During the month of November, I tried to post something every day that I was thankful for. I received a lot of really nice comments about how those posts were neat to read. So I decided that for the year 2011 I am going to make a conscious effort to be more thankful all year, not just during the Thanksgiving season. I realized that if I just came up with 10 things every week that I'm thankful for I would have over 500 "thanks" by the end of the year (Yeah, my math skills are THAT good!).
So, I will take an early jump and start the thanks.
1. Beautiful snow on the ground every day for the month of December.
2. A good friend who never gives up on me.
3. Clementines. Can I just say how much I love them?!
4. New books for Christmas from my husband.
5. Noel asking really good questions about God.
6. Hearing Elise's new words every day.
7. Insurance
8. God hears my prayers, even when I don't know what to say.
9. Bedtime for the kids, especially when I'm home alone with them for the week.
10. Free coffee samples in the mail.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
It's not the holidays without traditions
I'd like to share some of the holiday traditions we have started over the past few years. Feel free to steal at random:
*We always buy a real Christmas tree, even having to chop it down. (See previous post)
*Every year since we have been married, we have bought a Christmas tree ornament that is a picture frame. We make sure to write the year on the back. And then every year when we get out the decorations we get to walk through the years by looking at the pictures (insert, "Awww. . .")
*If we are in Kokomo on Christmas Eve, we always visit We Care Park, which is a crazy, redneck lit up wonderland that you can ride through and even get out and walk around.
*Baking. My three specialties are chocolate fudge, caramel corn, and chex mix. These are also the three reasons I run on a regular basis but do not lose weight!
*Lots and lots of Christmas music. If you haven't tried it, I highly suggest typing in "Barenaked Ladies (Holiday Mix)" on Pandora. You can thank me later.
*This year we are starting 2 new traditions: eating cake for breakfast (birthday cake for Baby Jesus) and spending a little time volunteering at Kokomo Urban Outreach. Very excited for both of those.
*Instead of making New Year's Resolutions, we make New Year's Predictions. We write down our guesses about sports, celebrities, politics, people we know, and just about anything else we can think of. I'd love to share them with you, but, like a birthday wish, if you say it out loud, it won't come true :)
*Reading the Christmas Story from the Bible on Christmas morning. What an amazing gift we have been given! May you find your own traditions as you celebrate the season.
*We always buy a real Christmas tree, even having to chop it down. (See previous post)
*Every year since we have been married, we have bought a Christmas tree ornament that is a picture frame. We make sure to write the year on the back. And then every year when we get out the decorations we get to walk through the years by looking at the pictures (insert, "Awww. . .")
*If we are in Kokomo on Christmas Eve, we always visit We Care Park, which is a crazy, redneck lit up wonderland that you can ride through and even get out and walk around.
*Baking. My three specialties are chocolate fudge, caramel corn, and chex mix. These are also the three reasons I run on a regular basis but do not lose weight!
*Lots and lots of Christmas music. If you haven't tried it, I highly suggest typing in "Barenaked Ladies (Holiday Mix)" on Pandora. You can thank me later.
*This year we are starting 2 new traditions: eating cake for breakfast (birthday cake for Baby Jesus) and spending a little time volunteering at Kokomo Urban Outreach. Very excited for both of those.
*Instead of making New Year's Resolutions, we make New Year's Predictions. We write down our guesses about sports, celebrities, politics, people we know, and just about anything else we can think of. I'd love to share them with you, but, like a birthday wish, if you say it out loud, it won't come true :)
*Reading the Christmas Story from the Bible on Christmas morning. What an amazing gift we have been given! May you find your own traditions as you celebrate the season.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
You want a what??!
My husband is a wonderful man. He works hard at his job and at home. He rarely complains about anything. He is thoughtful and considerate. He even makes my coffee up for me the night before so that it is ready to go in the morning.
But sometimes the listening skills are a little off.
The other day I told him about how I had just tried the Dunkin' Donuts Dunkiccino and how much I loved it. It's just like gas station cappuccino, almost syruppy with a hint of coffee. Not something for every day, but a nice treat.
Anyway, when we were headed to the airport for our big trip to Florida, I thought it called for said dunkiccino. So the next few minutes while we are driving there, David is making comments about what a funny name it is, why they would call it that, whatever. He drives up and orders a small "Donkey--chino". And just like that drives up to the window.
This is when it hit me that this whole time he thought the drink was called a donkeychino. (insert light bulb)
Needless to say, we were laughing so hard we were crying by the time the server brought the donkeychino to our window. Also needless to say, a)there were puns and jokes about that word for the next several miles of our trip (example: "You wouldn't believe it, I had him by the donkeychinos. . ." ) b)that drink will forever be referred to in our house as a donkeychino.
I love him.
My husband.
Well, and the donkeychino.
But sometimes the listening skills are a little off.
The other day I told him about how I had just tried the Dunkin' Donuts Dunkiccino and how much I loved it. It's just like gas station cappuccino, almost syruppy with a hint of coffee. Not something for every day, but a nice treat.
Anyway, when we were headed to the airport for our big trip to Florida, I thought it called for said dunkiccino. So the next few minutes while we are driving there, David is making comments about what a funny name it is, why they would call it that, whatever. He drives up and orders a small "Donkey--chino". And just like that drives up to the window.
This is when it hit me that this whole time he thought the drink was called a donkeychino. (insert light bulb)
Needless to say, we were laughing so hard we were crying by the time the server brought the donkeychino to our window. Also needless to say, a)there were puns and jokes about that word for the next several miles of our trip (example: "You wouldn't believe it, I had him by the donkeychinos. . ." ) b)that drink will forever be referred to in our house as a donkeychino.
I love him.
My husband.
Well, and the donkeychino.
Monday, December 13, 2010
December Fun
Here are some things we've either already enjoyed or are looking forward to this month. Happy December!
*Christmas concerts. Although they are a little exhausting with little ones on my lap, I really enjoy going to see my neice and nephew in Christmas programs. I like to see kids shine, proud of what they have worked so hard to do. I like to see parents supporting their kids. I like to be reminiscent of when I was a student and sang in Christmas programs. Good times.
*Snow. We have had snow on the ground every day so far this month, and it's been beautiful! I kind of wish it was just a little bit warmer so we can actually go outside and play in it. But I'd much rather see snow than rain in December.
*Baking. I love to cook and bake and make treats, and December is a wonderful time for that. My fudge hasn't turned out quite as well as I'd hoped, but the caramel corn, chex mix, and lemon poppy seed bread have been really good. It's a good thing I'm giving some of it away!
*Jingle Bell Run. Speaking of eating too much, it's a good thing David and I have been running. We ran in a 5K in downtown Indy with my friend, Laura on Saturday, and I had my personal best time. It feels good to work towards a goal and achieve it. Now if I could just stop eating the leftover fudge I might get rid of this 2 year-old baby weight. Ha!
Other highlights include building fires in the fireplace, watching Christmas shows on tv, attending the Christmas Eve service at church, and getting Christmas cards in the mail.
In the midst of this busy time of year, remember to take time and enjoy every minute of it!
*Christmas concerts. Although they are a little exhausting with little ones on my lap, I really enjoy going to see my neice and nephew in Christmas programs. I like to see kids shine, proud of what they have worked so hard to do. I like to see parents supporting their kids. I like to be reminiscent of when I was a student and sang in Christmas programs. Good times.
*Snow. We have had snow on the ground every day so far this month, and it's been beautiful! I kind of wish it was just a little bit warmer so we can actually go outside and play in it. But I'd much rather see snow than rain in December.
*Baking. I love to cook and bake and make treats, and December is a wonderful time for that. My fudge hasn't turned out quite as well as I'd hoped, but the caramel corn, chex mix, and lemon poppy seed bread have been really good. It's a good thing I'm giving some of it away!
*Jingle Bell Run. Speaking of eating too much, it's a good thing David and I have been running. We ran in a 5K in downtown Indy with my friend, Laura on Saturday, and I had my personal best time. It feels good to work towards a goal and achieve it. Now if I could just stop eating the leftover fudge I might get rid of this 2 year-old baby weight. Ha!
Other highlights include building fires in the fireplace, watching Christmas shows on tv, attending the Christmas Eve service at church, and getting Christmas cards in the mail.
In the midst of this busy time of year, remember to take time and enjoy every minute of it!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Don't Forget the Lyrics
Every year for about a month we all listen to Christmas music. And with a few exceptions, it's usually the same songs we hear every year.
But do I really pay attention to the lyrics?
Yesterday, as I was on the elliptical machine, my kids were jumping on the bed next to me dancing to Christmas music. And then "O Holy Night" came on. Since I was trying really hard to forget about how un-fun my elliptical machine experience is, I tried to focus on the music.
And that's when I heard it.
"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices"
And I think it hit me for the very first time how weary this world is without Jesus. Can you imagine all of those generations waiting for a savior? They were living in a very corrupt time, longing for the One they had heard about for so long. They were weary, to say the least.
And then a star appears. And not only do they rejoice, but they fall on their needs in worship to the new King.
So, what does this mean for me? How is my Christmas season an act of worship to the King of Kings? Or am I too busy shopping, decorating, going to activities, and eating?
I've been very convicted this year to make Christmas about Christ. I know that sounds corny, but I'm serious. I don't want my kids to think of presents when they think of Christmas. I don't even want them to think about family and fun. I want them to think of how awesome it is that Jesus came to earth for us. And not only did He come to earth, but He came as a baby, wrinkly, soft, vulnerable, and beautifully perfect. I want this season to honor Him.
Here are some ideas that I've found to help with that:
*Jesse Tree Reading for the month of December
*Giving to those in need
*Celebrating Jesus' birth on Christmas morning instead of Santa's arrival
What are you doing to remember the birth of the Savior?
But do I really pay attention to the lyrics?
Yesterday, as I was on the elliptical machine, my kids were jumping on the bed next to me dancing to Christmas music. And then "O Holy Night" came on. Since I was trying really hard to forget about how un-fun my elliptical machine experience is, I tried to focus on the music.
And that's when I heard it.
"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices"
And I think it hit me for the very first time how weary this world is without Jesus. Can you imagine all of those generations waiting for a savior? They were living in a very corrupt time, longing for the One they had heard about for so long. They were weary, to say the least.
And then a star appears. And not only do they rejoice, but they fall on their needs in worship to the new King.
So, what does this mean for me? How is my Christmas season an act of worship to the King of Kings? Or am I too busy shopping, decorating, going to activities, and eating?
I've been very convicted this year to make Christmas about Christ. I know that sounds corny, but I'm serious. I don't want my kids to think of presents when they think of Christmas. I don't even want them to think about family and fun. I want them to think of how awesome it is that Jesus came to earth for us. And not only did He come to earth, but He came as a baby, wrinkly, soft, vulnerable, and beautifully perfect. I want this season to honor Him.
Here are some ideas that I've found to help with that:
*Jesse Tree Reading for the month of December
*Giving to those in need
*Celebrating Jesus' birth on Christmas morning instead of Santa's arrival
What are you doing to remember the birth of the Savior?
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Favorite moments from Thanksgiving Vacation
So we went to Captiva Island for Thanksgiving last week.
Now before you get mad at me, this was a very rare occurance for us. We usually head to sunny Belding, Michigan for events such as Thanksgiving, so when David's family invited us to spend the week with them in Florida, we decided to make that our family vacation for the year.
And it was wonderful.
There were definitely some stressful points, since, you know, we had a 4 year-old and an 18 month-old (who, by the way, has learned the word "no" with flair and gusto. So much so that she has to say it at least 7,000 times a day). But overall, we had such a good time. Here are some highlights.*
1. Seeing Noel ride a plane. He LOVED it. It was so much fun to watch him look out the window and see us take off. I love seeing the world through a new set of eyes.
2. The pool. We had a pool at the house we stayed in, and it was so nice. Noel absolutely loved swimming. At one point, he laid back on a floatie and said, "Ahhh, I could do this all day."
3. The Island Cow. The night before we left, David and I got to go on a date out to eat. The restaurant (The Island Cow) was a fun little fish-fry-style restaurant, where we ate way too much, but had such a sweet time just talking and being together.
4. The beach. Of course, we loved spending time on the beach. The weather was beautiful, and I've never seen so many shells. One day the waves were especially high and we all (except the little ones) went way out and played in the water. Such fun!
5. Exploring. We rented bikes for the week and rode around every day. We would always find a way to make a pit stop for some sort of treat for the kids (usually something in the ice cream family), so they enjoyed it to.
6. Being with family. There were 14 of us in the house. We don't really get together too often, so it was such a joy to see my kids fall in love with their family. To see Elise blow kisses to Jacob and get her toes painted by Becca. To watch Noel dance for Abby and play ball with Grandpa Ed. I will cherish these memories for years to come.
*I wish I had pictures to go with all of these, but we either forgot to take a camera anywhere we went, or didn't want to take the camera for fear of sand getting into it
Now before you get mad at me, this was a very rare occurance for us. We usually head to sunny Belding, Michigan for events such as Thanksgiving, so when David's family invited us to spend the week with them in Florida, we decided to make that our family vacation for the year.
And it was wonderful.
There were definitely some stressful points, since, you know, we had a 4 year-old and an 18 month-old (who, by the way, has learned the word "no" with flair and gusto. So much so that she has to say it at least 7,000 times a day). But overall, we had such a good time. Here are some highlights.*
1. Seeing Noel ride a plane. He LOVED it. It was so much fun to watch him look out the window and see us take off. I love seeing the world through a new set of eyes.
2. The pool. We had a pool at the house we stayed in, and it was so nice. Noel absolutely loved swimming. At one point, he laid back on a floatie and said, "Ahhh, I could do this all day."
3. The Island Cow. The night before we left, David and I got to go on a date out to eat. The restaurant (The Island Cow) was a fun little fish-fry-style restaurant, where we ate way too much, but had such a sweet time just talking and being together.
4. The beach. Of course, we loved spending time on the beach. The weather was beautiful, and I've never seen so many shells. One day the waves were especially high and we all (except the little ones) went way out and played in the water. Such fun!
5. Exploring. We rented bikes for the week and rode around every day. We would always find a way to make a pit stop for some sort of treat for the kids (usually something in the ice cream family), so they enjoyed it to.
6. Being with family. There were 14 of us in the house. We don't really get together too often, so it was such a joy to see my kids fall in love with their family. To see Elise blow kisses to Jacob and get her toes painted by Becca. To watch Noel dance for Abby and play ball with Grandpa Ed. I will cherish these memories for years to come.
*I wish I had pictures to go with all of these, but we either forgot to take a camera anywhere we went, or didn't want to take the camera for fear of sand getting into it
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Waiting Game
I'm getting so antsy to decorate for Christmas. Everyone I talk to has their tree up, the lights strung, and all of the festive decor up. But we have to wait.
Why?
Because we are old school and get a real Christmas tree.
Now, I'm not complaining, because getting a real Christmas tree is one of my favorite thing to do in December. We drive out in the country to this patch of woods where a guy sits in a little shed (no phone, no hours of operation posted, just him and his fireplace). We pay him $30 and he gives us a saw. We stomp out through the trees to find the one that will stand in our living room. Then David hacks her down and we drag her home.
It's so much fun, and it really is so beautiful.
But we can't do it yet, or come December 25 the tree will have approximately 9 needles left on the tree.
(Oh, and I need to mention that David, being the engineer he is, has created a self-watering system for the tree. I can't even explain it except to say that it is worth coming to our house to see, and should be on an episode of "Modern Marvels".)
And so I wait.
But in the meantime, enjoy your imposter of a tree! (Just kidding. . .)
Why?
Because we are old school and get a real Christmas tree.
Now, I'm not complaining, because getting a real Christmas tree is one of my favorite thing to do in December. We drive out in the country to this patch of woods where a guy sits in a little shed (no phone, no hours of operation posted, just him and his fireplace). We pay him $30 and he gives us a saw. We stomp out through the trees to find the one that will stand in our living room. Then David hacks her down and we drag her home.
It's so much fun, and it really is so beautiful.
But we can't do it yet, or come December 25 the tree will have approximately 9 needles left on the tree.
(Oh, and I need to mention that David, being the engineer he is, has created a self-watering system for the tree. I can't even explain it except to say that it is worth coming to our house to see, and should be on an episode of "Modern Marvels".)
And so I wait.
But in the meantime, enjoy your imposter of a tree! (Just kidding. . .)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Torn
We had a wonderful vacation (which I will post about soon, I promise), but in the midst of the fun, I got an email that left me feeling, well, torn.
Bob Pemberton, a missionary in Zimbabwe who was only 52, died of a heart attack. I have known Bob since I was little. He is one of the first missionaries I ever knew. I have memories of him eating dinner at our house and telling stories, teaching us songs and dances, and telling us about the amazing ways God works through us if we just let him.
I had several opportunities to spend time with Bob and his amazing wife Nancy. And every time it was so good to catch up with them. It was so inspiring to see that there is so much more God has planned than this "American Dream" we all try to chase after.
So, on the one hand my heart is a litle broken. I think about how Nancy, and their children, and their grandchildren. I think about how much the church in Cheredzi will miss Bob. I think about how 52 is way too young to die. And then I think about where Bob is now. He is celebrating in Heaven. He is walking with God. And I can't be sad about that, can I?
If you're reading this today, please take time to realize how short life is, how wonderful God is, and how others need to know that too.
Bob Pemberton, a missionary in Zimbabwe who was only 52, died of a heart attack. I have known Bob since I was little. He is one of the first missionaries I ever knew. I have memories of him eating dinner at our house and telling stories, teaching us songs and dances, and telling us about the amazing ways God works through us if we just let him.
I had several opportunities to spend time with Bob and his amazing wife Nancy. And every time it was so good to catch up with them. It was so inspiring to see that there is so much more God has planned than this "American Dream" we all try to chase after.
So, on the one hand my heart is a litle broken. I think about how Nancy, and their children, and their grandchildren. I think about how much the church in Cheredzi will miss Bob. I think about how 52 is way too young to die. And then I think about where Bob is now. He is celebrating in Heaven. He is walking with God. And I can't be sad about that, can I?
If you're reading this today, please take time to realize how short life is, how wonderful God is, and how others need to know that too.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
And we're off. . .hopefully
On Saturday we will embark on our first Wittenbach family of four vacation via an airplane. We're headed to Sanibel Island to be with some of David's family for the week of Thanksgiving.
These are the things I'm excited about:
*warm weather
*flip flops
*getting away from household duties (aka cleaning)
*spending time with family
*the beach
*relaxing
*good food
These are the things I'm nervous about:
*both of my kids are congested and coughing. I really don't want sick kids on vacation!
*sleeping arrangements
*flying with 2 little ones on an airplane
*spending time with family
*what to pack/how to pack
I'm trying not to let the "nervous" list get the best of me and just enjoy this trip. I get so worked up about little stuff, especially when it comes to my kids. It's so strange because when it was just me I hardly ever let the small stuff get to me. I guess that's what happens when you're in charge of more than just yourself. Another thing I never realized before becoming a parent.
Bon Voyage!
These are the things I'm excited about:
*warm weather
*flip flops
*getting away from household duties (aka cleaning)
*spending time with family
*the beach
*relaxing
*good food
These are the things I'm nervous about:
*both of my kids are congested and coughing. I really don't want sick kids on vacation!
*sleeping arrangements
*flying with 2 little ones on an airplane
*spending time with family
*what to pack/how to pack
I'm trying not to let the "nervous" list get the best of me and just enjoy this trip. I get so worked up about little stuff, especially when it comes to my kids. It's so strange because when it was just me I hardly ever let the small stuff get to me. I guess that's what happens when you're in charge of more than just yourself. Another thing I never realized before becoming a parent.
Bon Voyage!
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
If you're reading this. . .
If you're reading this,
*Thank you for not giving up on my blog even thought I've been very negligent.
*Please know that I have all kinds of intentions to blog regularly again soon.
*Life has been crazy the past couple of days.
*Noel has been sick with 3 different illnesses in 3 weeks, and 3 trips to different doctors.
*I've been sick, run my first 5-mile race, played single mom for three days, and worked on an upcoming retreat for high school students.
Please forgive and don't forget me. I'll be back as soon as I get caught up with all kinds of thoughts that you could probably live without. Ha!
*Thank you for not giving up on my blog even thought I've been very negligent.
*Please know that I have all kinds of intentions to blog regularly again soon.
*Life has been crazy the past couple of days.
*Noel has been sick with 3 different illnesses in 3 weeks, and 3 trips to different doctors.
*I've been sick, run my first 5-mile race, played single mom for three days, and worked on an upcoming retreat for high school students.
Please forgive and don't forget me. I'll be back as soon as I get caught up with all kinds of thoughts that you could probably live without. Ha!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Eternity
If you didn't read my last post, I'm sharing the devotions I'm working on for our upcoming fall retreat for high school students. I'm hoping you can get something out of them as well as let me know what can be changed to improve it.
In our last “God Time” we focused on the fact that Jesus is our one, true hope. Without Him we have nothing. But with Him we have an eternity in Heaven. And that’s what we are going to look at today: Heaven.
When you think of Heaven, what are some thoughts, words, or pictures that come to your mind?
Instead of coming up with our own ideas of Heaven, let’s see what the Bible says about it.
Read Hebrews 11:11-16.
Think about all of the amazing creation God has made here on earth. What is the most beautiful place in nature you have ever been to? Describe it.
Think about this: If God made something here on earth that beautiful, can you imagine how awesome the city is that God is preparing in Heaven for us?
Read Philippians 3:12-4:1.
Who will be in heaven with us?
What will our bodies look like?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. In this passage Paul is comparing his body to that of a tent.
Do you like camping? Why or why not?
Most of us like camping for a short time, but we wouldn’t want to live in a tent for a long period of time. Why?
Think about how our bodies are like tents. They sustain us through this life, but they don’t last forever. They are fragile. They get torn and damaged. And that’s just another reason why we long for heaven. This tent of a body will be replaced with one that will never be destroyed!
The book of Revelation is full of descriptions of Heaven.
Read Revelation 21:1-4 and 21:22-27. What are some things about Heaven in these verses that make you excited?
Revelation 20:10 gives us one of the best parts of Heaven.
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
We will never have to deal with Satan, his lies, his schemes, the pain he causes, any of it!
So, Heaven is going to be amazing. Awesome. Beyond our wildest dreams. And the best part is that we get to spend eternity praising Jesus, who is the reason we get to be there at all.
But what does this mean for me right now?
Read Revelation 22:12-13 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Don’t give up! Life is hard. It is full of struggles, temptations, frustrations, and disappointments. But we must live with eternity in mind! This life is not the end, it’s just the beginning.
Think about all of the day-to-day problems that you encounter. Do they matter, in light of the fact that we have eternity with God waiting for us?
Think about the hard situations you are going through right now. Please be comforted in knowing that it is not going to last forever! Think eternally!
In our last “God Time” we focused on the fact that Jesus is our one, true hope. Without Him we have nothing. But with Him we have an eternity in Heaven. And that’s what we are going to look at today: Heaven.
When you think of Heaven, what are some thoughts, words, or pictures that come to your mind?
Instead of coming up with our own ideas of Heaven, let’s see what the Bible says about it.
Read Hebrews 11:11-16.
Think about all of the amazing creation God has made here on earth. What is the most beautiful place in nature you have ever been to? Describe it.
Think about this: If God made something here on earth that beautiful, can you imagine how awesome the city is that God is preparing in Heaven for us?
Read Philippians 3:12-4:1.
Who will be in heaven with us?
What will our bodies look like?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. In this passage Paul is comparing his body to that of a tent.
Do you like camping? Why or why not?
Most of us like camping for a short time, but we wouldn’t want to live in a tent for a long period of time. Why?
Think about how our bodies are like tents. They sustain us through this life, but they don’t last forever. They are fragile. They get torn and damaged. And that’s just another reason why we long for heaven. This tent of a body will be replaced with one that will never be destroyed!
The book of Revelation is full of descriptions of Heaven.
Read Revelation 21:1-4 and 21:22-27. What are some things about Heaven in these verses that make you excited?
Revelation 20:10 gives us one of the best parts of Heaven.
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
We will never have to deal with Satan, his lies, his schemes, the pain he causes, any of it!
So, Heaven is going to be amazing. Awesome. Beyond our wildest dreams. And the best part is that we get to spend eternity praising Jesus, who is the reason we get to be there at all.
But what does this mean for me right now?
Read Revelation 22:12-13 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Don’t give up! Life is hard. It is full of struggles, temptations, frustrations, and disappointments. But we must live with eternity in mind! This life is not the end, it’s just the beginning.
Think about all of the day-to-day problems that you encounter. Do they matter, in light of the fact that we have eternity with God waiting for us?
Think about the hard situations you are going through right now. Please be comforted in knowing that it is not going to last forever! Think eternally!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
You're the Inspiration
I've been a little overloaded in the writing area as of late, so I've lost some of my creative "juices" (if you will). Right now I'm working on some devotions about hope for an upcoming high school retreat. Instead of writing twice, I'd like to share my first devotion. Let me know what you think, cause I still have a few weeks before it will be given to the students.
What kinds of things do you hope for?
What is the difference between hoping and wishing?
The only reason why we have any hope at all in this life is because of Jesus.
Who is Jesus?
Who is He to you?
How is Jesus our hope? Read the following verses and come up with a 3-4 word summary of each verse/passage.
Romans 4:25 ________________________________________________________________________
Romans 5:7-8 _______________________________________________________________________
Romans 6:23 ________________________________________________________________________
Romans 8:1 _________________________________________________________________________
Acts 2:21 ___________________________________________________________________________
Acts 4:12 ___________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 2:13-18 ____________________________________________________________________
Colossians 1:12-13 ____________________________________________________________________
Look back at all of the things you just read. That is how Jesus is our hope!
Think about all of the things that you hope for. What if they were gone? Think for a moment.
What if the car you hoped for was gone?
What if the spouse you are hoping for doesn’t happen?
What is the career you are hoping to have doesn’t work out?
What if your future plans change and aren’t what you were hoping for?
We might be discouraged, upset, or frustrated if these things we hope for are gone, but stop for another moment and think about this:
Where would you be if all of those hopes came true, but you didn’t have Jesus?
You see, nothing in this world matters if we don’t have the one, true hope of Jesus. Take a few minutes and write a thank you prayer to Jesus for being our Hope.
What kinds of things do you hope for?
What is the difference between hoping and wishing?
The only reason why we have any hope at all in this life is because of Jesus.
Who is Jesus?
Who is He to you?
How is Jesus our hope? Read the following verses and come up with a 3-4 word summary of each verse/passage.
Romans 4:25 ________________________________________________________________________
Romans 5:7-8 _______________________________________________________________________
Romans 6:23 ________________________________________________________________________
Romans 8:1 _________________________________________________________________________
Acts 2:21 ___________________________________________________________________________
Acts 4:12 ___________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 2:13-18 ____________________________________________________________________
Colossians 1:12-13 ____________________________________________________________________
Look back at all of the things you just read. That is how Jesus is our hope!
Think about all of the things that you hope for. What if they were gone? Think for a moment.
What if the car you hoped for was gone?
What if the spouse you are hoping for doesn’t happen?
What is the career you are hoping to have doesn’t work out?
What if your future plans change and aren’t what you were hoping for?
We might be discouraged, upset, or frustrated if these things we hope for are gone, but stop for another moment and think about this:
Where would you be if all of those hopes came true, but you didn’t have Jesus?
You see, nothing in this world matters if we don’t have the one, true hope of Jesus. Take a few minutes and write a thank you prayer to Jesus for being our Hope.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Our Father, who art in Heaven
Those are the first words of the Lord's prayer. Words Jesus used to teach us how to pray. Yesterday, my small group of girls talked about prayer: struggles with prayer, why we pray, what to pray about, etc. And I think I learned more than the girls did.
I learned that while some parents are great, some parents are very immature and make their children have to grow up way too soon.
I learned that in a room of just 10 girls, one of them might have cancer, one hears voices telling her to hurt herself, and one has fallen away from God and desparately wants to come back.
I hurt for these girls. I wish I could make their problems go away. But more than that, I give these girls to God in prayer. If I truly believe that God answers prayer, then now is the time to show it.
Everyone is going through something, but we just don't take the time to sit and talk to them about it. We pass through so many days with shallow conversation and miss out on opportunities around us. While our Father in Heaven is whispering to us, "Talk to them, ask them how they really are. They need you."
I pray that I make time to have more of those conversations. That I don't get so caught up in what I'm doing that I miss those around me who are hurting, who need my prayers, who need to know there is more out there than what we see in front of us.
I learned that while some parents are great, some parents are very immature and make their children have to grow up way too soon.
I learned that in a room of just 10 girls, one of them might have cancer, one hears voices telling her to hurt herself, and one has fallen away from God and desparately wants to come back.
I hurt for these girls. I wish I could make their problems go away. But more than that, I give these girls to God in prayer. If I truly believe that God answers prayer, then now is the time to show it.
Everyone is going through something, but we just don't take the time to sit and talk to them about it. We pass through so many days with shallow conversation and miss out on opportunities around us. While our Father in Heaven is whispering to us, "Talk to them, ask them how they really are. They need you."
I pray that I make time to have more of those conversations. That I don't get so caught up in what I'm doing that I miss those around me who are hurting, who need my prayers, who need to know there is more out there than what we see in front of us.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It's kind of like a hat. . .
Okay, sorry for all of the focus on Noel, but he really does some funny stuff. Plus, I spend almost every waking hour of my life with him. Think of all the stories I could be telling. Ha!
So, tonight we had coupons for free Frostys and the kids had eaten a good dinner, so we headed out to Wendy's. As you can imagine, Wendy's in Kokomo on a weeknight at around 7:30 was hopping. Besides our family there was one employee eating a meal and an elderly lady dining alone.
For some reason, we have this tradition that when we are at Wendy's we play "I Spy". And we had played for about 10 minutes, when Noel comes up with "I spy something white." David and I are looking all over and guessing, and Noel keeps saying no. Then we see him looking at the lady out of the corner of his eye. We both start realizing that it's probably her he's "spying" (how many things can you point out in an empty Wendy's? Plus, who am I kidding? He is my boy, of course he is a people watcher!)
Then Noel says, "I'll give you a hint: it's on your head. . ."
(At this point we are both trying not to laugh)
" . . .and it's kind of like a hat."
He was, of course, innocently spying her white hair.
Just when Noel takes me to the brink of frustration, he reminds me that you can't buy 4-year-old entertainment like that. Thanks, Noel Man.
So, tonight we had coupons for free Frostys and the kids had eaten a good dinner, so we headed out to Wendy's. As you can imagine, Wendy's in Kokomo on a weeknight at around 7:30 was hopping. Besides our family there was one employee eating a meal and an elderly lady dining alone.
For some reason, we have this tradition that when we are at Wendy's we play "I Spy". And we had played for about 10 minutes, when Noel comes up with "I spy something white." David and I are looking all over and guessing, and Noel keeps saying no. Then we see him looking at the lady out of the corner of his eye. We both start realizing that it's probably her he's "spying" (how many things can you point out in an empty Wendy's? Plus, who am I kidding? He is my boy, of course he is a people watcher!)
Then Noel says, "I'll give you a hint: it's on your head. . ."
(At this point we are both trying not to laugh)
" . . .and it's kind of like a hat."
He was, of course, innocently spying her white hair.
Just when Noel takes me to the brink of frustration, he reminds me that you can't buy 4-year-old entertainment like that. Thanks, Noel Man.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The CD dilemna
I've really been convicted about having too much "stuff" over the last year. And we have done a pretty successful job of keeping our things to a reasonable amount. If we buy something new, something old has to go. We consider purchases instead of making kneejerk decisions. David just recently cleaned out Noel's closet and got rid of some old/broken toys. And although we still have much more than we really need, I am feeling better all of the time about the materials we have.
But I have an dilemna.
And I'm reminded of it every time I sit down to the computer. Right to the left of the computer desk is a cd tower with probably 150 CDs. CDs we never listen to. Most of these CDs have been burned onto the computer. Almost all of them are old. Let me give you a few examples (not joking):
Audio Adrenaline "Don't Censor Me"
Dixie Chicks "Fly"
Steven Curtis Chapman "For the Sake of the Call"
Dave Matthews Band "Under the Table and Dreaming"
Mr. Holland's Opus Soundtrack
I cannot tell you the last time I've listened to any of these, let alone the rest of them, minus the 6 Christmas CDs we bust out in December.
So what do I do with them?
Try to sell them? Who wants to buy our terrible CD collection (no offense, Mr. Holland, you had your time in the sun, trust me).
Give them away? Who wants this collection, even if it were free???
I'm at a crossroads, and don't know what to do. Any suggestions?
But I have an dilemna.
And I'm reminded of it every time I sit down to the computer. Right to the left of the computer desk is a cd tower with probably 150 CDs. CDs we never listen to. Most of these CDs have been burned onto the computer. Almost all of them are old. Let me give you a few examples (not joking):
Audio Adrenaline "Don't Censor Me"
Dixie Chicks "Fly"
Steven Curtis Chapman "For the Sake of the Call"
Dave Matthews Band "Under the Table and Dreaming"
Mr. Holland's Opus Soundtrack
I cannot tell you the last time I've listened to any of these, let alone the rest of them, minus the 6 Christmas CDs we bust out in December.
So what do I do with them?
Try to sell them? Who wants to buy our terrible CD collection (no offense, Mr. Holland, you had your time in the sun, trust me).
Give them away? Who wants this collection, even if it were free???
I'm at a crossroads, and don't know what to do. Any suggestions?
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Listen up, sonny
I teach Sunday School (we call it Insight) on Sunday mornings to high school students. I really enjoy it. The kids make me laugh. They make me think. But most importantly, it encourages me to look at the Bible in different ways to keep things interesting and relevant for teens who are diligent enough to show up at 9 am on a Sunday morning to learn about God.
So the past few weeks we've been looking at the 10 Commandments, and I am always so surprised (why am I still surprised) that God shows me something new every time I let Him lead my lesson planning. This week we're looking at the 5th command: Honor your father and mother.
Here are just a few things that I've come to realize through the course of this study:
*although I am still someone's child (and should still honor them) I am now on the other side of this command. Am I being a parent who is teaching my child to follow God?
*The command doesn't say to "obey" your parents, but to honor them, which encompasses a lot more than just obedience. To honor someone is to prize them highly, to respect them, to care for them, and (yes) to obey them. Once again, God's plan is so much more than just rules.
*This command was sooooo important back then because the only way a child really learned about God's law was from his parents. And even though we have Bibles and internet and programming and more resources than I can name, we are all just one generation away from being a people who do not call on God. Read the book of Judges. Even the godliest of leaders had kids who turned away, and the Israelites were back at Rock Bottom before they knew it.
So, if your parents are with you, please tell them how much you appreciate and respect them. Don't take for granted all they have done (and continue to do) because you are their gift from God.
So the past few weeks we've been looking at the 10 Commandments, and I am always so surprised (why am I still surprised) that God shows me something new every time I let Him lead my lesson planning. This week we're looking at the 5th command: Honor your father and mother.
Here are just a few things that I've come to realize through the course of this study:
*although I am still someone's child (and should still honor them) I am now on the other side of this command. Am I being a parent who is teaching my child to follow God?
*The command doesn't say to "obey" your parents, but to honor them, which encompasses a lot more than just obedience. To honor someone is to prize them highly, to respect them, to care for them, and (yes) to obey them. Once again, God's plan is so much more than just rules.
*This command was sooooo important back then because the only way a child really learned about God's law was from his parents. And even though we have Bibles and internet and programming and more resources than I can name, we are all just one generation away from being a people who do not call on God. Read the book of Judges. Even the godliest of leaders had kids who turned away, and the Israelites were back at Rock Bottom before they knew it.
So, if your parents are with you, please tell them how much you appreciate and respect them. Don't take for granted all they have done (and continue to do) because you are their gift from God.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
My Cup Runneth Over
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| Noel went and got a step so Elise can see outside with him. Here he is explaining the porch lights. |
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| Playing house with a dishwasher box. |
And then I take a breath and look at these two amazing people. And my heart is overwhelmed. With love. With responsibility. With thankfulness.
Please take time to look around and let your heart be overflowed today.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Farmer Up
Okay, so I have had all kinds of intentions of writing more on my blog this week. But the combo of writing small group questions and Sunday School questions for our high school students at church has kind of zapped all of my creative writing energy.
Excuses, excuses, right?
Anyway, not to make every post about Noel, but we did celebrate his birthday this weekend. I now have a four-year-old. Wow. We had a little get together with a few of Noel's friends on Friday night. A month or so ago we read a book from the library (it was a Franklin book, in case you're interested) that told the story of a birthday party that had games in the back yard. Ever since then, Noel has wanted that for his birthday. So we had cornhole, parachute games, a sandbox, a hammock, and the highlight: a fishing pond. We filled the kiddie pool with water and about 50 goldfish. The kids used nets (and eventually their hands) to catch as many goldfish as they could. They loved it! It was so much fun to see them play and scream and run and enjoy being together. There was also a Cookie Monster pinata, which was obliterated by the end of the night. Noel ended up sleeping with Cookie's head that night. I hope he doesn't need counseling later for that.
His actual birthday was Monday, and for his big day David took him out to a friend's farm to ride in a combine.
Do you know how exciting that is for my son?? He has not stopped talking about it since.
Not only did he ride in the combine, but he got to ride in "Mr. Anthony's" semi, help move the corn to the silo, and sweep the leftover corn into the grate.
He's still smiling 24 hours later.
I asked him if he thinks he'll be a farmer when he grows up, and he says, "yeah, or a semi driver." And then he thinks for a while and says, "or maybe I'll just be Mr. Anthony's helper and ride in the semi with him." Not sure if that's a career option, but we'll leave it on the table for now.
Farm on, big man, farm on.
Excuses, excuses, right?
Anyway, not to make every post about Noel, but we did celebrate his birthday this weekend. I now have a four-year-old. Wow. We had a little get together with a few of Noel's friends on Friday night. A month or so ago we read a book from the library (it was a Franklin book, in case you're interested) that told the story of a birthday party that had games in the back yard. Ever since then, Noel has wanted that for his birthday. So we had cornhole, parachute games, a sandbox, a hammock, and the highlight: a fishing pond. We filled the kiddie pool with water and about 50 goldfish. The kids used nets (and eventually their hands) to catch as many goldfish as they could. They loved it! It was so much fun to see them play and scream and run and enjoy being together. There was also a Cookie Monster pinata, which was obliterated by the end of the night. Noel ended up sleeping with Cookie's head that night. I hope he doesn't need counseling later for that.
His actual birthday was Monday, and for his big day David took him out to a friend's farm to ride in a combine.
Do you know how exciting that is for my son?? He has not stopped talking about it since.
Not only did he ride in the combine, but he got to ride in "Mr. Anthony's" semi, help move the corn to the silo, and sweep the leftover corn into the grate.
He's still smiling 24 hours later.
I asked him if he thinks he'll be a farmer when he grows up, and he says, "yeah, or a semi driver." And then he thinks for a while and says, "or maybe I'll just be Mr. Anthony's helper and ride in the semi with him." Not sure if that's a career option, but we'll leave it on the table for now.
Farm on, big man, farm on.
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| A beautiful view of the combine right before sunset |
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| sweeping up the corn |
 |
| John Deere boy |
 |
| so excited to be in the semi |
 |
| watching the corn drain out |
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Flashback Tuesday!
When Noel was really little, probably 2 or 3 months old, he cried. A lot. I'm sure all babies do, but he was my first one, and I had no idea what I was doing, much less understood that sometimes babies just cry. He wouldn't sleep. He wouldn't take a pacifier. He just cried. And cried. And cried.
One afternoon, I was at the end of my rope. I needed a break from the crying, so I put him in his little baby swing and ran out to get the mail, slamming the front door behind me. As soon as I slammed the door shut, I realized I had locked myself out of the house. Which wouldn't have been such a huge deal, because we keep a spare key hidden (of course I won't tell you where. . .duh!).
Except that just a few days earlier I had locked myself out then, used the spare key to get in, and proceeded to leave the spare key on the kitchen table.
Huge deal.
So the scenario so far is: screaming baby inside, crying mom outside. What to do?
I take the walk of shame.
Now the walk of shame might mean something different to you, but for me that day, it meant going to my neighbors' house and asking to use their phone BECAUSE I HAD LOCKED MY BABY IN OUR HOUSE AND ME OUT OF IT. Which in itself might not be too embarassing, except that I had probably given these neighbors some of the most condescending looks ever. I won't go into details, but let's just say there were lots of various people living there, coming and going quite frequently, and the police drove by at least twice a week. I once watched an entire squad team surround the house and arrest a guy. We never saw him again. Suffice it to say we were not what you would call great friends.
So as I knocked on the door, I realized that nobody has there stuff together. We've all got issues, and I have no right to judge.
In the end, I used their phone to call a friend who had an extra key, and she saved the day. Noel was still fine in the swing. I can't even remember if he was still crying. For some reason (!) it didn't seem to matter much anymore. And months later when one of those neighbors came to our door asking to use the phone, I was a lot more understanding than I would have been. God definitely has a sense of humor!
Happenings Around Here
Happy Fall, Everyone!!
Lots of fun, exciting things going on around here. We're putting some stuff together to celebrate Noel's 4th birthday this weekend. Hard to believe. I know lots of people say, "Where did the time go?" But I have really enjoyed watching him grow up. Being here with him and seeing him change from a baby to a toddler to a kid has been such a neat experience. Yesterday we went to the park, and I was checking to make sure Elise could get up the stairs at the playground. Noel says, "You don't have to come up here, Mom." It immediately took me back to when he was 2 and wouldn't go on the playground without me.
How things change.
Other upcoming fall activities I'm looking forward to:
high school fall retreat
football games
trip to Florida in November
running a 5K in the near future (I'm halfway through the Couch to 5K program)
teaching Sunday School for the high schoolers
What are your fall plans?
Lots of fun, exciting things going on around here. We're putting some stuff together to celebrate Noel's 4th birthday this weekend. Hard to believe. I know lots of people say, "Where did the time go?" But I have really enjoyed watching him grow up. Being here with him and seeing him change from a baby to a toddler to a kid has been such a neat experience. Yesterday we went to the park, and I was checking to make sure Elise could get up the stairs at the playground. Noel says, "You don't have to come up here, Mom." It immediately took me back to when he was 2 and wouldn't go on the playground without me.
How things change.
Other upcoming fall activities I'm looking forward to:
high school fall retreat
football games
trip to Florida in November
running a 5K in the near future (I'm halfway through the Couch to 5K program)
teaching Sunday School for the high schoolers
What are your fall plans?
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