Category: friends and loved ones

life with my loved ones

friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

a bit of monkey business, as usual

melodyannday2 Comments

Sometimes there is just no way around it.  Today was one of those days, thankfully.  We had friends over who knew it too…  So, this was a good day for a lot of excellent monkey business.  I am thankful for days when God’s provision and goodness comes to my home in the form of friendship.  And He seems to know just when I need it.

When I found out our friends were coming over I decided to practice something new on them.  It’s important to know that when these dear people come to our house, or we go to theirs, it is not unusual to experience fun and laughter and food, not necessarily in that order; and if they come to my home, there is usually (always) dessert. This is not shocking, I know.

Well,  monkey business, should always involve cake.  I just made my mind up about this today.  In this case, it is especially true because the new recipe I made was a banana cake, with brown butter frosting that was absolutely divine, possibly Heaven sent.  And I will share it with you, because you need monkey business at your house, too.  I’m sure of it.

(I feel confident my friend, Reina will be absolutely thrilled I am sharing this photo with all of you…  )

Here is the recipe, so you can get on with some monkey business of your own!

Monkey Squares:
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 ¾ cups (3 or 4) ripe bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts

 Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour 10×15 jelly roll pan. Beat first four ingredients until creamy. Blend in bananas and vanilla one minute. Add dry ingredients and blend one minute. Stir in nuts and spread in pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool and frost with Browned Butter Frosting (recipe below).
Browned Butter Frosting

½ cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
about 3 tablespoons milk or half and half

Heat butter in saucepan over medium heat past the melting point until it boiling, and a delicate brown. Remove from the heat and immediately add the remaining ingredients. This should be thicker than a glaze and thinner than frosting. Using a spatula smooth over the top of the Monkey Squares immediately. The frosting will be easier to spread once it’s on the warm bread.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Thank you Heavenly Father for precious friends and delicious Monkey cake!
friends and loved ones

You are the Most Beautiful, Wonderful You!

melodyanndayLeave a comment

Here at the end of fourth grade, everything is topsy -turvy for my sweet girl.  Emotions to the scale of roller coasters, life seems quite uncertain.  And still, my daughter, is one of the lights of my life.  A gift from the Heavenly Father, to be sure.  I have found in recent days that I need to tell her a lot :  She is loved.  And not just by me, but by a Heavenly Father who’s love is bigger than the ocean, more sure than the sunrise and more refreshing than a spring rain.

Late afternoon today, after her end of the year school program, where I watched her – so grown up, such a young lady now, I realized I can tell her even more than I have.  I don’t want her to simply know in her head about love.  I want her to be completely absorbed in His love. Not just so that she can be confident in herself, but so that she can confidently love others.

So, I find myself trying to fashion earthly words, to help her know just how much I love her, we love her. How I want her to know!  And I hope that this love captures her heart in such away that she is completely arrested by the love of her Heavenly Father.

Well I wrote tonight, but in a very unusual way.  Please forgive me: this post is a poem.

For Emily (and every other dear sister who needs to know or needs to be reminded)

You are the Most Beautiful, Wonderful You…

My daughter’s dark eyes, a velvety brown,
Stare right thru mine, her lips in a frown.
She asks me if I know what to believe,
About who she is, and how she’s perceived.
I answer from my heart, because I’ve learned the truth,
“You are the most beautiful, wonderful you.”

The apple it seems doesn’t fall far from the tree,
Not long ago I worried the same things about me.
Sleepless nights, piles of fretting, and unruly thoughts,
My young girl’s head filled with cares, real answers I sought.
But my mom whispered heart felt words that were true,
“You are the most beautiful, wonderful you.”

Long after, when a young woman I’d become,
I longed for affection, in spite of all that I’d done.
My heart needed Love from the Heavenly Father,
His Spirit moved in close and said, “Oh yes, my daughter,
You’re my design, and I created a masterpiece in my view.
You are the most beautiful, wonderful you.”

Dear loved ones, whether you’re someone’s daughter or mother,
Don’t underestimate these thoughts from our Heavenly Father.
Please pass on these good words, if you’ve heard them before.
I’m sure there is someone who doesn’t know she’s adored.
Tell her from your heart, because you know it’s the truth,
“You are the most beautiful, wonderful you.”

friends and loved ones

the paradox of motherhood

melodyannday2 Comments

Over the past couple of months, my womanhood as a mother has been tested.    I’ve read articles on blogs and websites about seizing each moment with my children.  Or conversely on not being so worried about each moment. And I’ve been told in the news media that there is a war on mothers- and no one knows how hard this life is that I’m living.  But, on the other hand my opinion isn’t important because I’m not really working at all…

The whole thing has been stressful to my M.O.

I operate in a very high pressure, low-key kind of way, but, only on my terms.  And I don’t like it when my thought processes and my life patterns are disturbed.  In this case, in spite of all the learning from those helpful blogs and articles,  that means the following: I struggle to embrace dirty floors because I feel I haven’t done much if I’ve only swept up crumbs twice in a day.  I may not want to ramp up for a rowdy play time with my children acting like monsters since I’m the mother who truly enjoys quiet time and space and everyone in their own rooms playing peacefully.

In an attempt to live appropriately, I’ve tried to embrace and work through all of the intricate thoughts presented to me and it has resulted in shut down.  And by shut down I mean questioning my every move and motive to the point of being huddled in my white leather chair, housework undone, children running wild after eating only Cheetos for lunch, unable to figure anything out.  at all.

Today desperate times called for desperate measures.  I began to fervently pray and ask the Heavenly Father what to think about the paradox that seemed to be the focal point of my confusion:  How am I supposed to embrace the “every day, each moment”  ideal and hold onto all of life so tightly in my heart, when I also know I must hold it all loosely, because “they’ll be grown before you know it!”?

Hold on tight.  Prepare to let go.

It is so hard for me to comprehend because I don’t have peace when I try to ingest both thought processes in a worldly context.  The pressure for success as a mom is great, almost unbearable.  But today, when my heart was so heavy that I was immobilized, I realized something really important – and with it came a change of mind and renewed thinking that was a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Here it is:  I can look at this paradox thru an earthly lens – And while that lens is in place, “making the most of every moment” and “letting go” are both incredibly stressful.  Every moment counts, because the timeline is paramount, each hour and minute tremendous. After all, there may not be anything else in the great beyond.  That’s a possible world view.  And in some ways it is true…  how we live and what we do with our day to day lives is important to our Heavenly Father.  But, as a believer, if I am moving and breathing (hopefully not hyperventilating) by the power of the Holy Spirit, doing my best to follow His will, maybe this earthly countdown of “here and now” isn’t quite so important…

If I look at the paradox thru an eternal lens – all of a sudden, I’m not looking at a paradox at all.  I’m seeing a minute part of His plan for redemption.  I don’t have to feel the angst of “carpe diem” or the pain of letting my babies grow up.  With eternity in mind, and His redemptive plan deeply rooted in my heart, there is a thought that stands out:  what I can do in this life makes a difference.  But, what He did and continues to do on this earth means a whole lot more.  Remembering what He did on the cross and His victory over death also reminds me that earthly time-keeping will one day be torn apart in eternity.  Allowing my children to grow up and leave home is only a tiny spec in my future history.  And there is coming a day where all will be made perfect, and this earth will be made completely new.

There is no dichotomy because I will spend eternity with my family and loved ones, perfectly worshipping God Almighty.

Does it seem simple minded to think of it this way?  I suppose.  But my heart has been moved to a new safe place of peace and freedom inside this knowledge : I can linger in the middle of every moment, and still prepare  my children for adulthood because ultimately there is no ending. This is only the beginning.

And praise the Lord for this new insight.  I really needed to get some housework done and spend time with my children.

*******************************

My beautiful children, treasured gifts from the Lord.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · home schooling

a toccatina life

melodyanndayLeave a comment

My history is riddled with piano performances and recital pieces that were played by the seat of my pants.  No, really its true. As a child  I loved to be at the piano.  I played and played and played.  I’m sure my family would vouch for me on that count.  But, that was just what it was.  playing.

I loved to play, but I did not always choose to practice the way I was instructed.  My teachers would tell me, “Practice this portion slowly, and repetitively and you’ll get it.  Your performance will be stellar, if you do what I suggest.”  That’s what they would say, or something similar.   But, my ears couldn’t hear most of the time.  I loved to play, but I had a ‘wild hare’ about me.  I liked to play fast.

And so, I played pieces, often, just on the edge of disaster.  almost under control.  almost.

By the time I finished my senior recital in college, I had sort of learned the principle.  And, even then one of my pieces could have been better, if I had put into practice what my instructors had been telling me my whole life.

My daughter is now the one on the bench, having piano lessons with a wonderful teacher, and getting unsolicited advice from me on the side.  She’s preparing for a piano competition this coming Saturday.  And there’s one piece, Toccatina, that requires a very quick pace.  Oh how she loves to fly over the keys.  But, there are hitches. When I mention practicing slowly, she plays even faster.

Now, I’ve been there and I know what her outcome might be.  I wish she would practice more carefully.  But, she can’t hear me.  Regrettably, she is taking after her mama.

Turns out the piano bench, wasn’t the only part of life where I was living fast-paced, ignoring instruction.  Often I find myself in situations, charging down paths unknown, earplugs inserted, rather than hearing. If only I wasn’t so hard headed, and in such a hurry to do things my way, then it wouldn’t be so difficult!  Even today, I’m making a u-turn, realizing maybe I should have listened…  Oh, Lord, please help me!

There is a softer, kinder cure for inexperience : It is listening to wisdom.

Here is what Proverbs 2:1-9 says.  Words that are true for ALL of life:

My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

This is such good news for my heart.  All wisdom, for every part of life, comes from God and He gives willingly, even liberally! Sometimes it comes from the mouths of people who have already heard His voice, and have helpful knowledge to offer.  Sometimes it is prophetic, straight from His word.    But, I have to seek it and acknowledge it with my whole heart and put it into action.   Then maybe my daughter would have a good example to follow…  for practicing the Toccatina and for living her life.

Heavenly Father, Help me to change.  I want to follow after you and your wisdom. Remove whatever is keeping me from hearing You and your instruction.  Let me apply your words to my heart first and let that bring new actions.  amen.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

lost in the holes

melodyannday2 Comments

There are large, two feet deep holes in my backyard.  Twelve of them, to be exact.  Soon there will be 12 concrete pillars, then wood posts attached and a foundation laid across those posts.  In the not too distant future a small workshop will sit on top of that foundation.

It is a dream that got all this dirt moving:  my husband’s dream to build guitars.  I feel sure he’s spent sleepless nights planning what his first guitar will look like, how he’ll construct it and what it will sound like.  I’m positive he thinks about it a lot.  But right now that seems so far away.

The guitar-making isn’t just a dream, it is a desire to follow. And believe me I’ve asked him probably no less than one hundred times, “Are you sure this is what He wants us to do?”  And He affirms, “Yes.  I need to get started.  The rest will work itself out in time.”

But me, I loose sight of that first guitar.  It gets lost in all those holes…

Really, I’m not good at being far-sighted.  I approach life with here and now vision, and that can be difficult sometimes.  Things don’t always work out that way.  God’s timing isn’t forced into particular instants.  In fact it is a lot different.  Often He asks me to begin digging the holes, when I don’t know what the end will be.

Seriously, the Bible is full of lives who moved in obedience without full disclosure, right?  Noah, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Isaac – the list really goes on. They all took the steps, one at a time, moving forward in what God asked even when it sounded crazy.  And if I want to read some insane stories, any of their scenarios will fit the bill!   But, ultimately they followed, even when it seemed impossible, unreasonable and down-right nuts.

When I look out my kitchen window, to the back left corner of our property, I feel a little bit nutty.  Those holes threaten to open up and swallow me whole.  But, all I have to do is go back and read Hebrews 11 and realize I am in really good company.  This life of being a believer, a Christ follower, is a journey.  It is an every day choice of faith, moving according to His will the best that I can.

As I watch my husband in his back-breaking work, I can let myself be distressed over the future. Or I can submerge myself into the security that faith brings, knowing those  holes belong there.  They are a step of obedience.

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (from Hebrews 11)

Of course, obedience doesn’t mean I will see the results I think are appropriate. As I follow Him, I have a hope and assurance that He will take and use this humble life for His honor and glory.  Does that mean Michael’s guitar making will be famous?  No.  Will it be a lucrative hobby, at least?  I have absolutely no idea.   It just means that our Heavenly Father has a purpose beyond our earthly understanding – and in simple faithfulness, following Him, we get to be a tiny part of that purpose.

Heavenly Father, Let us be faithful to your calling.  Use us however You see fit, for your glory on this earth.  Keep us on Your path, following your plan step by step.  Help me to get lost in your will, not in the holes.  amen.

*********

Last night, as I lay in bed, I remembered a simple hymn we used to sing when I was young at our church in London.  We would sing it as people were baptized.  It is a choice to follow Him, wherever He leads.    I get just a bit teary as I sing this from my heart, renewing my promise to the Lord this morning .

Where He Leads Me I will Follow

I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
“Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.”

Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow;
I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

I’ll go with Him through the garden,
I’ll go with Him through the garden,
I’ll go with Him through the garden,
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.

He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
And go with me, with me all the way.

friends and loved ones · who knows?

I know, that I know, that I know….

melodyanndayLeave a comment

We looked out the front living room glass early on Easter Eve.  It was dark out, the sun wasn’t up yet…  and we stared.  There dangling right in our view, framed by our window, was the biggest, bright white moon  you have ever seen.  It was breathtaking and almost unbelievable.

I got myself ready in my Easter finery – then Emily, Isaac and Mackenzie.  We loaded up the van and headed out for our church, for an early morning rehearsal, before all of our services would begin.  And there – in the East, rising from behind a ridge, I caught a glimpse, and then a gaze at this big round hot Sun – fully ablaze.  It wasn’t just golden – It was fiery and burning.  I don’t think I have ever witnessed a sunrise of this magnitude.  ever.

I’ve been thinking it over, all day yesterday and this morning too.  I don’t know why the sun was so surprising…    While I’m confident there is a lot more science involved, wasn’t that moon just a signal?  a reminder that the sun was coming…

Well, at church yesterday morning I was reminded that this is clearly a reflection of life as a believer…  Everything around us reminds us of THE SON.  Our Pastor put it so clearly.  I am not a greek scholar, by any means, but what He said made it so obvious.  In the greek, there is a phrase that describes the resurrection account that really means, He didn’t just rise back then – He goes on rising, meaning : He lives now and forever.

The truth is that everything around us is shouting out that He lives and that the Son is coming again…   There is nothing more important in my life than those Words.  It is true.  He died a terrible death on the cross. He was buried in a grave.  Yes, it happened as payment for my sin.  BUT.  He rose from the dead and He is living now with total and permanent victory over death.

Yesterday, there was a song in our Easter Service that cemented these truths in place for me, one more time.  (Because I am human, I easily forget the joy of believing whole heartedly…)   And I thought I would share them here!

Hallelujah!  I Know My Redeemer Lives!

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide till evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives

The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I’m broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know, my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know My Redeemer  lives
To take away my shame
And He lives
Forever I’ll proclaim
That the payment for my sins
Was the precious life He gave
And now He’s alive and
There’s an empty
Grave!

friends and loved ones · green thumb envy...

new girl on the block…

melodyanndayLeave a comment

We planted her on Saturday.  A beautiful, slender, young flaming maple.  Our front yard was desperate for some shade and we thought she’d be perfect. So, we picked her out at the nursery and brought her home.  She’s tethered and staked right now; we’re hoping she’ll grow straight up towards heaven, tall and strong.  There’s already been storms to weather, but so far, she’s still standing. She reminds me of someone…

*************

She stood at the front door today, my 10 1/2 year old beauty, coming in from playing with the neighbor kids.  Lip quivering, eyes brimming.  She was the perfect girl for us all of those years ago when we brought her home, and she still is.  I couldn’t have asked the Heavenly Father for more.

But this afternoon, I almost didn’t recognize her.  She was different today…

Her heart belongs to Jesus, you know; The Word sewn deeply into the soil of her heart, truths holding her fast when the hard winds blow.  We’ve done what we know to do and we’re hoping she’ll shoot up straight and tall, a strong woman of God.

We sat down, my sweet girl, who seemed so mature, and I.  Girl, mostly young lady.  *sigh*   and she told me the story.  A story about a poor choice and the outcome.  tears rolling.  Oh, its nothing huge that will ruin her life, by all means.  But, a contrite heart before the Lord is never a small thing.  So, I held her hand,  as she revealed her broken heart to me.  We prayed and we talked and she expressed the joy of forgiveness.

And I wept with sweet relief.  Maybe we’ll make it through the storms after all.

There’s a new girl on the block – no, today a precious young woman.  My heart is just a bit heavy because her life here in our home is shooting by at the speed of lightening.  But, I’m thankful her heart is tethered to His.  And I’m grateful I get to watch her grow up mighty in her faith, tender in His hands.

friends and loved ones

rolling grace, perpetual mercy

melodyanndayLeave a comment

We sat together in her nursery, my friend and I did.  She showed me the new teeny tiny baby things that she has all ready for her baby, who is due any day.  My friend doesn’t know it, but she is glowing.  with anticipation.  with a lovely maternal aura.  She’s ready.

Well, as ready as she can be…

Who can be ready for the long nights without sleep?  Or a baby who spits up inordinate amounts?  Can one be prepared for the emotional responsibilities that grip the heart tightly like a vice?  How about the dirty diapers and mountains of laundry?  And this is just during the first week of motherhood…

Today when I was with her I considered warning her… but I decided against it…  She’ll know in good time.

And then I thought about offering her a bit of Scripture…  words that usually get me thru all of the disasters and mis-steps, the long winding roads and unexpected drama of motherhood.  But I thought better of it, because… well, because I struggled to believe them myself this week.

You know the words, the Scripture from Lamentations that remind us that His mercies are new every morning…   Every ounce of my being tried to take heart in those words each day last week.  As the sun came up, I told the Lord I was going to partake of His mercies.  And I did. He was faithful to supply.

But, the problem was with me last week…  Each day, as time wore on, I become weary in my calling.  And I did things like: I lost my temper, I threw my proper attitude out the window, I lost my temper again, I acted haughty and prideful, I lost my patience… you get the ugly, sinful picture, right?  And I abandoned all grace and mercy.  Instead, I went down the “I’m only human” route and by bedtime I was clinging to that same Scripture, hoping for a better start tomorrow.

This week, I realized something.  It was when I had just finished phonics with Isaac, was about to begin piano practice with Emily and was between one of Mackenzie’s “bappie withdrawal” episodes, all of which requires extra grace.  It was then I found myself tiptoe at the line- just even with my limit.

And I said, not really expecting an answer, “Why?  Why can’t I make it thru the whole day, limitless inside His grace?  ”  In my heart of hearts, I was giving up, making plans for a fresh tomorrow…

But, faithfully, He responded, “Because my mercies aren’t just for morning… they are for evening and mid-day- and every step of the way in between… You can have a fresh start whenever you need it, not just when the sun is coming up.”

It is true that morning is a great time to “begin again,” but because of His mercy, I don’t have to wait.  His grace rolls along side my every move, flexible and agile, just the way a mama needs to be – and He is able to weather every storm with me…   His mercy is perpetual, ongoing, always available.   I just have to take notice, and step into the flow.

Every letter of these words are true:

21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.                                                                                                                                                                22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.                                                                                          23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.                                                                                                                                                  24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”

That’s what I wanted to say to my friend who is about to give birth for the first time:  ” His faithfulness is so GREAT, it has no ending, but always a new beginning.  And in this new calling of motherhood His mercy is exactly what you need for every moment of every day!  There is more hope in Him. always more.

amen. and amen.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

that certain someone

melodyannday1 Comment

One of my favorite photos of Dad with my three kiddos on Christmas Eve.

I have a distinct memory from my childhood.  Its as clear in my mind as if it happened just last weekend.  I was probably 9 or 10, sitting in a church service in the pew next to my sister while my parents ministered on the platform.  That was not unusual for us, by any means.  Our family traveled many weekends, all over southern Ontario, singing at churches and dad would preach.  But its one of the songs from our ministry that has been playing like a broken record in my head.  over and over and over again.

It was my dad’s solo, that he often sang.  “Someone is Praying for You.” The words go something like this:

Have the clouds round you gathered in the midst of the storm
Is your ship tossed and battered are you wearied and worn
Don’t lose hope someone’s praying for you this very day
And peace be still is already on the waves

Someone is praying for you, someone is praying for you.
So when it seems you’re all alone, and your heart will break in two.
Remember someone is praying for you

Well, I remember whenever I heard this song, I’d gather up a list in my mind of just exactly who those certain “someones” might be…  All of my grandparents were godly folks,  they were on there.  My GG, she was definitely at the top.  It was a fairly short list.  But beyond that, I’ve never really made sense of the song.  I mean, really – how could I be sure if someone was praying when I needed it?  Emotionally the idea felt good for my heart as that young ten year old girl.  But, it didn’t seem reasonable in practice.

In an effort to be completely transparent, I’ll tell you that sometimes it still doesn’t seem that practical or realistic to me.

This week the song has gone round and round in my head.  I could hear my dad’s voice singing those words clear as a bell.  Was I supposed to be the one praying?  Who was I supposed to pray for?  What did they need?  I had no earthly idea.  And then this morning, on my way to church, it came to mind again and I knew.  I knew I needed to pray for my dad, so I did.  I didn’t even know what I was praying for.  But my Heavenly Father did.

I found out later this evening that my dad, after being ill for more than 24 hours, spent the afternoon in the Emergency Room.  I had no idea.  But clearly, the words of the song came to pass.  Its so interesting to me how the Holy Spirit moved on my dad’s behalf, just as he has promised in Scripture.

There is no doubt that we are to be a praying people, at all times, without ceasing.  That is the command.

pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

And when I proceed the way He intended, living a life filled with prayer, He hears and answers.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1Jn 5:14)

And when we don’t know what to pray for, or how to pray, we have the promise of an intercessor:

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

Turns out that certain “someone” is supposed to be me… And the even better news is, that in my humanity, if I’m completely unaware to His prompting, or if I’m unsure of what to pray for, there is a much better “someone” on every believer’s list of “who’s praying.”  It is the Holy Spirit himself, intervening on my behalf, communicating with the Heavenly Father when I  have no earthly idea what to say.  I’m especially thankful this was true today and I was able to be that ” certain someone” for my dad.

********************************

By the way, I believe dad is home resting and on the road to recovery after a rough bout with a nasty virus.  I’m sure he would be comforted to know you were his “someone” today…

friends and loved ones

model magic

melodyanndayLeave a comment

(a photo of my sweet boy, Isaac – just because he’s so cute!)

I bought model magic for the kids today. We spent the morning out doors in the scorching heat and needed an indoor afternoon activity. It seemed like a reasonable purchase at the time. We got a small package with just six colors.

My son was beside himself he was so excited to play with it; he opened it as soon as we got home. Shortly thereafter I received a call and stepped into the next room for a moment. When I came back, my son had already taken a big chunk of his three colors and rolled them into a large wad.

If you’ve ever used model magic you know that there is nothing to be done once its combined like that. He begged, he pleaded, for me to make a beach ball like what was on the back of the package, but it was too late. There was no alternate plan that would allow me to make the wildly sought beach ball for him. Later we were able to form his big ball into a microphone and sing into it. We formed it into several things we could really play with and have fun.

Over the course of the afternoon I’ve given it a lot of consideration. My life is just like this model magic. So many times, in my hurry, I’ve taken the clay of my life and molded it into sheer craziness. Then in the tragedy that I’ve made with my own hands, I rush to the Heavenly Father and beg him to fix it.  How often I expect him to repair my mistakes.  This realization caused me to spend time reviewing my own history and praying about it all…

After my time with Him dfI realized, the mishaps that I create are not beyond his ability for revitalization. In fact, He assured me that He already knew – every time I’ve made a mess- it was no surprise to Him. His plan for me acknowledges and enfolds every part of my history and future.

from Isaiah:

This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,

from jeremiah:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;

My life is not an unusable blob of mashed colors. No – he has promised to mold me and form me into exactly the creature that He has planned. Thank you Heavenly Father for knowing me, creating me and loving me in spite of my messes. and for redeeming my life into something you choose to use. I’m amazed.

If you’ll excuse me now, its my turn to sing into the microphone…

Phil. 1:6

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

md

(written originally on June 25, 2010)