May. 8, 2007 - Moving...

Well, I've done it. I've moved my blog. I debated forever... I just love the HSB community and I know I'll miss out on meeting other great HSBers.  I'll definitely be checking in with all of my HSB buddies. I've got you on bloglines! HSB was the perfect place for me to start out blogging and I learned a lot!

Pretty please come visit me at my new address... www.stillhisgirl.blogspot.com. It is still under construction a little bit, but I'm getting there!

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 6, 2007 - Make them known to your children...

My head is full, my heart is full today. We did some fun-normal-sightseeing-things and some remember-for-the-rest-of-my-life kind of things.

We enjoyed the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, saw the Capitol, and the actual C3-PO and R2-D2 from Return of the Jedi, Seinfeld's Puffy Shirt and the real Ruby Slippers.



At Arlington Cemetary, we found my grandfather's grave.


We heard a fabulous presentation about Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theater, saw the clothes President Lincoln had on that night, the gun that killed him, and lots of other amazing Lincoln memorabilia.


I've always been a little fascinated with President Lincoln and how he was so pivotal to our nation's direction and history. I think my obsession started when I was in third grade and read a biography about his mother. I can't imagine the burden on him during the Civil War and am blown away by the courage he showed with the Emancipation Proclamation. Did you know that the day he died was Good Friday? That it was only 5 days after the war ended? Imagine the mood of the city that evening, and then the mood the next morning after he died. I LOVED the Ford Theater museum, can you tell? :)

We went back out at night armed with hot chocolate from our fabulous hotel. (Again, a winner! If you're ever heading to DC, this hotel was great.) The city is beautiful at night. We sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and talked about how blessed we are to live in the U.S. 


But the thing that will remain with me the longest was our visit to the Holocaust  Memorial Museum. We didn't go through the main exhibits, knowing it would be too much for the girls. But the children's exhibit, Daniel's Story: Remember the Children, was amazing.  It is a fictionalized (yet accurate!) story of a German Jewish family from their happy home to the concentratinon camps. They have done a fabulous job making it meaningful and significant without be overwhelming for kids.

As I tried to explain something so unexplainable, Shelby said, "So why don't they just say, 'We think we're better than you' and be done with it? Why did they have to do all of this?"



The other area of the museum we visited was about Lodz, Poland, and the ghetto that was created there for all the Jews of the city. They have diaries and writings of children from that ghetto displayed in audio and photos. One of the most stunning images was a large display of cups and bowls that had been unearthed from a mass grave.

I wrote a few weeks ago about my father-in-law being born in a prisoner-of-war camp in WWII. He was born there 64 years ago today. I thought of his family often during our time in the museum.

For me the high point of the day was when we went into the museum store. We were incredibly blessed to be there during an author's signing. I met the author and was simply charmed by him. (He called me beautiful, for one thing.)

His book, Legacy and Redemption... A Life Renewed, is his story of his survival of the holocaust. Truly, I was so honored to meet this gentleman. He spoke to us for quite a while in his charming accent, and signed his book for our girls. He wrote, "Cassie, Shelby, Brynne, and Jenna... from your caring loving parents, who want much you to know. With my best wishes to all of you, Joseph Tenenbaum Washington DC 5/6/07."  He marked the part of the book he doesn't want them to read until they are 14 or 15. "Then, you read the whole thing."


I pray my girls remember today's incredible honor. I know that when they are my age, there will only be a handful of Holocaust survivors left.

I began reading the book as soon as we were in our car. I cannot wait to read the entire thing; I was drawn in just by his letter to his children at the beginning. Here is an excerpt:

"I bear witness for my children, grandchildren, and offspring to come so that they can know and understand, remember and not forget what my family and my generation endured. The past is within me, not behind me; it accompanies me wherever I go...I cannot presume to write for my fellow survivors, but if I do not expose my own experiences I might as well be among the dead. Perhaps the Almighty has spared me in order to bear witness."

And he includes this scripture:
"Only beware and guard well your soul that you do not forget the things which your own eyes have seen... but make them known unto your children and your children's children." Deuteronomy 4:9

• 8 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 5, 2007 - D.C. Moments

Wow! What a full day we had today in D.C. We are wiped out! We saw a zillion different things, and never once did anyone say, "How much longer?" or "When are we leaving?" I consider that a huge success! Some memorable moments of the day...

*Watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. There was also a wreath ceremony where they played taps. Beautiful.

*Watching my girl who has learned so much about the Civil War light up when she found out we were going to see Arlington House, General Lee's family home.

*Hearing my six year old excited to say the beginning of the Gettysburg Address while standing in the Lincoln Memorial. She is good! :) Just before we left home, a friend told me that a woman from our church said that when she prays, she pictures herself climbing up in God's lap. She imagines it to be something like the Lincoln Memorial. I loved that image, and put it to use myself there today.

*Seeing the quote John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife which has been engraved on a mantel of a fireplace in the White House. (We saw a reproduction in the White House Visitor's Center.)
"I pray Heaven to bestow THE BEST OF BLESSINGS ON THIS HOUSE and All that shall hereafter Inhabit it, May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof."

*At the Vietnam Memorial, a tall, strong man was on his knees, sobbing. One hand was on a name on the wall.

Very memorable scenes and moments today.











The best of blessings on this house. And on yours today, too!

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 4, 2007 - Can't Think of a Title. How's that one?

We had such an amazing time in Ocean City. If you ever get a chance to go off season, the hotel we stayed in was incredible. www.oceancityhilton.com By choosing a Hilton, we are helping pay for Paris's legal fees. :) This morning was gorgeous, so we ended up staying a little longer. I got Thrashers fries, Deb! :) The girls were getting ready for our time in D.C. so they practiced doing their hair like George Washington's. (I think Shelby is trying to do his face, too; she wasn't actually grouchy even though she looks it!)
We hit D.C. and started at the National Archives.
It is amazing how much the ink is disappearing on those original documents. On the Declaration of Independence, I could only see John Hancock's signature. I bet my grandkids won't be able to see much at all. They also have a really fun and informative museum there that we loved. My favorite part was seeing the old photos and video footage of presidents. George W was an awfully cute little 3 year old. What a privilege it is to be here in a city so rich in history!

My heart is heavy tonight for some dear friends of mine. They got word yesterday that their brother-in-law was killed in Iraq yesterday. He leaves a wife and a 4 year old and 1 year old. None of that extended family are believers, and I know my friends are burdened in that way as well.

I've so loved this blogging community. Seeing what people did for Heather (www.especiallyheather.com) blew me away, and she has been on my mind and in my prayers these last two days with her surgery... as if I really knew her. I know you guys pray- would you pray for my friends and for their family who are hurting today? My brother served a year in Iraq and missed the birth of his first child. It was always a fear, of course, that he wouldn't come home, but I can't imagine what families go through when they lose a soldier across the world. I'm so thankful for our service families.

It has been fun blogging on vacation. I don't feel guilty at all... like I do at home when I should be doing laundry or cleaning! :) I love reading your blogs. There are some amazing, amazing people out there in cyberland!

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 3, 2007 - Farewell to Ocean City...

Just a little something I whipped up today...
Amen and Amen!

That's a whole lotta  years worth of "This Little Piggy " that you're looking at there.

And  just when I begin to feel unsettled in my soul, God shows me He is in His heaven and all's right with the world.

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 2, 2007 - Color Me Happy

Red- The color of the top of my feet. This redhead doesn't tan!

Green- The color of my blonde daughters' hair after chlorine in the pool.

Yellow- The color of the saltwater taffy we got on the boardwalk today.

Tan- The color of the sand lining the bathtub.

Orange- The color of my all-you-can-eat seasoned Maryland crabs.

Brown- The color of my mocha mud pie I'm going to eat after the kids are in bed.

Blue- The color I'll be if LaKisha goes home.

White- The color of the down comforter and sheets I'll be climbing into with my man.

• 7 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 1, 2007 - It's a Sunshiney Day

• 8 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 30, 2007 - O Say Can You See the Ocean?

Today we made a quick stop in Baltimore to see Ft. McHenry and the spot where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner. It was a last minute idea, so we  didn't pay to go through the fort, but it was a great chance for more fabulous history lessons! Hopefully the real Star Spangled Banner Flag will be on display at the Smithsonian when we go!

We're at our fabulous hotel in Ocean City now. I am sitting on the balcony with a perfect breeze. It is near sunset, the moon is full and bright, and the waves are crashing. I think the ocean is the place I burst into instant praise the fastest. Walking through the woods can do it to me, too, but the ocean.... ahhh, the ocean..... then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee, how great Thou art!

One of my favorite songs  is called Ocean (by Lamont Heibert)...

Something about the ocean makes me rise up and praise
Something about the heavens makes me stand in awe again
Something about the sunrise reminds me of your faithfulness
Something about the ocean and I'm lost in love again

So that's me.... what about you? What brings you to instant praise? A sunset? Newborn baby? Laundry that is completely caught up?

Going back to praise some more.... •

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 28, 2007 - Bon Bons and Battlefields

We are having a fabulos-o time here in PA! The drive was about 10 hours and the girls were wonderful; watched two dvds and sang along with their crazy mom to my ipod tunes. My brother's home is beautiful and it is so fun to be with their kids.

Friday we went to Hershey where the street lights are in the shape of Kisses and you can smell chocolate in the air. The World of Chocolate was perfect for this chocolate lover. (I LOVE chocolate... I even host a "Choctoberfest" every fall in my house that is just a zillion girlfriends and tons of chocolate. FUN!) Of course we learned lots on the little ride/tour that we went on twice. My favorite part s were the singing cows and the 3-D movie.

I'd like to come back and get the tour of the whole town; sounds like Mr. Hershey was an amazing man and not just for making every day of PMS or rotten children more bearable... he started an orphanage and many other things.

Today is my birthday (29th) and I was treated to a t-shirt from Hershey and a fun necklace this morning at breakfast. Then we headed out to Gettysburg. We picnicked there and walked through the cemetary where we think a relative is buried. My brother is a HUGE Civil War buff, so he was the perfect tour guide.

The girls have memorized the beginning and ending of the Gettysburg address, so it was very cool to see where it was delivered.

Probably the favorite thing for the girls was playing on the battlefield, climbing on the rocks in Devil's Den and on Little Round Top. I think they could have stayed all day. When we had to leave, surprisingly enough it was my oldest (whose social life is completely destroyed thanks to this trip) who really didn't want to leave!

I think I've done a decent job of introducing the Civil War and Gettysburg and some specific people like General Meade and Jenny Wade and Robert E Lee. I think that until I say something like, "We're going to Gettysburg tomorrow, girls!" and my youngest says, "Really? Are we going to see little people falling down?" My third daughter, Brynne, isn't quite getting it, either. "Why do you keep saying it was three days if it was four years?" But then she retold something extremely well to her sister... "The one guy was killed and then the guy that killed him was one of the guys that they were killing and then he was killed while they were killing the other guys. And then you know that one guy-- the one that was killed?...."

Souvenirs from Gettysburg

Mom-- Christmas tree ornament and fabulous book with photos, great info, and activities for kids

Dad--Postcard to send to my dad. He's so much nicer than me.

Brynne-- Robert E. Lee's family in paper dolls

Shelby and Jenna, tomboys-- soldier hats and swords. Of course Shelby, who can boss Jenna around while sounding simply helpful, got to be Union while Jenna is Confederate.

Cassie, who is NOT a tomboy--a fuzzy pink pencil that reads "Gettysburg." Who wouldn't want one of those?

My baby brother (who is 18 months younger than me yet somehow turned 29 four and a half years ago) cooked an incredible birthday dinner for me on the grill, London Broil and asparagus. YUM! Dessert was a fabulous strawberry shortcake.

It has been a very happy birthday for this very happy girl.

• 7 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 25, 2007 - And We're Off!

After a zillion loads of laundry, a trip to Target, Old Navy, and Kroger, packing six suitcases, a tub of food, a box of library books, and pretending that the house is cleaner than it is, we are heading out Thursday morning for our big vacation! Wohoo!!

We head to my brother's home in PA first, where we will delight in both Gettysburg and Hershey. Battlefields and Bon Bons. Pefect combination! Then to Ocean City for a few quiet days and then we will hit Washington D.C. (Which one of my daughters HATES, she declared tonight after finding out she was going to miss a pizza party AND a bowling party AND a Bible Bowl tournament.) So while many of us view D.C. as a beautiful city reflecting our heritage, to my oldest, it is simply a horrible beast that is ruining all her fun. I have a feeling she'll come around.

My hubby got a fabulous new laptop (for only $37! That is a story in itself), so I'll see if I can figure out how to post photos on it so you can see me eating my weight in chocolate and torturing my child with monuments. While we're gone, I'll be celebrating my 29th birthday again, so that will be fun!

I'd love some prayers for safety, health, wonderful memories, rest, and enough money to make it back home again. Thanks, girls!

• 8 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 23, 2007 - Marriage and All That

 

"But if you do marry, you do not sin... But those who marry will face many troubles in this life. " 1 Cor 7:28

Trouble with marriage? WHAT? Could it be true? Could the Bible really be accurate here?!?!

Sho'nuf!

Scott and I love each other very much and are committed to our marriage for life. But we have hard times. Sometimes really hard times. The past year has probably been our toughest. We don't really fight very often, but we have been distant and more like roommates co-existing than the best friends and crazy-about-each-other-lovers we want to be and used to be. I was sad and lonely and wondering if I should just settle and accept where we were and not long for more. But deep down, I knew God desires more for us.

I began reading Love and Respect last month and then found out from one of my great cyber friends that the author travels and presents conferences based on the book. Scott and I went to one this past weekend and I am so, so glad we did.  It was so good for us and gave us common language to use. We had several really important conversations. And more than anything, I think, the conference was good for Scott- he never would have read the book.

This particular conference validates the husband so much and explains things they often can't even express for themselves. In the 30 hours since we've been home, I've heard him tell six people that "this conference was a good one for a man."

For us specifically, the Love and Respect concept hit the nail on the head. Basically, Dr. Eggerichs shares that women need and desire love and are motivated by love. We easily SHOW love, expecting that it will then motivate our husbands to show us love. But men need and desire respect and are motivated by respect. As a culture in general, we've been told and we believe that respect must be earned. Not so, says God.

Ephesians 5:33 states very clearly: "However, each one of you also must LOVE his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must RESPECT her husband." Women are designed to love, and it comes naturally. But it is more difficult for us to respect. Hence the command! :)

I thought I got the whole submission/respect angle. What I didn't recognize, though, is that I must give UNCONDITIONAL respect. No matter what. And I haven't been doing that.

I didn't realize it consciously, and I was unaware of how often I neglected to show him respect. In little ways, I was showing my husband an incredible amount of disrespect. I ask him why he did something the way he did. Or I tell him in my tone of voice that I think his idea isn't good. Or I question his plan.

Men and women are so different from each other in what we desire and in what motivates us. Which can lead to "many troubles." :)

Without love, she reacts without respect. Without respect, he reacts without love. Can you see where that would lead? It leads to the "crazy cycle," which is hard to change!

So I must learn better to show respect even when I don't feel loved, even when I don't see things to respect. I must respect him simply because I was told to, and because he was made in God's image.

My husband is an incredible man and he deserves better than me. I'm so thankful he chose me and puts up with me and that we have new tools to use to continue to grow together. I pray that God is glorified in our marriage and in our honesty about it.

I hope you have people to be honest with about your struggles, and godly people you can turn to for tools and wisdom.

I know tough times in marriage can be a hot topic. Women can get to husband-bashing, and some Christian wives even bash other wives who are honest about their struggles.  Christian women with judgemental spirits can also severely wound those who have lost their marriages. I've seen it and it breaks my heart.

I have a feeling we all experience similar things at different seasons of our marriages. I pray that when my daughters are grown, they will have women around them who will love them with grace and mercy and wisdom and not condemnation if they confess that they are struggling or hurting in their marriages.

I am thankful for the body of Christ when it works the way it should, embracing and edifying and encouraging. And many of YOU have been that to me. Thank you.

I would love your prayers that what I learned and what God showed to me this weekend would lead me to love and respect my husband better.

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 19, 2007 - The Vocabulary of Princes

Yesterday Jenna (6) made a book consisting of several pieces of notebook paper taped together upside down. Entitled "The Pauper Turned Into a Prince," you can probably figure out what happens after the pauper killed the dragon.  She dictated all the action to me.

My favorite part...The rescued princess stands next to her newly crowned prince and he says, "I'm glad I am wearing a cape and crown. They are awfully pretty!"

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 18, 2007 - Horrible Yet Sweet

OK, since I referenced my neurological disorder in my last post, several of you sweet friends have asked questions about it. Fortunately, I had actually just typed up a big email about it all, so it is easy to add it here. AND, one of the most amazing things to happen to me on this journey occurred this week- I'll include it at the end. Warning- this is a long post. If you don't feel like reading the whole thing, scroll to the bottom for my big blessing. :)

To read about the condition, check out this website. This one has more info than the one I referenced in my other post.  Basically a horribly painful disorder involving the trigeminal nerve that doctors can't usually explain.

At the beginning, I had an MRI to rule out a tumor or MS and saw a couple different neurologists.

My TN is atypical... I'm young, I have it on both sides of my face; I have no triggers. In some ways it is good that it is atypical- I don't have the horrible triggers like brushing my teeth or wind that send me into excruciating pain. But on the other hand, I never know when I'll be hit, and atypical is harder to treat.

The attacks started 3 years ago out of the blue. I get severe pain usually in my jaw area. I can get the shooting pain a few times a day just for a few seconds. The major attacks, though, are what are horrible. They typically last 40 minutes. (I had a major one last week that was only 10 minutes and we were amazed- and thankful!) It really is indescribable. Far worse than induced labor with pitocin and no pain meds, which I've done a couple times. :) And no sweet baby to show for it! There have been moments in an attack where I've actually wished I could just die.

I have gone as long as 4 months without a major attack. At the worst, I was having minor attacks several times a day and up to 4 major attacks a week. The one I had last week was the first one in a long time. It is always a little disappointing when I've gone so long and then have another one- I keep hoping I've been completely healed.

I try to breathe through the attacks; I also cry a lot and kick and moan. Very pretty. Then afterwards, I can have a duller aching for even 10 hours. Not horrible, (in comparison, nothing I have is horrible) but I don't really want to do anything. That hasn't happened in a while. Big attacks really, really wipe me out and I have to rest the next day or two a lot more. Scott compares it to labor- the energy it takes to make it through it. This is one of the hardest things about it for me- I can't function in my normal role the next couple of days.

We definitely think stress contributes. The neurologists say that stress can't trigger the attacks, but that  it can increase the pain. So I really think that when I'm under a lot of stress, what could have been just a couple seconds turns into the more excruciating 40 minute ones. Just my theory. So this past year we made a point to watch my stress level; not do so much in ministry; let the house go, etc. I've done better.

I tried a drug a couple of years ago. It was an anti-seizure drug. I think it helped, but it also made me gain weight; I had headaches, vomiting, etc. So with my attacks relatively infrequently, it isn't worth it. But if it does get worse, I would try something again.

The only thing that helps is having someone with me, praying over me, reminding me to breathe through it.  I can get a little panicky, I think. And I have several scriptures that I like having read aloud. I tend to nearly break the hand of whoever is with me, I'm squeezing so tight. I've learned to grab a pillow when I feel one coming on. I typically have a minute's worth of warning at least, so if I'm driving, I can get off the road. It has only happened to me a couple times driving, and only once with the kids in the car. One of the most frustrating things is not knowing when it could hit and knock out a couple days. For a while it was hard to plan things where I'd be alone with the girls in the car or something.

Supposedly the condition worsens with time. I can't think about that too much.

In a strange, strange way, though, this horrible disorder has been a very sweet blessing.

I have learned so much more about God's character through it.

I have learned to trust Him more.

I have a greater understanding of suffering.

My life verse is Philippians 3:10:

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

And now... perhaps the most amazing thing to come through this journey happened to me this week.

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 18, 2007 - Especially Heather

If you are not familiar with Heather's story, check out her blog. She is a beautiful mom of 3 who has already journeyed down a long road with her youngest child. Last week she was told she has an inoperable brain tumor. Her blogging friends are trying to help cover costs today for Heather and her husband to go to the Mayo Clinic. If you feel moved to help, you can click the For Heather button on my page. Even if you can't give, I encourage you to read her story. She will inspire you. Here is just a glimpse of what she wrote in her latest entry:

This isn’t about a diagnosis, this isn’t about the hardships I and my family are facing. This is 110% about God and His sovereign provision. This is about his undying and unconditional love for his children. This is about being completely dependent on Him.

I can't imagine what Heather and her family are going through, but I do know from my own health issues (which, thanks to popular demand, I'll blog about next) that even in the midst of the worst, God is there.  He is sovereign and He hears the prayers of His people. We can go BOLDLY before His throne and beg Him for a complete healing for Heather and for peace and comfort for her family.

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 15, 2007 - Hope and What If

"Whereas hope had returned only after I'd cornered him in the barn and extended an invitation, what if reached up out of the floorboards, threw his bags on the couch, and made himself at home without so much as a peep...And unlike hope, who was tidy and neat, what if was a slob, seldom cleaning up after himself...Polar opposites, hope never raised his voice, while what if never lowered his..."

-from Maggie by Charles Martin.

As I was reading the other day, this particular passage really struck me.

I recognized that I deal with my own battles between hope and what ifs. Do you experience those battles as well? Or am I just a glass half-empty girl?

My dad put in an offer on a condo in my town. I HOPE his living nearby will improve our relationship. But what if... What if it actually worsens?

Scott and I are going to a marriage conference this weekend. I HOPE it will help draw us closer to each other after a tough year. But what if ... What if  we get home and we can't even tell we were at a conference?

Three years ago I was diagnosed with a painful neurological disorder. I HOPE the decrease in painful attacks this year means I'll beat the odds of it intensifying as time goes on, but what if... What if it does get worse and I can no longer function and be a wife and mommy?

I HOPE my friend who is battling cancer yet again lives long enough to see her two children hit ten years old, but what if ...What if she simply doesn't?

I know that living in a broken, fallen world, there are no escapes from bad news and hard times and pain.  Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have HOPE: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

In my battles beween hope and what if, sometimes what if seems to be more powerful. Yet I am not consumed. I trust Him even if my worst what if happens.

 

  

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 14, 2007 - Quote o'the day

Six year old Jenna: "When boys grow up, do they get to touch their..."

[Uh oh, here it comes, I thought]

"...eyeballs? Because they have to get those things in?"

Her dad is the only person she knows who wears contacts, so I guess she thought it was a grown-up-boys-only club.

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 12, 2007 - A New King!

Hubby and I were asked to sit on the couch this afternoon to watch the girls' latest play.

My 10 year old rang the doorbell and was welcomed by my 7 year old, "Oh hello! Welcome."

"Hello. My name is Samuel," says my girly-girl in her pink headband and skirt. "Do you have any sons? I have a sneaking suspicion that one of them is to be king."

"My name is Jesse and why yes, I do," says my other girly-girl. She led "Samuel" across the room to someone that looked suspiciously like the American Girl doll Molly. "This is...  um...um...who again?"

"Eliab," Samuel whispered.

"Oh yes. This is my oldest son Eliab."

"No. He is not to be king. Do you have any other sons?"

And they flitted about from one American Girl doll to another (if we sold them all we could probably buy a vacation home). Each one (George, Harold, Bob, etc.) was deemed not right for the kingship.

"Aren't there any others?"

"Oh yes, one more, my youngest, David. DAVID! come here!"

And in enters my 8 year old pushing three rolled-up white cardigan sweaters (sheep?) with a red plastic hockey stick (shepherd's staff?).

"YES! This is him! Hooray!"

And in unison, Jesse and Samuel broke out into  the Cabbage Patch dance while chanting, "Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh. He did it. Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh."

Upon hearing the news, David also sprang to his feet and joined in the party. "Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh!"

Tonight we shall celebrate the newly annointed king with Papa Murphy's pizza and chocolate chip cookies. And perhaps an all-family version of the Cabbage Patch dance. Life is good in these here parts.

 

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 10, 2007 - Redecorating The White House

In preparing for our trip to Washington D.C. in a couple weeks, we've been reading a lot of library books about D.C. and the people represented there. I found a paper today my kindergartener had done. It says "Washington D.C." and has a drawing of both the Capitol and the Washington Monument. (She really is quite the artist, by the way. Far better than me.) On the other side, she has drawn the White House ("Wit House") and it reads:

gren roum

red roum

blue roum

I wus theecen a wit roum.

Apparently my little interior decorator was thinking that what the mansion is missing is a white room.

And in case you were wondering, Abruhm Lecin wus a good man.

• 10 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 9, 2007 - Thank you, Al Gore!

What on earth did we do before the internet?? I'm not sure how people maintained relationships, self-diagnosed their ailments, or had important questions like "can hamsters eat strawberries?" answered quickly.

I've learned how to actually save time by using the computer, but I also know I could be a pro at wasting time using the computer if I had more money for shopping online!

Some of my favorite websites that I visit frequently (besides HSB, of course):

www.allrecipes.com You can find recipes for ANYTHING and can even type in only the ingredients you have on hand and out come many fabulous recipes.

www.hotmail.com I don't think I could keep up with people in my life if it weren't for email. I am not a good phone person!

www.starfall.com Great website with fun phonics games, reading activities. Good for first grade and younger.

www.ibs.org Online Bible helps- concordances, dictionary, verse look-up, etc. LOVE IT!

www.mapquest.com I have absolutely no sense of direction and would spend many more hours wandering the streets if it weren't for mapquest.

www.tripadvisor.com You MUST check out this site for the next vacation you plan. They have fabulous info on everything and comments from everyday people who have been there, done that.

www.kodakgallery.com Easy site to download your digital photos, send out all your photos via email, create gifts like mugs and playing cards and albums. Saved my life this past Christmas!

And of course google, my online banking, and my local library get lots of my computer time.

Do you have any favorite websites to share so I can either save more time or waste more time??

 

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 6, 2007 - Ministry Life

Several people have asked me about life as a minister's wife or how my husband went into the ministry, so I thought I'd share! :)

Scott is from a long line of ministers. But he never wanted to be a minister!  He saw how tough the life can be and was excited to do some other things.  And because most of the ministers I had growing up ended up having affairs and getting divorced, I was NEVER going to marry a minister! Don't you just love God's sense of humor??

Scott's dad is a minister, his 3 brothers are in full-time ministry, uncles, etc. His grandfather started Bible colleges, was a church planter, minister, and missionary, and his story is incredible. They were missionaries in Asia during World War II. Eventually, the Japanese knew they were in hiding and dropped pamphlets from planes demanding their capture. The family turned themselves in and spent years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Scott's dad was actually born while they were in the camp. As the years went on and the Japanese began to lose the war, the treatment of the prisoners grew worse.  I belive they were given one cup of rice a day per person. They obviously lost weight and grew weak. Their three young children did pretty well. Their liberation by the American forces finally came, and they returned to the States. There are many, many other fascinating stories of their time as missionaries; miracle rescues from the hands of bandits and murderers, etc. What a legacy they left us!

Fast forward to the '90s...Scott and I met at a Christian college and began dating. He served a summer with an organization called Christ In Youth. After that summer, he knew he was being called to the ministry. He saw the incredible impact youth ministers could have on teens. At our first church, Scott was the associate pastor and it gave him great experience in all aspects of ministry- from births to funerals and everything inbetween. He worked mostly with teens. Eventually, his passion for children led us to a children's ministry in Clearwater FL and then to Indiana. He recently transitioned to Family Ministry and is working some with small groups as well. He really is incredible with kids. Here we are at VBS the last two years. Kids love Mr. Scott!

In general, ministry life is full of blessings. When we move to a new town, we already know what church we're going to and meet Christians right away! We are surrounded by incredible people who love the Lord. We get to see lives changed. The Lord continues to bless Scott's service. There certainly isn't a lot of money in ministry, but God ALWAYS provides what we need and far more.

And there are tough parts.The never-ending hours are tough.  Knowing your kids are in that good ol' fishbowl is hard.  Being initimately involved in heartbreaking situations is exhausting. Having 3,000 people think they know how you should do your job is tough. The criticism ministers receive is unbelievably hard. More on the wives than the guys, I'm guessing. I don't think people typically walk up to a woman whose husband is in marketing or construction or finance and tell them everything they think he is doing wrong or could improve on. I of course know Scott's heart and the hours and effort and energy and prayer he puts into things, and it hurts when people are critical. Of course, everyone's intentions are good- everyone wants THE BEST for their families. Sadly, in our experience HOMESCHOOLERS are the most critical!

Can I encourage you to let your pastors and their families know you appreciate them? Our last church was amazing at that. (This one not so much, but that is ok; they are fabulous in other ways.) I still have letters and cards we received 10 years ago, and I remember gift cards to restaurants or tickets to a show or offers of free babysitting. That kind of support and encouragement goes so far! 

I believe one of satan's greatest goals is to ruin the lives of those who have accepted the call to full-time ministry. They are under attack daily. We've all seen it. So please pray for your ministers and church staff and their families. Pray for protection from satan's attacks, pray for their marriages, for energy to do the work, and for them to continue being equipped and built up to make a difference for God's kingdom. And if you want to bake them a pie, that is always good, too. 

• 10 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link