Giving Thanks in ALL Circumstances!

Ok, I think we'd all agree that there are times in life when things are going good, and it's so easy to thank God for everything around you. And, believe me, I try not to take things for granted . . . I try to thank God everyday - even for the little things; for the sunshine, for healthy kids that can run around and play in the grass, for dandelions picked by two little girls before daddy mows them up, for a warm/cool safe house to live in, for our jobs, for a happy, wonderful marriage . . .

BUT, it's so much harder to give thanks when in the midst of cruddy, or less than ideal circumstances: when the car in front of you is moving too slow, or someone cuts you off, when you're out of work, when the furnace conks out, when you've had "one of those days" . . .

OR

WHEN YOU'VE BEEN SICK FOR OVER A MONTH AND NO-ONE KNOWS WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!

I'm beginning to lose my mind! I'm tired of being tired, I'm tired of not being able to do simple things like make lunch for my kids or fold laundry without feeling exhausted, I'm tired of feeling weak and shaky, of my heart racing in the 120's . . . the list of complaints and frustrations can go on and on . . .

But, I wanted to take a moment to tell you what I am thankful for, despite - or inspite - of my circumstances:

1. For the best husband a girl could get! I stand amazed at God's gracious gift of Mike to me. Funny, I thought I picked him for myself . . . but it was all ordained in God's great plan that the quirky 17 year-old I fell in love with would turn into the most selfless, giving, serving, loving husband ever! You have no idea what is in store for you when you exchange those vows - but God does!

2. For my family. If you know me at all, you know I'm a ME DO IT kind of person, thus my nickname - INDEPENDENT GIRL! I'm always on the go, and I rarely take the time to stop and smell the flowers. Well . . . I'm completely stopped and the flowers are beautiful! My girls are amazing! They've been so compassionate, and their prayers for me have brought me to tears (which isn't saying much - I've been crying a lot lately). I've gotten the most beautiful cards and other creations from them, and have truly seen a side to them I haven't seen before! We've raised two incredible little girls! Thank you God!

3. Time - I'm going a little out of my mind, but I've had a lot of time to think and contemplate things.

4. Friends and Family - It is very VERY hard for me to accept help from other people - cuz I'm INDEPENDENT GIRL! However, the meals, offers to watch the kids, offers to clean my toilets, offers of sweet, loving service from people I know well, to those I hardly know! Again, I'm amazed at God's provision for me. I only hope I feel well enough someday to give back the way people are continuing to give to me!

5. Energy - when I finally do feel 100% again (please, Lord, let it be soon!), it will be a LOOOOOOONNNNNGGG time before I take a healthy, energy-filled day for granted again.

6. The sun and weight loss - hey, as long as I'm stuck in the house, exhausted and tired, I might as well be lying in the sun, right? AND, Thanks to the 10 pounds I've lost over the last 2 weeks, the two-piece doesn't look as bad as it once did! I may not be able to do anything . . . but I'll be tan not doing it . . .

7. Prayer - I've always struggled with prayer - how to pray - what to pray . . . and that certainly hasn't changed in the last few weeks, but I am ever so grateful, for those friends and family that have been diligent to pray my family through this tough time! I know God hears and answers our prayers! Keep praying, and know that with all this extra time on my hands, I've been praying a lot more - for all of you! I've actually taken time to petition God on your behalves in ways that I've been too busy to do before! I thank God for all of you!

In Sickness and In Health

Can I just say that I have THE best husband in the whole world! I know some of you may bulk at that . . . but I know it's true!

The last 11 days, I've been in the worst health I can remember . . . read my last entry for details. I've been unable to do ANYTHING, and if you know me at all, you know that's not good. I'm a mover and a shaker . . . maybe too much of one. This last week and a half has showed me the value of slowing down. Although I haven't had the energy to take care of and play with my kids, I now appreciate more than ever, how important it is to take that time. Nothing's more important than the time we spend with our families. When I'm better (hopefully, someday) I will make the time necessary to truly enjoy my kids and my husband each and every day!

Anyways . . . more about Mike. He has stayed home from work (or worked remotely from home) much of last week. He's cooked and cleaned, bathed the kids, tucked them in almost every night . . . he's taken over most all of my weekly responsibilities in addition to his own. He's been a servant. He has given and gotten nothing in return.

In my daily devotions I read John 13 today (yes accountability girls, I may be sick, but I'm keeping up on my reading!) and verses 34 and 35 say, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

The footnote in my Bible says, "Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it's not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back."

Mike has loved me with this kind of love - agape love - unconditional love - and for that I am sooooooo thankful. He has been Jesus to me this week.

Kind of funny, this week Mike said kiddingly, "Boy I wish I hadn't taken that whole 'in sickness and health' so seriously - this is hard work!" Boy am I grateful he did take those vows seriously! I would be lost without him!

I love you Michael! You are my hero - my knight in shining armor!

Sick of Being Sick

. . . SIGH . . .

I'm sorry I've had no exciting additions to the blog over the last several days . . . but I'm just not feeling well.

It all started about three weeks ago when Bella and I both had the diarrhea/flu, and I've never really risen out of the "funk". I've been tired, fatigued and achey. So last Thursday I went to the chiropractor to get an adjustment, hoping that would help . . . but Friday I ended up with really tight muscles in my back and the inability to breathe well. Saturday I ended up in ER. They ruled out heart problems (EKG), blood clots in the lungs, they took some chest x-rays to rule out issues with my lungs and ribs . . . finally they chalked it up to muscle spasms and gave me a prescription for valium to relax me. Let me just say, all mothers should have some valium on hand at any given moment . . .

Anyway, I started feeling worse rather than better and have been struggling with body aches - especially my back, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, headache, no appetite, weakness and, worst of all, severe fatigue. Let me tell ya how well that works when you're trying to take care of two kids . . . NOT WELL! I've been bawling my eyes out for the last two days!

I had more bloodwork done yesterday and they ruled out mono and TB. My white blood count is great. But, my billirubin is higher than it should be, which indicates some problems with my liver . . . NICE! Still, no answers!

I have an appointment with an internist on Monday, so we're praying that things don't get worse before then. In fact, we're praying that things get better. My doc seems to think it's a nasty virus, but other than that she's got nothing for me.

Mike stayed home today . . . probably so I would stop crying every time he left . . . and it has been wonderful! I've been able to relax knowing the kids are in good hands!

Please pray that I feel better soon! Pray that the symptoms go away . . . or at least don't get worse.

This stinks . . . I'm ready to fully appreciate being healthy . . . no more taking it for granted!

A Church Lady Recommendation

Alright, I know many of you read the Grace in the City Blog so this will be a repeat for you . . . Dana just beat me to the punch! Read her review of this book here.

I've been perusing several Bible translations and children's Bible storybooks to prepare for our summer outreach program for kids - True Victory Sports Camp, and in doing so ran across this book.

I read the whole thing in one sitting . . . I just couldn't put it down. It is written so brilliantly and the illustrations are mesmorizing. Faith saw it and said, "Jesus' picture is right in the middle in a fancy frame, cuz he's the star of the show!" Right on, Faith! She get's it!

This Bible story book takes the major stories of the Old and New Testaments and links them to the over-all redemptive story! The catch phrase on the front of the book is, "Every story whispers his name," and they truly do!

It is written in language that kids will understand, without watering down the important messages! It includes passages that most children's Bible's don't like: the Psalms, Isaiah, Ezra and Nehemiah - passages that are so important to linking the redemptive story together! Psalm 23 is written so beautifully (paraphrased) that I typed a copy of it for myself to have on a bookmark!

This is bar-none the best children's Bible story book out there! Buy a copy of it for your family, buy a copy of it for every new parent out there, buy a copy of it for your kid's grandparents, buy a copy of it for every Toddler-2nd grader you know! It's that good!

Happy reading!

Spring, Where Art Thou?

Ok, you know warmer weather needs to come soon when this happens.

I sent Faith and Bella outside after lunch today to get some much-needed fresh air. I want to be clear, I sent them out properly dressed for the weather! They had a blast riding bikes, pushing teddy bears in strollers and creating treasured pictures with sidewalk chalk. I periodically peeked outside to check on them, and things were terrific!

Then I hear water running in the garage . . . so, again I check on things. Faith decided to wash her bike . . . Ok, no problem.

Next thing I know, the water is running again. When I go to check on them, Faith is down to her underwear and t-shirt (mind you it's 39 degrees here) standing in a bucket of water in the garage.

"What on earth are you doing?" I ask.

"I just really wanted to go swimming . . . the water's warm, Mom . . . feel it!", says she. "Oh, and can I change into my bathing suit?"

"Are you crazy? NO WAY! Get in the house little girl!"

Please, Spring, come quickly . . . the natives are getting restless!

I Ah Done!

This is such a classic Bella move, I just had to share it with all of you!

When she doesn't want to eat anymore, she simply empties her plate onto her high chair tray or the table and says, "I ah done now, see?" Notice, her plate is empty, but the food isn't gone . . . I don't know why, but it's funny every time!

April?

No, I am NOT blogging in reverse order . . . it truly went from "bare piggy" weather back to "put on the entire snow suit" weather in a matter of just days!

I'm not complaining though, cuz the flu has left the building (I hope), and the kids are playing outside affording me some "Mommy time."

Suddenly the glass is half full again!

Glass Half Empty

Ok, so I'm generally a glass half full person . . . but this week has me thinking in glass half empty terms!

It started out with me getting the stomach flu at 1:00 Sunday morning - I could go into much more detail, but it's not necessary - it was bad, that's all there is to it.

Then Bella got it.

Then we started to feel better.

Then we both started to NOT feel better.

Then Bella started throwing up today - in the car no less. THAT'S always a blast - cleaning vomit out of the carseat buckles - YUMMY!

AND, it's snowing! UGH! The fabulous weather guys say it will be colder on Easter than it was on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Day.

So much for Spring Break! I'm getting cabin fever!

Bella's Photoshoot

Bella had her two-year pictures taken with Katie DeBoer. She just recently started a photography business and does a fantastic job! Check out her blogsite at katiedeboer.blogspot.com or her website at katiedeboer.blogsome.com.

We had Bella's pictures at precisely the right moment. She's so clumsy that she has constantly had bumps and bruises on her face . . . she was finally flawless for her pictures! Then, the day after her pictures were taken, she took a tumble down the stairs (again) - and what do ya know? She has another lovely bruise on her head!

A Spring Day

These 60 and 70 degree days have been amazing! It's so nice to do things out of the ordinary for March like having picnic dinners and drawing pictures with sidewalk chalk!

It's a Miracle!

Wow! It finally happened! High Speed Internet! I thought that we would have the old dial up ball and chain forever, but after several months of research, phone calls, pulling cable to the wrong pole and being forgotten about . . . we have dial up no longer!

All I have to say about that is WOO HOO!

* I can actually watch the video feeds from my fellow blogger's sites
* I can upload pictures to my blog in less than 30 minutes (more like 30 seconds)
* I can move from screen to screen easily instead of baking a batch of cookies while I wait for a screen to load.
* And, most importantly, I can talk on the phone while I'm on the internet.

I actually sat and watched American Idol last night with my laptop on my lap . . . and could browse during the commercial breaks - AMAZING!

Who knows? I may even be inclined to blog more than once a week now!

Happy Birthday Bella Boo!

Helping to make her "Happy Birthday Cake"

Eating the "Happy Birthday Cake"



I can hardly believe it! My little Bella Boo is 2!

It brings about an amazing array of emotions - from happiness to gratefulness to a bit of sadness.

Happiness for the health and strength she's been granted. Not everyone is blessed with a healthy child.

Gratefulness for the privilege of raising her. There was a time we didn't think we'd have the chance to play the role of mom and dad. Her name, Bella Grace, means beautiful, undeserved gift - and that's just what she is!

Sadness for the loss of babyhood. No more diapers. No more needing mom - "I do it!". No more onesies.

Bella brings us so much joy and laughter! We are so grateful to God for his tremendous gift to us in her!

Home Sweet Home?

Last week I had the opportunity to go to the Willow Creek Children's Ministry Conference with 5 of my ministry team leaders. A great time was had by all - even despite the Chicago traffic on the way home!

It was wonderful to get away for a few days . . . from housecleaning, laundry, kids and all the other things that are part of the daily grind. However - why is it that when you finally take some time for yourself, there's always h-e-double hockey sticks to pay for it when you get back? It seems like it takes two days of recovery time for every day I was away! I've been home the last two days trying to spend some quality time with the girls, only to be hit, kicked, bitten and yelled at . . . what's up with that?

On the bright side though, my mind is spinning with ideas and improvements to bring to the Children's Ministries at my church!

I guess it was worth it then!

Crabby Bear Syndrome

In our house, when you're having "one of those days" you get refered to as a crabby bear.

Well, I think I'm suffering from the Crabby Bear Syndrome (also known as PMS).

Do you ever notice that when you're crabby, you have this uncanny ability to make everyone around you crabby too?

The last few days have been miserable around our place. I'd like to blame it on Faith's strong-willedness (is that a word?) - because that's an easy thing to fall back on . . . but the bottom line is - "When Mama ain't happy - ain't nobody happy!" The kids just have a way of absorbing the negative energy, and giving it right back to you!

I had to apologize to Faith this morning, cuz' I was yelling at her all morning (granted, she couldn't have been moving any slower). I know - while I'm being nasty that I'm being nasty - but it doesn't seem to stop me. I just keep on-a yellin'! Ugh! I'm tired of being cranky!

So how do you fight the crabby bear that lives within you?

The sunshine is helping . . . a little bit . . .

A Month of Birthdays

I flipped over my calendar the other day, and was amazed at how many March birthdays there are amongst my friends and family members - over 15! Apparently June/July are busy months for getting busy, if you know what I mean!

In honor of all of these wonderful people, I am posting the best birthday cake frosting recipe I know! That way, ya'll can share in the birthday fun!

3/4 c. Crisco
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 T Dream Whip (dry)
1/2 t. almond extract

Cream above ingredients together, and then whip until light and fluffy.

Then add half at a time to above mixture:
3 1/2 c. powdered sugar (1lb)
1/4 c. water

This recipe keeps in the frige for about 3 months if in an airtight container. It's great to add food coloring to for decorating.

You won't find a tastier recipe anywhere!

Happy Birthday to all those born in March!
Michelle and Joy - March 1
Jared - March 4
Jackie - March 10
Amy and Brian - March 13
Joy - March 14
Shelly - March 15
Bella - March 17
Chase - March 18
Kent - March 22
Will - March 25
Jed - March 26
Michael - March 27
Tina and Joelle - March 30

And This Is Love . . .

As many of you know, we've had significant challenges in parenting our daughter Faith. She is a strong-willed child that has given us a real run for the money over the last few months. Mike and I have read a number of books and even saw a child psycologist a couple of times to learn all we could to help Faith be successful in life.

Well, one of our strategies has been implementing a job chart. This is a concrete way for her to see what she has to do, and gives her the ability to do various things without being told 150 times to do so.

Anyway, for every job she does, she gets a magnetic circle to put on her chart, and for every circle she receives, she gets a nickle at the end of the week. We take 10 percent of her earnings and put it in her church purse, 40 percent goes in her piggy bank to save, and the other 50 percent she can put in her shopping purse to spend on what she wants.

She's been carrying her shopping purse EVERYWHERE! She's so proud of all the money she's earned, and she's saving it "for something big." Who knew she'd be so motivated by money!

Last night she took her shopping purse with her to the bathroom . . . she decided to count her money while "going" and had a terrible accident! She dropped a nickle in the toilet! TRAVISTY! There was the nickle - sunk all the way to the bottom - lying dormant amongst the pee and poop. What to do?

I, being the tough-love mom that I am, told her she needed to get it herself. She dropped it - she can get it. Well, this caused a huge erruption of tears, snot and drool. Mike and I couldn't help but laughing . . . it was quite humorous to us. Not to her though!

Finally, Mike, my hero of a husband, stuck his hand into the pee and poop filled toilet to retreive the nickle . . . is that love, or what? He's a much better parent than I am!

So, if we ever pay you in cash for something, you may just receive the infamous "poop nickle".

The last 15 hours . . .

Here's my last 15 hours:

Bella=vomitting and liquid diarrhea - at the same time
Cleaning vomit and diarrhea from clothing, carpet, sink, toilet, blanket
More vomit and diarrhea
More cleaning
6 hours of interrupted sleep (who sleeps well when their baby could barf at any moment?)
Rushing Faith and her buddies to preschool (my day for carpool) praying that there would be no vomit or diarrhea incidents
Glitter all over the playroom . . . including the DOG! That's right, the dog looks stunning . . . how long do you think it will
take for all the glitter to disappear?

So far - no more vomit or diarrhea - that's forward progress.

As for the glitter? I think we'll be finding it for years to come!

Tonight is date night . . . boy do I need it!

Here's hoping Faith stays healthy, so we can have a babysitter!

Calgon . . . take me away!

Zone of the Unknown

I've been reading a great book called Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybles. The concept is very simple - Jesus wants us to care about people the way he did - and if we're going to do that we need to be willing to go outside our comfort zone into the "Zone of the Unknown".

This whole thing with Joshua (see my last post) - in addition to reading this book - has me feeling very challenged in entering the "Zone of the Unknown".

I think we've all had it were we feel something in our 'gut' - sometimes quite literally - that leads us to say something to someone, confront an issue, help a stranger, give someone a smile or encouraging word or call someone we haven't talked to in ages. If you're like me, sometimes you listen to this still small voice, sometimes you ignore it and move on.

My goal is to keep my spiritual ears open to the propting of the Holy Spirit. I'm going to jump right in to the "Zone of the Unknown" and ask the Lord what he would have me do, or say, or NOT say for him each day. So often, my days are focused on what I want to do, or what I want to accomplish. My goal is now to focus on what Christ can do through me - on making myself available for his purposes - not just my own.

I hope my ears will be open to the Spirit's prompting. Sometimes it's so quiet, it hardly registers as a whisper, and I find myself thinking, "Is this just me, or is this from God?" It's hard to discern sometimes, isn't it?

Then there are times - like this whole Joshua deal - that I feel like it couldn't have been any clearer than if God spray painted the message on my garage door! I found out that Joshua only has one 30 minute visit per week. The chances of me actually getting in to see him is pretty low. I mean, honestly, will he choose to talk to his old 4th grade teacher over his family or friends? That said, however, I still feel a very strong promting from the Holy Spirit to move ahead with trying! If God wants me to go, he'll open the doors, right? So for now, I'm going to start with writing Joshua a letter. Please pray with me that this will open the door for one to one contact with him in the future!

How about you? Is there someone you need to call? or have coffee with? Is there a neighbor or co-worker that you can make these first steps with? Is the Holy Spirit prompting you? Enter the "Zone of the Unknown" with me! It's going to be a wild ride!

A Prediction Come True

Unbelievable!

Last night I got a call from the gal I used to teach with several years back. She told me that one of my past students had been arrested for attempted murder! No Way! You can read the story here.

Joshua was one of those kids you don't soon forget. He was always in trouble, picking on kids and trying to get a rise out of teachers . . . Just an example: he announced to my whole class of 4th graders exactly what Monica Lewinski did to President Clinton - in detail. Nice, huh? Try explaining that one to the parents! I remember saying to my team teacher, "I'm going to see this kids picture on TV someday for doing something terrible." Well, yesterday was that day! I still can't believe it!

I went from shock to having a very heavy heart.

Joshua came from an extremely unstable home - complete with domestic violence - among other things. He was always after attention - even if it meant/especially if it meant -negative attention. I did my best to hug him often, and encourage him in the things he did well. He was a very smart boy. He did well academically. He had beautiful penmanship. He was very athletic. He had so much potential to overcome his circumstances - to do something positive with his life!

Yet, out of his need for approval and affection, he decided to join a gang.

My heart aches for him, because I know that he lacks the one thing that would give him identity and purpose - a relationship with Jesus. He's trying to fill the gaping hole in is life with everything but Jesus.

I was catching up with my New Testament reading yesterday (before I had heard about this) and read the passage from Matthew 25 that says, "For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."

As I was reading this yesterday, I remember thinking specifically about that statement. That's one thing I have never done . . . visit someone in prison.

Then I got the phone call.

Now I have someone to visit. I don't know what I'll say when I get there.

Sometimes God is subtle, sometimes not . . .

Why do we live here again?

My question for the day is this: Why do we live here?

When we could live here instead?

You know it's winter in the mid-west when:

• there are two feet of snow on your deck
• you can't fall asleep because your house is making so much noise as a result of wood contracting as it tries to shrink in the cold
• you have to jump start your car because your battery is experiencing hypothermia
• the digital thermometer in your car reads in the negative
• it's so cold that salt doesn't melt the snow anymore
• your boogers freeze in your nose
• the snow squeaks beneath your feet!
• you haven't seen more than 2 minutes of sun in more than a month
• your arms are as white as your butt
• you feel depressed due to your whiteness, lack of sunshine and cabin fever
• when your energy bill is nearing $300

How about a California winter, or a Florida winter?

• 80 degree temps
• sunshine all the time (OK almost all the time)
• bronzed skin - that healthy glow
• sand squeaking beneath your bare toes
• feeling refreshed and energized by the sun, sand and happy, tan people
• cars starting with ease
• did I mention the warm, happy sunshine

I've concluded that people need the Lord in warm places too. We don't need to stay in the freezing cold to do His will . . . who's with me?