I took our camera to church for the Christmas Eve service on Wed. and forgot it under a pew. Well, went back the following Sunday and it was gone and no one has turned it in. I have turned the house upside down and I am most sure it was left under that pew. I checked twice this week and nothing. Surely someone found it and it will be turned in, right?
Now, I borrowed my mom's camera and have been taking fraudulent Christmas pictures of the kids. You know, making them get their pj's back on and hold up something they got days ago...I feel very evil. What kind of mom takes faux- Christmas pictures?!
I am very sad....someone will turn it in, right? Someone wouldn't steal from a church on Christmas Eve! Maybe they went on vacation right after the service and plan to return it when they get back...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Nobel Peace Prize Winner is...
You know who should win the Nobel Peace Prize?? The person who invented gift bags.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Oh Christmas Tree...
We got our Christmas tree up today! Wait...is it still called a Christmas Tree if there is nothing on it?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Another one bites the dust
Kami has become a stomach virus victim. Just praying I don't. We can make it if mom stays well. Those are Mo's words not mine. Actually his were more like pleading with God, "Please don't let mama get sick. I can't do this by myself! Please don't let mama get sick."
And Mo has been a real life saver. He is the definition of a real man. He has been doing dishes non stop, making bottles, letting me take a nap, holding one or all the babies while I get supper ready, running to the grocery store for high dollar formula and praying for me not to get sick. I haven't made all the right decisions in life but I did right by choosing him. Thank ya, Jesus!
And a shout out to my principal for being so understanding of all the days off I have needed. Once everyone is well, I will be back in the saddle.
Be praying for Sandy. She is our babysitter while I work.
And Mo has been a real life saver. He is the definition of a real man. He has been doing dishes non stop, making bottles, letting me take a nap, holding one or all the babies while I get supper ready, running to the grocery store for high dollar formula and praying for me not to get sick. I haven't made all the right decisions in life but I did right by choosing him. Thank ya, Jesus!
And a shout out to my principal for being so understanding of all the days off I have needed. Once everyone is well, I will be back in the saddle.
Be praying for Sandy. She is our babysitter while I work.
Let The Games Begin!
It is 4:13 am and I am up. Now don't go accusing the little ones. Kori has a stomach bug. YUCK!
Let the games begin!
Sleep?? What's that?
And I can quitely hear the histerical laughing of all the moms who have 3 or more kids.
Let the games begin!
Sleep?? What's that?
And I can quitely hear the histerical laughing of all the moms who have 3 or more kids.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Hair Everywhere!
Oh yeah! I thought when I was signing up for boys that I would have less hair to do every morning. Something I am not a fan of as you can tell in that my girls wear pony tails everywhere.
Well, Julius has thrown that out the window. He has a crazy mop top! We have got to get it cut! But not if biological mom doesn't approve... which is likely to be the case.
Well, Julius has thrown that out the window. He has a crazy mop top! We have got to get it cut! But not if biological mom doesn't approve... which is likely to be the case.
Day Two
They say you can tell a lot about a person by how they respond to difficult situations. Well, today was a test for our babies. And they did pretty darn good.
Ariel is not a fan of sleeping, sad to say. Maybe she is used to sleeping with her mom....not happening in McDaniel Land. So, she is gonna have some adjusting to do for a while.
Julius slept like a champ! Thank ya, Jesus!
It was our typical jam pack Saturday with basketball, a party and then a meeting with a friend so there was no schedule. But the kids did great and it took all of us to make it through the day. We left the house at 8:45 and got back around 4.
A couple tears from Julius when he didn't get his way but that is typical for his age and Ariel just wants the world to revolve around her and that is typical of girls.
Tomorrow will be a bit easier and hope to get us all on a better schedule for naps and such.
Ariel is not a fan of sleeping, sad to say. Maybe she is used to sleeping with her mom....not happening in McDaniel Land. So, she is gonna have some adjusting to do for a while.
Julius slept like a champ! Thank ya, Jesus!
It was our typical jam pack Saturday with basketball, a party and then a meeting with a friend so there was no schedule. But the kids did great and it took all of us to make it through the day. We left the house at 8:45 and got back around 4.
A couple tears from Julius when he didn't get his way but that is typical for his age and Ariel just wants the world to revolve around her and that is typical of girls.
Tomorrow will be a bit easier and hope to get us all on a better schedule for naps and such.
Friday, December 12, 2008
My Heart Is Full
Ya know when you get that feeling, "This is what God made me for!"? That is how I feel today. I was put on this planet to be a mom. I got my wish 11 1/2 years ago and I fulfilled what I believe God added to my purpose by having a heart for orphans.
We were told to prepare for the worst but have gotten off to a great start. We were anxious about having 2, one being a girl that we had nothing for and were told there were a few issues at the other foster parent's home. God heard our concerns and provided for each one. He is our portion deliverer!
Today Julius and Ariel came to our door. We don't know what brought them here but know we were bathed in prayer the entire day. They took to all of us like fish to water. It is still unclear how long they will be with us but we feel like they are already part of the family and feel blessed to be serving them while God reveals His plan. Julius and Ariel are so happy and easy going. They laugh easily and Julius has liked everything but broccoli so far. The girls have been so helpful! Julius is almost 2 years old and Ariel is 7 months. Both are beautiful!
Even if they leave in a few days or months, they are a joy and loving them will be easy.
What has God been asking you to do but fear has kept you from it? I encourage you to run to His will. He truly does have plans for you. Plans for you to prosper.
Thanks for your prayers and your support. I have written that after a day with the girls that my heart is full. Well, tonight my heart is full, my spirit is full and so are all the beds in the house.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Ask and you shall be given in abundance!
Table for 6, please!
We are getting 2 babies tomorrow! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! I know. A boy and girl will come to our house around 2. The boy is almost 2 and the girl is 6 months. I know we were only looking for a boy and only one not two and certainly weren't planning for a girl. But, they needed a home and were about to run out of time looking so our agency called us with the "I know you weren't really planning for this but..." speech. Don't know much else other than they may be here a few days to a few months or forever. Just gonna love on 'em and leave the rest to God. Like how we don't all fit in any of our cars (thanks, mom for letting us use the minivan). Thanks for all your prayers but don't stop now! God's real work begins 'cause this mama is gonna need it. 2 under the age of 2! I wasn't even that brave with my biological children! Stay tuned. We are about to find out how much of a sense of humor God has.
We are getting 2 babies tomorrow! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! I know. A boy and girl will come to our house around 2. The boy is almost 2 and the girl is 6 months. I know we were only looking for a boy and only one not two and certainly weren't planning for a girl. But, they needed a home and were about to run out of time looking so our agency called us with the "I know you weren't really planning for this but..." speech. Don't know much else other than they may be here a few days to a few months or forever. Just gonna love on 'em and leave the rest to God. Like how we don't all fit in any of our cars (thanks, mom for letting us use the minivan). Thanks for all your prayers but don't stop now! God's real work begins 'cause this mama is gonna need it. 2 under the age of 2! I wasn't even that brave with my biological children! Stay tuned. We are about to find out how much of a sense of humor God has.
Monday, December 8, 2008
All the Gates (Decision) Be Damned...
Ok. Here is the latest in the Foster/Adopt saga. We had our quaretly visit by our case manager last Monday. Nothing new really other than come to find out, to make a long story short, the agency had our information wrong in the computer that CPS acccesses to determine where kids go. So, it has been wrong since we got our license back in April.
Then I did some investigating on my own and talking to the "in-take manager" for the agency to see what is taking so dang long and found out that back in August, legislation in Texas passed the Gates Decision. To make short work of it, all CPS workers must get a court order before removing kids from bad situations or face the possiblity of being sued. So, as you can imagine all the courts are backed up waiting for judges to sign off on these orders and in the mean time the parents are skipping town with their kids in tow. Plus all the "hoops" that the parents had to jump through to get their kids back are now having to be jumped with the kids still with the parents so the kids could be in a bad situation for longer than would be originally. Thus were CPS removed 50 kids per month, they are now down to 3. Not that the abuse is now gone, it is just taking so long to get the kids removed. Sad for us! And the kids.
My new medidation is 2 Cor. 4:8-11
We are pressed on everyside but not crushed,
Perplexed but not dispairing,
Persecuted but not forsaken,
Struck down but not destroyed.
We carry around the death and life of Christ.
Then I did some investigating on my own and talking to the "in-take manager" for the agency to see what is taking so dang long and found out that back in August, legislation in Texas passed the Gates Decision. To make short work of it, all CPS workers must get a court order before removing kids from bad situations or face the possiblity of being sued. So, as you can imagine all the courts are backed up waiting for judges to sign off on these orders and in the mean time the parents are skipping town with their kids in tow. Plus all the "hoops" that the parents had to jump through to get their kids back are now having to be jumped with the kids still with the parents so the kids could be in a bad situation for longer than would be originally. Thus were CPS removed 50 kids per month, they are now down to 3. Not that the abuse is now gone, it is just taking so long to get the kids removed. Sad for us! And the kids.
My new medidation is 2 Cor. 4:8-11
We are pressed on everyside but not crushed,
Perplexed but not dispairing,
Persecuted but not forsaken,
Struck down but not destroyed.
We carry around the death and life of Christ.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Bow Hunter's First Lesson
Here are a couple pictures of Mo's forearm from the bow he recently got. A lesson you only need to learn once, or in this case twice. Yep, he hit his forearm just 2 times. For future bow hunters, keep the lead arm sightly bent.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Turkey Trot, Trot, Trot. Around the Lot, Lot, Lot!
It is almost Thanksgiving and I am so excited! It is my favorite time of the year. SOOO, I must confess I still call it Thanksgiving break not fall break at school so I am sure I could get fired any day now. My heart is so full and soon my belly will be too.
I still sing this Turkey trot song that I learned from either Stacey or Niki Jackson. My girls know it and beg me to stop often this time of year.
I am thankful for so much but here is a quick rundown off the top of my head: my family, God's grace, good health, a house that never stays tidy, Chinese food, my children's hand prints on my car windows, electric blankets, Sonic happy hour, good books, bird feeders, Kori's face full of freckles and her compassion for others, Kami's creativity and sense of humor, my mom's flannel quilts, the Hallmark channel, comfy shoes, rain, the blessings of a car that runs and and food in the pantry, naps and my husband's auburn hair that he has decided to grow out for me just because I am a sucker for a red head.
Your turn, what are you thankful for?
I still sing this Turkey trot song that I learned from either Stacey or Niki Jackson. My girls know it and beg me to stop often this time of year.
I am thankful for so much but here is a quick rundown off the top of my head: my family, God's grace, good health, a house that never stays tidy, Chinese food, my children's hand prints on my car windows, electric blankets, Sonic happy hour, good books, bird feeders, Kori's face full of freckles and her compassion for others, Kami's creativity and sense of humor, my mom's flannel quilts, the Hallmark channel, comfy shoes, rain, the blessings of a car that runs and and food in the pantry, naps and my husband's auburn hair that he has decided to grow out for me just because I am a sucker for a red head.
Your turn, what are you thankful for?
Joe Black
Just thought I would share my thoughts. Brad Pitt is hot in Meet Joe Black! And I am not really a Pitt fan. The Grim Reaper never looked so good!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
It is a Conspiracy
Ok. Let's get honest. Ever notice how male hobbies take forever! I mean all day if not a weekend. For example: hunting, golf, riding motorcycles, refurbishing a car, fishing, baseball, camping, etc. Where as typical female hobbies are just a few hours and most can be done without leaving the house. Examples: cooking, baking, gardening, scrapbooking, reading, shopping, sewing, etc.
I am calling conspiracy on this. Honestly, how many husbands would agree to you being gone every weekend for months? NONE! It is just wrong. And then they say, "Well, plan something for a weekend for yourself and that will be fine with me." No problem if the next 3 months were already booked male junk!
Seriously, if I come back to earth, I am coming back as a man. I want to get paid more for doing less, watch supper magically appear on the table every night, my clothes will be magically clean and my work day will end at 5:30 when my backend walks through the door and hits the recliner.
Must be nice.
I am calling conspiracy on this. Honestly, how many husbands would agree to you being gone every weekend for months? NONE! It is just wrong. And then they say, "Well, plan something for a weekend for yourself and that will be fine with me." No problem if the next 3 months were already booked male junk!
Seriously, if I come back to earth, I am coming back as a man. I want to get paid more for doing less, watch supper magically appear on the table every night, my clothes will be magically clean and my work day will end at 5:30 when my backend walks through the door and hits the recliner.
Must be nice.
Two Thumbs Up!
Just watched Kit Kitredge: An American Girl this weekend. Super movie and my girls aren't even into American Girl dolls. Great message and a bit of history too. Other than Kit's bad wig, great movie and a must own!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
MaMa Prays
Kori made me a really sweet picture yesterday. I am going to write it just like she did since that is part of what is so cute. If we get to name our future son, we would like to name him Oakley Cooper and call him O.C.
Here is what is written with a picture of me praying and a little baby in a thought bubble:
"Mama praying for O.C. to come soon. She know God takeing care of him. She can wait. She not in a hury. She will keap praying for O.C. to come. She wonder about him every. She and love him. We can't wait for him to come."
I keep thinking of Ps. 146:9 "The Lord sustains the fatherless." God is sustaining our son as he makes his journey to us. A crown of thorns of protection we have prayed to cover our son as he endures more than likely pain, hunger, abuse, neglect, drug exposure, and fear but our Father is sustaining him and will continue to sustain him. Even though we don't know what he looks like or when he will come, our God sustains. He might have silky brown curly hair, light brown skin and big brown eyes. He might be as blonde as can be with blue eyes and dimples or even a red head with a face full of freckles. No matter. Our Everlasting God sustains.
Here is what is written with a picture of me praying and a little baby in a thought bubble:
"Mama praying for O.C. to come soon. She know God takeing care of him. She can wait. She not in a hury. She will keap praying for O.C. to come. She wonder about him every. She and love him. We can't wait for him to come."
I keep thinking of Ps. 146:9 "The Lord sustains the fatherless." God is sustaining our son as he makes his journey to us. A crown of thorns of protection we have prayed to cover our son as he endures more than likely pain, hunger, abuse, neglect, drug exposure, and fear but our Father is sustaining him and will continue to sustain him. Even though we don't know what he looks like or when he will come, our God sustains. He might have silky brown curly hair, light brown skin and big brown eyes. He might be as blonde as can be with blue eyes and dimples or even a red head with a face full of freckles. No matter. Our Everlasting God sustains.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I Just Don't Get It
What's up with facebook? Never heard of it 'til last week and now everyone thinks it is awesome. Is this new??? I guess I am missing the point....
Sunday, October 26, 2008
I Am Full
What a Sunday! Kori was baptized then we had some tasty vittles with my parents and our neighbors, the Beams, to celebrate. Kori chose fajitas for lunch then when it was time to eat found some left over tuna in the fridge and wanted a sandwich instead! To top it off we got to eat some "I belong to Jesus" cake and open a few gifts and cards. She got a bible from us with her name and today's date engraved on it, a James Avery charm bracelet with a baptism seashell engraved with the date on it from my parents and a beautiful card from the Beams.
After a feast like that I got to take a nap too!
And then we went to the church festival and had a great time. My heart is full and my cup runeth over!
After a feast like that I got to take a nap too!
And then we went to the church festival and had a great time. My heart is full and my cup runeth over!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thank for the Prayers
Thanks for all the prayers you have sent our way as my dad was in the hopsital. It was found he had a mild stroke and is now at home and resting. The out pouring of prayer and support from our family and friends was such a blessing! And we thank our God for each of you!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Randomness from McDaniel Land
Here is a quick list of happenings in our little part of the world we call McDaniel Land:
School is fine.
Joined the church and Kori is getting baptized on Sunday!
Kami has some serious talent in drawing we found out this week. Particularly anime. Plus she is the only 11 year old girl I know who uses the word "montage" in her everyday language. ("Hello, Mr. Spielberg? Kami McDaniel will see you in her office.") Smart cookie. She is going to be a pirate for Halloween.
Kori starts Judo this week. I know. I know. Like she doesn't do enough but she has been dying to start an MMA career so we compromised on Judo. Plus it is self-defense. She is going to use her Judo uniform for Halloween. And she starts basketball for city league week after next and Upwards Basketball in the next couple weeks. (I know shoot me now.)
Mo is anxiously awaiting deer season.
And I just finished painting the kitchen, halls, living room and dining room. Sultan Sand was the color of choice. Looks great.
Mo and I are going to a foster/adoption parent conference this Saturday at Irving Bible. Really looking forward to it.
Half way finished with Sunset by Kingsbury. Great book!
No news on the baby front. Other than now that we are busier than a one legged man in a booty kickin' contest, we should get one any day.:) Heck, what's another log on the fire!
Plus, I am starting to wonder if I have adult ADD...
And there are only 65 days until Christmas.
School is fine.
Joined the church and Kori is getting baptized on Sunday!
Kami has some serious talent in drawing we found out this week. Particularly anime. Plus she is the only 11 year old girl I know who uses the word "montage" in her everyday language. ("Hello, Mr. Spielberg? Kami McDaniel will see you in her office.") Smart cookie. She is going to be a pirate for Halloween.
Kori starts Judo this week. I know. I know. Like she doesn't do enough but she has been dying to start an MMA career so we compromised on Judo. Plus it is self-defense. She is going to use her Judo uniform for Halloween. And she starts basketball for city league week after next and Upwards Basketball in the next couple weeks. (I know shoot me now.)
Mo is anxiously awaiting deer season.
And I just finished painting the kitchen, halls, living room and dining room. Sultan Sand was the color of choice. Looks great.
Mo and I are going to a foster/adoption parent conference this Saturday at Irving Bible. Really looking forward to it.
Half way finished with Sunset by Kingsbury. Great book!
No news on the baby front. Other than now that we are busier than a one legged man in a booty kickin' contest, we should get one any day.:) Heck, what's another log on the fire!
Plus, I am starting to wonder if I have adult ADD...
And there are only 65 days until Christmas.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Deep Thoughts By Shelly McD
Haven't had much to time to write lately. When school starts everything else that is "extra" just gets dumped. Sorry! BUT, I have made time to read being the nerd that I am. So here is a quick recap of a couple books that were recommended reading from other families doing foster care that I have finished in the last few months since school started:
The Connected Child: Great but gets a bit wordy. My advice to authors is when it can be said in 100 pages instead of 200, do so.
The Lost Boy: This is the sequal to The Boy Called It that came out a few years ago. AWESOME book!
Hope's Boy: This book chronicles Andrew Bridge's journey of 11 years in the Los Angles foster care system including a stay at the notorious Mac Laren hall which the city used to "warehouse" foster kids at the time 15-20 years ago. You may have heard about it on the news back then and possibly even today as adults who survived have formed an advocacy group for children in foster care. Great story about a boy who really beat some amazing odds. There is one sentence that still haunts me:
"Some kids are born for battle".
And God bless their souls for fighting for their lives everyday.
On a lighter note, I also just got Karen Kingsbury's newest one Sunset. And I didn't mind buying it since Mardel had it for 7 bucks!
The Connected Child: Great but gets a bit wordy. My advice to authors is when it can be said in 100 pages instead of 200, do so.
The Lost Boy: This is the sequal to The Boy Called It that came out a few years ago. AWESOME book!
Hope's Boy: This book chronicles Andrew Bridge's journey of 11 years in the Los Angles foster care system including a stay at the notorious Mac Laren hall which the city used to "warehouse" foster kids at the time 15-20 years ago. You may have heard about it on the news back then and possibly even today as adults who survived have formed an advocacy group for children in foster care. Great story about a boy who really beat some amazing odds. There is one sentence that still haunts me:
"Some kids are born for battle".
And God bless their souls for fighting for their lives everyday.
On a lighter note, I also just got Karen Kingsbury's newest one Sunset. And I didn't mind buying it since Mardel had it for 7 bucks!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Heavenly ZZZZ's
Do you think we get to sleep when we get to Heaven? 'Cause I am really tired and I always tell myself, "You can sleep when your dead." Then tonight I had a thought..."What if we don't sleep in Heaven?" All I know is I'm not going to be happy about that. I mean I would rather sleep than eat. Maybe we sleep in our coffins??? And you can't say you will sleep when you get old 'cause when you are old, you just have a bunch of hospital people buggin' you to get up and go to therapy cause the aging process is at a double time and for every day of bedrest it takes 3 days of physical activity to get back to your baseline fitness level. Just curious. Thought if it isn't true than I need to stop kidding myself.
Monday, September 29, 2008
We Are Moving! Or atleast I am.
Just wanted to let you know that I am moving to Antartica as soon as possible. My allergies are killing me and I hate all that is green and lush. I haven't been able to sleep because I can't breathe and I have been taking my pills constantly. I hate snot. I hate tissues. I hate animals. I hate anything that buds or blooms or floats in the air. I could take my eyes out and rub them on the carpet they itch so bad. Now mind you I hate cold weather too but this is what my life has resulted to. Just wanted to let you know so you can forward my mail when the time comes.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Prayer for Healing
Hi,
Just wanted to pass on a prayer request on behalf of this guy that works with Mo's company in the Alabama division. His little 18 month old daughter has been diagnosed with cancer. She had to have her head shaved a few days ago and we just pray for God's quick healing of this precious baby girl.
I know when we thought Kori might have cancer of the lymph nodes several years ago (she was about 4 then) I was a wreck! Talk about circumstances bringing you to your knees and crying out to the Lord! And we were delivered of that only 24 hours later when an MRI revealed it was only an aggressive infection. Thank you, Jesus!
We know that God is powerfully in control and has the ability to work miracles to heal this sweet baby girl and we are humbly crying out to Him now to heal her. And that by doing so she will be a testimony to all who know her that our God is a god who is still in the miracle business. Please join us!
Just wanted to pass on a prayer request on behalf of this guy that works with Mo's company in the Alabama division. His little 18 month old daughter has been diagnosed with cancer. She had to have her head shaved a few days ago and we just pray for God's quick healing of this precious baby girl.
I know when we thought Kori might have cancer of the lymph nodes several years ago (she was about 4 then) I was a wreck! Talk about circumstances bringing you to your knees and crying out to the Lord! And we were delivered of that only 24 hours later when an MRI revealed it was only an aggressive infection. Thank you, Jesus!
We know that God is powerfully in control and has the ability to work miracles to heal this sweet baby girl and we are humbly crying out to Him now to heal her. And that by doing so she will be a testimony to all who know her that our God is a god who is still in the miracle business. Please join us!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Beth Moore
Going to conference with mom and Sandy was awesome! Beth Moore is so fun to see in person and the music was so powerful. It was an added bonus that we got to be in the second row, seating designated for the hearing impaired. Thank you, Sandy! I will put a few pictures up in a bit too.
Her point of the weekend is that we are all heiresses of the Lord. We will inherit greatness upon reaching heaven and women in general would not treat themselves so cheaply if we would recognize that we are God's inheritance too.
Good stuff, Ladies! Good stuff!
Her point of the weekend is that we are all heiresses of the Lord. We will inherit greatness upon reaching heaven and women in general would not treat themselves so cheaply if we would recognize that we are God's inheritance too.
Good stuff, Ladies! Good stuff!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
That's My Son
Just started another book. I know I am a nerd to the nth degree. I just love reading! It is called That's My Son: How Moms can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character. It is by Rick Johnson. It is actually my sister's book but I borrowed it so I would have something to read. Now, I also know that I don't have a son yet, but I will in God's time. Maybe more than one. So, I thought I would start my education early.
I am on page 56 and really like this book. I recommend it for any mom but specifically if you are a mom that grew up without brothers. I even think fathers should read this book. I have 2 sisters and all of my cousins are girls except 1 plus I have daughters not sons. So, I am clueless. My first year of teaching, the boys just baffled me. My husband was my only reference. I would keep asking, "What is up with this? Is this just being a boy???". And he was always, "Yes and I don't know why we do it, we just do." Now, I was a tomboy but still I was a girl, just a wild one.
This book, so far, gives such insight to why God made boys the way He did and how as moms we can help our sons embrace the boy's maleness and stop the feminizing of our boys which has lead to an increase in male depression and the overall passivity, indecisiveness and apathetic behaviors that quite frankly have left our homes without men who are spiritual leaders and men of integrity. I would even go so far as to say the moral decay of our society, as a result.
Here are my thoughts so far. Don't know if Rick Johnson will agree. Will have to read on to find out.
If nothing else, it is a call to arms for moms and dads to reclaim the joys and power of raising sons who fulfil God's design for their lives. I know as a mom to daughters, begin praying for your daughter's future husbands now. Pray that the young boys parents will lead them to be Godly leaders and men of character. Our society is in desperate need of them.
We have found evidence of this first hand as Mo's mission is to mentor young men who have absentee fathers and when he shares this mission it is amazing to me the amount of young men who find him at Discovery! conferences who with tears in their eyes say "how badly I needed a dad" or "if only I knew someone like you when I was young". This is not a statement of greatness to my husband. On the contrary it is a sad commentary on how we as parents,single or divorced, are failing our sons. There are a staggering about of moms raising their children alone. A mom can teach a boy a lot of things but they can not teach him how to be a man. It wasn't God's design! But, a lot of moms are forced to do it alone because our parent's generation dropped the ball. Reclaim your son as God had intended.
I am on page 56 and really like this book. I recommend it for any mom but specifically if you are a mom that grew up without brothers. I even think fathers should read this book. I have 2 sisters and all of my cousins are girls except 1 plus I have daughters not sons. So, I am clueless. My first year of teaching, the boys just baffled me. My husband was my only reference. I would keep asking, "What is up with this? Is this just being a boy???". And he was always, "Yes and I don't know why we do it, we just do." Now, I was a tomboy but still I was a girl, just a wild one.
This book, so far, gives such insight to why God made boys the way He did and how as moms we can help our sons embrace the boy's maleness and stop the feminizing of our boys which has lead to an increase in male depression and the overall passivity, indecisiveness and apathetic behaviors that quite frankly have left our homes without men who are spiritual leaders and men of integrity. I would even go so far as to say the moral decay of our society, as a result.
Here are my thoughts so far. Don't know if Rick Johnson will agree. Will have to read on to find out.
If nothing else, it is a call to arms for moms and dads to reclaim the joys and power of raising sons who fulfil God's design for their lives. I know as a mom to daughters, begin praying for your daughter's future husbands now. Pray that the young boys parents will lead them to be Godly leaders and men of character. Our society is in desperate need of them.
We have found evidence of this first hand as Mo's mission is to mentor young men who have absentee fathers and when he shares this mission it is amazing to me the amount of young men who find him at Discovery! conferences who with tears in their eyes say "how badly I needed a dad" or "if only I knew someone like you when I was young". This is not a statement of greatness to my husband. On the contrary it is a sad commentary on how we as parents,single or divorced, are failing our sons. There are a staggering about of moms raising their children alone. A mom can teach a boy a lot of things but they can not teach him how to be a man. It wasn't God's design! But, a lot of moms are forced to do it alone because our parent's generation dropped the ball. Reclaim your son as God had intended.
90 Minutes in Heaven
Finished up 90 Minutes in Heaven last night. It was good. The best part is when he describes heaven of course! The rest just seemed redundant. I think it was that way for me because of all my years working rehab. It was like I was reading this guys medical chart for hours.
But all in all a good read. Pretty quick---took me a day.
Don Piper, the author, will be speaking at Denon FBC tomorrow so the family will head "into town" for Sunday services. Should be interesting.
But all in all a good read. Pretty quick---took me a day.
Don Piper, the author, will be speaking at Denon FBC tomorrow so the family will head "into town" for Sunday services. Should be interesting.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Shack
OK. I have tried to compile my thoughts on this book and just can't seem to do it. So, I will just write. And I knew it was fiction from the get go, I started it with an open mind. Surprisingly the things that bugged some folks, didn't bother me. I was OK with God being able to take on other forms (ie a woman). He is God. He can do what He wants. And Jesus as a Middle Eastern man was fine (I already knew he wasn't a white guy.). I didn't like that the Holy Spirit was called something else. Sarayu???? Whatever. Also, this book affected me very deeply which didn't bother me either. Except my sleeping.
I feel like whatever I needed to get out of the book. I did. I faced some challenges of my unbelief. Not belief of the story but that God is good all the time and that everything, EVERYTHING works to His good. If you have read the book, you know exactly what I mean. Toward the end, it got a bit too encompassing for my taste. All religious roads lead to Jesus???
I have a very compassionate heart for hurting children. And, to be quite truthful, I want people who do horrible things to children to burn in hell. That's why God is God and I am not. Lots of people have monsters for parents but at some point you have a choice to make to be a product of them or not. Yes, I know, a sin is a sin and anyone can repent at anytime and be welcome in heaven. I know this in my head, but in all my humanness I want them to fry.
And while I am open that something similar could happen to a person. Far be it from me to limit how God could appear to someone. The book just got to be too much work to read in some parts. I mean, I was reading paragraphs over a few times and was getting out my bible to cross check stuff and it just wore me out!! It got to be too "new agie" if you know what I mean. I would like to have read a more "definite" postion on the biblical teaching of Christ being the way to enter heaven and such.
So, all in all. Pretty good book but I had to work to finish it. You might enjoy it if you understand that it is FICTION.
But in the end, I would love to have an experience with God like that. To sit with Him and talk, to go for a walk with Jesus and to spend the day in the garden with the Holy Spirit. Maybe I am a bit jealous of Mack's time with God. To have that kind of time now on such a 3 dimensional level and then come to tell others about it....Awesome.
I feel like whatever I needed to get out of the book. I did. I faced some challenges of my unbelief. Not belief of the story but that God is good all the time and that everything, EVERYTHING works to His good. If you have read the book, you know exactly what I mean. Toward the end, it got a bit too encompassing for my taste. All religious roads lead to Jesus???
I have a very compassionate heart for hurting children. And, to be quite truthful, I want people who do horrible things to children to burn in hell. That's why God is God and I am not. Lots of people have monsters for parents but at some point you have a choice to make to be a product of them or not. Yes, I know, a sin is a sin and anyone can repent at anytime and be welcome in heaven. I know this in my head, but in all my humanness I want them to fry.
And while I am open that something similar could happen to a person. Far be it from me to limit how God could appear to someone. The book just got to be too much work to read in some parts. I mean, I was reading paragraphs over a few times and was getting out my bible to cross check stuff and it just wore me out!! It got to be too "new agie" if you know what I mean. I would like to have read a more "definite" postion on the biblical teaching of Christ being the way to enter heaven and such.
So, all in all. Pretty good book but I had to work to finish it. You might enjoy it if you understand that it is FICTION.
But in the end, I would love to have an experience with God like that. To sit with Him and talk, to go for a walk with Jesus and to spend the day in the garden with the Holy Spirit. Maybe I am a bit jealous of Mack's time with God. To have that kind of time now on such a 3 dimensional level and then come to tell others about it....Awesome.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Back to School
Hard to believe we are headed back to school so soon. The school supplies are labeled and bagged, new clothes bought and teachers met. The time goes by so quickly in hindsight. One day she is going to kindergarten and the next she is going to 6th grade with 10 different classes a day. I guess it is a sign of growing old when the time passes so fast. For example, we have 4 months until Christmas. Didn't we just "do" Christmas????
Another Sampling
This just warms my heart so much I had to share. As many of you know Kori is deaf. Legally according to the state of Texas but she can hear some. Well, we just found out last Sunday that she can get this hearing device from the church sound guy and it hooks over her ear and amplifies the sound. Up until then, she couldn't hear what our pastor was saying or really understand any of the songs. Words in music are really difficult for her to get. So, we tried it out.
She was she thought she was hot stuff with that thing on and loved it. She sang for the first time in worship and has been bellowing "Here I Am To Worship" non stop since. So, if you are even remotely near us on Sunday mornings, that beautiful, freckle faced blonde who is singing at the top of her lungs and way of key is my daughter making a "joyful noise unto the Lord." And to Him it is beautiful!
And to know one day when she gets to heaven she will be singing with the angels and be able to hear every note without a single device. And to know one day when my sisters get to heaven they will hear it too. And in that day my little sister will hear how her son's voices sound, to hear them say "I love you." instead of reading on their lips. God is good! Even when it takes a bit longer for us to "hear" His praises.
Wouldn't it be funny when we get to heaven and find out all those who were "disabled" were the "normal" ones and us "normal" ones were really the ones who were "disabled"?
She was she thought she was hot stuff with that thing on and loved it. She sang for the first time in worship and has been bellowing "Here I Am To Worship" non stop since. So, if you are even remotely near us on Sunday mornings, that beautiful, freckle faced blonde who is singing at the top of her lungs and way of key is my daughter making a "joyful noise unto the Lord." And to Him it is beautiful!
And to know one day when she gets to heaven she will be singing with the angels and be able to hear every note without a single device. And to know one day when my sisters get to heaven they will hear it too. And in that day my little sister will hear how her son's voices sound, to hear them say "I love you." instead of reading on their lips. God is good! Even when it takes a bit longer for us to "hear" His praises.
Wouldn't it be funny when we get to heaven and find out all those who were "disabled" were the "normal" ones and us "normal" ones were really the ones who were "disabled"?
The Shack
Just started The Shack. I have heard the buzz and it seems to have gotten mixed reviews. Jeers from people who are particularly hard-nosed legalistic theologians it seems (that's you Lanny Joe Groves!). Cheers from all other "normal" people. So far it is good but then again I am only on page 25. Should have it finished this weekend.
On a side note, my doctor said that a movie is being made from it. And Queen Latifa is slated to star in it. He didn't say much else since I then blurted, "Don't say another word! I haven't gotten to a woman part."
Also got a recommendation for 90 Minutes in Heaven from my neighbor but haven't read that yet either.
On a side note, my doctor said that a movie is being made from it. And Queen Latifa is slated to star in it. He didn't say much else since I then blurted, "Don't say another word! I haven't gotten to a woman part."
Also got a recommendation for 90 Minutes in Heaven from my neighbor but haven't read that yet either.
Theology 101
Another sampling from my life. Kori checked out this Bible stories book from our church library last Sunday. You know the ones. They were made in the 1950's with a blue hardcover and there are a ton of volumes that retell the bible in story format for children. Well, tonight I was reading her the story of the woman who was bleeding for 12 years and just touches Christ's hem and she is healed. Here is the conversation that followed:
Kori: Can we see Jesus?
Me: We can see and feel His spirit but not His body. When He comes back to earth, we will see His body then.
Kori: So when He comes back to earth will He get married?
Me: I don't think so. I don't remember reading anything about that.
Kori: Yeah, probably not because all the girls would want to marry Him.
Me: I think you are right. He would be quite popular.
Kori: And everytime his wife would touch him she would get more healed.
Kori: Can we see Jesus?
Me: We can see and feel His spirit but not His body. When He comes back to earth, we will see His body then.
Kori: So when He comes back to earth will He get married?
Me: I don't think so. I don't remember reading anything about that.
Kori: Yeah, probably not because all the girls would want to marry Him.
Me: I think you are right. He would be quite popular.
Kori: And everytime his wife would touch him she would get more healed.
San Antonio or Bust!
I am so super excited becuase I am going to go see Beth Moore this weekend with my mom and sister. It will be a great time of fun, rest, food, and God. I rarely get to do things like this so that makes it even more special. And going right before school starts just doubles the pleasure. And how cool is my principal to just let me do this even though teachers just started back to school this week?! She is really great!
Part of the reason is it so exciting is I won't have to take anyone to the bathroom, no one will ask me what kind of toy I want with my meal, I will have no one to check on in the night, and no fights to referee...no wait that might not be true, my mom and sister ARE going. :)
Part of the reason is it so exciting is I won't have to take anyone to the bathroom, no one will ask me what kind of toy I want with my meal, I will have no one to check on in the night, and no fights to referee...no wait that might not be true, my mom and sister ARE going. :)
Monday, August 18, 2008
To be a missionary or not be a missionary
Saturday night the girls and I had a movie night when Mo was out of town. We watched The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, an old movie with Ingrid Bergman, a true story, about a missionary (Gladys Aylward) who went to China. It was super long but good.
So, Kori decides she wants to be a missionary too. And last night she mentions it to Mo and I said, "Maybe you could be a missionary like Stacey and feed hungary soldiers since you like to cook and treat them like family since you like to take care of people but you would have to find a husband who wanted to do that too since that is the rules for their type of missionary work."
Here was our discussion tonight:
Kori: Mom, I don't think I want to be a missionary anymore.
Me: OK.
Kori: Cause I am not sure what husband would want to do that and maybe China is too far away. So maybe you could come with me and we could go to not far places...like China or California.
Me: Oh, is California far?
Kori: Yeah, so maybe like Oklahoma...but I bet everyone in Oklahoma knows about Jesus so maybe a place that is a little far like Mexico...but I don't know how to speak Mexico.
Me: That's called Spanish.
Kori: Oh yeah. Do they have soldiers in Spanish? I mean Mexico?
Me: I dont' know. You have lots of time to find out and the good news is God already knows all of it so just pray for Him to show you what He wants you to do and where to go.
Kori: But maybe my husband won't want to go to Mexico and maybe he will want to go to China. But I would have to tell him that there are no bathtubs in China cause I saw those dirty kids on that movie.
Me: That was just an old movie and when you are running for your life you don't worry about bathing.
Kori: I should maybe pray for bathtubs in China just incase.
Me: Good idea. Now you go get in our tub and be thankful you have one.
So, Kori decides she wants to be a missionary too. And last night she mentions it to Mo and I said, "Maybe you could be a missionary like Stacey and feed hungary soldiers since you like to cook and treat them like family since you like to take care of people but you would have to find a husband who wanted to do that too since that is the rules for their type of missionary work."
Here was our discussion tonight:
Kori: Mom, I don't think I want to be a missionary anymore.
Me: OK.
Kori: Cause I am not sure what husband would want to do that and maybe China is too far away. So maybe you could come with me and we could go to not far places...like China or California.
Me: Oh, is California far?
Kori: Yeah, so maybe like Oklahoma...but I bet everyone in Oklahoma knows about Jesus so maybe a place that is a little far like Mexico...but I don't know how to speak Mexico.
Me: That's called Spanish.
Kori: Oh yeah. Do they have soldiers in Spanish? I mean Mexico?
Me: I dont' know. You have lots of time to find out and the good news is God already knows all of it so just pray for Him to show you what He wants you to do and where to go.
Kori: But maybe my husband won't want to go to Mexico and maybe he will want to go to China. But I would have to tell him that there are no bathtubs in China cause I saw those dirty kids on that movie.
Me: That was just an old movie and when you are running for your life you don't worry about bathing.
Kori: I should maybe pray for bathtubs in China just incase.
Me: Good idea. Now you go get in our tub and be thankful you have one.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thumbs Down
I went to see Mama Mia! today. Not a fan. Too much singing. Yes, I understand it is a musical which I generally enjoy, but here is my beef. I can't get my mind around actors who turn musical actors. Like Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. In my mind, they just aren't supposed to sing in a movie. Julie Andrews...sings. Christpher Walken...actor. It was the same thing with Moulin Rouge, which when I went to see it I did not know it was a musical so therefore I was not prepared for spontaneous singing and left the movie 15 minutes into it. Nicole Kidman...actor. It just does weird things to my mind. Zac Efron...singer. Colin Firth...actor.
It is just not normal. And I really like musicals. My favorite kid movie is Mary Poppins, for crying out loud! I just don't make the transition well when actors decided to switch to singers in a movie when clearly in my mind they are actors.
Or now that I think on it. This could mean I have some weird medical condition. I may need pills for this.
It is just not normal. And I really like musicals. My favorite kid movie is Mary Poppins, for crying out loud! I just don't make the transition well when actors decided to switch to singers in a movie when clearly in my mind they are actors.
Or now that I think on it. This could mean I have some weird medical condition. I may need pills for this.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Groovin' on a Saturday Afternoon
Our Sunday school class spent the evening at Lake Ray Roberts. It was a fun time of fellowship, fun, water, food and sand in some uncomfortable places. You would never know that by looking at the kids though.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Hello Honey! I'm Home!
Mo is coming home tonight! Yea, Me! He has been gone all week playing golf with his dad in their traditional “Heart of the Hills” tournament the first week of every August. I know, like a mom could ever get away with that! But still, I love that it gives him time with his dad and a chance to get away for a bit. The girls have really missed him and I am ready for another adult in the house. We are glad you are back!
And Mo came bearing gifts! Peaches from Fredericksburg, homemade muscadine jelly from his dad's wife, a box of votives in different scents from Circle E candles (my fav) and a HUGE Circle E Bird of Paradise candle for the bedroom (woka, woka!).
And Mo came bearing gifts! Peaches from Fredericksburg, homemade muscadine jelly from his dad's wife, a box of votives in different scents from Circle E candles (my fav) and a HUGE Circle E Bird of Paradise candle for the bedroom (woka, woka!).
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Food For Thought
Here is a hot topic that Mo and I have been discussing for a few weeks now and thought to get some other perspectives, so please comment if you have a view. I am kinda sticking my neck out here because it is a sensitive topic for some folks, but heck, isn't that what bloggin' is for.
Trans-racial adoption. Good or Bad? Here are some thoughts from us and what literature says. Research and "the experts" say that unless the parents live in a multiracial community then trans-racial adoption should not occur. It is harmful to the child as they age and search for an identity and struggle with not looking similar to their adoptive parents.
Sanger is not a multicultural mecca. It doesn't matter to us, but it is not about us. It is about the child. Is love enough? Mo brought up a valid point. "The adoption should be the child's story to tell, not his skin's. No one should be able to look at our family and say he is not ours. " Makes sense. But we can't get away from the feeling like we are ordering a pair of shoes. "Yes, we would like to order a child to adopt. Make it a male, 0-2 years old, Caucasian and limited handicaps. Drug addition is OK." It just doesn't sit well with my heart.
And in case you haven't noticed, soon everyone will be multiracial and being a "pure blood" will be the minority. And although it doesn't matter to our family, we have never been the minority and so we don't have that perspective. Can a white man teach an African American boy how to be an African American man? Can a white man teach a Latino boy how to be a Latino man? Research says no. Cultural views from other ethnic groups say no. And we don't know any adults who have been trans-racially adopted to get their point of view. The sad fact is that most couples who are wanting to adopt and do foster care are Anglo. Where are children who are of another ethnicity to go? I mean, there are such strong view points that there are even adoption agencies that specialize in placing children who are other ethnicities with only those ethnicities to which they belong. This is huge.
So, what are your thoughts?
Trans-racial adoption. Good or Bad? Here are some thoughts from us and what literature says. Research and "the experts" say that unless the parents live in a multiracial community then trans-racial adoption should not occur. It is harmful to the child as they age and search for an identity and struggle with not looking similar to their adoptive parents.
Sanger is not a multicultural mecca. It doesn't matter to us, but it is not about us. It is about the child. Is love enough? Mo brought up a valid point. "The adoption should be the child's story to tell, not his skin's. No one should be able to look at our family and say he is not ours. " Makes sense. But we can't get away from the feeling like we are ordering a pair of shoes. "Yes, we would like to order a child to adopt. Make it a male, 0-2 years old, Caucasian and limited handicaps. Drug addition is OK." It just doesn't sit well with my heart.
And in case you haven't noticed, soon everyone will be multiracial and being a "pure blood" will be the minority. And although it doesn't matter to our family, we have never been the minority and so we don't have that perspective. Can a white man teach an African American boy how to be an African American man? Can a white man teach a Latino boy how to be a Latino man? Research says no. Cultural views from other ethnic groups say no. And we don't know any adults who have been trans-racially adopted to get their point of view. The sad fact is that most couples who are wanting to adopt and do foster care are Anglo. Where are children who are of another ethnicity to go? I mean, there are such strong view points that there are even adoption agencies that specialize in placing children who are other ethnicities with only those ethnicities to which they belong. This is huge.
So, what are your thoughts?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Childlike Faith
Kori just said the sweetest thing. We have been talking for some time now about Christ and praying the prayer of salvation, baptism, why Christ died and what that means. And tonight, she said, "Mom, I think I want Jesus to come into my heart but I think He has always been there with me. I believe in Him and I believe what the scriptures say. I just think He has always been there. I was never alone even when I was a baby. So I might have asked Him when I was little because I always knew He was there with me in my heart. I just don't know any other heart but with Jesus there. So I think I very muchly asked Him before."
Yes, it is that simple.
Yes, it is that simple.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Come Walk With Me...as long as you don't write or highlight!
Just a bit of background. I love reading. I really do love reading. And I love books in general. I am so in love with books that I am really protective of my books. Just ask any of my past kindergarten students. I go over how much I love my books the whole year and how sad it makes me to find destroyed pages. But, I hate paying full price for a book. I don't use the word "hate" much but it is warranted in this case. It kills me. I agonize. I stew. I check the library. I ask friends if they have a copy. I wait for it to go on sale. I even hate using a gift certificate for it. It pains me! I guess because I read so much that a book just doesn't last that long in my hands. (I read about 12 books this summer, see what I mean) I have to really want it badly for months before I plop cash down for a full price book.
Now the story:
I just got something kinda fun in the mail today. I was wanting this book, Come Walk With Me by Carole Mayhall but Mardel didn't have it so began my trek on the Internet to get it. I ordered a used edition from Amazon in July. They sent the wrong book and didn't have another copy of Come Walk With Me. Sad for me. So, I searched again and found another used copy and just got it today. I was so excited. I tore open the package and started thumbing through it. I was a bit anxious to get it 'cause I hate it (OK, maybe I use the word a bit much) when other people have written in books. That is my job. I gotta write in my books! I don't want other people's notes or highlights. It's not that I don't value their thoughts. It just bugs me. You can imagine the pickle I was in during my college days. Buying textbooks about did me in! And then to find writing in it!! It's a wonder I graduated.
Anyway, as I thumbed through it while praying there were no written notes or highlights, I found a couple of notes on separate paper! God bless your soul, Joan Bennett from McHenry, Illinois (the previous owner did have her address label on the title page)! Now I am really pumped because she didn't write in MY book or highlight in MY book plus, she has her notes still left in it so maybe I can learn something from her! Pure bliss! Oh, my goodness! I just thought of something. I should mail them to her (after I read them of course)! Maybe she has been looking for them or maybe just forgot about them and if I mail them to her she will remember something just at the right moment that she needed to be reminded of something that God revealed to her! It is like a Hallmark movie! Gotta run! Got some written correspondence to to do!
Now the story:
I just got something kinda fun in the mail today. I was wanting this book, Come Walk With Me by Carole Mayhall but Mardel didn't have it so began my trek on the Internet to get it. I ordered a used edition from Amazon in July. They sent the wrong book and didn't have another copy of Come Walk With Me. Sad for me. So, I searched again and found another used copy and just got it today. I was so excited. I tore open the package and started thumbing through it. I was a bit anxious to get it 'cause I hate it (OK, maybe I use the word a bit much) when other people have written in books. That is my job. I gotta write in my books! I don't want other people's notes or highlights. It's not that I don't value their thoughts. It just bugs me. You can imagine the pickle I was in during my college days. Buying textbooks about did me in! And then to find writing in it!! It's a wonder I graduated.
Anyway, as I thumbed through it while praying there were no written notes or highlights, I found a couple of notes on separate paper! God bless your soul, Joan Bennett from McHenry, Illinois (the previous owner did have her address label on the title page)! Now I am really pumped because she didn't write in MY book or highlight in MY book plus, she has her notes still left in it so maybe I can learn something from her! Pure bliss! Oh, my goodness! I just thought of something. I should mail them to her (after I read them of course)! Maybe she has been looking for them or maybe just forgot about them and if I mail them to her she will remember something just at the right moment that she needed to be reminded of something that God revealed to her! It is like a Hallmark movie! Gotta run! Got some written correspondence to to do!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Things I just don't get...
Another friend of mine said that bloggers are supposed to write silly little lists about stuff so here are some random thoughts of an irritable mother:
1. Breakfast bars are the spawn of Satan. If you love them, you obviously don't have one. They just become a parking lot for crap.
2. Bratz dolls. Just think, some big company probably put a ton of money into these and they are just plain terrible and worthless.
3. The person who invented goodie bags for kids parties should be shot.
4. Kids with cell phones. Honestly, who does a 9 and 10 year old NEED to call?
5. Wording on the back-end of clothing.
6. Starbucks. Do you really need 5 million types of coffee?
7. Guy behavior in general. Why is it funny to hit each other in the privates? How come you have to fart so much? Go sit on the pot, already!
8. Clothing shopping for girls. I don't want them looking like a hoochie-mama! How can that be so hard? It will be a sad day when my girls start having to wear handmade dresses from the El Dorado compound.
9. ABC family channel has a new slogan: for a different family. Yep, that's right Buddy. A different family besides this one! TRASH!
10. Who cares about Bradgelina. This couple is working my last nerve!
1. Breakfast bars are the spawn of Satan. If you love them, you obviously don't have one. They just become a parking lot for crap.
2. Bratz dolls. Just think, some big company probably put a ton of money into these and they are just plain terrible and worthless.
3. The person who invented goodie bags for kids parties should be shot.
4. Kids with cell phones. Honestly, who does a 9 and 10 year old NEED to call?
5. Wording on the back-end of clothing.
6. Starbucks. Do you really need 5 million types of coffee?
7. Guy behavior in general. Why is it funny to hit each other in the privates? How come you have to fart so much? Go sit on the pot, already!
8. Clothing shopping for girls. I don't want them looking like a hoochie-mama! How can that be so hard? It will be a sad day when my girls start having to wear handmade dresses from the El Dorado compound.
9. ABC family channel has a new slogan: for a different family. Yep, that's right Buddy. A different family besides this one! TRASH!
10. Who cares about Bradgelina. This couple is working my last nerve!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Upward Rising
Gotta share something that is buggin' me. Our church is starting Upward. I am excited about it and just the number of kids who will be attending basketball camp (70 kids) shows that God is doing great things with this outreach.
Well, this friend of ours who will remain nameless, also belongs to this church and has mentioned that they will not be participating in Upward because it is not going to be competitive (just because they don't keep score). Now, I have heard this before from him and I just kinda "yeah, whatever." him but he mentioned it again to my daughter tonight and it just hit me that I am not liking this comment. At first I was fine with it, but I woke up from sleeping started sleep praying again and it came to me--this does not sit well with my heart. I knew God was prompting me to write about it.
First let me say that WE LOVE BASKETBALL in our house.
Here is my beef: I am for Upward for 2 main reasons both of which come down to opportunity. The first and most important is it gives my daughter one more chance to hear the Word of God from someone other than us and her Sunday school teacher. If this gives her one more opportunity to accept salvation, then that is the most important chance she will ever get. She can be competitive in basketball, lead her high school team to state, get a division 1 scholarship even play in the WNBA or professionally overseas but it doesn't mean anything if she spends eternity in hell! If my children do not have a heart for God, then Mo and I have failed them as parents.
Second, it gives her the opportunity for opportunity. She will have the opportunity to put the ball in her hands in a structured activity, the opportunity to play with different girls with different abilities to develop her skill for basketball and teamwork, the opportunity to practice those skills under the leadership of another adult who might be able to explain a skill better, the opportunity to cultivate a friendship with someone she has never met, the opportunity to reach out to a child who doesn't go to our church (aka a missionary on her "home court"), the opportunity to have some fun, the opportunity to learn what it means to do her best and leave it all on the court regardless of win or lose and the opportunity to sit her back-end on the bench and cheer for someone else with the understanding it is not all about me.
Trust me, I played all through high school and college. In the end, it doesn't matter. It will only leave you with bad ankles and jacked up feet.
There is plenty of time for competition. Let's talk about what time there is too little of, guiding the heart of a child to live for Christ.
What legacy are you leaving your child? A legacy that honors sports? A legacy that honors education? A legacy that honors money and material goods? or a legacy that honors Christ?
Well, this friend of ours who will remain nameless, also belongs to this church and has mentioned that they will not be participating in Upward because it is not going to be competitive (just because they don't keep score). Now, I have heard this before from him and I just kinda "yeah, whatever." him but he mentioned it again to my daughter tonight and it just hit me that I am not liking this comment. At first I was fine with it, but I woke up from sleeping started sleep praying again and it came to me--this does not sit well with my heart. I knew God was prompting me to write about it.
First let me say that WE LOVE BASKETBALL in our house.
Here is my beef: I am for Upward for 2 main reasons both of which come down to opportunity. The first and most important is it gives my daughter one more chance to hear the Word of God from someone other than us and her Sunday school teacher. If this gives her one more opportunity to accept salvation, then that is the most important chance she will ever get. She can be competitive in basketball, lead her high school team to state, get a division 1 scholarship even play in the WNBA or professionally overseas but it doesn't mean anything if she spends eternity in hell! If my children do not have a heart for God, then Mo and I have failed them as parents.
Second, it gives her the opportunity for opportunity. She will have the opportunity to put the ball in her hands in a structured activity, the opportunity to play with different girls with different abilities to develop her skill for basketball and teamwork, the opportunity to practice those skills under the leadership of another adult who might be able to explain a skill better, the opportunity to cultivate a friendship with someone she has never met, the opportunity to reach out to a child who doesn't go to our church (aka a missionary on her "home court"), the opportunity to have some fun, the opportunity to learn what it means to do her best and leave it all on the court regardless of win or lose and the opportunity to sit her back-end on the bench and cheer for someone else with the understanding it is not all about me.
Trust me, I played all through high school and college. In the end, it doesn't matter. It will only leave you with bad ankles and jacked up feet.
There is plenty of time for competition. Let's talk about what time there is too little of, guiding the heart of a child to live for Christ.
What legacy are you leaving your child? A legacy that honors sports? A legacy that honors education? A legacy that honors money and material goods? or a legacy that honors Christ?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sleep Prayin'
I have a confession. I sleep and pray at the same time or at least start praying and fall asleep. Now, I do love to pray and often pray during the day at various times, but when I lay me down to sleep, that is when I like to just let it all hang out. But the fly in the ointment is I don't let much hang out! I am usually asleep in no time.
Now not long ago I found a verse that supported this kind of praying and I am going to find it again and post it. You will see.
Here is how a typical night will go: lay down, start praying, nod off, wake up (yes, I wake up several times a night--I am a mom for pete's sake! I haven't slept through the night in 12 years!), check on the kids, lay down again, start praying, wake up again and start praying and so on.
I don't think God minds this so much since even the disciples couldn't stay a wake just so long as I keep praying. It doesn't have to be much of anything important we talk about. I am just sharing what is on my heart and lifting people up to the Lord or telling Him how great He is or sing a praise song that is stuck in my head. And before you know it I am back asleep.
Or sometimes I will be startled awake and will just start praying for whomever He lays on my heart at that minute, even if I can't put my finger on whom, I just start praying for whomever is hurting, not sleeping either, or worried or scared. I don't have to know their name. That's the beauty of sleep prayin'. He does and evidently He thought they could use someone calling out to the heavens in their name. So, the next time you can't sleep because your heart is troubled, ask Jesus to wake me up and pray on your behalf. And while you are praying, I will be praying and you won't be alone anymore. Like right now.
Good Night.
Now not long ago I found a verse that supported this kind of praying and I am going to find it again and post it. You will see.
Here is how a typical night will go: lay down, start praying, nod off, wake up (yes, I wake up several times a night--I am a mom for pete's sake! I haven't slept through the night in 12 years!), check on the kids, lay down again, start praying, wake up again and start praying and so on.
I don't think God minds this so much since even the disciples couldn't stay a wake just so long as I keep praying. It doesn't have to be much of anything important we talk about. I am just sharing what is on my heart and lifting people up to the Lord or telling Him how great He is or sing a praise song that is stuck in my head. And before you know it I am back asleep.
Or sometimes I will be startled awake and will just start praying for whomever He lays on my heart at that minute, even if I can't put my finger on whom, I just start praying for whomever is hurting, not sleeping either, or worried or scared. I don't have to know their name. That's the beauty of sleep prayin'. He does and evidently He thought they could use someone calling out to the heavens in their name. So, the next time you can't sleep because your heart is troubled, ask Jesus to wake me up and pray on your behalf. And while you are praying, I will be praying and you won't be alone anymore. Like right now.
Good Night.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Same Different As Me (Ron Hall/Denver Moore)
I just finished this book. My neighbor gave it to me and her friend gave it to her. This book is AWESOME. What is so great about it is that it is a true story! It chronicles the lives of two men and how they meet and become friends.
Another great aspect of it is it mostly takes place in the DFW area so it is fun to catch all the hints about where they are and where things take place. Evidently it is a HUGE deal because the authors of who the story is about have been to the White House and such.
Also, if you know of someone who has been taken by cancer, it is a must read (which is just about everyone.).
Get this book. You won't be disappointed. It is rich with history and emotion.
Another great aspect of it is it mostly takes place in the DFW area so it is fun to catch all the hints about where they are and where things take place. Evidently it is a HUGE deal because the authors of who the story is about have been to the White House and such.
Also, if you know of someone who has been taken by cancer, it is a must read (which is just about everyone.).
Get this book. You won't be disappointed. It is rich with history and emotion.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
HOLA SPAIN!
My best friend, Stacey, is moving to Spain. Long story short: they are missionaries for military stationed overseas. They run a hospitality house for the military. They have been to Korea and Mexico doing missionary stuff.
Anyway, here is a picture of our girls (that would be only 2 of them) and their 5 (yes, I wrote 5). We will miss them terribly and it was great to catch up with them.
I also want to put a link to her blog too when I figure out how to do that. She is super creative and you will like her stuff too. Plus she homeschools so she has some links to info on that too that might interest some of you.
I love you Stacey and dang you, Lanny Joe Groves for stealing her heart away many years ago and making her traipse the world!
Anyway, here is a picture of our girls (that would be only 2 of them) and their 5 (yes, I wrote 5). We will miss them terribly and it was great to catch up with them.
I also want to put a link to her blog too when I figure out how to do that. She is super creative and you will like her stuff too. Plus she homeschools so she has some links to info on that too that might interest some of you.
I love you Stacey and dang you, Lanny Joe Groves for stealing her heart away many years ago and making her traipse the world!
"HEARD ANYTHING?"
Here has been the progress so far:
We got our first call on Monday, July 7 th, a baby boy just a few days old. Were we interested? We accepted the "placement" and let the celebration begin. I was calling people all over the place. The girls were through the roof. Mo raced home. People from work were texting him offering to help. It was so amazing the out pouring of help and love for a little boy we didn't even know yet. Then we got a call an hour later that he wasn't coming. "They went another direction." was what I was told on the phone. Needless to say, Mo and the girls were pretty upset. We decided not to tell the girls anymore about the calls unless the baby is on the doorsteps--but ofcourse they may read it here. I was actually doing fairly well. "He wasn't meant to be ours.", I kept saying. When I called my mom to tell her, she said, "That baby was so loved already and he didn't even know it." And she was right.
Then we got a call on Thursday, July 10th. Accepted the child, then it also got cancelled. Then got another call that morning. Accepted the child, then it got cancelled. Then got another call that afternoon, and accepted the child only to have the agency call us again that the child would not be coming.
At this point, my heart had been ripped out. I am to the point of tears and questioning everything I thought I knew about God wanting us to do this. "He wasn't meant to be ours." doesn't mean any thing to me any more when I have a room full of clothes, wipes and an empty crib. I wasn't prepared for any of that.
Our experience has been so different than our friends I mentioned earlier in this blog. They got a call before their license was even in and they have had their boys for almost a year now. But yet, we wait.
After a good cry, a hot bath, painting my toenails "always scarlet", large amounts of pizza and soda, and some praise music, my disposition was once again cheerful.
And now, we wait.
We got our first call on Monday, July 7 th, a baby boy just a few days old. Were we interested? We accepted the "placement" and let the celebration begin. I was calling people all over the place. The girls were through the roof. Mo raced home. People from work were texting him offering to help. It was so amazing the out pouring of help and love for a little boy we didn't even know yet. Then we got a call an hour later that he wasn't coming. "They went another direction." was what I was told on the phone. Needless to say, Mo and the girls were pretty upset. We decided not to tell the girls anymore about the calls unless the baby is on the doorsteps--but ofcourse they may read it here. I was actually doing fairly well. "He wasn't meant to be ours.", I kept saying. When I called my mom to tell her, she said, "That baby was so loved already and he didn't even know it." And she was right.
Then we got a call on Thursday, July 10th. Accepted the child, then it also got cancelled. Then got another call that morning. Accepted the child, then it got cancelled. Then got another call that afternoon, and accepted the child only to have the agency call us again that the child would not be coming.
At this point, my heart had been ripped out. I am to the point of tears and questioning everything I thought I knew about God wanting us to do this. "He wasn't meant to be ours." doesn't mean any thing to me any more when I have a room full of clothes, wipes and an empty crib. I wasn't prepared for any of that.
Our experience has been so different than our friends I mentioned earlier in this blog. They got a call before their license was even in and they have had their boys for almost a year now. But yet, we wait.
After a good cry, a hot bath, painting my toenails "always scarlet", large amounts of pizza and soda, and some praise music, my disposition was once again cheerful.
And now, we wait.
"GOTTEN ANY CALLS?"
This has been the question of the hour for the last 10 month, I think. All the wonderful friends and family we have been eagerly waiting for us to get our first foster child. If you haven't been able to keep up, here is a quick update of the last year.
I have been wanting to have more kids for the last 5 years but we took surgical steps when Kori was born to stop having any more biological children. Mo has been quite content with his girls. So, I prayed and waited for the Lord to change my heart. He didn't. About 5 years ago, Mo agreed to more kids but when we looked into surgical reversal it did not look promising. I brought up adopting and Mo was not feeling it. Plus, it was really expensive to adopt domestically or internationally so I thought it was a closed case. However, my heart was still longing for what I believed the Lord had placed on it. So, I kept praying and waiting. Years passed and nothing changed. There is a saying, "God is rarely early, but He is never late." There is so much truth in that.
In the meantime, Sandy told me of a co-worker who adopted her children through the Texas CPS system and it costs nearly nothing. I tucked that information away and kept waiting and praying.
Last fall, Mo had a change of heart and we began our classwork and training to get our license to be foster parents with the hope of adopting. As it would happen, we later found out that some friends of ours through church are also doing the same thing with the same agency.
So, at this point, we have our license and are waiting for "the stork to drop one on us".
I have been wanting to have more kids for the last 5 years but we took surgical steps when Kori was born to stop having any more biological children. Mo has been quite content with his girls. So, I prayed and waited for the Lord to change my heart. He didn't. About 5 years ago, Mo agreed to more kids but when we looked into surgical reversal it did not look promising. I brought up adopting and Mo was not feeling it. Plus, it was really expensive to adopt domestically or internationally so I thought it was a closed case. However, my heart was still longing for what I believed the Lord had placed on it. So, I kept praying and waiting. Years passed and nothing changed. There is a saying, "God is rarely early, but He is never late." There is so much truth in that.
In the meantime, Sandy told me of a co-worker who adopted her children through the Texas CPS system and it costs nearly nothing. I tucked that information away and kept waiting and praying.
Last fall, Mo had a change of heart and we began our classwork and training to get our license to be foster parents with the hope of adopting. As it would happen, we later found out that some friends of ours through church are also doing the same thing with the same agency.
So, at this point, we have our license and are waiting for "the stork to drop one on us".
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