Even though I had a hint this was coming, it still took me by surprise. Last night, to still Becky's cries (this is what she posted on Facebook yesterday, "Phone!Phone! Neeed my phone! Mommmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol"), and in order to fully satisfy my list for the day of "To Do" things, I did the dreaded item of calling Sprint to activate a different phone for Becky because hers broke. Heidi got a new phone for her birthday so I activated her old one. I hate making these phone calls...it's just a hassle. (Two tries to get through to the operator, which means two phone calls, and more than a few menu options...yes, the conveniences we have are a hassle :). When I got through to the operator, we went through all the normal account questions, and then she asked me to take the battery out of the phone so I could read the serial number to her. No problem. No, wait...it was a problem. No matter how hard I squinted I just couldn't tell if I was looking at a 6 or an 8... I asked the operator to hold on, then asked Heidi to read the string of numbers out loud. The 6 or the 8 I had been trying to decipher was actually a 5. And the 3 was an 8.
Okay, I admit it...I could be aging a little! That was kind of a rude awakening. I can see (clearly) for the first time that reading glasses are in my immediate future. I'm sorry, Hon, for rolling my eyes at you when you couldn't read the restaurant menu...I totally get it now (but, could you please remember to bring your glasses next time? I may need them!). Lol. It really is quite a helpless feeling when you can't see the print in front of you. I felt even more helpless when I asked the Sprint operator to hold on, and, without success, frantically looked around for your reading glasses! Glad Heidi was next to me :). And, Becky's glad because she has a working phone. Let the texting commence!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tonight, tomorrow, and...
...then Thursday will come (most likely!!), the day that Alyssa moves into her dorm at GCU. We have been having a really good time getting ready...shopping, going through pictures and taking them to Walmart to have them printed out. Walmart does such a great job with their photo printing and the photo machines (I know these are called a different name!) are fun to use. Alyssa has made a 16x20 poster, an 11x14 collage, a few 8x10 collages, and some prints of various pictures. And, the prices are so reasonable!
Some of the pictures we came across have been so cute...like Libby when she was a puppy. And even cuter, Becky holding her!
Some of the pictures we came across have been so cute...like Libby when she was a puppy. And even cuter, Becky holding her!
Another picture we printed was one of all three girls with Cindy. It was taken after their piano recital. We ended up printing 4 of them...a 4x6 for each of the girls, and a 5x7 for me. I love this picture...my girls...Cindy...all so beautiful. It is a really nice way to remember Cindy.
It's bittersweet to get help Alyssa get ready for college, but I am so excited for her. And, excited that she's excited. I am thrilled that she will be experiencing so many new things, and independently! It's really cool to see her so confident about it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Taking the time...
...to write. I'm thinking this should be as regular for me as exercise should be! Yeah, now you have a hint as to how disciplined I am at it.
This is going to be a milestone week, and I am flooded with emotions over it. Alyssa is moving into her dorm, starting college, this Thursday, August 26th. I am so excited for all the opportunities that she will face, I'm a little nervous (any Mom must wonder, "Did I teach them how to handle all the situations they will come up against??"), and I'm more than a little sad. Wow! Childhood passes so quickly.
I look up to Alyssa. She has been an amazing example of discipline to me, her MOM. :) If her discipline were to be displayed physically, she would be winning top prizes at fitness competitions...she would be ripped! :)
God has blessed me with my heart's desire. I am watching my kids grow in the knowledge and goodness of Christ. There is nothing else I want more. I love seeing God at work in each of my kids...He knows just how to reach them and teach them. He is creating individual masterpieces. My prayer is that my kids would continue to be more and more open to him...the all perfect friend, father, comfort, truth.
On another note, I have been thinking the last couple days about what kinds of things pierce darkness. What gives light to dark times? I could write a long list of ways that God has lit up my dark times over the years. Recalling his goodness. But, I don't think God wants us to just recall it and keep it for ourselves...he wants us to share the light that He gives us, to realize that's where satisfaction lies. It's all about giving it away.
Heidi wasn't feeling good this morning...her allergies make her feel sick at times. But I sent her to school anyway. It may seem a little trivial, but for her that is a dark time, having to go to school feeling stuffed up and blah! After giving her more allergy meds, it felt perfect and satisfying to pray with her and invite God to be with her today.
And now...it's time to get this Monday morning "crack-a-lackin'", as Alyssa would say :)
This is going to be a milestone week, and I am flooded with emotions over it. Alyssa is moving into her dorm, starting college, this Thursday, August 26th. I am so excited for all the opportunities that she will face, I'm a little nervous (any Mom must wonder, "Did I teach them how to handle all the situations they will come up against??"), and I'm more than a little sad. Wow! Childhood passes so quickly.
I look up to Alyssa. She has been an amazing example of discipline to me, her MOM. :) If her discipline were to be displayed physically, she would be winning top prizes at fitness competitions...she would be ripped! :)
God has blessed me with my heart's desire. I am watching my kids grow in the knowledge and goodness of Christ. There is nothing else I want more. I love seeing God at work in each of my kids...He knows just how to reach them and teach them. He is creating individual masterpieces. My prayer is that my kids would continue to be more and more open to him...the all perfect friend, father, comfort, truth.
On another note, I have been thinking the last couple days about what kinds of things pierce darkness. What gives light to dark times? I could write a long list of ways that God has lit up my dark times over the years. Recalling his goodness. But, I don't think God wants us to just recall it and keep it for ourselves...he wants us to share the light that He gives us, to realize that's where satisfaction lies. It's all about giving it away.
Heidi wasn't feeling good this morning...her allergies make her feel sick at times. But I sent her to school anyway. It may seem a little trivial, but for her that is a dark time, having to go to school feeling stuffed up and blah! After giving her more allergy meds, it felt perfect and satisfying to pray with her and invite God to be with her today.
And now...it's time to get this Monday morning "crack-a-lackin'", as Alyssa would say :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Discipline & Its Harvest
Don't forget the encouraging words God speaks to you as his children. He says,
"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline. Don't reject it. Don't be upset and give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines and corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. The Lord our God disciplines us for our own good. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? His discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! It always feels like it is going against the grain. But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God.This righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confident trust forever.
The Kingdom of God is a matter of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Look straight ahead with purpose, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don't get sidetracked; consider well the path of your feet. Let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Keep your feet from following evil. Mark this straight path for your feet so that those (yours and others) who are weak and lame will not fall and be disabled. Rather, they will become healed and strong, instead of getting worse.
Hebrews 12:5-7,9-13, Proverbs 3:11-12, Deuteronomy 8:5, Isaiah 38:16, Philippians 1:11, Isaiah 32:17, Romans 14:17, Proverbs 4:25-27
"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline. Don't reject it. Don't be upset and give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines and corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. The Lord our God disciplines us for our own good. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? His discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! It always feels like it is going against the grain. But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God.This righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confident trust forever.
The Kingdom of God is a matter of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Look straight ahead with purpose, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don't get sidetracked; consider well the path of your feet. Let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Keep your feet from following evil. Mark this straight path for your feet so that those (yours and others) who are weak and lame will not fall and be disabled. Rather, they will become healed and strong, instead of getting worse.
Hebrews 12:5-7,9-13, Proverbs 3:11-12, Deuteronomy 8:5, Isaiah 38:16, Philippians 1:11, Isaiah 32:17, Romans 14:17, Proverbs 4:25-27
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Loving quiet times these summer mornings....
...the house is so quiet! I've been reading Hebrews and feel like I need to soak it in more so I don't forget what's there.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses whose lives tell us what faith means, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily, deftly, and cleverly trips us up, clings to and entangles us. And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the race God has set before us. Let's never give up. (*Run to win! Run with purpose in every step. Look away from all distractions. Press on. Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead...your heavenly prize through Christ Jesus.) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
*1 Corinthians 9:24,26, Philippians 3:13-14
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses whose lives tell us what faith means, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily, deftly, and cleverly trips us up, clings to and entangles us. And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the race God has set before us. Let's never give up. (*Run to win! Run with purpose in every step. Look away from all distractions. Press on. Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead...your heavenly prize through Christ Jesus.) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
*1 Corinthians 9:24,26, Philippians 3:13-14
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
It's gonna be okay...
Last night, my family and I went to see the movie "Letters to God". I really needed that. I love spending time with my family, and in the light of us all losing both a family member and a friend this last month, we needed this.
The movie may have had a bit of corny acting, but the message of the movie rang with truth, it was hope-filled, and it shone light in a dark place...Jesus' name was lifted high in the midst of the tragedy of cancer. I needed to hear that. I needed to hear a holy perspective, and I needed my kids to hear that, too. Lucky for me, my kids liked the movie ;)
The movie did exactly what Cindy did in real life. God's name was honored and put where it should be - lifted up! Like the boy in the story, Cindy suffered a lot. But, in the midst of the suffering, in their earthly jars of clay, they let God shine. I like to picture a cracked pot that lets light shine through...to me, that's a comforting image.
They were warriors, fighting, to give God the victory. I needed my kids to have that example reinforced in their hearts and minds. The characters in this movie, and even more, Cindy, did that. They demonstrated love for their Savior, and showed that it was more important than anything else. They battled to lift His name high, and draw others to it.
This morning, Steve, the person that feels the loss of Cindy even more than we do, got up and gave his message at church. Through tears and grief, he spoke about losing his beautiful bride Cindy, and not only did he speak about his loss, but he spoke about having faith NOW. That He was going to face this battle of loss with Jesus, and not without Him.
I cried tears again this morning, but like last night, these are hopeful tears. I know I'm going to be okay. I have seen in the past God's care for me, and I am going to ride out this loss with Him. I know He is going to be His unchanging self, and love me through this one too. And, after all this, if I cling to Jesus? I know I will love Him more. From deep in my heart, I give Him my worship...I delight to give it to Him. He is so faithful.
On a closing note, the wind was blowing today and it caused curtains near the ceiling in the auditorium to move and let more light in at times during the service. I loved that. Even through the darkness of grieving, light comes in, and is a perfect and timely gift given by God. I felt God's presence there this morning.
One other thing I needed last night...the girls sat in the row behind us, and no sooner had they sat down, the food fight started... love my goofy kids!
It's gonna be okay...God is faithful. Once again, I can see that.
The movie may have had a bit of corny acting, but the message of the movie rang with truth, it was hope-filled, and it shone light in a dark place...Jesus' name was lifted high in the midst of the tragedy of cancer. I needed to hear that. I needed to hear a holy perspective, and I needed my kids to hear that, too. Lucky for me, my kids liked the movie ;)
The movie did exactly what Cindy did in real life. God's name was honored and put where it should be - lifted up! Like the boy in the story, Cindy suffered a lot. But, in the midst of the suffering, in their earthly jars of clay, they let God shine. I like to picture a cracked pot that lets light shine through...to me, that's a comforting image.
They were warriors, fighting, to give God the victory. I needed my kids to have that example reinforced in their hearts and minds. The characters in this movie, and even more, Cindy, did that. They demonstrated love for their Savior, and showed that it was more important than anything else. They battled to lift His name high, and draw others to it.
This morning, Steve, the person that feels the loss of Cindy even more than we do, got up and gave his message at church. Through tears and grief, he spoke about losing his beautiful bride Cindy, and not only did he speak about his loss, but he spoke about having faith NOW. That He was going to face this battle of loss with Jesus, and not without Him.
I cried tears again this morning, but like last night, these are hopeful tears. I know I'm going to be okay. I have seen in the past God's care for me, and I am going to ride out this loss with Him. I know He is going to be His unchanging self, and love me through this one too. And, after all this, if I cling to Jesus? I know I will love Him more. From deep in my heart, I give Him my worship...I delight to give it to Him. He is so faithful.
On a closing note, the wind was blowing today and it caused curtains near the ceiling in the auditorium to move and let more light in at times during the service. I loved that. Even through the darkness of grieving, light comes in, and is a perfect and timely gift given by God. I felt God's presence there this morning.
One other thing I needed last night...the girls sat in the row behind us, and no sooner had they sat down, the food fight started... love my goofy kids!
It's gonna be okay...God is faithful. Once again, I can see that.
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