This is a great website and I have no idea how to make it look fancy, but I'll at least comment on the devotional.
The verses for today are from Galatians 5:22-23. When asked what fruit of the spirit I'm struggling with, I'd say peace. That's because parenting has this way of bringing out my feelings of inadequacy. I have 2 teenagers and a 1 year old because God's plans are great than mine! I'm encouraged to change how I view parenting by looking at it as an opportunity to become more like Christ. It's a chance to die to my selfish self.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Dependence on God
This season of my life reminds me of how truly dependent on the Lord I am. I was so thrilled when David and Katie were able to dress and entertain themselves. The days when I didn’t have to watch them every moment of the day to make sure they weren’t doing something that would hurt them. I relished in my independence. My days off from work were mostly mine. Just me at home enjoying the solitude. I was at the point where I was planning my future. David and Katie were moving into middle school and high school. Before too long they’d be heading into preparation for their life work. What will I do with the rest of my life?
In November of 2006 I found out I was pregnant. Throughout the next few months, the Lord taught me over and over that his plans were greater than mine (Isaiah 55:9). I sensed that He wanted me to turn my heart back toward home, toward my family. I battled with my selfishness. I studied Mary’s response to being pregnant in Luke 1:38. She saw the Lord as sovereign and submitted herself to his plan for her life. As I began to yield my life to the Lord, I was more at peace. Off and on, I have thought about what I could be doing with my time. This is an ongoing battle with my sin nature. Recently the Lord showed me something remarkable. It tied some unsettled feelings together like a math equation that adds up to the Lord’s sovereignty. I have been living my life focused on how I can get more independence. David has recently gotten his driver’s license. I think of being free to drive as the beginning of independence. On the other side, I have a friend who is elderly and has had to give up her driver’s license. She is dependent on others to bring her medication to her and remind her what day it is. This is how God created us. We each will return to that dependent state. I prefer to not think about that. But that season is in my future. I can’t stop it from coming. So, my choice is to push for more independence or to submit myself to the Lord’s plans for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s still a process for me but I’m seeing that my perspective needs to be grounded in the Lord. I want to grow in my relationship with Him. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12, 14)
In November of 2006 I found out I was pregnant. Throughout the next few months, the Lord taught me over and over that his plans were greater than mine (Isaiah 55:9). I sensed that He wanted me to turn my heart back toward home, toward my family. I battled with my selfishness. I studied Mary’s response to being pregnant in Luke 1:38. She saw the Lord as sovereign and submitted herself to his plan for her life. As I began to yield my life to the Lord, I was more at peace. Off and on, I have thought about what I could be doing with my time. This is an ongoing battle with my sin nature. Recently the Lord showed me something remarkable. It tied some unsettled feelings together like a math equation that adds up to the Lord’s sovereignty. I have been living my life focused on how I can get more independence. David has recently gotten his driver’s license. I think of being free to drive as the beginning of independence. On the other side, I have a friend who is elderly and has had to give up her driver’s license. She is dependent on others to bring her medication to her and remind her what day it is. This is how God created us. We each will return to that dependent state. I prefer to not think about that. But that season is in my future. I can’t stop it from coming. So, my choice is to push for more independence or to submit myself to the Lord’s plans for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s still a process for me but I’m seeing that my perspective needs to be grounded in the Lord. I want to grow in my relationship with Him. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12, 14)
Monday, September 29, 2008
September 2008
Well, it has been a full couple of months. This weekend it again has struck me how much I am trying to juggle each day. Having 2 teenagers and a 1 year old is quite a contrast! Thankfully the Lord is sovereign. He knows what is best and he has brought us another little life to invest in.
We had a fun time this weekend visiting with Keith's sister and her husband. They came here from Pennsylvania. They left this morning. While Keith and the other 2 kids visited with Jan & Denny on Saturday, Katie and I worked at the school concession stand at the University of Michigan game. The crowd was going crazy at the end of the game. U of M was losing 19-0 and in the last quarter they ended up winning the game. It was amazing! Michael Phelps was there but never bought anything from our stand. Bummer.
This week it is getting a little cooler and greyer outside.
Keith hung our blinds in the family room. They look nice. Now, we have a border to hang. Bookshelves are being built for either end of the room and then we get to decorate the walls, put cushions on the sofas and better lighting. It is coming together. Fixing up our house is a huge project but well worth it. Our goal is to provide a great place for everyone to come home to and for others to enjoy with us. We love having people over but haven't done much of it.
Sarah is walking quickly, working on some new teeth, saying "flower" a lot, and growing her hair longer. David is driving them to school fairly often which frees some of my time up(and sanity, since the school parking lot can be a bear). He continues to take drum lessons, play for the worship band at youth group and hang out with his friends. Katie is anxious to start drivers ed. She'll probably take the 3 week class in the Spring. She is enjoying piano and has lots of fun being with her friends. She told me this weekend that she really enjoys watching football and soccer. She is a sports person.
Keith has been working hard on home projects and he's doing a great job. Our 20th anniversary is on Wednesday! That is hard to believe. In honor of our anniversary, we have a special trip planned for the end of February.
Til next time...
We had a fun time this weekend visiting with Keith's sister and her husband. They came here from Pennsylvania. They left this morning. While Keith and the other 2 kids visited with Jan & Denny on Saturday, Katie and I worked at the school concession stand at the University of Michigan game. The crowd was going crazy at the end of the game. U of M was losing 19-0 and in the last quarter they ended up winning the game. It was amazing! Michael Phelps was there but never bought anything from our stand. Bummer.
This week it is getting a little cooler and greyer outside.
Keith hung our blinds in the family room. They look nice. Now, we have a border to hang. Bookshelves are being built for either end of the room and then we get to decorate the walls, put cushions on the sofas and better lighting. It is coming together. Fixing up our house is a huge project but well worth it. Our goal is to provide a great place for everyone to come home to and for others to enjoy with us. We love having people over but haven't done much of it.
Sarah is walking quickly, working on some new teeth, saying "flower" a lot, and growing her hair longer. David is driving them to school fairly often which frees some of my time up(and sanity, since the school parking lot can be a bear). He continues to take drum lessons, play for the worship band at youth group and hang out with his friends. Katie is anxious to start drivers ed. She'll probably take the 3 week class in the Spring. She is enjoying piano and has lots of fun being with her friends. She told me this weekend that she really enjoys watching football and soccer. She is a sports person.
Keith has been working hard on home projects and he's doing a great job. Our 20th anniversary is on Wednesday! That is hard to believe. In honor of our anniversary, we have a special trip planned for the end of February.
Til next time...
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Summer 2008
I have been reflecting on what life was like a year ago. I was almost 8 months pregnant and not feeling well. Little did I know that I was about a week away from giving birth to little Sarah ( see picture from the day we brought her home from the hospital, July 9th, 2007)! She has grown so much this year (the other picture is from Mother's Day, the day she was dedicated to the Lord, in Church). Her personality is really coming out these days. She squeels when she sees us and waves good-bye. She loves to climb the stairs and play in the kitchen cabinet. She pulls the popcorn packets and raisin boxes out of a basket in the cabinet and puts them in and out, talking the whole time. She loves David and Katie. They are such a great brother and sister. For me, knowing that Sarah will be 1 is a wonderful thing. We are through with a very tiring and full year.
The kids are enjoying their summer so far. David and Katie helped out at our church's Bible School last week. David helped out with games and crafts. Katie and one of her friends were in charge of eight 3rd grade girls. She also helped with 2 other girls in doing hand motions for the opening session for Bible School. In the picture, you can see Katie's hair and how curly it gets. And I'm liking David's hair in the picture; it's nice and short! Well, his summer hair is pretty nice too but it gets kind of long. He loves summer when he doesn't have to go get it cut according to school dress code.
For me, personally, God has been teaching me that he is faithful. His love and faithfulness remain with me. This is a real help to me. Remembering who God is rather than focusing on me or others faults. I'm also seeing the importance of turning my anxieties into prayer. It's a way better use of my time and it brings me rest rather than distress!
It's a beautiful evening here. I love summertime!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Wedding in PA
This was a scorching hot weekend! We went to Keith's nephew's wedding in PA this past weekend. I saw temperature readings that said 102!! The wedding was beautiful. Clint and Katy are a cute couple and it's great to add another Katy to the family. We stayed with my Mom and had a really nice time. She's a great hostess. Mom took us on a drive down by the Susquehanna river to a very restful scene with lots of boats, picnics, and relaxed visiting. We then drove back to see if we could find Jon & Kate plus 8's home. We knew the neighborhood since one of our good friends taught one of the twins piano. They live in the same neighborhood. We found the home right away. Mom and Katie noticed the dark blue van and their other van parked in their driveway. It was oddly peaceful looking... That evening we went out for ice cream. Thanks Mom! That's where the picture was taken. It was a quick weekend and now it's time to get started on our summer schedule. 
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Go Red Wings!!!
This is our neighbors' truck. (2 doors down) Note the home-made Stanley Cup in the back. These are the neighbors with the elaborate Halloween display including sounds. Just thought that those of you who aren't from Detroit would enjoy the team spirit.
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