And this I (we) pray, that your (our) love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye (we) may approve things that are excellent; that (we) ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Phil 1:9-11
I have found myself sitting on the couch, day after day, since the end of December. I have had so many months of sitting here that I can hardly remember what it feels like to "live" my life. I have had much time to think and have found myself on a journey of figuring out how to focus on the things of God and work on eliminating the things that have proven to be distractions.
I am so happy to say that an end is in sight in regards to my sitting on the couch. I had foot surgery four weeks ago to remove my extra bone and the doctor says that I can now walk with my boot and crutches and that in two weeks I can walk in my boot without crutches and that two weeks after that he will probably cut me loose and I will be free to wear cute shoes again. Yippee!!! I was so nervous about the surgery. I had been told by three different doctors that this was the largest extra bone they had ever seen and that a large part of my tendon was attached to it. I did not enjoy the surgery and my body enjoyed it even less than my mind. I do not do drugs well and the nurse learned the hard way that I wasn't joking. I am happy to say that I am now in less pain than I was before the surgery and I am so hopeful that I will make a full recovery and that my tendon will simmer down and behave once again.
My children have been so strong during this LONG journey and I am so thankful to them for starting countless loads of laundry, cooking meals, pushing me around in my desk chair, cleaning up the floor so I don't break my neck and helping me in all the ways that keep our home running. They are awesome.
For several weeks leading up to my surgery, we had friends helping us to put in a new wood floor. Weekend and after weekend they showed up and after 7 weeks, we were able to complete the job. I was not able to help them once I went under the knife and they were gracious enough to get the main living area finished. They were back on the job the day after my surgery and kept at it until we could celebrate a job well done. I am so thankful for their sacrifice and am feeling so blessed. Every time I gimp across my floor, I am reminded of their love.
Week three into our recovery, my brother and sister-in-law came for a visit. They showed up squirting the kids with water guns from their car windows and the fun never stopped for five days...unless they were asleep. We had a wonderful and rainy week filled with games and movies and more games. My kids have the best aunt in the world and I am so thankful for the effort she makes to be a part of their lives. My kids will always have such sweet memories.
My mother will be here in two days and we are looking forward to her visit. It has been three years and that is far too long.
I am working on my love abounding more and more. This seems to be the kicker for my ability to approve the things that are excellent. God has provided me with opportunities for my heart to grow and swell and I am trying to embrace each opportunity. Especially when the opportunity is proving to challenge my ability to love. It can be a person or my own heart freezing from feeling too vulnerable. However, God has been gracious and so patient and loving with me and I have been blessed with love flowing into my life as well. There are days when I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming because love is overflowing in my life. God is the beginning, middle and end of my ability to love others and I am so thankful that He is pouring into me so that I can more freely pour into others. There are times when I am griping and complaining and my selfishness is getting ugly and He is quick to bring reminders to me of how blessed I am. I am learning to embrace His will and design for my life. I am learning to deny myself and to look towards the Lord with hopeful expectations. I am excited to feel myself in The Potter's Hands. I am full of anticipation as He reveals Himself to me. I am so thankful that I am washed clean by the blood of The Lamb and that I am a new creation in Him. The Lord has never been shy about growing me and I am so glad that I am not the same person I was 5, 10, 20 years ago when I began this journey with Him.
My heart is still weeping over the heartache in this world and I yearn for Jesus' return so that the pain will stop. Near and far, people are broken and bleeding and I am trying to not lean on my own understanding but to trust in the God of the universe. I am committing my heart to trusting in His plan for His children and to walk by faith and not by sight.
I have so much bouncing around in my head and heart and have yet to sort it all out enough to commit it to writing at this point. I am trusting that God will continue to reveal Himself to me one day at a time and that His will and love will reveal itself in my life more and more completely. I am bubbling over right now and am so thankful for the Lord's presence in my life. I pray you are able to feel His presence in your life as well and that you know and trust in His love. Be blessed and I will try and update sooner next time.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Enthusiasm For Life
"Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily."
St. Francis de Sales
I came upon this verse and found it quite encouraging, especially amidst all the craziness as the children and I strive to get our lives back on track. Our lives have been thrown off center over the past month as we have had so much extra activity.
We had a wonderful but brief trip to Colorado to celebrate my mother-in-laws 80th birthday. She was in heaven having her grandchildren with her for the celebration. We had adventurous journeys to and from Colorado though. We were only a little over 100 miles from our destination when the highway was closed due to high winds. It was midnight and we had to backtrack to the nearest town, which was quite small and full to the brim with stranded travelers. We finally found one of the last rooms available and tried to get some sleep. Our journey almost took 24 hours. On the way home, we encountered dangerous road conditions and both husband and I agreed that finding a hotel before an accident happened was the best idea. We found a super cheap and cute hotel and spent the evening swimming while the snow piled up around us. Brrr....it was cold too. We were able to resume our journey mid morning of the next day with sunshine beating down upon us. We were so glad to get home.
Two weeks later I had the honor of speaking at our state home school conference. It was my first time, but I really enjoyed myself. I loved being able to encourage the moms on their journey as home educators and am hoping the Lord provides another opportunity for me to speak again in the future.
With preparing for the trip, the trip and writing a speech, my house was beginning to crumble around me. My stress level was way too high and I was not much fun to be around, so today was a cleaning day. We broke out the rags, brooms and vacuum and worked our way through the house. I even straightened the book shelves. I love when the books are aligned and standing at attention. It seems to help reduce my stress as I gaze at their order. Of course, the kids think I am crazy, but I know that one day they will understand.
My children are at a place where they are not liking to help around the house without complaining and grumbling. They will do what I ask of them, but an attitude is usually attached to it and I find this to be most irritating and draining. I'm hoping to help to build their character in this area over the next couple of weeks. I might even help myself. I know that with God, learning to enjoy the tasks of our day is possible. I have a feeling that once we are back into our normal routine that this will be much more attainable for all of us.
I was quite nervous about speaking at the conference. I really am unsure about my two cents being worth much, but a good friend offered me the opportunity and I am so glad that I accepted it. I truly enjoyed being able to encourage the mothers to hang in there on this journey that God has called them too. To remind them that God will provide all that they need to see this journey to the end and not only survive...but thrive. It was also good for me learn from other moms and remember how exciting teaching my children can be. I have so much information to process and am looking forward to trying out some new ideas with my children.
I am so thankful for my little covey and truly enjoy seeing them grow each day. I pray that they grow closer to God and find themselves kneeling before His throne as they contemplate each day of their lives.
"Every man is at his best when he adds enthusiasm to...his undertakings."
John Wanamaker
St. Francis de Sales
I came upon this verse and found it quite encouraging, especially amidst all the craziness as the children and I strive to get our lives back on track. Our lives have been thrown off center over the past month as we have had so much extra activity.
We had a wonderful but brief trip to Colorado to celebrate my mother-in-laws 80th birthday. She was in heaven having her grandchildren with her for the celebration. We had adventurous journeys to and from Colorado though. We were only a little over 100 miles from our destination when the highway was closed due to high winds. It was midnight and we had to backtrack to the nearest town, which was quite small and full to the brim with stranded travelers. We finally found one of the last rooms available and tried to get some sleep. Our journey almost took 24 hours. On the way home, we encountered dangerous road conditions and both husband and I agreed that finding a hotel before an accident happened was the best idea. We found a super cheap and cute hotel and spent the evening swimming while the snow piled up around us. Brrr....it was cold too. We were able to resume our journey mid morning of the next day with sunshine beating down upon us. We were so glad to get home.
Two weeks later I had the honor of speaking at our state home school conference. It was my first time, but I really enjoyed myself. I loved being able to encourage the moms on their journey as home educators and am hoping the Lord provides another opportunity for me to speak again in the future.
With preparing for the trip, the trip and writing a speech, my house was beginning to crumble around me. My stress level was way too high and I was not much fun to be around, so today was a cleaning day. We broke out the rags, brooms and vacuum and worked our way through the house. I even straightened the book shelves. I love when the books are aligned and standing at attention. It seems to help reduce my stress as I gaze at their order. Of course, the kids think I am crazy, but I know that one day they will understand.
My children are at a place where they are not liking to help around the house without complaining and grumbling. They will do what I ask of them, but an attitude is usually attached to it and I find this to be most irritating and draining. I'm hoping to help to build their character in this area over the next couple of weeks. I might even help myself. I know that with God, learning to enjoy the tasks of our day is possible. I have a feeling that once we are back into our normal routine that this will be much more attainable for all of us.
I was quite nervous about speaking at the conference. I really am unsure about my two cents being worth much, but a good friend offered me the opportunity and I am so glad that I accepted it. I truly enjoyed being able to encourage the mothers to hang in there on this journey that God has called them too. To remind them that God will provide all that they need to see this journey to the end and not only survive...but thrive. It was also good for me learn from other moms and remember how exciting teaching my children can be. I have so much information to process and am looking forward to trying out some new ideas with my children.
I am so thankful for my little covey and truly enjoy seeing them grow each day. I pray that they grow closer to God and find themselves kneeling before His throne as they contemplate each day of their lives.
"Every man is at his best when he adds enthusiasm to...his undertakings."
John Wanamaker
Friday, February 3, 2012
Pink Toilets and Broken Bones
"Life is pain, princess; anyone who says differently is selling something."
The Princess Bride
I find myself yet again embarking on a post a month after my last one and amazed at how much can transpire in those 30 some odd days.
The Lord calls us to take up our cross daily and to follow after him and this is what I endeavor to do each day even though these past weeks have been filled with much pain and way too much couch time. Despite my being stuck on the couch, Jesus is faithful and continues to be present and to grow me.
After finding out in December that I broke my foot in July, I began the slow process of trying to encourage my body to heal. I have an assortment of crutches and braces and a mighty numb bum. For over a month I stayed off my feet and my bone would not heal. So, my doctor decided to do a last ditch procedure to try and keep me from having to have surgery. Using my blood, be created a blood clot around my injured bone and tendon, hoping to spark a healing response from my body. The procedure was not pain free and the first day left me very thankful for pain medication. Then, irony struck and I spent the second day overcoming an allergic reaction to the medication. At the same time, I was battling the flu. Crutches and the flu do not work well together. Thankfully, I had no foot pain by this point...unless I moved my foot the wrong way. I still have several weeks of recovery ahead of me, but I am beginning to let myself hope that the procedure worked. The doctor says my carefree barefoot days are over, but we are both hoping and I am praying that I will be able to walk normally again really soon without fear of pain or re-injury.
My dear husband decided to begin our bathroom remodel in a very interesting way. He woke me early on a Saturday morning several weeks ago to let me know that he had somehow managed to FLUSH our daughter's SEIZURE MEDICATION down the toilet. The bottle was small enough to be flushed, but too big to exit the toilet. No amount of reaching could retrieve the bottle and our only option was to remove the toilet in order to eliminate the clog...a mighty expensive clog. Thankfully, we had friends that came to our rescue and not only came to remove the toilet, but brought up a new one to replace our really old pink one. I am quite pleased to say that the clog has been removed and I love my new white toilet.
The children have been wonderful during this time of sitting, but all of us are looking forward to Mommy getting back into the swing of things. School is much slower and we tend to get bored of sitting in the house. Thankfully, the weather has been agreeable and they are able to play outside every day without freezing. I am bummed about the lack of snow, but there are several more weeks of winter left.
I have several projects waiting to be finished and am looking forward to finishing a quilt I am making for my mother-in-laws 80th birthday at the end of this month. I am giving my foot a few more days to heal before I tackle running the sewing machine. I had thought I would get all of my projects finished over this last month, but alas, my plans were far too lofty. However, I take comfort in knowing that I am making progress. Dear Hubby was wonderful this last weekend and we took advantage of a local fabric store having a great sale. I think I came home with 8 yards of fabric and paid less than 50% for it. It was an awesome deal and I look forward to coming up with ways to use the fabric in quilts.
When faced with the mundane of my days of sitting on the couch, I have had many hours to read and stumbled upon a quote from one of my favorite characters: Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables.
Mrs. Cadbury: Tell me what you know about yourself.
Anne: Well, it really isn't worth telling, Mrs. Cadbury...but if you let me tell you what I imagine about myself you'd find it a lot more interesting.
Oh, how I love Anne and her dreamy, whimsical, romantic ways. They call upon the child within me and I can't help but smile as I recall the innocence of youth and how I know Anne and I could have been bosom friends and would have had such grand times day dreaming. I hope my retelling of my life hasn't caused you to stifle a yawn. I'll keep working on more frequent and spicier posts.
Until next time, Be Blessed.
The Princess Bride
I find myself yet again embarking on a post a month after my last one and amazed at how much can transpire in those 30 some odd days.
The Lord calls us to take up our cross daily and to follow after him and this is what I endeavor to do each day even though these past weeks have been filled with much pain and way too much couch time. Despite my being stuck on the couch, Jesus is faithful and continues to be present and to grow me.
After finding out in December that I broke my foot in July, I began the slow process of trying to encourage my body to heal. I have an assortment of crutches and braces and a mighty numb bum. For over a month I stayed off my feet and my bone would not heal. So, my doctor decided to do a last ditch procedure to try and keep me from having to have surgery. Using my blood, be created a blood clot around my injured bone and tendon, hoping to spark a healing response from my body. The procedure was not pain free and the first day left me very thankful for pain medication. Then, irony struck and I spent the second day overcoming an allergic reaction to the medication. At the same time, I was battling the flu. Crutches and the flu do not work well together. Thankfully, I had no foot pain by this point...unless I moved my foot the wrong way. I still have several weeks of recovery ahead of me, but I am beginning to let myself hope that the procedure worked. The doctor says my carefree barefoot days are over, but we are both hoping and I am praying that I will be able to walk normally again really soon without fear of pain or re-injury.
My dear husband decided to begin our bathroom remodel in a very interesting way. He woke me early on a Saturday morning several weeks ago to let me know that he had somehow managed to FLUSH our daughter's SEIZURE MEDICATION down the toilet. The bottle was small enough to be flushed, but too big to exit the toilet. No amount of reaching could retrieve the bottle and our only option was to remove the toilet in order to eliminate the clog...a mighty expensive clog. Thankfully, we had friends that came to our rescue and not only came to remove the toilet, but brought up a new one to replace our really old pink one. I am quite pleased to say that the clog has been removed and I love my new white toilet.
The children have been wonderful during this time of sitting, but all of us are looking forward to Mommy getting back into the swing of things. School is much slower and we tend to get bored of sitting in the house. Thankfully, the weather has been agreeable and they are able to play outside every day without freezing. I am bummed about the lack of snow, but there are several more weeks of winter left.
I have several projects waiting to be finished and am looking forward to finishing a quilt I am making for my mother-in-laws 80th birthday at the end of this month. I am giving my foot a few more days to heal before I tackle running the sewing machine. I had thought I would get all of my projects finished over this last month, but alas, my plans were far too lofty. However, I take comfort in knowing that I am making progress. Dear Hubby was wonderful this last weekend and we took advantage of a local fabric store having a great sale. I think I came home with 8 yards of fabric and paid less than 50% for it. It was an awesome deal and I look forward to coming up with ways to use the fabric in quilts.
When faced with the mundane of my days of sitting on the couch, I have had many hours to read and stumbled upon a quote from one of my favorite characters: Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables.
Mrs. Cadbury: Tell me what you know about yourself.
Anne: Well, it really isn't worth telling, Mrs. Cadbury...but if you let me tell you what I imagine about myself you'd find it a lot more interesting.
Oh, how I love Anne and her dreamy, whimsical, romantic ways. They call upon the child within me and I can't help but smile as I recall the innocence of youth and how I know Anne and I could have been bosom friends and would have had such grand times day dreaming. I hope my retelling of my life hasn't caused you to stifle a yawn. I'll keep working on more frequent and spicier posts.
Until next time, Be Blessed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)