Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Anniversary
Steve and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on Saturday. We went up to Evergreen for dinner and a walk around the lake. God gave us the gift of seeing some Elk and a beautiful sunset. Then on Sunday we drove up to Mt. Evans to Echo Lake and had a picnic. Matthew had a blast throwing rocks in the water and watching the Mama and 8 baby ducks swim all around. He had fishing pole envy as another little guy about his age was going fishing. We'll have to remedy that sometime soon. Nothing makes my heart sing more than to be out enjoying God's beautiful creation here in Colorado.
Masks
Everybody is original, if he tells the truth, if he speaks from himself. But it must be from his true self and not from the self he thinks he should be. (Brenda Ueland)
I found this quote on a fellow blogger's website. It is so easy to get caught up in the self I think I should be instead of the real me. I so want to live from true authenticity. I believe it is the only way to really show Jesus and to teach my child(ren) how to be really in love with Jesus. It is not the mask that Jesus loves, but the person behind the mask. The one with the age spots and crows lines from too much sun. The one who weaps and laughs, feels angry or excited, gets "nothing" done or checks off all the "to do" list items. That is the person Jesus loves.
I found this quote on a fellow blogger's website. It is so easy to get caught up in the self I think I should be instead of the real me. I so want to live from true authenticity. I believe it is the only way to really show Jesus and to teach my child(ren) how to be really in love with Jesus. It is not the mask that Jesus loves, but the person behind the mask. The one with the age spots and crows lines from too much sun. The one who weaps and laughs, feels angry or excited, gets "nothing" done or checks off all the "to do" list items. That is the person Jesus loves.
Real "Motherly Love" Defined
I copied this from my friend Lisa. Thanks Lis!!
1 Corinthians 13 for Mothers
This was written by Jean Fleming, author of "A Mother's Heart."
If I keep my house immaculately clean and am envied by all for my interior decorating but do not show love in my family - I'm just another housewife.
If I'm always producing lovely things - sewing, art; if I always look attractive and speak intelligently, but am not loving to my family - I am nothing.
If I'm busy in community affairs, teach Sunday school and drive in the carpool but fail to give adequate love to my family - I gain nothing.
Love changes diapers, cleanse up messes and ties shoes - over and over again.
Love is kind, though tired and frazzled.
Love doesn't envy another wife - one whose children are "spaced" better or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.
Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother.
Love doesn't scream at the kids.
Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get to do what I wanted to do today - sew, read, soak in a hot tub ...
Love doesn't lose my temper easily.
Love doesn't assume that my children are being naughty just because their noise level is irritating.
Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look good.
Love is genuinely happy when others are honored by their children.
1 Corinthians 13 for Mothers
This was written by Jean Fleming, author of "A Mother's Heart."
If I keep my house immaculately clean and am envied by all for my interior decorating but do not show love in my family - I'm just another housewife.
If I'm always producing lovely things - sewing, art; if I always look attractive and speak intelligently, but am not loving to my family - I am nothing.
If I'm busy in community affairs, teach Sunday school and drive in the carpool but fail to give adequate love to my family - I gain nothing.
Love changes diapers, cleanse up messes and ties shoes - over and over again.
Love is kind, though tired and frazzled.
Love doesn't envy another wife - one whose children are "spaced" better or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.
Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother.
Love doesn't scream at the kids.
Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get to do what I wanted to do today - sew, read, soak in a hot tub ...
Love doesn't lose my temper easily.
Love doesn't assume that my children are being naughty just because their noise level is irritating.
Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look good.
Love is genuinely happy when others are honored by their children.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Thankful Heart
I've been feeling like I'm just going through the motions lately while caring for my family and working. My reading has consisted of "Curious George" and "So that's what they're for"- about breasfeeding so I don't feel like I have a lot to say. But after reading a couple other people's blogs tonight I was reminded that it is the little things in everyday life that are worth being thankful for and I decided it was worth taking the time to record some of those moments.
1. Matthew's giggle
2. Finding a new park to explore
3. Reading books to Matthew and hearing - read it again
4. Watching Steve grow through hard times
5. Rain followed by rainbows
6. Seeing God meet our needs
7. Watching Matthew chase squirrels in the back yard
8. Quick and easy dinner recipes
9. Strawberry Shortcake
10. Hearing Matthew pray "Dear Jesus....Amen"
11. Pillows...I sleep with 4 right now!
12. Nap time - for Matthew and Mommy!
13. Tissues - Matthew gave me his cold.
14. A husband who works hard to provide for his family. (not so little and always worth listing)
15. Flowers in all forms.
For these and many more I am thankful. I know I am richly blessed and it is always good to cultivate a thankful heart.
1. Matthew's giggle
2. Finding a new park to explore
3. Reading books to Matthew and hearing - read it again
4. Watching Steve grow through hard times
5. Rain followed by rainbows
6. Seeing God meet our needs
7. Watching Matthew chase squirrels in the back yard
8. Quick and easy dinner recipes
9. Strawberry Shortcake
10. Hearing Matthew pray "Dear Jesus....Amen"
11. Pillows...I sleep with 4 right now!
12. Nap time - for Matthew and Mommy!
13. Tissues - Matthew gave me his cold.
14. A husband who works hard to provide for his family. (not so little and always worth listing)
15. Flowers in all forms.
For these and many more I am thankful. I know I am richly blessed and it is always good to cultivate a thankful heart.
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Countdown
My countdown has begun!! I'm 30 weeks pregnant and I can't seem to escape the heat. We have had 12 days straight of over 90 degree weather and this week's forecast is more of the same. There are aspects of pregnancy I like - feeling the baby move, a buxom figure, special attention. But this time around it just feels like a lot more work and there are more things that I don't like - backaches, not being able to sleep, swollen fingers, heartburn, not being able to move to keep up after my 2 1/2 year old DS, special attention, mood swings. So I am seriously praying that his little guy decides that he wants to come about a week early. Steve and I have decided that this will be the last baby so I am trying hard to relish the chance to feel a living being growing and moving inside me, but I have to admit that it is becoming more difficult.
I was feeling very anxious yesterday - not sure what that was about. I am not normally an anxious person. In fact the only other time in my life that I have had an anxiety attack was during the first week after Matthew was born. I really don't want to go through that again as it was pure torture for me. Pregnancy, labor and delivery were all better or the same as I expectated - it was after he was born that I was unprepared for. I think the hardest thing is that I don't feel like there is anything I can do to "guarantee" that I won't have the same postpartum experience as I did with Matthew. There are so many variables that I have no control over and can't do any preparation for - hormones, Steve's emotional state, Matthew's response, lack of sleep. It is so hard for me to let go of all that, but I know I need to lay it all at Jesus' feet and at least not let the anxiety of all that creep in on me now. Fortunately God has provided some very good girlfriends who I know I can call anytime for support and encouragement and I know He will be with me no matter how joyful or terrified I feel.
I guess I better get to bed, I'm going to regret staying up this late when Matthew wakes me up in the morning.
I was feeling very anxious yesterday - not sure what that was about. I am not normally an anxious person. In fact the only other time in my life that I have had an anxiety attack was during the first week after Matthew was born. I really don't want to go through that again as it was pure torture for me. Pregnancy, labor and delivery were all better or the same as I expectated - it was after he was born that I was unprepared for. I think the hardest thing is that I don't feel like there is anything I can do to "guarantee" that I won't have the same postpartum experience as I did with Matthew. There are so many variables that I have no control over and can't do any preparation for - hormones, Steve's emotional state, Matthew's response, lack of sleep. It is so hard for me to let go of all that, but I know I need to lay it all at Jesus' feet and at least not let the anxiety of all that creep in on me now. Fortunately God has provided some very good girlfriends who I know I can call anytime for support and encouragement and I know He will be with me no matter how joyful or terrified I feel.
I guess I better get to bed, I'm going to regret staying up this late when Matthew wakes me up in the morning.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Remarkable Obituary
This was forwarded to me from my sister.
We mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr. Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).
His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. - Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge financial settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
We mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr. Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).
His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. - Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge financial settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Joy in the Journey
I returned Monday from a five day trip to Eastern WA to attend my brother's wedding. It was a very simple, country wedding held in my parent's yard with Bo (Shelley's basset hound) serving as the ring bearer - literally! I was the unofficial photographer and wedding coordinator for the day and was quite comfortable in the roles since I only knew the family members in attendance. Scott and Shelley have been together for 10 years so it seemed a little anti-climatic to go back to their house for the post-reception reception, but it is nice to finally be able to call Shelley my sister-in-law instead of my brother's girlfriend.
It was great to see my family and to continue to try to re-build a relationship with my sister. They all were trying to "sell" me on moving to Eastern WA to live to be close to the rest of the family, but I just can't see myself living so deep in farm country. I have grown very accustomed to the convenience of being 20 minutes from anything I need and still be able to get to the hills and forest in a short drive. They call me a "city girl", which compared to where they all live, is probably true, but I still don't think of myself that way. My spirit is still revived more from a visit to the woods than a visit to the mall.
I returned home exhausted. I never imagined that traveling when 7 months pregnant could be that tiring. Now I will concentrate on the day-to-day chores and getting my to-do list done before the baby comes, but in it all I will look for the Joy in the Journey and enjoy each day for what God has given in abundance.
It was great to see my family and to continue to try to re-build a relationship with my sister. They all were trying to "sell" me on moving to Eastern WA to live to be close to the rest of the family, but I just can't see myself living so deep in farm country. I have grown very accustomed to the convenience of being 20 minutes from anything I need and still be able to get to the hills and forest in a short drive. They call me a "city girl", which compared to where they all live, is probably true, but I still don't think of myself that way. My spirit is still revived more from a visit to the woods than a visit to the mall.
I returned home exhausted. I never imagined that traveling when 7 months pregnant could be that tiring. Now I will concentrate on the day-to-day chores and getting my to-do list done before the baby comes, but in it all I will look for the Joy in the Journey and enjoy each day for what God has given in abundance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)