Thursday, February 25, 2010

Interrupted

I read a blog this morning that talked about being interrupted. Most of the time we think of being interrupted as a bad thing but not in this case.


How often do thoughts, bad thoughts run through your head?

How often, as the blog I read today said, do you "cuss" in your mind?

How often do you get caught up in that tidbit of gossip??

How often often does that "bad driver" make you call them names you wouldn't if others were around??


Man, this really hit home for me. I'll be honest here, often times I get frustrated when driving at others & what do I do?? I say outloud (while alone in the car) "you idiot" or "moron".


The blog I read talked about asking to be "interrupted" when the things asked above happen. Interrupt my thoughts, my words, my actions.


I want to see people through God's eyes. To realize that no matter who they are, that they are a child of God & he loves them right where they are.


But honestly, that's hard. But then again, being a Christian & trying to DAILY walk in it is hard. It's a constant work in progress. That all too often I don't take seriously enough.


Lord, interrupt me. My thoughts, my words, my actions. Make me be more like you, Lord!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Unredeemed

Found this new song by Selah called "Unredeemed". Selah speaks to my heart in about every one of their songs. I can't seem to get the video to load just yet but maybe later, here are the lyrics for now.


The cruelest world
The coldest heart
The deepest wound
The endless dark
The lonely ache
The burning tears
The bitter nights
The wasted years

Life breaks and falls apart
But we know these are
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every lie that gave up hope
We live in the shadow of the fall
But the cross says these are all
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But you never know the miracle the father has in store
Just watch and see
It will not be
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

The cruelest world
The coldest heart
The deepest wound
The endless dark
The lonely ache
The burning tears
The bitter nights
The wasted years

Life breaks and falls apart
But we know these are
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every lie that gave up hope
We live in the shadow of the fall
But the cross says these are all
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But you never know the miracle the father has in store
Just watch and see
It will not be
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

I am the mom!

Got this from Lysa TerKeurst today.. Loved it!!

I am the MOM

So.

Yeah.

Today's post isn't for my mommy friends who don't struggle. I love you. I applaud you. I heart you mucho. But I can't join your club.

I wish I could.


But my reality disqualifies me. I find being a mommy the most stretching thing I've ever done. I carry with me evidence of this stretching. Marks on my body. Marks on my heart. It's thrilling. Heartbreaking. Sweet. Exciting. Disillusioning. And incredibly unpredictable.


Just when I think I've figured a few things out and I'm about to shine my mommy halo, something happens. Something loud and tearful and frustratingly difficult. And I find myself knee deep in drama wondering if I will survive this season of 4 teens and one pre-teen.


It makes me laugh when I think back to being pregnant with my first child nearly seventeen years ago. I was convinced I would die in the child birthing process.


I even set up a special meeting with my doctor to go over exactly what happens in the birthing process and tearfully gave him all the reasons I was convinced I would not survive this process.


What in the world?


I so wish I could go stand in front of my little, um huge, pregnant self and say this:


"Honey, you will not perish giving birth. This part of motherhood will seem like a walk in the park in just a few years. You will not only survive giving birth but you are about to spend the next twenty years having your tiny little brain and your tiny little heart experience more highs and lows than you can shake a stick at.


Just remember one thing... You are the Mom. That's right you da' mama. Repeat after me... I am the Mama. I am the Mama. I am the Mama! Don't ever forget that.


"Yes, I would tell my little huge pregnant self that because it's easy to forget sometimes who's really in charge. My kids want to be in charge. And while they certainly have the strong wills and wonders of leadership... it's immature leadership. Leadership that needs to be shaped and molded and corrected and reigned in.


1 Corinthians 4:20 says, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."


This reminds me I am not left to my own pitiful attempts at this daunting task but because of Jesus I have power. Real power. Not just theories and words given by human parenting experts whose advice may or may not work. I have power to rise up be da' mama.


The mom my strong willed, delightful, amazingly capable, beautifully adventurous, wildly wonderful, and uniquely special kids need. I have been perfectly designed, shaped, molded and assigned these children because I have what it takes to be their mom.

I have what it takes to be the mom!

You have what it takes to be the mom!

Now, be the mom!


Not sure who else needed this little pep rally this morning. But I sure did. Now I must go seek out the mouse that has been rattling my trash and taunting me the whole time I was writing this post. Poor little mouse who thought I'd be all screams and squeals and just let him pick through my trash.


He's about to face an empowered me. I AM THE MOM!

Love that.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Have you missed me???


I'd say not but then again you never know!


I haven't blogged lately, I was doing so good but then it got to be a point where I felt like I was just rambling on and on and on for no reason. So, here I am again!


As I look outside I see winter settling in. The cold, frigid temperatures, the snow covering everything. Just when we think it is about over or the worst of it anyway, it starts up again.


This makes me think of the winter of our lives. I see so many people hurting right now. Winter has settled in and doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon. In those times in life, we have a choice to make. Yes, it is easy for me to say because I am not in that place right now but we have to remember that God knows our struggles, he knows our fears. Most of all he wants us to come to Him with them, share our load with Him. He will take the burden from us if only we let Him. I read a book once called "On hinds' feet" and in it the author said that it's in the valleys that we grow the most, but we must remember the ultimate goal is to reach the top of the mountain.



Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Senior Night






Senior night came and went.... and just that fast too! It was a bittersweet night, with Aimee having been out most of the season with her injury and surgery the season has been somewhat different for us. However, coach dressed her and started her, then pulled her out after about 3 seconds. She was very emotional, which is to be expected! Just seems as if this year is flying by too fast and my girl will be away at college in no time!!!


Here are a few pictures from the night! Love the one with Cole, he is a whole head taller than her now!!
















Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Crazy...

It seems that everyday lately is "just another manic Monday". There has been so much to keep us busy between ballgames, scholorships, school work, & church. To be honest we've let all the "busy" invade & I hate it when that happens.


It's so easy to get busy & let it take charge of our lives. I think.... NO, I know that's a ploy of the ole scum to keep our minds off of God & boy is he good at it. I don't know about you, but I can let things rule my life mainly because of my OCD, it has to be done a certain way.. my way & trust me that's not always a good thing, just ask Ed!!


The verse that I found to send out for my "text message ministry" today is: Proverbs 21:23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. I laughed when I saw this verse because all too often I let my mouth overload my brain. Thankfully, most peopke know me & tend to ignore me when I "spew". However, that isn't an excuse for the behavior. I'm working on it!


I told Ed yesterday that when I feel my kids are being wronged, look out because I turn into this 3 headed monster that will spew fire at anyone or anything in my path. It's not a pretty sight... & often I just hang my head after I morph back into myself. As I said, working on it!!