 |
| My sweet |
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas Time!
Busy Time of Year
Sorry it's been so long since I blogged. It's been really busy around here lately. My uncle passed away not long ago. It was sad for our family, but we have the hope of Christ. He is in Heaven and we know we will see him again. I've been thinking lately how hard it must be for people who do not have that hope and assurance from God. I would be miserable if I did not have that. I cannot imagine trying to get through the problems this world brings without God's love and comfort. It would be miserable. That said, I wonder how many of my friends are not ready to meet God. Maybe I need to work harder on not just trying to be an example, but in actively talking to people about my Lord and Savior. We encourage the kids in our youth group to do just this, but although I throw a word in here and there. There are several people I know but do not know where they will spend eternity. I thank God for the wonderful people he has put in my life. I work with several Christian people and it is a wonderful experience. I need to share that with everyone. Anyway, I was just wondering and trying to think how I could grow in this area. How are you doing on sharing God with others? I'm going to try to do better. Want to join me? Maybe that can be a New Year's resolution that I can keep. Let me know how you're doing.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
500 hits!!!
Sometime between yesterday and today my counter rolled over to 500 hits! That makes me feel awesome! My family and friends that are in Oklahoma can stay in touch and see how big my boys are growing. Thanks to everyone who reads my blog. It helps me to say some of the things that are on my mind and I hope I can grow from doing this. :o)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Halloween Trick or Treating
Nathan had his first school party on Friday. Halloween costumes abounded! He got a Bibleman costume for his birthday, so there was no question as to what he was going to be. I helped with his class and we had so much fun.
 |
| This is his whole class. |
 |
| He was so excited that Miss Gust was Minnie Mouse. |
 |
| Their snack was donut hole eyeballs...ewwww! |
 |
| He made it himself. :o) |
I am sure God lead us to this preschool. All of the staff and teacher seem to be wonderful with the kids. I would say his party was a success.
We also went trick or treating with the boys. Although they did get candy, we were asking for canned foods for our youth group project. Our neighbors were very generous. Noah was dancing before we left because he was so excited. He was Tigger and he kept rubbing his stuffed belly saying "Tigger belly" and giggling. I never get tired of hearing little boy giggles. I think they must make God smile. :o)
 |
| He just can't wait to go! |
 |
| Oh yes! It's Bibleman! |
 |
| My three amigos! |
Fall Fun!
We've had a pretty good Fall so far. Shannon & kids invited us over for a cookout while the hubbies were in a board meeting. It was pretty chilly but the kids had a blast.
We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. Nathan thinks marshmallows are cool to catch on fire, but he doesn't want to eat them. I had to kabosh that idea right away. lol Thanks Miss Shannon for asking us over. We'll have to invite our hubbies next time. :o)
 |
| The "Crew" minus Noah. |
 |
| Eli is proud of his grilling skills! |
 |
| This girl can build a toasty fire, for sure! |
We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. Nathan thinks marshmallows are cool to catch on fire, but he doesn't want to eat them. I had to kabosh that idea right away. lol Thanks Miss Shannon for asking us over. We'll have to invite our hubbies next time. :o)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Birthday Fun!
My husband is very thrifty! He aquired a gift certificate from some wonderful people (you know who you are) and took me to Chateau Avalon for my birthday. Now my birthday was the 6th, but our schedules didn't mesh with the plan until the 12th. That's OK. It makes the fun last longer. I don't know if you've ever been there, but it is sooooo cool! They have theme rooms and this was our 2nd stay. We stayed in the Castaway Isle room. It was really neat! (forgive the '80s lingo) Our bedroom was in the loft, which was actually the boat. The spa bathtub looked like a coconut drink. Their breakfast are really good too, although I would pass on the fruit. It was mushy.
We went to the legends for dinner, got ice cream, and played games at Dave & Buster's. It was fun! Thanks honey! I had an awesome time.....love you!
We went to the legends for dinner, got ice cream, and played games at Dave & Buster's. It was fun! Thanks honey! I had an awesome time.....love you!
 |
| This is the bough of the boat. Our room was upstairs inside it. |
 |
| There's a really cool fountain out front. |
 |
| They gave us complimentary sparking apple cider....yum! |
 |
| Looking down from the stairs. |
 |
| There's my sweetie! |
 |
| They had the shower curtain tied to the ship. If your curious, they give daily tours during the week to see the different themed rooms. It's awesome for a special getaway. |
The Altic Clan :o)
I kept the Altic children on Jared's birthday. Jared and Shannon snuck away for some lunch together. We had an awesome time! They brought lunch and we ate together. Then everyone scattered to play. Some of them were in our "man cave" playing with the toys that have overtaken that room. Tanner and Brennan were playing Wii. I think they had been having withdrawals since theirs is not working right now. :o) They all played together so well and there was very little fuss. I think we had as much fun as Jared and Shannon. We ended by coloring my sidewalk and driveway in chalk. It's 3-D chalk and it's really cool when you put the glasses on to see it.
Thanks for letting me borrow your kiddos for a while. My boys LOVED it!
Thanks for letting me borrow your kiddos for a while. My boys LOVED it!
 |
| They were all working hard! |
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
School Time Has Arrived!
Ok....I've reached a sad milestone day. I sent my 4 yr old off to preschool today. He was SOOOOO excited and could not quit talking once we got there. (Poor teacher!) We went to his room, hung up his back pack, and then he went to the table. Noah had to hang up his back pack too. I snuck it back to the car. That's the point when little brother realized that Nathan was staying and he was not. He cried from Nathan's classroom all the way to the car and out onto the highway. I finally got him to hear me say that we would be going for ice cream. That helped.....a LOT. We had a mommy and Noah date at Culvers. All seemed better until we got home. I started to get out of the car when he began asking where brother is. He teared up a little and we made a hasty entrance into the house. All Nathan said when I left was...."Bye Mom". He was truly upset to see me leave...not. He was already busy with his school work at the table and I was not needed at that point. I'm glad he is so independent, but a little frown or tear would be nice occassionally. Nah! I'm glad he can stand on his own. I hope Noah can adjust. Daddy will be taking him from now on when he goes back to work from lunch. Hopefully that will save on Noah's freaking out.
Nathan looked so sweet with his little back pack. Thanks to my Mom, they both have one just alike.
I'm waiting to see how his day went. It will be rushed because we have church tonight, but I can't wait to hear about his afternoon.
Nathan looked so sweet with his little back pack. Thanks to my Mom, they both have one just alike.
I'm waiting to see how his day went. It will be rushed because we have church tonight, but I can't wait to hear about his afternoon.
 |
| Waiting for them to unlock the door. |
 |
| Noah doesn't leave Nathan's side very often. |
 |
| Cheese! (He always turns his head when I snap a picture.) |
 |
| Noah playing with buttercups.....waiting. |
 |
| We're finally here!! |
 |
| His teacher and classroom. |
 |
| Already getting to work. |
 |
| Noah's special date with Mommy at Culvers. |
 |
| He's loving the ice cream! |
 |
| Can I get a bigger spoon? |
 |
| He fell asleep holding his puppies......feeling kinda lonely, I think. |
Monday, September 13, 2010
God's Wonderful Surprises!
I was sitting at the kitchen table working on our next budget with Chris. When I looked up and out the sliding glass doors, a hot air balloon looked like it was coming right towards me. It was really low! I hollered at the boys to come onto the deck and see it. When we went out, there was another one to the right. They were so close that we could wave at the people in the baskets. :o) My boys were soooo excited.
This one is over our neighbor's house across the street.
It was moving pretty fast. As I was working on a (semi) stressful task of trying to stretch the budget....God gave me something to relieve that stress. It only lasted for a few minutes, but it was so cool! We also got to visit with our neighbors across the street for a while. See.....many blessings!
I can go online to see how much my paycheck will be. So while I was doing that….what do you know….another blessing. I got a bonus. It wasn’t a lot, but every little bit helps. I know you know what I’m talking about. I’ve worked for Wal-Mart off and on for almost 20 years now. They have started to give what is called “My Share” bonuses a few times a year. Believe me……it helps. I don’t count on them so they are ALWAYS a blessing. It came at a perfect time. My car has to be fixed before winter and this will help so much in doing that. We have also discovered that Chris’s “used” car that we love will need some work. I’m pretty sure the heater doesn’t work. I’ve turned it on a couple of times and it doesn’t get hot. With the seasons changing, it will have to be fixed also. I have dubbed it “The Blue Banana”. My husband doesn’t appreciate that name very much. I’ve tried to find another one, but this one just fits. Sorry honey!
Nathan has been almost 3 weeks in big boy underwear! He has had very few accidents and is doing well. Thank you to all my encouragers that told me it would just click some day. It took him until his 4th birthday, but it finally clicked! Noah is now asking to wear pull-ups. He wants to do everything his brother does. I’m hoping this encourages him to potty train a little more quickly than his brother did. I’ve learned to hope and not hold my breath. :o)
I’ve been following a blog http://www.bowensheart.com/ about a family waiting for the birth of their son. He has a serious heart problem. He was born over the weekend and his first surgery is Monday morning at 7:30am. Please pray for this family. They have a great attitude and love for God and for Bowen, that’s the baby’s name. I’ve included their website. Check it out. The father is in the band Sanctus Real. He is the lead singer. It is a touching story of faith. Please join me in praying through this with them and asking for God’s will in little Bowen’s life.
Have a blessed week!
This was the closest one. It's floating over our house.
This one's on my phone screen now.
It was moving pretty fast. As I was working on a (semi) stressful task of trying to stretch the budget....God gave me something to relieve that stress. It only lasted for a few minutes, but it was so cool! We also got to visit with our neighbors across the street for a while. See.....many blessings!
I can go online to see how much my paycheck will be. So while I was doing that….what do you know….another blessing. I got a bonus. It wasn’t a lot, but every little bit helps. I know you know what I’m talking about. I’ve worked for Wal-Mart off and on for almost 20 years now. They have started to give what is called “My Share” bonuses a few times a year. Believe me……it helps. I don’t count on them so they are ALWAYS a blessing. It came at a perfect time. My car has to be fixed before winter and this will help so much in doing that. We have also discovered that Chris’s “used” car that we love will need some work. I’m pretty sure the heater doesn’t work. I’ve turned it on a couple of times and it doesn’t get hot. With the seasons changing, it will have to be fixed also. I have dubbed it “The Blue Banana”. My husband doesn’t appreciate that name very much. I’ve tried to find another one, but this one just fits. Sorry honey!
Nathan has been almost 3 weeks in big boy underwear! He has had very few accidents and is doing well. Thank you to all my encouragers that told me it would just click some day. It took him until his 4th birthday, but it finally clicked! Noah is now asking to wear pull-ups. He wants to do everything his brother does. I’m hoping this encourages him to potty train a little more quickly than his brother did. I’ve learned to hope and not hold my breath. :o)
I’ve been following a blog http://www.bowensheart.com/ about a family waiting for the birth of their son. He has a serious heart problem. He was born over the weekend and his first surgery is Monday morning at 7:30am. Please pray for this family. They have a great attitude and love for God and for Bowen, that’s the baby’s name. I’ve included their website. Check it out. The father is in the band Sanctus Real. He is the lead singer. It is a touching story of faith. Please join me in praying through this with them and asking for God’s will in little Bowen’s life.
Have a blessed week!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Success is a wonderful thing!
We have been attempting this potty training thing for well over a year now. He's finally got it! Yeah...we've had a few accidents and setbacks, but he's been in "big boy underwear" for 2 1/2 weeks now. I never thought this day would come. For Nathan, it came after his 4th birthday. I'm hoping Noah won't wait so long. I keep thinking that he likes to do everything his brother does. I am hoping and praying that potty training will be one of them.
I now have a 4 year old! I can't believe he's already 4. Worse than that...in 6 months, my baby will be 3. Ahhhhh!!! Where did the time go? Noah is talking so much more clearly. I knew it would happen, but I think I wanted him to stay a baby a little while longer. That's not God's plan and I want Noah to grow. I just wasn't prepared for how quickly it goes. I watch my boys and I am amazed at what they know and how quickly they learn. I was singing a Casting Crowns song with the radio last week. I glanced in the rear view mirror and Nathan was singing too. He knew every word. That kid is good at memorizing. He must get it from his daddy. :o) I feel so blessed to be a mother, even when I want to scream and run for cover. As I've said before, I never thought I'd even be a wife, let alone a mother. Fortunately I have a pretty good support group for the times I want to run screaming from the house.
Nathan will be able to go to kindergarten next year if we want him to. His birthday is just days before the deadline. I can't decide what to do. Chris and I have been talking it through, but we don't have any resolutions yet. I'm just praying that God reveals His will in this situation. I know He will, I just have to be patient to wait for it and quiet enough to hear Him when He answers me.
I have been following the blog http://www.bowensheart.com/ about a little baby boy who was diagnosed with a heart problem before he was born. His mother is in labor today and I would appreciate prayers for their family. If you haven't heard about it on K-LOVE, visit the website above. He will have to have heart surgery as soon as he is born, that is, if he lives through the delivery. Please pray with us that God's will is done in this family's life. Thanks for joining me by being a prayer warrior.
I am about to embark on an exercise plan. My friend Shannon is testing to be a personal trainer in a couple of weeks. She is awesome and will do wonderfully. She's using me to practice writing a training plan and yes, I did volunteer. I'm ready to get some of this weight off and feel better. Right now, my blood pressure medicine isn't always helping to lower my blood pressure. I think losing weight will help immensely. (sp?) Pray that I can stick with it. I want to be able to play with my boys as they get older. Right now, I tire easily and my arthritis in my back makes it difficult to be as active as I would like.
I hope everyone is doing well and has a good week. I'll try not to wait a whole month before I blog again.
I now have a 4 year old! I can't believe he's already 4. Worse than that...in 6 months, my baby will be 3. Ahhhhh!!! Where did the time go? Noah is talking so much more clearly. I knew it would happen, but I think I wanted him to stay a baby a little while longer. That's not God's plan and I want Noah to grow. I just wasn't prepared for how quickly it goes. I watch my boys and I am amazed at what they know and how quickly they learn. I was singing a Casting Crowns song with the radio last week. I glanced in the rear view mirror and Nathan was singing too. He knew every word. That kid is good at memorizing. He must get it from his daddy. :o) I feel so blessed to be a mother, even when I want to scream and run for cover. As I've said before, I never thought I'd even be a wife, let alone a mother. Fortunately I have a pretty good support group for the times I want to run screaming from the house.
Nathan will be able to go to kindergarten next year if we want him to. His birthday is just days before the deadline. I can't decide what to do. Chris and I have been talking it through, but we don't have any resolutions yet. I'm just praying that God reveals His will in this situation. I know He will, I just have to be patient to wait for it and quiet enough to hear Him when He answers me.
I have been following the blog http://www.bowensheart.com/ about a little baby boy who was diagnosed with a heart problem before he was born. His mother is in labor today and I would appreciate prayers for their family. If you haven't heard about it on K-LOVE, visit the website above. He will have to have heart surgery as soon as he is born, that is, if he lives through the delivery. Please pray with us that God's will is done in this family's life. Thanks for joining me by being a prayer warrior.
I am about to embark on an exercise plan. My friend Shannon is testing to be a personal trainer in a couple of weeks. She is awesome and will do wonderfully. She's using me to practice writing a training plan and yes, I did volunteer. I'm ready to get some of this weight off and feel better. Right now, my blood pressure medicine isn't always helping to lower my blood pressure. I think losing weight will help immensely. (sp?) Pray that I can stick with it. I want to be able to play with my boys as they get older. Right now, I tire easily and my arthritis in my back makes it difficult to be as active as I would like.
I hope everyone is doing well and has a good week. I'll try not to wait a whole month before I blog again.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Happiness and Sorrow
The last couple of weeks have been exciting and fast moving. We visited a splash park twice in one week while Daddy was in Illinois with the high school youth at CIY. Shannon graciously showed us the way. (Everyone knows I am directionally challenged (o: ) Chris had an awesome week at CIY with our wonderful high schoolers that went. Robin was our female sponsor. She is awesome and they got some great pictures of her too! It went pretty fast.
There were a couple of dark clouds. My aunt Maxine went to be with the Lord last week. I KNOW she is in heaven. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and worked for His kingdom. I have so many fond memories of her and my uncle Bruce, who preceded her to Heaven this last May. Yes my family, I even remember the DX station. :0) Her funeral was yesterday. Many of our family could not attend because of the hot weather. They are getting older and cannot take the heat. I told my Mom not to fret. Aunt Maxine wasn't there anyway. She is in heaven, dancing around God's throne.
The second dark cloud.....a friend of my nephew, Ryan, lost his father last week. His funeral was also yesterday. It's hard to lose a parent at any time, but Taylor lost his dad the week before he was to begin his senior year in high school. Ryan has a hard time with this....he understands. Ryan's daddy passed away right before he turned 2 yrs old. I pray for this family. I am glad Taylor has Ryan to talk to. I think it will help them both to be able to share together.
It has been a couple of weeks full of bad news. I know we have to go through the dark times to grow, but they are so hard. I cannot imagine not having God to lean on for strength. I think God is going to use Ryan to do great things in his life, whether he realizes it or not. Can you tell I love this kid? I've always claimed he was part mine. My boys love him to pieces and he is so gentle and patient with them. Many young men his age (17) would not give my little ones the time of day, but he gets in the floor and wrestles them and plays with them. He loves from the heart with few words. I can't wait to see what he does after this, his last year in high school. I know he will make me and our whole family proud. He has that ability.
Okay.....I'll stop bragging. I have other friends from Oklahoma that are mourning this week also. It seems that many are grieving together this week. My friends, Cindy & Debbie, lost their momma too. Debbie talked to her every day just like I do with my mom. I can't imagine what they are feeling. I don't really want to know because it would break my heart to lose my Mom. I just know that God carries us through these times and teaches us to help others through our pain.
My friend Angela is expecting again. She and Mark lost their precious baby after 26 hours on June 1, 2009. She blogs about it to help other women that have experienced the loss of a child. I love her heart as it shines out to help others. She is having a little girl this time. I keep hinting for her to tell the baby to come on my birthday. She's due that week. ;o) Her blog is about their journey through the grief of Benjamin's loss and the happiness of expecting a new baby. It is wonderful! Here's the link: http://angelasreflection.blogspot.com/
Let me warn you....get out the tissues! It is so worth it to read though. God holds us through the hard times.
Thanks for letting me unload. I love my friends and family! They keep me sane and grounded.
There were a couple of dark clouds. My aunt Maxine went to be with the Lord last week. I KNOW she is in heaven. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and worked for His kingdom. I have so many fond memories of her and my uncle Bruce, who preceded her to Heaven this last May. Yes my family, I even remember the DX station. :0) Her funeral was yesterday. Many of our family could not attend because of the hot weather. They are getting older and cannot take the heat. I told my Mom not to fret. Aunt Maxine wasn't there anyway. She is in heaven, dancing around God's throne.
The second dark cloud.....a friend of my nephew, Ryan, lost his father last week. His funeral was also yesterday. It's hard to lose a parent at any time, but Taylor lost his dad the week before he was to begin his senior year in high school. Ryan has a hard time with this....he understands. Ryan's daddy passed away right before he turned 2 yrs old. I pray for this family. I am glad Taylor has Ryan to talk to. I think it will help them both to be able to share together.
It has been a couple of weeks full of bad news. I know we have to go through the dark times to grow, but they are so hard. I cannot imagine not having God to lean on for strength. I think God is going to use Ryan to do great things in his life, whether he realizes it or not. Can you tell I love this kid? I've always claimed he was part mine. My boys love him to pieces and he is so gentle and patient with them. Many young men his age (17) would not give my little ones the time of day, but he gets in the floor and wrestles them and plays with them. He loves from the heart with few words. I can't wait to see what he does after this, his last year in high school. I know he will make me and our whole family proud. He has that ability.
Okay.....I'll stop bragging. I have other friends from Oklahoma that are mourning this week also. It seems that many are grieving together this week. My friends, Cindy & Debbie, lost their momma too. Debbie talked to her every day just like I do with my mom. I can't imagine what they are feeling. I don't really want to know because it would break my heart to lose my Mom. I just know that God carries us through these times and teaches us to help others through our pain.
My friend Angela is expecting again. She and Mark lost their precious baby after 26 hours on June 1, 2009. She blogs about it to help other women that have experienced the loss of a child. I love her heart as it shines out to help others. She is having a little girl this time. I keep hinting for her to tell the baby to come on my birthday. She's due that week. ;o) Her blog is about their journey through the grief of Benjamin's loss and the happiness of expecting a new baby. It is wonderful! Here's the link: http://angelasreflection.blogspot.com/
Let me warn you....get out the tissues! It is so worth it to read though. God holds us through the hard times.
Thanks for letting me unload. I love my friends and family! They keep me sane and grounded.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Don't take a moment for granted.
A friend of mine posted this article on her facebook status. I thought it was wonderful. It's dramatic, but it reminds us of how far apart we can grow in a relationship if we are not working at it. Don't take a single moment for granted. Enjoy!
MARRIAGE
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage. This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully. My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head. Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore. She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart. That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." Matthew 19:6
MARRIAGE
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage. This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully. My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head. Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore. She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart. That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." Matthew 19:6
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
KCK Splash Park
Well....today was the day. Nathan has been asking when we were going to the splash park for a week. (Never mention plans early.) We packed up and left the house around 9:10 am to go meet Miss Shannon and her three youngest. The boys didn't need to be invited to jump in the water. They had so much fun. Anneliese was sipping her mama's diet Pepsi so Noah thought he needed some of mine. I've never really given him pop before so it was a totally new experience. I think I've created a monster. He loved my Pepsi. I couldn't keep it away from him, so I had to hide my cup.
After the park, we got the kids some snack packs from Culver's and headed to "Miss Shannon's" house. When we arrived, we unloaded everyone's food....except my hamburger. It was not in the bag. I called them as a courtesy before I trekked back down there to get my food. They informed me that they would have to MAIL me a coupon. I informed them that I would be down there for my food. Customer courtesy???? I did receive a coupon for a free sundae for my trouble, that is, after I spoke with the rude shift manager. I wasn't rude or mean...I just thanked the woman and left. I went home and got on their website and contacted the owner by email. I am waiting for my return phone call. We'll see if it happens. If the fault had been mine....hey, I understand. But for them to tell me I could not return for food I had already paid for....and not very courteously at that...I do not think so. I love Culver's and their
custard is out of this world, but customer service...not so much.
Sorry to rant, but customer service has declined in this country over the last few years. I try to give good customer service at our pharmacy and I expect it from people and businesses I deal with. Ask the waiters I have left a tip for. I once tipped a waitress $7.00 because she was awesome. It would have been more but I didn't have anymore to give her. I have also left no tip if their service is horrible. In these instances, I may have even spoken to the manager. I believe that if we treat others well and do our job to the best of our abilities, they will retaliate. Isn't that how we are supposed to act...Do unto others like we want to be treated?
Anyway....here are some pics from our day. Thank you Shannon for driving us...we had so much fun and you are awesome!
 |
| They really like each other, but I don't think they're sharing. :) |
 |
| I couldn't keep him out of my cup. |
custard is out of this world, but customer service...not so much.
Sorry to rant, but customer service has declined in this country over the last few years. I try to give good customer service at our pharmacy and I expect it from people and businesses I deal with. Ask the waiters I have left a tip for. I once tipped a waitress $7.00 because she was awesome. It would have been more but I didn't have anymore to give her. I have also left no tip if their service is horrible. In these instances, I may have even spoken to the manager. I believe that if we treat others well and do our job to the best of our abilities, they will retaliate. Isn't that how we are supposed to act...Do unto others like we want to be treated?
Anyway....here are some pics from our day. Thank you Shannon for driving us...we had so much fun and you are awesome!
 |
| Noah is in the center and Nathan's on the left running. |
 |
| Noah is in the back in the middle of the pic. |
 |
| Nathan's incredible hulk pose! |
 |
| She's giving out drinks to her brothers...so cute! |
 |
| The Pepsi Thief |
Friday, July 16, 2010
What a GREAT week!!!
My husband and I will be married for 6 years tomorrow. WOW!! That seems like a long time, but look what we've accomplished! We rent a beautiful home from wonderful landlords. (They call just to see how we're doing.) We have 2 beautiful boys. I'm sorry...they are beautiful!☺ We are maintaining a budget after 3 or 4 months of tweaking. I have my teaching degree and Chris has a job he absolutely loves. I'd consider that a good life that is truly blessed by God.
For our anniversary, we went to Chateau Avalon. It's a great place to stay. They have a diary in each room for people to write their special memories. It was really cool. I highly recommend Ruby Tuesday's in Mission. It was great! My hubby opened doors and held my hand. I felt like we were dating again. The boys stayed with Cathy & Carolyn and the gang. They got to go to VBS with them and had a wonderful time. We really needed a day to be with just us and I feel refreshed. God has blessed us tremendously.
We have been at Wyandotte County Christian Church for a year now. It is a loving, giving congregation of God's people. They care about each other and have included us in that. This church we waited for God to lead us to is a wonderful fit for our family. We have been so happy this last year! I have made some wonderful new friends. I have also been able to see some of my old friends and have not lost contact with them. What a blessing!
On another high note, Noah has started sleeping through the night. It was a 2 year struggle, but sleep finally prevailed. The next big obstacle in our house is potty training. Even that seems to be taking a good turn in the past few weeks.
We still struggle with things like everyone does, but the good so thoroughly outweights the bad and I can't be anything but thankful.
For our anniversary, we went to Chateau Avalon. It's a great place to stay. They have a diary in each room for people to write their special memories. It was really cool. I highly recommend Ruby Tuesday's in Mission. It was great! My hubby opened doors and held my hand. I felt like we were dating again. The boys stayed with Cathy & Carolyn and the gang. They got to go to VBS with them and had a wonderful time. We really needed a day to be with just us and I feel refreshed. God has blessed us tremendously.
We have been at Wyandotte County Christian Church for a year now. It is a loving, giving congregation of God's people. They care about each other and have included us in that. This church we waited for God to lead us to is a wonderful fit for our family. We have been so happy this last year! I have made some wonderful new friends. I have also been able to see some of my old friends and have not lost contact with them. What a blessing!
On another high note, Noah has started sleeping through the night. It was a 2 year struggle, but sleep finally prevailed. The next big obstacle in our house is potty training. Even that seems to be taking a good turn in the past few weeks.
We still struggle with things like everyone does, but the good so thoroughly outweights the bad and I can't be anything but thankful.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Amazing!
I really do have a wonderful, amazing life. I have good friends and my family is here visiting this weekend. My husband and boys are doing well and so am I.
My friend, Shannon, texted me on Facebook yesterday to say that if my sister wanted her hair done while she was here, she had time. I think that is completely selfless of her. She has so much on her plate: 5 kids, 1 husband, and a flurry of constant activity and projects. We appreciate her so much and she does a great job at everything she touches. :) I love you Shannon. You give me a great example to follow.
I love it when my family comes to visit. I miss them. It's been a few months since I went to Oklahoma, so it helps the home sickness when they are here. My mom couldn't come but my twin sister and her son did. He's an awesome teenager...17. I got to help raise him when he was little. Being the ultimate aunt, I let him hide in my room when he wanted to get away from everyone. I was also the homework guru. :) I admit, I'm rather sweet on him. It was disconcerting when he grew to be over 6 feet tall. Now he makes me feel short, but I still get a hug whenever we see each other. My sister and I are only 5 minutes apart in age. We complete each others sentences and sound just alike. That makes it hard when we are together and call people. They never know who they are talking to. I did that to my brother yesterday when I answered her phone. hee hee :) We've been through a lot together and I wouldn't trade her for a billion dollars so don't ask. :)
My babies are growing so fast! I never imagined I'd miss the time before they could walk, but sometimes I do. I want them to grow, but no so fast. Noah is talking in understandable sentences. That's new. I'm glad because it makes it easier to understand what he wants, but it means my baby is getting older.....and more attitudinal. My boys are awesome! I love it when it's time to pray and they both fold their hands and bow their heads. Nathan has started praying at meal time and he does a great job. I can see their little hearts growing with the love of God more every day.
I have a super husband....have I said that lately? Our 6th anniversary is coming up soon and he made some great plans for us. I can't wait. We've come a long way in the last 6 years. It's been a roller coaster ride, but I'm glad I'm on it. How fun! He's a great husband and an awesome daddy. Just ask our boys. Nathan keeps saying "can I be daddy"? What a great compliment!
All in all, I am a blessed woman. That about sums it up!
My friend, Shannon, texted me on Facebook yesterday to say that if my sister wanted her hair done while she was here, she had time. I think that is completely selfless of her. She has so much on her plate: 5 kids, 1 husband, and a flurry of constant activity and projects. We appreciate her so much and she does a great job at everything she touches. :) I love you Shannon. You give me a great example to follow.
I love it when my family comes to visit. I miss them. It's been a few months since I went to Oklahoma, so it helps the home sickness when they are here. My mom couldn't come but my twin sister and her son did. He's an awesome teenager...17. I got to help raise him when he was little. Being the ultimate aunt, I let him hide in my room when he wanted to get away from everyone. I was also the homework guru. :) I admit, I'm rather sweet on him. It was disconcerting when he grew to be over 6 feet tall. Now he makes me feel short, but I still get a hug whenever we see each other. My sister and I are only 5 minutes apart in age. We complete each others sentences and sound just alike. That makes it hard when we are together and call people. They never know who they are talking to. I did that to my brother yesterday when I answered her phone. hee hee :) We've been through a lot together and I wouldn't trade her for a billion dollars so don't ask. :)
My babies are growing so fast! I never imagined I'd miss the time before they could walk, but sometimes I do. I want them to grow, but no so fast. Noah is talking in understandable sentences. That's new. I'm glad because it makes it easier to understand what he wants, but it means my baby is getting older.....and more attitudinal. My boys are awesome! I love it when it's time to pray and they both fold their hands and bow their heads. Nathan has started praying at meal time and he does a great job. I can see their little hearts growing with the love of God more every day.
I have a super husband....have I said that lately? Our 6th anniversary is coming up soon and he made some great plans for us. I can't wait. We've come a long way in the last 6 years. It's been a roller coaster ride, but I'm glad I'm on it. How fun! He's a great husband and an awesome daddy. Just ask our boys. Nathan keeps saying "can I be daddy"? What a great compliment!
All in all, I am a blessed woman. That about sums it up!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Things to be thankful for.....
I don't think I've been very thankful lately. Ask my husband....he gets the brunt of my bad moods. I don't know why I get grouchy. I think the devil works overtime on my heart sometimes. They say you should count your blessings, so here I go...
1. I have a husband who loves God, loves me, and loves our children. Hopefully in that order, like it says in the bible.
2. I have 2 beautiful boys that give me a run for my money. They are active and ornery and I love it. I hope the disobedient part subsides eventually, but I'm not holding out a lot of hope for that. At least not until they are adults.
3. We have a church family that loves and supports us all the time. They don't even all know us that well. We haven't done anything to earn this love....they just give it freely because that's who they are.
4. We have a beautiful home to live in. It's not ours, but it keeps us protected and gives us 3 times more room than we ever had before.
5. We have 2 cars that are completely paid for and run pretty good. They keep my children safe and us going.
6. Chris and I both have good jobs and wonderful supervisors. My boss is wonderful to work with my schedule when I need to be off.
7. I have a family that loves me in Oklahoma and Missouri.
8. I have a good education that I can take with me wherever I go.
9. This should have been first on the list, but I have a God that loves me so much that He gave his life for me. He is going to let me live with Him forever in heaven.
10. I have awesome friends that are there for me when I need them.
These are only a few of the things that bless my life. Most of them are people. Others are things that help take care of the people in my life. When I feel down or irritated, I just need to remember to count my blessings and change my attitude.
1. I have a husband who loves God, loves me, and loves our children. Hopefully in that order, like it says in the bible.
2. I have 2 beautiful boys that give me a run for my money. They are active and ornery and I love it. I hope the disobedient part subsides eventually, but I'm not holding out a lot of hope for that. At least not until they are adults.
3. We have a church family that loves and supports us all the time. They don't even all know us that well. We haven't done anything to earn this love....they just give it freely because that's who they are.
4. We have a beautiful home to live in. It's not ours, but it keeps us protected and gives us 3 times more room than we ever had before.
5. We have 2 cars that are completely paid for and run pretty good. They keep my children safe and us going.
6. Chris and I both have good jobs and wonderful supervisors. My boss is wonderful to work with my schedule when I need to be off.
7. I have a family that loves me in Oklahoma and Missouri.
8. I have a good education that I can take with me wherever I go.
9. This should have been first on the list, but I have a God that loves me so much that He gave his life for me. He is going to let me live with Him forever in heaven.
10. I have awesome friends that are there for me when I need them.
These are only a few of the things that bless my life. Most of them are people. Others are things that help take care of the people in my life. When I feel down or irritated, I just need to remember to count my blessings and change my attitude.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Loss
In the past few months, I have had 2 friends lose a child. One was at the beginning of her pregnancy and one was at 7 months. I don't think it matters when something like that happens, the people involved still mourn the loss. The only difference is that, as Christians, we know we will see these blessed children again one day. Now they are in Jesus arms being loved and comforted just like their parents.
A few years ago, I attended a Women of Faith conference. Natalie Grant gave a fantastic concert. She sang the song "Held", but first she explained what led her to write the song. She knew both families that suffered loss, one lost a child and another their husband/father. This happened within days of each other and both families were friends of Natalie. I have no idea how she gets through the song without bawling. I cried through most of it. I still do every time I hear it. She reminds us that God did not promise us an easy life. He just promised to be with us every step of the way. "I will never leave you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5b
My heart is filled with compassion for these people who lose their children here on earth. Although we know God is holding them, we still need to mourn and heal.
My youngest son spent the 2nd week of his life in he NICU in Overland Park Regional. He was one of the largest babies in there. He was 9 lbs at birth. We met many couple fighting for the children's lives. We became friends with a couple whose twins were born at 28 weeks. They are 2 years old now, and thriving. At the time we met them, they were barely over a pound each. Their lives were spared, but for a while no one knew what would happen. I don't know how God decides which babies to take with Him and which one to leave here for a while. I only know that with God, many of these families become stronger. My friends that lost the child at 7 months got to spend one precious day with their son before he went to live with God. She blogs about it and I believe it helps others that have been in that situation.
I guess all this is to say that these special women have handled their situation with grace and trust in God. It makes me love them all the more for the wonderful example they have shown to others without even trying. I tell myself that my babies are really God's children and I am only keeping them for Him. I still cannot imagine my life without them or how their loss would affect me. I only know my heart aches for these special people.
I am reading a blog about a family that may lose a child. The baby has a disease that was detected in the womb. They are chronicling (sp?) the baby's progress throughout the pregnancy. She was so afraid to buy clothes for this baby boy because she didn't know if he would even be there to wear them. When she told her husband this, he went out and got some clothes for their baby boy the next day. They are trusting in God, no matter the outcome. I pray that all of us could have that kind of faith. God is trustworthy and he will not fail us.
I received this email from a good friend today and it makes me amazed at God's love:
A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery.
Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news.
That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing.
At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature. Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs.
"I don't think she's going to make it," he said, as kindly as he could. "There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one." Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived. She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on. "No! No!" was all Diana could say. She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four. Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away
But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love.
All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.
There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger.
But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there. At last, when Dana turned two months old. her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time. And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.
Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life. She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.
One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving , Texas , Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing.
As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby when she suddenly fell silent Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, "Do you smell that?" Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, "Yes, it smells like rain."
Dana closed her eyes and again asked, "Do you smell that?"
Once again, her mother replied, "Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain."
Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced, "No, it smells like Him. It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest."
Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children.
Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along. During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.
God Bless!
A few years ago, I attended a Women of Faith conference. Natalie Grant gave a fantastic concert. She sang the song "Held", but first she explained what led her to write the song. She knew both families that suffered loss, one lost a child and another their husband/father. This happened within days of each other and both families were friends of Natalie. I have no idea how she gets through the song without bawling. I cried through most of it. I still do every time I hear it. She reminds us that God did not promise us an easy life. He just promised to be with us every step of the way. "I will never leave you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5b
My heart is filled with compassion for these people who lose their children here on earth. Although we know God is holding them, we still need to mourn and heal.
My youngest son spent the 2nd week of his life in he NICU in Overland Park Regional. He was one of the largest babies in there. He was 9 lbs at birth. We met many couple fighting for the children's lives. We became friends with a couple whose twins were born at 28 weeks. They are 2 years old now, and thriving. At the time we met them, they were barely over a pound each. Their lives were spared, but for a while no one knew what would happen. I don't know how God decides which babies to take with Him and which one to leave here for a while. I only know that with God, many of these families become stronger. My friends that lost the child at 7 months got to spend one precious day with their son before he went to live with God. She blogs about it and I believe it helps others that have been in that situation.
I guess all this is to say that these special women have handled their situation with grace and trust in God. It makes me love them all the more for the wonderful example they have shown to others without even trying. I tell myself that my babies are really God's children and I am only keeping them for Him. I still cannot imagine my life without them or how their loss would affect me. I only know my heart aches for these special people.
I am reading a blog about a family that may lose a child. The baby has a disease that was detected in the womb. They are chronicling (sp?) the baby's progress throughout the pregnancy. She was so afraid to buy clothes for this baby boy because she didn't know if he would even be there to wear them. When she told her husband this, he went out and got some clothes for their baby boy the next day. They are trusting in God, no matter the outcome. I pray that all of us could have that kind of faith. God is trustworthy and he will not fail us.
I received this email from a good friend today and it makes me amazed at God's love:
A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery.
Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news.
That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing.
At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature. Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs.
"I don't think she's going to make it," he said, as kindly as he could. "There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one." Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived. She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on. "No! No!" was all Diana could say. She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four. Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away
But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love.
All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.
There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger.
But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there. At last, when Dana turned two months old. her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time. And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.
Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life. She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.
One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving , Texas , Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing.
As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby when she suddenly fell silent Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, "Do you smell that?" Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, "Yes, it smells like rain."
Dana closed her eyes and again asked, "Do you smell that?"
Once again, her mother replied, "Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain."
Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced, "No, it smells like Him. It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest."
Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children.
Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along. During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.
God Bless!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Jesus and the Mud Puddle
I received this email from my sister. It was too precious not to share. Enjoy!
Jesus & the Mud Puddle
(You gotta believe a 6 year old)
Howard County Sheriff Jerry Marr got a disturbing call
one Saturday afternoon a few months ago.
His 6-year-old grandson, Mikey, had been hit by a car
while fishing in Greentown with his dad.
The father and son were near a bridge
by the Kokomo Reservoir
when a woman lost control of her car,
slid off the bridge and hit Mikey
at a rate of about 50 mph.
Sheriff Marr had seen the results of accidents
like this and feared the worst.
When he got to Saint Joseph Hospital ,
he rushed through the emergency
room to find Mikey conscious and in fairly good spirits.
'Mikey, what happened?' Sheriff Marr asked.
Mikey replied, 'Well, Papaw, I was fishin' with Dad,
and some lady runned me over,
I flew into a mud puddle,
and broke my fishin' pole and
I didn't get to catch
(You gotta believe a 6 year old)
Howard County Sheriff Jerry Marr got a disturbing call
one Saturday afternoon a few months ago.
His 6-year-old grandson, Mikey, had been hit by a car
while fishing in Greentown with his dad.
The father and son were near a bridge
by the Kokomo Reservoir
when a woman lost control of her car,
slid off the bridge and hit Mikey
at a rate of about 50 mph.
Sheriff Marr had seen the results of accidents
like this and feared the worst.
When he got to Saint Joseph Hospital ,
he rushed through the emergency
room to find Mikey conscious and in fairly good spirits.
'Mikey, what happened?' Sheriff Marr asked.
Mikey replied, 'Well, Papaw, I was fishin' with Dad,
and some lady runned me over,
I flew into a mud puddle,
and broke my fishin' pole and
I didn't get to catch
no fish!'
As it turned out, the impact
propelled Mikey about
As it turned out, the impact
propelled Mikey about
500 feet,
over a few trees and an embankment and in
to the middle of a mud puddle.
His only injuries were to his right femur bone,
which had broken in two places.
Mikey had surgery to place pins in his leg.
Otherwise the boy is fine.
Since all the boy could talk about was
that his fishing pole was broken,
the Sheriff went out to Wal-Mart
and bought him a new one while he was in surgery
so he could have it when he came out.
The next day the Sheriff sat with Mikey
to keep him company in the hospital.
Mikey was enjoying his new fishing pole
and talked about when he could go fishing again
as he cast into the trash can.
When they were alone Mikey, just as matter-of-fact, said,
'Papaw, did you know Jesus is real?'
over a few trees and an embankment and in
to the middle of a mud puddle.
His only injuries were to his right femur bone,
which had broken in two places.
Mikey had surgery to place pins in his leg.
Otherwise the boy is fine.
Since all the boy could talk about was
that his fishing pole was broken,
the Sheriff went out to Wal-Mart
and bought him a new one while he was in surgery
so he could have it when he came out.
The next day the Sheriff sat with Mikey
to keep him company in the hospital.
Mikey was enjoying his new fishing pole
and talked about when he could go fishing again
as he cast into the trash can.
When they were alone Mikey, just as matter-of-fact, said,
'Papaw, did you know Jesus is real?'
'Well,' the Sheriff replied, a little startled..
'Yes, Jesus is real to all who believe in him
and love him in their hearts.'
'No,' said Mikey. 'I mean Jesus is REALLY real.'
'What do you mean?' asked the Sheriff.
'I know he's real 'cause I saw him,' said Mikey,
still casting into the trash can.
'You did?' said the Sheriff.
'Yep,' said Mikey. 'When that lady runned me over
and broke my fishing pole,
Jesus caught me in his arms
and laid me down in the mud puddle.'
GIVES YOU GLORY BUMPS, DOESN'T IT?!
GOD WILL DO THE REST
I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way
His love is always with you
His promises are true
And when we give Him all our cares
You know He will see us through
So when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Just remember I'm here praying
And God will do the rest.
and love him in their hearts.'
'No,' said Mikey. 'I mean Jesus is REALLY real.'
'What do you mean?' asked the Sheriff.
'I know he's real 'cause I saw him,' said Mikey,
still casting into the trash can.
'You did?' said the Sheriff.
'Yep,' said Mikey. 'When that lady runned me over
and broke my fishing pole,
Jesus caught me in his arms
and laid me down in the mud puddle.'
GIVES YOU GLORY BUMPS, DOESN'T IT?!
GOD WILL DO THE REST
I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way
His love is always with you
His promises are true
And when we give Him all our cares
You know He will see us through
So when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Just remember I'm here praying
And God will do the rest.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Women of Faith contest
This blog entry answers the following question:"If you could become a Women of Faith speaker, what would you talk about?"
I would speak about struggling with God's will versus my own. I had big plans for my life. I wanted to be a wife and mother since I was a young girl. I dated many people but no one I really clicked with. I went through times of being despondent and depressed. I drove my friends and family crazy at times whining about my single condition. It got really bad when everyone I "hung out" with got married. I really felt like a third wheel then. My good friends assured me that I wasn't a burden, but that did little for my attitude. I would often babysit so others could have date nights. At least someone benefiting from my single condition, right? I passed my twenties and was well into my thirties before I realized my big mistake. My greatest relationship should have been with my Father in heaven. I had been searching elsewhere for a fulfilling relationship when all I had to do was turn to God. I began a relationship with Him and my life changed forever. I began to become comfortable with myself and the fact that it might not be in His will for me to have a mate. I knew God had a plan for me, but I was not willing to submit to it until this time. After a couple of years of letting God show me His plan, He whammied me with a man that got my attention in a big way.
Now yes, I did go to bible college and I did work in the church, but never did I picture myself as a preacher's wife. I felt unworthy of such a "lofty" title. Well....preacher's wives are just sinner's and regular people like everyone else. We have faults (can you imagine??) and warts just like all of the people around us. I still go through times of doubt when I don't think I'm doing a good job, but God has given me people to encourage me and help me out. Most of them are preacher's wives too. I am in awe of them and they are regular people like me. WOW!
I keep searching out God's will for me daily. He has given me my dreams, a wonderful, romantic husband and 2 ornery, fantastic boys that I chase around all the time. My family is in love with each other and with God. Did I mention that I didn't find the "perfect for me" man until I was 34 years old? I had babies at 37 and 39. I started late but I don't regret a minute of it. My earlier life prepared me for this life. It was God's perfect timing not my "I want it now!" will.
The verse that I hold dear is Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV) There is a song that uses this verse and it ends "help us Lord, help us Lord to wait." And that's the crux of the matter. We have to wait on His will instead of the "fast food" mentality of wanting everything NOW. If I hadn't waited on God, I don't believe I would be in a happy relationship. I can't be sure of that, but I can't imagine a better mate than the one He chose for me. If this helps any of my friends that are searching, it is well worth my while to write down.
I would speak about struggling with God's will versus my own. I had big plans for my life. I wanted to be a wife and mother since I was a young girl. I dated many people but no one I really clicked with. I went through times of being despondent and depressed. I drove my friends and family crazy at times whining about my single condition. It got really bad when everyone I "hung out" with got married. I really felt like a third wheel then. My good friends assured me that I wasn't a burden, but that did little for my attitude. I would often babysit so others could have date nights. At least someone benefiting from my single condition, right? I passed my twenties and was well into my thirties before I realized my big mistake. My greatest relationship should have been with my Father in heaven. I had been searching elsewhere for a fulfilling relationship when all I had to do was turn to God. I began a relationship with Him and my life changed forever. I began to become comfortable with myself and the fact that it might not be in His will for me to have a mate. I knew God had a plan for me, but I was not willing to submit to it until this time. After a couple of years of letting God show me His plan, He whammied me with a man that got my attention in a big way.
Now yes, I did go to bible college and I did work in the church, but never did I picture myself as a preacher's wife. I felt unworthy of such a "lofty" title. Well....preacher's wives are just sinner's and regular people like everyone else. We have faults (can you imagine??) and warts just like all of the people around us. I still go through times of doubt when I don't think I'm doing a good job, but God has given me people to encourage me and help me out. Most of them are preacher's wives too. I am in awe of them and they are regular people like me. WOW!
I keep searching out God's will for me daily. He has given me my dreams, a wonderful, romantic husband and 2 ornery, fantastic boys that I chase around all the time. My family is in love with each other and with God. Did I mention that I didn't find the "perfect for me" man until I was 34 years old? I had babies at 37 and 39. I started late but I don't regret a minute of it. My earlier life prepared me for this life. It was God's perfect timing not my "I want it now!" will.
The verse that I hold dear is Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV) There is a song that uses this verse and it ends "help us Lord, help us Lord to wait." And that's the crux of the matter. We have to wait on His will instead of the "fast food" mentality of wanting everything NOW. If I hadn't waited on God, I don't believe I would be in a happy relationship. I can't be sure of that, but I can't imagine a better mate than the one He chose for me. If this helps any of my friends that are searching, it is well worth my while to write down.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
It's been an eventful week!
This week began on Easter morning with church and lunch with the Bolins. We serve a might God and I was so glad to celebrate His resurrection this week. My babies did very well at lunch. They behaved themselves, unlike Saturday night small group where they lost it towards the end. Sunday night went well until about 11:30. Nothing makes a parent move faster than the sound of a kid throwing up. Noah had a bad belly and he woke up and got sick. Needless to say, Chris and I were up. He threw the blankets in the laundry while I soothed a crying baby. We put him back in his bed with a towel under him. That was good because he did it again about 1 am. After that he was fine. He didn't have any symptoms before or after that. I don't know if it was allergies or something he ate. I'm just glad it didn't last long. Allergies are kicking us in the tail right now. Nathan's poor eyes get red when it's time for more medication. Chris is even getting choked up and he doesn't usually get bad allergies. Well, it's Wednesday and so far everyone is healthy.
Tonight is church and Shannon is cooking again. She fills in when no one signs up, which has been often lately. I feel bad for her but she is an AWESOME cook! I would offer but it's in the middle of Noah's nap time and he has to nap on Wednesday to keep the nursery workers sane. Plus....I'm not really sure how to cook for that many people. I'll give it a go sometime. Anyway, we are having roasted chicken and I can't wait! MMMMmmmmmm......you should come to at 6 pm.
I'm revving up for work this week. I work 3 out of 4 days over the weekend. It's weird how Wal*Mart's schedules run. This schedule just turned out to have days close together this time. My boys are ready for some Daddy time. They always do something fun or interesting when I'm gone. **sigh** That's OK. Daddy is fun and they all love being together.
My friend Deb is going to have her little girl on Friday at 11am. (C-section) She's been on bed rest for several weeks because of her blood pressure and the end is near! This is a miracle baby and she is so excited. She has another daughter who is going to be an awesome sister. The whole family is ready. God is good....He kept the baby safe where it had time to grow and develop before making her debut entrance. Congratulations Deb and Joe......I hope you're ready for a new baby after all these years. You can do it!!!
Tonight is church and Shannon is cooking again. She fills in when no one signs up, which has been often lately. I feel bad for her but she is an AWESOME cook! I would offer but it's in the middle of Noah's nap time and he has to nap on Wednesday to keep the nursery workers sane. Plus....I'm not really sure how to cook for that many people. I'll give it a go sometime. Anyway, we are having roasted chicken and I can't wait! MMMMmmmmmm......you should come to at 6 pm.
I'm revving up for work this week. I work 3 out of 4 days over the weekend. It's weird how Wal*Mart's schedules run. This schedule just turned out to have days close together this time. My boys are ready for some Daddy time. They always do something fun or interesting when I'm gone. **sigh** That's OK. Daddy is fun and they all love being together.
My friend Deb is going to have her little girl on Friday at 11am. (C-section) She's been on bed rest for several weeks because of her blood pressure and the end is near! This is a miracle baby and she is so excited. She has another daughter who is going to be an awesome sister. The whole family is ready. God is good....He kept the baby safe where it had time to grow and develop before making her debut entrance. Congratulations Deb and Joe......I hope you're ready for a new baby after all these years. You can do it!!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Ahhhh.....Spring!
I have the windows open and there is a wonderful breeze blowing through the house. Everyone is in short sleeves and Chris even wore shorts today. It is definitely Spring! I've had a pretty good week so far. The only shortfall is that Noah fell and bit a hole in his tongue and slightly chipped a tooth in the process today. I think his brother helped him to the floor.....hmmmmm. Anyway, that was the only setback to a pretty good week.
Chris and I attended a weekend to remember conference put on by Family Life this weekend. Jared texted Chris on Sunday afternoon and told him that there was an envelope on his desk for me. Being pretty curious, we stopped by after we picked up the boys and got it. Some sweet angel or angels from our church family blessed us with a gift of money. It wasn't to be used for bills, but for an Easter dress for me and dinner out or something fun for all of us. I haven't had a new Easter dress in about 8 years. I couldn't believe it! We have such a wonderful church family. I just feel blessed to be able to worship and fellowship with them. I was so excited that after the boys finished their nap, we headed to the Legends to see if we could find any good dress bargains. I looked at Target but they didn't have a lot to choose from unless your a size 10 or less. Next door was JC Penney. I didn't hold out much hope for a bargain, but we went in to look anyway. I'm so glad we did. They were having a wonderful sale. I found a really cute dress for 1/2 off. Since my sister usually shops with me for these types of things and she is so far away, Chris came along for encouragement. He is not a shopper, but he did a fabulous job. I must have tried on 8 dresses before I found the one I liked. He entertained the boys and didn't gripe one time. Thanks honey! We took the boys out for dinner, which they scarfed down, and headed home. It was a great night for all of us. Nathan even got a tie to wear on Easter. He thinks he is the mayor of the church. :) He had to have a tie.
Chris and I have been lucky in the friends we've made. They love us, but more importantly, they love our boys. Sometimes that's not easy. The boys rarely slow down to a run. We really wanted to go to this marriage conference this weekend, but I don't leave my boys very often. They are a handful and we were gone 2 & 1/2 days. They have a wonderful "grandma" and "aunt" in Independence. Cathy was the boys babysitter and Carolyn is her daughter and one of my best friends. We had our babies together. Nathan and Natalie are 3 weeks apart. (It was supposed to be 3 days, but Natalie got impatient to be out.) They are really good friends. If you ask Nathan, he'll tell you that he has a sister and her name is Natalie. It's the only place where I've left them that Noah NEVER cries when I leave. They love my babies and the feeling is entirely mutual. Since my family and Chris' family are both so far away, we've adopted this family as part of our own. They have been there for us many times and I hope they can say the same for us. Anyway, they kept the boys all weekend. I don't know who had more fun. All the kids were excited that the boys were coming and jumping up and down when they saw each other. They had a blast and got thoroughly spoiled all weekend. They weren't really happy with us when we said it was time to go.....at least until we started to leave without them. That hustled them out to the car. I have to say it is wonderful to be able to leave them and not have to worry about anything. These ladies are angels of mercy and can handle any crisis. They've been through several with us. We love them and wouldn't know what to do without them. They became family to a small town girl who hadn't ever been far from home for a long period of time. God sent them to us and I will forever be grateful.
Chris and I attended a weekend to remember conference put on by Family Life this weekend. Jared texted Chris on Sunday afternoon and told him that there was an envelope on his desk for me. Being pretty curious, we stopped by after we picked up the boys and got it. Some sweet angel or angels from our church family blessed us with a gift of money. It wasn't to be used for bills, but for an Easter dress for me and dinner out or something fun for all of us. I haven't had a new Easter dress in about 8 years. I couldn't believe it! We have such a wonderful church family. I just feel blessed to be able to worship and fellowship with them. I was so excited that after the boys finished their nap, we headed to the Legends to see if we could find any good dress bargains. I looked at Target but they didn't have a lot to choose from unless your a size 10 or less. Next door was JC Penney. I didn't hold out much hope for a bargain, but we went in to look anyway. I'm so glad we did. They were having a wonderful sale. I found a really cute dress for 1/2 off. Since my sister usually shops with me for these types of things and she is so far away, Chris came along for encouragement. He is not a shopper, but he did a fabulous job. I must have tried on 8 dresses before I found the one I liked. He entertained the boys and didn't gripe one time. Thanks honey! We took the boys out for dinner, which they scarfed down, and headed home. It was a great night for all of us. Nathan even got a tie to wear on Easter. He thinks he is the mayor of the church. :) He had to have a tie.
Chris and I have been lucky in the friends we've made. They love us, but more importantly, they love our boys. Sometimes that's not easy. The boys rarely slow down to a run. We really wanted to go to this marriage conference this weekend, but I don't leave my boys very often. They are a handful and we were gone 2 & 1/2 days. They have a wonderful "grandma" and "aunt" in Independence. Cathy was the boys babysitter and Carolyn is her daughter and one of my best friends. We had our babies together. Nathan and Natalie are 3 weeks apart. (It was supposed to be 3 days, but Natalie got impatient to be out.) They are really good friends. If you ask Nathan, he'll tell you that he has a sister and her name is Natalie. It's the only place where I've left them that Noah NEVER cries when I leave. They love my babies and the feeling is entirely mutual. Since my family and Chris' family are both so far away, we've adopted this family as part of our own. They have been there for us many times and I hope they can say the same for us. Anyway, they kept the boys all weekend. I don't know who had more fun. All the kids were excited that the boys were coming and jumping up and down when they saw each other. They had a blast and got thoroughly spoiled all weekend. They weren't really happy with us when we said it was time to go.....at least until we started to leave without them. That hustled them out to the car. I have to say it is wonderful to be able to leave them and not have to worry about anything. These ladies are angels of mercy and can handle any crisis. They've been through several with us. We love them and wouldn't know what to do without them. They became family to a small town girl who hadn't ever been far from home for a long period of time. God sent them to us and I will forever be grateful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)