FOUR IS NOT ENOUGH

One Thousand Gifts-Take 2!

2011-08-08T00:09:00.001-05:00

I am attempting to begin again a fantastic book my bestie, Stacey, gave me a few months ago that she said spoke to her heart. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. The moving of roots took me from it only a chapter into it and my sister's discovery of it from a friend has prompted me to dust if off and dig back in to it from the beginning. As I read some of the highlighted passages from the first go 'round, I get excited all over again and humbly amazed.It amazes me that the same passage can be read by different women, in different ages/stages/phases of life, in different time zones and leave each with "How does she know that is exactly how I feel?!" I realize tonight through reading a bit more of the chapter that it is because the issue is a human one. A heart issue that doesn't discriminate. An equal opportunity blemish, if you will. Ingratitude. Ugly word isn't it? Offensive even.
Voskamp wrote the following: "what I have, who I am, where I am, how I am, what I've got-this simply isn't enough."
"Our fall (including Adam and Eve) was, has always been and always will be, that we aren't satisfied in God with what He gives. We hunger for something more, something other."
It is easy to deny this "disease" lives in any of us. This spirit of ingratitude is deceptive. It is as easy as wanting new furniture, a cleaner house, a more engaging marriage, different music played at church, or thinner thighs! It is more easy to see when we pray for something feverishly and it may even be something we are beseeching on some one's behalf. The prayer goes answered or almost more painfully, answered in a way we didn't see as God's best.
We throw our temper tantrums. We tell God "I won't accept this from you. I thought you loved me." I think, in our humanness, our view of love is so damaged by our sense of entitlement. There is a lack of gratitude or even the absence of it because there is an attitude of entitlement. Think about it...when we don't get our way we might not fall to the ground in tears with our fists and feet flying but we sulk. We question. We huff. We sigh. We keep score. We play the martyr. We jut out our chins in defiance and tell God "I am not going to be your friend if you don't do what I want."
Why? Because we honestly think we DESERVE what we want. I know that is how I have felt but perhaps I am the only one. And, that my friend is entitlement. We would never grant every wish our children make but when it comes to us, adults, we sing a different tune.
How do I know this? Because I have lived it and if not careful, will continue to live it. I know that "hunger for something more, something other." I have been through various stages: God answers prayers to I will pray but I won't dare ask for anything to if God is going to do what He wants to anyway then why bother praying to IF there is a God, He doesn't live here. I know that place. I have bought Satan's lies. It is a dangerous and less than fun place to be. And being raised Southern Baptist will cause you to choke on that bitter pill.
"Now everywhere we look, we only see all that isn't: holes, lack, deficiency." Voskamp
We have some how lost our humbleness. In truth, we deserve nothing! Forgotten "our place" in accordance to WHO God is and who WE ARE NOT. There is no fear left in our "God fearing". We have leveled the playing field in our minds. Made the planning of our lives a collaborative effort with God in a consultative position rather than recognizing His sovereignty. We have lost our reverence, our awe for His power.
We have in short, "dumbed" God down.
How insulting that must be for Him.

2011-07-08T00:08:00.002-05:00

Mexico 2011

2011-07-08T00:04:00.001-05:00

Does This Thing Still Work??!!

2011-07-07T23:23:00.000-05:00

Been a while and here are 10 things that I know for sure...I think:

1. I love my friends! Especially those who blog as often or less often than me! Thanks for keeping it real, gals! (You know who you are.)
2. It rains a lot in Georgia.
3. Oh yeah, we moved to Georgia. Did you get the memo?
4. God is not finished with me yet...And thank God for that 'cause I just seem to be in a constant state of "needs improvement"!
5. Boxes multiply when you are sleeping.
6. One must plant 10 trees for every 1 tree destroyed according to Georgia law.
7. Sometimes I get on facebook and think, "I really dont care what anyone is doing right now." And so, I just log off without reading a single status update.
8. The older I get the more I need a bit of time alone each day and a bite of chocolate each night.
9. I would like to go to Paris but I dont want any French people there.
10. Other than HGTV and Food Network, TV is stupid.

Dinner is Served

2011-01-19T23:16:00.002-06:00

You often hear people (mostly famous ones) respond to the question, "Who would you invite living or dead to dinner?". I never really thought of my answer but I have had the most interesting list of guests pop in my head this last few minutes. One of my guests would be Corrie ten Boom. I am reading her devotional and I checked out The Hiding Place yesterday from the library. I just find her adorable looking and so fascinating. She looks so tiny and I just want to put her in my pocket! Today in the devo she writes, "Oh Lord, thank You that Your side of the embroidery of our life is always perfect. That is such a comfort when our side is sometimes so mixed up.". It reminds me of my cross stitching days as a young girl and the back always looked like a disaster. You couldn't make heads or tails out of it! My mom would always encourage me, "Don't worry about the back. No one looks at the back. They only see the front."
What a joy to know that our Father can take a jumbled up "back" and make it a beautiful "front"! It is so easy for us to let our "backs", our past, determine our "fronts",our future. How sad that must make God feel when we take our eyes off Him and focus on our past. I think He wants to take our faces in His hands and say, "Baby girl, I fixed it already. I fixed it. It is nailed to the cross.". What a comfort to know that it doesn't matter how you start, just how you finish. What a divine thought that when we get to heaven, no one is looking at the "back",only our perfect "fronts".

Bloggin' at its Finest!

2011-01-17T01:36:00.005-06:00

I decided to hop on and see what my other friends are blogging about and I find it very refreshing to see there are "some of us" who have not blogged in quite some time. You know who you are and thank you for not being "perfect"! And for those who have posted something in the last 2 months, "well done you" and I enjoyed catching up with you!
Here is a quick update from "our neck of the woods"...literally.

Mo is currently serving on a jury for a murder trial. Although I don't know details other than what I see on the news, it is very graphic, involves a young girl and he hasn't slept well in a week. It is expected to go on another 3 weeks. Pray for God to use this in his life...although I don't know how God uses that kind of thing but know He can.

Kami is doing really well this year and we got her information packet for high school registration....sigh. Still into music, computers and books. Boys, make up and clothes are not on the radar...thank ya Jesus. Thinking she will be home with us for only 4 more years...just doesn't seem like enough. She really enjoys her bible study group. Already has her life mapped out: exchange student in England for her jr year then off to Columbia to major in journalism. She will spread her wings and fly!

Kori is doing well also although 5th grade has been hard (even I am ready to be done with the school year). Still playing hockey and looking forward to swim team as well as skiing. She wants to live with us forever, "My husband and I can live in the basement and I can wipe your bottom when you get too old.". Of course she is still wanting to open a "hotel for homeless people so they can take a bath" and is chomping at the bit for us to start foster care again so her hands maybe too full for bottom wiping when we are old.

I am with a home health agency and enjoying it. Love the elderly! I try to read or knit when possible but mostly enjoy cooking and talking with the girls. I just started to volunteer at a local foster care agency a couple hours a week doing whatever.

We are home shopping which is always fun except Colorado is an expensive place to live and we are tighter that Dick's hatband! And it is just a house so it is really not that big of a deal. I would be thrilled with an old fixer upper! Something to gut and rebuild! God has the perfect place for us that will allow us to serve foster kids and a few cadets from the Air Force Academy..just have to wait until He shows us.

Still looking for a church home. Have about 50 in a 10 mile radius but nothing like our little Southern Baptist FBC Sanger! Texas really does have the most friendly people on Earth.

And I have come to the conclusion that Coloradians (is that a real word??) do not particularly like to eat...or at least cook. None of my girlfriends like to cook! How crazy is that?! Nothing revolves around food. No homes have big 'ole kitchens. I offer to share recipes with my friends to which their husbands reply, "Don't bother. She will never make it. She doesn't cook." Blaspheme! To which I really want to reply, "And you married her??". I say, "let me bring a meal to you.", and they look at me like I have a third eye! To them I must be some kind of "Paula Deen wackaloon". I tell them it is the southern way, every Texas woman worth her weight in salt is this way and there is no situation that food especially that with gravy or processed cheese can not remedy. Perhaps this is why Texas leads the nation in "most unhealthy places to live" but we wear that banner with pride! So, I have made it my mission to reclaim the Sunday Family Meal in the name of Jesus to this way ward state! Invite friends, family and neighbors and lets break bread! The only fly in the ointment is that currently our kitchen and dinning room put together are the size of the women's restroom at Target. But alas, I will prevail! I have also come to the conclusion that it must be the result of all the Californians who have moved here and contaminated the place.

Are You Afraid?

2010-11-01T11:40:00.003-05:00

I have started studying the book of Proverbs in preparation for a bible study with a friend of mine. In the first chapter, I am already swimming in great "stuff"!
Our pastor said in a sermon many Sundays past that "wisdom is what you ought to do based on how the world works". I don't know if those are his words or another person's, but I like it!
In Chapter 1, the first few verses point out the purpose of Proverbs: attaining wisdom, discipline, insight, prudence, knowledge and discretion for the young, and for the wise (aka old people could be added here, or maybe not) to add to their learning. I don't know about you but I could use a bit or a lot of all those! But maybe that is just me.
In verse 7 is his first point and the one that I am camping on this morning.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."
As I roll around in my head what does a "fear" of the Lord mean, I come up with a lot of thoughts but nothing I can put in five words or less. However what a statement to start a book on wisdom!
If we do not have fear of the Lord then the Bible essential means nothing to us. Why follow one word of it? Why read it? Why attend church or worship at all? If we do not fear the Lord then why do we even care what He said? I think it is safe to say that if you do not have fear of the Lord than you wouldn't give one iota to any of it.
And I think that is precisely what has happened in our world. We, as a whole, have taken God out of everything possible and even taken Him out of those things not possible. We thumb our nose at Him and turn our backs at His word all in the name of "We have it under control. We don't need you. Mentioning your name offends others." We have done this without so much as a thought as to whom it truly offends: God, himself! There is no fear of the Lord in our world, in our government, in our schools, or in our communities.
I read an article about a well known atheist who is dying of cancer. He continues to not believe in God and his response to those believers who write to him to let him know they are praying for him is this, "Pray for me if it will make you feel better but do not pray on my account."
It blows my mind. To be on your deathbed and believe that Jesus Christ, the almighty powerful healer and savior, has nothing to over you. It moves me to tears.
Sorry, Charlie Daniels, this world doesn't need a few more rednecks. It needs a healthy dose of "fear of the Lord".

Steinbeck

2010-10-26T23:57:00.002-05:00

I love books! Just love em! However, I hate paying full price for a book as I have posted before. (And no, I will not succumb to the communistic or democratic carcinogenic ideation of a Kindle, thank you very much!)

So, I check out the selection at thrift stores from time to time and found a John Steinbeck, whom I have never read, called Travels with Charley. It is a gem! It basically chronicles his travels across America in 1961 and the interesting people he meets along the way. Very good and humorous while being surprisingly deep at times.

At one point he comes into contact with the immigration services and has a bit of a run in over nothing really and he writes: "Before I went to sleep I went over all the things I wished I had said to that immigration man, and some of them were incredibly clever and cutting." Ha! Haven't we all been there!

Later, he writes of visiting different churches along his journey and one in particular, a Vermont church where a pastor brings the message of fire-and-brimstone unlike any Steinbeck had heard to which Steinbeck writes: "He forged a religion designed to last, not predigested obsolescence."

Not predigested obsolescence....I love that!

Early Humans vs. Neanderthals

2010-10-26T23:52:00.004-05:00

Just saw a head line that there is now scientific evidence that early humans mated with Neanderthals. I am no archaeologist but are those not one and the same???? Unfortunately, I didn't care enough to read the article.

Doing Life Differently

2010-10-19T15:57:00.002-05:00

I picked up Luci Swindoll's biography: Doing Life Differently a couple weeks ago and not knowing much about Luci, it has been very interesting. She has done it all: missionary, opera singer, writer, exec for Mobile Oil, etc.

As Luci writes, she tells of growing up in Texas in 1950s and how strained her relationship could be on occasion because she did not follow her mother's and society's views of what "was appropriate" for a girl at that time. You see, Luci did not want to get married and she did not want to have children although she was engaged at one time and loved kids. She just wasn't interested. Never had been. It just was not in God's make up of her dreams.

How easy would it have been for her to just "be a good girl" and do what her mama told her? After all, we rear our kids to be obedient and some of our kids are parent pleasers to the core of their very being. (I personally don't have one of these kind of kids, but I have heard urban legends that they exist.)

If she had ignored the very fiber of who God designed her to be, how different this world would be...and I believe not for the better. She served and still serves the Lord all over the world, being the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.

So, it is not that hard to begin thinking of my role as parent:
What do I do as mother that imposes or restricts my children's God given design for their lives?
What do I deem appropriate for their future and who am I to make that decision?
And in doing so, how much of God's perfect plan am I trampling on?
How can I support my girls to not just follow God's voice but to run toward it with gusto?

Bubba's Tacos

2010-10-10T14:00:00.002-05:00

Here is a quick and easy recipe from our friend's, the Howes. Since getting this recipe a couple weeks ago, it has become a Sunday football staple. It got the name from Micki's uncle, Bubba, who made a version with ranch dressing. Micki and Heath changed it up a bit and since we have gotten the recipe, we have changed it up a bit.
I have made the filling the night before then refrigerated it overnight, set it out while at church then when you get home, an easy and quick lunch while you watch the football game. It also makes quite a bit so we usually save half the mixture for a quick dinner during the weeknight

Bubba's Tacos

3 small tubes of sausage (we like hot)
2 cartons of cream cheese (we use fat free)softened
1 bell pepper (diced)
1 onion (diced)
1 package of won ton wrappers (in the refrigerated section by the veggies and tofu)
muffin pan

Heat the oven to 350. Brown your sausage, bell pepper and onion in a large pot. Drain. Return the meat and veggies to the pot and add your cream cheese. Stir until well mixed. Place one won ton wrapper in each muffin "spot", pushing it down into the opening. Add a spoon of meat mixture into the wrapper, leaving the wrapper up or open.
Bake for 10 minutes and serve.

I like mine with a bit of "Slap ya Mama" Cajun spice sprinkled on top. Mo likes his with salsa. Heath and Micki add some green chilies to theirs and the kids usually like them "plain". Never tried it with ground turkey sausage but its a thought or some finely diced mushrooms would be tasty.

I will try and post a pic next time we make them so you can see what I mean by leaving the won ton wrapper open.

Now, to be honest, I don't like the name Bubba's Tacos but can't find anything else I like. Mo's bid for the new name is "suppleness" but I just can't bring myself to say, "Suppleness is ready." so that name is out. Let me know if you like them and if you can think of a better name. Enjoy!

What if?

2010-10-09T22:19:00.003-05:00

I am not typically a "what if" person but did wonder tonight:

What if we, as a society, took our personal relationship with Christ as seriously as we took sports?

What if we took our children's spiritual growth as seriously as we took their sports growth?

What if we took all hours of our child's schedule devoted to practice and games, not to mention money, and transferred that into their learning of Biblical Truth and serving others?

The Many Faces of God

2010-10-07T16:43:00.002-05:00

I was at a Women of Faith event a couple of weekends ago and enjoyed the speakers although it was nothing like I thought it would be. Isn't it funny how our own expectations can get in our way...
One thought that was made by a speaker when referencing another woman she knew has bounced around in my head for the last two weeks. Or it might have been from our church pastor referencing someone else, I am not sure BUT the comment went something like this,
"God is either all loving or He is all powerful. He can not be both because if He was, then he would heal. But He doesn't. He would answer our prayers. But He doesn't. So that means He either doesn't love us or He doesn't have the power to do it." And when asked if this person prayed anymore, the response was, "Yes, but I don't ask for anything."
With all the pain in the world, it would be easy to see how someone could arrive at this conclusion. Children dying of cancer. Spouses betraying each other. Random violence. Children being sold in to sex trades. Infertility struggles. A parent losing a child from drugs or an accident. A teenager about to age out of the foster care system still wanting a "forever family". These people are not asking for sports cars or to win the lotto. They are asking for survival. It is an ugly world we live in.
You can understand the thoughts:
"Why pray when God can't do anything about it or He doesn't love me enough to do anything about it? Why pray boldly when the answer is silence? I begged of you and nothing. If you are going to do what you want, God, then why pray for anything."

Interesting, isn't it, the pondering of the how's, why's and the what for's of our God...

titus publishing Launches!

2010-09-14T20:20:00.002-05:00

Hi blog friends, long time no write! Just a quick update that I am launching my publishing company this weekend at a children's special needs fair in Colorado Springs. There should be about 300 people and I have a vendor booth reserved. It will be a learning experience no doubt and if I get one book order, all the more blessings.
God has moved in amazing ways just to get me ready for this event so I am already so thankful! And thankful for my friends and family who have suffered in the name of my wild dream to write and publish personalized books for children with disabilities, illness or unique social situations.
Prayers appreciated as I attempt to let the Lord work through me by showing other parents and children that they are WONDERFULLY made!

Holy Word at Goodwill

2010-08-16T20:00:00.002-05:00

I love going to Goodwill and plundering through stacks and stacks of books looking for a new treasure. I just love books! Among the racks of unfashionable clothing, chipped plates or just plain ugly wall decor, a treasure awaits! There is a reason the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." is a saying. It's because it is true!
But on occasion what do I find? Someones bible. Some even have people's names engraved on them. Some have passages highlighted. Some are still in the wrappers. Some have handwritten well wishes from the giver.
And the going price for a used bible at Goodwill? $2.99.
It is so sad to me that someone has donated the most precious, priceless love they could ever get their hands on. Donated like a pair of old shoes that no longer fit or jeans that aren't in fashion.
Your bible is probably not sitting at Goodwill right now..but if someone else donated it, would you know it was missing?
God's word always fits and is always in fashion. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
What a treasure, indeed!

Mumus and buzz cuts

2010-06-24T22:54:00.003-05:00

When I got old and gray, I vow to wear mumus and buzz my hair off. I will however continue to wear a bra unlike many of the residents I see on a daily basis. Of course by then, if I don't wear one I will have to tuck them in my socks to keep from tripping!

Bernina and memory lane

2010-06-23T21:54:00.002-05:00

Been trying to sew some clothe napkins for the house and my little Bernina just won't sew the edges because they are too thick. My mom brought her "real" Bernina when she came to visit a couple weeks ago and it has worked like a dream!
It has also brought so many memories to mind of my mama hunched over that machine making our clothes. Not just one but for all three of us. She would buy one pattern and tailor it to fit all of us. So thrifty she was! She made our swimsuits, church dresses (all three matching on occasion), our slips (you can't find little girl slips these days), pjs, Halloween costumes and even some panties! I vaguely remember my dad having a robe made from her hands. AND Jamms shorts in high school.
Even as a little girl all my pants had to be taken up in the waist, thanks to the bubble butt I even had as a kid. She taught me on that machine along with Mama White teaching me on hers.
Now she is a master quilter and has a fancy Bernina with embroidery and computer screens and all that jazz.
Fun thoughts and happy memories!

My Beloved

2010-06-18T09:11:00.002-05:00

Ya know what I love: That my big, strong, burly, man's man hears The Revolution Song by Phillips, Craig and Dean and can't help crying like a baby every time. I have never wanted him more.

Time Machine Murders

2010-06-01T19:00:00.002-05:00

If I had a time machine I would go back in history to the person, presumably a woman, who thought up the stupid idea of feminism and kill her/him. Nothing inhumane, just a bullet to the temple.
Then I would come back to the present where things would be as God intended when it comes to women and the work place.

Mercies New Every Morning

2010-05-18T19:03:00.002-05:00

Re: my hypoglycemic rant yesterday
Nothing a handful of Mike and Ikes and working on my memory verses during my swim workout at 5 this morning won't fix!
Just me and Jesus, swimming laps and talkin'.
I am sure my lap buddies think I have lost my senses!
Or they are just used to the "Sasquatch wearing the silver swim cap who carries the bag of index cards and is constantly muttering to herself while she swims".

Slow and Painful Death..By Coupons

2010-05-17T17:32:00.003-05:00

So we started the Dave Ramsey Money Makeover in March with goals of no debt before we buy a house. No school loans, no car payments. A decision made in haste now that I think about it more clearly. Now, don't get me wrong. I am all for this. I have prayed my hubby would get on the Ramsey ban wagon for many a years. He is on. I, however, want to jump off the moving wagon and rip my sack cloth. I still love the idea. I still love the end result (or what I imagine it will be like) but two things this week are wearing me thin.
The tiny little rent house we are currently living in and clipping coupons. Now, the issue with the townhouse is not the size although it is small but how much space does one really need? It is that we can not do anything to it. My creative expression to create a "home" is stifled! I must create! I must paint! I must re-tile! I must hang a photo, for all that is good and holy! My sketches of remodeling the kitchen or dry stacking the fireplace are nothing more than unused napkins. I finally gave in and hung up one wall hanging that I got for Christmas that says, "Welcome. Christ is the head of this house and the unseen guest in every room." I am pretty sure somewhere there is a commandment about "Thou shall not have white walls." HGTV and DIY is just too painful any more. Possibly living here without decorating makes it seem like we are still in transition?
The coupon clipping is driving me crazy! A hour a week of work to save 5 bucks! We have stayed on budget of $100.00 a week for groceries but my sanity has got to be worth more. Something about this week has made the task slightly better than a hot poker to the eye. Possibly PMS? And sweet Mo is helping me and clipping with me and running the calculator for me and going to the store with me, which he has never done in 14 years of marriage, but when you just want to get the food and get out, it is just a slow and painful death.
And at the risk of sounding like a spoiled 2 year old: Ladies and Gentleman, the new has worn off the Money Makeover! The Honeymoon has ended!

Our Brush with Fame (kinda)

2010-05-16T00:11:00.002-05:00

I got the blessing of hanging out with my sweet friend, Carolyn Churchill, for a short time today while she is in town from Oklahoma watching grandkids. Our conversation drifted to her dear friend of many years, Kay Larsen. I know of Kay just as one of Carolyn's friends. She begins to tell me of Kay's (and her husband) amazing life as a bible translator for a Mayan Indian tribe in Mexico, Wycliffe Bible Translators. This perks my ears up because I have heard that somewhere in Kami's homeschooling studies but couldn't place it. Carolyn is basically writing Kay's life story and has known her since the 60s. Any what a servant Kay is!
I get home and ask Kami about the Wycliffe name and it turns out she read about the founder, Cameron Townsend, in a book by the same name. I relay this to Carolyn via text and it turns out "Unlce Cam" ,as Kay knows him, was actually the very one who sent her and her beloved groom to Mexico!
How cool is that and what a small world we live in! Thanks Carolyn for being a faithful friend and servant to us all, especially Kay and can't wait to read this mighty woman's legacy.
And it dawns on me as I am so star struck by the whole situation, that the real "celebrity" is always just a thought a way. My sweet Jesus. AND he wants to spend time with little ole me...how humbling.

Oklahoma City is Alive and Kickin'!

2010-05-03T20:19:00.002-05:00

A couple of weekends ago Mo and I participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon commemorating the 10th anniversary of the bombing that claimed so many innocent lives. Mo ran in a marathon relay and I walked a half marathon. We went with some friends who had family in the area and got to listen to first hand accounts of that day and those that followed. Our friend Todd actually worked in the district and drove past the bomb 2 minutes before it went off. We spent the day before the race touring the memorial grounds with Todd as our personal tour guide and reading the many heartfelt messages that were left in remembrance. The "empty chairs" is just amazing. The destruction was unbelievable. It was so enlightening and tender but perhaps the most profound was the statue right outside the memorial. It is a statue of Jesus with his back to the bombing site and his hands covering his face as he weeps. And the simple words, "Jesus wept."
What a reminder that Jesus knows everything but is still saddened by our sin. He feels what we feel and loves us anyway. The heart is heavy and it makes you wonder about the evil that exists in this world that it can makes a mind think destroying people in such a massive way is appropriate. It was disturbing.
Perhaps the most awesome realization for me was on race day. As I walked the 13.1 miles, people lined the streets, cheering and offering encouragement. Music played from homes and people tailgated while enjoying the scenes and their neighbors. Posters honoring those who perished and thanksgiving for "those who walk and run for those who can't" littered every mile. Make shift concession stands with kids handing homemade treats and drinks nourished us each step while live music blared for the last 2 miles.
And in the final stretch, I become very aware, the bombing has nothing on this city. Good prevails. God is good all the time. The people of Oklahoma City have risen form the ashes and are a better and stronger city because of it. What evil seeks to destroy, the Lord brings blessings.

Must Be Getting Old...

2010-03-14T22:52:00.003-05:00

The time has just flown by and not sure where it went! Hope you all are doing well and here is a super quick update on our world.
Mo is doing well and still enjoying his job. Anxiously awaiting spring! Turned 37 in Feburary.
I have started a new job and feeling some growing pains but it could turn out to be something nice for a while. We started Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover this month and will PREVAIL before we buy another house. How exciting that will be! Stupid new cars we bought a year ago will be the death of us! Just celebrated 14 years of marriage.
Kami is still home schooling it but taking art and Spanish at the local middle school as well as guitar. Loves her girl's youth group meetings on Wednesday nights. Thank ya, Jesus! Just turned 13 years old.
Kori is still doing hockey and lacross. She is anxiously awaiting spring too since I no longer allow roller blading in the kitchen. She landed on the dishwasher lid while trying to skate backwards with her hockey stick. It is all fun and games until someone gets hurt. In this case it was the dishwasher lid, not her.
So, what is up in your world?

THE OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS BY KORI

2010-01-20T18:09:00.004-06:00

We have been studying the books of the Old Testament so Kori can get her "badge" at Awanas and it just cracks me up because not only are they hard to pronounce to any child, but one who can't hear a lick is is down right funny. She can't just hear a song and memorize it (like most of us did when we were little) because she can't hear words in music. But don't get all upset at me yet for making fun of my "handicapped" child. I grew up with 2 deaf sisters so mispronunciation is common for me and because I don't treat her "different" is why she knows she is not "different". I don't laugh at her per se, I can just see God in Heaven with a big smile on his face too because like me He thinks she is perfect too. I put them in order so you know which ones are the "hard ones" and spelled it how she pronounces it. Please remember being deaf does not allow you to read phonetically. Each and every word a person who is deaf reads must be memorized. There is no sounding it out.
Genesis
Xus
Leticus
Numbers
Dutonomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruf
1 Samel
2 Samel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicle
2 Chronicle
Eeeza
Nehemiah (she's got this one down, somehow)
Eser
Job
Psalms
Proverb
Ecclesiesta
Song of Solomon

By the way her favorite verse is: John 1:1 "In the beginning there was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God."

DEEP THOUGHTS FROM KORI

2010-01-20T18:02:00.002-06:00

Here is another funny from Kori. Now you must understand that Kami, our oldest, came out speaking like an adult. At 12 months she was saying full sentences. Her first was, "Open the door.". So, there wasn't much funny about perfect English.
Kori tonight said,
Kori: "I wish we were rich."
Me: "WhY?"
Kori: "So I could get a $100 a week."
Me: "Too bad. So sad."
Kori: "ORRRR, I could just go to college, take climbing lessons and then go into the mountains and find gems."
Me: "That might work."
Kori: "But I want to be a hockey player in the Olympics so I would have to hurry and come right back down once I found them."

(Yes, Darling, because so there are so many mountain climbing Olympic hockey players hunting gems.) Anything is possible when you are a kid. I love that!

Now Open Kori's Hobo Hotel

2010-01-18T16:29:00.002-06:00

We have been educating our daughters on proper money management since they have begun to get an allowance these last few months. We have been discussing tithing first, then you put some in savings then you may spend some. Well, the saving some is not hitting the mark. On Saturday when Kori and I were driving in Colorado Springs, I drove by the area known as "The Tent Cities". This is basically some public land that homeless people have pitched tents and live by this river around the corner from a local soup kitchen. I began my speech on saving money so you can be prepared for what the future holds, being a good steward with God's blessings, etc so you do not have to live in a tent. I answered some questions about how they bathe, where they might eat, what do they do when its cold and thought my point was well made when she turns to me and smiles real big, "I am gonna save my money and when I get big I will open a Hobo Hotel. I will get into my car, pile them in the back and take 'em to my hotel!" A missionary in the making? Quite possibly.
Of course, all of this went out the window when she saw a pair of house shoes she wanted at Walmart.

First day of Home School

2010-01-05T21:09:00.002-06:00

Today was the first day of home school for the Kamster! It went really well and I think she did a great job. Of course she is too cool to say it was great, but I did get an "It was OK." which in teen talk is "Great!". And the fact that she said an definite "No" to returning to public school. In Colorado you can attend electives at public school and still be home schooled, so she has Spanish and choir then back at home for the rest of the academics for the afternoon. Being right across the street from the middle school makes that very easy. Thanks for any prayers you can throw up for us.

My (New Year's) Life Resolution

2010-01-04T19:47:00.003-06:00

This time of the year we become introspective. We gather a handful of goals based on how we failed the last year and what we would change about ourselves in order to be "New And Improved". Or "Old And Improved" depending on your case. I am ,like many of you, more than happy to wave good-bye to 2009. Although it came with many great things, it brought a lot of changes. And even good changes cause stress.
So, I am declaring a Life Resolution rather than a New Year's Resolution.
My Life Resolution beginning in 2010 is to DELIGHT IN THE LORD. That's it. Everyday, I want to delight in Him. I want to be so taken by our heavenly Father that life just can't get to me. The love affair so great that my focus on every task, no matter how mundane, how complicated, how trivial is on His goodness.
It is so easy to come to Him with concerns for others, our jobs, our homes, our families, and our nation. But how often do we come to the mercy seat just to "delight in the Lord"? I know it is not what I think of first. And I want to change it. Delightfully so.

Christmas Music Countdown- "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"-Dr. Elmo

2009-12-14T14:51:00.001-06:00

AWWW! You know you love it!

Christmas Music Countdown- "Get Here When You Can" Oleta Adams

2009-12-13T17:44:00.004-06:00

This song is on one of my Christmas jazz CDs (Dave Koz) which I love! It is not really a Christmas song per se but on the Christmas CD is where is I first heard it so to me it will always be a Christmas song.
I have the distinct memory of listening to this song in the middle of the night when I was on my way driving from New Braunfels to Coppell to see my bestest friend Stacey and her family after Mama White (Stacey's mom) passed from cancer that night shortly before Christmas.
I think anyone who misses anyone can identify with it. Great Song!

Christmas Music Countdown

2009-12-11T15:20:00.003-06:00

For fun, I will be posting some of my fav Christmas music (listed and linked on the left sidebar) as we begin to countdown to Christmas. All leading up to my all time fav, if I can narrow it down. Perhaps you will hear some of your favs as well, or some you hate or some you have never heard of.
Enjoy! The song to kick it off is: Mistletoe and Holly by Frank Sinatra

Teenage Girls and Heaven

2009-12-11T07:47:00.002-06:00

I am most sure this is not biblical but I think if you parent teenage girls, there should be some kind of an extra reward in heaven for you. Perhaps another level or an extra jewel in your crown. I can not speak toward parenting teen boys as I don't have one and was raised in a family of girls but feel most confidently that it can not be harder than girls. I understand fully now why my dad moved a TV and a recliner to the garage when my oldest sister turned 13. He called it his "workshop" but now I have full understanding that it was his "safe place" and with good cause.

I am not sure what this extra reward in heaven might entail but most assuredly it has something to do with chocolate and unlimited pedicures.

Really?! Really?!

2009-12-10T18:47:00.003-06:00

I haven't followed much of the Tiger Woods scandal but I read a headline that caught my attention. Some writer, somewhere, with too much time on their hands feels "the real" concern out of the whole mess is Tiger's "transgressions" all involve white women. The Black community is outraged at Tiger's clear disdain for women of color.

Sooooo glad we finally got to the root of the problem. Yes, the real problem is that Tiger is not an equal opportunity adulterer. That is where he went wrong.

Baby, Its Cold Outside

2009-12-07T08:52:00.003-06:00

Its a chilly 4 degrees here in Monument this morning with a high of 15 degrees. Had a few snow storms over the last day and expected to continue until Wednesday. But surprisingly the roads are not too bad. But alas, no 4 wheel drive on the Tahoe has made it impossible to leave the house without getting stuck so I am home bound today. Darn. Guess it is just me, my bible, hot cocoa and the laundry. Sounds perfect!

Go Falcons!

2009-11-20T00:04:00.002-06:00

We went to an Air Force football game last Saturday in snowy, below freezing weather. It was fun and but dang it was cold. I had on several layers, gloves, boots, hot hand warmers and a goose down coat. Not enough. You know it is cold when even my hot natured hubby said in the 3rd quarter, "Let's go!". Air Force killed UNLV and it was super cool to be around so many people who will, are or did serve our country. At the beginning of the game, the entire ( I am guessing) Air Force Academy marched on to the field in uniform in their designated units for the national anthem. Very cool. And, every time the Falcons scored the units would run down to the sidelines and did push-ups. That was a lot of push-ups!

Good IS in control!

2009-11-12T15:14:00.005-06:00

Ok, long story made short. Or as short as possible. Tried to keep up with Julius and Ariel after we moved. The authorities weren't having it. Then the other foster mom texted me that they went back to mom. I thought about finding mom. I did and extended the branch of friendship in the name of Christ, letting her know we will pray for her and are in her corner. She accepted and we have been emailing and texting each other. General mom stuff, nothing heavy. Today she offered to get together with us while we are down in Texas for Thanksgiving so we can visit Julius and Ariel. It was just too much for me to ask! We accepted and we are going to see that sweet family on Friday after turkey time. Excited, cautious (Kori still cries her self to sleep occasionally over missing them) humbled and in awe at what God has done for us. AND the kindness their mom has shown to us. Thank ya, Jesus!

IMMANUEL (God with Us)

2009-11-11T20:52:00.003-06:00

I have recently started reading: Praying the Names of Jesus by Ann Spangler. The first name is Immanuel, God with us.
I am amazed and humbled as I roll this around in my mind. God with us. God with me. God with you. It is easy to think that He is with "the good kind" of people, what we consider the norm. And I start to think a bit further from the box.
God is with all of us. Not some of us. Righteous, sinners, children, adults, drug users, prostitutes, homemakers, teachers, pastors, widows, orphans, the prodigal, the loyal servant, the atheist.
God is with the young child sold into sex slavery in Mumbai, India.
God is with the mother watching her child's body surrender to cancer.
God is with the father still searching for work in order to provide for his family.
God is with the child in America who is thankful for school because that is the only place he gets food.
God is with the mother who is doing a load of laundry for the 5th time that day.
God is with the husband who tenderly cares for his wife even when she can't remember who he is.
God is with the homeless man, who served his country in a war long ago, as he sleeps in a shelter.
God is with the little girl who is molested repeatedly by a trusted relative.
God is with the nurse who works at the local abortion clinic.

His unfailing love is boundless, limitless,endless and all encompassing.

Thank you Vets!

2009-11-11T18:36:00.003-06:00

A special thank you to my daddy who served in the Navy and the countless others who preserve our freedom on a daily basis. You are appreciated and prayed for!

Field trip!

2009-11-09T08:46:00.002-06:00

Going on a fieldtrip with Kori's class today. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is the destination. I always feel like I need to wear a shirt with some kind of disclaimer that says something like, "Darwin was so wrong!" or "Lies, Lies, its all Lies." Thought is would be a fun day to do some hands on science with her as well as continue to fill her with biblical truths.

Weekly Communion

2009-11-09T08:44:00.001-06:00

What are your thoughts on weekly communion?

Go Airforce!

2009-11-09T08:32:00.002-06:00

We went to an Air force Academy Hockey game Saturday night. It was a lot of fun and the girls had a great time. I love hockey! The Falcons won and are seated first in their Atlantic Hockey division. Kori wanted a hockey puck so badly (at the end of each period, the kids line up by the walk way and a ref gives away the hockey puck for that period). She did not get one needless to say and cried "foul" when the last puck of the game was given to this grown man standing by the glass.
Kami in her diplomatic way tried to tell Kori they sell them in the pro shop but she wouldn't have it. She wants a "a real one with scratches and stuff on it."
I think the insult to injury was that two girls sitting the row in front of us each got one and were using is as dolls, talking to each other in baby voices. Kori was disgusted. One fun thing is that when the Falcons score, the stadium uses the same "celebration song" that the Dallas Stars use. And, when a period is about to start the stadium has the players come out to an air horn siren just like if it was on a real air force base. The smallness and camaraderie reminded us of when we where in college and drove an hour for all the San Antonio Iguana games. The tickets are cheap, the fun is big. Good times. (I just don't understand why hockey jerseys are so expensive...$80 for a child's--that's why we don't have any!)
Next Saturday is an Air Force Football game! Thanks to our friends who got tickets through his work because they are like 30 bucks a piece. The downside is it is supposed to be a high of 39 degrees...not even sure how to dress for a football game in that weather. Go Falcons!

Update on the house

2009-11-05T15:49:00.002-06:00

We have a contract on the house as of today. The buyers are wanting to close by the end of the month. Would appreciate your prayers that things go smoothly and it is officially "sold" very soon! Thank ya, Jesus!

White Halloween

2009-10-30T11:10:00.004-05:00

We have had a few bouts of snow lasting a day or two but this week we got our first "real" snow. The streets are not actually that bad as they plow constantly but bad enough to close school for 3 days which I am told never happens. Kami is loving it and Kori is going crazy. They don't plow our drive at the townhouse as often so I have gotten the Tahoe stuck once already. Need some snow tires I guess or a 4 wheel drive car. Here are some pictures from our front porch and the backyard.

A DAY OF HIKING AT 11 MILE NATIONAL FOREST

2009-09-06T20:27:00.004-05:00

We packed up a picnic and laced up our shoes for a day of hiking and fun at Lake George. The weather was fantastic besides a few showers. We played corn hole and did some driving around before hiking the trails. The aspens were turning yellow. It was beautiful!

Dilemma? Pretty Pastor or Not?

2009-08-29T22:24:00.002-05:00

I would love your thoughts on this. As I have written, we are going to start visiting churches tomorrow and I have had a moment of self-discovery. I am not sure how to put it in simple terms so I will just ramble and you will get the point. I have been doing some on-line research for churches. Checking doctrine, youth programs, etc. And have come to the conclusion that I don't like preachers to look "pretty". It makes me uncomfortable if he looks like he just walked out of a Toni & Guy salon. I don't know why exactly. Maybe he looks like he spends too much time "manscaping" or uses botox. It shouldn't bother me but it does. I am not saying the picture can't look trendy or for the guy to have a trendy hair cut or even done with nice clothing, but if he looks like he takes more time to get ready than I do or has more highlights, then I am just not interested. And I am sure somewhere at pastor conferences they discuss how to look more hip and connect with a younger audience along with dialog about using power point vs not using power point. I just don't want my pastor to look like Billy Ray Cirus (presently not achey breaky heart days-the mullet wouldn't bother me a bit) or Max Headroom (all plasticy). Maybe because I think it would be hard to take him seriously if he looks like he is that into his appearance....any thoughts? So, needless to say I was debating about which church to try tomorrow and clicked on pastor pics and my decision was very clear. How much thought do the pastors put into what kind of picture to put on the web...my guess is quite a bit.

Snow in 6 weeks!

2009-08-26T20:11:00.001-05:00

It snowed on Pikes Peak yesterday. So beautiful! Legend has it that once the first snow on Pikes Peak occurs, we will get snow here on the "front range" in 6 weeks.

10 Things We've Learned About Colorado

2009-08-25T23:14:00.003-05:00

1. They have a billion license plate choices...Ok, like 30 but still that's a lot! So,we still find it entertaining to watch for different plates. I am getting the breast cancer support plate (even though it is pink! Yuk!) and Mo wants the red one...doesn't stand for anything, just red.
2. Respect the bike lane. They actually have bikers using them.
3. Respect the crosswalks. They actually have walkers using them.
4. You get a very unsavory look when you don't bring your canvas bags to the grocery store. This actually helps me as I struggled with this for the last year: use plastic bags and reuse them in the trash cans vs use canvas bags but buy trash bags. The problem is I keep forgetting my canvas bags in the car.
5. Most homes don't have a/c units.
6. 85 degrees is a "scorcher" outside.
7. You don't really compete in athletic programs in school until you get to high school. If you want to be competitive before that you have to do club ball. All middle school kids take PE then try out for an inter murals type program after school. Very low key.
8. PE here is a different world. They get to do wall climbing (even in elementary), in line skating, field hockey and cross country skiing.
9. No one goes out to eat. Like the whole culture of eating as a form of entertainment is non existent. Our new friends (who are not natives) are so excited to have someone to eat with for once!
10. Most turn lanes are double turn lanes. So the two left lanes can turn at just about any corner.

and, one more for good measure:
11. Our community has bear/coyote safety warnings in the community newsletter. Haven't seen any but have seen deer on our way to Wal-mart, geese in the backyard, snakes on the front of the town house and rabbits everywhere. So it is recommended that you keep your grill clean and chain it up to the house.

Time Flies! (When You're Unpacking)

2009-08-25T22:59:00.002-05:00

It seems like forever since I have had a chance to blog! Here is the short story of it all. The girls started school a couple of weeks ago and both already have a good friend. There are still some growing pains but all in all I think we are settling in quite nicely. We joined the local YMCA which has a pool. That has been fun and I am sure we will really enjoy it when the weather gets bad. Mo started his new job last week and has enjoyed wearing shorts to work. Still waiting on the house to sell but it hasn't been that long on the market. We are clearly the youngest people in the town home subdivision which is fine with us. It is quite and there is a trail with a small lake to walk around.
We begin "church hunting" this weekend. Never really liked doing that. Just like to get right to the "right" church and get to livin!
The most incredible thing to me since we moved here is how amazing the landscape is. I am just in awe every time I walk out the door. I walk Kori to her bus stop in the morning and back in the afternoon and it just makes my mouth drop. I will have to take pictures. I pray I never get tired of looking at the mountains. And to think God just spoke it into existence! I wonder if those native Coloradians get used to it. I know I never will. To be in a place where God's masterpieces just slap you upside the head every time you walk outside! I feel really blessed.
So, the McDaniel Inn is open for reservations anytime you want to come visit!

We made it!

2009-08-09T07:53:00.002-05:00

"I am officially a Coloradian" is what is coming out of Kami's mouth but don't worry my fine Texans. I am quick to correct her that we are still obnoxiously proud Texans at heart! The move itself was uneventful but the packing up needed a 911 call. Mo lost consciousness but is better now. EMS thinks it was heat exhaustion due to playing 8 rounds of golf in the last 5 days in the Texas heat mixed with coming home and doing the lawn then moving straight to loading the Uhaul. We had tons of help loading, he just tries to do do too much! In his mind, he is still 18 years old.
We got in last night and God has already blessed us! The rental is in pretty good shape and I think will do nicely. You never know when you look at something on the Internet and the price was great. Mo was a bit leery (he is such a girl when it comes to living in less than desirable places) but all is good! Thank ya, Jesus!
We will unload it all today in this brisk 70 degree weather!!! I know, don't hate us. Then we register the girls for school tomorrow and school starts Thursday. As one of my patients used to say, "No rest for the wicked and the righteous don't need none!".
Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. We will be doubly blessed if we find friends as great as our Texas friends here.
Will keep you posted!!!

Update

2009-07-26T08:13:00.003-05:00

Met the new foster parents for Julius and Ariel yesterday. Seem like a good fit! They will move on Wed am. God has just taken care of everything just as He always does. Met them at Grapevine Mills Mall, their request. Never taken the babies to the mall just because I hate shopping. And the other reason, Julius is throwing up this morning. Stupid carousel! Stupid me for not hand sanitizing after!
Still packing when we can. Things are off the wall and the kitchen is about a 1/4 packed. Hard to pack when you still live it. Plus, not as motivating when you know your packing to move to a rental until your house sells so you know you will be packing/unpacking double in the next 2 years. But trying to organize as I go so we won't unpack everything at the rental, only the necessities.
Which brings me to my pondering...we have a lot of stuff that isn't a necessity. Not that we live extravagantly but there is just stuff! Things that you really don't use in 2 years. What could you box up and never know it was gone??? Bamboo salad tossers? Zester? Soup tureen? Your Bible?

Make Plans and Make God Laugh

2009-07-16T19:53:00.002-05:00

So it's been awhile. Been kinda busy but wanted to write a quick couple of lines on how things are going in McDaniel Land. Here's a quick update with the long story made short:
We are moving to Colorado in 3 weeks.
The babies are being placed with another foster/adoption family in 2 weeks.
We are sad and happy. But mostly happy.

Kinda crazy, huh? We are super excited as we have always wanted to live in Colorado so when the opportunity "officially" fell in our laps last week, we prayed on it and have accepted it. So we are off to Monument, Colorado on the north side of Colorado Springs.
Gotta run! Lots to do!

Results of the Family Group Conference

2009-06-06T16:54:00.004-05:00

Well, after 3 hours of meeting and discussion, there are 2 sets of aunts/uncles who want the babies. As we understand it, 1 set will be home studied and if they pass, then the babies will move to their house. Now if they don't, the second set will be home studied and if approved, the babies will be moved to them. All of this will go on in a matter of months while mom and dad still try and get it together. I am sure at least one of the sets will be approved. From the meeting, we gathered it will take about a month to get the paperwork moving. So, looks like we will maybe have the babies for the summer at most.
The family was so gracious to us for caring for them and told us so many times thank you. And although we are saddened, it is our prayer that every child in foster care would have the chance to be with family.
We are at peace with it despite our love for the kids and know the day they leave will be so hard. But we are confident in God's plans for us to prosper and know that He is in control of all things. This was not a surprise to Him nor a mistake. Thanks for the prayers!

Shout out to the Conns!

2009-05-30T08:27:00.003-05:00

We have the best friends in the world! Our church family rocks. The Conn's watched the youngest 3 last night for us so we could attend some foster parent training. Now, this is great in and of itself, but they already have 4 kids of their own who are under the age of like 7 years old. They said it went well, but they might just be too nice to tell us otherwise. We love you guys and are blessed by you in so many ways. Can't wait to hear you preach on Sunday, Robert!

And Levi, you are now the coolest friend Julius has. He was very impressed with that motorized jeep that he got to ride in and the Cars pjs you let him borrow. You boys have to stick together. The estrogen in each of your families will out number you forever. The anatomy lesson was priceless!
Clair, you are a stunning artist.
And sweet Ashlin, you were my favorite kindergarten student ever!
And to Carly, you are the only girl that can out do Ariel's hair. You are Rapunzel!

I want you guys over for dinner sometime in June. Have your people call my people.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIEL!

2009-05-30T08:08:00.005-05:00

Ariel's 1st birthday was May 13th. Of course with a name like Ariel we HAD to have a princess party with Ariel, the Little Mermaid, on everything. We had a great time and the hit of the party was the wrapping paper as usual. This girl is a true DIVA and we love her like crazy. Never having chubby babies myself, I love to snuggle with our Ariel and squish her! Only on a baby are fat thighs cute.
Ariel, we love you and you are a blessing to us!
The gifts I see in you are a spunky personality, happiness, a great hearty belly laugh, a love for music and affection for others.
The angels dance for you, baby girl!

Hi, My name is Shelly and I have Netflixitis.

2009-05-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

As my friends, I feel I need to disclose my recent illness. Now it is not contagiouse but it is such a relief to finally have a diagnosis to my recent bout of symptoms. I found out yeaterday from a specialist that I have Netflixitis.
It is a disease that is not without cure but can get progressively worse. It starts out when you join Netflix then watch a few movies then decided to add a movie or two to your queue. The final progession of the disase is when you find yourself adding movies at an alarming rate that even if you watched a movie everyday for the next year, you would not finish the queue. I am not to that point. I currently have 125 movies in my queue so the doctors are hopful for a full recovery.
Many thanks for your concerns and meals over the last few months. They have meant the world to me.

Easter Pictures

2009-04-18T22:46:00.004-05:00

THE ROCK AND WORSHIP ROADSHOW

2009-04-04T22:40:00.002-05:00

Kami, Kori and I had a girls night out to see the concert The Rock and Worship Roadshow with a teacher friend of mine and her daughter. The last concert I went to was James Taylor about 10 years ago. This was a ton of fun and we got to hear 10th Avenue North, Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp and Mercy Me. Mercy Me was fantastic and the other groups were great too. It was a great time and a great time of worship. Plus the American Airlines Center was sold out! Tons of people. A Shout out to my husband for taking care of the babies for us! You Rock!
What's next....Maybe Chris Tomlin in a few weeks....but definitely U2 in the fall.

Harvest Ministry

2009-03-26T22:55:00.005-05:00

I would like to ask for your prayers as our church begins the journey towards the Lord's leading to start a foster/adoption ministry. Heart Galleries of North Texas will be coming in late April followed by information meetings and trainings. It is all coming together so nicely as only He can do. Our hope is that our comminity and our church body will be moved by the plight of the orphan and reclaim the church's role in supporting the fatherless.
It is called Harvest Ministry based on Luke 10:2 and as we educate ourselves and we begin to truely understand the time for the harvest is now although "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." And we humbly ask "the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field".
For all of it to be to God's glory and blessing.

10 Difficult Jobs

2009-03-25T22:12:00.002-05:00

Here is a list of random "jobs" that I would think would be really hard. Not to say the job doesn't come with some perks, just saying that I would think it would be pretty difficult to do it well without a major headache. In no particular order with my thoughts on why:

Public school teacher ( There is a reason we get 3 months off in the summer and 2 weeks off at Christmas.)
Minister's wife (I can only imagine the expectations on this gal.)
President of the US (obvious)
Auto designer (Haven't we seen it all already. Same car, different name)
Skit writer for Saturday Night Live (Haven't we seen it all already)
Waitress at a Denny's or IHOP (low tip ratios)
Proctologist (all your patients look alike)
Paint namer (how can you come up with 45 names for the color red year after year?)
Crime scene clean up (the smell has to be horrific)
Taxidermist (the smell, the guts, the weird eyeballs lying around...YUCK!)

Your turn to add to the list!

Batton Down the Hatches!

2009-03-24T19:11:00.002-05:00

Ariel started crawling early last week! She is getting really proficient at it now and is all over the place. No rest for the weary!

Just curious

2009-03-10T21:08:00.001-05:00

I was wondering....why are those mini hamburgers called "sliders"?
Got any idea?

13 Years and Counting

2009-03-10T11:50:00.005-05:00

Mo and I celebrated 13 years of marriage yesterday. It's 16 years together total but my how the time has flown. We are getting old!
We are going to go out this Friday and eat adult food and see a movie that is PG-13 or R rated. Nothing kid sized this Friday! I am not taking anyone to the bathroom, cutting up any one's meat or asking for 2 highchairs.
As we walk down memory lane, I will share a dating story. It went something like, "why did you want to date me?" was the question and my response was, "You have red hair. I'm a sucker for a red head. I want lots of red headed, freckle faced boys. I just want to be barefoot and pregnant." That cinched the deal for him.

His response, "You look like you could physically hurt me. I like that in a girl." And amazingly, I still married him! And I didn't even get any red headed, freckle faced boys! But he got his blonde girls, one of which has freckles atleast.
I love you, Mo and you are the best husband, dad and friend. You are an honest and committed man.

The gifts I see in you are: dedication to be the best husband and father God has called you to be, a big heart, loyalty, humor, graciousness, surprise, orneriness and a darn good cook.

"It was no accident, me finding you. God had a hand in it before we ever knew."

Hair Crisis!

2009-03-06T23:49:00.002-06:00

Bio mom won't let us cut Julius' hair...again after our 3rd request. It is driving me crazy and I have day dreamed about getting Mo's clippers, taking the guard off and buzzing it. Now, I am not a rule breaker by nature but I sure feel the little devil on my shoulder saying, "Do it!".

So, I think I will take a more passive aggressive approach and put it in pony tails and bows next Thursday for visitation...think that will work? Maybe put a dress on him too and change his name to Julia? Would a purse and baby doll be too much?

The Ultimate Challenge

2009-03-03T16:55:00.003-06:00

My husband mentioned the other week, "Lets get rid of the TV and computer." I happily agreed to both and felt the heavens open up with angelic singing since I pretty much hate TV and wouldn't die without a computer and have always wanted to be Amish. But then he started back peddling.... and issued a 40 day challenge for our house. No TV or computer(other than bill paying) for 40 days. The goal is to "unplug" our kids and and have us plug into each other more.
Last night was night 1 and is was great! We had good conversations and the girls even played with each other more rather than playing with the babies and watching TV.
However, the enthusiasm is losing momentum already. Ariel and I are the only strong holds in this radical movement and I have my doubts about her. I will keep you posted!

THE PRODIGAL CAMERA RETURNS!

2009-02-18T19:47:00.002-06:00

Thank you, Sweet Jesus! My camera came home with the girls from church activities tonight. It was hanging out in the hand bells room for the last month , how it got there who knows but I have it back! Memory Card and all! Thank you! Thank you! Praise God!

(And just on a side note of the kind of man I married, Mo tried to convince the girls to put it in my room and wait for me to find it so I would think I lost my mind. Jocularity! Jocularity! )

Happy Birthday Kami!

2009-02-14T21:03:00.003-06:00

Kami is 12 today and my baby is growing up fast. It does pass you by in the blink of an eye. It seems like last week she was shorter than me and now we are almost eye to eye. She had a slumber party last night that we are still recovering from at the moment. I have heard that you can judge a person by the company they keep and I think it is true. Kami has some great friends and they are all lucky to have each other. I asked them at midnight to start quieting down while playing charades for fear of waking the babies and although they didn't go to sleep, I never heard another sound. A new ipod, clothes and itunes cards were at the top of her wish list.

The gifts I see in you, Kami, are: leadership, persuasion, humor, loyalty, and creativity. You are a shining star baby girl and we love you so much. It will be amazing to watch the adventures the Lord has planned for you!

We hope you "find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take."

Happy Birthday Kami!

I am not a good (cyber) friend.

2009-02-11T18:06:00.003-06:00

I am such a loser! I have this facebook acct. which I never go to but all these friends keep asking me to confirm them but I don't have time to confirm them much less post anything or accept them into my "moms circle" or "top girlfriends list" or confirm or send a "heart message" or even add my birthday to their calendar!
In the words of my good friend Larry Beam, " I don't need another friend!". I'm too dang busy doing the mom thing and friend thing to add it to the cyber world. I mean, I live by my palm and have to schedule everything, including "taking care of relations" with my husband! Dad-gum! I need a vacation. Calgone take me away!

Julius is 2!

2009-01-24T21:46:00.004-06:00

Had a family party for the big man on on the block today, Julius! We had a lot of fun after a day of basketball and it was nice just to relax while giving a party. Not playing hostess has its advantages. Julius got a cool drum that plays the ABC's from my parents but by far, the most favorite gift is the globe light up thing that was like 2 bucks at Wal-mart. Figures!
Happy Birthday, Ju-Ju and we love you! Isn't it sweet to know that even though he wasn't born to us the Angels still danced on his birthday too?!

Prayers Appreciated

2009-01-22T21:45:00.002-06:00

This might sound strange but when you pray, please lift up Julius and Ariel's biological parents. We have been praying for them since the babies came to us but have felt lead to ask others to pray for them as well.
We don't know the full picture of what to pray for but the Lord does. It seems to me through our written correspondence that the mother genuinely loves her kids but has made some poor choices. We stated that we will be praying for them and she has been encouraged by this and has asked that we continue to do so.
Pray as you feel lead and don't be afraid to pray that the parent's lives are changed and come to know Christ or even come back to Him if that is the case. And that the family can be reunited.
We love them but to God be the glory if a miracle is in His plans and we will be blessed either way.
Thanks!

We are Still Kickin'!

2009-01-20T21:52:00.003-06:00

To answer my friend, Shelly's question, Yes, we are still alive! Here is the short story: I am too busy to write on a blog! I miss it and haven't read for pleasure in weeks but we are doing well. Here is the long story:
Mo is just getting over a cold. Watched ALL the kids for me last Friday so I could go out to eat with a friend and to a movie. MY HERO!
Kami is good--back into the grind of school and missing Guitar Hero way too much. She now has a new best friend...a cell phone (for home use only.)
Kori is running crazy and loving it. We are now in full swing of 2 basketball leagues and judo with a judo tournament coming up at the end of the month. She keeps her inhaler close by but keeps on running.
Julius is a 2 year old in full strength despite his second birthday coming on Saturday. He is all boy and a whirlwind of energy...no wonder he sleeps so well at night.
Ariel is getting soooo chubby! I love it! She now has 2 teeth and continues to be a social butterfly. I can already see it on her report card: "Has difficulty controlling talking." A true girl!
I am in the middle of a new bible study. Esther: It's tough being a woman. Amen to that! It is great and I am learning so much as I usually do with Beth Moore studies. My New Years resolution to get into bed earlier isn't panning out obviously.

I've got a few pictures coming soon and hope all is well in your world!

I AM SO SAD!

2008-12-31T21:41:00.003-06:00

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...

The Nobel Peace Prize Winner is...

2008-12-22T22:04:00.001-06:00

You know who should win the Nobel Peace Prize?? The person who invented gift bags.

Oh Christmas Tree...

2008-12-19T19:27:00.001-06:00

We got our Christmas tree up today! Wait...is it still called a Christmas Tree if there is nothing on it?

And Another Ones Down

2008-12-16T09:57:00.001-06:00

My turn with the stomach bug. Yuck!

Another one bites the dust

2008-12-14T21:55:00.003-06:00

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.

Let The Games Begin!

2008-12-14T04:13:00.002-06:00

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.

Hair Everywhere!

2008-12-13T19:51:00.002-06:00

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.

Day Two

2008-12-13T19:43:00.002-06:00

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.

My Heart Is Full

2008-12-12T20:46:00.014-06:00

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.

Ask and you shall be given in abundance!

2008-12-11T20:53:00.003-06:00

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.

All the Gates (Decision) Be Damned...

2008-12-08T21:53:00.003-06:00

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.

A Bow Hunter's First Lesson

2008-12-01T21:21:00.003-06:00

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.

Turkey Trot, Trot, Trot. Around the Lot, Lot, Lot!

2008-11-16T22:14:00.003-06:00

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?

Joe Black

2008-11-16T00:50:00.002-06:00

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!

It is a Conspiracy

2008-11-09T21:29:00.002-06:00

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.

Two Thumbs Up!

2008-11-09T21:26:00.002-06:00

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!

MaMa Prays

2008-11-02T16:00:00.002-06:00

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.

I Just Don't Get It

2008-10-29T22:13:00.001-05:00

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....

I Am Full

2008-10-26T22:13:00.003-05:00

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!

Pictures of our Sunday!

2008-10-26T21:39:00.007-05:00

Thank for the Prayers

2008-10-24T22:12:00.001-05:00

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!

I Might Be Sick

2008-10-23T21:06:00.001-05:00

I am thinking of taking up running...might just lie down until it passes.

Randomness from McDaniel Land

2008-10-21T21:22:00.004-05:00

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.

Deep Thoughts By Shelly McD

2008-10-18T21:35:00.005-05:00

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!

Heavenly ZZZZ's

2008-10-02T21:44:00.002-05:00

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.

We Are Moving! Or atleast I am.

2008-09-29T21:49:00.002-05:00

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.

Prayer for Healing

2008-09-19T21:42:00.002-05:00

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!

Beth Moore

2008-09-07T10:15:00.003-05:00

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!

That's My Son

2008-09-06T19:51:00.003-05:00

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.