Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
More Heart Attacks and a Giveaway
'Tis the season to make my heart race.
After the police episode yesterday, we have already had 2 little episodes this morning. I'm gonna need nerve pills if all this keeps up. ;)
The kids were watching a new movie in the living room, and I heard Troy start coughing, which isn't really a big deal, since we have all been allergied up. But he kept on and kind of gagged a little. I ran in here and raced him to the bathroom in case he needed to throw up. After some more coughing and gagging, he choked out, "I swallowed a quarter!" Jeremy had given him 50 cents last night to try some gatorade (I know, right?) and he was so proud of it he was carrying it everywhere with him, even putting it on the headboard of his bed when he went to sleep last night. He had gotten it when he got up this morning and had evidently been holding it in his mouth (which is something he just started doing not too long ago.) Jeremy went out to get his phone and while he was trying to decide whether to call 911 to see what to do or call his mom to come get the other 2 kids, Troy coughed it up. He told me a little later, "I thought a mean man had come and cut my throat." I am sure it hurt. Not to mention scaring him, me, and Jeremy all to death. He came over here just a few minutes ago and sat down in my lap and asked me, "Mom, was I going to die?" Bless his little heart.
Well, about the time we got recovered from that, I got me some breakfast fixed and sat down at the table with Jeremy and we started talking. I looked around and asked the boys what Audrey was doing. They turned around and looked, and I just happened to see movement about halfway up the stairs. She had made it that far without any of us seeing. I thought she was just on the other side of Jeremy's recliner playing. Not so. I ran over there and walked behind her as she climbed the rest of the way up. She faltered twice, but caught herself. This is the third tme she has climbed the stairs all the way to the top by herself. She is just growing too fast.
If I make it through raising these kids without having a heart attack, and with all my hair intact, it will be a miracle. ;)
On a happier note, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is hosting a giveaway for the book For Instruction in Righteousness. It is about teaching godly character traits to your children. This is one I am thinking I mght need to buy (if I don't win it!) :) Go check it out. Go on. You know you want to.
After the police episode yesterday, we have already had 2 little episodes this morning. I'm gonna need nerve pills if all this keeps up. ;)
The kids were watching a new movie in the living room, and I heard Troy start coughing, which isn't really a big deal, since we have all been allergied up. But he kept on and kind of gagged a little. I ran in here and raced him to the bathroom in case he needed to throw up. After some more coughing and gagging, he choked out, "I swallowed a quarter!" Jeremy had given him 50 cents last night to try some gatorade (I know, right?) and he was so proud of it he was carrying it everywhere with him, even putting it on the headboard of his bed when he went to sleep last night. He had gotten it when he got up this morning and had evidently been holding it in his mouth (which is something he just started doing not too long ago.) Jeremy went out to get his phone and while he was trying to decide whether to call 911 to see what to do or call his mom to come get the other 2 kids, Troy coughed it up. He told me a little later, "I thought a mean man had come and cut my throat." I am sure it hurt. Not to mention scaring him, me, and Jeremy all to death. He came over here just a few minutes ago and sat down in my lap and asked me, "Mom, was I going to die?" Bless his little heart.
Well, about the time we got recovered from that, I got me some breakfast fixed and sat down at the table with Jeremy and we started talking. I looked around and asked the boys what Audrey was doing. They turned around and looked, and I just happened to see movement about halfway up the stairs. She had made it that far without any of us seeing. I thought she was just on the other side of Jeremy's recliner playing. Not so. I ran over there and walked behind her as she climbed the rest of the way up. She faltered twice, but caught herself. This is the third tme she has climbed the stairs all the way to the top by herself. She is just growing too fast.
If I make it through raising these kids without having a heart attack, and with all my hair intact, it will be a miracle. ;)
On a happier note, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is hosting a giveaway for the book For Instruction in Righteousness. It is about teaching godly character traits to your children. This is one I am thinking I mght need to buy (if I don't win it!) :) Go check it out. Go on. You know you want to.
Friday, May 27, 2011
I Just Thought My Heart Beat Fast
Nothing like having a police officer knock on your door to make your pulse go up.
Like mine needs any help breaking the speed limit.
You automatically think the worst. Someone has had an accident or something else really bad.
(Also keep in mind my house is almost half a mile off the road, so chances are he isn't at the wrong house.)
Not at my house.
He just knocks on the door and says "Jeremy's not at home, is he?" No, I'm sorry, he's not. He hands me his business card. "If you don't mind tell him to call me. I had talked to him about getting some gravel." I sure will. Sheesh. Alright, heart. You can slow down to your normal speeding and get out of the reckless driving zone.
You just never know what is going to happen here.
Did I mention it was right before I was about to get in the shower, so I had my hair all pulled back, make up smeared under my eyes...you know. The works when you are a SAHM of 3. And the boys looked like little orphans. They both were in just a pair of shorts and had been eating oreos and koolaid. You can only imagine.
P.S. The boys were not concerned at all that there was a police officer at our house (possibly due to the fact our brother-in-law is a police officer), but were very concerned about the unmarked car he was driving not having lights on top of it. Go figure.
Like mine needs any help breaking the speed limit.
You automatically think the worst. Someone has had an accident or something else really bad.
(Also keep in mind my house is almost half a mile off the road, so chances are he isn't at the wrong house.)
Not at my house.
He just knocks on the door and says "Jeremy's not at home, is he?" No, I'm sorry, he's not. He hands me his business card. "If you don't mind tell him to call me. I had talked to him about getting some gravel." I sure will. Sheesh. Alright, heart. You can slow down to your normal speeding and get out of the reckless driving zone.
You just never know what is going to happen here.
Did I mention it was right before I was about to get in the shower, so I had my hair all pulled back, make up smeared under my eyes...you know. The works when you are a SAHM of 3. And the boys looked like little orphans. They both were in just a pair of shorts and had been eating oreos and koolaid. You can only imagine.
P.S. The boys were not concerned at all that there was a police officer at our house (possibly due to the fact our brother-in-law is a police officer), but were very concerned about the unmarked car he was driving not having lights on top of it. Go figure.
The Naked Face Challenge
My friend Deanna over at Delirious Rhapsody has issued a Naked Face Challenge! She says "We're all beautiful. Now let's be real." The challenge is to take one picture of your freshly scrubbed face, sans make up, no touch ups. Just you. After much debate within myself (haha) I decided to join in the challenge. And it was for me, because I NEVER go without foundation. So here you are:
My naked face, red splotches, baggy eyes, wet hair, and all. :)
My naked face, red splotches, baggy eyes, wet hair, and all. :)
And just for the fun of it, here is another one, because after eating a mini cupcake, my tongue matched my shirt. ;P
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Preschool Party at the Park
Ty's preschool class had their end of the year picnic at the park today. The kids had a lot of fun playing on the playground and throwing rocks in the lake. It thundered and sprinkled a little, and the wind got up pretty good for a little while, but we managed to have a good time before the stormy weather rolled in.
Troy needed to take a little rest. Audrey peeked around Daddy's shoulder.
Ty the barefooted climber.
Audrey really wanted down.
Ty and Sam are best friends.
Troy and Daddy
Hey, I made it in one!
Ms. Tara
Ty with Ms. Lori. We {heart} her!
I can't believe he will be in kindergarten next year. :*)
Tyler and Troy by the Lake
Tyler and Tanner
Tyler, Troy, and Sam
Audrey loved being outside
Some of Ty's class (and Troy ;))
Troy needed to take a little rest. Audrey peeked around Daddy's shoulder.
Ty the barefooted climber.
Audrey really wanted down.
Ty and Sam are best friends.
Troy and Daddy
Hey, I made it in one!
Ms. Tara
Ty with Ms. Lori. We {heart} her!I can't believe he will be in kindergarten next year. :*)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Grieving God
Ephesians 4:30 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God..."
Really think about the word "grieve." My dictionary defines it as to "cause to suffer sorrow." When Jeremy and I were talking about it, that came to my mind was "make you so sad it physically hurts."
Did you know there are things we can do to make God grieve?
Verse 31 says "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor [or loud quarreling], and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." You think it grieves God to hear us act in such ways toward each other?
If you keep reading in chapter 5, we are told, "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for the saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting..." (v. 3, 4) How many of us are guilty of at least one of these? If we haven't participated in it ourselves, we have at the least not rebuked others who were. I am just as guilty on this as anyone. How many times have we heard or told nasty "jokes," or flippantly discussed adultery, or watched a television show that endorsed homosexuality? These are subject matters that are grievous to God's Holy Spirit. Should we be taking them so lightly? Verse 12 says, "it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done my them [ungodly people] in secret."
Instead, we are to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another," "walk in love," and "do not be partakers with" those who act in such ways, but "find out what is acceptable to the Lord. (4:32, 5:2, 7, 10) Maybe we need to start redirecting our thoughts and our tongues. When something like this comes up, ask yourself "Is this pleasing to God? Does He want me to have a part in this? Is this something that He will accept as 'an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma' or does it just plain stink?"
Let us always remember to "imitate God as dear children." Act as He would have us, just as we expect our own children to act in an appropriate manner. Think about how a child wants to do everything exactly like mommy or daddy does it. God is telling us to follow Him in the same way. While we know we are not perfect and will inevitably make mistakes, we are to do our very best to imitate the Spirit of God.
Really think about the word "grieve." My dictionary defines it as to "cause to suffer sorrow." When Jeremy and I were talking about it, that came to my mind was "make you so sad it physically hurts."
Did you know there are things we can do to make God grieve?
Verse 31 says "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor [or loud quarreling], and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." You think it grieves God to hear us act in such ways toward each other?
If you keep reading in chapter 5, we are told, "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for the saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting..." (v. 3, 4) How many of us are guilty of at least one of these? If we haven't participated in it ourselves, we have at the least not rebuked others who were. I am just as guilty on this as anyone. How many times have we heard or told nasty "jokes," or flippantly discussed adultery, or watched a television show that endorsed homosexuality? These are subject matters that are grievous to God's Holy Spirit. Should we be taking them so lightly? Verse 12 says, "it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done my them [ungodly people] in secret."
Instead, we are to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another," "walk in love," and "do not be partakers with" those who act in such ways, but "find out what is acceptable to the Lord. (4:32, 5:2, 7, 10) Maybe we need to start redirecting our thoughts and our tongues. When something like this comes up, ask yourself "Is this pleasing to God? Does He want me to have a part in this? Is this something that He will accept as 'an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma' or does it just plain stink?"
Let us always remember to "imitate God as dear children." Act as He would have us, just as we expect our own children to act in an appropriate manner. Think about how a child wants to do everything exactly like mommy or daddy does it. God is telling us to follow Him in the same way. While we know we are not perfect and will inevitably make mistakes, we are to do our very best to imitate the Spirit of God.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Whose Way?
Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."
So many times we forget who we are supposed to be listening to.
It's not any man. (Acts 17:11)
It's not any tradition. (Colossians 2:8)
It's not even our own heart. (Proverbs 28:26)
Of course, there are times when man, traditions, and our heart are on the right track. But we should never trust them blindly. We should constantly search the Scriptures to make sure that we are following God's path, not our own. Sometimes, man tells us to make things easier for ourselves. Traditions may be held for the wrong reasons - simply because "that's the way we've always done it," not because we have clear instruction to do so (or not do so. It goes both ways.) Our heart can deceive us, trying to better our earthly life instead of looking toward our eternal goal and how we can achieve it.
God's way won't always be easy. It may not always be clear. We may not always understand why we are headed in the direction He sends us. But His way will always be right.
So many times we forget who we are supposed to be listening to.
It's not any man. (Acts 17:11)
It's not any tradition. (Colossians 2:8)
It's not even our own heart. (Proverbs 28:26)
Of course, there are times when man, traditions, and our heart are on the right track. But we should never trust them blindly. We should constantly search the Scriptures to make sure that we are following God's path, not our own. Sometimes, man tells us to make things easier for ourselves. Traditions may be held for the wrong reasons - simply because "that's the way we've always done it," not because we have clear instruction to do so (or not do so. It goes both ways.) Our heart can deceive us, trying to better our earthly life instead of looking toward our eternal goal and how we can achieve it.
God's way won't always be easy. It may not always be clear. We may not always understand why we are headed in the direction He sends us. But His way will always be right.
A Bit of Rambling
The past several days have been busy and, for some reason, emotional for me.
Busy because, well, we have had a lot going on. Jeremy scored an above ground pool from a job he was doing, so we have been spending our spare time over there taking the deck apart and starting to get it ready to move. My dishwasher has been out of order (till yesterday), which meant most of the day Saturday was spent playing catch up hand washing the dishes. Not that I really mind hand washing dishes. It's just that there were A LOT of them! When I wasn't in front of the sink Saturday, I was outside helping Jeremy mow the yard and feeding the azaleas. Then, of course, we went to work on the pool. Sunday, we had our dear friends the Matlocks over for the day. We had so much fun with them, as usual. I am going to miss them so much when Jon begins his residency who-knows-where and we won't be able to hang out with them. :*(
Emotional because.....I'm not sure yet. I have actually felt a little more peaceful, a little calmer the past few days. But I have been more prone to tears for no reason, as well. I haven't decided yet if they are good tears or what. I figure part of it is probably thinking about my babies growing up. Ty starting kindergarten and Troy starting preschool next year. Audrey is heading for trying to walk. Also, Ty's frog-lovey has been missing since Sunday afternoon, and I have looked everywhere. I know it will turn up somewhere. I am just afraid he has left it outside and the dog got a hold of it. :/ I think I am actually more upset than he is. He has slept with it every night since he was born...except for the occasional times it has come up missing like this. He has a "back-up" but the past 2 nights when he went to bed, he asked me to please look everywhere for it before I went to bed. :( I am hoping he has just stuck it in something somewhere (like he is prone to do) and I just haven't found the hiding spot yet.
But on top of all of this, I have had a certain peace. I have been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of praying, and started some studying. Jeremy and I have often talked about how sometimes we feel like we're not exactly where God wants us to end up. We aren't sure if that means a physical move, or a lifestyle change, or a spiritual change of some sort, but we just don't feel "settled." I am praying that the more we talk and pray and study, God will show us the path He has laid out for us.
Busy because, well, we have had a lot going on. Jeremy scored an above ground pool from a job he was doing, so we have been spending our spare time over there taking the deck apart and starting to get it ready to move. My dishwasher has been out of order (till yesterday), which meant most of the day Saturday was spent playing catch up hand washing the dishes. Not that I really mind hand washing dishes. It's just that there were A LOT of them! When I wasn't in front of the sink Saturday, I was outside helping Jeremy mow the yard and feeding the azaleas. Then, of course, we went to work on the pool. Sunday, we had our dear friends the Matlocks over for the day. We had so much fun with them, as usual. I am going to miss them so much when Jon begins his residency who-knows-where and we won't be able to hang out with them. :*(
Emotional because.....I'm not sure yet. I have actually felt a little more peaceful, a little calmer the past few days. But I have been more prone to tears for no reason, as well. I haven't decided yet if they are good tears or what. I figure part of it is probably thinking about my babies growing up. Ty starting kindergarten and Troy starting preschool next year. Audrey is heading for trying to walk. Also, Ty's frog-lovey has been missing since Sunday afternoon, and I have looked everywhere. I know it will turn up somewhere. I am just afraid he has left it outside and the dog got a hold of it. :/ I think I am actually more upset than he is. He has slept with it every night since he was born...except for the occasional times it has come up missing like this. He has a "back-up" but the past 2 nights when he went to bed, he asked me to please look everywhere for it before I went to bed. :( I am hoping he has just stuck it in something somewhere (like he is prone to do) and I just haven't found the hiding spot yet.
But on top of all of this, I have had a certain peace. I have been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of praying, and started some studying. Jeremy and I have often talked about how sometimes we feel like we're not exactly where God wants us to end up. We aren't sure if that means a physical move, or a lifestyle change, or a spiritual change of some sort, but we just don't feel "settled." I am praying that the more we talk and pray and study, God will show us the path He has laid out for us.
Monday, May 23, 2011
More Graduation Reflections
Ok, this time I am thinking in the opposite direction.
At one point during the graduation ceremony Friday night, I leaned over to Jeremy and said."Just think...in 13 short years, it will be our oldest baby walking across that stage." He looked at me and told me he was thinking the exact same thing.
Ironically, it has been 13 years since Jeremy graduated high school. The class that walked this year is the one that replaced Jeremy's class of '98. Ty's class will be the one to replace this year's class. It is one endless generational circle.
It all boils down to....they grow up too fast. ;(
This was also hit home to me that same night when I went to check on the boys before I went to bed. I always go in there to make sure they are covered up and not half hanging off the bed or something. When I got in there, Ty had his frog (his lovey) in the headboard of his bead instead of being snuggled up with it. I almost cried. I know, he is 5. But he loves his frog, and not only sleeps with it every night, but carries it all over the house when he is awake (which results in endless hunting for it on my part.) And yes, he did snuggle up with it the next night. But the growing up has started. And while I don't want to stop it - I do want to see him grow and learn and eventually become the wonderful young man I know he will be - I would like for it to slow down. Just a little. Please?
At one point during the graduation ceremony Friday night, I leaned over to Jeremy and said."Just think...in 13 short years, it will be our oldest baby walking across that stage." He looked at me and told me he was thinking the exact same thing.
Ironically, it has been 13 years since Jeremy graduated high school. The class that walked this year is the one that replaced Jeremy's class of '98. Ty's class will be the one to replace this year's class. It is one endless generational circle.
It all boils down to....they grow up too fast. ;(
This was also hit home to me that same night when I went to check on the boys before I went to bed. I always go in there to make sure they are covered up and not half hanging off the bed or something. When I got in there, Ty had his frog (his lovey) in the headboard of his bead instead of being snuggled up with it. I almost cried. I know, he is 5. But he loves his frog, and not only sleeps with it every night, but carries it all over the house when he is awake (which results in endless hunting for it on my part.) And yes, he did snuggle up with it the next night. But the growing up has started. And while I don't want to stop it - I do want to see him grow and learn and eventually become the wonderful young man I know he will be - I would like for it to slow down. Just a little. Please?
Ty, 2 months old, with his frogI'm Featured!
It's my first ever feature!
I am really excited to have my turn on Meet New Bloggers Monday at my friend Deanna's blog Delirious Rhapsody! (If you are one of the handful of my own readers, check her out! :) )
For those of you who may be visiting from Deanna's blog, feel free to look around and see what's up here on the home front. Posts may be sporadic, as there is never a dull moment at the Johnson house! You never know what is going to be going on here. With a husband who is self employed in the construction business and three kiddos (ages 5, almost 4, and 8 months), we stay busy busy!
If you're a picture-blog lover, you might be disappointed here. We are stuck with dial-up out here in the boonies, and if you have never tried to upload pics using dial-up.....let's just say it takes LOTS AND LOTS of patience! And my patience is usually needed elsewhere, so. There ya go.
If you are so inclined, check out my devo blog as well. Posts there are even a little more sporadic (it takes a few more braincells and minutes to work on a devotional, and those are precious around here!! ;) ) but I hope that they can be of some good to someone out there. They are therapeutic for me, if nothing else.
Looking forward to seeing a few friendly faces here. :)
I am really excited to have my turn on Meet New Bloggers Monday at my friend Deanna's blog Delirious Rhapsody! (If you are one of the handful of my own readers, check her out! :) )
For those of you who may be visiting from Deanna's blog, feel free to look around and see what's up here on the home front. Posts may be sporadic, as there is never a dull moment at the Johnson house! You never know what is going to be going on here. With a husband who is self employed in the construction business and three kiddos (ages 5, almost 4, and 8 months), we stay busy busy!
If you're a picture-blog lover, you might be disappointed here. We are stuck with dial-up out here in the boonies, and if you have never tried to upload pics using dial-up.....let's just say it takes LOTS AND LOTS of patience! And my patience is usually needed elsewhere, so. There ya go.
If you are so inclined, check out my devo blog as well. Posts there are even a little more sporadic (it takes a few more braincells and minutes to work on a devotional, and those are precious around here!! ;) ) but I hope that they can be of some good to someone out there. They are therapeutic for me, if nothing else.
Looking forward to seeing a few friendly faces here. :)
Friday, May 20, 2011
Graduation-time Reflections
Man how the time flies.
We are planning to go to Jeremy's cousin's high school graduation tonight. Then I realized it has been almost a decade since my own high school graduation. Nine years this year! Where did the time go?
In some ways it feels like a million years ago. In others, it seems like it was just yesterday that we were getting our diplomas. So much has happened since then. I have:
~Gotten married
~Finished college
~Built a house
~Delivered 3 babies
~Babysat SEVERAL more
~Gained family and friends
~Lost family and friends
And so much more. It's amazing how much you can pack into nine years of life. Wonder how full the next 9 will be??
So to Haley and all the other young'uns who will be graduating in the next couple of weeks, congratulations and best wishes. Live every minute to its fullest. Love to your heart's fullest extent. Pack in as many memories as you can. But keep things simple. It makes everything mean so much more.
We are planning to go to Jeremy's cousin's high school graduation tonight. Then I realized it has been almost a decade since my own high school graduation. Nine years this year! Where did the time go?
In some ways it feels like a million years ago. In others, it seems like it was just yesterday that we were getting our diplomas. So much has happened since then. I have:
~Gotten married
~Finished college
~Built a house
~Delivered 3 babies
~Babysat SEVERAL more
~Gained family and friends
~Lost family and friends
And so much more. It's amazing how much you can pack into nine years of life. Wonder how full the next 9 will be??
So to Haley and all the other young'uns who will be graduating in the next couple of weeks, congratulations and best wishes. Live every minute to its fullest. Love to your heart's fullest extent. Pack in as many memories as you can. But keep things simple. It makes everything mean so much more.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Battle of the Clutter
My house and I are at war.
I'd tell you you should see this, but it ain't pretty. Clothes and toys are taking over. Where are my magic cleaning elves when I need them??
Ok, really. The house has kinda gotten out of control. Every time I think I am almost caught up, something happens - the kids get sick or we spend the night out of town - and BAM! Instant CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome - thank you, FlyLady). You know what I'm talking about. When someone unexpected shows up, or calls and says they are on their way, and you almost have a heart attack from panic and embarrassment.
I have decided that while I may lose some battles, I will win the war.
We are talking massive clean out here. I decided to start in one end of my house, our bedroom suite, and work my way out. Yeah, so far I have gotten my vanity done, and started on our closet. This is going to be a 5-minutes-at-a-time operation. It WILL get done, though. It may take all summer, but it is going to happen! (If you don't hear from me again, it is because my closet ate me. Someone please take care of Jeremy and the kids.) I took a cue from Mary at Owlhaven.net, (who I read got the idea here) where I read she was doing a 40-bag challenge. The gist of it: get rid of 40 bags of stuff from your house. I have 2.5 bags so far, just from starting my vanity and closet area. Just wait till we get to the kids' toys. This should be a piece of cake. ;)
Anyway, I'm just taking this cleaning things a step at a time. Still (after almost 8 years) trying to find my groove. I have many natural talents, but housework is evidently not one of them. Prayers for fast learning appreciated. ;)
I'd tell you you should see this, but it ain't pretty. Clothes and toys are taking over. Where are my magic cleaning elves when I need them??
Ok, really. The house has kinda gotten out of control. Every time I think I am almost caught up, something happens - the kids get sick or we spend the night out of town - and BAM! Instant CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome - thank you, FlyLady). You know what I'm talking about. When someone unexpected shows up, or calls and says they are on their way, and you almost have a heart attack from panic and embarrassment.
I have decided that while I may lose some battles, I will win the war.
We are talking massive clean out here. I decided to start in one end of my house, our bedroom suite, and work my way out. Yeah, so far I have gotten my vanity done, and started on our closet. This is going to be a 5-minutes-at-a-time operation. It WILL get done, though. It may take all summer, but it is going to happen! (If you don't hear from me again, it is because my closet ate me. Someone please take care of Jeremy and the kids.) I took a cue from Mary at Owlhaven.net, (who I read got the idea here) where I read she was doing a 40-bag challenge. The gist of it: get rid of 40 bags of stuff from your house. I have 2.5 bags so far, just from starting my vanity and closet area. Just wait till we get to the kids' toys. This should be a piece of cake. ;)
Anyway, I'm just taking this cleaning things a step at a time. Still (after almost 8 years) trying to find my groove. I have many natural talents, but housework is evidently not one of them. Prayers for fast learning appreciated. ;)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
He Gives Songs In The Night
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." ~Matthew 11:28-30
"...[He] gives songs in the night" ~Job 34:10
In our Monday night ladies' Bible class, we have been looking at Lea Fowler's book Strength in Times of Trouble. Last night's lesson was titled "He Gives Songs in the Night." In one paragraph she says, "That scripture has always bothered me. I had many times deliberately tried to think of songs in the night. I hadn't understood that first part - He gives you songs - He, God, gives you songs. It is not-'I strive to sing songs in the night.' " In another part, she says, "I had tried to sing for joy when I was joyful - but we sing for joy when we are scared, or hurting, or weak and have found relief."
I completely understood the concept of this. I knew that when I was feeling down or discouraged, a song of praise would come to my lips, and it would inevitably make me feel better. But I had never put the scripture with the concept. (Makes you look again at 2 Peter 1:3, doesn't it?) Then, last night, I had the opportunity to experience it once again.
It was "one of those nights." I had to get up 4 times in as many hours with one or another of the kiddos. I was tired. The baby had been whiny and clingy all day. When I got up with her to feed her, I just felt so overwhelmed. I just wanted to sleep. Then the song came to me "Ye that labor and are heavy laden lean upon your dear Lord's breast, Ye that labor and are heavy laden come and I will give you rest." And I started to feel better. I wasn't really less tired, but I knew that I could handle it. That my Heavenly Father would take care of me just as surely as I was taking care of my own child right that very minute. How sweet to know that He is always there. And how sweet to know He gives us songs in the night.
Loving Father, who watches over me with Your mighty Hand, thank you so much for the blessing of being able to call you Father. I know that You are always with me, and that You will comfort and uplift me just as I would my own child. Thank you for the songs of praise and encouragement you inspired others to compose so that when I am down, You can bring them to my rememberance and give me songs in the night. In my dear Saviour's name, Amen.
"...[He] gives songs in the night" ~Job 34:10
In our Monday night ladies' Bible class, we have been looking at Lea Fowler's book Strength in Times of Trouble. Last night's lesson was titled "He Gives Songs in the Night." In one paragraph she says, "That scripture has always bothered me. I had many times deliberately tried to think of songs in the night. I hadn't understood that first part - He gives you songs - He, God, gives you songs. It is not-'I strive to sing songs in the night.' " In another part, she says, "I had tried to sing for joy when I was joyful - but we sing for joy when we are scared, or hurting, or weak and have found relief."
I completely understood the concept of this. I knew that when I was feeling down or discouraged, a song of praise would come to my lips, and it would inevitably make me feel better. But I had never put the scripture with the concept. (Makes you look again at 2 Peter 1:3, doesn't it?) Then, last night, I had the opportunity to experience it once again.
It was "one of those nights." I had to get up 4 times in as many hours with one or another of the kiddos. I was tired. The baby had been whiny and clingy all day. When I got up with her to feed her, I just felt so overwhelmed. I just wanted to sleep. Then the song came to me "Ye that labor and are heavy laden lean upon your dear Lord's breast, Ye that labor and are heavy laden come and I will give you rest." And I started to feel better. I wasn't really less tired, but I knew that I could handle it. That my Heavenly Father would take care of me just as surely as I was taking care of my own child right that very minute. How sweet to know that He is always there. And how sweet to know He gives us songs in the night.
Loving Father, who watches over me with Your mighty Hand, thank you so much for the blessing of being able to call you Father. I know that You are always with me, and that You will comfort and uplift me just as I would my own child. Thank you for the songs of praise and encouragement you inspired others to compose so that when I am down, You can bring them to my rememberance and give me songs in the night. In my dear Saviour's name, Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Overwhelmed
Ok, I don't usually rant, complain, vent, or whatever, online or in person. And hopefully this won't really turn into any of those things - hopefully it will stay a good, healthy "get some things off your chest" deal.
We'll see.
I have just been a little overwhelmed lately. Inside. Feeling...not really like a failure, but like things could (and should) be better. Doubting myself and some of the things I have always thought about myself. It's a bit humbling to look at yourself and realize that at 27, you really aren't sure who you are. I have spent a good part of my life trying to be who I thought everyone else wanted me to be. Now, I am struggling to figure out who I really am underneath all of that. I am realizing I just want to be the person God intended for me to be in the first place. The person who is being the best Christian, wife, and mother I can be, relying on God's Word and His Spirit to guide me in my decisions, and really listening to what He is saying. Choosing the path He is leading me toward, not necessarily the one I think will make me happiest or be the easiest.
For me, that starts with (after following God and being a Christian, of course) being a wife and mother. That's what my life is all about. I am an intelligent person. I have no doubt that I could have pursued any career I set out after, and still could. Throughout my life, I went back and forth over what I wanted to be when I grew up. A singer, a doctor or nurse, a teacher, a paralegal (which is what I ended up getting an AAS in, just bc it was easy). But through it all, I always knew deep down that I wanted to be a wife and mommy. In some of my studying lately, I have been thinking about what that means. Maybe not always what I thought it did. Much more studying and praying and discussing with Jeremy exactly where this is leading me, leading us. Probably more posting on it later.
Again, we'll see.
For now, I have priorities. To keep studying and praying to see what God has to say on what I need to be doing. To make my home a safe, happy haven for Jeremy and our children. To be there for Jeremy and be his helpmeet, no matter what role he is needing me to fill at the time, from listening to serving to dragging tree limbs out of the yard because he cut down one of our trees yesterday. ;) To be a loving moma to my kiddos, raising them in God, teaching them what they will need to know to live in this world, but not follow in its sinful ways. To just be a good Christian in general.
We'll see.
I have just been a little overwhelmed lately. Inside. Feeling...not really like a failure, but like things could (and should) be better. Doubting myself and some of the things I have always thought about myself. It's a bit humbling to look at yourself and realize that at 27, you really aren't sure who you are. I have spent a good part of my life trying to be who I thought everyone else wanted me to be. Now, I am struggling to figure out who I really am underneath all of that. I am realizing I just want to be the person God intended for me to be in the first place. The person who is being the best Christian, wife, and mother I can be, relying on God's Word and His Spirit to guide me in my decisions, and really listening to what He is saying. Choosing the path He is leading me toward, not necessarily the one I think will make me happiest or be the easiest.
For me, that starts with (after following God and being a Christian, of course) being a wife and mother. That's what my life is all about. I am an intelligent person. I have no doubt that I could have pursued any career I set out after, and still could. Throughout my life, I went back and forth over what I wanted to be when I grew up. A singer, a doctor or nurse, a teacher, a paralegal (which is what I ended up getting an AAS in, just bc it was easy). But through it all, I always knew deep down that I wanted to be a wife and mommy. In some of my studying lately, I have been thinking about what that means. Maybe not always what I thought it did. Much more studying and praying and discussing with Jeremy exactly where this is leading me, leading us. Probably more posting on it later.
Again, we'll see.
For now, I have priorities. To keep studying and praying to see what God has to say on what I need to be doing. To make my home a safe, happy haven for Jeremy and our children. To be there for Jeremy and be his helpmeet, no matter what role he is needing me to fill at the time, from listening to serving to dragging tree limbs out of the yard because he cut down one of our trees yesterday. ;) To be a loving moma to my kiddos, raising them in God, teaching them what they will need to know to live in this world, but not follow in its sinful ways. To just be a good Christian in general.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Frustration
This whole situation with the storms has made me feel a little helpless.
Not because I feel more vulnerable knowing what could happen.
Not because I have loved ones who have lost property or loved ones of their own.
But because I can't physically help.
OK, maybe if we weren't on such a shoestring budget I could help financially, or go buy things that are being requested. And I fully intend to do some cleaning out for clothes and toys and such to donate to those who lost what they had. But it kills me to not be able to leave and go where volunteers are needed for clean up, for searching, for something that needs doing. With three small children, one of them nursing, and no one to help me with them, I know it is next to impossible for me to do that right now. And I know how important it is for me to take care of them. And I am sure there will be opportunities for me to help in future times (although I pray not to this scale). But that doesn't stop it from being frustrating. I see Jeremy going out every day working. Granted, it is part of his job as an excavation worker, and most of the stuff around here is relatively minor - trees down, a few trees on houses or buildings and such - but he is still out there doing something. Grrrrr.......
At least I can sit here and pray.
Not because I feel more vulnerable knowing what could happen.
Not because I have loved ones who have lost property or loved ones of their own.
But because I can't physically help.
OK, maybe if we weren't on such a shoestring budget I could help financially, or go buy things that are being requested. And I fully intend to do some cleaning out for clothes and toys and such to donate to those who lost what they had. But it kills me to not be able to leave and go where volunteers are needed for clean up, for searching, for something that needs doing. With three small children, one of them nursing, and no one to help me with them, I know it is next to impossible for me to do that right now. And I know how important it is for me to take care of them. And I am sure there will be opportunities for me to help in future times (although I pray not to this scale). But that doesn't stop it from being frustrating. I see Jeremy going out every day working. Granted, it is part of his job as an excavation worker, and most of the stuff around here is relatively minor - trees down, a few trees on houses or buildings and such - but he is still out there doing something. Grrrrr.......
At least I can sit here and pray.
A Week to Remember
Wow, what a week we had.
It all started out as a normal week. School, work, Ty had his first eye dr. appointment. Yep, he's getting glasses. He won't have to wear them all the time, but the more he wears them the better, Dr. R said. So, we are waiting to hear that they are ready.
It all started out as a normal week. School, work, Ty had his first eye dr. appointment. Yep, he's getting glasses. He won't have to wear them all the time, but the more he wears them the better, Dr. R said. So, we are waiting to hear that they are ready.
Then came Wednesday.
It started off pretty much as usual. I was laying in bed letting Audrey nurse and Jeremy was about to get up and start getting ready for work. Around 5:30 or so, I guess. I'm not sure. There was a nice little thunderstorm going outside. Jeremy's cell phone rang, and it was Pam, our preacher's wife, saying she was about to come over bc of the bad weather. (We have a big basement so at our house bad weather = block party!) Jeremy jumped up and started getting dressed. I decided I'd go ahead and let Audrey finish nursing and then get dressedPam is a little storm-nervous, so she always comes way before it gets bad. Well, then things started happening fast. So fast in fact, I'm not sure what order everything happened in. Our boys woke up and were headed downstairs (they are early risers, anyway), and then the power went out. It was looking really nasty out there. Jeremy's parents showed up, and he went up the driveway and got his aunt to bring down here. He got a call from Pam saying there was a tree down across the road and she had to turn around. It got pretty bad here for a little while. Then it looked like it was going to clear up for a while. Everyone went home with promises of being back later in the day when it got bad again....And it did.
This turned out to be one of the worst storm systems to come through in a LONG time. I think since 1932, they said. North Alabama got a swarm of tornados in about 5 waves of bad weather, hitting the same towns and communities over and over. And middle Alabama got one pretty bad tornado, too. It was so reminiscent of a year ago (almost to the day) when the storms came through Albertville and tore up jack, only more widespread. Most of North Alabama has been without power for a while. Ours just came back on last night. Some places had their water declared undrinkable. Last I heard there were over 300 deaths from this system, with 2/3 of them in Alabama. Hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed.
It hits close to home for me, not only because my hometown got a lot of bad damage, but because this is the second year in a row my home escaped by less than mile. Both times we have had trees down in our pasture. Last year, there was a line where the tornado touched down just a couple hundred yards from our house, in the pasture. This time, some neighbors had barns completely destroyed. It got bad enough this time we got in the storm room, not just the basement. Jeremy's cousin and sister watched rotation start forming directly over our house. Thankfully, it didn't touch down here, but it was one that did so much damage in Guntersville and north as we watched it move away. Last year our power was out 3 days; this time, 5. But we are so blessed and thankful that everyone in our family is alright.
The good news is, the state of Alabama and the country have come together beautifully in refief efforts. Alabama the beautiful will be back on her feet in no time.
In other news, Audrey crawled for the first time AND got her first tooth yesterday! That, the power coming back on, and the news of Osama bin Laden's death made yesterday an extraordinary day.
It started off pretty much as usual. I was laying in bed letting Audrey nurse and Jeremy was about to get up and start getting ready for work. Around 5:30 or so, I guess. I'm not sure. There was a nice little thunderstorm going outside. Jeremy's cell phone rang, and it was Pam, our preacher's wife, saying she was about to come over bc of the bad weather. (We have a big basement so at our house bad weather = block party!) Jeremy jumped up and started getting dressed. I decided I'd go ahead and let Audrey finish nursing and then get dressedPam is a little storm-nervous, so she always comes way before it gets bad. Well, then things started happening fast. So fast in fact, I'm not sure what order everything happened in. Our boys woke up and were headed downstairs (they are early risers, anyway), and then the power went out. It was looking really nasty out there. Jeremy's parents showed up, and he went up the driveway and got his aunt to bring down here. He got a call from Pam saying there was a tree down across the road and she had to turn around. It got pretty bad here for a little while. Then it looked like it was going to clear up for a while. Everyone went home with promises of being back later in the day when it got bad again....And it did.
This turned out to be one of the worst storm systems to come through in a LONG time. I think since 1932, they said. North Alabama got a swarm of tornados in about 5 waves of bad weather, hitting the same towns and communities over and over. And middle Alabama got one pretty bad tornado, too. It was so reminiscent of a year ago (almost to the day) when the storms came through Albertville and tore up jack, only more widespread. Most of North Alabama has been without power for a while. Ours just came back on last night. Some places had their water declared undrinkable. Last I heard there were over 300 deaths from this system, with 2/3 of them in Alabama. Hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed.
It hits close to home for me, not only because my hometown got a lot of bad damage, but because this is the second year in a row my home escaped by less than mile. Both times we have had trees down in our pasture. Last year, there was a line where the tornado touched down just a couple hundred yards from our house, in the pasture. This time, some neighbors had barns completely destroyed. It got bad enough this time we got in the storm room, not just the basement. Jeremy's cousin and sister watched rotation start forming directly over our house. Thankfully, it didn't touch down here, but it was one that did so much damage in Guntersville and north as we watched it move away. Last year our power was out 3 days; this time, 5. But we are so blessed and thankful that everyone in our family is alright.
The good news is, the state of Alabama and the country have come together beautifully in refief efforts. Alabama the beautiful will be back on her feet in no time.
In other news, Audrey crawled for the first time AND got her first tooth yesterday! That, the power coming back on, and the news of Osama bin Laden's death made yesterday an extraordinary day.
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