Category: friends and loved ones

life with my loved ones

friends and loved ones

the advent football

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There was a football in the middle of our advent study today.  You don’t have one in your Scripture passage?  Well, we had one in ours.

I’ve been attempting to stay on course and begin our day with reading our passage and thinking about Christ coming to earth.  We’re doing well so far – and I can say this truthfully because it is only day two.  In my mind its a beautiful plan, because I am free to romanticize everything there.

In reality it is complicated to pull off ; mostly because my children and I are humans with, I’ll just say it, sin natures.  We needed Jesus to come to earth.

Back to the football.

My son and daughter were trying to finish their breakfast, so that we could get on to our Advent plans.  They were pushing each others’ buttons and fighting over something.  But, I couldn’t figure out what…

As I cleared the breakfast table, the squabbling continued.  I could hear them wrestling in the living room, which is  unusual for them.  Well, I had it.  “EVERYONE IN THE DINING ROOM- IN YOUR CHAIRS – AT THE TABLE.  NOW!”   My patience had gone missing right about then and I was begging the Lord to help me find it.  I drew a deep breath.

My sweet, but disobedient children – were not at the table.  I corralled them into the dining room – and I began to read the story…  The reading from the Advent passage “For unto us a child is born.  Unto us a Son is given…”  And Isaac burst into tears… “She won’t give me my football” – I attempted to assure him that everything would be okay, patted his head and kept reading.

“SHE WON’T GIVE ME MY FOOTBALL!”  he wailed.  I stared at him.  And then at Emily.

Here is the short version of a very long and confusing saga – she had taken his little football change purse and wouldn’t return it, because he had taken her money and put it in his football change purse.

greed.  stealing.  anger.  It is all a part of the Advent story, right?

Once we made everything right, returned the purse to its rightful owner, apologies made, smiles on faces – I was able to continue with some of our Scripture reading.

“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.”

Without the good news foretold in Isaiah – “a light has dawned,”  we, here at the Day household would be stumbling around in the shadows : an impatient mother, with children fighting over a tiny football change purse – living a life of selfishness and sin.  See – there was a football, front and center in our Advent story…

But there is one who came.  Isaiah told of His coming prophetically in chapter 9…

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.”

Because of His coming, we can live with the hope of righteousness, paid for by a risen Savior.   Amen and Hallelujah!

I can’t wait to see what we find in our Advent readings tomorrow!

md

(originally written December 2, 2010)

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

pumpkin cake confusion…

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His resolution was firm.  “I do not want pumpkin pie! My tummy will not like it!”  This is what Isaac told me during our discussion regarding the Thanksgiving menu.  “Okay…. So, what do you and your tummy want?”  I asked him.  “Pumpkin cake.  I want pumpkin cake.” And he ran off down the hall before I could respond.

Well, being the confident mommy-baker that I am, I sat down at my computer to find a pumpkin flavored cake- type of dessert that would please my little boy and his tummy.  That wouldn’t be a problem and I always enjoy trying something new.  As I searched a few of my favorite “go-to” websites for baking, I heard Isaac talking with wild excitement to Emily.

“Emily!  Guess what?!?  Mommy is going to make the big chocolate cake shaped like a pumpkin with lots of orange frosting!”

um.  Houston… we have a problem…

I realized right then and there that what my son had requested and what I had agreed to were two very different things.  And now, I needed a completely different game plan.  I probably should have asked a few more questions about the cake he wanted.  What he was hoping for was a special cake my sister-in-law makes at Thanksgiving time and brings to our family dinner. Admittedly, he is always very excited to see that cake make its appearance.  The cake I am making for tomorrow is nothing like that cake. I don’t have the experience, time or equipment to make that cake.  But, my cake is chocolate.  And it will have orange frosting.

Working around my kitchen this afternoon, I was reminded of something.  again. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father who knows and understands me. I’m sure I’ve had these thoughts before, but it is important to rehearse, here at the beginning of Thanksgiving.  As a mom, I am not able to decipher every wish that my children have.  Sometimes I am not able to do what is best. And sometimes I make mistakes.  But God, my heavenly Father is a much better parent than I am.  He understands every request I make- even if I don’t use the right words – even if I don’t know how to ask-  and He blesses me again and again, beyond my wildest imaginations.

from Psalm 31:

19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,
Which You have laid up for those who fear You,
Which You have prepared for those who trust in You
In the presence of the sons of men!

No confusion here:  I am a blessed woman. The goodness and the lovingkindness He shows to me as His child is beyond amazing. My heart is grateful. What a beautiful way to begin this season of Thanksgiving!

Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving to everyone!

                             My favorite little ‘pumpkin cake’ boy!

friends and loved ones · who knows?

Sssssshhhhhhhh……

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***I’ve been a little under the weather, so I thought I’d post this today, just to let you know I’m still alive… fresh stuff tomorrow, but for today – something from the archives.***

 

My baby girl is down for her nap.  It was a bit of a rough morning.  She didn’t sleep well last night because she has a bit of a cold.  That means that with my every move today there was a little whimpering shadow behind me.  Bless her heart, she NEEDS this rest.  I need it.

It was hard work, but I finally managed to get her to sleep, in her crib and sneak away on tip toe down the hall.  I’m sure I’ve appeared a bit desperate and freakish to my other children.  If they even open their mouths, I shush them…  No talking…  please…  just be quiet….  PLEASE….  If I can help my sweet little one through a bit of precious quiet time, she will feel SOOOOOOO much better.  I just know it.

Last night, I learned the same lesson for myself.

My heart has been sick. Just a bit achy, I guess.  My emotional status has been unsteady at best and I’m worn out. See, I’m working through a few decisions that Michael and I need to make.  And, while they are small, and may seem insignificant to some, they are important to me.  And the whole situation leaves me completely undone.  Usually when this happens I take it to the Lord.  I really do.  In typical female style, I tell Him every tiny detail…  there is so much to say.

But last night when I finished, I did not feel better.  In fact, after all of my talking and praying and discussion – I was where I began.  And it hurt.  I thought back over the day.  Was there something to consider or take into account that I had left out?  And He gently said to me:

“SSSSHHhhhhhhhhhh.  Let’s just be quiet…”

And in a similar fashion to the way my own little baby fights sleep, I said, “But, I…..”

“No, my sweet girl,  let’s just be quiet together.  No more talking now.  I will take care of it.  You need to rest – If you let me handle it, you will feel so much better.  I promise.”  He spoke the words so sweetly, it wasn’t hard to succumb to His bidding.  His promise was soothing like a gentle massage for my soul.

Sometimes I get so busy, holding out – talking.  And I am a talker.  I have to learn, that often my resolution, my healing comes with peace and quiet.  And, in those times, I can hear His easy whisper, that brings the answer my heart needs.

But it requires silence.

Be still, and know that I am God (from Psalm 46)

I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who is with me, and is ready and willing to speak to my heart, just when I need it.  May I remember to quiet my own heart, so that I can hear him.   Then I will find the fresh peace he offers.

A song from our services yesterday, clearly spoke the word I needed – I was just too busy talking…

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak.

I should probably get going… I have plenty to get done before my little shadow wakes up from her nap…

(originally written October 18, 2010)

friends and loved ones · who knows?

could this be how forever feels?

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Last night my baby girl spotted a blue Honda Odyssey.  It was identical to my mom and dad’s.  “Nanny!  Papa! Over there!”  She shouted from inside the restaurant, pointing out the window, with a longing gaze.  She thought for sure my parents had come to Chattanooga.

After spending a week with them she wasn’t quite done ; she was missing them and I could tell.  Our time together had gone by so quickly, none of us were ready to go our separate ways.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

When I was young I used to think of eternity in these uncomfortable, laborious,  hard to quantify terms.  What would it be like?  I didn’t know, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out either.  Forever can have strange connotations, depending on how you’re considering it.

*  *  *  *  *   *   *  *  *

My folks live quite a distance away – and we don’t get to spend time with them regularly.  Holidays and a summer vacation are typically all that the geography allows.  When we do see them it is a happy occasion.  The time passes quickly and the days slip through my grasp  no matter how hard I try to hold on to the hours and minutes.   I get a lump in the pit of stomach when our time together draws to a close.

The older I get, and it is happening even today, the more I treasure time with my loved ones.  So, I’ve been wondering what forever will feel like.  Here on this earth we wait with longing for our Savior’s return, for His redeeming touch.  I can’t help but believe that when He does finally come, we will enjoy each moment in His presence to the fullest, longing for more and more.  No ending to dread.  No calendars or clocks to signal a conclusion.

The more my heart swells with love and affection for my Heavenly Father, and the more I catch quick glimpses of His love for me, I find myself desiring that kind of eternity.  I think His affection for us and our adoration of Him will make time seem to stand still.  I won’t have to try to stop the moments from passing.  Rather it will be a glorious forever and ever and ever with Him.

In the mean time…

13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (from Titus 2)

a photo from the vacation that could have lasted a lot longer in the Smokey Mountains…

friends and loved ones · home schooling

happiness is…

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I wish it weren’t true.  But it is.  It takes major events for me to consider my life.  Sprinting through my days, my perspective is set on the finish line.  I suppose that isn’t terrible.  But, I regularly fail to notice the happiness.

There are many gifts in my life that just make me smile.  I believe they are from the Heavenly Father himself. Scripture says they are in James 1.  (It is no surprise that once again I am learning a lesson directly from the words I’m trying to memorize…)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

With these words in mind, I’m going to rehearse some of the things that move me to happiness – good things sent from above.  I realize that happiness because of “stuff” is not a proper end – I can’t look to things to make me happy.  But, I do believe that it is really really important to recognize the  big and little things alike that God has given and be grateful for the love He shows in very unique ways.  So, for this Tuesday its a list…

Happiness is…

My house, in all its “lived-in-ness” that makes it our home.  Including the messes that my children make daily.

The piano, some fingers make music with it, some make noise, but I can’t deny that it all makes me smile.

Isaac.  Emily.  Mackenzie.  Michael.  My loves, who make life completely and entirely full.

The brightly colored floral duvet that is on our bed.  for snuggles on chilly days and early mornings.  or for springtime in my heart, even when it is gloomy out.

For the books and home school clutter that litter my dining room each day.

Brownies, fresh bread, cupcakes and other goodies- experiments from my kitchen that bring satisfaction and a bit of comfort too.

friends and family, near and far, who love and care, and do life with us.  whether its over the phone or in person, they bring so much joy to the daily grind.

my husband playing his guitar with our own offspring gathered around helping.  it makes my heart swell.

open windows and autumn’s fresh air, apple cider and fresh from the oven snicker doodles.  This is fall – the best time of year.

There is more.  much much more.  and I don’t really have pictures for any of this – I’m not a real blogger without the photos, I understand.  But, maybe I’ll capture a few joys on photo later today and post them.   I plan to count my happinesses all day.  all week.  maybe even all month. hopefully longer.

just one of my  heart-happy blessings, learning time with Isaac…


friends and loved ones · home schooling

little piano man…

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I wasn’t there about 30 years ago when my husband started piano lessons.  But, I’ve heard stories.  From what my mother-in-law tells me he tackled the piano with reckless abandon.  It was the beginning.  A musician in the making.  From piano, to guitar, to bass or any other instrument he tackled, he showed natural musical ability.

He’s told me about “Big Chief Crazy Horse” one of his first favorite songs from his piano primer.  He must have played it a lot because his mom remembers it too.

I’m looking forward to memories of a few of those well played songs.  Not songs I’ll play, or tunes Michael will hammer out.  No – I can’t wait to hear songs from Isaac’s finger tips.  We started piano lessons with him today.  Man, he was so excited, it did this piano-playin’ mama’s heart some good.

There was a time before Michael and I had children that I wasn’t sure what we would pursue with them.  I mean, we both have musical genes to give away, but we didn’t want to pressure our offspring.  They shouldn’t have to play instruments just because we did, right?

That was back then.

My how things have changed.  I feel so strongly about giving each of our children the opportunity to play music.  Not just because it has developmental value or because it is fun. Not just because they might be good at it or be able to find a successful career.

I started a musical journey with Emily a few years ago, and with Isaac today because of Psalm 100.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands! Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord HE is God.  It is He who has made us and not we ourselves.  We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful unto Him and bless His name.  For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations.

No matter what talents or abilities are hiding in our children waiting to be discovered, I want them to be able to obey this command with their whole beings.  There is nothing more fulfilling, more amazing than worshipping the Lord with your whole heart.  Nothing compares.

Heavenly Father, Let us love you with our whole hearts.  Let us worship you with everything we have.  May every noise we make be beautiful in your ears.  amen.

Joyful noises. Exuberant praise. That is what I am praying today, for my little piano man.

friends and loved ones

you are my sunshine

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It was the end of a long day, a never-ending week actually.  My sweet little baby doll needed to go to bed.  For that matter, so did I.  I got her into her pj’s, laid her in her big girl bed and pulled the covers up tight.  With pink bear wrapped in her arms and pink blankie firmly in her grasp she was ready for slumber.

But she said, “Wait mommy!  Snuggie me. Sing, pwease”  I didn’t realize we had begun a new bedtime routine.  The night before she had convinced me to lay down beside her and sing a song.  “You are my sunshine.” That’s her favorite right now.  But tonight, I was not prepared for what would happen.  I sang a verse, almost whispering, and when I finished my precious little girl put her hands on my face and sang the same back to me.

Of course I cried when I left the room.  What mother wouldn’t?

The fact is on a week like the one we have had, I see dimly.  I pull the shades and sit in the dark – even though there is bright sunshine all around.  My heavenly Father has provided so much in my life to be grateful for and often, far too often, I live in the shadows.

Rays of His love have penetrated my life bringing glorious sunshine where it seemed there were only clouds. These were the rays of sunlight, in the middle of my week:

Mackenzie’s sweet tiny voice singing around the house, all day long.

Isaac’s infectious giggle and his smiling eyes.

Emily’s joy at making 100’s on her math and spelling tests.

Cupcakes that turned out perfectly.

An encouraging call from a far-away-in-distance, but close-in-my-heart friend.

My husband’s love, in the form of an all-weekend-long home renovation project.

Isaac brilliantly reading his very first reader alone.

Fresh bread.

A sparkling clean bedroom, the labor of my sweet Emily.(that was like double sunlight!)

Steady, cool rainfall after a very long, dusty dry spell.

Delicious aromas, coming from the crockpot for a tasty dinner.

Good coffee and even better conversation with a girlfriend.

And that is just the beginning of His goodness… because at the heart of it all, there is His love, wildly, generously providing my every need.  His lovingkindness shines into every nook and cranny, and it brightens the far corner of every room.  And even if there was only one thing on my list, it would still be so.

His son, the most vibrant of lights, brings salvation, forgiveness, freedom and a host of other good and gracious gifts.  He alone on my list would be enough to brighten the darkest of days.  But He heaps on more. Blessing after blessing.  Mercies, never ceasing that call for songs of my loudest praise.

Thank you Heavenly Father, for this gift, for brightening my days with all of this sunshine.  Help me to be forever grateful.  I’m opening the shades, throwing back the curtains so that Your Son will fill my heart again.  amen

Mackenzie, one of my little rays of sunshine.

friends and loved ones · home schooling

peace be still…

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Yesterday morning was a morning like no other.  You can count on the truth of it because it took me all these twenty-four hours to write about it.  My children were being children… and I, well, I didn’t handle it too well at all. I can assure you that I will not be nominated for Mother of the year this year…

It has been so hot in our part of the country the past few weeks that we haven’t been playing outside too much.  And so, I find the days passing by more and more slowly as we are trapped inside with no place to blow off steam.  This is how we began yesterday morning on week two, day two of school :  A lot of unbridled energy penned up.  A mama with not enough sleep. These two factors added up to catastrophe.

At 9:00 we had finished breakfast and I was trying to get everyone started on their work at the table. 9:30 rolled by and my front room looked like a tornado had hit – toys everywhere, children running around, hollering and laughing. By 10 AM, I realized that I was not going to be able to coax everyone to sit down calmly for our grammar time.  And by 10:30 I had yelled at everyone sufficiently to cause tears and heart ache for each child.  It was not one of my finer moments.

I tried to regroup by putting on a favorite Bible Story DVD and caught a few minutes alone with the Lord.  Quietly I began to catch my breath.  I asked Him, “Is there no peace for our house today?  I can’t make it through this whirl-wind of a storm all day!  HELP!”  And as I sent out my SOS, He brought help for my soul almost immediately, in the form of this story from Matthew 8 in Scripture:

23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

And I realized, if the wind and waves will obey Him, this little bit of “bad weather” at my house is nothing for Him to subdue.  I promise you, as I prayed and thanked Him for His peace in my home, the waves settled in my own heart.  Within minutes everyone else seemed to be able to relax too…

Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your presence, Your peace and for Your deliverance.  Remind me when unexpected storms pop up that You are here with me, and that You are the master of every storm.   amen.

I’m reminded of an old hymn this morning:

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
O'er my soul like an infinite calm

Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
 
Two of my precious little monkeys!
friends and loved ones · who knows?

hide and seek

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We went on a date this evening, my husband and I did.  It was such a treat.  No complaining from the back seat about the restaurant of choice.  No potty breaks, right as our food arrived. The conversation was enlightening and endearing.  I couldn’t have asked for better company.  Michael and I are still the best of friends, even after twelve years and three babies.

So, the cuisine of choice: Chinese.  And we enjoyed some very spicy entrees.  Yum.  Yum. Yum.    At the end of course, there is the infamous fortune cookie, with some proverb or stimulating advice inside.  Dutifully we cracked open our cookies and read our “fortunes” while munching.

Mine first:

Then Michael’s:

There was some serious contrast between the two thoughts.  I typically don’t take these things very seriously, but this time it was so obvious to me, I couldn’t help but think about it for a moment.

Michael and I will complete twelve years of marriage on September 25. Okay, Okay – I know it is just the beginning – it is nothing compared to my parents and grandparents who have been through so much more.  However, I can still testify to this:  over our time together I have seen the realities of both statements.   I can tell you that as we have sought the Lord, looked for His ways to make them our own path, we have found Him to be very real and present in our lives.  He has met our every spiritual and physical need.  It is a promise from the book of Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

The second “fortune” is kind of the antithesis of the first. Let me explain. It is so easy to be swept up in the world’s ideas – “its all up to me”  or “if I believe in me, I can make it happen.” But, I can assure you that when I have made efforts, of my own will and choosing, they have been in vain. If I believe that I am the only architect for my success, then I may be doomed for failure.

When I seek Him and His righteousness, blessings from His hand are revealed.  As I find Him in the secret places, the sweet life He gives is no longer hidden.  This is His promise in Matthew 7:

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

I am so grateful to know from personal experience that this is true.  Time and again I have looked for Him, and He has met me, in my neediness.  It His lovingkindness that has sustained me through it all; any success, any glory belongs to Him.  No good fortune about it, only divine promises fulfilled.

Thank you, God for being a Heavenly Father who wants to be sought after, but is available and ready to be found.

amen

friends and loved ones

the map…

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Recently my family and I went on a short road trip. We took the day to travel about two and half hours a way. My sister in law and her family met us at a science museum there and we spent the day together. The cousins played at the different exhibits and had a wonderful time.

Yes, our time there was very special ; we took great photos and made some fun memories. But, the night before when we were preparing to leave was not a hallmark of good family times. Its google map’s fault.  seriously. My husband went down to print the map and it showed completely different directions than what was on the museum’s website. Frustration ensued.

Michael called his sister – and she tried to give a bit of help. But we were mostly left to our own devices. After probably an hour, my husband felt as though he had sufficient information to get us to the museum. This included 6 pages of written directions from google and 8 pages of maps. When he finished it was late and we hit the hay, confident we would be able to find our destination in the morning.

Now, my husband is the driver and I’m the navigator. These are our assigned occupations on the trips we take. I don’t really mind being the navigator – I have a good sense of direction, sort of. But – I am terrible with maps. Especially these kinds of google maps. Not only was it 8 pages – its really 8 pages that should have been glued together somehow to make one big map. In my eagerness to discern the directions, I quickly leafed through the pages and managed to get them out of order. My husband who was prepared for this (remember these are our regularly assigned occupations and we have been married now 10 years.), though not particularly happy about it, was able to drive and reorganize the papers with ease. He truly is an amazing man.

And Google maps – while it is a wonderful invention, it gives its own advice by putting large blue arrows on the map, telling us where it thinks we should go. Its a computer program. And so as I’m trying to discern our next exit or turn, I’m trying to listen to what my husband is telling me, but I’m distracted by these arrows. At one point I gave total misinformation to my husband due to these arrows and I had us going the wrong direction. I really wonder sometimes why my husband lets me be the navigator at all. Probably because he’s experienced my driving…

Which brings me to think about my life. I’ve spent a lot of time, like most people, trying to figure out which way to go. Do I turn here? What if I go down this one way street? Is this my exit? And it can be very confusing sometimes. I often wonder how did I end up here?

What I mean to ask is, how did I manage to end up here, with this wonderful family, a husband who loves me well and a life that I couldn’t have planned any better?

Its not because I followed the instructions well. I’ve had some close calls – some near collisions. There were times when I almost went the wrong way. But in those moments the Heavenly Father took the map and pointed me in the right direction – sometimes lovingly, sometimes a bit more forcefully. But all in all I’ve made it this far on my journey – and there has been blessing upon blessing when I have followed His map.

Jeremiah 29:11 gives insight to for the roadtrip- Even if you don’t know the way – He does! It says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Sometimes I’ve been unsure, but He’s proven to be the best navigator ever. Google doesn’t have anything on Him.

md

(written on November 21, 2009)