I'm not serious with that one...it's just a quote I hear from the older girls a lot. When they were growing up "Matilda" was a really popular movie/book choice for them! That is a line from it, Rhea Perlman plays the mom, and she's always too busy to see how truly gifted and special her baby daughter Matilda is! To the point that when Matilda really wanted to go to school, because she'd turned 6-1/2, her mom argued that she couldn't go to school because she was only 4!
I don't feel like I'm that disconnected from my kids...I do know how old they are, and if applicable, what year of school they are 'in'! But, with two of our kids living on their own, and the two at home are teen-agers...well, it would be really easy to be disconnected from all of them!
Not that I'm one of those mom's that thinks she has to know every detail of my kid's lives...but I love them enough that I want to be connected to them in such a way that I can laugh with them, celebrate with them, or cry with them at the appropriate times!
Alayna and her family got a puppy Collie this past summer, Max. I'm not a pet person, but their kids love this dog! So, it's the right thing for them! They do things I don't understand...but it is really OK. I do not have to understand...and I'm not even complaining because I don't understand! Actually, I'm thankful, because I think that's a sign they are building their own family, and don't 'need' me! They are independent adults!!! Praise God! They made it!!!
Understanding my role as 'mom' of a grown up daughter with a husband and two children, is key! I can operate out of my love for all them, and not know every detail of their lives...IT'S A GOOD THING!!! Trusting God to be faithful to them, just as He has been to Randy and me is an amazing, wild, funny (at times) and sad (at times) ride!!!
Holly, career girl, on her own...definitely an exercise in Trusting my King with the details of her life...I know He's faithful! And, she is doing a really good job of 'figuring it all out'!!! We are 'sounding boards' only, sometimes she takes the advice, other times, she doesn't...but key to my role with her is for her to know that I love her no matter what! My hope is that she knows this...I think she does, or she probably wouldn't call or text or come home as often as she does!
Madison & Mallory...well, my role with them is to offer privacy when they need it...alone, away from each other...and not question them to death. I've learned a package of McDonald's french fries goes a long way in opening up communication between them and me!!! (side note: The other thing I've learned about the fries is that they are the only ones that can eat them, as they make my 'maturing' stomach hurt!!! --Good lesson to learn now!)
I am not naive enough to imagine that I know everything about their lives...but from little conversations I over-hear, and things they write, they have a good foundation! One thing I'm truly thankful for for them is that the love all the girls have for each other is truly a gift. Not only are they all enjoying this freedom that their ages is allowing for them, but they truly listen to each other. The older girls are speaking wisdom to Madison & Mallory that the younger girls truly respect!
Again, my ultimate role with them is that they know that I love them no matter what! Some days I must work harder for them to realize it, but I think they know it!!!--Otherwise, they might not even 'go get fries' with me!!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Today is the DAY!!!
Yep, this is the day...for cleaning the house, for doing laundry, for the phone to ring a lot (which was a great distraction from the cleaning & laundry--love it!) and for a visit to my favorite knitting store!
All these things today were like gifts to me! Each one really good for my soul! Even though I got out of bed at 2:30am to actually 'write' instead of laying there and 'writing in my imagination' all night long! --Don't worry, mom, I only wrote for a couple of hours, then took a nap before 7am...I'm good for a couple more hours!
Cleaning our home was actually good for me...it's almost a treat!!! Since I last wrote, our second oldest is officially 'moved out' of our home. That event put everything else in chaos around here til we found 'places for everything' and repainted the twins' rooms! The twins are doing a fabulous job of keeping things picked up, and laundry out of the way!!!
I consider sometimes: Randy & I have never had 14 year old children in the house with out toddlers/ or babies to care for, as well...so this is a new adventure for us! The freedom we have is amazing to just say 'ok, we're leaving in a few minutes' and everyone just shows up at the car, with their own 'stuff' and fastens themselves in to the car--quite a treat! And, so, I'm thankful we have laundry TO DO and a house TO CLEAN!
The phone ringing, well, it was my mom...loved talking to her...she prompted me to write here! We got caught up on what's been going on! Then Phyllis from the church called...apparently Bible study last night was awesome for more than just 'me'...because she was relating how one woman had already called in this morning--still excited that she'd attended last night! Then, another lady from Bible study called just to say how much she loved being 'stretched out of her comfort zone'!!!! That's fun! And, then my sweet husband called just to check on me!
My friend and I took a drive to our favorite knitting store, Atkinson Farms Yarn, I think is the official name for this place. My friend and I have recently learned to 'build shoes' by knitting them and then doing a process called 'felting'...so much fun! It is a place that is just good for my soul! 'Where everyone knows your name'...and if they don't, it's really ok, because they are so friendly, and super glad you're there!
The Hickory Grove Great Banquet is next week...women's week end! This is going to be a busy week til then...but it is going to be amazing!!! I cannot wait to see what God does with it!!!--Our theme song is 'Today is the Day'...I will rejoice and be glad in it, I won't worry about tomorrow, giving YOU my fears and sorrows...where you lead me, I will follow...I'm trusting in what YOU say, Today is the DAY!!!!
Hoping YOUR Today is fabulous!
All these things today were like gifts to me! Each one really good for my soul! Even though I got out of bed at 2:30am to actually 'write' instead of laying there and 'writing in my imagination' all night long! --Don't worry, mom, I only wrote for a couple of hours, then took a nap before 7am...I'm good for a couple more hours!
Cleaning our home was actually good for me...it's almost a treat!!! Since I last wrote, our second oldest is officially 'moved out' of our home. That event put everything else in chaos around here til we found 'places for everything' and repainted the twins' rooms! The twins are doing a fabulous job of keeping things picked up, and laundry out of the way!!!
I consider sometimes: Randy & I have never had 14 year old children in the house with out toddlers/ or babies to care for, as well...so this is a new adventure for us! The freedom we have is amazing to just say 'ok, we're leaving in a few minutes' and everyone just shows up at the car, with their own 'stuff' and fastens themselves in to the car--quite a treat! And, so, I'm thankful we have laundry TO DO and a house TO CLEAN!
The phone ringing, well, it was my mom...loved talking to her...she prompted me to write here! We got caught up on what's been going on! Then Phyllis from the church called...apparently Bible study last night was awesome for more than just 'me'...because she was relating how one woman had already called in this morning--still excited that she'd attended last night! Then, another lady from Bible study called just to say how much she loved being 'stretched out of her comfort zone'!!!! That's fun! And, then my sweet husband called just to check on me!
My friend and I took a drive to our favorite knitting store, Atkinson Farms Yarn, I think is the official name for this place. My friend and I have recently learned to 'build shoes' by knitting them and then doing a process called 'felting'...so much fun! It is a place that is just good for my soul! 'Where everyone knows your name'...and if they don't, it's really ok, because they are so friendly, and super glad you're there!
The Hickory Grove Great Banquet is next week...women's week end! This is going to be a busy week til then...but it is going to be amazing!!! I cannot wait to see what God does with it!!!--Our theme song is 'Today is the Day'...I will rejoice and be glad in it, I won't worry about tomorrow, giving YOU my fears and sorrows...where you lead me, I will follow...I'm trusting in what YOU say, Today is the DAY!!!!
Hoping YOUR Today is fabulous!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Silly Bands...Nothing Boring Here!!!
Silly bands...what is it about these things that have kids going banannas over them? Actually, I should say kids of all ages...because not only Will, 4yrs, but Ally, 1yr and the girls, 14 yrs...and on and on...is it the shapes? Is it the colors? Is it the fact that they are cheap and fun? I love the fact that when you slip them off your wrist, they once again 'become' the object they were before they went on your wrist! Like, a crinkly bracelet...then it becomes, in the case of the bright blue on laying on my computer, a pig. The girls have roses, vampire teeth, a car, musical instruemnts, people dancing, shoes, various alphabet letters...what a fad. And the proverbial question: 'Why didn't I think of that?'
Hilarious!--But, enough about that!
As I sit and write this, we are in a place called National Harbor, MD. No, do not put it in your nuvi and expect to arrive here...it doesn't exist, I think!... But, someone wisely purchased 300 acres of trees, in/near Oxen Hills, MD. This place is one of the Gaylord Hotels...the Gaylord National. And, like the others that we've visited in Orlando (Gaylord Palms) and Nashville (OpryLand Hotel), gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe the place. An atrium that overlooks the harbor, with an enormous American Flag as the center piece. Lush gardens and walkways, places to eat and shop...lots of music being played in different spots throughout. There is an indoor pool, and a sun deck. A short walk, actually across the street, there are many more hotels, and shops. Live entertainment, and 'movie nights'! When we arrived, they were in the midst of a fireworks display, over the water, breath-taking!
My husband is here for an x-ray conference...so the girls and I get to hang out and be here with him! We enjoyed the sites in Washington DC yesterday, and we have a couple of more things we want to see in the city before heading home.
We are trying to enjoy this a moment at a time, and not get overwhelmed with details! The girls have tons of homework to do, so they won't be behind when we get back home! I always have a 'to do' or a 'to read' list...so we won't be bored at all!!!
Hilarious!--But, enough about that!
As I sit and write this, we are in a place called National Harbor, MD. No, do not put it in your nuvi and expect to arrive here...it doesn't exist, I think!... But, someone wisely purchased 300 acres of trees, in/near Oxen Hills, MD. This place is one of the Gaylord Hotels...the Gaylord National. And, like the others that we've visited in Orlando (Gaylord Palms) and Nashville (OpryLand Hotel), gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe the place. An atrium that overlooks the harbor, with an enormous American Flag as the center piece. Lush gardens and walkways, places to eat and shop...lots of music being played in different spots throughout. There is an indoor pool, and a sun deck. A short walk, actually across the street, there are many more hotels, and shops. Live entertainment, and 'movie nights'! When we arrived, they were in the midst of a fireworks display, over the water, breath-taking!
My husband is here for an x-ray conference...so the girls and I get to hang out and be here with him! We enjoyed the sites in Washington DC yesterday, and we have a couple of more things we want to see in the city before heading home.
We are trying to enjoy this a moment at a time, and not get overwhelmed with details! The girls have tons of homework to do, so they won't be behind when we get back home! I always have a 'to do' or a 'to read' list...so we won't be bored at all!!!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Here we Go, Again!!!!
Another August, another school year begins. School supplies are in the new 'bags', schedules are somewhat memorized, and we know where our new lockers are located! The girls, Madison & Mallory, will begin their last year of middle school tomorrow! I'm eagerly anticipating it for them...they are not so excited., did I mention they are 14, and all that that means?!
Because our girls are 11 years apart in age (from our oldest to the twins), we have had a child/children attending this school district for 20 continuous years. We've seen lots of changes over the years. The buildings have all changed, the staff and teachers have come and gone, and stayed or retired. Life happens. Kids grow up! This is really good thing!
I was talking to a 'mom of twins' a couple of weeks ago, and she was apprehensive because they will be entering first grade. She seemed saddened at the prospect of them actually growing up; however, I know that the alternative is not so pleasant, so I tried to encourage her to enjoy the transitions of life with her kids. She told me that she was really trying to do that, it just goes b so quickly!
Speaking of transitions...there's nothing sweeter than watching them grow up, become young adults, then become productive citizens with kids of their own! Our second oldest, Holly, is on the brink of launching in to her life. I'm super excited for her! And, yes, when she moves in to that cute little first apartment that we're all dreaming of, I'll miss her face! She's a constant source of laughter for all of us. And, the younger girls love having her around, and she loves the support of her older sister, bother in law and niece & nephew!
Today's 'Sunday dinner' was pretty typical...but for just a moment, before mashing the potatoes to go with Randy's grilled chicken, I stopped, stood back, just to listen. I love hearing their voices, all talking and laughing at once. Nothing sweeter, or louder or more entertaining than when they are all here, enjoying each other and catching up on details of the week, or week end at hand!
Plus the fact that there's so many of them! Randy & I began , obviously, with just the two of us, and now, we're at 9! So very much fun, each one of them, in their own unique way. I eagerly anticipate them continuing to 'grow up' and season in their lives...eventually to bring home spouses, and kids of their own...it's fun to dream about...but, as I've told you before, I must keep the perspective: 'IF the Lord Wills' for every detail of our lives! And, remember to be thankful in all things!
Because our girls are 11 years apart in age (from our oldest to the twins), we have had a child/children attending this school district for 20 continuous years. We've seen lots of changes over the years. The buildings have all changed, the staff and teachers have come and gone, and stayed or retired. Life happens. Kids grow up! This is really good thing!
I was talking to a 'mom of twins' a couple of weeks ago, and she was apprehensive because they will be entering first grade. She seemed saddened at the prospect of them actually growing up; however, I know that the alternative is not so pleasant, so I tried to encourage her to enjoy the transitions of life with her kids. She told me that she was really trying to do that, it just goes b so quickly!
Speaking of transitions...there's nothing sweeter than watching them grow up, become young adults, then become productive citizens with kids of their own! Our second oldest, Holly, is on the brink of launching in to her life. I'm super excited for her! And, yes, when she moves in to that cute little first apartment that we're all dreaming of, I'll miss her face! She's a constant source of laughter for all of us. And, the younger girls love having her around, and she loves the support of her older sister, bother in law and niece & nephew!
Today's 'Sunday dinner' was pretty typical...but for just a moment, before mashing the potatoes to go with Randy's grilled chicken, I stopped, stood back, just to listen. I love hearing their voices, all talking and laughing at once. Nothing sweeter, or louder or more entertaining than when they are all here, enjoying each other and catching up on details of the week, or week end at hand!
Plus the fact that there's so many of them! Randy & I began , obviously, with just the two of us, and now, we're at 9! So very much fun, each one of them, in their own unique way. I eagerly anticipate them continuing to 'grow up' and season in their lives...eventually to bring home spouses, and kids of their own...it's fun to dream about...but, as I've told you before, I must keep the perspective: 'IF the Lord Wills' for every detail of our lives! And, remember to be thankful in all things!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Legitimacy and Heritage
August is a crazy-busy month--always. That is not new information to anyone. I'm just agreeing with a general consensus and observing the way things are. Moving kids to school...registering kids for school..perhaps a week of camp squeezed in before schools starts...school starts...teachers must get their rooms ready...kids have to buy school supplies...last minute physicals to play sports...and band camp...and the heat (because where we are situated on the planet: we 'wear the heat' because of the humidity!)...finishing touches on fall programming...winding up 'summer projects'...
As I think about this, though, this has become our life, no matter what month it is--because we jam each day full of stuff!
August has always been a significant month for me. I celebrate my birthday, and the birthdays of several family members! This particular day, the 6th, has significance in my life--because I'm quirky like that!
Today would have been my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. No, they only made it to '24' years. The date, though August 6, 1960, has always been significant to me, especially during the 'questioning years', as I'll affectionately refer to them... Questions like:
Why am I here? Why was I born? Was there a reason? Was I planned, or an accident? Was I the reason that my parents married, or not?--
These were the questions I had throughout my pre-teen and teenage years--and strains of them even followed me in to my 20's...Secretly, I would look at the 'marriage date' and my 'birth date' and reason, it takes nine months to have a baby, and I was born 5 days after my parents first anniversary...so at least I know I wasn't the 'reason' for the marriage!
I know, that SO doesn't matter in 2010...often, there's a child or two born to the union before the 'wedding' has ever been considered...but for some reason it mattered to me, for my identity.
As I approach 50, some things mean more to me than ever before, and other things that used to be important, have little significance in what I consider to be the 'big' picture of my life! Funny how that works out! My mother in law always told me that, but it took til now for me to realize and appreciate those words of wisdom!
Just this week, I was able to spend a few hours with my mom and Jim...my sister and her husband and daughter. It was good.
It was a good visit. Visiting there always stirs up lots of memories, which is normal...ad, it always stirs up a lot of questions, as well!
You see, as a pre-teen and teenager, I needed to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I belonged here...it wasn't an accident...but I was looking for 'legitimacy' from an earthly stand point. The bigger picture truly is:
I wasn't an accident--even if I had been born, and my parents had never married...I know this to be true because, I can trace my spiritual heritage to the God of the Universe, the Creator of all things! Also significant to me is the fact that God has a plan for my life!
As I approach another year of life, my question to my mom during this visit was, "Why did grandma (mom's mom) get the 'family Bible'? (She was the 'middle child'...and the family Bible had been given to her father in the late 1800's before my grandma was born in 1904.)
Which led to the next question: "How did Grandma come to her faith in Jesus?" (this now has more significance to me than the date of my parent's wedding, because her faith was taught to my mom...which in turn was taught to me and our children--see the legacy--the legitimacy of generational faith, passed down?) I wanted to know how it all began.
Here's the amazing answer I got; I love this story!
In the middle 1940's the little country school (called Hickory Hill) my mom attended for first and second grades, consolidated with the grade school in town. At this point, the little country school stood empty. Sunday school missionaries from Moody Bible Institute, came and started a Sunday school each week at Hickory Hill. Johnson was their last name, a faithful couple, who taught kids that lived in the country about Jesus each Sunday morning. Mr. Johnson had a different preacher from churches throughout their community come each week to conduct church services, after Sunday school. (all different denominational preachers would take turns and preach at this little country school house--what a concept!) Then, they'd all eat lunch together. Children and entire families attended, as well.
My mom and her parents, Jack & Virginia, (my grandparents) learned to love Jesus by attending these weekly opportunities for learning!
A few years passed, and the school district decided to sell the Hickory Hill building. The Johnson's wanted desperately to purchase that building. Let me remind you to consider the fact that my mom was in grade-school during this time! She remembers how fervently the Sunday school times of prayer were for the Lord to provide the funds for the purchase of this little school building. Mrs. Johnson's faith became very evident to my mom as she watched and listened to this woman pray for God's blessing and provision.
The building sold, but not to this Sunday school effort, to someone else. I don't know what happened next, except my mom did say that a little time passed, and they were told that the transaction to purchase the building fell through and the Johnson's were offered the school building at a much-reduced price, one that they could afford.
My mom attended there, and even helped with Bible school in to her high school years. But the impression that Mrs. Johnson's faith concerning God's provision of the building made an impact on moms' faith and understanding that 'ripples' even to this day!
And, for me, even to this day--I'm thankful for the Johnson's, that stepped out in faith to be missionaries! And for the fact that they were not ashamed to pray fervently for God's will and provision in front of impressionable children... experience disappointment and remain faithful when the building 'sold' to someone else...and rejoice when they were offered the building...all because the 'waited on the Lord'!!!
The following passage of scripture has two little hands outlined on it in my Bible, one for Will who was 3 at the time, and one for Ally who was 1!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. ... Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:13-18 & 23-24
My assurance comes from this passage that each of my days is NO surprise to my God! And, He already knew them before I was born! My hope is that I can somehow leave that impression on my children and my children's children!
As I think about this, though, this has become our life, no matter what month it is--because we jam each day full of stuff!
August has always been a significant month for me. I celebrate my birthday, and the birthdays of several family members! This particular day, the 6th, has significance in my life--because I'm quirky like that!
Today would have been my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. No, they only made it to '24' years. The date, though August 6, 1960, has always been significant to me, especially during the 'questioning years', as I'll affectionately refer to them... Questions like:
Why am I here? Why was I born? Was there a reason? Was I planned, or an accident? Was I the reason that my parents married, or not?--
These were the questions I had throughout my pre-teen and teenage years--and strains of them even followed me in to my 20's...Secretly, I would look at the 'marriage date' and my 'birth date' and reason, it takes nine months to have a baby, and I was born 5 days after my parents first anniversary...so at least I know I wasn't the 'reason' for the marriage!
I know, that SO doesn't matter in 2010...often, there's a child or two born to the union before the 'wedding' has ever been considered...but for some reason it mattered to me, for my identity.
As I approach 50, some things mean more to me than ever before, and other things that used to be important, have little significance in what I consider to be the 'big' picture of my life! Funny how that works out! My mother in law always told me that, but it took til now for me to realize and appreciate those words of wisdom!
Just this week, I was able to spend a few hours with my mom and Jim...my sister and her husband and daughter. It was good.
It was a good visit. Visiting there always stirs up lots of memories, which is normal...ad, it always stirs up a lot of questions, as well!
You see, as a pre-teen and teenager, I needed to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I belonged here...it wasn't an accident...but I was looking for 'legitimacy' from an earthly stand point. The bigger picture truly is:
I wasn't an accident--even if I had been born, and my parents had never married...I know this to be true because, I can trace my spiritual heritage to the God of the Universe, the Creator of all things! Also significant to me is the fact that God has a plan for my life!
As I approach another year of life, my question to my mom during this visit was, "Why did grandma (mom's mom) get the 'family Bible'? (She was the 'middle child'...and the family Bible had been given to her father in the late 1800's before my grandma was born in 1904.)
Which led to the next question: "How did Grandma come to her faith in Jesus?" (this now has more significance to me than the date of my parent's wedding, because her faith was taught to my mom...which in turn was taught to me and our children--see the legacy--the legitimacy of generational faith, passed down?) I wanted to know how it all began.
Here's the amazing answer I got; I love this story!
In the middle 1940's the little country school (called Hickory Hill) my mom attended for first and second grades, consolidated with the grade school in town. At this point, the little country school stood empty. Sunday school missionaries from Moody Bible Institute, came and started a Sunday school each week at Hickory Hill. Johnson was their last name, a faithful couple, who taught kids that lived in the country about Jesus each Sunday morning. Mr. Johnson had a different preacher from churches throughout their community come each week to conduct church services, after Sunday school. (all different denominational preachers would take turns and preach at this little country school house--what a concept!) Then, they'd all eat lunch together. Children and entire families attended, as well.
My mom and her parents, Jack & Virginia, (my grandparents) learned to love Jesus by attending these weekly opportunities for learning!
A few years passed, and the school district decided to sell the Hickory Hill building. The Johnson's wanted desperately to purchase that building. Let me remind you to consider the fact that my mom was in grade-school during this time! She remembers how fervently the Sunday school times of prayer were for the Lord to provide the funds for the purchase of this little school building. Mrs. Johnson's faith became very evident to my mom as she watched and listened to this woman pray for God's blessing and provision.
The building sold, but not to this Sunday school effort, to someone else. I don't know what happened next, except my mom did say that a little time passed, and they were told that the transaction to purchase the building fell through and the Johnson's were offered the school building at a much-reduced price, one that they could afford.
My mom attended there, and even helped with Bible school in to her high school years. But the impression that Mrs. Johnson's faith concerning God's provision of the building made an impact on moms' faith and understanding that 'ripples' even to this day!
And, for me, even to this day--I'm thankful for the Johnson's, that stepped out in faith to be missionaries! And for the fact that they were not ashamed to pray fervently for God's will and provision in front of impressionable children... experience disappointment and remain faithful when the building 'sold' to someone else...and rejoice when they were offered the building...all because the 'waited on the Lord'!!!
The following passage of scripture has two little hands outlined on it in my Bible, one for Will who was 3 at the time, and one for Ally who was 1!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. ... Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:13-18 & 23-24
My assurance comes from this passage that each of my days is NO surprise to my God! And, He already knew them before I was born! My hope is that I can somehow leave that impression on my children and my children's children!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Go Ahead: Spoil 'em!!!!!!
Mondays. I love Mondays. Of course, I try really hard not to dread any day at all..they are all good! It's sort of like weather. I try really hard not to let my mood be affected by the weather...it's just well, weather. It changes all the time, usually quickly, so I figure, why waste time being upset by it. Plus, it's a great way to observe colors and textures of the clouds...or the colors cast on buildings, or rocks, or streets. Great opportunities to appreciate a different palette of colors and unusual sounds. It is a lie that Satan uses much of the time for us to believe that we have to always have 'sunny days' to be 'happy'--so, don't 'fall for that one, again'!
OK, back to today! As I've shared before, one of the things I get to do on Monday's is visit with a few ladies at a local assisted living place and talk about a book of the Bible. Right now, we're looking at the book of Revelation! (these are women that love God's word, and they love to talk about Him!)
When I arrived today, two of the ladies were updating each other on the general health condition of their mutual friends; some recovering from this 'fall' or others facing uncertain days with a new 'diagnosis'...both of them genuinely concerned over their friends' well-being.
One lady is probably around 90 was sharing about checking in on this one, or calling that one. It was inspiring, really...because she actually looks for ways to stay busy and help those around her that she can help! She also related that she sometimes gets scolded for 'helping too much'.
Then, she said something so great, she said: "I don't believe that you can spoil babies OR old people! You need to take care of both of them, so they know you love them. Because a baby is just sweet, but an old person will soon die."
Profound, isn't it? Just think what a different place our world would be, if people would just practice the things that matter most. Sharing love with those around us, by listening to them, or just being there.
And so, it was with this in mind, that I returned my grandma's phone call this evening...thinking that I'd talk to her for a few minutes, til she started repeating herself (!)...but then, I remembered what my friend had said, and just stayed on the line...and listened and talked for another 40 minutes--and laughed and laughed and laughed...Such a blessing. Such a blessing, indeed!
And, tomorrow, because of this profound advice, I'm planning to take some chocolate to my friend who fell a few days ago and broke her hip...
just because girls of all ages LOVE chocolate: it's good for the soul!
OK, back to today! As I've shared before, one of the things I get to do on Monday's is visit with a few ladies at a local assisted living place and talk about a book of the Bible. Right now, we're looking at the book of Revelation! (these are women that love God's word, and they love to talk about Him!)
When I arrived today, two of the ladies were updating each other on the general health condition of their mutual friends; some recovering from this 'fall' or others facing uncertain days with a new 'diagnosis'...both of them genuinely concerned over their friends' well-being.
One lady is probably around 90 was sharing about checking in on this one, or calling that one. It was inspiring, really...because she actually looks for ways to stay busy and help those around her that she can help! She also related that she sometimes gets scolded for 'helping too much'.
Then, she said something so great, she said: "I don't believe that you can spoil babies OR old people! You need to take care of both of them, so they know you love them. Because a baby is just sweet, but an old person will soon die."
Profound, isn't it? Just think what a different place our world would be, if people would just practice the things that matter most. Sharing love with those around us, by listening to them, or just being there.
And so, it was with this in mind, that I returned my grandma's phone call this evening...thinking that I'd talk to her for a few minutes, til she started repeating herself (!)...but then, I remembered what my friend had said, and just stayed on the line...and listened and talked for another 40 minutes--and laughed and laughed and laughed...Such a blessing. Such a blessing, indeed!
And, tomorrow, because of this profound advice, I'm planning to take some chocolate to my friend who fell a few days ago and broke her hip...
just because girls of all ages LOVE chocolate: it's good for the soul!
Friday, July 30, 2010
It's a Mystery, Really!
There's something mysterious going on in our house. I'm relatively calm about it; hoever, on the inside: I'm screaming in excitement and anticipation! On the outside: I try to smile, take it all in, and enjoy the moment!
I almost hesitate to write this all down, because, as quickly as its begun, it could well, just end.
A phenomenon, really, I can't explain. In all the years we've been married (over 29) and in all the years we've had children (almost 26) I've never experienced anything quite like this! This past week has been memorable. Not because anything spectacular happened, but because of the manner in which the people in this house have interacted with each other, the girls, in particular.
A few times one or all of them have actually approached me to see if I needed any help with what ever the day's 'chores' were! I do not remember that ever happening--ever!! Laundry, cooking, packing up stuff, cleaning up their rooms, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, what ever it was, there were willing hands, and pretty decent attitudes!!!!
Maybe, just maybe they are growing up! Sweet.
In order to identify why I'm so thrilled, please consider: when the older girls were in Middle school, we had toddlers! When the older girls were in high school, there were toddlers & a newborn! Now, though, we have middle school-ers and grand kids that come & visit. Which translates as, the house can stay relatively picked up...this is a new concept for me!
Oh my, perhaps we've finally arrived at a 'new normal'!!!! Over the years, though, our lives have changed so rapidly, we always had a difficult time defining 'normal' or 'routine' for our family! So, this could, in reality, based on past experience, prove to be a just a phase! I sincerely hope not, though, because I'm really loving the maturity that the girls are displaying these days--it's really fun! And, well, just plain good!
My hope is that this is permanent, not just a phase or a phenomenon!!! I'm eager to see how the next few years unfold, as we boldly approach adulthood for the 'second go-around' with our children. I eagerly anticipate really good things!!!
I almost hesitate to write this all down, because, as quickly as its begun, it could well, just end.
A phenomenon, really, I can't explain. In all the years we've been married (over 29) and in all the years we've had children (almost 26) I've never experienced anything quite like this! This past week has been memorable. Not because anything spectacular happened, but because of the manner in which the people in this house have interacted with each other, the girls, in particular.
A few times one or all of them have actually approached me to see if I needed any help with what ever the day's 'chores' were! I do not remember that ever happening--ever!! Laundry, cooking, packing up stuff, cleaning up their rooms, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, what ever it was, there were willing hands, and pretty decent attitudes!!!!
Maybe, just maybe they are growing up! Sweet.
In order to identify why I'm so thrilled, please consider: when the older girls were in Middle school, we had toddlers! When the older girls were in high school, there were toddlers & a newborn! Now, though, we have middle school-ers and grand kids that come & visit. Which translates as, the house can stay relatively picked up...this is a new concept for me!
Oh my, perhaps we've finally arrived at a 'new normal'!!!! Over the years, though, our lives have changed so rapidly, we always had a difficult time defining 'normal' or 'routine' for our family! So, this could, in reality, based on past experience, prove to be a just a phase! I sincerely hope not, though, because I'm really loving the maturity that the girls are displaying these days--it's really fun! And, well, just plain good!
My hope is that this is permanent, not just a phase or a phenomenon!!! I'm eager to see how the next few years unfold, as we boldly approach adulthood for the 'second go-around' with our children. I eagerly anticipate really good things!!!
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