August 6, 2008 · 6:00 am

Make sure you wear clean underwear!


Today is my mom’s thirty-ninth birthday.  In honor of her birthday and motherhood, I thought I’d share how parallel our universes run. 

You know those things your mom said to you that you swore you’d never say to your children?  I pretty much say them all….and I haven’t even hit the teen years yet.  Here are just a few:

In or out!

You will get in trouble, but you will get into more trouble if you lie about it.  (Kind of like the Driving Miss Daisy shenanigans I tried to pull.  Blast.)

You can wipe your own.  (Oh wait, is that not so common?)

No snacks.  We’re about to have dinner.

Did you flush?

You are not allowed to roll your eyes.  (Note:  My parents only saw me roll my eyes once.  Once.)

When I tell you something, do not respond with “I know.”  Just say, “Yes ma’am.”

The latter is my recent struggle with my 5 ½ year old who remarkably already knows how to golf, play guitar, and do calculus. 

Things my mother didn’t say – but an idea of what goes on in our sweet home:

Do not pee on the dog.

Do not pee in John Henry’s suitcase.

If you take off your clothes, leave on your underwear.

Anna, please stop telling strangers you have a surprise for them and following up by removing your shoe and saying “Stinky shoe!!!!” 

Your turn.  What did your mother say to you that you say to your little darlings?  Or, what things have you said to your children you thought you’d never have to say?

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August 5, 2008 · 6:00 am

Motherhood just got easier.


I was looking back through some old writings and found this one.  I recorded this a year ago today.  It was a good reminder to chill out – and more importantly, remember to be grateful. 

As written August 5, 2007:

I won’t argue that being a mother is one of the toughest jobs in the world.  My days are filled with settling disputes between brother and sister, kissing boo-boos, reading books (and making sure I’m in character when doing so), and meeting my children’s basic daily needs.  All the while, it is my responsibility to make sure they learn the importance of kindness, acceptance of others, and why God should be at the very core of who they are as human beings.  Tough at times?  Yes.  Time-consuming?  Of course.  Nonetheless, such responsibilities could be greater.

 

On a usual play day at our neighborhood mall playground, I saw another mom who looked a lot like me….not in a physical sense, but just your usual run of the mill thirty-something mom.  While I watched my children climb to the top of the big baseball and jump off like super-hero wannabes, this mom participated in the play with her special needs daughter.  I’m not certain of the exact challenges that this little girl faces daily, but I do know that she could not talk or walk on her on.  So, I watched as this mother would pick up her little girl and hold her while she went down the slide that my children can climb up on their own (and usually the wrong way).  She continued to bounce her daughter into the air so she could experience the laws of nature that my children can experience all by themselves.  This mother made sure that her daughter had the best day she could possibly have.  The toughest part of my day was chasing after my two-year old who ran out of the Subway in the food court while I was paying for our food. 

 

One day my children will grow up and be on their own.  They will come and visit me and call me on Mother’s Day.  I will enjoy the luxuries of travel and whatever it is you do when your children leave home.  This mother will be caring for her daughter for the rest of her days on earth.  These are the mothers who deserve the standing o’s and hand claps.  So, the next time I’m wiping up the milk that my little girl intentionally poured on the floor, I will remember, “This is easy.” 

 

Let me leave you with this excerpt from “If I Had My Child To Raise All Over Again” by Diane Loomans:

 

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.

 

I hope I will remember that’s the easy stuff.

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August 4, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Sunday Experience


I love Sundays.  It’s the first day of the week.  It’s a day we set aside to honor our Creator – for the local church to worship together, celebrate together, and grow together. 

 

We were on one of our weekend Georgia visits, so I worshipped at the home of my spiritual roots.  Dad began a series on minor prophets.  It’s really a series on minor league prophets with major league issues.  Yesterday, he covered Habakkuk. 

 

What stood out the most to me besides the obvious despair, questioning of God, and rescue was that God was always in the middle of the mess.  How easy it is to be in the middle of our stuff – our valley – our own despair, and wonder “where is God in this?”  We pray fervently for Him to do something.  To deliver.  To take away the heartache.  And, we question His presence in it all.

 

A good friend of mine is really going through a difficult time.  Someone told him recently, “God is behind the scenes working in this.”  His response made me laugh:  “If He’s behind the scenes, man, He is way behind the scenes.” 

 

It feels like that sometimes, doesn’t it?

 

But, He is.  Not only is He behind the scenes, He is in the middle, and He is already ahead of you.  Pray that God will open your eyes to see Him in your difficulty.  When Elisha’s servant told him that enemy armies were standing against them, 2 Kings 6:17 says that “Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

 

God, open our eyes and let us see You.  That you are a God who goes before us and makes a way. 

 

Not sure what I’d do without those Sunday experiences.  It’s a great start to a week, and an even better reminder that God is on the throne.  And, He deserves my praise.

 

How was your Sunday experience?

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August 1, 2008 · 6:00 am

My shabby old coat.


Louisa Fletcher Tarkington wrote in “The Land of Beginning Again”:

I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again
Where all of our mistakes, and all of our heartaches,
And all of our poor, selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door
And never be put on again.

I’ve heard some people claim they regret nothing, because it’s made them who they are today.  I understand this declaration, but I don’t always buy it.  I certainly have regrets.  I think we all do.  I have had days where I wish I could drop my shabby old coat at the door and leave it there.

We can’t erase the past.  But, we can embrace today and all of its opportunities.  I can choose to hang that coat up and not put it on again.  I can, instead, wear His coat of mercy and grace and start anew.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  2 Corinthians 5.17

Are you still wearing a shabby old coat?

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July 31, 2008 · 7:00 am

The greatest commandment.


We’ve all heard it a thousand times.  30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  No other commandment is greater than these.”  Mark 12.30-31

 What does verse 31 look like?

We usually think of our neighbors as those who live next door to us.  But, Jesus explains in the story of The Good Samaritan that our neighbor means all persons, enemies included. 

I love a Three Musketeers bar.  Does this mean I split half of it with my neighbor?

Is it extending forgiveness?  Is it the golden rule?

I’m curious.  What does loving your neighbor as yourself mean to you?

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July 30, 2008 · 6:00 am

It really does all go back in the box.


My kids keep asking if money is power.  Not because they suddenly want to have some sort of philosophical discussion – obviously.  But, it’s a line in some old Tom and Jerry movie.  I tried to relate it to them on their terms by asking questions like “Does money make you happy?” 

“Yes!”  John Henry answered.

I tried again.  “What makes you happiest?  Toys or friends?”

“Friends”, he said. 

Okay.  “What makes you happiest?  Toys or having a mommy and daddy?”

“You and daddy”, he responded.

Whew. 

Then, Anna chimed in, “Mommy, Daddy AND toys!”

Poor analogy for a three-year old.  For many of us, it’s a tough one, too.  We can spend so much of our time accumulating or trying to accumulate stuff, we fail to accumulate the things that really matter.  We store up earthly treasures, and what do our heavenly treasures look like?   

We let worry and stress rob us of the knowledge that our time here on earth is brief.  It’s but a vapor.  Read Psalm 39:4-5.  And in the end, no one will say, “Man, he had a really awesome boat.”  Nor will we hear, “Did you ever visit her house on the beach?” 

What will be said of those who store up heavenly treasures is “He was selfless.” 

“She was a great mom.” 

“He served others.” 

“She invested into her friends’ lives.” 

“He led me to the Lord.” 

“She brought me food when our family was hungry, and I had no money.”

“He always prayed for me.”

“She understood God’s grace and imparted it to me.”

“He forgave me.”

“She was my teacher at church told me all about Jesus.”

The list could go on.  Let’s not let stuff consume us.  Let’s be generous toward others.  And, let’s invest into what really matters. 

Money is not power.  Christ in you, the hope of glory is.

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ… Philippians 3:7-8

Are you storing up more earthly or heavenly treasures?

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July 29, 2008 · 7:00 am

And the winner is…


I know the anticipation of the first ever randomness give-away has been just flat out overwhelming.  I’m not all too familiar with those online pick it for you tech machines that the professional bloggers use.   So, we’re kicking it back old school with our hat drawing. 

I had hoped that Kris would be home from his trip in time to video the drawing.  But, in order to post the results today, I had to recruit John Henry and Anna.  Never mind any child labor laws.

Then, YouTube decided to be a thorn in my side and kept giving me some sort of error message.  Um, hello YouTube!  I’ve uploaded to you a gazillion times.  The error is not coming from this side of the computer!  I made friends with Vimeo instead.

So, without any further ado, let’s draw.

Who would’ve thought? 

Congratulations you!  Crazy Love is on its way J

 

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July 28, 2008 · 6:00 am

A day at the museum.


It’s been a pleasant 100 degrees here in Middle America.  It’s so hot, even the pool sounds treacherous.  I mean, it’s excruciating enough to wear a swimsuit at the pool.  So, Saturday, I decided to take the kids to Oklahoma’s own Science Museum – the Omniplex. 

To be perfectly honest, the only science I prefer is science-fiction – as in movies.  But, to escape the heat, break up the monotony of the day, and give my kids some sort of educational experience, I endured the world of science.

The best part about the experience was the 45 minute movie on the Grand Canyon in the Dome Theater.  Eight dollars bought us two sodas, two popcorns, a box of Junior Mints, and Strawberry Fruit snacks.  That would have totaled about $150 at the “real” movie theater.  The movie was narrated by Robert Redford and the music by Dave Matthews.  I haven’t watched a movie on the ceiling since I was a kid myself and nearly lost my meal replacement bar I snuck in a few times.  Holy head spinning, stomach turning Batman!  Anna just kept asking “Why we moving?”  Over and over and over again.

I think Anna enjoyed the face painting center most.

 

I’m thinking that the next time I spend a small fortune at the MAC counter (that’s make-up heaven for all you dudes reading), I’m going to explain it off to Kris as a science experiment.

I believe the black tape here is to prevent people from touching this display.  Hence, John Henry’s arms raised as if to say “Are you finished taking the picture already?” 

  

After three hours of me pretending to be oh so fascinated about science, we left.  I picked up my wailing three-year old who kept saying over and over again, “I want this to be my home.” 

If she thinks gravity is cool and wants to live at a science museum, I’m pretty sure I’m never taking her to Disney World.  Else, she’ll have to endure years of counseling that we refused to let Cinderella be her new mommy. 

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July 27, 2008 · 7:08 pm

Yes, I actually know His last name.


John  Henry:  “Mom, is money power?”

Me:  “No, son.   The only power is Jesus Christ who lives inside of you.”

John Henry:  “You know his last name?”

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July 25, 2008 · 6:00 am

First Ever Randomness Give-Away!


I said that I would share what I feel that God is doing in me through Crazy Love once I was able to wrap my head around it myself.  I haven’t yet.   So, don’t let this post lead you to believe that I’ve figured it all out just yet.  But, I can share this much…….

I don’t feel like I’m falling in love with Jesus all over again.

I feel like I’m falling in love with Him for the very first time.

There are so many things that God has been working in me that I find it difficult to condense into one blog post every single thing.  But, let me share the first thing that caught my attention in Francis Chan’s amazing book.

Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”  Chan is describing that God is all-powerful.  He writes, “Yet we keep on questioning Him: ‘Why did you make me with this body, instead of that one?’  ‘Why are so many people dying of starvation?’  Why are there so many planets with nothing living on them?’  ‘Why is my family so messed up?’  ‘Why don’t You make Yourself more obvious to the people who need You?’”

Or, if you’re like me, you might ask, “Why couldn’t chocolate be one of the major food groups?”

Chan goes on to explain, “Because He’s God.  He has more of a right to ask us why so many people are starving……Can you worship a God who isn’t obligated to explain His actions to you?”

How many times have I said or you said or we heard someone say, “When I get to heaven I’m going to ask Jesus why He let this happen” or “why he let that happen.” 

We can all make such ridiculous proclamations.  But the truth is this.  When we meet our Savior, the Creator of all things, face to face, the only words I think will come out of our mouths are “Holy, Holy, Holy.” 

Because, He is.

Now, I do part from Chan a bit in Chapter Five.  While, I understand the heart of what he saying, my theological foundation – or better said, my heart – does not bear witness with part of it.  However, the bottom line in this chapter is simply that God wants us to live wholly-committed to Him.  And, I cannot argue that point.

To be honest, I enjoyed being challenged in Chapter Five.  It caused me to search my own heart and search scriptures.  We should never come to a place in our spiritual journey where we are resistant to challenge or closed to change.  It’s a catalyst for growth.

So, do I recommend Francis Chan’s Crazy Love?  You bet I do.  And, one of you fortunate commenters are gonna win your very own copy!  Woo-hoo! 

By leaving a comment you are automatically entered into my very untechnological drawing – but honest one.  (Mom, you are not allowed to enter.  It could look suspicious if you win.  And, if you won, I’d draw again for my own integrity’s sake.  I’m sure you understand.)

Comments close on Monday, July 28th at 11:00 AM CST.  Winner will be announced on or around the following Tuesday.  Yep.  On or around. 

Get to commenting!

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