Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mom! You're Embarrassing Me!

I'm there. I heard it was coming, but, WOW! I wasn't ready for the phrase to come at me so often! "Mom - You're embarrassing me." Sometimes I'm silly on purpose to help us both lighten up. Not that they see it that way! It's so easy. All you have to do is sneeze too loud, speak to a stranger, or change your order to "have it your way" instead of taking is as it comes. It's not like I'm trying - I'm just living life.

And yet...they can sing as loud as they like, act like an ape in a restaurant, laugh uncontrollably -obnoxiously until you want to throw up! (When in the car, Laurie said she uses the excuse, "Addison is trying to sleep can you keep it down?") They can talk with their mouths full, burp, "Etc." in public places, have their food any way they want it and even ways it doesn't come - and it's fine - not humiliating. Oh Brother! Go figure. Could someone please tell me the rules?

We were laughing today about all the ridiculous things they record themselves doing...singing off key, acting like a baby, mouthing the wrong words to a music video. Then, crazy of all craziness, they want their friends and everybody else to see it...and just to make sure it's seen, they post it on YouTube and Facebook!

They're just weird. Don't get mad at me for saying it. I love watching the weirdness as they grow through these odd stages (If I can laugh instead of scream!) I remember, when my kids were younger, I would listen in frustration as parents of pre-teens and teens talked about their kids like that, but now I know they were just being honest. I'm not saying it to my kids, just to you...so don't tell them. They don't read their moms blog - that would be embarrassing!

From 2 Embarrassing Moms - Sharon and Laurie

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Ordinarily Extraordinary - Thoughts from our Dad

After our dad had a really close call which required a quadruple bypass, I was able to take down some of the thoughts that were running through his head. Thanks to many of you who prayed him through this...He wants you to read what the Lord put on His heart through all of this.

"Through this whole ordeal, I saw how God used people. They began to pray, but they didn’t stop there. They listened, then they moved into action. When we pray, we’re not blowing into an empty sack. The Lord speaks back and we respond. These people would say they are ordinary, but to the Lord, they are – we are all - extraordinary.

Sometimes we feel like the events of our lives are mundane…we do usual things as ordinary people until we are in a rut. I want to look at the normal, Mundane as God-Ordained. I think David must have felt pretty ordinary until he woke up one morning and realized what his relationship with the Lord really looked like. He wrote about it in Ps. 139 (paraphrased): "You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts, and every word that I’ll speak…It’s just too much for me to attain" (too much for me to get my mind around.)

That’s how much He thinks about us, too. He knows every detail of our lives.

If we could look at our days, not as boring, but as something God is orchestrating…big events, little events, good, bad, ugly, we would see that God “works all things together for good to those that love Him.” (Romans 8:28)

Here are a couple of word pictures that explain what I mean:

If you see a picture from outer space and the earth as it hangs in perfect balance, it’s not hard to think that God created the universe. He’s big enough and powerful enough to do that, but do we trust Him to take care of our own lives with such precision? And the main question, does He really care about the details of our lives? The answer to those questions, according to Ps. 139 is YES!! He is in the details. If He can control the universe and in contrast know how many hairs are on our heads (Matt. 10:30), He can use all the details of our life for a purpose. With His people, there are no ordinary; we are all extraordinary. We are partners with the creator of the universe. Amazing!

And another thought:
Our lives are a lot like an orchestra. The musicians come in one at a time; begin warming up, fiddling with their instruments. Then, the conductor asks for a tuning note, and one by one they all join in to play. Without the tuning, without each instrument, it wouldn’t be the best it could be. But when all the parts play together, the results are magnificent. The conductor doesn’t just start the orchestra, but he directs them through the whole piece.

That’s what God is doing with our lives. Every experience, good and bad, has a purpose, a part. When we look at our lives like that, we can be thankful rather than resentful. God has begun a good work in us, even though everything isn’t good, and he promises to carry it on to completion. (Phil. 1:6)

I’ve realized how important God’s people are in the “orchestra.” The Lord tells us: “You are the salt of the world…like a city on a hill. (Matt 5:13-14) We’ve been anointed with the oil of gladness (Ps. 45:7B). He will save His anointed (Ps. 20:6) (II Cor. 1:29) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way. (Ps. 37:23) And, I know how God is the one keeping it all together for a grand purpose.

Through this time of surgery and recovery, I think I’m understanding that anything we do - making hamburgers, pumping gas, changing diapers, driving a truck, or performing surgery on an ailing heart - our hands are, as my Dr. said, “Just an extension of His.”

So go out today knowing that whatever you do, He is there. He knows exactly what’s going on. Talk to Him about everything, and then listen. He loves you. What might seem ordinary isn’t…So hop out of that rut, and rejoice that He rejoices in you.

“The Lord your God is in your midst The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Thanks Dad...I needed to get out of my self-incriminating rut and see myself the way God does. We love you and are so glad to be called your kids!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Fit to Be Tied

A few weeks ago, while I was making dinner, I called Crislynn to come set the table. Davis came with her and said, “Can I help her mom?” They had their arms around each other. I about passed out! Together? They wanted to do something together? And they were touching each other without shoving! They’ve been at each other (about to drive me nuts) for weeks now.

In disbelief, I told them it was fine with me. Then I noticed that they were walking funny. When I looked around the bar, I saw it…they were tied together.

Earlier that day we had field day and of course there was a three-legged race. So, they were trying it out at home. I was thrilled (and stored away this three-legged thing in my discipline arsenal for a day when they weren’t getting along so well!)

What if I always remembered that I’m joined to God, everyday, every step, much like a 3-legged race? When I spend time with Him, it’s like He wraps His arm around me and mine around Him, and we start to walk together. If I try to go my own way, I fall flat on my face, but when I fall, he stops and lets me get up. Sometimes He drags me for a few steps. When He sees me trying to strap myself to someone or something else, He holds me a little tighter to let me know He’s a better partner. When my eyes wander from the finish line, He reminds me of the goal. He doesn’t carry me unless it gets really tough, because He knows I can learn from walking in step with Him for miles and miles. He has allowed me to join Him on this journey—even though I am stubborn and often slow Him down. He sticks with me because we are in this race together.

Mother’s Day is a great time to evaluate where we are as moms. I’ve decided to let the month of May be a new beginning for me as a mom. I need that fresh start. Maybe you do too. Let’s get back in the race, 'cause we’re not in this alone…

Holding on to Him…

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13b



What has been dragging you around lately? Are you tied to the One who knows you best and loves you most? We would love to hear what’s going on with you and your family. Email us today!