-theGoodlife-

Mary's Story revisited, Part Three.

2011-12-24T06:52:00.001-07:00

Just as I want to reach out to family and friends at this joyful season with the Christmas cards I still haven't managed to send, I also want to reach out to my (oft-neglected) blog-readers. As Christmas speeds closer, I thought you might like to reflect for a minute or two on Mary. Two years ago, I was asked to give a sermon in the first person as Mary, costume and all! What follows is the text from that talk (reposted from 2009, I know, totally blog-cheating)--written as if Mary was speaking. I hope you enjoy reflecting on the birth of our Savior! Merry Christmas!

continued...to read from the beginning, start here.

When I returned to Nazareth I knew it was time to tell my parents and Joseph (aah, good, kind Joseph...) what God had done in me. The signs of pregnancy were beginning to show. Oh Lord, how would they ever believe me?

My parents did their best to be supportive, but I am not sure if they believed me. If this baby was not God’s own (and who ever heard of that?) then their daughter (who was betrothed!) had committed a wicked sin and dishonored the entire family. Yet, they wondered how I could ever make up such a story. They summoned Joseph and when I told him—he was disgusted and heartbroken. He didn’t say so…but I could see it on his face. He left without a word. That night I cried myself into a fitful sleep. I knew Joseph would likely divorce me…oh what would I do? I waited for word from him. I tried to be strong and take heart. God was in this. He gave me the strength to cooperate with his plans.

I was so relieved when a few days later Joseph returned to say that He believed me. He had thought to divorce me quietly without accusation (such a dear man), but God revealed to him that I was telling the truth. He took me as his wife and promised to care for this holy child as his own.

I remember the day that Joseph and I went to my parents and told them we needed to go to Bethlehem, the city of our ancestor David, for the census. My mother strongly objected. She said my time was near. She was right. I knew it too. But, it was law. God would sustain me. He hadn’t forgotten the baby inside of me. And now I see that God was fulfilling the words of the prophet Micah that said the messiah would come out of Bethlehem…. God was working through the Emperor of Rome to fulfill his prophecy. There’s something to ponder, huh?

Joseph didn’t have much in the way of travel comforts—but he put me and a few belongings, and food for the journey on a donkey and we set off after a tearful goodbye with my family.

It was a journey that took over a week. It felt like a year. I was SO uncomfortable, and had to stop often to stretch my cramping muscles and rest my aching back. Any of you who have been heavy with child can relate to how I was feeling. Joseph was kind to me…but also was hurrying us along. He wanted to get there—I think it’s something about the way God created man—always wanting to get there. So, I did my best not to slow us down too much.

It seemed like the longest journey ever. Not just physically, but emotionally. I battled thoughts of inadequacy, and worries about what would happen when we arrived. How was this all going to work out? I felt like these were crazy circumstances. I asked God once again to help me be strong and take heart and wait on him. The pains were coming on and off…and I began to pray we would at least make it to town to find the services of a midwife and a place to have this child. Would Joseph be delivering this baby on the side of the road to Bethlehem? “Oh God, rescue me!” I prayed.

We did make it in time…but we weren’t in town long when my water broke and the pains came quicker. The place was swarming with people, every last corner of folks homes were taken with relatives and travelers, and we had to bed down in a stable-- the place where animals were kept at night. At that point I didn’t care…I just wanted to have a place off the street to have this baby. A midwife was found and some distant female relatives attended me. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy—ah, you should have seen him—right there in the stable. Without my mother at my side. Without the comfort of home and the celebration of my family.

It wasn’t how I thought my first child’s birth would be. Certainly not. I had dreamed, as most girls did, of marrying a kind man and having lots of children. I never dreamed of this. I have to confess that I wondered if God had forgotten--in all of his Messiah-plans--to secure us a proper place for His arrival. Nothing is impossible with God. The messenger told me that. Why didn’t He remember to take care of securing someone’s guest room for us? A stable? Really? Is that where a king should be born??

But God granted me peace and my heart was filled with joy. He was here. My baby. The Messiah. God with us. And somehow that was more than enough. And He was born in a stable.

I have since come to know that there was a purpose in the stable. God wanted the world to see that this was a very different Messiah than the political king they expected. A messiah who would hang out with the lowly of society. (In fact, some of Jesus’s first visitors where a stinky, dirty group of shepherds—who weren’t intimidated to come visit us in the stable. Their story encouraged us so.) No this Messiah was not going to fit their expectations, but instead cause them to rethink most things they thought they knew. The stable was part of God’s plan from the beginning—regardless of whether I understood at the time.

I wonder if any of you are in your own stable of sorts. Circumstances that are unexpected, don’t make sense and make you wonder if God Almighty has forgotten about you? Maybe He seems silent. Your stable might be a season of heartache, or of discontent or of pain. How will you wait on the Lord? Will you trust that He is Good? That there is purpose in the stable?That there is something bigger going on? Will you ask God what it looks like in your life to be strong and take heart and wait on him?

Remember, God came to earth. As a baby. My baby. For all of us. He is with us. God with us. Immanuel. Praise be to God!

I hope this reflection on Mary encouraged you. Special thanks to Missy at It's Almost Naptime for her influence on this part of my talk.

Mary's Story revisited, Part Two.

2011-12-23T06:44:00.002-07:00

(continued--the story starts here)

I knew what all this meant in my life. When my pregnancy was discovered it would appear as adultery. I would be labeled a sotah and as was our way, be asked to drink the bitter waters to determine if I was guilty or not. I had seen it happen to others—their clothes ripped to expose their skin, publicy scorned and made to be an example to others. If when she drank the bitter waters made her sick, she would be found guilty—and she would be condemned to death by stoning. Even if I was spared death, at the very least, Joseph would be legally bound to divorce me. My child would be an outsider and scorned by the villagers He would not be permitted in public assemblies. My reputation would never recover—I knew well the wagging tongues of the women in my village--and I would never marry. My child and I would be alone in the world. I would be breaking my parents hearts if they didn’t believe me…and I would be destroying Joseph’s reputation as well. If I was to defend myself and share that the child was God’s and not a man’s…I would be labeled blasphemous—perhaps the worst accusation of all.

I remember the weight of the realization that this would be costly. But when Almighty God asks you to do something…you say yes. I knew God’s faithfulness to our people in years gone by…and knew He was good. He had a plan and had somehow chosen me to play a big part in it. And I believed that He would be faithful to me.

And then came the waiting. There would be months til the child came. Days until I could know for sure this was really happening in my body. Weeks until I knew how Joseph and my family would respond.

We were no strangers to waiting—my people. We were God’s chosen people, awaiting a messiah, yet we lived under Roman rule. We were taught early on to fear the soldiers…my mom told me that whenever I heard the yells or hoofprints of Roman soldiers, I was to run and hide…cause it wasn’t unheard of for them to take a young women as their own. They did whatever they wanted and we were the ones to pay. We were oppressed and we were waiting for the messiah. Some had given up hope…it had been 400 years since God had made contact with His people and we waited to hear from Him again.I often dreamed of being one of those freed from Egypt—able to see God in the pillar of smoke and fire. At least they could see Him, and knew He was leading them and doing something. My people were waiting in silence—and nothing around us pointed to the long-awaited messiah. So we waited.

You see, waiting sounds passive. Yet it isn’t. Have you had to wait for something? Are you waiting now? Then you know…It’s active. It takes energy and perserverance. I was on a journey that I needed to be actively engaged in. I have even heard it said that waiting on God is the very work of the people of God.

So the question came to my heart—how will I wait? I remember my father quoting the scriptures. “Wait on the Lord, be strong and take heart, and wait on the Lord. So that’s how I wait…be strong and take heart. I asked God to give me strength for the journey ahead, and Hope that He was in control. I asked Him over and over again in coming months…and He was faithful. My hope was in Him.

After the initial shock wore off—I knew I needed to see my cousin Elizabeth. She is the only person who would understand what it was to be pregnant with a miracle baby. It was a five day journey. I hoped she would receive me and I would find her well. It was hard to wait to reach her and see that she truly was with child as the messenger said she was.

When I arrived… I saw her. My old, tender-hearted cousin, obviously with child! What the messenger said was true! I happily called to her and before I even had a chance to tell her what had happened… she grasped her belly and gasped. I was afraid, “ohno! Elizabeth are you OK?” And she said with a huge smile on her weathered face, “When you greeted me, the baby in my womb leaped with joy!” She went on to proclaim that I was blessed among women and so was the baby I bore. She asked why she should be so favored that the mother of her Lord would come to her. She said I was blessed because I believed that what the Lord said to me would be accomplished. Oh Lord, thank you for this sign that nothing is impossible! My heart rejoiced and I sang out in praise to God. Elizabeth was such an encouragement to me, I decided to stay with her for the remainder of her pregnancy—about three months--to help until her baby was born. Then, I’d return to Nazareth.

It wasn’t long before it was obvious to me I was pregnant. I was so very tired, and my stomach was unsettled all the time. It was true. God had given me a baby.

to be continued tomorrow...

Mary's story revisited, Part One.

2011-12-22T09:39:00.001-07:00

I am so humbled and thankful for this opportunity to share the story of the birth of my first -born son, Jesus, with you. It is my favorite story of all. Of course, all mothers love to tell of their experiences of bringing their children into the world…I’m no exception. But this birth story is so un-ordinary. And it doesn’t belong just to me—but to all of us. I’ve treasured these things and pondered them in my heart and am so happy to be sharing them with you.

Even after all of these years I still can’t believe this happened to me. I was just a poor, jewish girl from an obscure village of 400 called Nazareth. I’ll never understand why God chose me to be the one.

Let me start at the beginning. I hadn’t been of marrying age very long…but was already pledged to be married to Joseph, a local carpenter. This was the first stage of marriage, and meant that although I still lived with my folks, I was legally Joseph’s wife. My parents had arranged the marriage, as was our custom. I was relatively pleased with their choice. I didn’t know him well, but I knew he was from our tribe, and from the royal line of David, and that he observed the Torah and loved God. He had a trade that would provide us a sufficient living. What more could I ask for? I knew I would easily grow to love him…just like my mother learned to love my father…and was anticipating the day when he would take me to his home and I would live as his wife.

One day during that time of betrothal--the day that forever changed my life--as I took a break from my daily chores to rest, I felt a disturbance in the air. It’s hard to describe—but the hair on my arms stood up on end and my skin tingled. I looked up and before me was a figure unlike any person I had ever seen before. He was glowing so bright I could not make out his face. He said, “Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you”.

To say I was startled and afraid was an understatement…my heart was racing, my breath was caught in my throat. Could he mean me? Favored? Then he told me not to be afraid and called me by name, Mary. When he said my name, a peace came over me—for which I’m very thankful. I’m not sure I would have been able to hear what he said next because of the pounding of my heart in my ears! But God calmed me. The messenger went on to tell me that I would be with child, and give birth to a son, and give him the name Jesus. (I remember hoping he meant eventually…but somehow knew he meant soon.)

He then went on to tell me the most overwhelming news of all—that this son will be great and will be called Son of the Most High! He will have David’s throne! And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever…His kingdom would have no end!

My mind swirled with the implications of what he was saying. I knew promises of the scriptures well enough to know he was saying that I would be giving birth to the long-awaited Messiah!

I asked him how this could be that I would be with child when I hadn’t been with any man? And then he told me I would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit! I had never heard of that before…and didn’t understand…but he spoke with such authority that I knew that what he was telling me must be true.

As if this wasn’t enough for me to take in…He went on to tell me that my cousin Elizabeth was pregnant as well! Let me tell you, this was just as impossible as me being pregnant—as she was well past child-bearing age and had never even been able to have a child. Elizabeth had long ago given up hope on ever having a child. He said nothing is impossible with God.

In my opinion, the most surprising thing of all was yet to come. The most surprising thing was that I consented! I said, “I am the lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” God gave me the strength to muster some courage and agree to this plan. As soon as I did, the messenger left me.

to be continued tomorrow...

unwrapping on a bad day?

2011-12-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today I had one of those mornings. I woke up sad. I was discouraged. The sadness seemed to flavor everything...even the Christmas music sounded a little sad to me. (Of course I've always thought "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is fairly depressing--I could totally do without it. Close second--"I'll be Home for Christmas". Can I get any amens out there?) I had a headache. And too much to do. And my daughter disobeyed and needed a consequence first thing this morning. She's 15, so we aren't talking a time out--we are talking losing a privilege. I hate it when that happens. I wanted to go back to bed and wake up tomorrow.

So, on a Tuesday, where unwrapping gifts with emily at chatting at the sky would be the focus of my post, I wasn't sure if I should write. I mean...I don't want to depress everyone. And finding a gift on one of those days is hard, ya know? However, is there a better day to unwrap the gifts of every day then one where you have to look hard? I think probably not.

So tonight, I'm unwrapping a few gifts I've noticed today:

* Cleaning my too-neglected bathroom was cathartic. Something about getting rid of dust that has been staring at me from the never-used large bathtub and some grime from other places (use your imagination) gave me a sense of satisfaction. I can unwrap cleaning a bathroom today.

* Pickle accepted her consequence without much grief. She knew she had broken a rule and then lied about it. She took the consequence with a maturity I hadn't expected. I can unwrap unexpected grace in the form of a calmer-than-expected teenager.

* Although I didn't want to, skipping my Healing Journey class to be present on a hectic night at home was a good decision. I ran into one of the leaders today who gave me tonight's video, so I will be caught up in no time. That was a gift. I can unwrap a hard-but-good decision that resulted in a little space to breathe, and I can unwrap the timely gift of a bible study video.

* As I sit here tonight, Bubba is finishing up a project for school. It is almost conquered. I can unwrap that...it is always good to finish a project. Pickle and hubby are downstairs in the basement, pulling the guestroom together for my in-laws to stay in later this week. What I hear from down there is Christmas songs--not from the ipod, but instead their acapella voices are belting them out. I can certainly unwrap the gift of help with housework and joyous singing from those I love.

* And my mood? Significantly improved--even though circumstances remain unchanged for now. God has showed me that He's got my heart in His hands. And He is faithful. And that is no small gift to unwrap.

Tonight, I'm unwrapping the little gifts in the midst of a poopy Tuesday. Some Tuesdays are like that...it's OK.

hello december

2011-12-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

hello december.

hello snow (we have some today to kick off the month).

hello month of busy.

hello month of fun festivity.

hello lights twinkling and fireplace burning.

hello basketball games.

hello christmas music playing. everywhere, all the time.

hello advent candles and readings.

hello kids' christmas project.

hello shopping and wrapping.

hello school band and choir concerts.

hello visits with family.

hello parties and teacher gifts.

hello pup's christmas collar.

hello too many sweets. yum.

hello anticipation you can feel.

happy december, everyone!

(inspired by lisa leonard's hello monday posts--love them)

thirty thankful days- day 30-we made it!

2011-11-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Well, we have made it to the last day in November and the last day of our thankful link-ups! I'm thankful for all of you that have joined in whether it was once or everyday!

What have I gained by doing this exercise in thanks?

I hoped it would get me back in the habit of looking for reasons to be thankful...and it definitely did that. Most days I had to work hard to choose what to write about from all there is to be thankful for...and some days I had to work a bit to come up with something. I think our hearts fluctuate like that from day to day, but there is always something to give thanks for, and worth it to look for it.

I hoped it would help me get back into regular blogging. I love writing and expressing myself, but for whatever reason it's been harder lately. I can't figure out if I couldn't put two thoughts together meaningfully, or if there were just too many thoughts spinning through my head in this season to select one to write about. Regardless, I knew thankful posts would be easy to write and could get me back in the swing of it all. I think it worked...but time will tell!

I hoped to inspire others to be thankful. To notice what to be thankful for. To share their thankfulness with us and we in turn would be inspired. Did that happen? I know I enjoyed reading all of your posts VERY much. You reminded me of gifts in my life as well. Perhaps gratitude is contagious???

So, today, I'm thankful for our thirty day adventure in thanks. I'm thankful for those who've joined me and I'm thankful for the ways you have challenged and reminded me. I truly hope this little challenge was a blessing to you as well.

Keep on being thankful!

thirty thankful days-day 29-this season (and I don't mean Christmas this time)

2011-11-29T10:44:00.002-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Today I thank God for this season I'm in. It's a season of unsure steps, of new ways of relating, new ways of doing. It has me a bit off-balance, cause the self-reliance I have chosen in the not-so-far past has fallen short. Thankfully. God has so much more for me than self-reliance.

It is a season of embracing...embracing the person God has made me to be (as opposed to who I thought I wanted to be); embracing my age and stage of life (I still am shocked I'm middle-aged and have a young woman for my daughter!); embracing that I'm so far from perfect in relationships (but that I'm learning, still); embracing what is ahead (unknown, and ready or not!).

This season of newness, change, introspection, wondering, and trying new ways...it's Good. I guess I thought (deep down) that I would be well on my way to "arrived" by now. So I find myself surprised. I didn't expect for God to bring new things, to call me to deep healing, to make me rethink. I could get overwhelmed and immobilized (I do that). But God has called me to keep stepping forward--and realize that the steps only seem unsure when I forget that I can trust. This season is one best navigated with complete dependence on God and is so out of my control. I don't always like it--but I'm safe. And I'm thankful.

I invite you to link up today here with your thankful post as part of thirty thankful days here at theGoodlife, as well as celebrate the everyday gifts with emily at chatting at the sky...I am.

thirty thankful days-day 28-the doc

2011-11-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

You may remember that my hubby has been dealing with back issues the last few years. It has been debilitating and depressing and has dominated our hearts and prayers. Well, one of the biggest things I'm thankful for in 2011 is that God has brought help to Dave.

God had been leading us to consider more natural approaches to healing (like nutrition, etc) since doctors and medicine and countless procedures left Dave still on the couch in pain. So as we tentatively set out on that path...God brought Dr. Smith into our lives. We had heard about this holistic chiropractor for years from friends, even before we had our own problems. Once Dave started suffering, several had recommended he see this doc...but for whatever reason, we never sought his help. (I now think that in God's timing, Dave needed to be desperate enough to try anything before he would totally buy into this guy's philosophy of healing.) At a prayer night at church, Dave was working the sound board when a friend approached him and said, "I don't know why, but I feel like I'm supposed to tell you to try my doctor, Dr. Smith." That was it. We hear you, God! Dave decided to give him a try. Insurance didn't cover any of it. We didn't care...we were desperate for Dave to rejoin life as we knew it.

Well, "Smitty" as we affectionately call him (not to his face), had been a Godsend. His approach to holistic healing that has Dave addressing the structural, chemical and emotional/spiritual aspects of his health simultaneously has made a huge difference. We have learned there is so much more to Dave's condition than just back pain, and we are thankful to have someone addressing the whole thing. Dave still has a ways to go until he is fully healthy again, but he has made giant strides forward. One day, not long after Dave started to improve, Pickle looked at me and said, "Dad is back". And we realized not only that he was back, but how much had had indeed been missing. We are so thankful.

Since then, I have started seeing Smitty for the problems I've been having with my neck. His x-rays showed double scoliosis in my back, among other things, and his treatment has been slowly unwinding the torques in my spine. As my back improves, the neck should as well. It already is doing better--but has a ways to go yet. This type of treatment is slow, but at least I feel like I'm heading in the right direction. I saw him today, and he was pleased with the progress in my back. He identified scar tissue in my neck that is part of what needs to be address as the healing moves to my neck...and he spent more time then usual on my neck today. It felt good.

So today I am thankful for dear Smitty--the doc--and the gifts God has given him to point people to healing. And I so very, VERY, grateful, for the healing God is bringing to Dave.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button.

thirty thankful days-day 27-puppy

2011-11-27T21:11:00.001-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Today I'm thankful for my pup, Patch. God gave Patch to our family several years ago in a way that we knew he was a gift from above. You can read about our quest for a family pet here--it's the story of my dog conversion. And click here if you want to see some of my favorite pictures of my little furry friend. You should...he's really cute. :0)

Patch is always nearby. He is usually curled up on whatever piece of furniture I'm sitting on...as long as he can find a way to squish himself in. If we are relaxing on the couch...he's napping on top of us. He loves to be pet and scratched and can be a bit pushy when he wants some lovin' but he lets up when we tell him to. Lately he's been trying to get his head in between my hands and the keyboard when I type. Other times he paws at it to get my attention. I think he's trying to type too...there are things in that fuzzy head that apparently need to come out! He often rests his chin on our legs...and looks up at us with his dark eyes. He's pretty hard to resist at that point...

love me...

For someone who never wanted a dog, I sure do love this little guy. He brings me company, warmth, joy and laughter. And he's a reminder to me of God's abundant love.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button.

thirty thankful days-day 26-bring on Christmas!

2011-11-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Boy, I'm really slacking off on the thankful posts! I honestly spaced it completely yesterday and most of today... full days of no-routine, and little computer time. Sorry to those of you who are faithfully posting and wanting to link up!!

Today I'm thankful for the Christmas spirit! You know--that little tingle of excitement you feel as you sense the holiday is really on it's way? Well, I feel like my Christmas spirit has waned the last few years...I wanted to feel it, but it barely showed up. I don't know if it was hubby's back issues, or letting myself get bogged down in to-dos or what...

However, it's back! And I'm thankful! I think the Christmas spirit is back for a few reasons. One, I think I'm in a better place emotionally this year. Can't really say why other than that I know God is working on my heart. Two, this Christmas we are getting to see ALL of our family--both sides! We just made the final decision and plans this weekend. My side of the family is gathering here in Colorado the week before Christmas, and then we'll join Dave's side of the family in Minnesota for a late celebration. What a treat to see everyone! Three, I think I realized that the last few years I wasn't allowing myself to relax and relish the season until everything was "ready"--which never really happened. There was always more to do, and I lived with the delusion that I could get it all done with enough time left over to reflect and enjoy. This year, I'm enjoying as I go. So the house only got partly decorated this weekend (I'd prefer it to be done) but I'm sitting and enjoying a Christmas movie with my kids. There is always tomorrow, right? Letting go of the shoulds and the have-tos really helps.

Pickle sporting a random christmas decoration.

this year's tree

Anyway, it's fun to have some shopping started, the tree up (didn't do it last year, remember?), and the travel plans made. We've been listening to Christmas music and lighting yummy-smelling Christmas candles. And I'm enjoying it, and am so thankful.

What did you do this weekend? Shop? Decorate? Relax?

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button.

thirty thankful days-thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:59:00.001-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

I've been up before everyone else this morning--cinnamon rolls and egg casserole are ready to go in the oven, and I'm enjoying the quiet before the celebration. In the quiet I've been reflecting on how much I have to be thankful for...and I can't really wrap my mind around it. I mean, really, I want for nothing.

Sure, I have my moments when I wish this was different, or we had more of that, or less of this. Gratefulness is usually the cure for those moments.

So on this thanksgiving day, my heart overflows with thanksgiving not only for the obvious big blessings--faith, family, friends, health, a home, jobs and God's never ending grace and love--but the also for all of the smaller things I take for granted. You know, the things that are easy to overlook because they are so normal...

~ an oven that works so we can cook
~ slippers and a robe for cold mornings
~ running water, hot showers and flushing toilets (really--imagine the alternative)
~ warm blankets
~ cars to drive and $ to put gas in them
~ the TV and the entertainment we can share as a family at home
~ a washing machine and dryer
~ my Bible
~ music and ways to play it, listen to it, enjoy it
~ cell phones and always being able to reach my family
~ a selection of clothes to wear
~ grocery stores loaded with food to choose from (I visited three yesterday!)
~ the internet and all the ways we use it everyday
~ my eyeglasses...and boy do I need them these days
~ the beautiful mountains I see each day (and sometimes don't notice)

I could go on and on. The blessings--big and small, noticed and unnoticed--abound. I'm thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button.

thirty thankful days-day 22-grandparents

2011-11-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Today I'm thankful that my kids have wonderful grandparents. We are blessed to have all four of our parents alive and well and involved in our kids' lives.

I've been thinking about this a lot recently, as two of the gals in my healing journey class have recently lost their moms, and I get to see glimpses of their grief and pain. Then, earlier this month, my brother-in-law Matt lost his father to cancer. He was relatively young, and it is very sad. I can't imagine...

Today was grandparents' day at my kids' school. Both of my parents, who live here in town, were able to go. They've gone every year since Bubba started at the school three years ago. Now they split up--one going to the high school with Pickle, and one goes to the elementary school with Bubba. I think they enjoy it, and I know the kids enjoy hosting them and showing them their world.

Grandparent's Day 2009--all four grandparents with Bubba

My hubby's parents will be travelling from MN in early December just to be here for a few of the kids' events...they will take in a piano recital and a choir concert and maybe hit a few basketball practices. It's pretty cool that they make the effort to be at our kids' things when then they can.

All four of my kids' grandparents are loving, interested, caring, praying grandparents. Our kids are so very blessed. Many kids do not have four grandparents--due to either broken families or death--one or more are missing. And of the grandparents kids do have, not all are even close to as kind and generous as ours are. We are so blessed. But as a friend said in her post, I will not feel guilty about any of that... but I will be thankful.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 21-christmas project

2011-11-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Posting this a day late...but a splitting headache took me down yesterday. Oh well, two thankful posts today!

I'm thankful for the Christmas Project our kids at church are doing this year. Through partnering with a local elementary school, we learned of 32 children from that school who will not be getting Christmas presents this year, due to financial hardships. That's not okay, and we needed to do something about it.

Now, let me tell you that one of the things we do with the kids on Sunday mornings is reward them for learning their remember-verse, bringing their Bibles, etc. What the kids earn are little glass marbles--we call them mementos. The kids place the mementos in a jar--working together to fill it up. The deal is when the jar is full, they earn the chance to do something as a group for someone else. As they do things to build their faith, they not only are blessed themselves, but they become a blessing to others.

The jar is full. We gathered the kids and parents together this past Sunday, to reveal what project they have earned. Each family was able to choose a envelope from our wrapped package--and inside the envelope was information on one of the kids in need, and cash with which to go shopping for that child! They were very excited! The kids have been instructed to use half of the money to buy them something really fun, and half of the money to buy them something practical.

I'm so thankful for this project--that we get to show kids that God sees them and God loves them. That our kids get to experience participating in something so close to God's heart. Our kids will be able to engage their hearts and minds as they think about what this other child needs and would want, and how to best bless them. It's all pretty stinkin' cool...and I'm thankful.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 20-sunday comfies

2011-11-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

As I sit to write my thankful post today there is much to be thankful for...but honestly, what comes to mind the most right now is how much I love changing into sloppy, comfy clothes on Sunday afternoons.

Working at a church makes Sunday morning a fun, fact-paced and energy-expending time. We go early and leave late...and although I love it all, it usually feels (at least) like an 8 hour day by the time I come home. So after all is said and done, and after we grab lunch out (most weeks), we walk in the door mid-afternoon and I change into the comfies.

Now, our church is casual. I often wear jeans. I still try to look on the dressier side of jeans though, and I often wear heels. Still, I'm mostly comfortable--I really can't complain. However, there is something to be said about putting on the yoga pants and a big soft t-shirt or sweatshirt, that says it's time to relax. It says I'm not going anywhere the rest of the day. It's a cue to my body that I'm off-duty. Yeah, I might still do some laundry or pick up around the house...but the pace is slow. It's different than the go-until-bedtime routine of the weekdays. It's different than the errands-housework-and-soccer-game-type clothes of a Saturday. These are cozy, and practically unpresentable. For example, today I'm wearing grey soft yoga pants and a very large and VERY soft red and brown t-shirt that belongs to my hubby. I'm quite a sight. It's wonderful.

So, today, I'm thankful for cozy comfies for Sunday afternoons, and for the change of pace they represent.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 19-friday night live

2011-11-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Small Group, Life Group, Growth Group, Home Group--I've heard them called a number of things. A smaller group of people from church to get to know better, to "do life with", to care for, to learn together, to pray with and to serve with. We call our group "Friday Night Live", and we've been in this group for several years. In fact, we formed this group several years ago when we were having a rough time and needed accountability and community. The people have changed some, but the core of the group has stayed the same. We no longer lead the group, although we do host it at our home a bunch.

some of our group out to eat last winter

Today I am thankful for our group. I'm thankful we can be honest with each other. I'm thankful they pray for us. I'm thankful for the laughs we share. I'm thankful for the kids in our group--the babies to borrow a snuggle from, the silly toddlers who make me laugh, and the older kids who we get to watch grow and change and learn to love God. I'm thankful that although by far the oldest, my kids get to be there and watch these littler ones...an important role and a chance to serve. I'm thankful for the times, like last night, when we split the men and women for prayer requests. The girl-sharing-time is always special to me. My love for these girls grows all the time.

Is our group perfect? Nope. Is it messy sometimes? Yep. Do I need to talk myself into going on nights I'm tired or cranky? Yessirree. Is it worth it?? Absolutely. We all need community. We all need to be known. We all need to give of ourselves to others. I know I do.

I'm thankful God has allowed me the privilege of "doing life with" others...and that the others are my good friends.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 18-my favorite girl

2011-11-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

If you're keeping track...I missed a day of posting. Some days are full and nights are late. I was thankful, but didn't write about it. I'm over it...and am on to today...

pickle on instagram

My daughter. I find new things to love about her all the time. Wednesday night we went out to dinner with an old friend of ours from college who was in town on business. Throughout our dinner conversation, Pickle chatted happily with our friend. I participated in the discussion, but the whole time part of my was sitting back and observing her as she shared her school experiences and her thinking about college and her future.

My thoughts? She's so pretty--as she smiled big and brushed her hair from her eyes over and over. She is so poised--casually talking with a 40-something year old man she sees about once every couple of years. She is charming--she is beautifully animated as she speaks about her desire to work with kids, maybe kids with special needs, as a career. I was enthralled with who she is and who she is becoming.

Last night we had our weekly long ride to her tutor's home. And, because she is there, the music is on. She's singing along, as always. I love listening to her--whether she's belting out a ballad, or picking out harmonies to the various pop songs she's into. I never tire of hearing her sing.

This girl-woman is quickly becoming a person I choose as a friend as well. Her sense of humor and her caring heart make her a wonderful person to be around. We laugh a lot together...and I value her opinion.

She's 15, and that makes some moments difficult. In fact, there was one this morning. {smile} Those moments are far outweighed by the wonderful ones. Today I'm thankful for my beautiful, growing-up-too-fast daughter.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 16-healing journey

2011-11-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Today I'm thankful for the Healing Journey class I'm taking--a Bible-based class designed to bring healing to wounded hearts. God told me to take this class back when He told me to "let go of the safety ropes", and I signed up. I didn't think I needed that much healing, so I wasn't that excited about it. But I was being obedient, stepping one more step forward.

Well, you guessed it, I am learning so much. As I expected, many parts of the class are foundational to our faith and reinforce what I already believe. The part of the class I am enjoying the most though is learning new frameworks with which to understand my feelings, thoughts and actions. I'm starting to understand some of my patterns I'm stuck in. I'm learning ways to process the wounds I have received. I'm being given a vocabulary to speak about things I didn't really understand. I've been to counseling a few seasons of my life...and this is building on things I learned then and I believe giving me tools for the future. Our Small Group time each week is particularly meaningful--we listen to each other. That's it. We don't judge. It's a gift to be heard. Our small group leader then helps us with the processes we are learning to use. We have a-ha moments. We rejoice at the progress we see each other making in understanding ourselves. God is at work.

Last night at our class, the class author and teacher (we watch her on video), Cyndy Sherwood, was there to talk to us and encourage us in person. I really enjoyed meeting her and hearing what she had to say to us as a group. One of the main things I remember is the way she related the class to shopping for something like clothes or a car. She said the video/teaching is like the part of shopping when you gather information (see what's in the store, go online, see what's being offered). The small group time is like taking the car for a test drive, or trying on the clothes--seeing how the information intersects with our life, learning how to apply the teaching. But if all we did was find out the information, and test-drive it, and they go home--we don't own anything new. Instead, there needs to be a transaction. She said the transaction (the life-change) happens when we do our homework. That's where decisions are made, we do business with God, and the life-altering processing occurs. I think that is true for most Bible Study classes--without the soul-work on your own with God, all you get is information...what do you think?

I'm thankful today that God led me to this class. He is using it--along with trials and conversations with others--to help me face my "stuff", so I don't have to drag it around any more. God wants to heal me--even of wounds and destructive patterns I was barely aware of. He loves me too much to leave me the way I am. Sometimes it's hard, but I'm thankful. So thankful.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 15-the xerox man, my hero

2011-11-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

So, many of my Facebook friends are posting thankful things each day in November. Some of them are so deep and meaningful and profound. They are thankful for God's grace, and their loved ones, and things like laughter and hope. And I post about online tutorials and bathroom tile. Deeply moving, I know. Well, here's another profound theological thankful post. Today, I am thankful for the xerox man.

Here's the background scoop:

1) Yesterday I was covering the church office for the whole day alone.
2) Our copier was broken, so I needed to get the repair happening.
3) The xerox people called no less than three times, with each time the story being different of who was coming to service our machine and when he might be coming. The last I had heard at about 12:30 was that "Steve" was coming, probably the next day.
4) Yet, surprisingly, "Pete" showed up at our door at almost 1:00 in the afternoon. (right when I was supposed to leave for a meeting of course...whatever).
5) Not long after Pete went to work on our sad copier, I heard the door chime that someone entered the building. When I went to see who it was, I found an apparently homeless man sitting in our office lobby. It is not unusual to have people stop by for help, and our pastor meets with each one to determine the best way to help them. But I was alone yesterday.

(disclaimer: In telling this story, I by no means want to disrespect this person who has apparently had some hard knocks and was obviously struggling with all sorts of things...so please take no offense.)

When I asked this man if I could help him--he asked to see a pastor. I explained that unfortunately neither of our pastors were in today. He asked for a food basket. I told him where the organization we partner with for food is. He asked what our church was about anyway? (implying we should really help people, right? ugh.) I was able to give him a bottle of water and a bag of trail mix we had in our snack cabinet. I said goodbye to him, and invited him back tomorrow when a pastor could meet with him. He just sat there. He was making me pretty uncomfortable. I consulted with one of our pastors via text who offered to come--but he was quite a ways away at a conference. I figured by the time he got to me, the situation would resolve. He knew I had a meeting off-site that I was supposed to be at, and made the wise suggestion that I tell this man that I needed to leave and lock up the building as soon as the xerox man was done, so he would need to leave. I go out to tell him, but need to wake him up first. He had konked out on our couch. He seemed ok with that idea, but didn't leave. I start getting even more nervous. I go back into our office and see that Pete the xerox guy was packed up and ready to go. Yikes! Our pastor had told me to leave with the xerox guy! I looked helplessly at Pete and asked him timidly if he would mind staying until the other guy left. He said, "Absolutely, I completely understand." Gotta love the xerox man, right?

So Pete stayed. He stayed when the homeless man asked to use the bathroom. He stayed while we waited the 15 minutes or so for the man to finish using the bathroom (apparently he disrobed and washed up). Pete was with me when our visitor finally left and walked me out as well. Whew! Thank you Pete. I can't imagine how I would have felt if I was alone with this guy! I felt uncomfortable enough as it was. He probably was harmless, but he sure didn't seem "with it", so who know how irrationally he could behave. I think xerox-Pete was there a good half-hour longer than he had to be. Might have thrown off his whole schedule, I don't know. He was a God-send. And not just cause he fixed our copier! I plan to commend him to his supervisors today, if I can figure out how.

So, today, I'm thankful for Pete the xerox guy, who went above and beyond yesterday. And I'm thankful to God for the way he protects and comforts me in unexpected ways.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 14-online techy tutorials?

2011-11-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

I'm thankful for online tutorials today. I know this might sound particularly mundane, but as I sit down to type this post, it's what pops to mind first. Why? I know you are dying to know...

It was a weird Sunday for things with buttons it seemed. After our crazy Saturday night, we were off and running to church in the morning--arriving early enough for me to get a few last minute things done before the morning began. I had a few things to copy--but the office copier malfunctioned and was useless for copying. Bad day for that. Then the projector we hook up to my computer to show our music DVD and our power point for our kids' program would not project. Yikes! When we finally got it projecting, my computer changed colors and everything looked kinda green. We tried a few things and just ended up going with the greenish glow. It was pretty funny as our storyteller talked to the kids about the three colors of yarn used in the tabernacle--and they were all green in the pictures! {smile} And during the first song we sang, no sound for the first verse. Ah, joy.

Anyway, let's just say I was not in the mood for my iphone to completely freeze up tonight while trying to do an update. I didn't know iphones did that. I mean, I pressed every button, plugged it in and out of the computer, etc. and nothing. The screen had an apple logo with a empty bar beneath it--and I couldn't get it to go away or do anything. I showed my hubby and he tried a few things to no avail. I started down the thought-road of: when would I have time to get it looked at, how I might let people know I'm not getting their messages or phone calls, all the stuff I had on there that I still wanted, etc.

My phone looks like this...Pickle picked the case. :0)

With only a little bit of panic, I googled it. "iphone frozen" came up and I clicked it. It took me through everything I should do and it worked! I was able to put it into recovery mode and then restore it to a backed up copy of my own iphone data! I know some of you could do this with one hand tied behind your back, but not me. I usually defer to someone who knows. And, I guess I did...but this time the someone was a kind person who thought to post a little online-tutorial. And it saved my life!! Well, not really, but I can imagine today being a very different day without my phone. I guess I've come to rely on it...just a bit.

So, I guess God has been teaching me not to take things for granted these days...working bathrooms, dry carpet and functional phones--I might have ignored those blessings had I not experienced their temporary loss.

So thank you God for online tutorials, and for reminding me of my blessings.

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!

-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 13-crazy night

2011-11-13T16:09:00.002-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Well, as I've mentioned before, we had a mess in the bathroom a few months back. This past week our friend Brent finished the work and we have a functional bathroom again! Last night I decided to shop my basement for some things to put on the new bare walls--see what I could make work from the random things I have stored down there. I looked for a while in our storage room, and then remembered something that might be in the closet in the guest room. I headed in there, and then...SQUISH. My sock feet were wet from a soaking wet carpet! OHNO! This room is directly below our newly fixed bathroom. I looked up and found a giant bubble in the ceiling where the paint was catching a leak.

Yikes! I yelled for hubby to come quickly, and the craziness of the night began. Turned water off. Called my dad for help. He came. Called our friend Brent. He came. Pickle needed a shower--called my sister to see if we could come shower at her house. She said yes. And then the dog had a scary seizure in the midst of it all. Crazy night..

Long story short: the leak wasn't as bad as we all thought it was. Brent was able to find it and fix it. The casualties only seem to be about half a room of carpet pad and some drywall. And by ten-thirty, the water was on, showers could happen, and we were back to normal. Even my doggie seemed back to his normal self. Whew.

Here's some lovely pics of how it looks today.

this is the closet area where the leak was.

the other side of the room with the contents of the closet and the folded back carpet.

The closet doors and the contents of our furnace room (also affected) in our playroom.

So why be thankful for this crazy night? Not sure I am, but there are lots of things to be thankful for in the midst.

1) I'm thankful I went down there! Seriously, I can go weeks without going into that room. That could have been a mess with a capital M, huh?
2) I'm thankful for my husband who sprung into action to take care of things.
3) I'm thankful for my dad and Brent who came, when they were probably headed to bed, to help us out.
4) I'm thankful Brent was able to find the problem.
5) I'm thankful this is not a-whole-nother insurance claim.
6) I'm thankful when we were in full-on panic mode, Bubba and I were able to sit down and pray together about it.
7) I'm thankful my sweet dog is OK now.
8) And I'm thankful that we could shower and brush our teeth and all those things one should do before heading to church. :0)

So, in spite of it all...and in spite of the mess down there at the moment...I am very thankful.

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 12-a day away

2011-11-12T09:49:00.001-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Today I'm thankful for the day away I had yesterday. I took a little personal retreat--a day away from the normal distractions of life, to a different setting. It was a day to think, pray, journal, read and listen. I knew there were some things I needed to spend some extended time with God on, and it worked out for me to spend my day off doing just that.

First of all, check out the awesome sunrise that greeted me at home that morning. Breathtaking.

Not far from my home there is a catholic retreat center--where I was able to have a little room for the day. It was a blessing to be there. When I arrived in my room, I quickly went to the window and looked out to see what my view was. The first thing I saw was him.

taken from my window

This buck stayed outside my window almost the whole day, and I spent a lot of time watching him and the other deer who ate, played and rested on the lawn outside my room. In fact, I pulled the chair in my room over to the window and camped out there. There are often deer on the grounds there, but I thought it was a special gift from God for so many to be in my view as I sat and read and wrote and prayed.

Even though it was cold, I went for a walk on the grounds in the afternoon. The deer were all over, and it seemed like at times they were just posing for me to snap their pictures. I only had my cell phone with me...but I snapped away.

It was a good day. I'm thankful.

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 11-a little free time

2011-11-11T06:24:00.003-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Last night was tutoring night. Pickle has been seeing a tutor weekly to help her with study and organizational skills, as well as a few little brain glitches. She's been a big help...but she lives pretty far from our home, and not near anything else. So tutoring nights mean we leave our house by 5:30 and get home at 8:30. Much of that time is driving, since I usually leave the tutor's home to run an errand--20 minutes to anything--and drive back to her house. So, it's not my utmost favorite evening. Even though it's worth it for the help Pickle is receiving.

At the last minute tonight, Pickle's tutor and I decided to cancel our session for a number of reasons. And guess what? 5:30 - 8:30 was suddenly free! Wahoo! I didn't do anything super productive with the time...talked with my husband, watched a few youtube videos with my daughter, proofread my son's report, did a little facebooking, caught up on X Factor. You know, important stuff. :0)

What a gift it was. Space in the day. Unexpected space in the day. That's what I'm thankful for.

Oh, and I'm also really thankful for this--my favorite video we watched last night--of my friend Nicole on the news welcoming home her hubby from Iraq yesterday. Click and enjoy, it will make you happy. Thank you and Happy Veteran's Day to all who serve our country!

Nicole and Andrew's Homecoming!

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 10--my bosstor

2011-11-10T08:17:00.001-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

As I've mentioned before, I have the privilege of working as the Children's Ministry Director at our church. It's a job I love very much. Just about two years ago we got a new senior pastor--who is also my boss. (Get it? boss/pastor=bosstor? Kay, that's lame--I made that word up too-late last night when I started this post...and am leaving it cause I like to laugh at myself.)

How do I begin to describe Don? Passionate. A visionary. Straightforward. A Teacher. Developmental. A Leader. Missional. A strong communicator. He is unlike anyone I've ever known before. Our church has been blessed by his leadership in many ways.

But I'm not thankful on behalf of my church today, I'm thankful for Don's impact on my life in particular. I have never had a boss speak into my life the way he does, and I've had some really developmental bosses. He has great insight into people and is able to mentor people like I've never been mentored before. He does not tread lightly, and is willing to call out things others might not.

Don and I up front at church after our VBX (hence the green T-shirt)

Last night we spent a few hours talking about me...about what he sees I'm good at. And about what I'm not good at. He asked me to get over not being good at certain things (working on it...), and to stop trying to do them. He doesn't want me spending my energy in those ways. He is able to tell me what type of leader I am, and how that positively impacts our team and our church. I can't say I completely get everything he said to me last night...It always takes me a while to wrap my mind around it, but I have a feeling he's pretty dead-on. When I came home, my hubby and I processed, and he seems to agree with the things Don and I talked about.

I am growing and changing under Don's guidance, not only from his teaching, but particularly under his mentorship. He names my gifts and strengths very specifically, which is extremely affirming. And he also names the things holding me back, which are sometimes hard to hear--but which I believe is an even bigger investment in me. God is using Don to help me look at myself in ways I probably wouldn't have. And for these reasons, I'm thankful for Don, my boss and my pastor (my bosster? heh heh) today.

Who would have thought I could still have so much to learn about myself at age halfway-to-ninety?? I'm thankful I'm not done yet...

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 9--love on a chain

2011-11-09T06:22:00.001-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

As I mentioned before, Sunday was my birthday. I had a lovely day in all ways. The kids and Dave had some gifts for me. A stinkin' adorable owl keychain and a beautiful watch. Love 'em both--and they were much more than I expected. But then Monday, when I got home from work, there was another package for me. One of my presents had arrived a little late. I thought they had already given me more than enough...but I'm so glad this package arrived.

In it was a beautiful Lisa Leonard necklace I've had my eye on for a while. It's called the Family Tree necklace. Isn't it pretty?

Some of the things I love about it: (and no, Lisa Leonard did not put me up to this...)

* it's heavier than I thought. I love how I can feel it's weight on my skin.
* it's not perfectly round. It looks handmade and it is.
* it has all five of our names on it. Including Aidan's. I don't always know when it's appropriate to include him, but I'm so glad Dave did on this...

Now, I know I sound a little shallow, fussing over a necklace. So let me tell you why I really love it...it's because Dave bought it for me. Because he listened to me say how much I liked it. Because to me, it represents his love, and our family's love. It's the sentiment that means so much.

Honestly, this hasn't been the easiest year of our marriage. Not the worst, but pretty hard. For Dave to buy me something this sentimental makes me feel like he is still invested, still embracing this life we share. When things get difficult, that is hard to feel sure of. Not that a necklace solves or proves anything, but it feels like hopeful love to me. It may not make sense to you, but it means a lot.

So, today, I'm thankful for this love hanging on a chain around my neck.

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 8-my morning drink

2011-11-08T08:16:00.002-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Everyone has one, it seems. A morning drink. Coffee for many. Tea for some. OJ. Hot water with lemon. If my friend Beth could make them at home it would be the Gingerbread Latte. It's the drink that you grab for, maybe even before you are fully awake. You find some comfort in the mug or glass--easing yourself into your day.

Well, I didn't have one. Although I had been known to pour diet coke in a coffee mug and pretend I had a morning drink, I knew that didn't count. Not liking coffee or tea has been a challenge for me. I longed for quiet moments with my Bible and cup of whatever, like others described.

Well, now I have one. It's a green smoothie. As I've mentioned before, we've been trying to make better choices when it comes to nourishing our body around here. We are working to get rid of much of the bad, and add lots of good. One way we are adding the good is with our green smoothies in the morning.

What's a green smoothie, you ask? Well, if you google it you are going to easily find out. They are pretty popular to make. Basically its a lots of greens blended with fruit and ice. It ends up mostly tasting like the fruit, but you get tons of nutrition in with those greens. I learned a lot from reading greensmoothiegirl. She has lots of info on her website, and many videos on youtube as well. I defer to her if you would like more info on the benefits of green smoothies. But I'm convinced.

We received a super-dooper blender as a gift, and it's pretty amazing. My husband says it's like having a jet engine on our counter! It will blend anything.

So with the incentive of getting better nutrition in my family's bodies, and the fun of a new gadget--I started making green smoothies every morning. Dave and I usually have 2 large ones, and the kids each have one.

There are lots of green smoothie recipes out there...and I don't use any of them. Instead I wing it every time. Here are the basics of what I do. First I add water. Then I add some flax oil and chia seeds (for the extra nutrition--my family doesn't notice they're in there.) I put in a few generous handfuls of greens. Spinach or Chard most often. After the greens, I (sometimes)add carrots and then either a banana or avocado for creaminess. Then some fruit--fresh and/or frozen. I put in at least some frozen fruit for the icyness factor. I try not to overdo it on the fruit--more veggies is better. I sometimes add stevia for sweetness. Last of all, I top the whole thing with some ice.

Then I hit the button and the blender threatens to lift off my counter. :0)

I pour my family their smoothies, wave goodbye as they leave and then sit down with mine as I read my Bible, catch up on blogs, facebook, etc. The whole time, I'm sipping that smoothie.

I am so happy I have my morning drink. Diet coke in a mug is nice and all...but I gave up diet coke in March and haven't looked back. I love handing the smoothies to my family each morning--blessing their bodies with a little nutrition. A little love in a cup to send them on their way.

Do you have a go-to morning drink?

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 7-a tissue paper bouquet

2011-11-07T06:42:00.002-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Yesterday was my birthday, and it was a lovely day. I'm thankful today for one of my sweet birthday surprises--a whole bouquet of tissue paper flowers.

My dear friend Tamara, who also is part of our children's ministry team, coordinated the kids to each make me a flower. They individually presented them to me with a hug. On each flower is a paper leaf where they wrote a little birthday note to me. Isn't that sweet?

some of the kiddos bringing me flowers

It was nice to be remembered, but what I'm really thankful for is what those flowers represent. Each one represents a child that God has brought into my life, a child who God loves and who I get to love too. Each crinkly, colorful stem represents a young person that I get to witness grow in their faith and love for God. What a privilege!

One of my favorite messages was written by a six-year-old and reads, "Mrs Dawn, you keep on telling me my favorite story." Yes, Thomas, I do. And I will keep telling you it--it's the story of how much God loves you.

I also received a lovely card, which included an acronym from my name. As Tamara read it out loud to me in front of the group, she got all choked up. So, of course, I choked up. Crying on my birthday--good times! Actually, it was a precious moment and I will treasure my giant card and my paper flowers--and thank God for the honor of walking alongside these precious ones on their faith journey.

Yes, I'm thankful today for a tissue paper bouquet.

What are you thankful for? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

Thirty thankful days-day 6-Happy Birthday!

2011-11-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Today is my birthday. I am turning "halfway to ninety" as my daughter kindly says. Wow. That is a concept in itself...you know, the whole getting older thing. But today, besides being thankful for 45 years of life, I am thankful for simple birthday celebrations. As I mentioned on Wednesday, it was Bubba's birthday this week as well. So, this weekend is when we did the celebrating for both of us.

I am so thankful that Bubba was up for a celebration that ended up being so easy-schmeasy. He chose to have less friends involved, but to do more activities. The less-friends part eliminated the need for formal invitations, the need for booking some sort of "party package" somewhere (whew--cause I let it get away from me and probably would have had trouble getting the date we wanted), and in general, lowered the amount of energy we would have expended corralling a large group of boys. Bubba chose to have a friend from school, a friend from the neighborhood, and a friend from church and that was it!

glow-golf

We took the boys to play glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, then lunch at the food court (I know, boring, but it makes 11 year old boys happy), then they tried out the laser-maze, and then my hubby took them to the Puss in Boots movie, and Dairy Queen for a treat. The all-day shindig finished back at our house where Bubba opened some gifts. They all had a really great time--and there was no prep, no decorating, not even a cake! I'm so thankful.

the party-ers at lunch

After Bubba's day-o-fun, we spent the evening with my family celebrating both Bubba and my birthdays. We had dinner together (ordered in--easy), opened gifts, had ice cream cake, and just hung out. Simple and just perfect. I'm so thankful!

Bubba got tickets to see the Air Force football team play--he's going next weekend with dad and grandpa!

new purse!

Today I will be at church in the morning, and then having a luncheon for my children's teachers. When all of that is over...I am free to celebrate however I wish. I think a nap will be involved. You know...I am, afterall, halfway to ninety!

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-days 4 and 5

2011-11-05T06:34:00.012-06:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Well, I can't believe I already missed a day on my quest to post every day of November! All I can say is that I have NOT stopped since I last wrote...life is so full right now. But that is one reason why I want to do these thankful posts. Sometimes in the fullness of life...the good, the bad, the busy...I can lose track. I can lose track of all of the blessings...I forget to notice them. Anyway, I'm sorry bloggies, for my unintentional day off...but to catch up, I'll be doubly thankful today. :0)

Today I'm thankful for M. M is Pickle's very good friend. Everyone needs a good friend, and a 15 year old girl might need one more than most. Two years ago, Pickle's best friend (since they were toddlers!) moved away across the country (we miss you, K!) I hoped and prayed she would one day have a friend like that again here in town. M moved here a year and a half ago, and she and Pickle became good friends about 10 months ago. Despite the relatively short length of their friendship, they are very close. M came over last night to keep Pickle company as she watched the kids for our small group meeting.

M and Pickle--November 4, 2011

M is a wonderful girl--she loves God deeply, worships Him with her whole heart, and follows Him authentically. I think she is pretty amazing. Her serious faith does not keep her from being silly though, and Pickle and M are very silly and giggly together. They have so much fun. I really couldn't have picked a lovelier friend for my girl...and I don't take for granted what having that kind of friend means to a growing-up-too-fast young woman. So I'm thankful today for M.

Switching gears completely, I'm also thankful today for my bed. I've been so busy, and therefore, so tired lately. And when I'm tired, nothing's better than curling up in our new bed. We've had this bed for several months and it is incredible. We took the recommendation of friends and our chiropractor and purchased a Natural Form bed. This bed has air chambers, kind of like those sleep number beds. The difference is that you don't have to select your perfect sleep number--this bed adjusts as you lie on it...and if you change positions, it adjusts to your new position as well. You have NO pressure points at all. Aaah, it's so nice, I may just want to get in it right now! I'm so thankful to have a comfy bed to fall into at the end of a full day.

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 3--a tile floor

2011-11-03T07:47:00.001-06:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

A tile floor...really? Dawn, yesterday you posted about your son, and today a tile floor? Yes, I swung to the mundane.

Almost two months ago, in the last minutes before our small group arrived at our home, I discovered a mess. I was doing the final wipe down in the bathroom, and the floor seemed wet. I went to wipe it up and the floor squished down. Water seeped up through the vinyl tiles we had there. Uh oh.

My hubby was wise enough to call our insurance company before a plumber to see if it warranted a claim. They sent someone out to access the damage and discovered black mold! Apparently, it only takes 72 hours to develop. So they sealed up the room and began a mold remediation process. When that was done, we began to get estimates for the rebuild.

here is our bathroom all sealed up...

I don't know why, but this process has involved a whole lot of waiting. Wait for this guy, that guy, that phone call, to pick this, to pick that, to figure out who will do the work, etc. etc. etc. And we are without the bathroom on the main floor. No matter how long it had been unusable...we all still manage to walk in there to use it before we remember the room is empty.

(Can I take a moment aside here and express my gratitude for the THREE other bathrooms in our house?--I'm such a whiner...)

Finally, last week, thanks to a dear semi-retired contractor from our church, work began on our bathroom. Yesterday he finished tiling our floor. We had trouble finding tile we liked, but I think I'm pleased. I may be mostly pleased that it's done, but I think I'm also pleased with the way it looks.

What do you think??

Even though there is still painting, and all sorts of installing to do, the floor represents progress. One of these days soon, we are going to have a bathroom there again. And I'm thankful for progress.

Cause, Lord knows we can hardly survive on only three bathrooms around here...

What are you thankful for today? Link up or comment! Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days-day 2

2011-11-02T07:30:00.004-06:00

Every day in November I am posting something I'm thankful for, and I would love to have you join me! Link to your thankful post below, or write about it in the comments. Let's be thankful together!

Today is a no-brainer on what I'm thankful for. Today is my son, Bubba's 11th birthday, and today I'm so very thankful for him!

Bubba:

is adorable (i'm totally objective here).

has a compassionate heart.

is hysterically funny.

has awesome freckles.

still loves to snuggle.

loves Jesus.

plays soccer, basketball, piano and trumpet.

is a great companion and helper.

always makes new friends.

has a great imagination.

kisses me goodnight each night.

is diligent.

keeps his room the cleanest of us all.

is a ham and loves to be on stage.

tells me he loves me.

is an absolute gift to me.

I'm so thankful for my Bubba! And for the snow day he got for his birthday--we are going to get to hang out all day!

What are you thankful for today? Link up your post below or leave your answer in the comments. Let's fill up blogland with thankfulness!

A few simple instructions for the link up:

-please link to your specific thankful post--not just your blog

-please link back to theGoodlife in your post so others can join the fun!
-feel free to grab the 30 thankful days graphic--I haven't figured out how to make it a button yet. I'm such a techy, huh?

thirty thankful days!

2011-11-01T22:16:00.000-06:00

It's November!

I don't know about you, but my October pretty much flew by. We have had no shortage of craziness and inconveniences around here. Oh, and busyness. And emotions too. There have been plenty of them as well.

When life gets like that, I can lose my perspective. I can get a little overwhelmed, and perhaps more than a little focused on the wrong things. I have found, however, that nothing helps me regain perspective like being grateful. And since November is the month of Thanksgiving, I decided to copy an idea my mom and others posted on facebook and plan to post something to be thankful for each day this month. (It might also help me get back to a regular blogging schedule too, but it's mostly about being grateful.)

Would you like to join me? I'll post a link-up each day starting tomorrow for those of you with a blog, and if you don't blog, feel free to leave your thankful post in the comments. It will be fun! Feel free to join everyday or just once or twice. I look forward to reading what you are thankful for!

Today, I am thankful for my coworkers at church where I work as Children's Ministry Director. We spent most of the day together today--working through the results of the "Style of Influence" inventories we each completed. We learned a lot about how God has wired each of us, and how best to work together as a team. It was interesting and helpful. I am truly grateful for each of the wonderful folks I get to work with each day, and the way God has put us--each with our gifts, strengths and limitations--together to serve Him.

our church staff on a drive up pike's peak:
Gail, Katie, me, Erik, Don, Peter

I do not take for granted that I like my coworkers, and I like them a whole lot. I learn from each of them regularly. We laugh a ton. We respect each other and trust each other. What a blessing to be part of a team like that. God uses each of them in my life--and I thank Him today for Don, Erik, Peter, Gail & Katie.

What are you thankful for? Link up coming tomorrow--please join in!

The Church has left the building...

2011-10-10T10:10:00.000-06:00

What if we stopped talking about it and finally just got to doing it??

That was the question we answered as a church yesterday on our first ever "Be the Church" Sunday.

Yesterday, there were no church services in our building. Rather 450 of us served at 18 projects around our city! So cool, huh?

We were able to meet needs at a few food pantries, some thrift shops, some schools, a large rescue mission, a soup kitchen, the Salvation Army, a few retirement homes and some city parks. We sorted, labeled, painted, prepared food, roofed, landscaped, picked up trash, listened, hugged, swept, and pulled up carpet in the name of Jesus. We let people know in a tangible way that God sees them and loves them.

Last fall, our church had a white envelope project in which we gave money away. Last Sunday we were handed white envelopes again, but this time they didn't contain cash--but rather a service assignment. We were to report to that assignment yesterday morning rather than coming to church. Everyone was quite excited and embraced the idea.

Not everyone would have chosen the assignment they were given. Some had passion for different areas. Some were in their element, some were out of their comfort zone. We put all of that aside and just did it.

My family ready to go! Aren't they cute?

Our family had a pretty comfortable assignment--we were assigned with 11 others to a local ARC thrift shop. We shelved a lot of books, put many items out for sale, swept a lot of floors, cleaned, and straightened/hung a ton of clothes. I think the most important thing we did was encourage the manager at our shop. She couldn't say enough about how much work we saved her...and what a big help that was. It was EASY, when working together, to make a big difference there...even if just in her heart.

Bubba returning book bins after we emptied them.

Dave doing his thing (which means I'm not sure what he is doing right there...)

Pickle working in the accessories department--how appropriate!

I found something I should consider buying...heehee.

more of our group at another site. they were doing the sweaty kind of work... :0)

We ended the day with a celebration service and dinner together as a church family. Let me tell you, the energy was palpable. We worked hard, were pretty tired--but absolutely energized by serving in Jesus' name.

I had several requests after the service (I'm on staff at church) that we do this every year, every quarter, even every month! And maybe we will do it again one day. But that wasn't the point, at least not from my perspective. In my opinion, the point was that we all did it. We all served. We got to experience how relatively easy it is to give some time and energy, how big the need is, how big the impact is on hearts when they learn that God sees them. We stopped talking about it and just did it. We got to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and it felt good. My hope is that this experience was a catalyst to much more service to our city by individuals, families, and life groups. My hope is that our city is transformed by the love of Christ--and that we are all part of it. Because, honestly, we are called to be.

Let me encourage you that you don't need your church to hold an event like this to get out into your community. Pick an organization and call them--see what they need and if there is any way you could meet that need. That's all there is to it. Push aside the thoughts (I know them well) of finding the ideal setting to serve, your impossible family schedule, your concerns about your abilities. Don't wait until your life calms down, or your kids get older, or move out, or you feel ready. Don't wait for some audible word from God--we already know what is close to His heart.

This is my family's challenge now. So now what? How will we serve next? It doesn't have to be perfect, we just need to do it. If your family is serving your community...I'd love to hear about it! And I'll let all you bloggies know what next step our family takes.

Letting go of the safety ropes.

2011-10-05T10:07:00.001-06:00

Do you get stuck?

I am learning that I am easily stuck where I am when I can't see the whole way through something. I'd like to see all the steps to where I'm going--and then I'll start moving. If I can't see how something will work all the way through, I can be immobilized until I get all of that information. Can anyone relate??

This hasn't been wildly apparent to me--cause I push past it enough to not have it completely disable me. Yet a wise mentor has called it out a few times in regards to my leadership and ministry, and I see the truth in it. And I've begun to recognize it in myself emotionally as well. God is gently showing me.

(It's good to recognize our "stuff", don't you think? Only then can we address and push past those obstacles to Abundant Life.)

Anyway.

Late this summer, during one of my-listen-to-God-and-write-it-down times, God spoke to me about moving forward. As I journaled about the things that were heavy on my heart that day--there were many unknowns ahead of me. Many emotions swirling through my head. I listed it all out in my favorite fabric covered notebook.

That's my favorite notebook cover on the right. It makes me happy.

And then I listened. And wrote down what the Father said. He said, "Trust me and move forward. I will lead you step by step. Seek me and follow me."

(I sincerely hope you don't mind me sharing these intimate conversations God and I have. It is not my desire to make you uncomfortable, but rather to encourage you. )

He went on to say, "Lean heavily on Me so you do not fall. I have you. I HAVE YOU. You can let go of the safety ropes."

What?? What safety ropes? What are you talking about God?

God brought to mind the ropes course I did on a women's retreat this past spring. I've done ropes course adventures many times, and they don't really intimidate me much. But as I was finishing this course, friends cheering me on, I got a bit stuck. OK, more than a bit stuck. This part of the course had me on a wobbly cable that I needed to traverse from one tree to the next--maybe 25 feet away. To make it possible, there were poles attached to the cable I was walking on and the cable above me--but they were spaced further apart then my reach...and my "coach" from the camp said it would need to be a leap of faith.

This is a friend on that part of the ropes course. She was not stuck at all. Of course...she could reach the poles. I know it doesn't look THAT scary.

I was on belay and the belay rope was easy to grab for some stability on the shaky cable (made more shaky by me!). However, I couldn't reach ahead to the next pole, and move ahead unless I let go of my belay rope.

I hope you enjoy these pics of me at my best--purple helmut and a little overwhelmed.

Aaah...I'm starting to see it Lord. You want me to move forward, and it will take a leap of faith--right out of my comfort zone.

Let go of my safety ropes. Hmmm. What are my safety ropes? I began to list...

Control.
People liking me.
Approval from important people in my life.
My PLAN.
Comfort.
The sure and known.
etc...

Ugh. God, I don't think I know how to let go of these things. My knees shake and even though I know you are there, it's so hard...

"But you are stuck if you don't let go. You don't get to move forward. Stationary. Boring. My plan is always ahead...keep stepping forward and keep asking what the next step is in each of these situations you've brought to Me. I am the only one who truly knows. The rest are only illusions of safety. I am the only TRUE SAFE. I've got you. Do you trust me??"

..........

I don't know if you get easily stuck like me. I don't know what situations in your life are hard to move forward in. I don't know what safety ropes you are tempted to hang on to for dear life.

God's plan is always ahead. Even if the next step is to wait--God can tell you--it is still moving forward in His plan for you. Ask Him. Trust Him. Let go.

I am. It's part of the Good life.

Insta-Friday

2011-09-30T22:06:00.003-06:00

Check me out--my third post this week! I'm trying hard to get back into the blog-groove. I do love it...

It's Friday! Time for a cell-phone pics only glimpse of the Good life. It's been a few weeks since I shared some instagram pictures, so these insta-glimpses are highlights from a few weeks of cell-phone photography. Enjoy!

Labor Day Weekend Balloon Classic-a favorite family tradition.

Bubba's spoon-hanging skills.

I didn't take this one--Dave forwarded this one to be from a high-school football game they attended. I like it. :0)

My bird feeder usually attracts little finches and the like--this day I spotted a large magpie sitting on the bird feeder hook.

Bubba stacking cups in Sunday School. We plan "Anticipate" activities for the kids to do when they arrive--this was a teaser for a lesson on the Tower of Babel.

This lovely colorful shot is of our powder bath door last week--the room was sealed off due to black mold remediation. Oh yeah--facing a bathroom remodel....but not by choice.

Added the My Sketch app to my phone this week and "sketched " this photo of my kids from the summer. Fun!

On a totally more serious note--today is 12 years since our son Aidan died. For the first time I didn't notice the day sneaking up on me...and was hours into the day before I realized it was September 30. I felt guilty about that, then decided it was just another sign of healing. We love you sweet Aidan...

Linking up today with jeannett at Life Rearranged for Insta-Friday and with the Company Girls at Home Sanctuary.

On Writing Conversations with God

2011-09-28T10:34:00.001-06:00

I love Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

The story behind Jesus Calling is that Sarah, a missionary, began filling her journals with what she felt God was saying to her. Many years later, excerpts from those words from God where compiled into this and other devotionals, and read as though God is speaking directly to the reader. I'm convinced that sometimes He is.

More than a year ago, our pastor taught on Sabbath. About taking time to stop normal, and rest, play, and be with God. Not just to talk to Him, or even study His Word, but to be with Him. And that involves hearing from Him. Listening. Letting Him speak into our lives, into whatever is on our hearts.

Intrigued by Sarah's words from God, and challenged by Pastor Don's teaching, I decided to try something new during my time with God sometimes. I decided to try to journal not only my words to God, but His words to me.

I know it might sound a little iffy--a little risky--to attempt to write down what God would say. I mean...cmon...who am I to think I know His words? Yet, He speaks. And I've found this practice very meaningful. It seems that God meets me there. In the writing down, there seems to be greater clarity. I write quickly and try not to analzye too much as I'm writing, or else my dumb brain just gets in the way. I go back and reread the conversation...and the insights have been, at times, incredible. (Of course, anything that would be counter to scriptural truth would be dismissed quickly--but that hasn't happened so far.)

At the risk of you thinking I'm a total-fruitcake, I thought about sharing one of the conversations with you all here...but they are all so personal, I'm not sure they would mean much to anyone but me. In fact, I've just glanced back at my journal from the last year looking for something I could share that doesn't include all kinds of details that would need explanation, or shouldn't be shared here. I did find one of my very first written conversations from a year ago, written during one of my sitting-in-the-car-at-soccer-practice quiet times. It kind of made me chuckle at the "clunkiness" of it. Here is the beginning:

So I'm sitting here
in my car
unsure if You have something to say
time with You goes quickly, so I want to treasure it,
but I grow impatient--waiting for You to speak.
   Then stop talking.
I did. I waited!
   Only for a few seconds.
It's weird to me to sit and do nothing.
   I know. But I need you to slow down so your brain can be at a
   wavelength to hear Me.
OK. I'll wait here with unfocused thoughts. And shut up. And even if all you have to say is "glad you are here" that is fine.

As I continue reading in my journal I see that I did sit and wait that day. And rather than continue the conversation, God gave me a picture. I saw myself sitting at His feet with my head in His lap. (God's lap! wow.) And God was stroking my hair. (How intimate!). I don't usually like people stroking my hair, cause their fingers get caught in my curls and kind of pull on it. Yet, God was stroking my hair and I liked it. I imagined Him having the same difficulty with my curls and I felt bad about it. He said to me at that moment, "I gave you these curls". And I imagined My Lord smiling.

OK, so that was not the life instruction I thought I'd hear that day. Instead God just wanted me to know how much He treasures time with me. How much He loves me. Just the way I am.

Wow, right?

Perhaps that wasn't the best example of the sometimes-long conversations God and I have in my journal, cause it turned into a mental picture with a simple message. Regardless, you get a glimpse in the beginning of how I write the conversation down as it's happening. And it is not unusual for God to speak words of love and reassurance to my heart. I figure He'd use those opportunities to tell me how I need to change and which way to go (He does that too) but more often than not He seems to want to reassure me of His love.

Give it a try! Talking to God in written form slows the whole thing down--cause writing is a bit more laborious than just thinking, but I don't think the slow is bad. And, I like being able to go back and read our conversations later.

How thankful I am that we have a God that wants to be with us and wants to speak with us. It doesn't really matter if we write it or draw it, or even sing it. What matters is that we go to Him. And we listen.

I hope you carve some time to listen today.

she must be dancing...

2011-09-26T17:33:00.001-06:00

I didn't know Sara personally. I mean, sure, we communicated back and forth a wee bit through blogs and comments and email--but she was sweet that way--always taking the time to keep the conversation her blog posts prompted going.

Nope, I didn't really know her. But she taught me in the way a friend does. She taught me by her gentle words, by her example, and by her perspective. I couldn't begin to understand her life. You see, Sara was severely debilitated by chronic illness--in constant pain, had limited movement, and was isolated due to the fact that she could rarely have visitors and could not leave her home--or go outside or even open a window. However, she created community on the internet, and she chose joy.

I first met Sara (known as Gitz) when she guest posted here (totally worth the read). I knew I loved her right away and spent hours reading her story on her blog. She mostly posted about other things...and I learned quickly her illness did not define her. I also learned how no matter what your circumstances are, you can choose how you live...how you see things. She influenced countless people--even though she met few of them--and I'm glad I am one of them.

On Saturday, Sara's illness ushered her into Jesus' arms. I knew the end was near, but reading the words made it so final. At first, I was tempted to be sad. But then I tried to picture (even though I can't) what Sara is experiencing right now. And all I could think of is that she must be dancing. And singing. And she no longer had to "choose joy" (her earthly motto). Instead she must be consumed with Joy...no choosing needed.

Nope, I didn't know her, but she has left her joyful mark on my soul. Dance on, sweet one, to the tune of your Savior's words, "well done, good and faithful servant".

Click here if you would like to read more tributes to Gitz.

ten years.

2011-09-11T05:49:00.001-06:00

(I first wrote this in 2009, but wanted to share it again. I can't believe it's been 10 years since that day.)

Last night, Bubba innocently asked me,

"Mom, what is the big deal about 9/11 anyway?"

How do you answer that? He was an infant at the time and has grown up in the post 9/11 world. So as I tried to explain it to him...I remembered once again:

waking up that morning thinking it was a regular day

seeing the second plane hit as we watched the TV and realizing this was not an accident

the jaw-dropping shock that we were "under attack"

the feeling of confusion as events unfurled

yelling OHNO! as my car radio announced the first tower fell as we drove to school

dropping off my daughter at kindergarten and wondering if I was nuts to leave her somewhere other than home that day.

meeting a mom in the kindergarten line who hadn't heard what was happening and telling her

meeting another mom who was trying to keep it together in front of her kids because her husband was at the pentagon and she hadn't heard from him yet

seeing people at school in tears

the overwhelming feeling of vulnerability

the need to call everyone I loved

the amazing footage and images

being glued to the TV for days and days

the connection I felt to my New York heritage

the heartbreak of seeing all the flyers posted of people looking for loved ones

my daughter asking that afternoon if we could please watch something else...

the patriotism I saw demonstrated all around me

the patriotism I felt (maybe for the first time)

the flags...everywhere

being moved by the inspiring story of those who crashed their own plane in PA to save others

feeling so angry that there were those who thought of this plan and were able to carry it out

the lingering feeling that we are not as safe in America as we thought we were...

feeling SO grateful for the service of firefighters, police officers, good samaritans and our military

wishing I could do more...

I am remembering all of that and then some today. I try to explain it to my kids. They can understand the facts--but the feelings of it all are hard to pass on. I'm realizing now why former generations can be frustrated why we don't "understand" the Great Depression, the country-wide war effort during WWII, the emotions of the Vietnam War crisis...we get the facts, but it's hard to feel it. We are the on the other side of it all.

My kids live on the other side of 9/11.

Insta-Friday

2011-09-02T08:18:00.001-06:00

It's Friday! It's a long weekend! That calls for posting something silly and fun, so I'm joining up with jeannett and friends at Life Rearranged--sharing only photos from our cell phones! Hope you enjoy an insta-gram glimpse at the Goodlife.

Bubba has added a new instrument to his repertoire--the trumpet! He couldn't wait to bring it home and blow into it (can't call it playing yet!)for us. Beginning band--oh, the joyful noise of it all.

We've been covering Pickle's textbooks the old fashioned way--paper bags. We had to shop at whole foods just to get some though.

Took this on a morning walk. There was not a cloud in the sky above Pike's Peak. I pretty much love where I live.

Every day I drive past one of the many fields of these yellow wildflowers that are in bloom this time of year. They make me happy. They make my hubby sneeze. Those two are not related.

This foot belongs to my adorable niece who was sporting these new shoes when we hung out last Friday.

The owner of that cute foot. Here she is making a silly face while eating falafel for the first time. She loved it!

After our lunch at Garbanzo's we did some quick shopping at Target. My 5 year old nephew was pushing his baby sister around. I loved this view. :0)

Not to be left out, Pickle always makes sure I have a new self-portrait on my camera and phone. She took this last night. (smile)

Happy Labor Day Weekend, bloggies! Take some pics of the fun on your phone!

Something's brewing...

2011-08-31T10:06:00.002-06:00

Nope. It's not coffee. I am the socially-handicapped one who doesn't like coffee, remember?

Something is brewing in me. I don't know what it is, but it's Good. I feel like I'm on the verge of something God wants to do in me.

artwork by bubba 2010

I can tell. Emotions have been raw. Situations have been frustrating. My heart has been tenderized. I am seeing more clearly my need for healing, my need for a Savior. I see my ungratefulness, my sin. And I see His Love. His personal, I know just what you really need, Love.

He is calling me forward--somewhere deeper, somewhere new. He's (thankfully!) not done with me yet. He is sending me situations where I have no choice but to trust and lean. He is sending me listening ears to help me process. He has been speaking to me through others, through books that are finding their way to my lap almost haphazardly, and through the quiet and reflection I find myself drawn to.

It's a little unsettling, I must admit. I feel vulnerable emotionally right now, like I'm walking the edge of a cliff. I am asking Him to help me not close off my heart in an attempt to be safe. I need to stay open to what He is doing, continue to walk along the edge. I also need to keep coming to Him--not let busyness distract me from what's He doing.

I honestly don't know where He's taking me, but I feel His gentle hand guiding me, little by little, somewhere. I feel Hope. I really think something Good is brewing...

Do you ever feel like that? On the verge of something? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Here's what I'm claiming...join me.

I don't think my car likes my perfume...

2011-08-25T09:22:00.001-06:00

My car, on it's own volition, is locking me out!

Here's the saga. You might want to grab a beverage...cause it's fresh, and I'm venting.

First of all, let me just say that 90% of the time I leave my house in the morning only to head back in and grab something I forgot. Phone, lunch, water bottle, computer, whatever. It makes me feel like I'm losing it, but I've come to embrace it. So have my kids. This summer they learned that "Mom always leaves twice." Even my dog, who is safely locked in his kennel, doesn't even look up any more when I head back in. I know there are ways to be more together and organized, but apparently I don't feel like doing them. So there. That's me.

OK, with that little disclaimer out of the way, let me tell you what went down this week. On Monday, I got in my car in the garage, started the engine, was about to pull out and realized my phone didn't come with me. So I got out, closed the door and headed in to grab it. As I came around the back side of the van, I heard all the doors lock on their own. What??? Sure enough. For reasons only known to God and perhaps the maker of my car, my car decided to lock me out. So now, my car is running and locked, with everything I need for the day inside. Except my phone of course. And the gas tank was down to fumes--I was headed to the gas station first. Yikes.

Hubby quickly came home from work (2o minute drive--thanks babe!) and rescued me. Although the car wouldn't unlock for him at first either...at least not with the key fob. We had to go all old-school and use the key IN the lock and TURN it to get it open. Prehistoric!

He followed me to the gas station to make sure the fumes held out, and then I was on to my day. I got to work 40 minutes later than planned, but no harm, no foul. I made sure to tell my coworkers so they could have a laugh.

I'm too mad at my car to take it's picture...but here is what it looks like.

Tuesday. No problems. Asked teasingly at work if my car gave me any trouble that day...

And then Wednesday. The plan for the morning was this: leave my house by 8:10 to meet my parents and sister at Compassion International (where my dad works) to attend chapel. Chapel was to be led by Travis Cottrell (musician/worship leader extraordinare that I just might be a big fan of...). Chapel was at 9, seats go quickly. After chapel I was to head quickly to Panera to meet someone who was interested in serving on my Children's Ministry team (yes!). Then, as soon as that was over, I was to meet a dear friend for lunch who recently returned from a few years in Rwanda. I was finally going to get into the office around 1--but that's OK. I had the schedule worked out almost down to the minute.

I was ready in plenty of time. I remembered (almost) everything...a sweater in case the a/c was on artic blast, an extra pair of shoes if my feet got tired of the heels before I reached the office, my purse, my computer AND my phone. This time the car was in the driveway. I turned it on, put it in reverse and thought...I should grab a water bottle. Put the car in park, and thought to myself, "I'm not letting this happen again" so turned the car OFF and got out and grabbed my water. As I tried to get back into the car I noticed it was locked again! What in the world?!? Am I getting punked?? At least I grabbed the keys this time...wait, where are they? In the ignition of course! I guess I didn't grab them! I was about to spend some time getting on my own case about how stupid I was--when I realized the clock was ticking until Travis!

Travis Cottrell

A few quick phone calls later (thankfully we still have a home phone line) and I was being rescued by both my folks (who picked me up for chapel) and my husband who drove home AGAIN to unlock the car.

Now is my opportunity to tell you my parents are saints. Here's what they did...their own plan. They picked me up for chapel. Took me to chapel. Vouched for me when I needed a photo ID to get a visitor pass. (I have one...in my purse, in my car. With my sweater. And my phone. And my KEYS.) After the chapel, they waited around while I took the opportunity to shake Travis's hand and talk to him for a bit. (!) Then they drove me to Panera for my appointment there (not that I had my purse to buy this lady a cup of coffee or anything, but whatever). While I was talking Children's Ministry in Panera, they drove to my house where my car had been unlocked by hubby, and picked up my car. They both drove to Panera again and left me my car. My mom came into Panera to find me and give me my keys and purse. And I was back on schedule with all of my appropriate possessions, IDs and what was left of my sanity. Aren't they awesome??

my awesome parents

So, what's the deal with my car? Does it think I spray a little too much perfume in the morning? Is it mad I haven't cleaned it out in weeks? Is it out to inconvenience me or simply humble me?

No answers yet.

But I do wonder if it's related to the car I had between college and marriage that used to honk at me from my driveway. When I was inside our house. My roommate used to say, "Dawn, your car wants you!" Hmmm. That was a honda, and so is my van...

Well congratulations, you made it. I'm done venting. I hope this made you feel encouraged that at least your car likes you...

Celebrating more than great teachers...

2011-08-23T10:36:00.001-06:00

I wandered into the auditorium just before the festivities began. High School Back to School night. I remembered last year, when I felt like the new girl my daughter was. New school, new culture, new faces. This year, as I entered the room, I was greeted by my husband who quickly introduced me to a colleague. He led me to our seats near some of his coworkers--who I chatted with until the principal started speaking and I figured I should probably shut up.

We had a fun night traveling Pickle's hallways, meeting her teachers, and attending short versions of her classes. I was impressed by each teacher and know she is going to have a terrific sophomore year!

And while that is worth a celebration in and of itself, I am really celebrating something else that was on my mind all evening...

I wasn't there alone.

Last year my husband's ongoing back issues were so bad that, for the first time ever, he missed a back to school night (he actually missed both of our kid's nights last year). And while I'm not shy or inhibited, it was lonely last year. Because we always do this together, and because I knew he wanted to be there. He had been the school's Business Manager for a year and a half at that point, but that is not the same as knowing what your child will be experiencing as a student. I felt like a single mom.

In contrast, hubby is much healthier these days. He still has his days where his back will interrupt our plans--but they are much fewer and much farther between. His spirits are up accordingly. His stress level is down because the school is in a much healthier place financially then it had been--and being the finance guy, the burden was overwhelming at times. There were times last year when it seemed he didn't want to face being at school any extra hours for the kids' things cause he couldn't escape thinking about it all...

Last night was so different. We were there together. He introduced me to colleagues and board members. He chatted happily with folks he knew. He greeted people with warm handshakes and a hug or two. I heard him half-jokingly referred to as "the guy who runs this place". I saw genuine appreciation on the faces of those who know what his job entails. And I imagine they realize the role he has played in keeping the school afloat through stormy seas. Everyone seemed to be celebrating that the school was in a much stronger position this year than last. I am so proud of my husband, and thankful to God for all He has done to provide for this school.

hubby on our vacation this summer. i love him.

But what I was celebrating in my heart most of all??? We were there together.

School Days and Catchphrase

2011-08-19T08:10:00.002-06:00

I don't know if you have ever played the game Catchphrase...but this electronic game has a beeping timer. It starts beep...beep...beep...keeping the pace of the game going. As time gets shorter, the beeping quickens. Beep, beep, beep, beep, beepbeepbeepbeep! It makes me feel panicky--oh no! time's running out!

When I'm not careful with my thoughts...I can feel the same way as I see my kids grow up. It seems like time is accelerating. Beepbeepbeepbeep... yikes! Back to school is definitely one of those seasons where I hear the rapid beeping in my head...

We had the fastest summer ever. Really. Before we knew it, it was time. Tuesday was the day, and I made the kids pose for the obligatory first day photos.

Pickle is heading into her sophomore year. I can hardly believe how grown up she is becoming! (I know all moms say such things...but it's true!)

ten fingers = tenth grade. that's how we roll.

And if it's not enough that my baby girl is a young woman, my little boy is in his last year of elementary school! Bubba is in 5th grade...be still my soul. Handsome little devil, isn't he?

While I want time to slow down, I choose to embrace. Be proud of who they are becoming, be excited for each new step they get to take. Walk alongside them while I can. Hug them a lot. And try not to be freaked out by the accelerated beeping I hear now and then in the back of my head...

Blog-hopping with the Company Girls today...

summer slipped by

2011-08-17T19:51:00.000-06:00

Well, hello. I've unintentionally taken a summer-long break from blogging. I have a million small reasons why, but none of them are good excuses. Just didn't get around to it, didn't prioritize it, and didn't feel like it. I feel so out of the groove right now, I hardly know how to begin again..

Yet, I feel writing calling to me again. It's good for my soul. I even feel like God wants me to.

You would think I would have a large number of ideas saved up to write about, with all that time away from my keyboard...but nope. Nada.

But I need to prime the pump.

Do you know that expression? I am not exactly sure where it comes from...I always picture it has something to do with having to pump a water pump a few times before water comes out. Or maybe it has to do with breaking in a new pair of heels. (pump, get it?). Regardless of where it originated, I know where I learned it from. My mom.

Mom tells the story of her own mother, ill in the hospital after colon surgery. She hadn't eaten in so long that she had NO appetite. The doctors wanted her to eat, she needed to eat so they could make sure all systems were a go and she could begin to get better and go home. She insisted she couldn't do it. So, the wise nurse (I think) told her she needed to "prime the pump". In other words, get a little food down to help her body remember that it likes eating. Or something like that. Mom, you'll have to correct me in the comments.

Over the years that followed, my mom has used that expression and story many times. Especially when it comes to reading God's word and praying. Sometimes we can go so long without reading and praying that it becomes very difficult to start again. She would say, "prime the pump". In other words, read a few verses, spend 5 minutes. Remind yourself why you read and study, why you pray. It might involve forcing yourself a bit at first. That's OK. No need to get all judgmental at yourself--just do it.

So, today I am "priming the pump" when it comes to writing. I am doing it without anything to say in particular. I'm writing for the sake of getting the juices flowing again. Cause I think I'm supposed to write.

So there you have it. Hope to be back soon. :0)

Been a little "tied up" lately...

2011-05-27T09:30:00.001-06:00

Me being mummified on Sunday morning with the kids.

This is a weird season for me. Just as things wind down for the kids, things pick up for me. It is like this every year. So, while I long to embrace the slower months with the kiddos, I can't slow down. It is definitely the season of lists (which really help me when I don't lose them!) and so I figure a list is in order here.

1. School has wrapped up for the kids. Wednesday was the last final for Pickle and the last half-day for Bubba. Bubba's end to 4th grade included a state fair project, a field trip, field day and a music performance. Pickle's involved her first final exams, some grade-salvaging (including me re-learning geometry to help her study--yikes), and final choir performance. It was a blur, but it's done!

2. (Bragging mom alert) I am so happy for Pickle. She just loves-loves-loves to sing. She has been taking voice lessons this year. She has enjoyed her high school choir experience very much--especially the trip to Disneyworld to compete at the end of April! She aspired to be a part of the select choir at her school one day. Auditions for the fall were a few weeks ago, and she was in the midst of a terrible cold. She auditioned anyway. There was only one alto spot open--so she figured it was a long shot at best.... I will not forget the sound of her voice when she called to tell me that she was selected! Not as an alto, but as a soprano! She is the only one from her grade added to the 20-voice choir. (There is one other sophomore-to-be who has been in it as a Freshman). Everyone else is an upperclassmen! She is THRILLED, as are we. Guess we are buying another dress...

Pickle with two of her friends after her choir concert.

3. After picking the kids up from school Wednesday we celebrated the beginning of summer in a favorite way. We grabbed a chick-fil-a lunch to eat on my mom's deck as we watched the Air Force Thunderbirds put on a fantastic show for the Academy graduation. We were joined by my sis Kerry and her two little ones, and our friend Nicole. It's such a fun perk to living here--as we get to see this show annually. A great kick-off to summer!

There they are!

goofy posed picture while nothing was happening. :0)

a non-posed picture of us actually watching. :0)

My friend Tamara got this shot--which shows what they looked like when they banked over my mom's house.

4. I am busy planning VBX--to be held June 13 -17--and am deep in it right now. We are doing Group's Pandamania-Where God is wild about you! The whole VBX is based on Psalm 139--filled with the truths about how God feels about and interacts with each one of us. As things get crazy-busy, it helps me to remember why we do this, and I get excited about kids embracing these important truths for themselves. It's what keeps me going. We have planned for double the kids this year--but so far registration is on pace with our normal numbers...will you pray with me that God sends the kids He wants there?

5. For the first time this year, we are also taking VBX on the road! Two weeks after our VBX, we will be holding VBX in inner-city Lincoln, NE! We are partnering with a church-plant there that is only 18 months old and has never had a VBX. They are in a poverty-stricken area, are under-resourced, and we are so happy for the opportunity to partner with them. We are taking a large group of teens and adults from our church--and it will be a great team. However, the amount of unknowns for this venture are sometimes overwhelming. It's a step of faith for many of us...which is an exciting place to be.

6. Today is my day off (perhaps the last Friday off until July!) and I am hoping to rally my kids to work with me to get their rooms and our home closer to clean and organized. Right now it seems one of those terrible tornadoes took a quick spin through our house...

There's more, but before I fall any further into my usual pattern of making my lists unrealistically too long, I'll stop here for today. I hope this weekend finds you doing things you love and with people you love.

Be back soon, bloggies.

Linking up with the Company Girls today.

It's that day again...

2011-05-24T07:45:00.002-06:00

Aidan's birthday. He would have been 12 today.

Aidan David--May 24, 1999 - September 30 - 1999

Today we remember him. And miss him. And rejoice that he is safe and whole in the presence of our Redeemer. And thank God for the ways we have been shaped because God let him come into our family, and because God let him come Home.

We love you sweet boy. Happy Birthday.

Genesis 50:20 (from Joseph's story)

...but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..."

Dear Neglected Blog:

2011-05-23T21:34:00.000-06:00

painting by Bubba

Hello blog.

Remember me? I use to visit you frequently. Writing out my thoughts, processing my everyday life.

It was good. You were an outlet for me. I got to process with you. I shared everyday ramblings and deeper musings as well.

What happened to us, blog? I didn't mean to walk away. It wasn't a deliberate decision. We didn't break up. It was a slow fade. And the longer I stayed away--the bigger deal it seemed to come back to you. So I put it off. I didn't want to explain, because there was no one big reason or explanation.

But, I miss you, blog. And I want to come back. I don't know if I can be as faithful as I'd like to you. I hope so. But if not, I think I will get over needing to explain myself and just keep coming back. You would want it that way, I'm sure.

Thanks for waiting for me. Be back soon...

Saturday.

2011-03-20T22:36:00.000-06:00

Saturdays are usually filled with chores, errands, Bubba's soccer or basketball games, and some procrastinating. This Saturday was none of those things. (Well, maybe the procrastinating.) There is much to do around here...and we had a whole Saturday to do it--but we didn't. Guilt wants to creep in, but I won't let it. We had a spontaneously fun day...and that is what we needed.

The morning started slowly, waking up leisurely, chatting and laughing long before our feet hit the floor. Then we remembered that it was free-breakfast-day-at-Chick-Fil-A! We hurried to wake up sleeping beauty and get dressed and ended up joining my sister and her fam and some friends for some chicken and visiting.

Pickle and I decided we wanted to attend an event at Focus on the Family where the Duggars (of TLC fame--19 kids and counting) were speaking and making an appearance that afternoon. Pickle is a big fan and I figured there could be a lot worse choices of reality stars to meet, so why not indulge her? We missed out on getting tickets to the event (I snoozed and lost--oops) so I agreed to buy Pickle their book so we could attend the book signing they were doing afterwards.

We had a great time. They were all there (minus their youngest, Josie) and sat at a super long table, signing and greeting. Pickle's first exciting moment was seeing the TLC crew filming and recognizing them from TV (from Jon and Kate plus 8 she thinks). It got even better when they filmed her asking a question for the Duggars to answer on their show. I had to sign a release for them to use the footage if they choose. Then we spoke with and met almost all of the super-family, and they signed Pickle's book. I especially enjoyed meeting Michelle Duggar, she exuded warmth and joy and genuineness. And she looks fantastic for a woman who has birthed and raised 19 kids. It was a totally fun afternoon.

To top the day off, we got to visit with our friends who just had a baby. Remember Becky and the shower I posted about? Well, the little guy arrived on Wednesday and it was such a joy to meet him and hold him. We shared an impromptu dinner together, played with his big sister (who is not quite two) and got to visit a good while. He is precious. There really is nothing like holding a new and tiny baby.

the only picture we took of baby Jackson

It was a lovely, unplanned, relaxing and fun Saturday. My house remains a mess, but sometimes it's worth it.

What did you do this weekend?

pickle's new "music video"

2011-03-15T08:46:00.000-06:00

She is learning the guitar. She loves to sing. She loves Justin Bieber. She's 14.

She wrote a simple song about him the other afternoon. It is partly the way she feels about him, and partly teasing herself about her crush. (I love that she can laugh at herself.)

She recorded herself last night. She put it on youtube. My girl--who never really lets anyone else hear her sing put herself out there. She didn't doll herself up, or wait until she was an accomplished guitar player or had a few more voice lessons. She just did it. And she said I could share it here!

So I am. Cause I am a fan.

One Thousand Gifts

2011-03-14T10:04:00.001-06:00

I was thrilled when my mom gave me a copy of Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. I have been wanting to read it, and hadn't sprung for it yet. I have read less than two chapters so far, and am purposely reading slowly. Why? Because I can tell already...this is a book to be savored. Like a rich piece of dark chocolate you let melt slowly in your mouth, I want Ann's words to soak slowly into my soul. This is a beautiful book that is destined to be a classic.

Now, I have a confession. I joined Ann's online gratitude community many months ago--pledging to document 1000 gifts in my life. I did it for a while and posted some of my gifts here on theGoodlife. Then I let it go. I'm not sure why.

My mother in law gave me this beautiful journal for Christmas, and I quickly decided it would be my new 1000 gifts journal. I started again at #1 in January. And then, before long, it sat waiting for me again...

Ann's book, which makes a case for living fully and gratefully, has challenged me to pick up that journal and start documenting my daily gifts again. I will try to do it nightly. I will try to post gifts again here on Mondays as a form of accountability.

Here a few of the most recent gifts listed:

62. the privilege of disciplining my daughter: I know that sounds weird, but when her actions deserve consequences, it is a privilege to be part of training her to be the woman God has called her to be. She knows that, and although doesn't like the consequences, she settles into them, secure.

63. girl's night at becca's: I was invited to spend the night with some dear girlfriends. We ate yummy food--cheeses, jams, berries, olives, bread--talked about our food journeys, laughed and delved into an art project they planned. God is challenging me in the area of faith--so I made this collage.

the girls: Carly, Becky (several days overdue!), Cathy and Becca

65. the freedom I have from God to let go: I don't have to be in charge, to make things happen, to manage. He's already doing that. I'm often getting in the way. What joy it is to let go.

66. pickle wrote her first song with her guitar: how I love to hear her sing and play...even if her first song was a tribute to Justin Beiber. Really. {smile}

Enjoy your day, bloggies. Look for the gifts in your day!

on waiting...

2011-03-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

As I woke this morning, some of my first thoughts were with my two friends about to give birth any day now. Did either of them go into labor during the night? A quick glance at my phone and computer confirmed that they were both still pregnant.

Becky's little boy was due on Tuesday. She waits. Lynette has had some preterm labor with her twins...and is on bedrest. If they are able to make it another week or so, they shouldn't even require a stay in the NICU. She waits. Seemingly ready to explode, these two dear women are walking time bombs. I remember the feeling well.

I reflect on waiting. I am in a season of waiting as well. Waiting for my husband's deliverance from the back pain that has rocked his world (and ours). And I thought--well, at least they are waiting expectantly. The waiting will come to an end, and the reward will be more than worth the wait. And I envied that expectancy a little...

Then He gently spoke to my heart. "You can wait expectantly too. I am here. I haven't forgotten. My plan is in motion. My Big-G-Good plan." So in faith, I grab that expectancy, that even when there is temptation to despair--I know the Truth. We are not consumed. He who has begun a g(G)ood work in us will bring it to completion. Even now He is acting.

I remember a small book by Henri Nouwen about waiting I read during a scary time of my life. I don't remember much about it other than the important concept that waiting is active--not passive. Waiting takes energy, it takes focus, it takes faith. To actively wait on God is a choice. A choice to call to my mind God's goodness, as Jeremiah did in Lamentations 3: 21-23. (studied this in Bible Study this morning...)

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

I don't know what waiting season you might be in...but will you join me in choosing to actively wait on God, expectantly knowing that what comes from His love is Good?

you are what you eat--a journey

2011-03-08T09:43:00.002-07:00

If you are what you eat, then I have often resembled a bag of peanut m and m's with a diet coke on the side. (I call that my breakfast of champions.)

me.

I have (obviously) not been one of those "healthy" people. I always thought those people were a little extreme and needed to relax a little. Let your kid have a happy meal. Eat the cupcake. Don't obsess. Stop drinking vegetables and seaweed and pretending you like it.

Well, life lately has me eating my words. Something has happened over here in the food department since Christmas. I didn't plan it, but we've totally altered the way we eat and think about food. Let me see if I can describe the way a candy-as-a-food-group girl has changed her ways. My boss likes to talk about "data points" that get filed away...here are some of mine.

Years ago, Pickle was struggling with school, sleep and life. We were at our wit's end, as was she. Through the grace of God, and the strong influence of my mom, we consulted a nutritional/educational consultant. This woman spent an entire day with us and came up with a plan for Pickle that included some therapy to help her "educational glitches" as well as many nutritional changes, including multiple supplements to treat low seratonin. It was during this time that I started reading labels and realized how much sugar was in EVERYTHING. Pickle was significantly helped by the regimen--and although we eventually fell off the no-sugar wagon--we were amazed to learn how food makes such a marked difference. Data point.

Hubby has been frustrated with the many meds he takes to manage depression and ADD and we started researching natural ways to treat mental health issues. We poured through tons of information, bought a book or two... and became overwhelmed. Yet, we felt like we were on to something to explore in the future. Data point.

I gained weight. Weight has not been a major issue for me (aside from the eat-to-stay-awake college years) and so it came by surprise when 15 pounds arrived and my normal "eat a few less m and m's" plan didn't touch it. Hello middle age. Blech. After lamenting a bit, I followed the weight watchers plan that has worked for my mom and sis. Guess what? I was reading labels again. I was choosing higher fiber, higher protein foods and way less sugar. And, I lost the weight. More importantly, I felt a ton better. More energy. I wasn't riding the sugar roller coaster every afternoon. I felt more satisfied. Hmmm...data point.

Then we watched a few documentaries on Netflix. Supersize Me--so disturbing. Food, Inc. left us absolutely disgusted with the food industry. Food Matters was very, very interesting--regarding supplying our bodies what we need to heal rather than just popping pills. Data point. Data point. Data point.

Our good friends began juicing--and it has made a huge difference for them to get all of those nutrients every day. They have lost weight and have noticed a enormous gain in energy. Data point.

We were past the point of no return on this food journey. We decided we needed to change the way we eat. Considering that three out of the four of us are on daily medication for our brain chemistry, and my hubby's back continues to confound medical solutions, and we already KNOW food makes a difference for our family--it was obvious. Change was necessary.

We came to the conclusion that our convenience based way of eating was not best for us. We ate too much fast food, too much processed food, too little vegetables and fruits, and were getting way too little of the nutrients we need to be healthy. Basically, from a health perspective, we were falling apart. So, I started reading like crazy--books, blogs, etc.

And then I panicked. I work outside the home. Hubby being laid up often left me without his usual help around the house or in driving kids around. I already needed a personal assistant or a housewife or something to survive--and now I need to rethink the way I cook, shop and feed my family? And I knew I didn't know half of what I needed to know. AAAH!

Deep breaths, Dawn. If this is where I feel God is leading us as a family (and I do for many reasons not even mentioned) then He will provide and grant wisdom. One way He has provided has been through my mom and sister, who are on this same journey. We compare notes, and they have a bit more time to do research, scout stores, etc. They have been a huge help to me. Another way He has guided is by providing perspective (this recovering perfectionist needs Divine help when it comes to perspective!). I don't have to get it all right from the beginning. Any changes we make in the right direction will help our family. One step at a time.

So where are we on this journey now? We are focusing on eating "real food". Some call it "eating clean". We have tried to eliminate processed foods. I try to cook everything from basic ingredients. We are trying to get to the point where we only eat meat from sources where the animals are fed the diet they were meant to eat, and where they aren't pumped up with hormones and other artificial stuff. We already were a mostly whole grains family--I haven't bought white bread or crackers or regular pasta or white rice in a long time--but or resolve has increased. Now we are making sure our treats are also whole grain, and without much sugar. We are trying to eat more fruits and vegetables. I am learning about oils and which are best to use and which I need to dispose of. And I'm becoming interested in things like GMO's (google it) and the benefits of fermented foods. Wow--who am I?? Pass me a diet coke!

We also decided that at this point we were going to focus on controlling what we eat at home, and the food we prepare here. We are trying to do this about 80% of the time. We are cutting way down on eating out, cause it's hard to find places where you can eat real food, prepared well. However, when with friends who eat differently, we will too. We are not going to force our convictions on everyone. My kids can eat junk at birthday parties and friends's homes. We allow ourselves to eat outside of our guidelines a little, and don't freak out about it. We absolutely do not judge what others eat or the choices they make.

And, while I'm trying to cut way down, you may have gathered, I still drink diet coke. I know--hypocritical. However, I can imagine the day where it's gone or mostly gone. It's coming. You wait...

So that's where we are. On a journey. Doing the best we can. We have lots to learn.

If any of this interests you--you may enjoy reading blogs of folks who have had their own food journey: Kelly the Kitchen Kop, Heavenly Homemakers, Musings of a Housewife, and Nourish MD. You may also enjoy this short, easy read: Food Rules by Michael Pollan (your library should have it). Feel free to send any resources that have helped you my way--I'll have my mom read them and tell me what they say! {heehee}

And if you are looking for me today, I hopefully will resemble a bowl of oatmeal instead of a bag of peanut m and m's. And maybe a diet coke...

A baby shower!

2011-02-28T21:57:00.005-07:00

Any mama whose been nurturing a life inside her for months and months deserves a party! My friend Becky is due next week with a little boy and the groupie girls and I threw her a shower on February 5. It came together really well, and I'd thought I'd share some of the fabulousness.

me, Beth, Becky, Carly, Kerry

When you stick four heads together, you are bound to come up with some great ideas. Here are my favorites from the shower:

1) Letting go of the light blue. No offense to you traditionalists, but we just couldn't get excited about doing a light blue shower. So we decided to go with the color scheme Beth found on some mommy-pretty invitations--navy and lime green and white.

tissue paper poofs added a festive touch

a simple centerpiece with ribbons and pillars

clothesline of baby boy clothes

3) Three Words: Fruit. Infused. Water. Carly's mom put together this beautiful water decanter with fruit. It tasted amazing. I couldn't believe how refreshing it was! (if you want to do it yourself, Carly's mom says put the ice in first, then slide the fruit around the outside.)

I want some now. mmmmm.

4) No group games. It was a large guest list, and the last time we had a crowd at my sister's shower it was almost impossible to get everyone in the same room, no less play a game. And everyone would rather visit anyway. SO, we had various stations set up around the main rooms. At their leisure, ladies could get food, visit, guess the baby food, sign up to bring Becky a meal, sign a keepsake, guess facts about baby-to-be, and guess the price of various baby items. After about an hour of this open-house style, we gathered whoever was interested and Becky opened her gifts. We also announced game winners and awarded small prizes. It worked GREAT.

guess the baby food!

5) Fabulous food. Everyone made something, and a few others helped too. The menu for this morning shower: cupcake balls, croissants, raspberry chocolate chip scones, snicker salad (do you know about the amazing treat this is???), hawaiian cheese spread, egg casserole, fruit, and raspberry bars. Y.U.Double-M!

It was so fun to honor our beautiful friend, Becky. Can't wait to meet her little boy!

Becky and me

Hope you enjoyed the glimpse of Becky's shower!

Gray day

2011-02-25T08:18:00.002-07:00

I went for over a month without blogging. I didn't intend to, but I kept feeling the need to get "caught up" on life before I spent my time writing. Well, guess what? I'm not caught up. Oh well, I figure if I wait for that, I'll be waiting a while.

Life has been full lately. In fact, I've decided to ease back in to blogging--with newsy little posts talking about what I've been up. I'm calling them "Life Lately". You can read about my life as a porcupine, and my attempt at nester-like window mis-treatments. There are more of these riveting posts to come. :0)

Today, I'm just talking about today. It's Friday and I'm catching up with the Company Girls. My day-off Friday agenda includes another visit to my needle-weilding PT, helping my mom get ready for a baby shower she is hosting tomorrow, picking up Bubba from school, accompanying Dave to his latest back procedure, and caring for Pickle who is home with a migraine.

And after a sunny week, today we woke up to fog and frost and snow flurries. GRAY. But pretty in it's own way.

this is actually a picture of two trees in our yard--if you look closely, you'll see that Dave unintentionally lined the trees up, and some of the branches belong to the one way closer to the curb. :)

my frosted-on-one-side bush

For those of you following along, Dave's back procedure today is the latest idea the latest doctor wants him to pursue. He will be getting the nerves that give him the most trouble deadened/killed. I guess the nerves will grow back in several months, but the hope is they will grow back happy. (I obviously don't really understand). Today is just the first step, where anesthetic is shot into the specific place to determine if indeed they got the right spot. He will be sedated--so I will be with him. If you are a pray-er, please pray that they get it right and that he finds some relief. In prep for these procedures he can't take his pain meds for 5 days--so it's been a rough week.

Well, bloggies, it's time to bundle up and get out the door with plenty of time to take it slow on the slick roads. My mood today is not gray like the outdoors--I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this day. Each day is an adventure as I walk with Him.

***Update 6:40 pm. Dave did fine at his procedure--however, the results weren't great. It was diagnostic to see if they killed the nerves there, would it help. We were to know right away in the recovery room. He had no relief. SO, we are back to the drawing board. Boo.

I've been mistreatin'

2011-02-24T21:59:00.001-07:00

Have I told you about my blog friend, Dawn? I am not talking about myself here, bloggies. Dawn blogs at Beyond Grace and she and I connected early on in my blog-life. Somehow I managed not to tell you all that she and I got to meet in real life this Christmas! She lives in FL, and we were just a few hours apart while we visited Dave's folks--so we made it happen! We had a grand time--Dave and I and Dawn and her family. We ate lunch at a restaurant and laughed our heads off. What a treat!

I tell you this as a prelude to my Life Lately post. I bring Dawn up, cause I had to laugh when she commented on my last post about the needles, that she hoped my next post would be more "smiley". So, for you Dawn, a much more smiley post:

I knew since before Christmas that I wanted to make a little color update in my family room when the holidays were over. That room has had a navy couch, tan chair and dark red accents for a long time. I had really cute window treatments my mom made--and I'm sorry I can't find a picture--but imagine valances with two fabrics, one floral and one ticking. The colors were muted and I loved 'em for a decade. And then, all of a sudden, I was done with them. I wanted to add a fun color to the room--something I could mix with the dark red ( the room opens to my red kitchen) and that would work with the navy. I chose one of my favorite colors these days--aqua/light turquoise/robin's egg blue.

I was inspired by the nester's window mistreatment ideas, and by my mom and sis who had already mistreated some windows in their homes. I decided I could make me some curtain-like mistreatments. With my mom's help, I bought some fabric on sale the first day I looked. (Can I just say that is a miracle for normally-indecisive me?!?). The next night, I did it! No sewing, just folding and ironing and hanging and fiddling. All by myself--like a big girl!

Ta-da! Here is how they look in my little family room. Yes, you can still see the spots where we took the old valances down. We'll get to painting that soon. A very different vibe than I had before...but I like it. What do you think?

I then (of course) needed to replace the valance in the kitchen. I took some scraps of the fabric from the family room, and a piece of a canvas dropcloth, a little help from my mom and Pickle, and voila!--a little kitchen valance!

I'm fairly proud of myself--mostly cause it all happened within a few days (that's unusual for me)--but also cause they don't look half-bad. I'm no nester, but it still works. And I bought all the fabric, the rods, brackets and clips on sale and the whole project was under $90.

How's that for smiley, Dawn? :0)