Clearly, I am no longer in the habit of blogging regularly, and will try to do better in the future. But for now, here are a couple recent conversations I've had with some of my children.
One day last week I noticed that Annie had a half-full fruit punch drink in the fridge. I also noticed some red puddles on the floor near the fridge. Could have been her, could have been one of the other kids. I called her into the kitchen and asked her about. She said that she did not make the mess so I told her that she could go back to whatever she had been doing. I went around the corner to get some disinfectant wipes from under the bathroom sink, and when I returned to the kitchen, she was down on the floor with some wet paper towels cleaning up the mess.
I smiled. And then began looking at other spots on the floor, I joined her in the cleaning. After a minute she said, "A few weeks ago in Sunday School we had a lesson about how if someone takes your coat you should give them your shirt too. I think it was one of those 'Do to others what you want them to do to you' kind of lessons."
I smiled again and said, "You mean kind of like when someone else makes a mess and you decide to help clean it up?"
She grinned, "Yeah. Something like that."
And this is the conversation that took place in the back seat yesterday when I took Max (almost 5) and Noah (3 1/2) with me to run some errands. It started with them talking about video games and how the characters "die" in the game.
Noah: Well, if you die in real life, BAM, you go straight to live with God.
Max: Yeah, and you get a new body with new eyeballs, and new ears, and a new face, and a new arms and everything.
Noah: And new hair?
Max. Yep. And then you become invisible.
Noah: No, you don't become invisible if you get a new body and new eyeballs and everything.
Max: Yes you do. Because when you die, God comes down and takes your spirit to heaven with him. And God is invisible so if we go live with God we must be invisible too.
My kids are awesome.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
After Christmas Traditions
There are so many fantastic "before Christmas" traditions, but I seldom hear about many "after Christmas" traditions. I wanted to share 3 post-Christmas activities that I remember from my growing up years and things that we try to incorporate in our family.
1. Christmas Card Prayers - Around new year's we would begin doing Christmas Card Prayers after dinner. My mom would pass around the basket of Christmas cards and each of us kids would get to choose one. We would read the card/letter, talk about any pictures or photos, and then my mom would tell us about who it was from. She would share how they knew that person, where they lived, and any other interesting facts. We would then say a prayer for each person or family whose card we read that evening. Sometimes it would take us until Easter to get through the basket but I always enjoyed doing it. I think this tradition may be why the Christmas cards we receive today are so special to me.
2. Share Piles - I grew up with three brothers and now have 4 kids of my own. Several years ago we started being more intentional about "sharing" old toys to make room for the new ones. We talk with the kids about the new toys they received and what a blessing it is to have new things and then we remind them that not everyone has as many toys as they do. We discuss the importance of sharing and then help them select toys to "share" with a local charity. Our goal is to select something similar in size/value for each gift that they received. It doesn't always work out exactly that way, but the exercise of sharing some toys is a healthy one.
3. Saying Thanks - I'm so grateful that my parents emphasized the importance of saying a proper thank you to people. Christmas time is one of the easiest times to practice this lesson because most kids have at least another week before they go back to school! I started having my kids "do" their own thank you notes when they were two years old. A simple way is type a short message in a bubble font and let the kids color it. You can also let toddlers or preschoolers color on a blank piece of paper (folded to make a card) and attach of photo of the child opening their gift or playing with the new toy. With older preschoolers, I often let them decorate the front of the card with stickers or pre-cut fun foam shapes, write a short message of thanks inside and let the child sign his or her name. By around age 5 or 6 kids can use those "fill-in-the-blank" cards that you can purchase from many stationery stores. Middle elementary age (and up!) should be able to come up with at least 2 good sentences for a thank you letter. Watch for sales on cute Christmas stationery that often goes on sale with the Christmas cards! Just a word of caution - keep in mind your child's personality and attention span and don't expect them to write too many thank you's in one sitting!
God bless you this new year as you begin some new After Christmas Traditions!
1. Christmas Card Prayers - Around new year's we would begin doing Christmas Card Prayers after dinner. My mom would pass around the basket of Christmas cards and each of us kids would get to choose one. We would read the card/letter, talk about any pictures or photos, and then my mom would tell us about who it was from. She would share how they knew that person, where they lived, and any other interesting facts. We would then say a prayer for each person or family whose card we read that evening. Sometimes it would take us until Easter to get through the basket but I always enjoyed doing it. I think this tradition may be why the Christmas cards we receive today are so special to me.
2. Share Piles - I grew up with three brothers and now have 4 kids of my own. Several years ago we started being more intentional about "sharing" old toys to make room for the new ones. We talk with the kids about the new toys they received and what a blessing it is to have new things and then we remind them that not everyone has as many toys as they do. We discuss the importance of sharing and then help them select toys to "share" with a local charity. Our goal is to select something similar in size/value for each gift that they received. It doesn't always work out exactly that way, but the exercise of sharing some toys is a healthy one.
3. Saying Thanks - I'm so grateful that my parents emphasized the importance of saying a proper thank you to people. Christmas time is one of the easiest times to practice this lesson because most kids have at least another week before they go back to school! I started having my kids "do" their own thank you notes when they were two years old. A simple way is type a short message in a bubble font and let the kids color it. You can also let toddlers or preschoolers color on a blank piece of paper (folded to make a card) and attach of photo of the child opening their gift or playing with the new toy. With older preschoolers, I often let them decorate the front of the card with stickers or pre-cut fun foam shapes, write a short message of thanks inside and let the child sign his or her name. By around age 5 or 6 kids can use those "fill-in-the-blank" cards that you can purchase from many stationery stores. Middle elementary age (and up!) should be able to come up with at least 2 good sentences for a thank you letter. Watch for sales on cute Christmas stationery that often goes on sale with the Christmas cards! Just a word of caution - keep in mind your child's personality and attention span and don't expect them to write too many thank you's in one sitting!
God bless you this new year as you begin some new After Christmas Traditions!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
To view our Video Christmas Card, click here.
To read our annual family newsletter, click here.
Merry Christmas from Craig, Vickie, Josh, Annie, Max & Noah
To read our annual family newsletter, click here.
Merry Christmas from Craig, Vickie, Josh, Annie, Max & Noah
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
I Dish You a Merry Christmas
I Dish You a Merry Christmas, A Recipe for being "MERRY" - a "Season" for the Reason
M - Make the season Meaningful
1. Choose traditions that will add spice to your Christmas season.
2. Too much of a good spice may spoil the batch.
3. Too little spice may make your season bland.
E - Evaluate each ingredient
1. Does the ingredient add flavor or does it overpower the recipe?
2. Does the ingredient add to the consistency of the recipe?
3. Do family members like the taste?
4. Sometimes family members will acquire a taste.
R - Remember to Kneed in the Savior
1. Do you have the main ingredient?
2. The Savior adds flavor
R - Re-write your Recipe
1. Consider what needs to be omitted.
2. Consider who or what needs to be added
3. Enjoy your new recip
Y - Yield: A Very Filling MERRY Christmas!
Notes from Terri Llamas' talk at Covenant MOPS tonight. Terri is a good friend and I LOVE this analogy of the recipe for our family's Christmas. What does Christmas taste like? Do I have too many ingredients, or is my Christmas missing something? What do you want Christmas to "taste" like for your family?
Please share what "spices" you add that bring out the flavor of the main ingredient!
M - Make the season Meaningful
1. Choose traditions that will add spice to your Christmas season.
2. Too much of a good spice may spoil the batch.
3. Too little spice may make your season bland.
E - Evaluate each ingredient
1. Does the ingredient add flavor or does it overpower the recipe?
2. Does the ingredient add to the consistency of the recipe?
3. Do family members like the taste?
4. Sometimes family members will acquire a taste.
R - Remember to Kneed in the Savior
1. Do you have the main ingredient?
2. The Savior adds flavor
R - Re-write your Recipe
1. Consider what needs to be omitted.
2. Consider who or what needs to be added
3. Enjoy your new recip
Y - Yield: A Very Filling MERRY Christmas!
Notes from Terri Llamas' talk at Covenant MOPS tonight. Terri is a good friend and I LOVE this analogy of the recipe for our family's Christmas. What does Christmas taste like? Do I have too many ingredients, or is my Christmas missing something? What do you want Christmas to "taste" like for your family?
Please share what "spices" you add that bring out the flavor of the main ingredient!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Horizontal Humanity/Vertical Vicarious Vindication
Today's text was Luke 18:9-14
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Here are my notes:
I. Preface - Jesus tells a story of 2 men praying; the same action, but each with different motives, different prayers, and different outcomes
II. Pharisee - Considers himself one righteous dude...do I think of myself more highly that I ought? Do I realize how often I sin? Do I consider the sanctity of the sabbath when I plan out my week?
III. Publican - ceremonial unclean and unfit to enter the temple; a snapshot of who Jesus came to save. He saw himself as a sinner in need of a savior. Need to check how we are doing with sin and our view of ourselves? Simply check with Matthew 22:38-39, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
IV. People - "You are more wicked than you ever dared believe, but you are more loved than you ever dared hope." We ARE saved by works - Jesus' works. "When we are looking horizontally, we may never see ourselves in the same boat with other sinners. It is only when we look vertically that we see the utter hopelessness of thinking we are better than others and we realize we are all in the same sinking ship with only one Life-Preserver."
V. Purpose - we must recognize our own sinfulness and accept God's forgiveness of our sins
How simple. How amazing.
Today's sermon by Kevin Nolen, Covenant Presbyterian Church
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Here are my notes:
I. Preface - Jesus tells a story of 2 men praying; the same action, but each with different motives, different prayers, and different outcomes
II. Pharisee - Considers himself one righteous dude...do I think of myself more highly that I ought? Do I realize how often I sin? Do I consider the sanctity of the sabbath when I plan out my week?
III. Publican - ceremonial unclean and unfit to enter the temple; a snapshot of who Jesus came to save. He saw himself as a sinner in need of a savior. Need to check how we are doing with sin and our view of ourselves? Simply check with Matthew 22:38-39, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
IV. People - "You are more wicked than you ever dared believe, but you are more loved than you ever dared hope." We ARE saved by works - Jesus' works. "When we are looking horizontally, we may never see ourselves in the same boat with other sinners. It is only when we look vertically that we see the utter hopelessness of thinking we are better than others and we realize we are all in the same sinking ship with only one Life-Preserver."
V. Purpose - we must recognize our own sinfulness and accept God's forgiveness of our sins
How simple. How amazing.
Today's sermon by Kevin Nolen, Covenant Presbyterian Church
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Crucial Conversations (Colossians Conclusion)
I knew I was in for a great morning when our pastor opened his sermon by saying that the application for today's passage was TALK! What a great message for me!
Today's passage was Colossians 4:2-18. Paul wraps up his letter to the Colossians by telling them to TALK with God, TALK with the world, and TALK with each other.
God calls us to change the world for Him...three conversations at a time. (Three conversations that work together and happen at the same time!)
Verses 2-4
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
In this passage we are instructed to pray. A question to ponder: Does prayer work? What if talking to God is like talking to my spouse? Do I always get what I want for it to "work"? Maybe the point of talking isn't always to get what I want...
Verses 5-6
5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Earn the right to be heard. But, be heard!
Verse 7 through the end are Paul's final greetings, instructions, and affirmations within the church community. They are heartfelt and specific, directed toward individuals living and worshiping in community. The message here: personal relationships with individual people are important.
Thoughts to ponder this week...How much are we talking to God about people and to people about God? Who are you talking to today?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this message and what you've been learning lately!
Message by Jay Hull, Covenant Presbyterian Church
Today's passage was Colossians 4:2-18. Paul wraps up his letter to the Colossians by telling them to TALK with God, TALK with the world, and TALK with each other.
God calls us to change the world for Him...three conversations at a time. (Three conversations that work together and happen at the same time!)
Verses 2-4
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
In this passage we are instructed to pray. A question to ponder: Does prayer work? What if talking to God is like talking to my spouse? Do I always get what I want for it to "work"? Maybe the point of talking isn't always to get what I want...
Verses 5-6
5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Earn the right to be heard. But, be heard!
Verse 7 through the end are Paul's final greetings, instructions, and affirmations within the church community. They are heartfelt and specific, directed toward individuals living and worshiping in community. The message here: personal relationships with individual people are important.
Thoughts to ponder this week...How much are we talking to God about people and to people about God? Who are you talking to today?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this message and what you've been learning lately!
Message by Jay Hull, Covenant Presbyterian Church
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Today's Message
Today's sermon was from Colossians 3:18-4:1. Instead of dissecting each verse and focusing on cultural controversy, Jay wisely guided us to three main principle's found in the passage.
#1 Down Home Holiness
Holiness is like rain. If it doesn't come down, it's just fog. Holiness is just something for super-spiritual people like nuns or monks. Holy lives are to be lived out in normal surroundings - in our family, personal and work relationships.
#2 Reciprocal but not Symmetrical
God designed human relationships to be reciprocal but not symmetrical. Responsibility and blessing go both ways, but fundemental inequalities have been built in by God to relationships between men & women, parents & children, and employers and employees. The real question is, what are you going to do with your strengths and gifts?
#3 90ยบ to Jesus
The fastest way to Jesus' heart is through other people. What we do for others, we do for Jesus. Who can I bless today to show my love for Jesus?
How about you? What did you learn today?
(These are my sermon notes from today. Pastor Jay Hull, Covenant Presbyterian Church)
#1 Down Home Holiness
Holiness is like rain. If it doesn't come down, it's just fog. Holiness is just something for super-spiritual people like nuns or monks. Holy lives are to be lived out in normal surroundings - in our family, personal and work relationships.
#2 Reciprocal but not Symmetrical
God designed human relationships to be reciprocal but not symmetrical. Responsibility and blessing go both ways, but fundemental inequalities have been built in by God to relationships between men & women, parents & children, and employers and employees. The real question is, what are you going to do with your strengths and gifts?
#3 90ยบ to Jesus
The fastest way to Jesus' heart is through other people. What we do for others, we do for Jesus. Who can I bless today to show my love for Jesus?
How about you? What did you learn today?
(These are my sermon notes from today. Pastor Jay Hull, Covenant Presbyterian Church)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
I love being a Superhero
I am a superhero. I have super hearing that allows me to hear a crying child several rooms away, over the noise the house fan and a movie at full volume. I can heal owies with a single kiss, and calm a frightened child by simply holding him in my lap. And now, I'm off to attack a rather large pile of laundry that is slowly trying to take over our house!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Best Hug of My Life
It happened at gate C-11 in the Dallas Fort Worth airport. It was last Thursday afternoon, March 12. My grandpa had died that Monday. My grandma, his wife of nearly 68 years, was about to begin a second battle with cancer. I had spent much of the previous 3 days working on a video to celebrate his life, and I was exhausted physically and emotionally.
Thanks to a dear friend I was able to fly as a "non-revenue" passenger. For those unfamiliar with this term, as the official guest of an airline employee I was paying next to nothing...but was flying stand-by with no priority over paying customers. My flight out of Reno was great - plenty of seats...mine was even in first class. But the Dallas airport was FULL. It was the official beginning of spring break and lots of people were flying to or through St. Louis. Too many. I was number 27 on the stand-by list. The problem? None of the next three flights were looking any better and the visitation was already underway. The service was at 10am the next morning. And the video was in my purse.
As I waited hopelessly for my name to move up the list, I had an idea. What if my brother Kevin happened to be flying through Dallas too? I called and his phone was turned off. I called Scott to check his schedule and sure enough, Kevin was going to be on the next flight out of Dallas! I waited a few more minutes and called him again.
This time he answered. "Why are you calling me? I'm on an airplane!"
"I thought you just landed," came my reply.
"Are you at C-11?"
My heart skipped a beat. He was heading my way...
What was probably about 5 minutes - the time it took him to take the tram over from the other terminal - seemed like an eternity. I paced impatiently in front of the screen that listed the stand-by passengers and frequently glanced down the corridor toward the tram.
When our eyes met from across the airport our steps quickened. And then it happened...the best hug of my life. I wasn't alone. My brother was with me and everything was going to be okay.
We walked back to c-11 where my name ended at #5. Closer, but not enough to get on that plane. We had 2 hours until Kevin's plane was leaving so we went to get some lunch. Scott called while were eating to check my status. At one point I passed the phone to Kevin and all he said was, "I got her." He smiled, and hung up.
We decided to save the salad for later and went to check on the flight. I identified myself as a non-revenue passenger and inquired as to my chances for getting on this flight. "None" was the harsh reply. I had a shot at getting on the 9:30pm flight, of course missing the whole visitation. I gave Kevin 2 copies of the video so he could take them for me. Somehow I would still make it before the service, even if I had to rent a car and drive all night. Admittedly, not a great plan B.
A little while later Kevin got up to use the restroom. When he came back, he handed me a boarding pass and said, "We won't get to sit together." What??? How did he get a boarding pass? Why did it say "First Class" on it? As I started to put the pieces together he just looked at me and said, "This was the only way to get you on that plane and I wasn't going to leave this airport without you."
We cried, and hugged, and cried some more. Then we sat together in the back of the plane and shared our salad while some random stranger enjoyed a first class flight to St. Louis. I guess he thought he was lucky. But I'm the one with the first class brother.
Thanks to a dear friend I was able to fly as a "non-revenue" passenger. For those unfamiliar with this term, as the official guest of an airline employee I was paying next to nothing...but was flying stand-by with no priority over paying customers. My flight out of Reno was great - plenty of seats...mine was even in first class. But the Dallas airport was FULL. It was the official beginning of spring break and lots of people were flying to or through St. Louis. Too many. I was number 27 on the stand-by list. The problem? None of the next three flights were looking any better and the visitation was already underway. The service was at 10am the next morning. And the video was in my purse.
As I waited hopelessly for my name to move up the list, I had an idea. What if my brother Kevin happened to be flying through Dallas too? I called and his phone was turned off. I called Scott to check his schedule and sure enough, Kevin was going to be on the next flight out of Dallas! I waited a few more minutes and called him again.
This time he answered. "Why are you calling me? I'm on an airplane!"
"I thought you just landed," came my reply.
"Are you at C-11?"
My heart skipped a beat. He was heading my way...
What was probably about 5 minutes - the time it took him to take the tram over from the other terminal - seemed like an eternity. I paced impatiently in front of the screen that listed the stand-by passengers and frequently glanced down the corridor toward the tram.
When our eyes met from across the airport our steps quickened. And then it happened...the best hug of my life. I wasn't alone. My brother was with me and everything was going to be okay.
We walked back to c-11 where my name ended at #5. Closer, but not enough to get on that plane. We had 2 hours until Kevin's plane was leaving so we went to get some lunch. Scott called while were eating to check my status. At one point I passed the phone to Kevin and all he said was, "I got her." He smiled, and hung up.
We decided to save the salad for later and went to check on the flight. I identified myself as a non-revenue passenger and inquired as to my chances for getting on this flight. "None" was the harsh reply. I had a shot at getting on the 9:30pm flight, of course missing the whole visitation. I gave Kevin 2 copies of the video so he could take them for me. Somehow I would still make it before the service, even if I had to rent a car and drive all night. Admittedly, not a great plan B.
A little while later Kevin got up to use the restroom. When he came back, he handed me a boarding pass and said, "We won't get to sit together." What??? How did he get a boarding pass? Why did it say "First Class" on it? As I started to put the pieces together he just looked at me and said, "This was the only way to get you on that plane and I wasn't going to leave this airport without you."
We cried, and hugged, and cried some more. Then we sat together in the back of the plane and shared our salad while some random stranger enjoyed a first class flight to St. Louis. I guess he thought he was lucky. But I'm the one with the first class brother.
Friday, February 20, 2009
What Time Is It?
Over the years I have often found encouragement in the verses from Ecclesiastes 3. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to plant and a time to uproot...a time to weep and a time to laugh." These words have brought me comfort during hard times, as well as many smiles. Usually when I read this poetic section of Scripture I focus on all of the different specifics that are mentioned. It is so easy to find real-life applications for "a time to keep and a time to throw away." If you have a garage like mine you know what I'm talking about!
Recently I was reading these verses and one particular word caught my eye. One little, tiny word changed the way I read these verses. Which word, you ask? The indefinite article "a" that appears in each phrase has captured my attention.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Read it carefully with me. /There is A time for everything. /It does not say, "there is time for everything." As a mom, I am sure you feel the time pressure daily. How can you find the time to cook, clean, do laundry, feed, bathe and dress children, have quality time with each child and your spouse, shuttle kids to and from play dates or preschool, keep up with friends...some days I can hardly find time to go to the bathroom!
There is a time for everything. But the time I have right now, I will never have again. What am I supposed to do with this time? I have learned that I don't HAVE to do everything right now. I need to simply focus on what I am supposed to do right now. I don't have to tear down, build, mourn, dance, scatter stones, gather them, tear and mend all at once. Mothering young children is a wonderful and challenge season. Some things may have to wait for a different "time" in our lives.
All I really need to do is start each day by saying, "What time is it today, Lord?"
Recently I was reading these verses and one particular word caught my eye. One little, tiny word changed the way I read these verses. Which word, you ask? The indefinite article "a" that appears in each phrase has captured my attention.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Read it carefully with me. /There is A time for everything. /It does not say, "there is time for everything." As a mom, I am sure you feel the time pressure daily. How can you find the time to cook, clean, do laundry, feed, bathe and dress children, have quality time with each child and your spouse, shuttle kids to and from play dates or preschool, keep up with friends...some days I can hardly find time to go to the bathroom!
There is a time for everything. But the time I have right now, I will never have again. What am I supposed to do with this time? I have learned that I don't HAVE to do everything right now. I need to simply focus on what I am supposed to do right now. I don't have to tear down, build, mourn, dance, scatter stones, gather them, tear and mend all at once. Mothering young children is a wonderful and challenge season. Some things may have to wait for a different "time" in our lives.
All I really need to do is start each day by saying, "What time is it today, Lord?"
Friday, January 2, 2009
Growing Like Jesus in 2009
I have a favorite Bible verse for this time of year: Luke 2:52. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. At Christmas we talk a lot about when Jesus was born. Pretty soon it will be Easter and we'll be talking about when Jesus died and rose again. In between we may read about his miracles or his teachings or stories about his disciples. But aside from the story about him teaching in the temple as a young teenager (Great story to read when you're having a bad mommy day...if Mary and Joseph could lose the son of God for a couple days some of my problems start to seem a little smaller!) we don't read much about his childhood. But I love this verse that summarizes his growing up. I love it because it points out four different areas where we can grow too.
Look carefully and think about ways that you - and your children - can grow like Jesus in 2009. The four areas in the verse are intellectual (wisdom), physical (stature), spiritual (favor with God) and social (favor with men). Think of one goal for each of these four areas for yourself and your kids.
Maybe you'd like to take a class, start learning a foreign language or just read a book that doesn't have pictures in it! For your children, an age-appropriate goal might be to learn colors, shapes or the alphabet.
Choose a physical goal that is actually attainable - literally growing in stature doesn't work; believe me - I've tried. A physical goal could be in regard to eating healthier, adding more activity into your lifestyle, or learning a new sport, and similar goals could be made for things you want to work on with your kids.
A spiritual goal could have to do with reading the Bible more often, memorizing certain verses or praying FIRST instead of as a last resort. For our children it may mean taking them to Sunday School, starting them in AWANA, or teaching them to pray out loud by repeating after you.
Social goals for our kids may involve making new friends, practicing sharing or learning manners. For us adults, it may mean being more intentional about practicing hospitality or not gossiping.
Will you take the Luke 2:52 Challenge with me? Pick one goal for each area. Write it down. Tell someone and ask them to check in with you periodically throughout the year. Whether we like it or not, we will get older this year and so will our children. So let's be intentional in our growth for 2009.
Look carefully and think about ways that you - and your children - can grow like Jesus in 2009. The four areas in the verse are intellectual (wisdom), physical (stature), spiritual (favor with God) and social (favor with men). Think of one goal for each of these four areas for yourself and your kids.
Maybe you'd like to take a class, start learning a foreign language or just read a book that doesn't have pictures in it! For your children, an age-appropriate goal might be to learn colors, shapes or the alphabet.
Choose a physical goal that is actually attainable - literally growing in stature doesn't work; believe me - I've tried. A physical goal could be in regard to eating healthier, adding more activity into your lifestyle, or learning a new sport, and similar goals could be made for things you want to work on with your kids.
A spiritual goal could have to do with reading the Bible more often, memorizing certain verses or praying FIRST instead of as a last resort. For our children it may mean taking them to Sunday School, starting them in AWANA, or teaching them to pray out loud by repeating after you.
Social goals for our kids may involve making new friends, practicing sharing or learning manners. For us adults, it may mean being more intentional about practicing hospitality or not gossiping.
Will you take the Luke 2:52 Challenge with me? Pick one goal for each area. Write it down. Tell someone and ask them to check in with you periodically throughout the year. Whether we like it or not, we will get older this year and so will our children. So let's be intentional in our growth for 2009.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas! For years we have enjoyed writing an annual newsletter, selecting the "Christmas card photo" and recently added the tradition of the annual video. This year was no exception - but, we have had to switch to an on-line format instead of an actual printed card, letter and the mini dvd. So, above is the family photo. Here are the links to the video (on youtube) and the newsletter (as a pdf file).
Musni Newsletter 2008
Musni Video 2008
Most of our regular columns are back - Josh and Annie's updates on themselves and their little brothers, my month by month year in review, and Craig's (infamous) Top Ten list. The only one missing was the "Was it a rumor?" column from 2006 and 2007. Hopefully we've dispelled all myths about moving to Boise by now...
We truly are enjoying the printed cards we are receiving in the mail as well as all the e-mails and facebook messages. We love hearing from you (so please post any comments!) and wish you all a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas.
God bless,
Vickie
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Simple CHRISTMAS Tips
C-hrist should be the center of Christmas
H-help others however you can this season
R-emember to say thank you
I-nitiate conversations with others about the true meaning of Christmas
S-hop carefully - debt is not good!
T-raditions are important, but it is okay if you don't do every one every year
M-ake or bake gifts for people
A-lways choose "people" over "things"
S-avor the moments!
H-help others however you can this season
R-emember to say thank you
I-nitiate conversations with others about the true meaning of Christmas
S-hop carefully - debt is not good!
T-raditions are important, but it is okay if you don't do every one every year
M-ake or bake gifts for people
A-lways choose "people" over "things"
S-avor the moments!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thanksgiving Blessings
What is Thanksgiving all about? I've heard lots of lessons about Pilgrims and Indians over the years but as a mother of preschoolers, that isn't necessarily where I want to put the emphasis when teaching my little ones about Thanksgiving. Say it with me, Thanks-giving. It's about thanks and giving. It's about counting our blessings AND being a blessing. This is something that with some focused effort on our parts, even our toddlers can begin to understand.
How can we teach our kids to say thanks? With really young ones, simply have them repeat kind words of thanks every time an opportunity arises. As their vocabulary grows and kids can create their own sentences, encourage your little ones to come up with their own expressions of thanks. Whether we are leaving Sunday School, a friend's house, or the childcare center at the gym, I nudge my 3 year old toward the teacher or friend and ask him to say something kind before we leave. I don't care if he says "thanks for playing with me" or "thanks for the snack." I just love hearing him express thanks in his own words. Count blessings with your kids. Write them down in a journal, make a blessing scrapbook, or simply thank God for something or someone together each day.
What about the giving part? This is a great time of year to have kids make cards or pictures for special people in their lives as token of their thanks. Brighten the day of your child's teacher or babysitter, grandparent or your neighborhood mailman with a beautiful piece of art! For older preschoolers, you may want to type a thanksgiving message using a "bubble" font and let them color in each letter. Look for opportunities to model generosity. In our household the buzz word is "share" at this age. Whether we are packing a shoe box full of goodies to share with another child, baking cookies to share with a neighbor, or sorting clothes and toys for our "share" pile, young children can be a part of meaningful giving.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to help your children to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and teach them by your example that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 1:9). Count your blessings together and be a blessing to others!
How can we teach our kids to say thanks? With really young ones, simply have them repeat kind words of thanks every time an opportunity arises. As their vocabulary grows and kids can create their own sentences, encourage your little ones to come up with their own expressions of thanks. Whether we are leaving Sunday School, a friend's house, or the childcare center at the gym, I nudge my 3 year old toward the teacher or friend and ask him to say something kind before we leave. I don't care if he says "thanks for playing with me" or "thanks for the snack." I just love hearing him express thanks in his own words. Count blessings with your kids. Write them down in a journal, make a blessing scrapbook, or simply thank God for something or someone together each day.
What about the giving part? This is a great time of year to have kids make cards or pictures for special people in their lives as token of their thanks. Brighten the day of your child's teacher or babysitter, grandparent or your neighborhood mailman with a beautiful piece of art! For older preschoolers, you may want to type a thanksgiving message using a "bubble" font and let them color in each letter. Look for opportunities to model generosity. In our household the buzz word is "share" at this age. Whether we are packing a shoe box full of goodies to share with another child, baking cookies to share with a neighbor, or sorting clothes and toys for our "share" pile, young children can be a part of meaningful giving.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to help your children to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and teach them by your example that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 1:9). Count your blessings together and be a blessing to others!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Just Imagine...
One of my favorite descriptions of God is found in Ephesians 3:20. The apostle Paul describes God as one "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." I don't know about you, but I have a pretty good imagination. I can imagine all kinds of nice things. And I've been known to ask for stuff too. I often ponder this verse as I wonder what God has in store for our family next. What is he going to do that I haven't even imagined yet?
I know his plans are good. They are plans for us to prosper, not plans that will harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). So, since I know that, it can be exciting to see what God will do to provide. What job opportunities will he bring? Just how does he plan to pay the mortgage next month?!?
This week I've been thinking about this work a lot. I started a new job on Monday - I am the new office coordinator for Multnomah University's Reno/Tahoe campus, and I LOVE it! I love the job, the people I work with, the school, the students and faculty that I have met so far. I love it. The hours are good and there is enough flexibility that I am not neglecting my family or our business. The pay is decent and I am eligible for half-price tuition!
To full appreciate this story, I should tell you that about 10 years ago I started thinking that I should go back to school some time and get a Masters degree. About 8 years ago I was doing some research and started learning about some of the programs that Multnomah offers. In fact, three years ago, when our family was trying to move out of Reno, I looked at Portland (home to Multnomah's main campus) to see if that was a viable option for our family. None of those doors opened and even after 2 years of trying to move to Idaho, we ended up staying in Reno.
In July, the small Bible college in Reno officially became a satellite campus of Multnomah and in August I saw the president at a church function (our pastor teaches there). On a whim, I sent him my resume and now I am on staff there! I never imagined that Multnomah would come to me the way that it did.
How about you? What do you imagine? What has God done for you that has been immeasurably more than you have asked or imagined?
I know his plans are good. They are plans for us to prosper, not plans that will harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). So, since I know that, it can be exciting to see what God will do to provide. What job opportunities will he bring? Just how does he plan to pay the mortgage next month?!?
This week I've been thinking about this work a lot. I started a new job on Monday - I am the new office coordinator for Multnomah University's Reno/Tahoe campus, and I LOVE it! I love the job, the people I work with, the school, the students and faculty that I have met so far. I love it. The hours are good and there is enough flexibility that I am not neglecting my family or our business. The pay is decent and I am eligible for half-price tuition!
To full appreciate this story, I should tell you that about 10 years ago I started thinking that I should go back to school some time and get a Masters degree. About 8 years ago I was doing some research and started learning about some of the programs that Multnomah offers. In fact, three years ago, when our family was trying to move out of Reno, I looked at Portland (home to Multnomah's main campus) to see if that was a viable option for our family. None of those doors opened and even after 2 years of trying to move to Idaho, we ended up staying in Reno.
In July, the small Bible college in Reno officially became a satellite campus of Multnomah and in August I saw the president at a church function (our pastor teaches there). On a whim, I sent him my resume and now I am on staff there! I never imagined that Multnomah would come to me the way that it did.
How about you? What do you imagine? What has God done for you that has been immeasurably more than you have asked or imagined?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Stained Glass Windows
Our church has three beautiful stained glass windows on one wall of the sanctuary. They are square and have an artistic depiction of a rainbow and each also contains a symbol. The one on the left has the Alpha sign and the one on the right the Omega, and the middle one a cross. I've always thought they were pretty, but honestly never paid very much attention until last week.
Last Sunday was Max's first Sunday join us in church for worship before heading to Children's Church with the "big kids." During one of the songs he pointed to a chair near us and said, "Why does that chair have all those colors?" I looked up and saw the light reflecting on the chairs and pointed to the window so he could see the light. As I looked at the light pouring through that stained glass rainbow with the cross I could feel God smiling at us. I just had this sense of how we bless him when we gather together to praise him and learn from his word.
Then my mind flashed back to one night last spring when I drove by the church at night. Usually when we are at church for something in the evening we get there before dark. But one night I drove by when it was already dark outside and all the lights in the sanctuary were on. Those stained glass windows looked so beautiful!
These windows now remind me that on Sunday mornings we gather together and experience God's presence in corporate worship. The light is coming into the church as we are touched by his presence and filled by his spirit. But, the rest of the week we are to reflect his light in a dark world.
Last Sunday was Max's first Sunday join us in church for worship before heading to Children's Church with the "big kids." During one of the songs he pointed to a chair near us and said, "Why does that chair have all those colors?" I looked up and saw the light reflecting on the chairs and pointed to the window so he could see the light. As I looked at the light pouring through that stained glass rainbow with the cross I could feel God smiling at us. I just had this sense of how we bless him when we gather together to praise him and learn from his word.
Then my mind flashed back to one night last spring when I drove by the church at night. Usually when we are at church for something in the evening we get there before dark. But one night I drove by when it was already dark outside and all the lights in the sanctuary were on. Those stained glass windows looked so beautiful!
These windows now remind me that on Sunday mornings we gather together and experience God's presence in corporate worship. The light is coming into the church as we are touched by his presence and filled by his spirit. But, the rest of the week we are to reflect his light in a dark world.
Musni Family "Ketchup"
Much has been happening in the life of our family in recent months so I thought I would post a "ketchup" blog for those who want to catch up with work and life. Here are the summary points:
- Since Craig was laid off in February we have both knocked on many doors. He has done a lot of contract work, spent a few months at a couple different companies, and interviewed at others. None of those doors seem to be opening for full-time employment, and for that we are truly thankful.
- Our business, Ever After Creations, is picking up and we are branching out and now have EAC Video & Design. We have made a lot of great business contacts, and were recently asked to join the board of Weddings of the West, an association of professionals that we have been a part of for the last few years.
- I have been enjoying substitute teaching and volunteering at Josh and Annie's school and will be starting another part-time job tomorrow. Multnomah University has a satellite campus in Reno and I will be working a few nights a week doing office & receptionist duties while evening classes are in session. I am continuing with my current job for the county's Children's Mental Health Consortium since that is only about 15 hours a month.
- Last Wednesday was also the first night of our church's new MOPS group. I had so much fun and consider it such a privilege to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
- Meanwhile, Josh and Annie are enjoying school (3rd & 2nd grades). They are both in the kids choir at church and Annie is also involved in Girl Scouts, but their favorite things to do are jump on the trampoline and play Wii. Max and Noah just started a music class for preschoolers & toddlers and have a great time learning about sound and rhythm through songs and instruments. They also have fun going to the gym with me or Craig, and Max loves his preschool Sunday School classes.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
10 Things I Love About My Gym
This isn't really a Top 10 list, just a list of 10 things I love about my gym. They aren't "ranked" in order, merely listed in a logical sequence.
The Arrival:
1. The Parking Garage - Prior to joining St. Mary's Center for Health and Fitness I don't think I had a true appreciation for parking garages. I now love them, or at least this one. There was one week last May when I realized just how much I appreciated the parking garage. In one week we had rain, snow and 90+ temps. It is nice to be shielded from the elements. Besides that, my kids have lots of fun games that they have made up in the parking garage. In addition to counting "buggies" (see earlier post entitled "Counting Buggies") they play the color game (naming the color of each car as we walk by) and I Spy. They also take turns pushing the buttons for the elevator and other such entertaining activities.
2. The Entry Way - I love the fresh flowers in the enter way. Every day we look at them and talk about what color flowers there are this week. And we often stop and smell them because, well, it is important to stop and smell the roses.
3. The Front Desk - The staff is awesome. A typical greeting when we arrive usually goes something like this: "Hi Max! Hi Noah! How are you? It's nice to see you today, Vickie." I'm not kidding. And these are not even the same people that work regularly in the childcare!
Childcare:
4. I love that they have childcare. Think about, where else can you take your children for what works out to about 50 cents an hour per kid? You can't usually entertain them for that, let alone have people take care of them for that! This is way cheaper than preschool...
5. The Staff - The people who care for kids at the gym actually like my kids. They know them. They smile at them. They play with them. They take Max to the potty and give him a sticker after he goes. They notice if we aren't there. My kids like it there.
6. When things don't go so well (this has only happened once) they do have systems in place. I learned what a "Code Alpha" meant, in the middle of a water aerobics class. ("Non-life threatening injury" if you were wondering.) They took care of Max, came and found me (and the mother of the child who bit him) and continued to talk with me about the incident until the situation was resolved. I appreciate that.
The Locker Room:
7. The lockers - I love the little combination locks so I don't have to bring a lock with me. That makes things so easy. I like that they have hooks and shelves and that they are big enough that I can have a separate "spot" for everything like my watch, my keys, my shoes, my water bottle, etc.
8. Clean Towels - I love having stacks of clean towels - often still warm - available. And I love that someone else washes them and folds them.
9. All the "Stuff" - It is actually easier for me to shower at the gym than at home. Yes, this is partly because of the aforementioned childcare, but it is also because just about everything I need is there. In the shower - shampoo, conditioner, body wash. On the counters - hair spray, deodorant (okay, I do bring my own but if ever I didn't have it for some reason it's nice to know there is spray deodorant there if I need it), cotton balls, q-tips, lotion, hair gel and even mouthwash and these cute little cups. Oh, and of course lighted mirrors and plenty of hair dryers (that actually work better than mine at home).
Working Out
10. I bet you were wondering if I ever worked out! I could do a whole separate list about the classes I take, the staff who has helped me, the equipment I like - like the treadmills & bikes with the individual tv screens - or the pools. (Gee, I just realized that I didn't even mention the whirl pool or that saunas when I was talking about the locker room.) But, I was trying to keep it to 10.
Let me know if you want to go to the gym with me some day. Maybe we could even work out while we're there!
The Arrival:
1. The Parking Garage - Prior to joining St. Mary's Center for Health and Fitness I don't think I had a true appreciation for parking garages. I now love them, or at least this one. There was one week last May when I realized just how much I appreciated the parking garage. In one week we had rain, snow and 90+ temps. It is nice to be shielded from the elements. Besides that, my kids have lots of fun games that they have made up in the parking garage. In addition to counting "buggies" (see earlier post entitled "Counting Buggies") they play the color game (naming the color of each car as we walk by) and I Spy. They also take turns pushing the buttons for the elevator and other such entertaining activities.
2. The Entry Way - I love the fresh flowers in the enter way. Every day we look at them and talk about what color flowers there are this week. And we often stop and smell them because, well, it is important to stop and smell the roses.
3. The Front Desk - The staff is awesome. A typical greeting when we arrive usually goes something like this: "Hi Max! Hi Noah! How are you? It's nice to see you today, Vickie." I'm not kidding. And these are not even the same people that work regularly in the childcare!
Childcare:
4. I love that they have childcare. Think about, where else can you take your children for what works out to about 50 cents an hour per kid? You can't usually entertain them for that, let alone have people take care of them for that! This is way cheaper than preschool...
5. The Staff - The people who care for kids at the gym actually like my kids. They know them. They smile at them. They play with them. They take Max to the potty and give him a sticker after he goes. They notice if we aren't there. My kids like it there.
6. When things don't go so well (this has only happened once) they do have systems in place. I learned what a "Code Alpha" meant, in the middle of a water aerobics class. ("Non-life threatening injury" if you were wondering.) They took care of Max, came and found me (and the mother of the child who bit him) and continued to talk with me about the incident until the situation was resolved. I appreciate that.
The Locker Room:
7. The lockers - I love the little combination locks so I don't have to bring a lock with me. That makes things so easy. I like that they have hooks and shelves and that they are big enough that I can have a separate "spot" for everything like my watch, my keys, my shoes, my water bottle, etc.
8. Clean Towels - I love having stacks of clean towels - often still warm - available. And I love that someone else washes them and folds them.
9. All the "Stuff" - It is actually easier for me to shower at the gym than at home. Yes, this is partly because of the aforementioned childcare, but it is also because just about everything I need is there. In the shower - shampoo, conditioner, body wash. On the counters - hair spray, deodorant (okay, I do bring my own but if ever I didn't have it for some reason it's nice to know there is spray deodorant there if I need it), cotton balls, q-tips, lotion, hair gel and even mouthwash and these cute little cups. Oh, and of course lighted mirrors and plenty of hair dryers (that actually work better than mine at home).
Working Out
10. I bet you were wondering if I ever worked out! I could do a whole separate list about the classes I take, the staff who has helped me, the equipment I like - like the treadmills & bikes with the individual tv screens - or the pools. (Gee, I just realized that I didn't even mention the whirl pool or that saunas when I was talking about the locker room.) But, I was trying to keep it to 10.
Let me know if you want to go to the gym with me some day. Maybe we could even work out while we're there!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Top 10 Things I'm Thankful for this Summer
10. A great new tutoring client - I started in June working with a very sweet Jr. Higher whose goal is to become fluent in Spanish. I enjoy our time together and am glad she wants to keep working together during the school year.
9. Being involved more at Josh and Annie's school - Yes, it may seem odd that school is on the summer list but we attend a year round school that started July 21. Since Craig has been doing contract work and our business he has been working at home the past couple months. I am really enjoying volunteering in Josh's class on Mondays and Annie's class on Wednesdays. I also got my sub license. Orientation at the district office was this morning and I start subbing tomorrow!
8. Celebrating 12 years of marriage! I thank God every day for giving me such an amazing husband. Not only do we love being married and raising our family together, we like working together! Our summer "date nights" often involve us working weddings together. This summer we have really enjoyed some really beautiful weddings at Lake Tahoe.
7. Good road trips and fun times with family - we have made a couple trips to the Bay Area and to Sacramento this summer and enjoyed the time spent on the road and during our visits. A highlight is our annual get-together and Scott & Debbie's house where just the 19 of us hang out.
6. A visit from Uncle Kevin - My brother Kevin (www.iseenthat.blogspot.com) finished a two-year program for his teaching credential in May and was finally able to come up for a long weekend. We ALL love hanging out with Uncle Kevin...movie in the park, Sparks Marina and our new favorite activity: drinks on the trampoline.
5. The trampoline - some friends gave us a huge trampoline this summer and we all love it. Josh and Annie bounce when they need a break from homework. Craig and I take the little boys out to jump almost every day between lunch and naps. And, thanks to Kevin's inspiration, we've even invited friends over for margaritas on the trampoline.
4. Cancer Relay for Life - I have a whole separate post and a slide show on this but it needed to be on the list. We walked in honor of my grandma (turning 93 in 2 weeks) and Craig's cousin who both went through chemo/radiation within the last year and are now doing well. Praise God! We were thankful the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful and important.
3. CLASS - I spent 3 wonderful and challenging days attending the Christian Leaders Authors and Speaker Services seminar in Livermore. I feel excited, equipped and energized about taking my speaking ministry to the next step.
2. Max is potty-trained! Yes, only one more left in diapers. What a milestone! He turned 3 on August 4 and we gave him his present first thing in the morning - a new potty seat that plays music after each success! He loves his Thomas the Train underwear and carries a fold-up Sesame Street potty seat in a little backpack every time we go somewhere.
1. Watching God provide for us - The past 6 months have been quite a roller coaster for us but we have truly experienced peace amidst the challenges. When we approach a sudden turn, our response is more of a "Oh, I wonder what God is going to do now to take of this!" than a "Oh no, what are we going to do?" And that feels like a good place to be.
9. Being involved more at Josh and Annie's school - Yes, it may seem odd that school is on the summer list but we attend a year round school that started July 21. Since Craig has been doing contract work and our business he has been working at home the past couple months. I am really enjoying volunteering in Josh's class on Mondays and Annie's class on Wednesdays. I also got my sub license. Orientation at the district office was this morning and I start subbing tomorrow!
8. Celebrating 12 years of marriage! I thank God every day for giving me such an amazing husband. Not only do we love being married and raising our family together, we like working together! Our summer "date nights" often involve us working weddings together. This summer we have really enjoyed some really beautiful weddings at Lake Tahoe.
7. Good road trips and fun times with family - we have made a couple trips to the Bay Area and to Sacramento this summer and enjoyed the time spent on the road and during our visits. A highlight is our annual get-together and Scott & Debbie's house where just the 19 of us hang out.
6. A visit from Uncle Kevin - My brother Kevin (www.iseenthat.blogspot.com) finished a two-year program for his teaching credential in May and was finally able to come up for a long weekend. We ALL love hanging out with Uncle Kevin...movie in the park, Sparks Marina and our new favorite activity: drinks on the trampoline.
5. The trampoline - some friends gave us a huge trampoline this summer and we all love it. Josh and Annie bounce when they need a break from homework. Craig and I take the little boys out to jump almost every day between lunch and naps. And, thanks to Kevin's inspiration, we've even invited friends over for margaritas on the trampoline.
4. Cancer Relay for Life - I have a whole separate post and a slide show on this but it needed to be on the list. We walked in honor of my grandma (turning 93 in 2 weeks) and Craig's cousin who both went through chemo/radiation within the last year and are now doing well. Praise God! We were thankful the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful and important.
3. CLASS - I spent 3 wonderful and challenging days attending the Christian Leaders Authors and Speaker Services seminar in Livermore. I feel excited, equipped and energized about taking my speaking ministry to the next step.
2. Max is potty-trained! Yes, only one more left in diapers. What a milestone! He turned 3 on August 4 and we gave him his present first thing in the morning - a new potty seat that plays music after each success! He loves his Thomas the Train underwear and carries a fold-up Sesame Street potty seat in a little backpack every time we go somewhere.
1. Watching God provide for us - The past 6 months have been quite a roller coaster for us but we have truly experienced peace amidst the challenges. When we approach a sudden turn, our response is more of a "Oh, I wonder what God is going to do now to take of this!" than a "Oh no, what are we going to do?" And that feels like a good place to be.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Counting "Buggies"
My older kids recently watched a Herbie movie and have now taken up an activity that my brothers and I practiced in our younger days - counting "buggies" more commonly known as Volkswagon Beetles. It is fun to see how excited they get when they spot one, and I love watching the younger kids copy the older ones and shout "Buggy!" from their car seat or stroller.
This week I realized something interesting. In spite of the fact that I haven't consciously counted Volkswagons in at least 20 years, suddenly I am noticing them again. Twice this week I while I was out without Josh and Annie I counted them and reported the total number and various colors to the children when I returned home. Today I saw 6 just on the way home from the gym. I had never noticed how many there were.
It was then that I began to wonder about how many other things I don't notice. Am I missing important things that I should be noticing? Do I notice when someone is lonely or sad or worried? Do I notice if a neighbor needs something? Do I notice when a friend hasn't been at church lately? Do I notice when my kids need a little extra time or attention from me? Do I notice when someone does something nice for me? Do I notice how God provides for my needs and supplies me with so many "wants" to boot? And, more importantly, what do I do when I notice?
I don't want to get so caught up in the "stuff" of mothering that I don't spend enough time just loving on my kids. I don't want to be too busy to help or too tired to say "Thank you." Maybe we need to look around at the people around us more carefully than the cars on the road. Maybe next time we're out counting buggies we'll start counting blessings.
This week I realized something interesting. In spite of the fact that I haven't consciously counted Volkswagons in at least 20 years, suddenly I am noticing them again. Twice this week I while I was out without Josh and Annie I counted them and reported the total number and various colors to the children when I returned home. Today I saw 6 just on the way home from the gym. I had never noticed how many there were.
It was then that I began to wonder about how many other things I don't notice. Am I missing important things that I should be noticing? Do I notice when someone is lonely or sad or worried? Do I notice if a neighbor needs something? Do I notice when a friend hasn't been at church lately? Do I notice when my kids need a little extra time or attention from me? Do I notice when someone does something nice for me? Do I notice how God provides for my needs and supplies me with so many "wants" to boot? And, more importantly, what do I do when I notice?
I don't want to get so caught up in the "stuff" of mothering that I don't spend enough time just loving on my kids. I don't want to be too busy to help or too tired to say "Thank you." Maybe we need to look around at the people around us more carefully than the cars on the road. Maybe next time we're out counting buggies we'll start counting blessings.
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