There was a song in the 90's called Jealousy...by the Gin Blossoms. I am dating myself here, but I LOVE that song. In fact, it is on my ipod and I attempt to remember and sing all the words as I clean my house. I am sure the boys absolutely love when I clean the house. Lots of 90's music from their Momma...and not always the right words. I was famous...(and by famous...I mean well known by my Sister and friends) for making up words to songs. And I always just went with it. Right or wrong...I really didn't care if it made sense or not. Because to the outside world who would watch me rock out inside my car...they had no idea I was singing the wrong words. I just looked like I knew the whole song. (very cool I am sure)
Anyway...I don't even remember what the song was about anymore, but this morning...it came to mind when I got on facebook and saw all these pictures of my friends who were getting ready to run their big races today! It is that time of year again. There is a 2k walk or a 5k run for everything. Half marathons and Full marathons for anyone out there that feels crazy enough to run them. (And friends...I mean crazy in the nicest possible way) And here I sit. Bathrobe...coffee mug...and bed head. Typing away. Wondering why I can't find the motivation to be a runner.
It is one of those things that I have wanted to do for so long...but wanted to from a distance. Meaning...I've tried very little to make it happen. Like graduating from College. I've looked at a couple of College websites. I've met with an advisor and applied for financial aid. But...that is about it. I want to finish school so bad. I want to graduate more than anyone can imagine...and I would LIKE to do it before Big gets there. But...want to from a distance. Because the list of reasons "I Can't" is waaaaaaaaaay longer than the list of reasons "I Can". Same for running a race. I have started running a million times. Okay...that is a lie. I have started running several times. I have run for a couple of months and then bailed. Time restraints...weather...illness...schedules...you name it...it has caused me to bail on running.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
So does this mean I cannot covet my neighbor's motivation to run? Because I do. I so very much do covet other people's motivation...their commitment to completing a task. I can guarantee that if you went back in this blog there would be at least three posts about how I am starting training for a race...and you never ever see the pics of when I cross the finish line. Ugh.
But maybe...just maybe...running isn't my "thing". Still a goal of mine. But not my "thing". So what is my "thing"? Is this my "thing"? Is motherhood my "thing"? Surely driving a minivan and coupon shopping at Walmart isn't my "thing"...is it?
Oh man...what if it is?
I guess I will embrace it. And I will post pictures of me doing my thing on facebook for others to covet. Because who wouldn't covet my life? Honestly...who? I am laughing as I type this by the way. We have it so good here. My kids enjoy life...they have what they need...and we love each other the way God intended for families to love each other. And I can do a mean coupon shopping trip if I do say so myself. :D Be jealous.
No...on a completely serious note. We are to be happy for those in our lives that are doing things we wish we could be doing. We should be using their motivation to fuel our own desires to finish that task. So to all of my super cute, super motivated Mommy friends that are running races today...YOU GO GIRL! Cross the finish line and be so proud of your accomplishments. And at the end of the day today...I too will be proud of taxi cabbing to Colwich for a baseball tournament...attending a friend's baby shower...and enjoying a night with friends.
And at the end of the day...no matter what we have accomplished...if we do it with a Godly heart, He'll say...
Well done good and faithful servant...well done.
Have a Blessed weekend!
Referee of 3
Referee of 3
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
There comes a time
There comes a time in life...when we are to answer a call.
When the voice speaks so loudly that we cannot ignore it.
There comes a time in life when we are to move forward instead of standing still.
When a door opens that leads us out of our comfort zone.
There comes a time in life when we are to trust Him.
Completely...fully...wholly.
I was talking with a friend the other day about my new adventure of having a job outside of the home. We were discussing how fun it will be and how exciting the change will be for our family. I am excited. I am nervous. I am looking forward to the change, but can feel myself wanting to pull back.
Why?
Well...because this is what I know.
My house. My living room. My coffee mug. My comfy clothes. The satisfaction that comes from the little faces when I give them their lunch...their drinks...a sticker for helping. The joy that comes from them when I hold their hand or give them a hug to comfort a hurt elbow. Things I will continue to do for my children...and even some in my new adventure. But life is changing.
All of a sudden...the door is open. The door I have been staring at for so long...wondering what it would be like to be on the other side of it. It is open. And I want to walk through it so bad I can hardly stand it. Yet here I sit...with tears in my eyes. Because it is different.
Change is so very hard.
I can remember being pregnant with Big. I was to be induced that morning. It was 4:00am. I was sitting with my very swollen feet stretched out under my coffee table. On the floor...in tears. Not because I was in pain. Because I had done everything in my power to get that baby to come out on it's own. And he was quite comfy. He had no intention of coming out without the assistance of the Dr. So here we were...hours from the moment when I would meet my son. The one I had been longing to see...and I was scared to death. Time was racing. I wanted it to stop. I wasn't ready to have this baby. I know...I know...I had walked until I could no longer feel my toes trying to get him out...but when the reality of the change set in...I wanted to sit on my living room floor and NOT have that baby.
But...6:00am came and went. And at 3:13pm...my life changed forever. I never looked back. After they put that child in my arms...I never looked back.
Change is so hard.
But so very worth it.
I can remember practically kicking and screaming as my parents drove me to Emporia State University to go to school. I had a boyfriend here at home, my sister had just gotten married, and I had no interest in leaving Mulvane. My parents thought differently. As we got to Emporia, I can remember the fear suffocating me. As we unpacked my stuff and they decided it was time to go...the tears started. I watched them drive away. And there I was...alone. It took me a few days to get the courage to meet people...and it took me an entire year to learn to stand on my own two feet. It took me just over a year to shake my bad habits and to move forward from poor choices. That change was so hard.
But so very worth it.
There are specific steps in this path of mine that I have taken on purpose. And there are many that I have stumbled into. But each step has led me to the place where I am now. At my age...married, with three kids...I was hoping to have this all figured out.
And here I am again. Facing changes that overwhelm me with emotion. And there is the door. The EXIT from my comfort zone...staring me in the face.
Change is so hard.
God...I trust you...to show me that this too...will be
So
Very
Worth
It.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
PS~Thinking of writing a book. What do you think?
When the voice speaks so loudly that we cannot ignore it.
There comes a time in life when we are to move forward instead of standing still.
When a door opens that leads us out of our comfort zone.
There comes a time in life when we are to trust Him.
Completely...fully...wholly.
I was talking with a friend the other day about my new adventure of having a job outside of the home. We were discussing how fun it will be and how exciting the change will be for our family. I am excited. I am nervous. I am looking forward to the change, but can feel myself wanting to pull back.
Why?
Well...because this is what I know.
My house. My living room. My coffee mug. My comfy clothes. The satisfaction that comes from the little faces when I give them their lunch...their drinks...a sticker for helping. The joy that comes from them when I hold their hand or give them a hug to comfort a hurt elbow. Things I will continue to do for my children...and even some in my new adventure. But life is changing.
All of a sudden...the door is open. The door I have been staring at for so long...wondering what it would be like to be on the other side of it. It is open. And I want to walk through it so bad I can hardly stand it. Yet here I sit...with tears in my eyes. Because it is different.
Change is so very hard.
I can remember being pregnant with Big. I was to be induced that morning. It was 4:00am. I was sitting with my very swollen feet stretched out under my coffee table. On the floor...in tears. Not because I was in pain. Because I had done everything in my power to get that baby to come out on it's own. And he was quite comfy. He had no intention of coming out without the assistance of the Dr. So here we were...hours from the moment when I would meet my son. The one I had been longing to see...and I was scared to death. Time was racing. I wanted it to stop. I wasn't ready to have this baby. I know...I know...I had walked until I could no longer feel my toes trying to get him out...but when the reality of the change set in...I wanted to sit on my living room floor and NOT have that baby.
But...6:00am came and went. And at 3:13pm...my life changed forever. I never looked back. After they put that child in my arms...I never looked back.
Change is so hard.
But so very worth it.
I can remember practically kicking and screaming as my parents drove me to Emporia State University to go to school. I had a boyfriend here at home, my sister had just gotten married, and I had no interest in leaving Mulvane. My parents thought differently. As we got to Emporia, I can remember the fear suffocating me. As we unpacked my stuff and they decided it was time to go...the tears started. I watched them drive away. And there I was...alone. It took me a few days to get the courage to meet people...and it took me an entire year to learn to stand on my own two feet. It took me just over a year to shake my bad habits and to move forward from poor choices. That change was so hard.
But so very worth it.
There are specific steps in this path of mine that I have taken on purpose. And there are many that I have stumbled into. But each step has led me to the place where I am now. At my age...married, with three kids...I was hoping to have this all figured out.
And here I am again. Facing changes that overwhelm me with emotion. And there is the door. The EXIT from my comfort zone...staring me in the face.
Change is so hard.
God...I trust you...to show me that this too...will be
So
Very
Worth
It.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
PS~Thinking of writing a book. What do you think?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tenth Avenue North - You Are More
You know...I am loving that I can post directly to my blog from youtube. Finally! Actually, it has probably been an option for quite some time, but I just figured it out. (slow learner, I guess)
This song is so wonderful and I heard it this morning when I was filling my coffee mug. I have heard it before, but hadn't listened to it quite like I did this morning. It really made a difference this morning...God's timing no doubt.
What I learned when I watched the video hit me even harder. So many people...hurting right now. Different situations. Different reasons. Different pain. Yet so many hurting. Pastor Rick talked this Sunday about how we as Christians are to rise to the occasion. Not just rise, but to shine also. It is so hard to shine when you are hiding behind the dull fog of a poor choice. We all have them. We've all made them. Some more than others. But they are there...lingering in our hearts...keeping us from coming all the way to the Cross. Keeping us from shining the way God intends for us to shine...to lead others to Him.
This song...and the video...Oh the video! I love the significance of the chalkboard. It is amazing. So many people...so many different pains...washed away by Christ. We are cleansed by His love. And given a chance to be re-made.
You...Me...We...have been given a chance to be re-made. Allow Him to do his thing. Let the water rain down on the pain in your life...and allow Christ to wipe your board clean.
Rise...and Shine...right PR?
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Monday, April 25, 2011
Come Awake!
Easter Sunday was everything it was supposed to be for us. Pastor Rick gave an incredible message and most of our Family and Friends were there to hear it. It was moving...and a very important reminder of how we are living as opposed to how we should be living. I wanted to share the video that we watched as it was incredible! I'll be back to blog again later. Enjoy the video!!!
Referee of 3
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sidewalk Prophets - You Loved Me Anyway
I was driving home from a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese yesterday with Little...and this song came on. When we went to Winter Jam 2011, this was one of the first songs that I heard...and I loved it. Over the past couple of days, we've had some challenging times here at the Nelson house. Nothing life changing. Not really even bad...just some poor choices by the kids...and by their Momma in her reactions.
Big is almost 12. He is entering a stage of life that I don't quite understand. He rolls his eyes and throws back his head when he disagrees with something. I am stuck in the stage of Little where when we don't get our way, we throw a fit. We start with a whine that ends up in a head back, open mouth, cry. So the silent...huffing...attitude throwing pre-teen is really throwing us for a loop here.
Middle is 9. Very, very curious. This child has been curious since birth. Sometimes his curiosity gets him into trouble and sometimes it simply helps him learn things in fascinating ways. This weekend...he came in just before he left to go to the movies with his Nana, to inform me that he "might have spilled my scentsy". Uhmmm...might? My bathroom scentsy...which is a plug in, was empty. It had previously been filled with wax (melted wax that is lower in temperature to prevent burns...THANK THE LORD). I first asked if he was hurt as the tears streamed down his face. From there...I cleaned and I cleaned and I cleaned. Middle went to the movies with Nana...and that saved his Middle life.
And then Little...Oh Little. Let's revert back to two paragraphs ago when I described the whine turning into a head back, open mouth, full out cry. That happened at home...at Great Clips...at Target...at Chuck E Cheese...etc. We had a very challenging day yesterday. And I remember ending the day with this statement...
It is a good thing we love them unconditionally.
I wonder if that is how God feels about me. When I handle things without His Grace. When I let things control my emotions that are not what I promised when I asked Him into my heart.
Back to the song.
The song ended and the radio DJ said...that truly is the promise of Easter. That He loves us anyway. He died for our sins because He loves us anyway. There is nothing we can do to turn Him from us. Absolutely nothing. He loves us despite our sins. He loves us when our eyes roll and our heads fall back in tears. He loves our curiosity. He loves our fears. He loves our strengths and our weaknesses.
He simply loves us...so much...that He sent His son to die for us.
He loves you anyway. No matter what you've done today...or yesterday...He loves you.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only son. That whoever believes in Him shall not parish, but have eternal life.
His Easter gift to us.
Have a Blessed Easter!
Referee of 3
Oh...and I am attaching a picture of the Easter baskets for this year. Apparently I have either lost the real ones, or I have cleaned the storage room so well, that they are put exactly in their place...in which I have NO idea where that might be. Happy Day friends!!!
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| 4/24/2011 |
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Am I Guilty
We went to our Good Friday service last night at MUMC. That is always such a moving service for me. The darkness is sobering. The silence is deafening. The light on the cross is such a reminder of what happened that day.
As I sat there, each person that spoke, was reading on behalf of a character that was there that day. And then they related what they said to modern day times...and ended it with the question of...Am I Guilty?
So I thought it might be a good idea to go off of what I learned last night...
Am I guilty...of loving my neighbor as myself?
Am I guilty...of keeping the sabbath Holy?
Am I guilty...of serving the church only to serve myself?
Am I guilty...of washing my hands of something I know I should have dealt with?
Am I guilty...of standing up for something I believe in...even if I stand alone?
Am I guilty...of not trusting God?
Am I guilty...of only giving him some of my load?
Am I guilty...of wondering if He will keep his promise? Do I believe Him?
As we wait...for the sunrise...think of the things that we might be guilty of. The things that stand directly in our path to God. The things that keep us from going all the way to the cross...and giving our lives to Him completely.
I cannot wait for tomorrow. The promise of a new day.
Little was talking to us about how Jesus was hung on the cross and he wondered if He would move the stone again this year.
Yes Little...He will.
That is the beauty of Easter. Every single year...we get to relive that moment.
He arose!
He arose!
Hallelujah...
Christ Arose.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
As I sat there, each person that spoke, was reading on behalf of a character that was there that day. And then they related what they said to modern day times...and ended it with the question of...Am I Guilty?
So I thought it might be a good idea to go off of what I learned last night...
Am I guilty...of loving my neighbor as myself?
Am I guilty...of keeping the sabbath Holy?
Am I guilty...of serving the church only to serve myself?
Am I guilty...of washing my hands of something I know I should have dealt with?
Am I guilty...of standing up for something I believe in...even if I stand alone?
Am I guilty...of not trusting God?
Am I guilty...of only giving him some of my load?
Am I guilty...of wondering if He will keep his promise? Do I believe Him?
As we wait...for the sunrise...think of the things that we might be guilty of. The things that stand directly in our path to God. The things that keep us from going all the way to the cross...and giving our lives to Him completely.
I cannot wait for tomorrow. The promise of a new day.
Little was talking to us about how Jesus was hung on the cross and he wondered if He would move the stone again this year.
Yes Little...He will.
That is the beauty of Easter. Every single year...we get to relive that moment.
He arose!
He arose!
Hallelujah...
Christ Arose.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Monday, April 18, 2011
Counting Down
Countdowns are good. I like to countdown for things in my life that excite me.
For instance...
There are 6 Mondays left until school is out.
There are officially 29 days left of school.
There are 32 weeks until Black Friday! WAHOOOOOOOOO
There are 19 days left until Sephora opens in Wichita. (Another WAHOOOOOOOOOOO)
There are 2 weeks until our marathon baseball season begins (tournaments) and the van, the first aid kit, and my super cute baseball bag are all packed and ready to roll!
So...as I was sitting in church yesterday and PR announced that it was Holy Week...I remembered another countdown that is so very important.
The countdown of the last days of Jesus' life here on Earth. This week is sobering. And in the midst of all our busy lives...we need to take the time necessary to realize what this means.
5 days until Jesus was put to death for our sins
7 days until Jesus was rose from the dead
We sang a song in church yesterday called Hosanna...and I love it. The chorus goes like this...
Hosanna! Hosanna!
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Come have your way among us
We welcome you here Lord Jesus
You are...
the God who saves us.
Worthy of all our praises.
And we welcome you in our hearts this week and every week.
So...let the countdown begin.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
For instance...
There are 6 Mondays left until school is out.
There are officially 29 days left of school.
There are 32 weeks until Black Friday! WAHOOOOOOOOO
There are 19 days left until Sephora opens in Wichita. (Another WAHOOOOOOOOOOO)
There are 2 weeks until our marathon baseball season begins (tournaments) and the van, the first aid kit, and my super cute baseball bag are all packed and ready to roll!
So...as I was sitting in church yesterday and PR announced that it was Holy Week...I remembered another countdown that is so very important.
The countdown of the last days of Jesus' life here on Earth. This week is sobering. And in the midst of all our busy lives...we need to take the time necessary to realize what this means.
5 days until Jesus was put to death for our sins
7 days until Jesus was rose from the dead
We sang a song in church yesterday called Hosanna...and I love it. The chorus goes like this...
Hosanna! Hosanna!
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Come have your way among us
We welcome you here Lord Jesus
You are...
the God who saves us.
Worthy of all our praises.
And we welcome you in our hearts this week and every week.
So...let the countdown begin.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
Thursday, April 14, 2011
It's Ok...Part II
I decided to do a part II to the It's Ok post I did back in December. And honestly, I think we should probably do this more than twice a year.
Living and learning go hand in hand in this household. I learn new things every single day. Things I didn't know...and things I thought I knew.
And so comes the list of It's Ok.
It's Ok to have days when you get nothing done.
It's Ok to make a decision about something and stick with it.
However...
It's also Ok to change your mind.
It's Ok to make new friends, but keep the old...
It's also Ok to let go of the old sometimes.
I am learning that through this life...my friends are the ones who I spend the most time with. The ones that I have something in common with. The ones who appreciate me for EXACTLY what I am. No more...no less. And I owe the same to them. If I cannot accept them for who they are...I have to let go.
It's Ok to love sports not because you can play them, but because it is what the ones you love...Love.
It's Ok to decide what is best for your family without the pressures of what everyone else thinks.
It's Ok to have a different opinion.
It's Ok to have moments with God no matter where you are...where you live...and where you go to church. Just have them.
It's Ok to wear blingy shirts and carry adorable bags to baseball games to make up for the fact that you know very little about what is actually going on during the game.
It's Ok to cheer for your child at a game...but also to remember it is the name on the front of the jersey that matters for a team...not the name on the back.
It's Ok to lose...and it is Ok to win. Because winning isn't everything...wanting to is. (not my quote btw)
It's Ok to have sharpie lines through the first two versions of the baseball schedule in your planner. Apparently those are just "practice" schedules. The one that matters comes after you have destroyed your entire planner. And...it's Ok.
It's Ok to change. Change jobs...change friends...change opinions of things you thought you knew how you felt about. Sometimes you have no idea how you'll truly feel...until it happens to you. And it's Ok to admit you were wrong about how you felt.
It's Ok to leave your phone at home or to turn it off...when you go to the store. Because that few minutes of undivided attention to your grocery list and your inner most thoughts can be so wonderful! (I tend to forget that we had no way of communicating with my Mom when she left to go somewhere. My kids are blowing up my phone as soon as I pull out of the driveway) And even in an emergency...we survived.
It's Ok to write things on the palm of your hand so you won't forget. (because your planner is full of black sharpie lines) Not very grown up, I realize... but it is Ok.
And finally...it's Ok to blog in the middle of the week, in the middle of the afternoon. :D
Have a great day friends!
Referee of 3
Living and learning go hand in hand in this household. I learn new things every single day. Things I didn't know...and things I thought I knew.
And so comes the list of It's Ok.
It's Ok to have days when you get nothing done.
It's Ok to make a decision about something and stick with it.
However...
It's also Ok to change your mind.
It's Ok to make new friends, but keep the old...
It's also Ok to let go of the old sometimes.
I am learning that through this life...my friends are the ones who I spend the most time with. The ones that I have something in common with. The ones who appreciate me for EXACTLY what I am. No more...no less. And I owe the same to them. If I cannot accept them for who they are...I have to let go.
It's Ok to love sports not because you can play them, but because it is what the ones you love...Love.
It's Ok to decide what is best for your family without the pressures of what everyone else thinks.
It's Ok to have a different opinion.
It's Ok to have moments with God no matter where you are...where you live...and where you go to church. Just have them.
It's Ok to wear blingy shirts and carry adorable bags to baseball games to make up for the fact that you know very little about what is actually going on during the game.
It's Ok to cheer for your child at a game...but also to remember it is the name on the front of the jersey that matters for a team...not the name on the back.
It's Ok to lose...and it is Ok to win. Because winning isn't everything...wanting to is. (not my quote btw)
It's Ok to have sharpie lines through the first two versions of the baseball schedule in your planner. Apparently those are just "practice" schedules. The one that matters comes after you have destroyed your entire planner. And...it's Ok.
It's Ok to change. Change jobs...change friends...change opinions of things you thought you knew how you felt about. Sometimes you have no idea how you'll truly feel...until it happens to you. And it's Ok to admit you were wrong about how you felt.
It's Ok to leave your phone at home or to turn it off...when you go to the store. Because that few minutes of undivided attention to your grocery list and your inner most thoughts can be so wonderful! (I tend to forget that we had no way of communicating with my Mom when she left to go somewhere. My kids are blowing up my phone as soon as I pull out of the driveway) And even in an emergency...we survived.
It's Ok to write things on the palm of your hand so you won't forget. (because your planner is full of black sharpie lines) Not very grown up, I realize... but it is Ok.
And finally...it's Ok to blog in the middle of the week, in the middle of the afternoon. :D
Have a great day friends!
Referee of 3
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Where does the time go?
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” - Luke 9:23-24
Well...it's baseball season. And things are changing around here.
That is about all I've got as an excuse.
Which is kind of silly when you think about it.
Because it is actually the Lenten season.
And if I am being completely honest with you...I have let that slip my mind quite a bit lately. I have been a daycare provider for almost 10 years. About a month ago, I applied for a job within the school district and have been worrying ever since.
Now how on earth is that being a good example? It isn't. Usually I am not a worrier at all. I leave that job to Coach and my sister. Between those two, they worry enough for all of us. But this time...I have been focusing on my future as if it is somehow in my control.
Last Friday, after almost a month of waiting (from application to the phone call), I was offered the job. I couldn't believe it. I am so thankful that I was extended the offer and am looking forward to the change in my life. However...I have been wallowing in the fact that I will be leaving my Little to return to work. Of course he'll be with very good care givers and in preschool half days...but still. It is very difficult to leave your children to work outside of the home. Any Mom who's had to do that would agree.
My mind has been racing with the possibilities of all that will change. My heart has been heavy with having to give information to the parents of the children that I care for. And then there is baseball. Which I LOVE. Don't get me wrong. But between the practices, the games, and our broken Middle...chaos has resumed in our home. Coach is coaching not only the HS boys, but helping Coach Big's team. Along with helping Little learn to play ball in general.
Needless to say...blogging has taken a backseat.
Along with the entire purpose of the Lenten season.
I wonder sometimes how we let this happen. It happens so easily. We turn away from Him. And we justify it by saying He understands. But, does He? He does. But He still desires for us to take up our cross and follow Him. He wants us to live our lives for Him. And in order to do that, we must deny ourselves.
For us, does this mean we give it all up? No...
It means finding the right balance between life changes and the cross. And knowing that the changes that are occurring are completely orchestrated by Him. He knows the desires of my heart...and I have to trust that He will not lead me astray. It means finding the right balance for our family between our activities and Him. We are a family of sports fans. We love it. We live it. But we have to learn to find the connection between the two. Still trying...no doubt.
But that is what I love about my relationship with Jesus Christ. He never turns His back. No matter how many times we have to try and try again. He never leaves us.
We have just a little over a week until Good Friday. As a family, we are refocusing our sights on the cross. As we said our prayers last night...I know He understood. He always does.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Well...it's baseball season. And things are changing around here.
That is about all I've got as an excuse.
Which is kind of silly when you think about it.
Because it is actually the Lenten season.
And if I am being completely honest with you...I have let that slip my mind quite a bit lately. I have been a daycare provider for almost 10 years. About a month ago, I applied for a job within the school district and have been worrying ever since.
Now how on earth is that being a good example? It isn't. Usually I am not a worrier at all. I leave that job to Coach and my sister. Between those two, they worry enough for all of us. But this time...I have been focusing on my future as if it is somehow in my control.
Last Friday, after almost a month of waiting (from application to the phone call), I was offered the job. I couldn't believe it. I am so thankful that I was extended the offer and am looking forward to the change in my life. However...I have been wallowing in the fact that I will be leaving my Little to return to work. Of course he'll be with very good care givers and in preschool half days...but still. It is very difficult to leave your children to work outside of the home. Any Mom who's had to do that would agree.
My mind has been racing with the possibilities of all that will change. My heart has been heavy with having to give information to the parents of the children that I care for. And then there is baseball. Which I LOVE. Don't get me wrong. But between the practices, the games, and our broken Middle...chaos has resumed in our home. Coach is coaching not only the HS boys, but helping Coach Big's team. Along with helping Little learn to play ball in general.
Needless to say...blogging has taken a backseat.
Along with the entire purpose of the Lenten season.
I wonder sometimes how we let this happen. It happens so easily. We turn away from Him. And we justify it by saying He understands. But, does He? He does. But He still desires for us to take up our cross and follow Him. He wants us to live our lives for Him. And in order to do that, we must deny ourselves.
For us, does this mean we give it all up? No...
It means finding the right balance between life changes and the cross. And knowing that the changes that are occurring are completely orchestrated by Him. He knows the desires of my heart...and I have to trust that He will not lead me astray. It means finding the right balance for our family between our activities and Him. We are a family of sports fans. We love it. We live it. But we have to learn to find the connection between the two. Still trying...no doubt.
But that is what I love about my relationship with Jesus Christ. He never turns His back. No matter how many times we have to try and try again. He never leaves us.
We have just a little over a week until Good Friday. As a family, we are refocusing our sights on the cross. As we said our prayers last night...I know He understood. He always does.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Friday, April 8, 2011
Being Still
This has never been one of my stronger points...being still. I have never been one to be in one place for very long and I always lost at the quiet game. For those of you who know me...this won't come as a surprise. I am just not one that is okay with the wait. The patiently part of patiently waiting is not something that comes easily. But as changes continue to come fast and furiously, I wonder...in the grand scheme of things...how am I handling all of this?
I had to run something to the school district office yesterday morning and I happen to drive down the street where my sister and her husband lived when they were first married. I was in a hurry, but saw the house and immediately slowed down. I looked at the sidewalk that my brother in law and a friend put in so long ago. I thought about how much time I spent at that house when I was in college and when they were first married. Then it hit me. I thought about my 12 year old nephew that was born when they lived there. 12 years. Wow. Where did that time go? And why in the past 12 years, hadn't I had this moment that I was having now? Why had I waited so long to slow down and think about the changes in my life? No time I guess.
No time to think about the fact that we have had so many wonderful blessings. No time to be grateful for the lives we've been given and the way we've been living. No time to look back on what we've learned the hard way, and the accomplishments that we've made without struggle.
And not because of baseball...or bunco...or kid's programs...or anything other than the simple fact that we chose not to slow down.
Change is all around us. And those of you who read this blog, know I am not good with change. But change makes me do one thing. Well two things actually. 1. Move Furniture and 2. Re-evaluate. I force myself to slow down and really consider the things that have happened in my life that brought me to that point. And then I force myself to be grateful for every bit of it. The good, the bad, the ugly and the Awesome. It allows me to be still.
So, in the middle of the road on Emery street...I sat in my van for just a couple of minutes. Thinking about all that has happened in the past 12 years...and got excited for what is to come.
We can't go back.
We can't change what has happened.
We can learn from every single bit of it...even the parts we'd rather not remember.
We can use that knowledge to make the choices that will reflect our love for Jesus and for our families onto others and we can be the light unto someone's path.
Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of when Kyrie Thome went to be with Jesus. Kyrie's Dad wrote on his facebook last night...
I had to run something to the school district office yesterday morning and I happen to drive down the street where my sister and her husband lived when they were first married. I was in a hurry, but saw the house and immediately slowed down. I looked at the sidewalk that my brother in law and a friend put in so long ago. I thought about how much time I spent at that house when I was in college and when they were first married. Then it hit me. I thought about my 12 year old nephew that was born when they lived there. 12 years. Wow. Where did that time go? And why in the past 12 years, hadn't I had this moment that I was having now? Why had I waited so long to slow down and think about the changes in my life? No time I guess.
No time to think about the fact that we have had so many wonderful blessings. No time to be grateful for the lives we've been given and the way we've been living. No time to look back on what we've learned the hard way, and the accomplishments that we've made without struggle.
And not because of baseball...or bunco...or kid's programs...or anything other than the simple fact that we chose not to slow down.
Change is all around us. And those of you who read this blog, know I am not good with change. But change makes me do one thing. Well two things actually. 1. Move Furniture and 2. Re-evaluate. I force myself to slow down and really consider the things that have happened in my life that brought me to that point. And then I force myself to be grateful for every bit of it. The good, the bad, the ugly and the Awesome. It allows me to be still.
So, in the middle of the road on Emery street...I sat in my van for just a couple of minutes. Thinking about all that has happened in the past 12 years...and got excited for what is to come.
We can't go back.
We can't change what has happened.
We can learn from every single bit of it...even the parts we'd rather not remember.
We can use that knowledge to make the choices that will reflect our love for Jesus and for our families onto others and we can be the light unto someone's path.
Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of when Kyrie Thome went to be with Jesus. Kyrie's Dad wrote on his facebook last night...
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
In need of prayer
Good morning all! I wanted to start this morning off with a few very important prayer requests.
Please join me this morning in praying for Kate McRae. She will receive her last radiation treatment at 9:00am for approximately ten minutes. Her latest scans revealed two new spots on her brain and Holly (Kate's Mom) is asking that we pray that this very treatment will take care of every last cancer cell in those spots. You can read more about Kate's story by clicking on the link to the right of this post that says praying for Kate.
Please pray for some friends of ours that had their sweet baby at 26 weeks and 5 days (I believe). Her name is Brynne and she is doing quite well for herself. She was born at 1lb 9oz and is being taken care of by wonderful nurses at the hospital. Brynne is the first child for our friends and they are asking for prayers as she grows and strengthens with each passing day.
Finally, please say a prayer for our hospital trip tomorrow night. The youth group at Mulvane Christian Church and the United Methodist Women, made fleece tie blankets for us to take to St. Francis hospital to hand out to any families in the Pediatrics unit. A very special friend of The Kyrie Foundation started this tradition four years ago, almost to the day. Kyrie was nearing the end of her battle with brain cancer...and had been admitted to Wesley hospital. A very special Easter Bunny friend of ours was to visit Kyrie in the hospital with some special Easter goodies. But Kyrie was sent home from the hospital that Friday. On April 7th, 2007, went home to be with Jesus. You can read more about her story, here. The hospital visits became a tradition in memory of Kyrie, and we have decided to expand these visits to another hospital. So, I would ask that you pray for the people that will receive these very special blankets, and for the very loving hands that tied the knots. Also, keep Jordan and Lacie Thome and all of their family and friends in your prayers this week.
Okay, that's all for now. I just knew my prayer warriors would be up for the challenge. Have a blessed morning and I'll try to be back later with another post!
Referee of 3
Please join me this morning in praying for Kate McRae. She will receive her last radiation treatment at 9:00am for approximately ten minutes. Her latest scans revealed two new spots on her brain and Holly (Kate's Mom) is asking that we pray that this very treatment will take care of every last cancer cell in those spots. You can read more about Kate's story by clicking on the link to the right of this post that says praying for Kate.
Please pray for some friends of ours that had their sweet baby at 26 weeks and 5 days (I believe). Her name is Brynne and she is doing quite well for herself. She was born at 1lb 9oz and is being taken care of by wonderful nurses at the hospital. Brynne is the first child for our friends and they are asking for prayers as she grows and strengthens with each passing day.
Finally, please say a prayer for our hospital trip tomorrow night. The youth group at Mulvane Christian Church and the United Methodist Women, made fleece tie blankets for us to take to St. Francis hospital to hand out to any families in the Pediatrics unit. A very special friend of The Kyrie Foundation started this tradition four years ago, almost to the day. Kyrie was nearing the end of her battle with brain cancer...and had been admitted to Wesley hospital. A very special Easter Bunny friend of ours was to visit Kyrie in the hospital with some special Easter goodies. But Kyrie was sent home from the hospital that Friday. On April 7th, 2007, went home to be with Jesus. You can read more about her story, here. The hospital visits became a tradition in memory of Kyrie, and we have decided to expand these visits to another hospital. So, I would ask that you pray for the people that will receive these very special blankets, and for the very loving hands that tied the knots. Also, keep Jordan and Lacie Thome and all of their family and friends in your prayers this week.
Okay, that's all for now. I just knew my prayer warriors would be up for the challenge. Have a blessed morning and I'll try to be back later with another post!
Referee of 3
Monday, April 4, 2011
Lighten the Load
Being prepared is not something I am generally good at. I would like to think that I am that Mom at the ballgames that has it all together. The cute baseball bag with sunscreen, a first aid kit, sunflower seeds, pain reliever, and carmex. Sadly...I am not. I do have the cute baseball bag, but did NOT have time to get it out of the plastic to carry this weekend. I have a first aid kit that slides around on the floor of our van as I turn corners. I do have sunflower seeds in about four different flavors because I like variety and they keep me from chomping on candy the entire weekend. However...the majority of them end up lining the bottom of my bag/purse/van floor, from not being securely closed.
I went to a scrapbook event this weekend for the Kyrie Foundation. It was an absolute blast! (you can read about it here.) But let me tell you...these women mean business. The bags that they bring in...the containers...the suitcases...the tubs...are in a complete and total organized state. It is rather upsetting to even watch from someone who generally orders pictures the night before a crop. My paper is in a stack (color coded)...because that is the way it comes. My stickers are all in a tub with a lid...with no organization what so ever. My embellishments are a hot mess...and I never, ever have enough sticky tabs to get myself through an entire crop day.
And my purse...oh my fabulous big bag. I love my bag. I love...love...love my big bag. It makes me feel like I have a purpose. Because a few years back, a couple of celebrities started carrying big bags, wearing GIANT sunglasses, and carrying dogs in bags over their shoulder, I have deemed myself cool by doing the same thing. Minus the dog thing...our dog barks something awful and that would just be completely disruptive for my "coolness".
However...the big bag that I love, is rarely organized. Which is what brings me to my point today. My devotion for today was about a purse that was so heavy, it was causing the author pain in her shoulder. It was unorganized and full of things she didn't need. So she lightened her load. I would have to go out on a limb and say that my super cute baseball bag, has more than just the necessities in it. Along with my scrapbook "stuff" and my purse. Even though I am not a very organized person, I tend to over do when it comes to putting stuff in my bags.
Do we have things like this in life? Are there extras in our lives that we could do without that might lighten the load? Definitely food for thought in my mind. I feel like my "load" is getting heavier and heavier. The weight of a woman's load can be almost unbearable at times. We put our own problems in our bags and then tend to try to carry a portion of the load of everyone else's problems. By nature, this is what we do...but sometimes, maybe we need to take the worries of our lives and lift them up to Him. If we lay our concerns...our problems...our hearts deepest desires, at the foot of the cross...Jesus is there. He knows and He has a plan for those things that weigh us down.
Organized or Chaotic...it doesn't matter. If we lay the things that we no longer need burdening us at the foot of the cross...our load will be lighter. Our shoulders and hearts won't hurt like they did. And there is more room in our lives for the things that bring us joy. And more room in our purses for our super cool giant sunglasses. :D
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
I went to a scrapbook event this weekend for the Kyrie Foundation. It was an absolute blast! (you can read about it here.) But let me tell you...these women mean business. The bags that they bring in...the containers...the suitcases...the tubs...are in a complete and total organized state. It is rather upsetting to even watch from someone who generally orders pictures the night before a crop. My paper is in a stack (color coded)...because that is the way it comes. My stickers are all in a tub with a lid...with no organization what so ever. My embellishments are a hot mess...and I never, ever have enough sticky tabs to get myself through an entire crop day.
And my purse...oh my fabulous big bag. I love my bag. I love...love...love my big bag. It makes me feel like I have a purpose. Because a few years back, a couple of celebrities started carrying big bags, wearing GIANT sunglasses, and carrying dogs in bags over their shoulder, I have deemed myself cool by doing the same thing. Minus the dog thing...our dog barks something awful and that would just be completely disruptive for my "coolness".
However...the big bag that I love, is rarely organized. Which is what brings me to my point today. My devotion for today was about a purse that was so heavy, it was causing the author pain in her shoulder. It was unorganized and full of things she didn't need. So she lightened her load. I would have to go out on a limb and say that my super cute baseball bag, has more than just the necessities in it. Along with my scrapbook "stuff" and my purse. Even though I am not a very organized person, I tend to over do when it comes to putting stuff in my bags.
Do we have things like this in life? Are there extras in our lives that we could do without that might lighten the load? Definitely food for thought in my mind. I feel like my "load" is getting heavier and heavier. The weight of a woman's load can be almost unbearable at times. We put our own problems in our bags and then tend to try to carry a portion of the load of everyone else's problems. By nature, this is what we do...but sometimes, maybe we need to take the worries of our lives and lift them up to Him. If we lay our concerns...our problems...our hearts deepest desires, at the foot of the cross...Jesus is there. He knows and He has a plan for those things that weigh us down.
Organized or Chaotic...it doesn't matter. If we lay the things that we no longer need burdening us at the foot of the cross...our load will be lighter. Our shoulders and hearts won't hurt like they did. And there is more room in our lives for the things that bring us joy. And more room in our purses for our super cool giant sunglasses. :D
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Friday, April 1, 2011
You could have fooled me
I thought it only appropriate to wish you all a Happy April Fool's day by NOT pulling a prank on you. I am that one...that one person that always forgets. I get pinched on St. Patrick's day and fooled beyond belief on April Fool's Day. I am the fool. Always.
But I am learning to be fooled less in this life. Let me share with you exactly how I am doing this. By walking daily with the Lord. I have been working towards the goal of being fully and completely His for quite some time now. I made the decision long ago to have Jesus in my heart. To believe in Him and to worship Him as my Lord and Savior. But walking the walk is much harder than above said decision. We are tempted daily to fall short. And many days, I do. Sadly, more than I would like to admit. But there comes a time in life where it is time to put up or shut up. Usually those moments come at a time when you have absolutely NO control over a situation. And the only choice for peace...is to trust Him.
I am so there.
And in those moments of having no control over a situation...you have a choice. To surround yourself with people who also believe in His plan for your life, or those who do not. Those kind of people...the kind who don't have Jesus in their lives...will question you. Or make you question yourself. They will make you doubt. They will make you feel bad or guilty. But the ones that share your love for Christ...will know. They will be there to lift you up...to encourage you...and to give you hugs at just the right time. It is amazing to me how one hug from someone special can give you enough strength to stand up tall again.
So walking the walk...that is what we strive for every single day. And thankfully...I am walking beside some pretty strong believers. I have support...encouragement...and the strength to know that my faith is what is holding me up. And that no matter what happens...it is His plan...not my own.
On this subject...I am no fool. :D
Have a great day all!
Referee of 3
Oh MAN!!! I almost forgot! Baseball season is upon us! Big has his first game tonight. I am breaking out my blingy Baseball Mom Tee and my super cute new hat. Good Luck Jags! And most importantly...(sorry Coach)...HAVE FUN! I love you Big!
But I am learning to be fooled less in this life. Let me share with you exactly how I am doing this. By walking daily with the Lord. I have been working towards the goal of being fully and completely His for quite some time now. I made the decision long ago to have Jesus in my heart. To believe in Him and to worship Him as my Lord and Savior. But walking the walk is much harder than above said decision. We are tempted daily to fall short. And many days, I do. Sadly, more than I would like to admit. But there comes a time in life where it is time to put up or shut up. Usually those moments come at a time when you have absolutely NO control over a situation. And the only choice for peace...is to trust Him.
I am so there.
And in those moments of having no control over a situation...you have a choice. To surround yourself with people who also believe in His plan for your life, or those who do not. Those kind of people...the kind who don't have Jesus in their lives...will question you. Or make you question yourself. They will make you doubt. They will make you feel bad or guilty. But the ones that share your love for Christ...will know. They will be there to lift you up...to encourage you...and to give you hugs at just the right time. It is amazing to me how one hug from someone special can give you enough strength to stand up tall again.
So walking the walk...that is what we strive for every single day. And thankfully...I am walking beside some pretty strong believers. I have support...encouragement...and the strength to know that my faith is what is holding me up. And that no matter what happens...it is His plan...not my own.
On this subject...I am no fool. :D
Have a great day all!
Referee of 3
Oh MAN!!! I almost forgot! Baseball season is upon us! Big has his first game tonight. I am breaking out my blingy Baseball Mom Tee and my super cute new hat. Good Luck Jags! And most importantly...(sorry Coach)...HAVE FUN! I love you Big!
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