Nov. 25, 2009
Thanksgiving is tomorrow
We are leaving this afternoon for Grantsburg...
an interesting family time
Steve went down yesterday to help get things ready,
but mostly so the siblings could have a chance to meet
and try to figure out what needs to be done for his mom.
She has been really struggling the last few months.
Dealing with an elderly parent is proving to be
a very heart wrenching thing.
I know that people have been dealing with this forever,
but this is the first time for us, with her,
so it is unique to us...
yet the same types of struggles families all over have.
We all love her so much.
I pray that through the next few days,
we will all have patience and understanding,
but also resolve and unity.
I think of all the times God has had to deal with me
being unreasonable, stubborn and even beligerent.
Just as steadfast in insisting on 'my way' with God
as our older parents...or children...can be with us. T
he big difference is that I know that I am fighting against
one who is perfect and always has my best in mind.
When we are trying to be the reasonable ones...
the truth is that we are imperfect
and only hope we have the best in mind.
I hope that we can be even a fraction
as understanding and patient as God is with us.
Oh, let us have the mind of Christ in all of this.
To put ourselves aside and truly seek His wisdom and guidance.
He knows what is best,
He will lead us there if we are willing..
to ask,
to listen
to follow.
He is not trying to keep His best a secret from us.
He does not want her to be confused and alone.
He is not a God of chaos or confusion.
I pray that He will be a part of
every conversation,
every decision.
I pray we will be able to look back and see
that we sought Him and found Him and say with thankfulness..
'look what He has done!'
Nov. 21, 2009
It is quiet in my house......
except for the sound of my typing
and the computer's motor humming
It is the middle of the night and I can't sleep
there are kids sleeping in the livingroom on the floor
there are a couple of grown 'kids' sleeping upstairs
Steve is sleeping in the next room....
but I am awake, resting in the quiet.
In a few hours it will be different
Steve and Mark will be up before dawn to don their blaze orange
and head for the woods...opening deer season
Soon after, Tommy and John (his buddy) and Megan (John's sister) will stir and begin the never-ending noise of kids at play
Hallie Ann will probably head up to join Steph,
trying to catch a couple more winks
Morning will be here - quiet will be gone
but for now, the quiet is all mine
Sometimes the night hours can seem so long
I get frustrated with the inability to sleep
but tonight I feel restful anyway.
probably because the day was hectic
the peace and quiet are comforting right now.
I need to remember that in the noise and the busyness of the day
there is always a quiet peace waiting for me in the arms of God
He is my rest
He is my peace
He is my quiet
but I have to seek that, to put myself there with Him, In His peace
"Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" - Jesus
Nov. 14, 2009
It is so good to look back and see God's hand in our lives. To remember His faithfulness. To acknowledge His workings.
Twenty three and a half years ago, I held my first baby in my arms and was in such awe of him, and that he was mine. I never wanted to let him go, I wanted him mine forever. Even then I wondered how I could ever 'give him' to someone else. But that seemed so far off anyway.
Over the years we prayed for who would be his wife - someday. I tried to imagine who she was and what she was doing at different times over the years. It was strange to think that somewhere out there was a little girl growing up who would someday be part of our family and more importantly would be the wife of my then little boy.
Well, here we are and she turned out to be Steph, and now they are nearing their first anniversary and she is more than I ever could have imagined...the perfect match for my now grown 'boy'.
Today is Steph's birthday. Now, November 14 is a precious day to us. It is the day that we celebrate this wonderful woman who has taken the heart of our son.
Now, to look back and remember the prayers and the wonderings, it is so neat to see it all come full circle. God was in it all. Our prayers were for her all along.
It is encouraging to remember. It gives me peace as I continue to pray for the future spouses of my other kids....For Rachel, Ryan's fiance' .... and for the young man out there somewhere who will offer his heart to my girl and for the young girl out there somewhere who will melt my little guys resolve to 'never date or marry anyone'...as girls are strange and to be avoided....ha ha.
I am so glad that God in His mercy and grace loves me and my kids and that I can trust Him with the details.
Steph is one beacon of light that helps me remember that every day.
Happy Birthday!!!
