I was reading http://shortybearsplace.blogspot.com/ blog today and the scriptures that she referenced. I am praying for you today sister in Christ.
There was a time last fall when I felt over the top in the storms of so many things I had no control over. My emotions so raw, so vulnerable, and each day I could not put the pieces together. I told God that he had the wrong person. As I have read so many times in the Bible that God does not give us more than we can handle. And then it hit me...He truly believes that I can handle this storm. Not only does He believe in me, He is going to take me to a greater place, as He is building strength today, in me, through this storm. At that time I wrote this blog. http://shortybearsplace.blogspot.com/ this is for you today.
October 2007
Bring on the storm
I was chatting with a friend today about how we handle the storms in our lives. I asked....."do you ever feel honored to be in the storm?" Kind of a strange question but really think about this. God thinks so much about you to place you where you are at. He chose you, or me for that season, that storm. He believes in you, your strengths, your gifts, and your ability to reach out to him and be brought into closer proximity to HIM. He is building me up for his work, and he chose me. I am honored and flattered. I have had a few storms this week. And sometimes when you are already down, and your sail is flailing in the wind, a situation comes along and rips what sail you have left, only to be left with the promise of God's grip. He gets me, and he gets you. I get that so much that I smile in the midst of a storm, and also cry too. Today was much crying, but what a testament to God's belief in me that I can get through this storm without a sail.Blessings to all who read this.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I am really trying here...
Eric is a fire fighter. He has just rescued his pig from a burning room.
Scooby Doo was spotted roaming my house today. I hope he's house broken.
Ethan, another fire fighter has made a hammer to break open the ceiling for smoke to escape.
I have the cutest little fire fighters in my home today. No chance of any fires going unattended.
....well not very hard. I had all these great plans for Spring Break. We had our days lined up with events scheduled. Our first day was cancelled. We were going to drive up to Mt. St. Helens. But somewhere in the morning there was a mention of swimming and that trumped the entire day. It's their spring break, I am just the driver. So we went swimming and had a few banner moments which made this mama cry.
Ethan took off on his own. He is now a safe swimmer. Jumping off the side into the deep end. This is my deaf child. The one with a condition called Enlarged Vestibular Aqueducts. He should not be able to be doing this. Piffle!! He is swimming and I will soon have the pictures to prove it. My friend was there taking pictures. She's coming on Thursday to load them onto my computer.
Eric, was taken from the safe haven of the side of the pool into my arms. Clinging for dear life. He's the three year old. The first thing I teach my young swimmers is how to get to the side of the pool and then walk with your hands along the wall to safety. I don't care about the form, how you get there, but I must know if you are knocked into the pool you can get to safety. He screamed, clung for dear life, but within 20 minutes was able to get to the side and walk along the wall with his hands. That night at dinner he announced to Papa his big success story. So I guess I did not traumatize him.
Emerson, with his life preserver on was all over the pool. He's a little fish. In the arms, with a healthy fear of the water. He knows his limits and I am so proud of him.
Emily....I forgot she was 18. At one point it felt like I had two five year olds in the water. She is also a fish and had such a blast playing with her brothers. I love her spirit.
So with the ending of our swim session, everyone was happy to be home, worn out and lots of stories to tell. Over and over and over.
On Tuesday we had plans to spend the day at our friends farm. She called the night before to let me know that all her kids were sick. I am not about to go through another round of sickness around here, so I appreciated her call. Which lead us to visiting an ice rink. I have been wanting to take the kids ice skating. We did not skate. Instead all the little boys got an education about the ice, watching other kids, how cold it is, the little boy holding onto the wall as he is learning, that you just don't step onto the ice with skates and know how to do it. So this little outing will prepare us for real ice skating adventure. We did end up later going to a small local airstrip where we got to see a small plane take off. We are able to walk down where the small planes are parked. This was an adventure as it's a small walk and these dark clouds broke in giving us a nice down pour and beautiful rainbow.
It's Wednesday. Day three into spring break and guess what? My children have all changed my living room into a campsite. They have not wanted to go anywhere. They love just being home and playing. I am fine with that. We are going to the mall later this afternoon. I have cracked up more than once watching my 18 year old playing with the three little boys. She's the highlight of their day. And she just jumps in to wrestle, sing, be silly, and even make them a cool lunch. I am a blessed mom.
Here are some silly pictures from around the house this week. I am still working on how to load them, so we shall see what we end up with:
Okay, so all the pictures are at the top of this blog. I swear I had the curser at the end. I am so, so not interested in figuring this out now. Blessings to all. elizabeth
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday Miracle
Here is my Miracle for today:
There are many times in my life, when I blink and realize that God intervened at just the right moment. Ten seconds earlier, or ten seconds later a completely different outcome would have occurred. But God has placed people where he wanted them at just the right time. The placement of these people changed the outcome of my future.
When I was four years old, I decided that I was old enough to walk to the store. I was told to wait for everyone else, but even then I was an impatient person. It was about six blocks to the neighborhood shopping area. When I was there, I remember looking into the windows of a store. A car full of men called me over to their car. I walked over. They told me that my mom was sick and they needed to take me home. My mom was at work and Miss Elizabeth (our sitter) was at home, so I was not buying it. They offered me candy and I said no. But then they offered me a quarter. Twenty-five cents is a lot of money to a four year old. As I reached for the coin, I was then pulled by the man sitting in the middle into the car. In a split second my legs were pulled. A woman had pulled me out of the car and the car sped away.
This woman was the mother of a girl who had babysat for our family but once. She came to our home to meet our family of four little girls. She was in our home for five minutes. It was a month later that she was walking down this street and was able to size up the situation. Ten seconds later or ten seconds earlier the outcome could have been different. I often wondered where I would be today if this angel had not passed by.
These are the kinds of miracles that are in play every single day. Look for them and ask yourself how the outcome would have been. God is so watching out for us. There are times when it does not seem like it, but I know from one day to the next he is. It was evident, that summer day over 37 years ago.
There are many times in my life, when I blink and realize that God intervened at just the right moment. Ten seconds earlier, or ten seconds later a completely different outcome would have occurred. But God has placed people where he wanted them at just the right time. The placement of these people changed the outcome of my future.
When I was four years old, I decided that I was old enough to walk to the store. I was told to wait for everyone else, but even then I was an impatient person. It was about six blocks to the neighborhood shopping area. When I was there, I remember looking into the windows of a store. A car full of men called me over to their car. I walked over. They told me that my mom was sick and they needed to take me home. My mom was at work and Miss Elizabeth (our sitter) was at home, so I was not buying it. They offered me candy and I said no. But then they offered me a quarter. Twenty-five cents is a lot of money to a four year old. As I reached for the coin, I was then pulled by the man sitting in the middle into the car. In a split second my legs were pulled. A woman had pulled me out of the car and the car sped away.
This woman was the mother of a girl who had babysat for our family but once. She came to our home to meet our family of four little girls. She was in our home for five minutes. It was a month later that she was walking down this street and was able to size up the situation. Ten seconds later or ten seconds earlier the outcome could have been different. I often wondered where I would be today if this angel had not passed by.
These are the kinds of miracles that are in play every single day. Look for them and ask yourself how the outcome would have been. God is so watching out for us. There are times when it does not seem like it, but I know from one day to the next he is. It was evident, that summer day over 37 years ago.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
I love a great deal......
This past week we have been relocating and shifting people, bedrooms, and cleaning.
Emily, being the only girl has had the prime location and bedroom. She has understood the need to move her downstairs and Ethan upstairs. Ethan's room never gets used as he does not want to be separated from the entire family. His need for this room a year ago was important in that without his Cochlear Implant devices he is completely deaf. Being downstairs meant he was closer to us when he went to bed and he was not scared. That developmental stage has come and gone Ethan and Eric have been sharing Eric's room. Which means it takes them forever to settle down to sleep and they wake each other up. It's actually funny to hear thier conversations because Ethan is deaf and Eric talks to him and Ethan is talking away and most times they are on two different topics. So the big flipping of rooms was done in the last two days.
Have you ever tried to make a major move within in your home with kids everywhere? I have shifted them all over the house. Giving them mountains to scale, furniture to sit on as it sat in limbo waiting to be relocated. What fun they had. And they were all given dust clothes to help. It felt like I had twenty kids the last couple of days. Whew!!!
Now everyone is cozy and moved into the new rooms. I spent all day decorating Emily's room while she was in school. She does not do well with clutter, so having her room together put a terrific and appreciative smile on her face. Ethan can't get over his OWN room upstairs. A big queensize bed and his new blankets which brings me to the title of this blog. Ethan and I looked online for about an hour at bedding. I spent a lot of time looking on ebay and craigslist. I really did not want to spend a lot of money on his room. I was a kidsroom designer for over 15 years. I can't just skimp, throw some blankets on and call it good. It has to be special and something he helps put together. I got an idea of what he wanted. David and I shopped last night and almost settled, but it was not a WOW kind of look. And then today. Ross' Dress for Less had the most adorable 3piece twin sheet set for only $9.99. I need a queen, but I could use the pillowcases to build off of, as the print was PERFECTLY what he wanted. Then the comforter in the size I needed. A Tommy Hilfilger stripe that had all the colors in the print. I realized that I could take the two twin fitted sheets and cut and sew it into a queensize fitted, and then piece the two top sheets to make a duster. And guess how much it all came to together......$66.00. Two twin sheet sets, one comforter set which had to shams in it. I am just so excited and it looks so cute on Ethan's bed. I am going to wash it all, do some sewing this weekend and then put up the picture.
My husband could not believe how little I spent. He asked me several times..how much? He then asked me what made me think of this store, because I NEVER have much luck at discount type stores, so typically stay away. I think it was a God moment.
I was on my way to grocery shop. I was thinking how Ethan is so excited about his room and I wish I could find something. I just sat at a long long light and then said "you know Lord, I know you give us the desires of our hearts, but it's not my desire it's Ethan's. Please help me find something today". An hour later I had his stuff in my car. Everyone is sleeping and everyone is happy. I know it's just stuff, but stuff is fun. blessings.
Emily, being the only girl has had the prime location and bedroom. She has understood the need to move her downstairs and Ethan upstairs. Ethan's room never gets used as he does not want to be separated from the entire family. His need for this room a year ago was important in that without his Cochlear Implant devices he is completely deaf. Being downstairs meant he was closer to us when he went to bed and he was not scared. That developmental stage has come and gone Ethan and Eric have been sharing Eric's room. Which means it takes them forever to settle down to sleep and they wake each other up. It's actually funny to hear thier conversations because Ethan is deaf and Eric talks to him and Ethan is talking away and most times they are on two different topics. So the big flipping of rooms was done in the last two days.
Have you ever tried to make a major move within in your home with kids everywhere? I have shifted them all over the house. Giving them mountains to scale, furniture to sit on as it sat in limbo waiting to be relocated. What fun they had. And they were all given dust clothes to help. It felt like I had twenty kids the last couple of days. Whew!!!
Now everyone is cozy and moved into the new rooms. I spent all day decorating Emily's room while she was in school. She does not do well with clutter, so having her room together put a terrific and appreciative smile on her face. Ethan can't get over his OWN room upstairs. A big queensize bed and his new blankets which brings me to the title of this blog. Ethan and I looked online for about an hour at bedding. I spent a lot of time looking on ebay and craigslist. I really did not want to spend a lot of money on his room. I was a kidsroom designer for over 15 years. I can't just skimp, throw some blankets on and call it good. It has to be special and something he helps put together. I got an idea of what he wanted. David and I shopped last night and almost settled, but it was not a WOW kind of look. And then today. Ross' Dress for Less had the most adorable 3piece twin sheet set for only $9.99. I need a queen, but I could use the pillowcases to build off of, as the print was PERFECTLY what he wanted. Then the comforter in the size I needed. A Tommy Hilfilger stripe that had all the colors in the print. I realized that I could take the two twin fitted sheets and cut and sew it into a queensize fitted, and then piece the two top sheets to make a duster. And guess how much it all came to together......$66.00. Two twin sheet sets, one comforter set which had to shams in it. I am just so excited and it looks so cute on Ethan's bed. I am going to wash it all, do some sewing this weekend and then put up the picture.
My husband could not believe how little I spent. He asked me several times..how much? He then asked me what made me think of this store, because I NEVER have much luck at discount type stores, so typically stay away. I think it was a God moment.
I was on my way to grocery shop. I was thinking how Ethan is so excited about his room and I wish I could find something. I just sat at a long long light and then said "you know Lord, I know you give us the desires of our hearts, but it's not my desire it's Ethan's. Please help me find something today". An hour later I had his stuff in my car. Everyone is sleeping and everyone is happy. I know it's just stuff, but stuff is fun. blessings.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Someone playing Mama...
I have always pray that God would bring people into my children's lives to love on them like a mommy would in the event that I could not be present. My son is clear across the country. God has brought some very special people into his life. One person he actually uses the word Mama before her name. Even though I had prayed this for years, when it actually happens there was this feeling of..."oh, wait God, I prayed for this, but now that you have answered my prayers I feel somehow misplaced". For weeks I was unsure of how I would adapt to this other woman who not only loved on my son, but my son loved her right back. Wow.
Elliot would say over and over...."mom she is so much like you.". He would say how he loved being in their home because it felt like his home. Right down to the leather furniture in the family room, the cozy blankets to watch TV with, and the same exact dining room dishes. God knew all the things that Elliot needed to feel a sense of security being so far away from home for the first time. God provided a special mamma for my son. Once I met this special person a very wonderful friendship began and to this day I feel a little silly feeling that I could ever be replaced. That was my own insecurities in sending my first born off to college.
I got a call from Elliot this morning. His voice was serious and I knew this was to be a time of just listening. Elliot has been blessed musically. God has provided platforms for him to use his gifts. Recently he was chosen to be part of an Easter special for TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) This was his first real "career" type deal. He had to sign a contract with the company and this is a paying job. Very exciting for him, and for his family as well. He has been practicing long hours after school, and filming began yesterday.
Last night he was pulled aside by one of the directors. He was very firmly told that because he did not know all the words to two of the songs, he had 15 minutes to learn the words or he was out. Now something about Elliot that truly amazes me is his ability to step up under pressure. And that he did. He felt humbled, embarressed, and he realized that he truly did not get the seriousness of this project. He was honored to be there, honored to be chosen and has learned so much. But he admittedly did not really get the it.
In his own words this morning..."mom I feel like God gave me this woman, who in her mind was taking care serious business, but for me it was like a mother telling me what I needed to do improve and come into a higher step of business and performance". At the end of filming, and yes he learned all the words, he road back in the car with this woman, and thanked her for taking the time to help him understand the seriousness of this project. He thanked her for her direction and teachings.
Yep, God blessed my son once again. It's the gentle voice of authority that comes along to teach and guide. The kind of person that he can say..."like a mother". I pray for this in all my children's lives. I am no longer insecure about God answering my prayers. I am greatful. I want to hug these woman every single day for the positive and Godly influence in Elliot's life as he is growing into a young man of God.
Mothers if you don't already pray this for your children I suggest you start praying everyday that God brings people who will teach and guide in way that your child can respect and honor for the love and time given them. I am so blessed today.
p.s. when I have the time and schedule for the airing of this Easter Special, you can bet I will be blogging it. Thanks for reading today.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Still needed here on earth...My Miracle for Monday
Join in on sharing a Miracle in your life. Monday Miracle is hosted by
http://beth-amomslife.blogspot.com/
There you will see many miracles to click on and read.
Almost five years to the day God spared my life. Here is my story.
It had been a very busy week. One which left me with early mornings and late nights. I value my sleep. Anyone who knows me knows that I can not function without my 8-10 hours of sleep. I rarely get to see an entire movies, as the minute I curl up on sofa I am out cold. I have always felt that I could handle all of life's everyday stuff, the good, the bad, and the ugly, as long as I was well rested.
My friend Jani and I had planned a girl's night out on Saturday. I tried in my most polite way to get out of it. I phoned her and said if she wanted to change the date I was open to it. She was in finals and I was hopeful she would jump at the opportunity. Instead she said this was going to be highlight of her week. I told David I would take his car. I didn't feel like driving a big bulky suburban downtown. He said the weather is really stormy and wet and convinced to take my own car.
This was also a personal special evening for me. I had jumped out of the shower and began my weekly trying on of clothes that were prepregnancy. Ethan was about eleven months old and I was anxious to fit into some of my nicer "downtown" like clothes. I quicly pulled on my savy ralph lauren black pants and oh did they ever fit. I was so excited ran downstairs to show my husband that this is the official day of me back into my prego clothes. He told me I was going to be late, so I grabbed my purse and ran out the door.
Jani and I had a wonderful dinner, visit and ended up at her house for a night of chatting away. She is one of my dear friends and with work and kids we often found it hard to get together. It was a little after midnight and I finally had to go. I was exhausted. Different than just feeling sleepy. When I started my twenty minute drive towards home, I could see the lines in the road blurring. I decided that food is a good rememdy for sleepy driving. I stopped at Taco bell and got a cup of ice and a taco. I was two miles from home and the next light was a left turn up the hill towards me house. I decided I would stop at the Albertsons and call David to come and get me. I just could not stay focused or keep my eyes open. My left turn light green so I opted to turn and get home as fast as I could. A quarter mile into the turn the lights went out. I don't recall falling asleep. A witness said the car went from about 25 miles per hour to about sixty. I drove my suburban straight into a tree.
I woke up to airbags and big loud, what sounded like a bomb going off. I had no idea what had just happenned. All I recall is that in the movies cars blow up and I grabbed my phone, purse, jumped out of the car and ran across the street. I went and sat on this little hill and called David. I told him that I thought I was in an accident. He went and woke Emily to tell her that he had to run out. Everyone was home sleeping.
There was a pedestrian who witnessed the accident and call in a drunk driver. The ambulence and fire trucks were there within minutes. I kept hearing people yelling..."where is the body" "where is the body". I was sitting across the street on a hill. I saw David's car show up and told him to take me home. The police, fire fighters and paramedics looked at me and said "you did not just come from that". I had hit the tree with such impact I had accordianed my suburban. Glass and windows busted out. I never walked over to see it, but was told this. The police cleared me of NOT being a drunk driver.
The paramedics were checking me out and it was determined I was in shock. I was crying and just asking that David take me home. My right leg was swelling up inside my pants and with the seriousness of the accident they determined I had internal injuries. My arms and neck were already swelling up. I just continued to say I was okay and to let me go home. I don't know why, but I did not want to get in the ambulance. David assured me that I was fine, and he would follow in his car. I was put on a stretcher and we whirled off. Inside the ambulance I was asked lots of questions. They then explained that they would have to cut my pants off because of the swelling. This was the precise moment I was out of shock. I begged them not to cut my pants off. Not only were these my fancy pants, but in the hurry of running out the door to dinner I forgot to put underwear on. Of course I did not tell them that. I just begged to not cut them off, and that my husband would help me. They did not argue with me.
After a series of x-rays. I was cleared to go home. I was just a little bruised. Even my leg was fine. Just a nice hardy bruise. We were in emergency for all of four hours.
The next day David and I went to the lot where the car had been towed, to recover our belongings. When we showed the person who towed our car asked if the driver had made it. I said I was the driver. He looked at me. He then said there is no way you could have possibly survived that crash. We walked through the car lot and then I saw the suburban. Even now I am crying as I write this. The car, this big huge suburban was totalled. I started crying uncontrolable. I realized in that moment of looking at that vehicle that my life had been spared. God was not done with me and I am to make every single day count.
I count this as a complete miracle in my life. I was told that if the car had it a little to the left or a little to the right, with the speed I was going I would have not only hit with hard impact but the car would have whipped around killing me for sure. Instead in the of the front of the car is where I hit. I kept the license plate which is bent in half right in the center.
Everytime I drive past that tree I whisper a prayer of thanks and have been whispering that pray for five years now.
Dear Father,
Thank you for sparing my life. I know it's only you who could have kept me from harm. Amen
blessings, elizabeth
http://beth-amomslife.blogspot.com/
There you will see many miracles to click on and read.
Almost five years to the day God spared my life. Here is my story.
It had been a very busy week. One which left me with early mornings and late nights. I value my sleep. Anyone who knows me knows that I can not function without my 8-10 hours of sleep. I rarely get to see an entire movies, as the minute I curl up on sofa I am out cold. I have always felt that I could handle all of life's everyday stuff, the good, the bad, and the ugly, as long as I was well rested.
My friend Jani and I had planned a girl's night out on Saturday. I tried in my most polite way to get out of it. I phoned her and said if she wanted to change the date I was open to it. She was in finals and I was hopeful she would jump at the opportunity. Instead she said this was going to be highlight of her week. I told David I would take his car. I didn't feel like driving a big bulky suburban downtown. He said the weather is really stormy and wet and convinced to take my own car.
This was also a personal special evening for me. I had jumped out of the shower and began my weekly trying on of clothes that were prepregnancy. Ethan was about eleven months old and I was anxious to fit into some of my nicer "downtown" like clothes. I quicly pulled on my savy ralph lauren black pants and oh did they ever fit. I was so excited ran downstairs to show my husband that this is the official day of me back into my prego clothes. He told me I was going to be late, so I grabbed my purse and ran out the door.
Jani and I had a wonderful dinner, visit and ended up at her house for a night of chatting away. She is one of my dear friends and with work and kids we often found it hard to get together. It was a little after midnight and I finally had to go. I was exhausted. Different than just feeling sleepy. When I started my twenty minute drive towards home, I could see the lines in the road blurring. I decided that food is a good rememdy for sleepy driving. I stopped at Taco bell and got a cup of ice and a taco. I was two miles from home and the next light was a left turn up the hill towards me house. I decided I would stop at the Albertsons and call David to come and get me. I just could not stay focused or keep my eyes open. My left turn light green so I opted to turn and get home as fast as I could. A quarter mile into the turn the lights went out. I don't recall falling asleep. A witness said the car went from about 25 miles per hour to about sixty. I drove my suburban straight into a tree.
I woke up to airbags and big loud, what sounded like a bomb going off. I had no idea what had just happenned. All I recall is that in the movies cars blow up and I grabbed my phone, purse, jumped out of the car and ran across the street. I went and sat on this little hill and called David. I told him that I thought I was in an accident. He went and woke Emily to tell her that he had to run out. Everyone was home sleeping.
There was a pedestrian who witnessed the accident and call in a drunk driver. The ambulence and fire trucks were there within minutes. I kept hearing people yelling..."where is the body" "where is the body". I was sitting across the street on a hill. I saw David's car show up and told him to take me home. The police, fire fighters and paramedics looked at me and said "you did not just come from that". I had hit the tree with such impact I had accordianed my suburban. Glass and windows busted out. I never walked over to see it, but was told this. The police cleared me of NOT being a drunk driver.
The paramedics were checking me out and it was determined I was in shock. I was crying and just asking that David take me home. My right leg was swelling up inside my pants and with the seriousness of the accident they determined I had internal injuries. My arms and neck were already swelling up. I just continued to say I was okay and to let me go home. I don't know why, but I did not want to get in the ambulance. David assured me that I was fine, and he would follow in his car. I was put on a stretcher and we whirled off. Inside the ambulance I was asked lots of questions. They then explained that they would have to cut my pants off because of the swelling. This was the precise moment I was out of shock. I begged them not to cut my pants off. Not only were these my fancy pants, but in the hurry of running out the door to dinner I forgot to put underwear on. Of course I did not tell them that. I just begged to not cut them off, and that my husband would help me. They did not argue with me.
After a series of x-rays. I was cleared to go home. I was just a little bruised. Even my leg was fine. Just a nice hardy bruise. We were in emergency for all of four hours.
The next day David and I went to the lot where the car had been towed, to recover our belongings. When we showed the person who towed our car asked if the driver had made it. I said I was the driver. He looked at me. He then said there is no way you could have possibly survived that crash. We walked through the car lot and then I saw the suburban. Even now I am crying as I write this. The car, this big huge suburban was totalled. I started crying uncontrolable. I realized in that moment of looking at that vehicle that my life had been spared. God was not done with me and I am to make every single day count.
I count this as a complete miracle in my life. I was told that if the car had it a little to the left or a little to the right, with the speed I was going I would have not only hit with hard impact but the car would have whipped around killing me for sure. Instead in the of the front of the car is where I hit. I kept the license plate which is bent in half right in the center.
Everytime I drive past that tree I whisper a prayer of thanks and have been whispering that pray for five years now.
Dear Father,
Thank you for sparing my life. I know it's only you who could have kept me from harm. Amen
blessings, elizabeth
Friday, March 14, 2008
You really never know....
...who is going to be reading your blog. When I started this blogging thing, I first felt like I would never have anything to write about. I know how amazing God is in my life, but not sure how I could communicate that in writing.
So I prayed and continue to pray that God would use my experiences, my testimony, and the little things about knowing Him, to bring someone closer to Him. Today I got this email. I purchased a table from this lady off of Craigslist. And from that a new friendship has been born. Here is a snippet from the email she sent me. I feel so blessed today, that I have touched someone in way that they would not only let me know, but desire to be more in Christ. Thanks Lis, you have blessed me today:
>>Good Morning Elizabeth...!!
I went to your blog last night.. and was up untill 1:00am reading it.. and sheding a few tears... and feeling renewed conviction to get back to my daily devotions.. I have let me self get too busy.. instead of giving God the first moments of every day... I tried to "fit Him in" when I could.. and sometimes that didn't even happen... So thankyou for "BUYING' my table and chairs... it was meant to be!! <<
In addition I have received many comments which humble me to no end. I am learning so much from reading other blogs, and am blessed to know others are also blessed my mine.
blessings, elizabeth
So I prayed and continue to pray that God would use my experiences, my testimony, and the little things about knowing Him, to bring someone closer to Him. Today I got this email. I purchased a table from this lady off of Craigslist. And from that a new friendship has been born. Here is a snippet from the email she sent me. I feel so blessed today, that I have touched someone in way that they would not only let me know, but desire to be more in Christ. Thanks Lis, you have blessed me today:
>>Good Morning Elizabeth...!!
I went to your blog last night.. and was up untill 1:00am reading it.. and sheding a few tears... and feeling renewed conviction to get back to my daily devotions.. I have let me self get too busy.. instead of giving God the first moments of every day... I tried to "fit Him in" when I could.. and sometimes that didn't even happen... So thankyou for "BUYING' my table and chairs... it was meant to be!! <<
In addition I have received many comments which humble me to no end. I am learning so much from reading other blogs, and am blessed to know others are also blessed my mine.
blessings, elizabeth
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday 13
A number of bloggers have used "Thursday Thirteen" as a base for thier blogs. I think it's a fun idea. So here is my subject which I hope helps some of you moms who get stuck with what to feed your kids for snacks. I tend to do things that give the kids a chance to be creative and we are not afraid of messes around here. These are all tested of five kids and have been a bit hit for years.
1. I have a list inside my cupboard door of popular snacks. A huge help when my brain is not working and little mouths are saying..."I am hungry"
2. Give your toddler/preschooler a toy plastic knife. I put some cream cheese into a small plastic container. Give your child the cream cheese, knife, and a cracker or bagel. I guarantee you will have time to indulge in a cup of tear while it's still hot.
3. Grapes dipped in yogurt. Or you can give your child a clean, never been used for paint, kids paint brush and let them paint the grapes before they eat them.
4. Sliced apples with almond butter and raisins poked into them. They end up looking like little pieces of watermelon and the kids can really dig putting these together.
5. Canetelope fruit towers. Using a thin pretzel stick, poke into a slice of cantelope and then you can put sliced strawberrie, larger blue berries or any fruit over the pretzel.
6. Put some chocolate chips in a small plastic dish. Melt the chocolate in the microwave and then give your child some fresh fruit to dip, or pretzels.
7. Celery Trains. Cutting the celery into about two inch sticks, you now have a trailer for a train and we must put something in it before it goes into the tunnel (your mouth). I will have grated cheese, cream cheese, chopped nuts, dried chopped fruit such as blueberries or cranberries and let them load onto whatever cargo they want. This is a big hit.
8. Not much health in this but still fun and good. Wheat Thins and Cheez Wiz. We practice letters, spell small words, and then place a carrot or cucumber slice on top.
9. Toasted raisn bread, cut into strips and then some jam to dip into.
10. I let the kids make trail mix to fit into their own little bowl. I will have several plastic containers with spoons, so they can scoop a little of something into their own little snack dish. (fish crackers, almonds, marshmellows, raisins, dried fruit, m&m's)
11. Corn chips, grated cheese melted, and their own little plastic dish of salsa.
12. Yogurt with some crunchy cereal on it. It does not matter to my kids what kind of cereal. I will use granola or put regular cereal in a baggy and break it down to pour over thier yogurt. What is fun about this is that each child may choose what kind of crunchy cerea they want.
13. Graham crackers with "frosting". Which is really just cream cheese. I will sometimes put a drop or two of food coloring around the holidays. They love to cover thier own things and gives them lots of practice with those fine motor skills
So here is a list that keeps things interesting around here. I will often let them choose what they woudl like as I typically shop for the same things on shopping day, so we will have these things in stock. Now with the boys getting older, they take turns choosing the snack for the day. I hope this give you all some fun ways to make snack time, fun, creative, and most important, in most cases takes time for the little ones which buys me time to do things like soak in a tub. Okay not really, but I can at least drink a hot cup of something. Blessings.
1. I have a list inside my cupboard door of popular snacks. A huge help when my brain is not working and little mouths are saying..."I am hungry"
2. Give your toddler/preschooler a toy plastic knife. I put some cream cheese into a small plastic container. Give your child the cream cheese, knife, and a cracker or bagel. I guarantee you will have time to indulge in a cup of tear while it's still hot.
3. Grapes dipped in yogurt. Or you can give your child a clean, never been used for paint, kids paint brush and let them paint the grapes before they eat them.
4. Sliced apples with almond butter and raisins poked into them. They end up looking like little pieces of watermelon and the kids can really dig putting these together.
5. Canetelope fruit towers. Using a thin pretzel stick, poke into a slice of cantelope and then you can put sliced strawberrie, larger blue berries or any fruit over the pretzel.
6. Put some chocolate chips in a small plastic dish. Melt the chocolate in the microwave and then give your child some fresh fruit to dip, or pretzels.
7. Celery Trains. Cutting the celery into about two inch sticks, you now have a trailer for a train and we must put something in it before it goes into the tunnel (your mouth). I will have grated cheese, cream cheese, chopped nuts, dried chopped fruit such as blueberries or cranberries and let them load onto whatever cargo they want. This is a big hit.
8. Not much health in this but still fun and good. Wheat Thins and Cheez Wiz. We practice letters, spell small words, and then place a carrot or cucumber slice on top.
9. Toasted raisn bread, cut into strips and then some jam to dip into.
10. I let the kids make trail mix to fit into their own little bowl. I will have several plastic containers with spoons, so they can scoop a little of something into their own little snack dish. (fish crackers, almonds, marshmellows, raisins, dried fruit, m&m's)
11. Corn chips, grated cheese melted, and their own little plastic dish of salsa.
12. Yogurt with some crunchy cereal on it. It does not matter to my kids what kind of cereal. I will use granola or put regular cereal in a baggy and break it down to pour over thier yogurt. What is fun about this is that each child may choose what kind of crunchy cerea they want.
13. Graham crackers with "frosting". Which is really just cream cheese. I will sometimes put a drop or two of food coloring around the holidays. They love to cover thier own things and gives them lots of practice with those fine motor skills
So here is a list that keeps things interesting around here. I will often let them choose what they woudl like as I typically shop for the same things on shopping day, so we will have these things in stock. Now with the boys getting older, they take turns choosing the snack for the day. I hope this give you all some fun ways to make snack time, fun, creative, and most important, in most cases takes time for the little ones which buys me time to do things like soak in a tub. Okay not really, but I can at least drink a hot cup of something. Blessings.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
" I am mad and very upset"
About four weeks ago I purchased a beautiful tower of assorted crayola Markers for Ethan my five year old. These are his, they are special and he does not have to share them with his younger brothers. I understand that having one brother mark up his body,losing the lids, and another eating his precious markers caused grief for him. So he has had his special ones that he does not have to share.
My three year old Eric (turning four this month) has had no interest in the basic preschool learning through play activities I offer. All of my kids by year ending two could write thier name and identify the letters of the alphabet. Even Ethan being deaf could sigh all of these things. But not Eric. Absolutely no interest whatsoever. He is the kind of kid who might take a pencil, notice the eraser and soon have the eraser off and using it as food for one of his stuffed pets.
On Tuesday I took Eric to Target to get him his very own special markers, pencils, and drawing pad. Mind you we have all these things availabe on a community shelf, but I thought if I made it something that he picks out, and treasure in a box it would peak his interest in school type play. Well this idea was a homerun. He methodically unpackaged all his stuff and neatly placed everything in his box. Carryed his box to the table and asked me to show him how to write his name. I did the dot-to-dot version that he could then trace and have immediate success. He then went on to draw a picture of himself. He holds the markers in a funny way, but I am not about to visit that. The kid is really getting into this.
Now this afternoon, both Ethan and Eric are at the table choosing to draw at the table during quiet time. Ethan is not having an easy time with Eric sporting all his new things. But they continue side by side chitting and chatting like boys do. I get a beautiful picture from Ethan of me. Eric is making train tracks with lots of teeth. Ethan very politely asks Eric if he could borrow his black marker. Eric politely says no. Just that, nothing more, just a no. Ethan is boiling over not being able to get his mitts on Eric's new markers. Ethan then goes into a drama of his need for the color black and how he can not find his in the mix of his fifty or so markers. We have a community box that has a perfectly good black marker which he is trying to convince me that it's a dark blue. I ask him to spell the color black for me. He spells it beautifully. I then ask him to spell the color printed on the side of the marker....B-L-A-C-K.....long pause..."I am mad and very upset".
I told Ethan than he has to accept Eric's "no". To which he says again..."I am mad and very upset". I said I understand, but you still need to accept Eric's no. He then tells me that the Bible says you should not say no to people. He then goes and gets this huge white Bible with large print and literally searches for the word no. He found the word no and that was the icing on his case. NOT.
He ended up throwing a fit and is quietly sitting on his bed until the big hand is on the 12. Which is basically a 20 minute time out.
I think it's so funny, although I would never crack a smile in moments like this, how thier little minds work. As a mommy, I just want to bust up laughing...and say something like "are you for real?". The reality is that we all have to learn and accept the important no's of life. I have had a saying, having worked in sales for many years...."my ears don't hear no"...but in life lessons these kinds of no's are important. Blessings
My three year old Eric (turning four this month) has had no interest in the basic preschool learning through play activities I offer. All of my kids by year ending two could write thier name and identify the letters of the alphabet. Even Ethan being deaf could sigh all of these things. But not Eric. Absolutely no interest whatsoever. He is the kind of kid who might take a pencil, notice the eraser and soon have the eraser off and using it as food for one of his stuffed pets.
On Tuesday I took Eric to Target to get him his very own special markers, pencils, and drawing pad. Mind you we have all these things availabe on a community shelf, but I thought if I made it something that he picks out, and treasure in a box it would peak his interest in school type play. Well this idea was a homerun. He methodically unpackaged all his stuff and neatly placed everything in his box. Carryed his box to the table and asked me to show him how to write his name. I did the dot-to-dot version that he could then trace and have immediate success. He then went on to draw a picture of himself. He holds the markers in a funny way, but I am not about to visit that. The kid is really getting into this.
Now this afternoon, both Ethan and Eric are at the table choosing to draw at the table during quiet time. Ethan is not having an easy time with Eric sporting all his new things. But they continue side by side chitting and chatting like boys do. I get a beautiful picture from Ethan of me. Eric is making train tracks with lots of teeth. Ethan very politely asks Eric if he could borrow his black marker. Eric politely says no. Just that, nothing more, just a no. Ethan is boiling over not being able to get his mitts on Eric's new markers. Ethan then goes into a drama of his need for the color black and how he can not find his in the mix of his fifty or so markers. We have a community box that has a perfectly good black marker which he is trying to convince me that it's a dark blue. I ask him to spell the color black for me. He spells it beautifully. I then ask him to spell the color printed on the side of the marker....B-L-A-C-K.....long pause..."I am mad and very upset".
I told Ethan than he has to accept Eric's "no". To which he says again..."I am mad and very upset". I said I understand, but you still need to accept Eric's no. He then tells me that the Bible says you should not say no to people. He then goes and gets this huge white Bible with large print and literally searches for the word no. He found the word no and that was the icing on his case. NOT.
He ended up throwing a fit and is quietly sitting on his bed until the big hand is on the 12. Which is basically a 20 minute time out.
I think it's so funny, although I would never crack a smile in moments like this, how thier little minds work. As a mommy, I just want to bust up laughing...and say something like "are you for real?". The reality is that we all have to learn and accept the important no's of life. I have had a saying, having worked in sales for many years...."my ears don't hear no"...but in life lessons these kinds of no's are important. Blessings
Monday, March 10, 2008
The smells of potluck
Last winter my husband and I were in the transitions of a church change. There are so many things, thoughts, events, and lots of prayer that go into finding a home church. I first visited this church on a Tuesday morning. It was the last Bible Study before Christmas break and it was a potluck. I journaled this and wanted to share. We are now members of this church and we are so blessed. Many different events happened in our lives and we truly felt this was where God could bless us.
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Today I sat in a room that reminded of being safe.
When I was a young girl my home life was very unstable. My sisters and I attended church every single Sunday morning, Sunday evening and any other events where kids were invited. Our parents had us bring home a bulletin every week so they could see what events they could drop us off at. For them, it was a free place to drop off five kids for a few hours. So we were the first kids dropped off and the last kids picked up.
I always knew it was going to be an extra special event when my mother gave me a warm dish of food and sent us on our way into the church. I am certain that the people of this small Nazarene church knew that these little unbathed, smelly dirty kids needed to be loved. There was always a gray haired lady inviting me to sit at her table. Someone to wash my face, hold my hand, and tell me that Jesus loves me no matter what.
As the tables filled with food and the smells began to blend together my heart would just melt into the hands of Jesus. I knew that Jesus truly must be for real, if so many people could not only love on me, but feed me as well. Potluck!!!! We did not get much food around our house, and to stand at a feast of so many different foods, and be told "help yourself", made me feel safe. I felt safe in the care of the church ladies who came around me and just loved on me. That smell of potluck to this day makes me feel so safe.
Today my eyes were closed in worship, at a potluck. The smells reminded me of the safe place God directed my parents to as a young girl. That place where a grandmotherly like lady put me on her lap and told me that no matter what Jesus loves me. As I looked around this room today, I could see why God had brought me here today; lots of older women embracing so many. The spirit and love of Christ lived out through Christian women. It's what I grew up with, and it's what made me feel safe as a child. I am still a child in Christ. I still need that network of older people in my life to wrap their arms around me. I am blessed by younger people in my life now, as age is creeping in, I get to wrap my arms around them. I had the best teachers.......and the best smells of food too. Potluck!!!
_________________________________________________________
Today I sat in a room that reminded of being safe.
When I was a young girl my home life was very unstable. My sisters and I attended church every single Sunday morning, Sunday evening and any other events where kids were invited. Our parents had us bring home a bulletin every week so they could see what events they could drop us off at. For them, it was a free place to drop off five kids for a few hours. So we were the first kids dropped off and the last kids picked up.
I always knew it was going to be an extra special event when my mother gave me a warm dish of food and sent us on our way into the church. I am certain that the people of this small Nazarene church knew that these little unbathed, smelly dirty kids needed to be loved. There was always a gray haired lady inviting me to sit at her table. Someone to wash my face, hold my hand, and tell me that Jesus loves me no matter what.
As the tables filled with food and the smells began to blend together my heart would just melt into the hands of Jesus. I knew that Jesus truly must be for real, if so many people could not only love on me, but feed me as well. Potluck!!!! We did not get much food around our house, and to stand at a feast of so many different foods, and be told "help yourself", made me feel safe. I felt safe in the care of the church ladies who came around me and just loved on me. That smell of potluck to this day makes me feel so safe.
Today my eyes were closed in worship, at a potluck. The smells reminded me of the safe place God directed my parents to as a young girl. That place where a grandmotherly like lady put me on her lap and told me that no matter what Jesus loves me. As I looked around this room today, I could see why God had brought me here today; lots of older women embracing so many. The spirit and love of Christ lived out through Christian women. It's what I grew up with, and it's what made me feel safe as a child. I am still a child in Christ. I still need that network of older people in my life to wrap their arms around me. I am blessed by younger people in my life now, as age is creeping in, I get to wrap my arms around them. I had the best teachers.......and the best smells of food too. Potluck!!!
Emily Otteson God needed You Here on Earth
The technician asked the usual questions and started to run the device over my belly. I watched the screen which makes no sense to me. I looked at the tech’s face and could see the concern in her eyes. I asked her if everything was okay. Without making eye contact she said she needed to get the doctor. She left me alone and I started to pray. This is a happy time, this is the time of discovering that your baby really is there and growing and healthy.There was no delight in her voice as she scanned and then quickly left me alone.
Two doctors walked in and reviewed the scans. One asked if I wanted to know the sex. I said yes and was told that our baby was a girl. I was smiling over this new found knowledge, but no one else would talk with me. Finally one of the doctors told me that they would be contacting my obgyn. I was instructed to go to my doctors offices across the street. I was told that they were expecting me. When I got there, the gal at the reception counter took me straight back to the doctors office and told me that he would be with me shortly. I was not placed in an examination room, but his actual office. There I sat praying that whatever I was told I could be strong. I was young, only 23 years old. I could not imagine the whats or the whys.
Dr. Rogers came in and explained that the ultra sound was abnormal. All of Emily’s major organs were growing outside her body and she had fluid all around her brain. I was frozen. I could not speak or move. He asked if there was anyone I would like to call. I said no and then left his office. I walked around Bellevue Square for about two hours. My mother-inl-law was watching Elliot. I just wandered. I had no emotions. I did not cry. I remember thinking, "well God, what next?"
Two days later Dr. Roger's office contacted me to come in with my husband for an appointment to discuss our options. Once again we were placed in the doctor’s office. He came in with a woman who was a grief counselor. We were then told that Emily would not live for two minutes on her own outside the womb, and that we should choose to terminate the pregnancy. It was explained that, "this really is your only option not just for the situation, but for my health as well." I immediately said no, I could not do that. From that time on I was scheduled every single Monday for an ultra sound to monitor Emily and things only went from bad to worse. I prayed every single day that God would help me to get through the pregnancy and then be able to hand her over to HIM at her birth. I did not want to have the pregnancy terminated. I wanted the angels of God to take her from my arms and place her into God’s arms. I knew I could handle it.
My friends were very sweet and gave me a shower, but it was not a happy event. It was hard for anyone to know what to say, but we all went through the emotions and everyone wrote something special on cards that I could place in her casket after she was born.
I was scheduled for my last ultra sound on a Monday. My mother said I needed to come home and she was going to have all her friends come and lay hands on me to pray. I do not like this kind of attention, but agreed. Father Rock came too. He is an older family friend who is also a catholic priest. He brought healing oils and placed his hands on my belly. Elliot toddled around, and even he put his tiny hand on my belly to pray for Emullleee, as he called her. Three hours were spent in prayer. Afterwards I drove four hours back to Seattle and tucked myself in bed.
The next day I had my ultrasound. The same technician that I had seen for the last several weeks starting checking her machine, unplugging plugs, plugging them back in, and said something was not right. On the screen was a perfectly healthy baby girl. There was not one part of her out of place. She quickly left the room without saying a word and came back with two doctors who called from my room two other doctors. He contacted my doctor to come at once. They kept saying over and over…”that just can’t be” and “there is no way this is correct”. Funny thing is that everyone was talking as if I was not even there. The tears began to come. They poured down the side of my cheeks. This was a time when there were no cell phones and I could not call anyone. I drove to my husband‘s works and told him the news, I drove to my in-laws and told them the news.
Four days later a beautiful little girl was born. She was completely healthy. Nine pounds and ten ounces healthy. She is now 18 years old, wonderfully gifted and the most beautiful spirit you can ever meet. Everyday I thank God for this precious little miracle that he blessed me with to raise up in him. I love you Emily and I love you God for knowing that I could raise this strong willed child.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
One packed day
Today, with all the activities I miss Emily. I am getting glimpses of what it will be like when she goes away to college. She and a friend ventured into the city and spent all day visiting all the things they love. Favorite coffee spot, favorite restaurant, the waterfront. I got to get to see it all. The girls emailed me this evening of all the things they did. If I can figure out how to upload photo's into my post I will share. In all the events of her day, she shared it with me. That is just the kind of girl she is. So thoughtful, knowing her mommy would be blessed by every single picture.
David and I took the boys for a hike. Joy, bliss, and amazement as the boys find a little tiny baby Nute. They each got to pick it up and carefully examine every single detail. Emerson even got in on the action. Then about ten minutes down the trail, right there in the middle of the trail a HUGE nute. Clearly beyond the baby stage. The boys were just so thrilled and that is all they talked about.
Here is what is so fun about kids. As we are walking down the trail I start singing "lions, and tigers and bears-oh my you know from The Wizard of Oz. Well that gets them talking about the story and can you guess what we did during quiet time today? Yep they watched the movie and loved it. I will have to scan Ethan's picture he drew of the witch, the scarecrow and the tinman. It's so cute. For five, he does a really terrific job of creating the story on paper.
While the boys were having their quiet time I ran to Home Depot to get some stepping stones for a muddy area in our backyard. I was going to do it last summer, but never got around to it and we use our backyard all summer long. Two summers ago I sold my lawn furniture and have been on the lookout for new stuff. Today I found it. I fell in love with it. I told my husband that I was going to buy once piece at a time. This way it won't seem to affect our budget and he will not notice until one day he looks out and sees this beautiful set. Ha, ha...he's truly okay with me getting it, but I only want two pieces right now.
The boys LOVE working in the yard. The older they get, the more help I get. It's funny how that just happens over night. We had a great time, with rubber boots and seeding the lawn and getting things ready for all th spring growth we hope to have happen. Every year I do something in the yard which requires the patience to watch it grow. I am always convinced that I did something to prevent growth, but you know something always pops up. So we are all excited to see what happens.
I slept for three hours this afternoon. My husband is a saint. He woke me up in time to kiss and hugs the boys before bed, and the smell of a nice dinner was in the air. He made a lovely dinner and here I sit. It's just a day. A day in our lives, but it's our life and I love it. I love how my boys play, share, and have to work, to work through the small things of life. Tucking in each one and chatting about the day is so enlightening. Hearing what was important to them that day, as they experienced it. So, I sit here on a Saturday evening. My husband is working through college stuff for Emily and I am thinking a bowl of icecream would be good about now. Blessings, elizabeth
David and I took the boys for a hike. Joy, bliss, and amazement as the boys find a little tiny baby Nute. They each got to pick it up and carefully examine every single detail. Emerson even got in on the action. Then about ten minutes down the trail, right there in the middle of the trail a HUGE nute. Clearly beyond the baby stage. The boys were just so thrilled and that is all they talked about.
Here is what is so fun about kids. As we are walking down the trail I start singing "lions, and tigers and bears-oh my you know from The Wizard of Oz. Well that gets them talking about the story and can you guess what we did during quiet time today? Yep they watched the movie and loved it. I will have to scan Ethan's picture he drew of the witch, the scarecrow and the tinman. It's so cute. For five, he does a really terrific job of creating the story on paper.
While the boys were having their quiet time I ran to Home Depot to get some stepping stones for a muddy area in our backyard. I was going to do it last summer, but never got around to it and we use our backyard all summer long. Two summers ago I sold my lawn furniture and have been on the lookout for new stuff. Today I found it. I fell in love with it. I told my husband that I was going to buy once piece at a time. This way it won't seem to affect our budget and he will not notice until one day he looks out and sees this beautiful set. Ha, ha...he's truly okay with me getting it, but I only want two pieces right now.
The boys LOVE working in the yard. The older they get, the more help I get. It's funny how that just happens over night. We had a great time, with rubber boots and seeding the lawn and getting things ready for all th spring growth we hope to have happen. Every year I do something in the yard which requires the patience to watch it grow. I am always convinced that I did something to prevent growth, but you know something always pops up. So we are all excited to see what happens.
I slept for three hours this afternoon. My husband is a saint. He woke me up in time to kiss and hugs the boys before bed, and the smell of a nice dinner was in the air. He made a lovely dinner and here I sit. It's just a day. A day in our lives, but it's our life and I love it. I love how my boys play, share, and have to work, to work through the small things of life. Tucking in each one and chatting about the day is so enlightening. Hearing what was important to them that day, as they experienced it. So, I sit here on a Saturday evening. My husband is working through college stuff for Emily and I am thinking a bowl of icecream would be good about now. Blessings, elizabeth
Friday, March 7, 2008
Just the idea of blogging is so cool
Today, in the quiet of my home (well not quite, Veggie Tales in the back round) I sit here and ponder the world of blogging. I have now been part of it for a little over a month. Now I have blogged on myspace for over a year. And myspace is something that those you choose can read. Most of which are people who know me, my family and a few I have met through myspace. So here I sit in a new world of blogging.
I know personally two of the fine ladies on my blog. http://belovedmama.blogspot.com/ and http://theleakingwindow.blogspot.com/ Take a moment and look at the creativity and inspirational words these women have to share. Leaking Window has an amazing study on friendships which has me pondering many things in my own life concerning friendships.
What I have realized is how blessed I am to get a glimpse into the hearts of so many people. Ladies who live everyday kind of lives and can share how God is working in their hearts. I can respond or ask more questions and come away more blessed, than had I not read that particular blog. It is truly amazing.
Have you ever been in a Bible study at church with lots of woman. Some who you look across the room and think, now that is a person I want to get to know. There is just something about them. And then the study is over, you run to get your kids and the thought of any kind of lengthy conversation is gone. I feel with blogging I get the chance to really read the heart of a person. There is a time each day when my children are napping or having a quiet time. Believe it or not there are young boys in this house right now all quiet. I never spend that time to dishes, laundry, housework. I kind of clean as I go and so sitting is easier. I have some time with God, reading and praying and now I have added time to read blogs. And I truly find my heart skipping beats as I read about this or that.
Today I read about a woman who is de-cluttering her house and is having a garage sale. She said she could not have done it without the help of important friends who seem to less attached to her stuff, making it easier to get rid of someone else’s things.. Now, this one is not really deep or spiritual, but it made me laugh at all the stuff I have purged over the past two years. I could not even host a garage sale. I just had to put things in a bag and give it away. There is something about putting a $5.00 ticket on something that I view as priceless.
All to say that I am so inspired and blessed by all of you who blog. I look forward to my daily review of your blogs and hope that you gain some sort of profound insights from mine. You know like dipping powdered donuts into one small cup of milk with three boys is grounds for… powdered noses looking up at you like you are the coolest mom in the world. Blessings elizabeth
I know personally two of the fine ladies on my blog. http://belovedmama.blogspot.com/ and http://theleakingwindow.blogspot.com/ Take a moment and look at the creativity and inspirational words these women have to share. Leaking Window has an amazing study on friendships which has me pondering many things in my own life concerning friendships.
What I have realized is how blessed I am to get a glimpse into the hearts of so many people. Ladies who live everyday kind of lives and can share how God is working in their hearts. I can respond or ask more questions and come away more blessed, than had I not read that particular blog. It is truly amazing.
Have you ever been in a Bible study at church with lots of woman. Some who you look across the room and think, now that is a person I want to get to know. There is just something about them. And then the study is over, you run to get your kids and the thought of any kind of lengthy conversation is gone. I feel with blogging I get the chance to really read the heart of a person. There is a time each day when my children are napping or having a quiet time. Believe it or not there are young boys in this house right now all quiet. I never spend that time to dishes, laundry, housework. I kind of clean as I go and so sitting is easier. I have some time with God, reading and praying and now I have added time to read blogs. And I truly find my heart skipping beats as I read about this or that.
Today I read about a woman who is de-cluttering her house and is having a garage sale. She said she could not have done it without the help of important friends who seem to less attached to her stuff, making it easier to get rid of someone else’s things.. Now, this one is not really deep or spiritual, but it made me laugh at all the stuff I have purged over the past two years. I could not even host a garage sale. I just had to put things in a bag and give it away. There is something about putting a $5.00 ticket on something that I view as priceless.
All to say that I am so inspired and blessed by all of you who blog. I look forward to my daily review of your blogs and hope that you gain some sort of profound insights from mine. You know like dipping powdered donuts into one small cup of milk with three boys is grounds for… powdered noses looking up at you like you are the coolest mom in the world. Blessings elizabeth
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
boring, boring, boring....
I lack any kind of patience to make my blogsight appealing. I hope that the words that jump off the screen will distract any reader from the fact that my sight is boring, boring, boring!!!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
What if the Miracle never comes ?
On Beloved Mama's blog she posed this question. I first ventured to respond to her, but then realized I had much more to say than would fit in a tiny box. Here are my thoughts....
His way, and Hi
His way, and Hi
C, great topic and question. Why? Why are some prayers answered and other hang out in limbo forever? I have not the answer to the why? However for me, it's truly getting God really IS in control.
I have hurts and prayers that have gone unanswered. But those hurts turn into a greater understanding of how it's always going to be God's plan, God's way, and ultimately God's will. I can rest and have peace. In Psalms 27:14 it says "wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord. ( and God would desine me as one with little patience, just my luck)
I have learned over the years that one thing remains true God does come through, and sometimes it takes many years later to bring that into a complete understanding. One prayer was never answered in my life. My first marriage being restored was the daily prayer and my husband divorced. OUCH!!!!
I look at the marriage I have now, the incredible moving impact that has had on my older two children and I would go through all that pain again, of my past, to see the lives of these two older kids. What the last five years have taught them. How could I have known, only God. I believe God uses our strength and courage to bring someone else along in thier life as part of a greater plan we no nothing about. So I try to be strong in the Lord and have courage with each passing day.
The other thing that speaks to me daily is God's word. When I struggle with not seeing the prayers being answered I am always amazed how God speaks to me. I have significant unresolve with my parents. This has pained my heart for years for there seems to be nothing I could do to find favor in them. I ached in my heart over this prayer going unanswered. One day I woke up and said to Jesus..."why oh why does this continue? It's my turn Jesus, where is my miracle?" I went on with my quiet time and this is the verse that happen to be in the same chapter of the verse listed above. Psalms 27:10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up". Is that my miracle? I believe it is God's way of reminding me that he has taken up my pain, my hurts and I can rest in His arms. To this day I truly have peace, love, grace and understanding of my parents. God also provided that same week of having read that Proverb for the first time an 84 year old woman. Who is now 89 years old and carries on as if she were my mother. But wait, my prayer for healing with my parents, where is that miracle? I say to myself...."honey God gave you the things you would need for right now". I accept and I get that it will always be God's plan, God's way, and His will.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Monday Miracle
Miracle Monday
My third child Ethan was diagnosed as being bilaterally profoundly deaf. This basically means he is deaf as a nail. At around three years old it pained my heart to know that sign language would be his only means to communicate. He was angry, frustrated, and for a deaf child used his vocals to no end. Statistics showed that deaf children begin high school as least three grades behind and that deaf adults live below the poverty line.
It was very hard with a large family to get into sign language classes and even more frustrating in that language was happening every waking hour, not just an hour a week in a class. I started praying for a miracle. I mean really the hand of Jesus could make the blind see, the lame walk, why not a three year old hear. I prayed and knew that it would really take a miracle.
The next week I had a meeting in LA for my small consulting business. I had my flight scheduled the last flight out of town, so I could have an afternoon of shopping in Beverley Hills. I finished my am meeting around 11:30am. It was now some time for mommy, without kids, shopping, a quiet long lunch, and then more shopping. The woman I had met with invited me to lunch. I paused when she asked as this was going to cut into my time. I accepted her invitation, but truly did not want to be there.
We chit chatted about this and that and some of the business aspects of what our jobs require. She asked me about my four children (Emerson was not born at this time). I shared my braggy moments about each one and then shared about Ethan. I told her that I still cry about Ethan. How my heart is full of not knowing what to do when he is so brilliant and locked up inside his deafness. She picked up a cell phone and dialed a number; literally, while I am sharing my heart. She then handed me her cell phone and said talk to this person. I looked at her with this puzzled look and said who is this….she gave me his name and then said her husband was one of the founder for the Hearing Institute in LA.
I told the gentleman I was sitting with someone he knew. He had this beautiful South African accent. One I was familiar with as we had a South African exchange student when I was in high school. He was impressed that I recognized his accent and it turns out he was great friends some 25 years later with the gal who stayed in our home.
I shared with him about Ethan. How Ethan had been misdiagnosed 5 times and was already behind in so many ways. He told me specifically who to contact in Oregon. Eight weeks later Ethan was implanted with a Cochlear Implant. Almost three years later. Ethan is a happy hearing (through a technological modern day miracle) boy. He is in a private school and functions above average among his hearing peers. He is non stop chatter and he loves that he can hear. When his devices are taken off, he is still very deaf, but God not only answered our prayers beyond measure he gave Ethan a gift to be part of the hearing world. Thanks God!!!
My third child Ethan was diagnosed as being bilaterally profoundly deaf. This basically means he is deaf as a nail. At around three years old it pained my heart to know that sign language would be his only means to communicate. He was angry, frustrated, and for a deaf child used his vocals to no end. Statistics showed that deaf children begin high school as least three grades behind and that deaf adults live below the poverty line.
It was very hard with a large family to get into sign language classes and even more frustrating in that language was happening every waking hour, not just an hour a week in a class. I started praying for a miracle. I mean really the hand of Jesus could make the blind see, the lame walk, why not a three year old hear. I prayed and knew that it would really take a miracle.
The next week I had a meeting in LA for my small consulting business. I had my flight scheduled the last flight out of town, so I could have an afternoon of shopping in Beverley Hills. I finished my am meeting around 11:30am. It was now some time for mommy, without kids, shopping, a quiet long lunch, and then more shopping. The woman I had met with invited me to lunch. I paused when she asked as this was going to cut into my time. I accepted her invitation, but truly did not want to be there.
We chit chatted about this and that and some of the business aspects of what our jobs require. She asked me about my four children (Emerson was not born at this time). I shared my braggy moments about each one and then shared about Ethan. I told her that I still cry about Ethan. How my heart is full of not knowing what to do when he is so brilliant and locked up inside his deafness. She picked up a cell phone and dialed a number; literally, while I am sharing my heart. She then handed me her cell phone and said talk to this person. I looked at her with this puzzled look and said who is this….she gave me his name and then said her husband was one of the founder for the Hearing Institute in LA.
I told the gentleman I was sitting with someone he knew. He had this beautiful South African accent. One I was familiar with as we had a South African exchange student when I was in high school. He was impressed that I recognized his accent and it turns out he was great friends some 25 years later with the gal who stayed in our home.
I shared with him about Ethan. How Ethan had been misdiagnosed 5 times and was already behind in so many ways. He told me specifically who to contact in Oregon. Eight weeks later Ethan was implanted with a Cochlear Implant. Almost three years later. Ethan is a happy hearing (through a technological modern day miracle) boy. He is in a private school and functions above average among his hearing peers. He is non stop chatter and he loves that he can hear. When his devices are taken off, he is still very deaf, but God not only answered our prayers beyond measure he gave Ethan a gift to be part of the hearing world. Thanks God!!!
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