Our time in Ohio was bitter sweet.
It was fabulous to see family and friends. To reconnect with those we haven't seen in months.
Smiles and hugs everywhere.
Meals were shared; fellowship was had; play dates were executed; time was spent; stories were told.
Some friendships picked up as if we'd never left - even blossomed - etching them deeper into our hearts.
Through all this we also had some friendships close doors. I guess that's some of the bitter part.
But, a friend reminded me, "Friendships are often for a season. Enjoy them during that time." I happen to agree with her.
This friendship was so precious to me for that time. Choices were made and things changed. A new season.
I'll always cherish the memories, the growth, the love -- but, now -- it seems a new era has dawned. It's not easy to admit, however, it was obvious.
Still, we'll relish the kindness and ever reaching friendships of so many. We'll look forward, fondly, to future visits and correspondence with these treasures.
With social media, e-mail, and the telephone the distance and time apart seems so much less.
We're excited to return home, but we are sad to say goodbye all over again. We'll miss the face-to-face interactions we were able to enjoy during our visit.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Kids should be seen AND heard
Listening to our children laugh and giggle as their daddy picked them up to kiss them goodbye - giving them a little tossle as he did - made me smile yet wince as their giggles morphed into loud squeals.
Our kids are not quiet - yet they are not obnoxious and destructive nor are they disrespectful.
They are...... JOYFUL!
Enjoying life, feeling secure, knowing they are loved - they aren't afraid to giggle, to laugh out loud, to sing and make boisterous music.
Occasionally others make me feel like I need to hush them, to quiet them, keep them still. I want to honor those who think kids should be seen but NOT heard, but at the same time I struggle because the noises our children make are happy (usually), joy filled, fun sounds.
Rarely do they 'throw a fit', yell inappropriately, speak disrespectfully to another. (Not saying they never whine or fuss, but when in public and with other people they tend to control those 'outbursts') In general they are simply happy, giggly kiddos just living life and showing their propensity for joyfulness.
I want to balance allowing our children to be kids; to laugh, giggle, make loud, playful noises while still teaching them to be respectful of what others 'expect' from them.
Jesus told His disciples to allow the little children to come to Him. I doubt those children were quiet, calm, noiseless. I imagine they were 'typical' kids. Giggling, chattering, squealing in delight. Maybe even jumping, running, skipping around him as a game. Yet, Jesus called them to Him. Gave them His blessing. He even admonished the adults to be LIKE them.
Wow - that alone speaks volumes.
Children should be taught to be respectful. To honor their elders. To speak politely. To be helpful.
Techno-genius and I strive to teach these qualities to our children. For the most part, our children exude these characteristics.
At the same time, children are children. They wiggle, they giggle. Often they even squeal and bounce around like a squirrel hyped up on an energy drink.
Just as I smile as they chuckle when they are happy, I believe God smiles too. He's the one who created them. He made their wiggly, giggly bodies. His Son beckoned them as they were, NOT just when they were silent, still. Therefore, it's my opinion that children should be seen AND heard.
If we adults approached life MORE like children, had the faith of children, shared the joy of children; I wonder how different it would be?
How do you handle 'others' expectations for your children to be quiet, still, un-animated? I find it difficult to balance at times.
Our kids are not quiet - yet they are not obnoxious and destructive nor are they disrespectful.
They are...... JOYFUL!
Enjoying life, feeling secure, knowing they are loved - they aren't afraid to giggle, to laugh out loud, to sing and make boisterous music.
Occasionally others make me feel like I need to hush them, to quiet them, keep them still. I want to honor those who think kids should be seen but NOT heard, but at the same time I struggle because the noises our children make are happy (usually), joy filled, fun sounds.
Rarely do they 'throw a fit', yell inappropriately, speak disrespectfully to another. (Not saying they never whine or fuss, but when in public and with other people they tend to control those 'outbursts') In general they are simply happy, giggly kiddos just living life and showing their propensity for joyfulness.
I want to balance allowing our children to be kids; to laugh, giggle, make loud, playful noises while still teaching them to be respectful of what others 'expect' from them.
Jesus told His disciples to allow the little children to come to Him. I doubt those children were quiet, calm, noiseless. I imagine they were 'typical' kids. Giggling, chattering, squealing in delight. Maybe even jumping, running, skipping around him as a game. Yet, Jesus called them to Him. Gave them His blessing. He even admonished the adults to be LIKE them.
Wow - that alone speaks volumes.
Children should be taught to be respectful. To honor their elders. To speak politely. To be helpful.
Techno-genius and I strive to teach these qualities to our children. For the most part, our children exude these characteristics.
At the same time, children are children. They wiggle, they giggle. Often they even squeal and bounce around like a squirrel hyped up on an energy drink.
Just as I smile as they chuckle when they are happy, I believe God smiles too. He's the one who created them. He made their wiggly, giggly bodies. His Son beckoned them as they were, NOT just when they were silent, still. Therefore, it's my opinion that children should be seen AND heard.
If we adults approached life MORE like children, had the faith of children, shared the joy of children; I wonder how different it would be?
How do you handle 'others' expectations for your children to be quiet, still, un-animated? I find it difficult to balance at times.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Don't Give Your Joy Away
At church service on Sunday, I was smacked upside the head with the notion of 'giving my joy away'.
Wow - not something I like to think about. It's easier to blame the circumstances, the situations, others actions and attitudes for my lack of joy.
I have to admit - shamefully - that I often allow my joy to be stolen. Jesus tells us to be joyful. That He left us HIS joy that our joy could be complete.
With that in mind, who am I to allow what's going on around me - no matter how irritating or annoying it may be - to steal my joy?
Who am I to give it away so easily?
I've struggled with the concept of joy for some time. I tend to be of the pessimistic persuasion. The glass is definitely half empty.
Bubbly is not a word often used to describe me.
My moods are easily impacted by my experiences and circumstances.
As the pastor talked about joy and how it is different than happiness, my mind clicked. I don't have to be 'happy' to be joyful. I I knew that - I've heard it before. I just tend to forget - to allow life to push it out of my memory banks.
I determined that I should NOT allow what others do or say to take my joy.
With Jesus in my heart, no matter the situation, I can have joy. Even in hard times; frustrating times; painful times; I can be joyful. Why? HOPE! The hope I have in Jesus allows me to be joyful in ALL things.
Now the trick will be to live it out - more often than not. To cease my thoughts when I am tempted to have a mini pity party or feel 'woe is me' over some difficulty that is attempting to gobble up my joy.
I knew this. I just needed a reminder. A jolt, as it were, to get back on track. To purposely guard my JOY!
Wow - not something I like to think about. It's easier to blame the circumstances, the situations, others actions and attitudes for my lack of joy.
I have to admit - shamefully - that I often allow my joy to be stolen. Jesus tells us to be joyful. That He left us HIS joy that our joy could be complete.
With that in mind, who am I to allow what's going on around me - no matter how irritating or annoying it may be - to steal my joy?
Who am I to give it away so easily?
I've struggled with the concept of joy for some time. I tend to be of the pessimistic persuasion. The glass is definitely half empty.
Bubbly is not a word often used to describe me.
My moods are easily impacted by my experiences and circumstances.
As the pastor talked about joy and how it is different than happiness, my mind clicked. I don't have to be 'happy' to be joyful. I I knew that - I've heard it before. I just tend to forget - to allow life to push it out of my memory banks.
I determined that I should NOT allow what others do or say to take my joy.
With Jesus in my heart, no matter the situation, I can have joy. Even in hard times; frustrating times; painful times; I can be joyful. Why? HOPE! The hope I have in Jesus allows me to be joyful in ALL things.
Now the trick will be to live it out - more often than not. To cease my thoughts when I am tempted to have a mini pity party or feel 'woe is me' over some difficulty that is attempting to gobble up my joy.
I knew this. I just needed a reminder. A jolt, as it were, to get back on track. To purposely guard my JOY!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Why God Made Kids Cute
It was one of those mornings.
I hadn't slept great.
Waking up, I felt vaguely like I'd been hit by a mack truck sometime along the way in my slumber.
Then it started.
Whining, fussing, griping. "Don't tell mommy!" "I can tell her if I want!" "I want that." "Let me through." All within minutes.
Even the older kids were getting in on the 'fun'. Shoot, grown-ups in the house seemed grouchier than usual.
I stumbled out of the bedroom, into the kitchen and began the process of making a pot of coffee. Knowing full well this mini-pot that only brews 5 cups at a time was just. not. gonna. cut. it this grey-mood-brewing day!
As it finished, I poured 2 cups 'o Jo for Techno-genius and myself; adding Splenda and whipped cream to make it palatable this dragging morning.
Walking back to the bedroom for our morning coffee chat, still hazy from waking up and the aforementioned grouchies, I passed the dining room where the grumbling kids were finishing up their breakfast treats of pastries brought home by Granddad.
Due to all the grumps, grumbles, and grouchiness already portrayed this 'lovely' morning, I lumbered along, head drooping.
That's when I heard Charity's sweet voice begin singing. Obviously a "Charity Original", she joyfully sang of Jesus hanging on the cross, now looking down on us, loving us. The tune was sweet, melodious, almost like a lullaby. She carried on for 4-5 stanzas with similar words of love and encouragement keeping her lulling melody constant.
This made me smile.
All of a sudden, just as I entered the bedroom, I hear in a much more boisterous, belting manner from our precious 5 year old, "Ba da bum, ba dum, dum, da cha ra dum." Ceasing her musical debut.
By now, I couldn't help but chuckle which caused Techno to ask "What's so funny?"
That's when I commented, "God sure knew what he was doing when he made kids so stinkin' cute."
Charity helped soothe her mama's tired, frazzled, grumpy-building soul with her melodic yet comical song and delightfulness.
God did know what he was doing when He made kids so darn cute. That charm kept mommy's grumpiness at bay and we all know, 'when mama's happy, everyone's happy.'
I hadn't slept great.
Waking up, I felt vaguely like I'd been hit by a mack truck sometime along the way in my slumber.
Then it started.
Whining, fussing, griping. "Don't tell mommy!" "I can tell her if I want!" "I want that." "Let me through." All within minutes.
Even the older kids were getting in on the 'fun'. Shoot, grown-ups in the house seemed grouchier than usual.
I stumbled out of the bedroom, into the kitchen and began the process of making a pot of coffee. Knowing full well this mini-pot that only brews 5 cups at a time was just. not. gonna. cut. it this grey-mood-brewing day!
As it finished, I poured 2 cups 'o Jo for Techno-genius and myself; adding Splenda and whipped cream to make it palatable this dragging morning.
Walking back to the bedroom for our morning coffee chat, still hazy from waking up and the aforementioned grouchies, I passed the dining room where the grumbling kids were finishing up their breakfast treats of pastries brought home by Granddad.
Due to all the grumps, grumbles, and grouchiness already portrayed this 'lovely' morning, I lumbered along, head drooping.
That's when I heard Charity's sweet voice begin singing. Obviously a "Charity Original", she joyfully sang of Jesus hanging on the cross, now looking down on us, loving us. The tune was sweet, melodious, almost like a lullaby. She carried on for 4-5 stanzas with similar words of love and encouragement keeping her lulling melody constant.
This made me smile.
All of a sudden, just as I entered the bedroom, I hear in a much more boisterous, belting manner from our precious 5 year old, "Ba da bum, ba dum, dum, da cha ra dum." Ceasing her musical debut.
 |
| Strike a pose - seems like this would match the end of her song quite sportingly |
That's when I commented, "God sure knew what he was doing when he made kids so stinkin' cute."
 |
| A true cutie-patutie |
Charity helped soothe her mama's tired, frazzled, grumpy-building soul with her melodic yet comical song and delightfulness.
God did know what he was doing when He made kids so darn cute. That charm kept mommy's grumpiness at bay and we all know, 'when mama's happy, everyone's happy.'
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
House or Home
Walking through our 'old house', I was amazed at how it presented. How it made me feel. Or yet, the lack of feelings it created.
That house was a FABULOUS house for our family. It blessed us and others is so many ways. It fit us perfectly for that particular season of life.
We had ministries there, friends and family visited, neighborhood 4th of July parades and cookouts, we hosted gatherings, many birthday parties were thrown within those walls, movie nights, dinners, games - so many memories. So many blessings.
I wondered before we arrived what it would be like to walk the halls, go through the rooms, sit on the window seats. Would we miss it? Would we long to return? How would the kids react? Would it still be 'home' to them?
On one hand it was depressing. It looks so different, not at all what we left behind.
On the other hand - it was fresh, clean, neutral.
I guess that was partially why it didn't illicit the memories I feared it might. In many ways, it's not the home we had developed, nurtured over the years.
Our families personality had been obliterated from the heart of that house.
Our red and black kitchen is now beige. Our chalkboard paint/peg boarded school room is simply, beige. The kids black and purple chalkboard painted bedrooms with matching curtains morphed into.... beige. My bright colored, handprint decorated craft room has been altered to - you guessed it - beige. The fun teal and brown basement playroom muted to... beige.
Sensing a theme yet? The whole house has been impersonalized. Stripped of our 'footprint'. A shell of what we had created it to be.
Not saying memories don't still exist for our 'old home'. Today, however, I realized those memories are in our hearts and minds NOT the walls of this building in which we once lived.
Even the kids referred to it as 'the old house'; not home.
In essence, it's not the house that makes a home. It's us. Our family. Being together. Home is where we are - together.
For now, our home is in the mountains of Wyoming.... and we all like it there.
That house was a FABULOUS house for our family. It blessed us and others is so many ways. It fit us perfectly for that particular season of life.
We had ministries there, friends and family visited, neighborhood 4th of July parades and cookouts, we hosted gatherings, many birthday parties were thrown within those walls, movie nights, dinners, games - so many memories. So many blessings.
I wondered before we arrived what it would be like to walk the halls, go through the rooms, sit on the window seats. Would we miss it? Would we long to return? How would the kids react? Would it still be 'home' to them?
On one hand it was depressing. It looks so different, not at all what we left behind.
On the other hand - it was fresh, clean, neutral.
I guess that was partially why it didn't illicit the memories I feared it might. In many ways, it's not the home we had developed, nurtured over the years.
Our families personality had been obliterated from the heart of that house.
Our red and black kitchen is now beige. Our chalkboard paint/peg boarded school room is simply, beige. The kids black and purple chalkboard painted bedrooms with matching curtains morphed into.... beige. My bright colored, handprint decorated craft room has been altered to - you guessed it - beige. The fun teal and brown basement playroom muted to... beige.
Sensing a theme yet? The whole house has been impersonalized. Stripped of our 'footprint'. A shell of what we had created it to be.
Not saying memories don't still exist for our 'old home'. Today, however, I realized those memories are in our hearts and minds NOT the walls of this building in which we once lived.
Even the kids referred to it as 'the old house'; not home.
In essence, it's not the house that makes a home. It's us. Our family. Being together. Home is where we are - together.
For now, our home is in the mountains of Wyoming.... and we all like it there.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Keeping the little in my girls
As I look around at our culture I'm reminded of how fast we try to force our children to 'grow up', mature, even be sexy.
Our oldest daughter is a teenager now. Wait....how did that happen? When did we get old enough to have 2 teenagers in our house?
I digress... Back to my original topic.
As she has matured, I've had the privilege to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman. However, I still see glimpses of that little girl with the pretty blue eyes and blonde hair. That innocent youngster.
I watch as she balances wanting to 'play' with her childhood belongings and slowly moving toward being interested in 'fixing her hair' and trying her hand at new fashions - being a teen.
Seeing other girls younger than her, the same age, or slightly older than her acting well beyond 'their years'; dressing in a manner that would make a grown man blush; dating; plastering their faces with make-up; posting suggestive photos and quotes -- It makes me cherish her innocence even more.
We have 3 more following in her footsteps. I'm thrilled they have such a wonderful role model in her. A big sister with integrity. A young lady more interested in what God's Word says she should be rather than how the world encourages her to act, dress, look.
It's not easy for her. She doesn't attract the 'popular girls' as friends.
Despite her ability to run a household and care for younger siblings, she's not considered 'mature' in the world's eyes.
She's still innocent, naive.
Others may think we are sheltering her, holding her back.
I believe we are preparing her to be a Godly woman; to follow God's ways; to be pure and lovely.
There's something to be said for keeping the little in our girls. Once it's gone, I think we can all agree, it doesn't come back. Why force that away earlier than we need to? Why not encourage them to 'stay little' a while longer?
That's my goal. I hope to keep the little in my girls a bit longer.
Our oldest daughter is a teenager now. Wait....how did that happen? When did we get old enough to have 2 teenagers in our house?
I digress... Back to my original topic.
As she has matured, I've had the privilege to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman. However, I still see glimpses of that little girl with the pretty blue eyes and blonde hair. That innocent youngster.
I watch as she balances wanting to 'play' with her childhood belongings and slowly moving toward being interested in 'fixing her hair' and trying her hand at new fashions - being a teen.
Seeing other girls younger than her, the same age, or slightly older than her acting well beyond 'their years'; dressing in a manner that would make a grown man blush; dating; plastering their faces with make-up; posting suggestive photos and quotes -- It makes me cherish her innocence even more.
We have 3 more following in her footsteps. I'm thrilled they have such a wonderful role model in her. A big sister with integrity. A young lady more interested in what God's Word says she should be rather than how the world encourages her to act, dress, look.
It's not easy for her. She doesn't attract the 'popular girls' as friends.
Despite her ability to run a household and care for younger siblings, she's not considered 'mature' in the world's eyes.
She's still innocent, naive.
Others may think we are sheltering her, holding her back.
I believe we are preparing her to be a Godly woman; to follow God's ways; to be pure and lovely.
There's something to be said for keeping the little in our girls. Once it's gone, I think we can all agree, it doesn't come back. Why force that away earlier than we need to? Why not encourage them to 'stay little' a while longer?
That's my goal. I hope to keep the little in my girls a bit longer.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Relax and Enjoy the Ride
In case you didn't know this, I'm a type A personality. A bit high strung. Techno-genius would probably say that's an understatement of mass proportions. :-)
Over the years (and no, I haven't mastered it yet), I've learned to try to 'go with the flow' a bit more.
As I age, I want to improve even more.
I used to (ok, still do on occasion) get totally flustered whenever things didn't go as planned. I'd become anxious, grumpy, irritable.
Just imagine traveling with me! Especially with lots of kids in tow.
I think having so many kids is partially what helped curb my 'anal' tendencies. (Pardon my choice of words.)
As one can imagine - having 6 kids sorta negates the idea of 'everything going as planned'.
As I observe others and how they respond to things not being just so, I am even more convinced that I desperately want to curb my overactive perfectionist qualities.
I acknowledge that I will always prefer structure, order. Having things planned out and tidy; running smoothly. However, I am well aware that doesn't always happen and that I have a choice in how I respond to those times.
My words, my reactions impact others. I want my legacy to be a positive one. I want to find joy in ALL situations, not just the ones that 'fit my agenda'.
After all - life happens. It's rare that things REALLY turn out exactly as we'd like or anticipate.
Sometimes, if we're open to it, it's those unexpected, unplanned, imperfect moments that are the most precious.
If we're so focused on what we think should occur or on things being 'just so' we may miss the many treasures that 'just happen'.
The gifts God had planned for us. The ones that were in HIS agenda, even if they weren't in ours.
Over the years (and no, I haven't mastered it yet), I've learned to try to 'go with the flow' a bit more.
As I age, I want to improve even more.
I used to (ok, still do on occasion) get totally flustered whenever things didn't go as planned. I'd become anxious, grumpy, irritable.
Just imagine traveling with me! Especially with lots of kids in tow.
I think having so many kids is partially what helped curb my 'anal' tendencies. (Pardon my choice of words.)
As one can imagine - having 6 kids sorta negates the idea of 'everything going as planned'.
As I observe others and how they respond to things not being just so, I am even more convinced that I desperately want to curb my overactive perfectionist qualities.
I acknowledge that I will always prefer structure, order. Having things planned out and tidy; running smoothly. However, I am well aware that doesn't always happen and that I have a choice in how I respond to those times.
My words, my reactions impact others. I want my legacy to be a positive one. I want to find joy in ALL situations, not just the ones that 'fit my agenda'.
After all - life happens. It's rare that things REALLY turn out exactly as we'd like or anticipate.
Sometimes, if we're open to it, it's those unexpected, unplanned, imperfect moments that are the most precious.
If we're so focused on what we think should occur or on things being 'just so' we may miss the many treasures that 'just happen'.
The gifts God had planned for us. The ones that were in HIS agenda, even if they weren't in ours.
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