tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246802102024-03-07T01:17:17.110-08:00This Life . . .Frantic thoughts of a mom striving for balance.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-87005282561481381432013-11-11T18:10:00.000-08:002013-11-11T18:10:33.735-08:00AdjustmentsLife is full of adjustments I suppose, but I wish that just for a little while, we could be without any necessary adjustments. Is it too much to ask that we would have some stability in our family life? After all, we've just moved 7 hours from "home." Nope! Not to be. So we continue to ride this bucking bronco called life and hope our children are not to damaged from the ride.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-53996461760661552012013-02-01T11:13:00.001-08:002013-02-01T11:13:05.434-08:00A New ChapterI am acutely aware today of the gift that prayer and spiritual discipline is in my life. Please don't construe that to mean that I am by any means consistent or good at it, but I have the skills and knowledge that challenge me to engage with God on a level of communication. Like everything in my life, my spiritual journey is marked by different seasons and different practices. The one thing I can always count on is my opportunity to pray. I am confident that I know how to do this one thing whether it feels amazing or not.
This week, I was trying to figure out how to share that gift with my students. Students who I am aware, face increasingly large challenges with incredible noise shouting unhelpful solutions at them. Prayer, a moment of quiet, would seem helpful. But the reality is most of us are afraid of quiet or lack of sound. We are so afraid that we actively try to fill any gaps with sound.
I am so afraid of the silence that I keep talking even when I'm praying. I think I'm afraid of hearing something I don't want to be held accountable for. So, this week as I was praying for worship in one of my classes, I recognized that my blood-pressure rising as I heard my students being distracted. "Practice what you preach," I heard my conscience say. I asked for patience and rested in the silence for a few seconds. I'm not sure what I expected to happen . . .but I was pleasantly surprised to recognize the wave of peace and confidence and LOVE that filled that silent space. Those gifts allowed me to continue teaching the class without animosity or frustration.
I am reminded that all the knowledge in the world cannot be a substitute for the experience of faith. It can challenge you to put it into practice, or be a tool in your back pocket waiting for an emergency, or a gift that grows as you put into "practice what you preach."Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-90792785969282932982011-07-14T19:51:00.000-07:002011-07-14T19:58:01.141-07:00Vacation Bible SchoolA new experience for us. VBS at a church that is not our own home church. It is not even our own family of churches. The kiddos are having a great time and learning much. I am reminded once again how important this week is in the spiritual lives of my children and the awesome opportunity for them to learn about God in a way that reaches their particular learning style.<br />We are so blessed!<br />Today they created felted soap. Think soap and washcloth in one! So totally cool.<br /><br />In other news, we took a trip to the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to see the campus and the Museum. It was awesome - a little bit of history, art, and nature. This included a movie about the Northern Lights that was just spectacular.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-61631504741465643672011-07-05T23:52:00.000-07:002011-07-05T23:57:19.103-07:00PioneersI suppose everybody's definition of pioneers may be different. Our experience today introduced us to pioneers of Alaska: Natives, sledders, and settlers. So awesome! We even got to tour a paddleboat and the highlight of the day was when Baby Boy got to "drive" the paddleboat.<br />The "low" was wanting to ride on the Gold Rush era steam train, but the mama didn't have cash, so we'll have to keep this on our list.<br />Still in awe of the playgrounds!Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-84173363098131108172011-07-05T01:00:00.000-07:002011-07-05T01:09:41.774-07:004th in AlaskaIt's the 4th in Alaska. Fireworks at midnight???<br />We've had fun including a traditional dinner despite the rain. I'm quite proud of myself for providing a meal for my family that included veggie hotdogs while not in my home town.<br />Other strange things I've noticed:<br />Odd combinations at restaurants - Chinese, Thai, and Sushi at one, Mexican, Italian, and Sushi at the other.<br />However, there are great things around here even besides the stunning scenery.<br />1. People are helpful.<br />2. Drivers are considerate.<br />3. Playgrounds are awesome! Even the indoor playgrounds.<br />4. The Salmon is sensational.<br />5. Are you ready - - - The shopping is great! While there is a major lack of shops, those that there are have incredible selection (at least in Fairbanks). The cool thing is the emphasis on being eco friendly and natural/organic.<br />Looking forward to exploring tomorrow.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-68880780149672346752011-07-03T19:56:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:01:36.951-07:00FairbanksNotes:<br />Even the tap water is cold!<br />When tourists more than double your wait in the grocery store, you must really work hard to remember they are a big part of the reason for your survival and not just a nuisance.<br />Everything may be bigger a better in Texas, but that's only because Alaskans aren't as vocal. Space has a different meaning around here.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-49455839346874708582011-06-29T11:30:00.001-07:002011-06-29T11:36:53.220-07:00The Giant Awakes!Ha ha! Not that anyone will check this, but I figure it will be a good record for us. We have arrived in the land of the midnight sun - at last! We started on Sunday, but returned to Grammy and Gramps after a day of waiting and not catching a flight. On Monday, we started again. After a few hours, I finally decided to take a chance. A quick flight to Boise, an overnight followed by half a day in the home of the Broncos and half a day in SEATAC and we arrived! <br />The benefit of arriving at midnight in Fairbanks is that you can see the scenery. Yes, it's weird, but fun. There is water and trees everywhere. It is gray - not my favorite color - but we will take a walk and go exploring while Matt and Mark do a couple quick runs.<br />Stay tuned for more. We'll at least have some adventures to share (like a full day of size 3 diapers on a size 5 and 6 kids :))Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-65288213227219237272009-12-07T12:50:00.000-08:002009-12-07T12:54:26.712-08:00It's raining . . .It's raining (read dreary) and a "freezing" 50 degrees outside. We're house-bound and have only the prospect of Homework Club on the horizon. My friend is thousands of miles away and it seems my other friends are busy, busy with their own lives. Not that I blame them, it's just lonely.<br />A week from today, my Aussie relatives arrive and then it will be whirlwind once more. We're excited and apprehensive. Have a happy grey Monday, all!Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-62583219433749730772009-08-31T22:35:00.000-07:002009-08-31T22:54:14.909-07:00I'm Back!!!After a long while, I'm back - at least for tonight :)<br />I have been busy, busy, which is really no excuse, but I'll use it anyway. It is an adventure every day. Friday is Baby Boy's birthday and I can barely believe that time has passed so quickly. <br />My Littlest One is already sitting like a pro and working hard on crawling. It is only a matter of time and everything will be different.<br />As we journey through this new stage of life our family is thankful for blessings. All of our lives are full.<br />No promises, but there may actually be updates soon.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-89554566360688231062009-07-14T14:42:00.000-07:002009-07-14T14:49:57.941-07:00Your Wish . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGGYoi1aKHyDEOohhvIW2k9whhVj_c2tuSZSxcKSAdpQXjsbg8lBSJilc0zFa7vnftfoIfkbQ1z6HnY4_536a2Oz9cTaQFLMi5fA6WIk6_Fb7cgTQXmzlkv2-Em1YBIDaQViLUw/s1600-h/Photo+34.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGGYoi1aKHyDEOohhvIW2k9whhVj_c2tuSZSxcKSAdpQXjsbg8lBSJilc0zFa7vnftfoIfkbQ1z6HnY4_536a2Oz9cTaQFLMi5fA6WIk6_Fb7cgTQXmzlkv2-Em1YBIDaQViLUw/s200/Photo+34.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358436276258855762" /></a><br />Day 2 of VBS.<br />I'm waiting to fix the database - just as soon as the info is entered.<br />So, here's my update - for your amusement.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-92171251430201674402009-03-21T22:31:00.000-07:002009-03-21T22:34:24.736-07:00A Good SabbathSpent quality time with Bubby and had supper at Mona Lisa! Wonderful toasted Caprese sandwich capped off an inspiring day or learning at the How 2 Conference! I am extremely grateful that God provides rejuvenation for us exactly when we need them. Had a great time learning with friends - but I'm not sure this is really what falls into the {MATERNITY LEAVE} definition.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-9270418370920626622009-03-07T18:08:00.000-08:002009-03-07T18:48:20.209-08:00Other Pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOu9UbsU6V4ypxID7apKQV8igVeFZwT3-aiHpiFaq3MYt-0C2UxSXrHZWvU9B6hwxqP7ZpDv191Y6VSekbnI5w_-T_AXZs-QNtgSKdkL6RhN7UZAiva8Uv8dRWvPgc_BX_6ylpg/s1600-h/DSCN2762.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOu9UbsU6V4ypxID7apKQV8igVeFZwT3-aiHpiFaq3MYt-0C2UxSXrHZWvU9B6hwxqP7ZpDv191Y6VSekbnI5w_-T_AXZs-QNtgSKdkL6RhN7UZAiva8Uv8dRWvPgc_BX_6ylpg/s200/DSCN2762.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310643264440216706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNx6CGD6qLNV6FvNEYHwMd4ipT_QVKNuGLd5fXIYlwY4BuSoPS3r9UhiPoNsL0YbZ2NqR9pTokl6pBA6Xy0AUE9jwzMMiD_ZF9_ZvogOcO2vUKWKDxiroQ19uFCKJp4-DeESQcA/s1600-h/DSCN2767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNx6CGD6qLNV6FvNEYHwMd4ipT_QVKNuGLd5fXIYlwY4BuSoPS3r9UhiPoNsL0YbZ2NqR9pTokl6pBA6Xy0AUE9jwzMMiD_ZF9_ZvogOcO2vUKWKDxiroQ19uFCKJp4-DeESQcA/s200/DSCN2767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310641862118966818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFfs7T9HUrEnv6BipDhsi5QmTOfa_fU6GIVmBGKwf6FPZcW2sBEolIZ2PKONNeIsBkVtKS1h1OjGUqsJI3a8Ie-o0gJlbHH-FChQSEKBaIjAOzEiskYnGuwHnJ5mB2trVdtzrQA/s1600-h/DSCN2746.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFfs7T9HUrEnv6BipDhsi5QmTOfa_fU6GIVmBGKwf6FPZcW2sBEolIZ2PKONNeIsBkVtKS1h1OjGUqsJI3a8Ie-o0gJlbHH-FChQSEKBaIjAOzEiskYnGuwHnJ5mB2trVdtzrQA/s200/DSCN2746.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310641020910973970" /></a>Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-30757111488825037692009-03-07T18:00:00.000-08:002009-03-07T18:08:43.468-08:00A Great Day!Today is what I would call a great day. I went to church today for a special event although I am on maternity leave. Today, we celebrated the goodness of God to our church in bringing us a phenomenal new Senior Pastor! Elder Chris Oberg preached her first sermon in our church today and was welcomed to our church in real style. The music was great, the ministries each presented a symbolic gift, and the church and conference joined together to dedicate Pastor Chris and her congregation to ministry in this community. It was an awesome day! My personal favorite was the children's choir singing, "He is Good." Kiddo got to sing in the choir and loved every moment. The feeling in the church was electric from the moment the service began. There was hardly room to sit and people were looking for any excuse possible to clap or celebrate. It was truly amazing. God is so good to take care of us in such clear ways.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-46507951686476496612009-03-04T23:39:00.000-08:002009-03-04T23:42:10.483-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWZLOvyILruYPf0jkLoBcOILBEBFsNWbXUJ4oGzeIf9E5Zua_q3UAOkCA9Nv8RdBGjFFU-0kOyIgdTyp__ToJkvvmR8Zc7aGERl9vt8Wg9JzHaGnicSFBHTM0QtyUM5TCrveaYA/s1600-h/Photo+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWZLOvyILruYPf0jkLoBcOILBEBFsNWbXUJ4oGzeIf9E5Zua_q3UAOkCA9Nv8RdBGjFFU-0kOyIgdTyp__ToJkvvmR8Zc7aGERl9vt8Wg9JzHaGnicSFBHTM0QtyUM5TCrveaYA/s200/Photo+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309605619563895410" />All except Baby Boy</a>Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-55881112392763380112009-03-03T23:18:00.000-08:002009-03-03T23:27:32.026-08:00Yay!So, we've been having a good day around here. My mother in law has been here loving on the kids and playing with them. Hubby worked in the yard and I didn't have too much pain. The kids have been great and Baby Boy has been super funny.<br />With a little more time and some more loving from my family, I might actually be ok, I think. Things have gone so well, in fact, that I've even had time for Facebook and some blog reading.<br />I learned tonight that my dear friend, Ilana, is pregnant! Yay! More babies! All the best, Morne and Ilana. We'll be praying for an uneventful but pleasant pregnancy.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-61294929085067924402009-03-01T20:51:00.000-08:002009-03-01T20:58:04.290-08:00Tooth count 2009So far in 2009,<br />Kiddo has lost 2 teeth and there are grown-up teeth just growing up in their place. Very exciting!<br />Baby Boy (who has seemed to be teething FOREVER!) finally cut tooth number 7 sometime in the last 24 hours! Yay!<br />In other news, today was a good day!<br />I relaxed and didn't go to ABL although I was tempted. While hubby worked in the yard to prepare it for grass, the kids played. They got so muddy it was hilarious.<br />I am reminded again how blessed I am to have such beautiful, healthy kids and such an awesome hubby.<br />Thank you, God!Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-11364750147486152482009-02-24T16:57:00.000-08:002009-02-24T17:13:50.325-08:00She's Here!Sweet Amy Ann Grace, at least according to Kiddo is here. She's beautiful! and the people are doing well. I can't get a picture to post quite yet, but I'll try again tonight.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-4937297291086448122009-02-19T23:08:00.000-08:002009-02-19T23:14:11.946-08:00Only 4 days to go!Totally awesome to think that we only have 4 days to go - really - only 3. I'm finally excited to meet this little person who kicks all the ultrasound techs and already irritates her brother. I want to meet this sweet little person who will adore her older siblings and teach her daddy all over again what it means to have someone wrap you around their little finger.<br />Gramps asked Baby Boy yesterday if he wanted to come live at his house. Appropriately, he nodded and said, "yes." I thought his Gramps was going to die and go to heaven right there and then.<br />Sweet, sweet boy.<br />Both the kids got to spend quality time with dad today and seem to be better for it. I'm grateful for little unexpected blessings that benefit my kids so much. Thanks for loving daddies!Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-47766350083514920902009-02-05T20:53:00.000-08:002009-02-05T21:00:55.453-08:00By Popular, or not so popular demand . . .No, we have no name yet!<br />Names under consideration<br />Taryn<br />Sarah<br />Aimee<br />Annie<br />Kimberly<br />Tanya<br />Shenae<br />NSTs because our first ultrasound indicated a Choroid Plexis Cyst in the left ventricle of the brain. Don't google it, it's not a pleasant experience. It is one of the indicators of a chromosomal complication. The only way to confirm or rule this out is through an amnio. Since neither hubby nor I saw any possibility of terminating the pregnancy, we elected not to have the amnio. <br />So, my very conservative doctor (which is why I chose him) has mandated 2 NSTs a week to be safe. He says this will help him prevent a stillbirth.<br />So, I do as I'm told and pray for the best. At the last full ultrasound the perinatologist said there was no more cyst. We'll take that and have faith that all will be hunky dory. <br />In the mean time, I have left Baby Boy and Kiddo with Hubby while I go to Children's Pastor's Conference in San Diego! What a thrill on so many levels. However, I am a little heartsore that Kiddo lost two front teeth last night and I wasn't there to celebrate with her. My Kiddo is growing up so fast! <br />Praying you all have a marvelous end to your week!Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-23078300035253960472009-01-27T15:38:00.001-08:002009-01-27T15:49:53.209-08:00NST #1So, we went in for an NST today. "Should take no more than an hour," says the nurse. We arrived at 10:45am - we left at . . . <br />12:30.<br />Uh huh.<br />Sure, I believe the knowledgable nurse.<br />Seriously, I have one question. If you're not getting what you need, why do you leave me on the monitor, alone for 45 minutes first? Why not come in after 5 minutes and fix the jolly monitor?<br />Hubby keeps reminding me that a healthy baby is more important than time. I suppose I should listen, but such a blatant disregard for a person's time is annoying!<br />In other news Baby Boy's vocabulary is expanding rapidly.<br />Words he says clearly and consistently:<br />Cah - Car<br />this<br />juice<br />go<br />No<br />don't <br />Ba ba - Bubby<br />Emma<br />Mama<br />Daddy<br />Juice<br />Now if only he'd master "poopy."<br />He can even follow simple directions now! I told him to get his dummy the other day - and he did!<br />He loves to help - whether it's helping daddy in the garden, or mommy when she sets up tables and chairs at work, or gramps when he cleans the floors. He's even a pretty good supervisor.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-58673405928315789702009-01-26T00:27:00.000-08:002009-01-26T00:53:25.367-08:00ThanksThanks for the prayers and the continuing support! I appreciate it all. <br />Tonight was the first real night of ABL - we handed out uniforms and it went really well. It was tiring, but inspiring. And only about 9 of the kids didn't pick up their uniforms. I can't wait for opening day. With any luck the season will go the same way.<br />So, pictures:Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-47891890804269492222009-01-20T23:51:00.000-08:002009-01-20T23:56:55.447-08:00Doctors, visits, and maternity leave planning, oh my!Went to my doctor's appointment today. It's finally hit me that I'm in that stage where I have to see him more than once a month. Since I'm not allowed to take any children with me, this requires more planning. Arrggh.<br />Ok, I can do this. <br />I've been a star patient this week, I got my ultrasound done, did my 3 hour glucose test, and drank my water before I arrived! Yay me!<br />By the time I left - I have to have 2 NST tests every week for the next four weeks and meet with my doctor every week.<br />That, ladies and gents, is 3 appointments every week.<br />Arrggh!<br />In the mean time, I made a list of things that should and ought to be done before I go on maternity leave (not counting ABL which requires a list all it's own). Hee hee. My list is so long my blog doesn't even make it on the list. I know, you're not surprised. <br />I'm tired. Fell asleep in the waiting room, tired.<br />So, if you're in the mood for praying - - Please pray that I'll have more energy for the next four weeks.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-55643658453629912252008-12-30T11:30:00.000-08:002008-12-30T11:43:57.285-08:00Joy!Joy is watching my kids enjoy each other and their grandparents! Last night we had to have family worship like a "whole family." Now whether it was just an elaborate scheme to draw out bedtime or not remains to be determined. :)Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-34015245362304019002008-12-27T14:10:00.000-08:002008-12-27T14:34:24.646-08:00I worry . . .. . . about everything. Most of the time I am able to keep it in check and not obsess too much. My father might say I don't worry enough. And there are those who won't believe a word I just typed.<br />Since I've had children, I've made a conscious choice to try to worry less, assume the best, and attempt to live with a "glass half full" attitude. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. (Have I mentioned - I'm melancholy?)<br />I digress.<br />Lately, I've been worrying that my 'mini-me' will turn out exactly like me. This, in my opinion, would be horrible for her. I want my Kiddo to be better. Given that I am acutely aware that I am no longer the only significant influence in her life, I find myself continually assessing her behavior, language, and attitude. What is the result of lack of sleep or balance? What is becoming a bad habit? Did she pick that up from friends at school? Is that bad behavior becoming a habit? So many things to think about (yes, worry about) and try to train before I run out of time.<br />So, under Hubby's wise counsel, I have been trying to simply take a breath and enjoy who she is and what she needs without being the "witchy" reactive boss I can sometimes be.<br />This vacation has been great for that! The more time I spend observing her and actually recognizing her for who God created her to be, the more amazed I am. I have always enjoyed her and every stage she has grown through, but I must admit that I am particularly partial to this time in her life. She is becoming a sweet, compassionate, wise young lady. As she tries to assert her independence (sometimes inappropriately) I worry or get offended, but as I take a breath and see her, really see her, I find myself proud of who she is becoming.<br />I am not foolish enough to believe that who she is because of her genes or because of what we have done as parents. Rather, I know that everything plays into who God is creating her to be and what He wants her to do. It's really quite mind-blowing!<br />A few nights ago, Hubby and Kiddo watched some America's Funniest Home-videos after Baby Boy had gone to sleep and I was puttering around the house. It was cute to hear her laugh and share these special moments with her dad. At one point, I was summoned to see the little boy throwing a tantrum because he got clothes for Christmas. Wow~!<br />Sure enough, on Christmas morning, my children got clothes for Christmas. Clothes they need and their mommy really wants. A tremendous blessing from grandparents who truly desire the best for their grandkids. And, each of the kids will get more clothes when we have our New Year's Christmas with my family.<br />Kiddo opened her box and gasped . . . "clothes, I really wanted beautiful clothes for Christmas!" And my heart leaped for joy. It seems so simple really, to be able to appreciate a gift. We take it forgranted that our children know they are fortunate to have what they do. And then, a pure joy response to something that could be viewed as mundane and I realize that somewhere she has gotten the true meaning of Christmas, giving, and being grateful.<br />For sure, I have to worry less about my Kiddo being a well-adjusted, lover of God, when I see moments like this. Thanks be to God for my Christmas blessing this year - a glimpse of who He seems my child being.<br />Moral of the Story - the worrying about God-sized problems is best left to . . . God!Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24680210.post-16369997604962086592008-12-20T21:25:00.000-08:002008-12-20T21:34:02.079-08:00Week of the Whirlwind!So, my week, as I imagine yours was as well, was a whirlwind. I have no idea where the time went. I know I was busy all the time. <br />I preached today - about the angels and Jesus' birth. I agree with my mom that I should have had a Women's Chorus to sing "Glory to God in the Highest" at the appropriate time. Other than that, I think it turned out alright.<br />The service was the kind I like - a little bit of everything nice without a whole lot of wading or slogging through difficult/boring stuff. But the definite highlight of the whole morning was the Christmas Connection at the end of the service. People from the congregation poured onto the platform to pick up a name, address, and box of food to deliver to a needy family in our area. It was astonishing! I've been involved with this project in some capacity for the last 3 years and saw families participating for the first time this year that have never participated in the past. New people helped pack the boxes. Totally different people picked up boxes to take to families. Devo's idea of really involving the congregation was GOLD! <br />I was struck that this really is the way we get to experience real Christmas - when we reach out.<br />I've had the Veggietales song, "There must be more to Christmas" stuck in my head all week as I prepared my sermon. I chose not to include it as part of my sermon, but watching our congregation respond really showed that at least at LSUC, there is more to Christmas. It was really fabulous to be part of this community of faith.Janeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14885730343000057688noreply@blogger.com5