "simple" activities.  Now to some of you this may sound lame, but for us it was as sweet as chocolate syrup! Because, during this summer our family grew TOGETHER.  While we have always been close, the slow pace, and not busy life we chose helped us to learn more about each other...we made each other laugh...and we learned how to just BE together. 
While growing together was amazing, we also noticed that the boys each grew individually.  The big boys learned how to be BIG brothers to their baby brother...Aidan, who was always content being the "baby" took on a leadership, big brotherly role with Liam.  He would fix him a waffle for breakfast, crawl into Liam's crib with him and they would just lay there...Liam with his blanket and passy, Aidan with his lovey and his thumb.  Britton learned so much this summer as well.  He would wake earlier than his two younger brothers and spend some quiet time in the living room...and occasionally would join me on the deck where we would sit and enjoy breakfast...talking about life.  He also learned the value of quality time with just him and Dad.  Britton expanded on his interest in cycling this summer and on the weekends would rise early with Dad and go cycling.  They had a blast and Britton really seemed to enjoy that special one on one time. 
In the evenings after supper, when it finally cooled down enough to be outside, we would run outside and ride bikes, walk, play frisbee or whatever else tickled our fancy.  Most importantly, we were TOGETHER...enjoying each other, no matter what activity was involved. 
This summer, another important event occurred.  This was the summer that our family went on their first camping trip!  It was as humid as all get out, but we had a BLAST!  The memories that were made are ones that will never be forgotten.
While this summer was a simple summer...we weren't running around...shuttling from camp to camp, activity to activity...it was wonderful.  My kids were just kids.  They played. Used their imaginations, enjoyed each other...it was simple, and perhaps you may think old fashioned..but that's ok..because, while it was a bit old fashioned...it was also, precious.  Full of precious memories..precious moments...and it is those memories and moments that will stay with them...for the rest of their lives.  


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A Special Kind of Club...

My own, oldest...Britton, PROUD 2nd Grader
During the month of August, every year, all across America...a phenomenon occurs...a uniting, if you will.  An event that up until 3 years ago, I never knew existed!  Now, I am one of the millions of members.  During the month of August,  Momma's of school age children, get their hearts ready to send their child onto the next grade level...into a new room, with a new teacher, new "potential" friends, a new building...or if they are like friends of mine, an entirely new town! And during the month of August, all defenses are down...we're not stay at home momma's vs working momma's, breast momma's vs bottle momma's, boy momma's vs girl momma's.  No, in August, we ALL join together and become "heavy- hearted Momma's". Bonded..by the inevitable day when we have to "let go". 
Since the day my oldest son started pre school, it has become clearer to me why Momma's used to cry when they sent their kids to school on the first day of 6th grade! As a teacher, I would stand and stare and think.."seriously? You've been doing this 7 years..why are there still tears?"  Now...I get it.  No matter HOW old your child is..or how long you've been doing it, there is just something sad about seeing a summer of sleeping late, spontaneous picnics, cheering as they learn to ride their bike with NO training wheels (ugh), staying out till dark to catch fire flies and late night smores being replaced with early bedtimes, homework, alarm clocks and a drop-off line at a building that is NOT home!  They will no longer be with YOU all day long...they spend the majority of their days with another person...*sigh*....and you are stuck facing the reality that they really DONT need you as much as you like to convince yourself they do.  *blech*
So, as August passes this year, say a little prayer that we can actually DROP them off without shedding those tears, I mean gosh, who wants to cry in front of their independent kid? (wouldn't work anyway..they still leave!) and remind yourself that you are not alone...there are millions of other momma's out there doing the same thing...whose eyes are also burning with un-shed tears. Who also has to wave goodbye and either walk to their car...and/or (gulp) drive away.  And whether this be your oldest child's first year of Kindergarten or your youngest child's first year of High School, we are all in this together...UNITED...We are ALL Momma's having to let go.
 And, after we've made the long drive home or to work...we should all raise our coffee mugs and say "cheers"...CHEERS to you, Momma's...oh, and if this IS your first experience of having to leave your child all-day-long....We welcome you to the club...because you're not alone.  We are ALL with you.... Cheers *sniff, sniff*
    CHEERS.



Friday, August 12, 2011

School, mean kids, Momma's & Him

Britton (& Momma)
As I'm sitting on the deck, this morning, listening to the chirping birds, enjoying the cool air and just spending some quiet time praying and learning, I am hit with a sudden realization.  My oldest son, Britton, will be starting 2nd grade next week.  I remember so well my 2nd grade year...and what I remember isn't all good.  I remember it being a rough year...where friends divided up...boys played with boys, girls played with girls...girls ganged UP on girls...cliches were formed...hmm. 
Now, as a momma, I look at my oldest and my heart lurches.  I don't want him to suffer anymore than absolutely necessary.  I even had the thought, well if I can just go WITH him, surely I can help him pick out the "good" kids! *chuckle* You know, because it is absolutely COOL to have your momma with you in 2nd grade! ha! I'm not alone... I'm sure all momma's feel this way...at some point...we want to protect our babies..even when they are 18, 21...35.  We don't want them to feel any hurt...it makes our hearts lurch to even THINK about it.  When I think of someone being mean to Brit or even him feeling alone, my throat burns, my eyes water up, Momma bear claws pop out....not pretty.  All of us Momma's feel that way about our babies...even if we ARE too tough to admit it! 
Unfortunately, our monkeys do grow up on us...and even MORE unfortunate is the fact that they are going to face pain inflicted by others...they will feel disappointment for not being picked first....and they will face sadness at some point in their lives.  Unfortunately.  But the NOT so unfortunate thing is that they can have a sidekick...a secret weapon of sorts.  You see, I don't send Brit to school alone...visibly yes, he's by himself... much as I think Momma's SHOULD be allowed to go with them...we are not. But there is another presence with him.  During the school day, I pray for God's presence to be with him.  To not leave him...to encourage him, embrace him if he needs it, to show him right from wrong...but most importantly, that Britton wouldn't be "damaged" by the harmful ways of fellow peers.  I spend the day, off and on, pleading with God to protect my baby...
Now you may be thinking, well that's all good and well, but what about the hurt in OUR hearts...how do we keep from MURDERING those that hurt our young? You see, during that prayer time, not only am I lifting up Britton...I'm also lifting up myself...asking God to still my heart...to help me BEAR it when he comes home upset because of what someone said, didn't say; did or didn't do.  But most importantly, that God would help me see that this is a part of life...sadly enough...and as a momma, my job is to lift them up, when they are young...and to teach them to lift themselves up in prayer as they mature.  Help them to see that they are not alone...and that though it may seem tough, it's all for a better purpose, even though right now, it just plain sucks!  Sadly, that, in this world, simply believing in the one who never leaves you makes you a target for ridicule, judgment, sarcasm...and yes, even hatred... and that as painful as that is, you still never leave Him.  Life is tough...but HE is tougher.  Tears are perfectly ok...screaming into your pillow, TOTALLY acceptable....We mommas, need to remind them that, though it may happen all over again tomorrow, you still must be strong...hold onto the one who loves you more than life...remember that you are loved and precious...and know that Momma will be waiting in the car when school is over...waiting with a hug or high five...waiting to tell you that it's ok...you're safe now.  

Love you Brit...
Psalm 71:1
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Quiet and Motherhood...yeah, I don't think so!

Do you ever have one of those days where you don't wanna do anything but curl up with your current read and just sit on the deck and enjoy the breeze and chirping birds? Well, I do..and today is definitely one of those days!  Not that things are bad, but just wanna escape in my own little world for a while.  Unfortunately as a momma, this is most often than not impossible not to mention impractical!  With three monkeys running around, I have to be ON at all times!  Now, don't get me wrong, I have TRIED to escape, but I am usually brought back from my nirvana by a high pitched scream, a crash, an argument or just the baby wanting some juice.  I have a sister-in-law who doesn't, at this time, have any children...I call to chat and it's so...what's the word...ah..quiet!  We chat and I ask what she has planned for the day..not much...reading..cleaning..sounds heavenly.  And while it truly DOES sound heavenly, especially on days like today, when I just wanna curl up inside myself and be with my own thoughts..my own prayers...my own ponderings..I wouldn't trade my monkeys for ANYTHING!  The day of quiet will come soon enough.  Yes, it may seem far off, right now...but looking at the life of my seasoned mom friends who have launched multiple children into adulthood, I realize the blessing I do have dancing around in front of me right now.  Josh and I have committed to live in the now...enjoy the blessings, in the NOW.  So, while there may be crashes, arguing, spills on the carpet, and very few quiet moments...I will relish in the few seconds I can squeeze in and then giggle with the best of 'em! Here's to hoping you can squeeze in a few quiet moments too...cheers

Monday, August 8, 2011

Mars, Moms and Sons

It's almost time!  I have waited, checked the Disney website, watched all the trailers..and TOMORROW is the day!  Mars Needs Moms will be available in stores tomorrow!  Big deal, you might be thinking...But, Berkeley Breathed has been a favorite author of mine since I first purchased Edward Fudwupper Fibbed Big for my oldest son, Britton on his first birthday.  The illustrations were bright & colorful and the Dr Seuss-like rhymes made reading it an adventure!  I immediately began a quest to find MORE Berkeley Breathed books for our personal library and stumbled upon Red Ranger Came Calling at a yard sale...score!  When Mars Needs Moms came out..I read the book with a quivering voice and tears burning my eyes and thought we had hit the mother load!  (no pun intended)  There is so much wonderful literature out there, but for some reason, there is so little describing the love a mother has for her son and how SOMETIMES those sons don't realize what they have.  Mars Needs Moms quickly became a favorite of mine and Brittons and we would read it together almost daily!  BONUS: It became the FIRST books he took to Kg to share with his class.  When we heard through the entertainment grapevine that the movie was being made we counted down the days!  When it was in theatres, my oldest son and middle son and I got dressed up, went to eat and then went to the movies and watched our favorite book play out on screen.  If I do say...I was the luckiest girl in the theatre that night! (and NO I was NOT biased!)


So..If you're a mom of boys, check out Mars Needs Moms tomorrow...I'm sure it will be in Red Box soon enough! Pop some popcorn...pour yourself a glass of Dt Coke and your lil handsome guy a Root Beer and sit down and enjoy some Momma/Son time...all too soon, it will end and that moment spent watching a movie that shows the beauty in a mother/son relationship will be one of his fondest memories...I'm sure it will rank high as yours too...or at least it is mine! 
Me and my little men...LtoR: Aidan, Britton & Liam

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Vines, Grapes, the Twilight Zone & Him

I just finished my latest read, Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson.  When I started the book, it was out of a sort of obligation, as it was what came next on my reading list.  As I "trudged" through, I commented to a few people that it was a proverbial thumbs down, but on I read.  Having told my students and now my kids to never abandon a book, because it just might surprise you, I was determined to finish it, within this century.   About 3/4 of the way through, the author started talking about how the vine dresser will prune the vine to produce more fruit.  That, though we may believe letting it grow and grow and grow would produce more, it is indeed the pruning process, the cutting away, that produces more grapes.  Hmmm...
Recently, Josh had an opportunity arise that I just KNEW was the fruition of the promise that God revealed to us two years ago.  In my excitement, I put all my eggs in one basket, to put it nicely.  I spiritually began to build my heart around that promise, spending all my quiet time talking/thinking about the promise and began to abandon the time I had promised to spend abiding in Him..A huge change was a coming, I reasoned, I had MUCH to do.  I began shutting out people in my life, instead of dealing with issues that would arise, I stopped talking to acquaintances that I knew wouldn't continue once the change occurred.  I also stopped working...You see, I am honored to be able to work with Operation Christmas Child.  A ministry that strives to bring a little Christmas in a shoe box to children who are without.  A ministry that I LOVE...a ministry that I enjoy being a part of...because of these big changes, I quit.  Too busy, too much change, I reasoned.  But that is not what He wanted.  He wanted me to keep working..even though there may be big changes...to keep building relationships, to keep working through my past, the issues that haunted me.  Not shut them out.  You see, in the last 5 years, God has done a mighty mighty work in me...(Yes, I do realize how RELIGIOUS that sounds, yet, it is true) This past that blackened parts of my heart, that kept me from him, I have allowed for Him to make new..I have allowed for Him to take away all the UGLY in me and replace it with a compassion, a love and a heart that desperately wants to walk with Him.  Now, don't get me wrong...I still falter...the ugly still rears it's ugly head on occasion, but real progress to make me into His princess has been made. 
So, as I'm reading my book....and I come to the part where he talks about pruning, I am a bit hesitant.  I felt my spirit saying keep going, but part of me wanted to put it down..make any excuse I could come up with to abandon that book.  Yet, I learned long ago, that if there was a force telling me NOT to listen to a certain sermon, or to come up with an excuse to NOT read my bible or latest God inspired book, then that means something BIG is coming...and the enemy is afraid if I continue the change is going to ROCK HIS WORLD...so, I picked up the book and forged ahead...and was not disappointed..(which is USUALLY the case). 
In my excitement...and all of my, well, to put it honestly, OBSESSIVENESS over the "promise", I revealed a desperate need to be pruned.  I can still abide in Him even though changes are coming and not revolve my quiet time around those changes.  I can still work until the day the change occurs and stay determined to work once the change has passed.  I can maintain relationships with acquaintances..which He prefers because how else can I be a witness for Him...and I can continue to work through the hurts and blackened portions of my heart...just because there is a change coming, doesn't mean I stop!  On the contrary..he wants me to cling MORE to him...not say, ok, God..I see that the promise is just around the bend..I got it now...thanks for the help!  On the contrary.  He wants me to stay focused.  Keep working..keep working for OCC, keep working for Him.  On my own, it would be impossible to keep working in OCC, to keep working through the pain of the past, to keep up the acquaintances...but, I'm not ON my own.  I have the one who created the world, ready to hold me, ready to cheer me on, ready to look into my face and tell me how much He loves me.  I have the one who sent His son, ready to give me a heart for people, a heart to love, a heart of compassion, a heart..like His.
In order for Him to get my attention, to show me, how His PROMISE had replaced HIM in my life, he had to remove the promise from my immediate vision.  I don't believe he has taken it away for good...I merely feel that he has blocked it from me for a while.  After the opportunity was gone, I told Josh and several others who listened to me, that it was like we were in the Twilight Zone..it was there and then POOF it was gone.  It's not gone...just blocked..because if I don't keep my eyes on Him, I can't achieve his promise anyway.  It's kind of like when I am explaining to my eldest son what his chores are and he keeps looking over my shoulder at whatever is going on behind me and I touch his cheek and gently say, Brit..focus.  God put himself in front of His promise and said, Misty, focus. 
Now, you may be wondering why in the world I would share this..and I can honestly say, I'm not sure! I just hope that if you're reading this, and if He is asking you to focus on the pruning...focus on Him..while he makes you what HE wants you to be, and all that you can be that you listen...and know that pruning while not exactly FUN (kinda stinks when you realize what a DORK you've been), it can be a sweet sweet moment... a time for you to say Oh Father, I love you....and to FOCUS on His face. 

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Yes, it's a cliche..but a picture REALLY is worth 1000 words!

I have always claimed to be a person that is often terribly touched by the arts.  Music, pictures,  paintings, sketches....the way a person can show their passion, their hearts through other mediums has always caused a sense of wonderment in me.  Today as I was looking at some pictures that were highlighting a mission trip that some teens from Teen Mania ministries are on in Zambia, I was overtaken by amazement and wonder, by ONE picture in particular.   As I flipped through the pics I smiled, giggled, and said a prayer...then the above pic popped up and I stopped.  This picture grabbed me...it was one of those moments that I sat and just let the entire picture soak in....the child's arm, so relaxed..the teen holding her..with BOTH arms..not one...the teens eyes appear closed, as if in prayer or maybe just one of those blissful moments of love that only one who is loving unconditional can understand and feel...the way the child is leaning into the teen, the child trusts her..the child knows that in the world in which they live, the harsh, hard world, this teen has something special about her..a love that surpasses all...a Godly love.  The longer I look at the picture, tears start to flow down my cheeks..how many teens in our privileged society would take time out of their schedule nay their SUMMER to go to a third world country and when they don't realize anyone is looking, show love to a child...not for the glory of her, not for the notoriety, not for props...just for HIS glory...His alone.  This girl did...as did several others who are on the mission trip with her. 

A few moments pass, and I look at my own 3 sons...we are raising them to serve Him...we pray that they are able to serve him in a mission field..whether here in America or in a third world country..then I realize that I truly cannot WAIT to see how God uses my 3 sons.  As I looked at the picture, I not only saw it through the eyes of a woman, but through the eyes of a mom.  I can only imagine my reaction if I were looking at the pics taken while one of my sons were in another country and stumbling across them hugging a child in that manner...to see them love the way their Heavenly Father loves...wow...I am almost overwhelmed with emotion just thinking about it....

I do not know this sweet precious girl in the picture...nor do I know the child she is holding, but my life has been changed by this sweet precious moment.  When mundane days are bogging me down, and I am cleaning yet ANOTHER spill off the carpet and God presses me to speak to my children about Him, I will not claim to be too busy...too frustrated...I will obey. You see, my JOB, is to raise 3 young boys and to guide them in the ways of my Father.  That is my job....my mission...to show them how my Father loves them...to teach them what my Father has taught me.  I am not just raising kids...I am raising boys HE has entrusted to me, and I pray I get to witness the way God uses them, like He did this girl.

"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’"

Protect her Heavenly Father..
amen.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Are we a Sheriff? or an EMT?

In the news lately, there has been much talk about a certain lady who was accused of murdering her little girl.  Unless you have lived under a rock until, well, NOW, you know to what I am referring.  After the verdict was read, many were devastated and said as much on their social media sites.  I read posts about killing her, judgements, and wishes for her to go to a certain WARM place.  Now, don't get me wrong..this isn't a post about how I support this certain woman. 
In the area in which I live, a woman has went missing.  This woman was last seen by her husband.  Her husband, at least as far as media is concerned, has been fairly quiet.  Now to the people of my community this is a VERY bad thing.  According to many, it is guaranteeing his guilt!  I posted tonight, on my social network site, "I wonder if **** went to a church in Cape or Jackson how he would be received." My wonderings went unanswered. However, b/c of the way my brain works, got me to wondering some more.  You see, this person is being tried by the public before there has even been any evidence publicized.  Public opinion has found him guilty and is ready to carryout a sentence.  Is this the way we should do things?
I heard a speaker recently who said something that came to my mind again, tonight while I was thinking of these current events.  He said, that when you cause a car wreck, two different people come to the scene.  The police will come and tell you which laws you break and issue you tickets for the laws you have broken and tell you when you have to see the judge.  The EMT will come and they take care of you.  They fix you up, care for you...no questions, no judgements.  You see, God doesn't ask us to be the Judge OR the police officer..he asks us to be the EMT's...we should love, care for them, and show them how to get help through Jesus. 
After I was deleted from a "friends" list because of my thoughts on not passing judgement I realized...we as a people WANT to see judgement..however, it is NOT ours to give.  We are to love..no matter the crime..LOVE...that is what Jesus did..
John 8  But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.  Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them.  The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court,  they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.  Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.  But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 
Jesus didn't say those whose sins aren't as bad...throw the first stone...he said, you who is WITHOUT sin..throw the first stone....
So, tonight, as you say your prayers..tomorrow morning, when you spend a little one on one time with the one who loves you more than anything...ask him to help you be an EMT..and leave your sheriff's badge behind.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Being grown up sometimes isn't all it's cracked up to be!

I was driving through town last night and I got behind a truck that was leaving Wal-Mart. At first I didn't pay much attention to the truck. But then I noticed a little head bobbing around inside. I realized there was a child inside and he kept turning around looking at the back of the truck. It was during the third or fourth of time that he turned around that I noticed what was attracting his interest. There, in the back of the truck, was a plastic pool. You know the kind. The ones that are preformed and have a preformed little slide. I used to have one of those, as a child, and I LOVED it...I really thought I was living the high life in my little blue pool with the painted fish in the bottom!
As I continued driving behind the truck and the VERY excited little boy, I began to feel excited FOR him. He kept turning around and with every glance of what was SURE to guarantee hours of endless fun, his little head bobbed around more. I got to thinking about what he might be saying to his "chauffeur". I could almost hear him: how much longer,can I swim in the dark, how long will it take to fill it up. Each question with a voice, crackling with excitement. As the conversation plays out in my head, and MY excitement mounts(My imagination is just THAT good), I began to recollect my childhood thrills! I remember so clearly the exciting things of summer. Late nights playing outside, catching fireflies, swimming until my skin was all wrinkly and so much more! GREAT memories! But now...I have kids of my own and while we do some of the same summer time activities that I did as a kids, we also make our own kind of memories. We make s'mores, we chase each other with flashlights in the dark, we sit out and count the stars and we stay up and sleep in late. But as I'm thinking of all the great things that we do, I am reminded that as I have aged, and yes, I have aged..I have let go of some of the childhood silliness that made MY childhood memories so memorable. Becoming a mom, I had to be responsible. I am in charge of these kids..I want them to be safe...Therefore, the simple act of buying a plastic pool...which is enough to make you bounce around in the cab of a pickup truck, might cause me to say, "stop jumping in the car, it's not safe!" eek..
With those things in mind, I realize that yes, I'm grown up, but being a child is awesome...full of "new" memories and moments. Moments awesome enough to make you giddy with excitement. Making a bed, is not just a chore, but something that CAN be done while jumping on it and singing at the top of your lungs. And as long as it gets done..do I really need to be so strict as to HOW and in what volume it gets done? I find myself realizing that...NO..joy is one of the emotions that can make any memory THAT much better! Now, as a momma, I do not want to take that away from my children...Now, don't get me wrong...this revelation comes with some reason! While squirting liquid soap all over the bathroom walls may bring my four year GREAT joy...no matter which way you spin it...Momma just doesn't see the joy in it! But the little things, the noises, the slower pace..THOSE things I don't need to push. Instead, I just need to LET them be kids...and, maybe I can let down some of my guard and join them.
So..if you come to my house today...you might see me chasing my kids around the house with a feather duster, claiming to dust the stinky away..(keep in mind I have 3 boys)...or..now, all you serious Momma's out there, don't panic...I just MIGHT decide to join them in the bed jumping during bed making time! HEY...if you can't beat 'em...join 'em...right?! And while we may be noisy...we will have fun, JOY and new memories!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Are we a woodpecker?

After dropping my oldest son off at swim lessons this a.m., I decided to sneak in a run real quick, while I had the time. As I'm running through the park I hear a noise coming from the light post. It's not at the wood, it's at the top where the metal is. I realized immediately it was a wood pecker. As I'm running along, trying to remember to breath, I had to chuckle because my first thought was "stupid woodpecker, pecking on metal.." because obviously he wasn't going to find any worms THERE. Then I got to thinking, I have found as long as I'm focused on something OTHER than my run, while running, I don't convince myself I'm dying. As I run, I usually try to ask God to show me something....something of Him. Then I heard the woodpecker again. And this time instead of thinking "stupid woodpecker" I thought, we are sometimes like the woodpecker. We peck and peck at the things that will NOT give us nutrition. I'm not talking about eating those Milky Way's or Snicker's but spiritual nutrition. We expect our friends yay even our families to spiritually fill us up. When that doesn't happen we wonder why..we may even decide to look for it in other places..cars, houses, and yeah, sometimes we seek refuge in food..while the food supplies our needs physically, we wonder why we still feel empty? Why do we still feel the need for more.
PSALMS 42:3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
God is the only true supplier of spiritual nutrition. There was a song that was popular by the artist Plumb. She mostly writes songs about motherhood now, but at one time she was an alternative Christian artist. Very grunge like, who wrote songs about issues facing teens and young adults, ie cutting etc. She had one song out in the 90's that talked about how "there's a God shaped hole in all of us." He designed us that way. Nothing will fill our "God shaped hole" except Him. No amount of serving at the local homeless shelter will truly fill it. It may make us seem full for a while, but like empty calories, we will be starving again soon!
Psalms 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
So, like the woodpecker..we can peck peck peck at the things that will NOT feed our spirits...or...we can turn to the ONE who is the sustainer of our souls..the nutrition for our hearts. He alone can heal our hurts, he alone can make us feel loved, and he alone can make us whole. It will not go away, like a chocolate high will. No, he is "the same yesterday and today and forever." ~Hebrews 13:8

Proverbs 26:11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

What I DONT know

Why people hurt each other...
Why families don't always make it...
Why mother's leave children...
Why father's leave children...
Why there are wars...
Why there is pain...

BUT

as I said in a previous post...
I.....AM......HIS!
What I KNOW...

I am His..
He loves me...
I am NOT alone...
I am NOT a disappointment...
He desires a relationship with ME..
He made me a mother...it was NOT an accident...
He gave me a strong man to stand beside me..to protect me from those that hurt me...

What I KNOW...

I AM HIS!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Mountains, friends & shields..

Exodus 33:20, 22-23
You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live...I...will cover you with my hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.
Today..during my personal quiet time, I sat on the covered part of my deck and listened to the summer storm..The thunder was rolling, LOUDLY and lightning was striking. A few times the old "never be outside or near a window when it is lightning" lesson came dancing through my mind. Foregoing the warnings though, I sat outside and immersed myself in my newest read, It's Not About Me by Max Lucado. I was reading about the scripture in Exodus where Moses goes up on the mount and asks God to see his glory, when a lightning bolt struck and the thunder that followed was immediate and LOUD! I thought to myself, wow..ok, God what do you want me to write about today? Or most importantly what do you want me to HEAR...I'm listening. It was within a second or two of my declaration, that I was reminded of a scripture that a dear friend shared with me this week. It is from Psalms.
Psalms 3
O LORD, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are rising up against me.
2 Many are saying of my soul,
“There is no deliverance for him in God.”
3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
4 I was crying to the LORD with my voice,
And He answered me from His holy mountain.

How many times in our lives do things get us down..stress, work, family, our kids asking for juice, snack, supper, clean clothes (geez) *chuckle*. But sometimes these things keep us from talking with God (guilty). We figure if these awful things are happening to us or people keep treating us bad it's because God is trying to punish us (guilty again) or worse, he just doesn't care or have time to deal with ME. David was feeling this way...or at least the beating him up part. He said, "many are rising up against me!" But then he says something that I believe we often forget...YOU, God, are my shield..YOU, God, are my glory...and YOU, God, lift my head...Then comes my favorite part..."He answered me from his mountain!" God doesn't ignore us. He hears us...and if we just listen, he will answer.
What do we ask God for? Do we ask him to take all our troubles away? Do we ask him to make everything "perfect"? Moses could have asked God for anything...God is said to have talked to Moses like you talk to a friend. So what exactly did he ask his friend, the maker of the universe for? He didn't ask God to take away those troublesome people who were driving him NUTS, he didn't ask for the largest hut in the village, he didn't ask for riches to make everyone envy him...no. He asked for God to show him His glory. Just to see him...to catch a glimpse of the one who could have given Moses ANYTHING he desired...he desired to see him.
So, this morning..the lightning is striking, thunder is rolling and I am sitting with my book on my lap. I ask God what it is he wants me to hear..and I hear him say for me to lift my head...and ask for Him. When life is dragging me down, people are hurting my feelings and I am reminded that by the worlds standards I am not valued...I need to LOOK up..HE is my shield...he will protect me and ask Him to show me HIS glory..forget about my own troubles. Forget about my own hurts, leave my broken heart aside and ask Him to just simply show me HIMSELF. If I do this, I have decided that HE is more important than ME...He loves me. He wants to be with us. He wants to protect us, remember, he is our shield..all we need to do...is ask.