Well, this last week was filled with snow and basketball, as has become the norm. And a very special Thursday. Thursday was Stephen's 7th birthday. He is such a joy. (I will get back to him in a bit with his own post.)
Last week the boy's had off school for an in-service on Monday, then Tuesday they actually got a full day of school in. YEA!! Wednesday we were supposed to get a light dusting of snow in the morning and then a bigger storm later in the day. Well it snowed heavily and steadily for a number of hours which sent the kids home early on Wednesday. Thursday ended up being another snow day.
This last week was also supposed to hold 4 varsity girl's basketball games (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). Considering the weather patterns we have had, 3 out of 4 isn't bad, and they were all wins.
Thursday was a laid back day since the kids had off school. I still had a few meetings and due to the kids having Monday and part of Wednesday off I needed to get some work done in the office. So the kids all came into the office with me. We took a break at lunch time and allowed Stephen to pick the fast food restaurant of his choice. He chose Burger King. We brought lunch back to the church and they watched a movie on the big screen in the chapel while eating. They all enjoyed it. I got some work done and so we then called it a day and went home. Since Aaron's game and the boy's practices were cancelled we were able to have Stephen's birthday meal (the food of his choosing) as a family, instead of in shifts. He chose sloppy joe's, mac-n-cheese, and corn.
Friday I sent the kids off to school for a full day, thank goodness. While they were at school, Aaron and I made a trip to the Harrisburg Airport to pick up Aaron's mom and dad. We enjoyed surprising Emma by hiding them in the coat room of her preschool. We sent her in to get her coat and backpack and her surprise was so fun to watch. She actually came to a complete stop and stared for a moment as she processed the fact that Grandma and Grandpa were standing there. Then the five of us headed out to lunch and to do some birthday gift shopping before the boys started to get home. Again, it was fun to "hide" Grandpa and Grandma. (They hid in the boy's beds.) We sent the boys to their rooms to put away their backpacks and coats.
In the midst of all the fun, Emma began to complain that her ear hurt. Since she has had a cold I figured all that junk was just moving around in there. By mid afternoon she was in tears over the pain. So a trip to the doctor was made (they got her in within 20 minutes of me calling). She has a double ear infection and is struggling with some wheezing in her chest. Thank goodness for medication.
We headed out for her prescriptions and then to Aaron's game. It was a down to the buzzer exciting game. The girl's won by one point. I stood for the entire game, I just couldn't sit. (Aaron says I still have too much "coach" in me.) After the game we picked up some pizza's and headed home.
Saturday brought games for Jack and Alex. They both played well. Then we had Stephen's birthday party. It was so fun to see our IN and PA families interacting and enjoying each other's company. We are so very blessed.
Sunday was a busy day at church. We then hung out at home and enjoyed each other's company a bit before heading to the airport for my in-laws return flight. It was a quick weekend trip for them, but we are all so thankful they did it. (And thankful they avoided the storm prior and the one coming.)
During the busyness of this week and the lack of routine that the weather has been causing, I did not get a chance to post on Friday. I am disappointed time did not allow this. God is teaching me and growing me and I look forward to sharing it with you. I decided to just skip last Friday and wait until this week.
In the midst of everything though I am truly thankful for the blessings in my life. For the safety that we have experienced (especially Aaron as he is on the road during the worst parts of the weather lately), for the gift of another year with our Stephen, for the gift of family near and far, for warmth, for the kindness of neighbors plowing our driveway, for too many things to mention. God is so good. I am so very thankful and humbled by his blessings!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday Mumblings
THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!
Well as you can see this past week ended on a high note for me. But actually this week was long and difficult for many reasons.
Last Sunday morning 4 high school boys from Manheim Central were killed in a car accident. This news broke in the community within hours. The kids already had Monday off of school due to MLK's birthday. However, we received a district wide phone call to inform us of the school being open for counseling. This tragedy broke our hearts but since we are new we did not feel a strong sense of grief.
Tuesday brought us ice and snow and in turn another day off school. The kids and I had a great day of hanging out. But I have to admit that after 4 days off of school I was ready for spring. The kids were on each other's nerves and cabin fever was settling in.
Wednesday the kids went back to school. Alex came home with a note. Two of the boys killed on Sunday had a sibling in Alex's class. (Not in all of the 5th grade classes combined but in his immediate classroom. Tough stuff!) Needless to say, Alex stated that it was a long and sad day. His class in addition to the other 5th grade classes are collecting money to put together remembrance baskets for the students and their families.
In honor of the boys killed and out of respect for their family and friends, the district cancelled all extra curricular activities for the week. This meant no basketball practices or games for the boys. While the circumstances bringing this about were tragic and sad it in turn was a blessing for our family. It allowed us to all attend Aaron's team's game on Thursday evening and to have a few days of just being together as a family.
Friday, the school had announced that they would be releasing early to allow family, staff and friends the ability to attend the memorial service for all of the boys. Since we ended up getting snow Thursday evening what would have been a 2 hour delay became a cancellation for the boys. Emma still had school (her school follows a neighboring district). So the boys came into the church/school with us and hung out while I worked and Emma was in class.
We enjoyed a "Snow Day" party that Aaron planned for Friday night. He got pizzas for the kids and wings for us adults. We then all played "Beat the Parents". It was great to hang out together and laugh. (The kids did NOT beat the parents though.)
Saturday, I stayed in my pj's until it became necessary to make lunch (I think it's too weird to make lunch in my pj's). After lunch I took a nap and then found my spot on the couch again. It was a wonderful day of not doing anything. (I did some laundry and cleaned the kitchen a bit, so some stuff did get accomplished.)
Sunday was busy. Our church is currently without a Senior Pastor and we have a 7 week series that kicked off this week with a short term interim speaker. He will be teaching on the book of Ruth and it was amazing that his topic (picked months ago) dealt with loss and grief, especially in light of the accident a week ago. I love how God's hand is always at work.
And of course, then came playoff football. I had a few "moments" during the game, as it was not one of our better performances. (Like I really had anything to do with it, but yes, it is personal.) But we got a win and a chance to play for the Lombardi trophy. To celebrate we went to Taco Bell. (I know what you're thinking. We are not typically huge Taco Bell fans we do occasionally enjoy it. We do not have one that is just up the road, in fact we have to go into Lancaster City to find a Taco Bell. So this was a BIG deal. And in addition it was the kid's first Taco Bell experience. They loved it. In fact Stephen mentioned that he thinks we should eat there every night. I don't think that will happen.)
So our week while long in some regards it was also filled with many blessings. Family time is so very precious. A point driven home by the tragedy. I know it's cliche but love your family well, you never know how much time you have with them.
Oh and by the way: THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!
Well as you can see this past week ended on a high note for me. But actually this week was long and difficult for many reasons.
Last Sunday morning 4 high school boys from Manheim Central were killed in a car accident. This news broke in the community within hours. The kids already had Monday off of school due to MLK's birthday. However, we received a district wide phone call to inform us of the school being open for counseling. This tragedy broke our hearts but since we are new we did not feel a strong sense of grief.
Tuesday brought us ice and snow and in turn another day off school. The kids and I had a great day of hanging out. But I have to admit that after 4 days off of school I was ready for spring. The kids were on each other's nerves and cabin fever was settling in.
Wednesday the kids went back to school. Alex came home with a note. Two of the boys killed on Sunday had a sibling in Alex's class. (Not in all of the 5th grade classes combined but in his immediate classroom. Tough stuff!) Needless to say, Alex stated that it was a long and sad day. His class in addition to the other 5th grade classes are collecting money to put together remembrance baskets for the students and their families.
In honor of the boys killed and out of respect for their family and friends, the district cancelled all extra curricular activities for the week. This meant no basketball practices or games for the boys. While the circumstances bringing this about were tragic and sad it in turn was a blessing for our family. It allowed us to all attend Aaron's team's game on Thursday evening and to have a few days of just being together as a family.
Friday, the school had announced that they would be releasing early to allow family, staff and friends the ability to attend the memorial service for all of the boys. Since we ended up getting snow Thursday evening what would have been a 2 hour delay became a cancellation for the boys. Emma still had school (her school follows a neighboring district). So the boys came into the church/school with us and hung out while I worked and Emma was in class.
We enjoyed a "Snow Day" party that Aaron planned for Friday night. He got pizzas for the kids and wings for us adults. We then all played "Beat the Parents". It was great to hang out together and laugh. (The kids did NOT beat the parents though.)
Saturday, I stayed in my pj's until it became necessary to make lunch (I think it's too weird to make lunch in my pj's). After lunch I took a nap and then found my spot on the couch again. It was a wonderful day of not doing anything. (I did some laundry and cleaned the kitchen a bit, so some stuff did get accomplished.)
Sunday was busy. Our church is currently without a Senior Pastor and we have a 7 week series that kicked off this week with a short term interim speaker. He will be teaching on the book of Ruth and it was amazing that his topic (picked months ago) dealt with loss and grief, especially in light of the accident a week ago. I love how God's hand is always at work.
And of course, then came playoff football. I had a few "moments" during the game, as it was not one of our better performances. (Like I really had anything to do with it, but yes, it is personal.) But we got a win and a chance to play for the Lombardi trophy. To celebrate we went to Taco Bell. (I know what you're thinking. We are not typically huge Taco Bell fans we do occasionally enjoy it. We do not have one that is just up the road, in fact we have to go into Lancaster City to find a Taco Bell. So this was a BIG deal. And in addition it was the kid's first Taco Bell experience. They loved it. In fact Stephen mentioned that he thinks we should eat there every night. I don't think that will happen.)
So our week while long in some regards it was also filled with many blessings. Family time is so very precious. A point driven home by the tragedy. I know it's cliche but love your family well, you never know how much time you have with them.
Oh and by the way: THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Food for the Soul
Well, this week was better. I spent some time crying and talking things out with two of my greatest friends: God and my husband. After some of my revelations this past weekend, I began to soften my heart and shift my focus a bit.
Each day is a new day. We cannot change the mistakes or choices made yesterday. I had gotten so stuck in the frustration of failing yesterday that I could not move on to making a better choice today. Thank God for the new mercies available to us each day. (And for second and third and fourth chances.)
A verse that I read again this week has been challenging me in many ways. It is a verse I have looked at before, but it had a fresh meaning. (I love that God's Word is living and active and ALWAYS applicable.)
I can honestly say that I had stopped walking. I was actually sitting--immobile. And I was not in any way humble. I was so sure I could function well without God.
So this is where I am starting. To stand up and start walking with God, in Him, not in myself. I also am working to do a better job of loving kindness. Here I am enjoying the benefits of God's mercy, but I am not extending it to others so this HAS to change.
A place to start. A God who loves me and forgives me. A new day to make the right and wise choice. Another step in the right direction. :-)
Each day is a new day. We cannot change the mistakes or choices made yesterday. I had gotten so stuck in the frustration of failing yesterday that I could not move on to making a better choice today. Thank God for the new mercies available to us each day. (And for second and third and fourth chances.)
A verse that I read again this week has been challenging me in many ways. It is a verse I have looked at before, but it had a fresh meaning. (I love that God's Word is living and active and ALWAYS applicable.)
Micah 6:8 says "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy (kindness), and to walk humbly with your God."
I can honestly say that I had stopped walking. I was actually sitting--immobile. And I was not in any way humble. I was so sure I could function well without God.
So this is where I am starting. To stand up and start walking with God, in Him, not in myself. I also am working to do a better job of loving kindness. Here I am enjoying the benefits of God's mercy, but I am not extending it to others so this HAS to change.
A place to start. A God who loves me and forgives me. A new day to make the right and wise choice. Another step in the right direction. :-)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
This Past Week in Review
Well this last week held a lot of...you guessed it...basketball.
Last Tuesday night the girl's team played a team that was located about 60 minutes away (based on traffic, during rush hour thru the capitol, with snow falling rapidly). The girl's honestly did not play well and lost. Then we had to make the trek back home. I think it took about 90 minutes to get home. Having lived in Indiana for many years, it was quite a shock to drive in snow here in PA where they basically shut down until the storm passes. The major highways were AWFUL!!!! I was amazed, considering we had been under the Winter Weather Advisory for two days. I don't mind driving in some snow but there were inches upon inches of snow on the roads and no gravel or salt.
The kids had a two hour delay on Wednesday. Then came home from school and played outside. It was windy and bitter cold by then, but they were so excited to play in snow. (I posted pictures last week.)
Friday night was again spent in a gym for basketball. Another loss.
Saturday we geared up for three basketball games in four hours. Jack had two games and Alex had one. Aaron motivated the boys to play well by promising a secret treat. Jack scored his first basket of the season in the last minutes of the second game. It was thrilling, for us and for him. (And of course I didn't have my camera.) He also had some steals and played great defense. Alex was supposed to get 5 rebounds. That did not happen but he played well and had an amazing block. (The kid can get up when he wants to.)
We all took naps and then I went into work for a bit Saturday afternoon so we decided to treat the kids to their reward on Sunday afternoon. We went to Chuck E Cheese. We did not eat, we just got a bunch of tokens and everyone played. It was fun. With the kids getting older it really isn't as chaotic as it used to be to go to such places.
Well Monday the kids had off school for MLK Day. They helped me out at church with some sorting and counting of Easter eggs. (I am just under three months away from the biggest event our church does in the community each year. So everyone is getting the chance to help.) Our day wrapped up with a doctor's appointment, waiting on medication to be filled, a basketball practice, and set up and execution of a meeting all within the same 3-4 hour time slot. But it all got done.
Overnight we got some snow which at some point turned to ice. So we are home bound today. Kids are currently spread throughout the house, actually playing quietly and nicely. I think we will soon have a movie date on the couch and then lunch. Days like this are a gift as I look at my children who are growing up way to fast. (I will have two children in double digits this year! That's crazy!) So I am off to cuddle and enjoy my kiddos.
Have a great week. Maybe next week I will actually get on track with my weekly posts. HA!!
Last Tuesday night the girl's team played a team that was located about 60 minutes away (based on traffic, during rush hour thru the capitol, with snow falling rapidly). The girl's honestly did not play well and lost. Then we had to make the trek back home. I think it took about 90 minutes to get home. Having lived in Indiana for many years, it was quite a shock to drive in snow here in PA where they basically shut down until the storm passes. The major highways were AWFUL!!!! I was amazed, considering we had been under the Winter Weather Advisory for two days. I don't mind driving in some snow but there were inches upon inches of snow on the roads and no gravel or salt.
The kids had a two hour delay on Wednesday. Then came home from school and played outside. It was windy and bitter cold by then, but they were so excited to play in snow. (I posted pictures last week.)
Friday night was again spent in a gym for basketball. Another loss.
Saturday we geared up for three basketball games in four hours. Jack had two games and Alex had one. Aaron motivated the boys to play well by promising a secret treat. Jack scored his first basket of the season in the last minutes of the second game. It was thrilling, for us and for him. (And of course I didn't have my camera.) He also had some steals and played great defense. Alex was supposed to get 5 rebounds. That did not happen but he played well and had an amazing block. (The kid can get up when he wants to.)
We all took naps and then I went into work for a bit Saturday afternoon so we decided to treat the kids to their reward on Sunday afternoon. We went to Chuck E Cheese. We did not eat, we just got a bunch of tokens and everyone played. It was fun. With the kids getting older it really isn't as chaotic as it used to be to go to such places.
Well Monday the kids had off school for MLK Day. They helped me out at church with some sorting and counting of Easter eggs. (I am just under three months away from the biggest event our church does in the community each year. So everyone is getting the chance to help.) Our day wrapped up with a doctor's appointment, waiting on medication to be filled, a basketball practice, and set up and execution of a meeting all within the same 3-4 hour time slot. But it all got done.
Overnight we got some snow which at some point turned to ice. So we are home bound today. Kids are currently spread throughout the house, actually playing quietly and nicely. I think we will soon have a movie date on the couch and then lunch. Days like this are a gift as I look at my children who are growing up way to fast. (I will have two children in double digits this year! That's crazy!) So I am off to cuddle and enjoy my kiddos.
Have a great week. Maybe next week I will actually get on track with my weekly posts. HA!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Food for the Soul (brutal honesty)
I am sitting here dreading this post. I am not only 4 days late on it but I have to be brutally honest.
My last "Food for the Soul" post was one in which I committed to doing a better job in the area of spiritual discipline. This week was AWFUL on so many levels. First being that I failed to do better. Of course that led to everything else being awful.
I opened my Bible, some. I prayed, a little. However when I did read and pray my heart, soul and mind were not in it. I don't journal often. In fact my journaling usually takes place when I am struggling. So inevitably this week led to me sitting down and writing some of my thoughts.
I love the clarity that comes when you can see your thoughts on paper. I was writing a sentence about my failure to choose my relationship with God over the other "stuff". I then wrote the following: "I CHOSE". It hit me. I chose to not make the wise and right decision. I chose to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I chose to give in to the temptations of the flesh. (No, I wasn't doing anything that was innately bad, it just should not have been the priority in those moments.)
I also came to realize that I fell into two traps. The first is that after a time of spiritual highs and a time of truly hearing God and experiencing Him, I let my guard down. You see I listened for Him to speak, I heard Him clearly, and I obeyed. But that one act of obedience (albeit HUGE) did not mean that I was done listening and hearing and obeying. Yet, that is how I treated it.
The second trap was that I allowed my ministry to become my spiritual discipline. I know that those who have been or are in ministry can understand this concept. It is all too easy to use the excuse that since I am developing and working on curriculum and meetings that are God-centered that I have somehow enhanced my relationship with God. This is a lie straight from the devil himself. There is no truth to this. In fact it should be out of my relationship with God that I develop and work on curriculum and meetings. I can't listen, hear and obey God when I am the one "in charge".
So here I am. Not at all happy about how I handled this last week in terms of my relationship with God, which then seeped into every other relationship. I was negative, critical, angry, etc... with everything and everyone. (I am so very sorry if any of you experienced this from me.)
So what? So what happens next? So what do I do to change this problem? So what? I guess you will have to wait until Friday. ('Cause I'm still working that out for myself!)
My last "Food for the Soul" post was one in which I committed to doing a better job in the area of spiritual discipline. This week was AWFUL on so many levels. First being that I failed to do better. Of course that led to everything else being awful.
I opened my Bible, some. I prayed, a little. However when I did read and pray my heart, soul and mind were not in it. I don't journal often. In fact my journaling usually takes place when I am struggling. So inevitably this week led to me sitting down and writing some of my thoughts.
I love the clarity that comes when you can see your thoughts on paper. I was writing a sentence about my failure to choose my relationship with God over the other "stuff". I then wrote the following: "I CHOSE". It hit me. I chose to not make the wise and right decision. I chose to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I chose to give in to the temptations of the flesh. (No, I wasn't doing anything that was innately bad, it just should not have been the priority in those moments.)
I also came to realize that I fell into two traps. The first is that after a time of spiritual highs and a time of truly hearing God and experiencing Him, I let my guard down. You see I listened for Him to speak, I heard Him clearly, and I obeyed. But that one act of obedience (albeit HUGE) did not mean that I was done listening and hearing and obeying. Yet, that is how I treated it.
The second trap was that I allowed my ministry to become my spiritual discipline. I know that those who have been or are in ministry can understand this concept. It is all too easy to use the excuse that since I am developing and working on curriculum and meetings that are God-centered that I have somehow enhanced my relationship with God. This is a lie straight from the devil himself. There is no truth to this. In fact it should be out of my relationship with God that I develop and work on curriculum and meetings. I can't listen, hear and obey God when I am the one "in charge".
So here I am. Not at all happy about how I handled this last week in terms of my relationship with God, which then seeped into every other relationship. I was negative, critical, angry, etc... with everything and everyone. (I am so very sorry if any of you experienced this from me.)
So what? So what happens next? So what do I do to change this problem? So what? I guess you will have to wait until Friday. ('Cause I'm still working that out for myself!)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Another Picture Post
We have been having the most amazing winter sunrises.
That sunrise came the morning before we got our first real significant snowfall. The kids were so excited as it meant snow angels, snowballs, and other snowy activities.
The kids decided to try sledding on our not so hilly backyard, it was not that successful. The sled soon became a shield from the wind.
The sunsets have been impressive as well. I love God's handiwork!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday Mumblings (On Tuesday)
Well this last week was much slower and a bit more relaxing than we have had in awhile.
Our evenings were still filled with Basketball practices and games. In fact, Friday night was Homecoming for Lititz Christian. Both the girls and boys lost in close-down-to-the-wire games. Very exciting. We don't normally stay for two entire games, but due to the coronation ceremony being the last part of the evening we ended up being in the gym for the good part of four plus hours. The kids were a bit antsy and tired of sitting there. The boys didn't seem to appreciate the girls being all dressed up. Even Emma who was really looking forward to seeing the "pretty girls" was a bit disinterested by the time the court was being announced.
Saturday we were all ready to head out the door for intramural games for the boys and we got the call that they were cancelled. (We were getting flurries at the time and when it was all said and done there was about a 1/4 of an inch.) The boys were a bit disappointed but it really was nice to just sit at home and relax.
My goals over the weekend were: 1. to get some laundry and cleaning done, which I did. (Mostly laundry and just a little cleaning.) 2. to work on Emma's picture posters for her "Star of the Week" board. (Couldn't find the box with most of her loose pictures, then we couldn't find the cord for the external hard drive, then when we did we had to send them to CVS to be printed, then we had no tape in the house to attach them to the papers.) 3. to get my Christmas stuff taken down and put away. (Yea, I chose the couch instead. Actually I started working on it Sunday afternoon, but didn't get very far.)
Playoff football is here, which is always fun. The Colts lost which was a bummer for Aaron and the kids. However, my team the Packers won and so there was excitement in the house (at least for me).
Well, this week will once again be filled with basketball and the possibility of some snow. The kids are hoping for a day off and enough snow to go out and play in it. (We have had a few storms pass by us and we have not ended up with much white stuff-much to the kid's disappointment.)
I will work toward getting my Christmas tree put away. Everything else is packed up for another year, but the tree still stands. Oh well. Eventually it will get put away.
Have a great week!!!
Our evenings were still filled with Basketball practices and games. In fact, Friday night was Homecoming for Lititz Christian. Both the girls and boys lost in close-down-to-the-wire games. Very exciting. We don't normally stay for two entire games, but due to the coronation ceremony being the last part of the evening we ended up being in the gym for the good part of four plus hours. The kids were a bit antsy and tired of sitting there. The boys didn't seem to appreciate the girls being all dressed up. Even Emma who was really looking forward to seeing the "pretty girls" was a bit disinterested by the time the court was being announced.
Saturday we were all ready to head out the door for intramural games for the boys and we got the call that they were cancelled. (We were getting flurries at the time and when it was all said and done there was about a 1/4 of an inch.) The boys were a bit disappointed but it really was nice to just sit at home and relax.
My goals over the weekend were: 1. to get some laundry and cleaning done, which I did. (Mostly laundry and just a little cleaning.) 2. to work on Emma's picture posters for her "Star of the Week" board. (Couldn't find the box with most of her loose pictures, then we couldn't find the cord for the external hard drive, then when we did we had to send them to CVS to be printed, then we had no tape in the house to attach them to the papers.) 3. to get my Christmas stuff taken down and put away. (Yea, I chose the couch instead. Actually I started working on it Sunday afternoon, but didn't get very far.)
Playoff football is here, which is always fun. The Colts lost which was a bummer for Aaron and the kids. However, my team the Packers won and so there was excitement in the house (at least for me).
Well, this week will once again be filled with basketball and the possibility of some snow. The kids are hoping for a day off and enough snow to go out and play in it. (We have had a few storms pass by us and we have not ended up with much white stuff-much to the kid's disappointment.)
I will work toward getting my Christmas tree put away. Everything else is packed up for another year, but the tree still stands. Oh well. Eventually it will get put away.
Have a great week!!!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Catch-Up Pictures
Christmas in Pennsylvania
before opening presents~a sibling picture
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Christmas in Indiana
(At Maxson's)
(Annual tradition of putting the Angel on the tree.)
(Family)
(At Christner's~realizing they all got DSi's)
(Figuring out their new games.)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Food for the Soul
New Year's Resolutions...diet...exercise...save money...make a career move...be a better person...travel more...
What do you want to do this year? Personally, yes I have some vain goals. But really by desire is to be a more spiritually disciplined person.
I want to do a better job working on my relationship with God. I want to spend more quality time with Him. I want to live even more fully in His power and presence. I want this all important relationship to grow and spill out into all areas of my life. Thus creating an all around better person. A better wife, mom, friend, sister, daughter, co-worker, leader, etc...
Studies show that goals have to be definable and achievable to be obtained. So how do I define being a better person? How do I define a growing relationship? How do I know if I have reached my goal?
First, I don't think I will ever reach my goal. I think that my relationship with God will always be an area in which I can grow. I believe that I will humanly never fully comprehend God and thus can always be learning and growing in my knowledge and understanding of Him and His ways. While this could on some level be a discouragement, I think more than that it is exciting and challenging.
Second, since my relationship with God must always be growing my other relationships can always be better as well. Meaning that I can always be working to be a better person.
Finally, how do I define this goal so that I can work towards it? Daily time set apart to focus solely on God and His Word. This is either accomplished on a daily basis or it's not, there is not "grey" in this goal. This means carving out time to be sure that I get that undisturbed time of reading the Word of God and praying. In other words, I must give up time spent doing something else.
Why is this so hard? I find time to sit and "veg" on the couch, usually to watch TV. I find time to get on the computer to do mindless activities. Yet I put off time with God. I make excuses and say that "I will do it later." But sadly I never do it. If I treated my other relationships in this way, I would have few to no friends. I would have a very grumpy husband and discontent children. Instead, I choose to invest in these relationships and when I do this I see results. In fact, when I get busy and fail to invest appropriately I see these relationships suffer. Why do I expect anything different in my relationship with God?
So...I am publicly making a decision to invest daily in my relationship with God. Yes, I know there will be days when I fail, but that is not to be the norm and it is not an excuse to throw in the towel. My commitment is that I will share with all of you on Friday's what God and I have been working on that week. Those posts may be introspective or they may sometimes offer a challenge to you, but either way they are a source of accountability in my life.
What about you? Why don't you join me in this resolution?! I know this is something we all could do better. We all need a thriving, growing relationship with God. One that involves being in His Word as well as time in prayer. (And prayer is NOT just us "dumping" on God, it involves being quiet to hear the Holy Spirit.)
I think that if we all better our relationship with God we will find that many areas of our lives will follow suit. And think of the ripple effect this change could make on our families, circles of friends, our co-workers, maybe even our world.
What do you want to do this year? Personally, yes I have some vain goals. But really by desire is to be a more spiritually disciplined person.
I want to do a better job working on my relationship with God. I want to spend more quality time with Him. I want to live even more fully in His power and presence. I want this all important relationship to grow and spill out into all areas of my life. Thus creating an all around better person. A better wife, mom, friend, sister, daughter, co-worker, leader, etc...
Studies show that goals have to be definable and achievable to be obtained. So how do I define being a better person? How do I define a growing relationship? How do I know if I have reached my goal?
First, I don't think I will ever reach my goal. I think that my relationship with God will always be an area in which I can grow. I believe that I will humanly never fully comprehend God and thus can always be learning and growing in my knowledge and understanding of Him and His ways. While this could on some level be a discouragement, I think more than that it is exciting and challenging.
Second, since my relationship with God must always be growing my other relationships can always be better as well. Meaning that I can always be working to be a better person.
Finally, how do I define this goal so that I can work towards it? Daily time set apart to focus solely on God and His Word. This is either accomplished on a daily basis or it's not, there is not "grey" in this goal. This means carving out time to be sure that I get that undisturbed time of reading the Word of God and praying. In other words, I must give up time spent doing something else.
Why is this so hard? I find time to sit and "veg" on the couch, usually to watch TV. I find time to get on the computer to do mindless activities. Yet I put off time with God. I make excuses and say that "I will do it later." But sadly I never do it. If I treated my other relationships in this way, I would have few to no friends. I would have a very grumpy husband and discontent children. Instead, I choose to invest in these relationships and when I do this I see results. In fact, when I get busy and fail to invest appropriately I see these relationships suffer. Why do I expect anything different in my relationship with God?
So...I am publicly making a decision to invest daily in my relationship with God. Yes, I know there will be days when I fail, but that is not to be the norm and it is not an excuse to throw in the towel. My commitment is that I will share with all of you on Friday's what God and I have been working on that week. Those posts may be introspective or they may sometimes offer a challenge to you, but either way they are a source of accountability in my life.
What about you? Why don't you join me in this resolution?! I know this is something we all could do better. We all need a thriving, growing relationship with God. One that involves being in His Word as well as time in prayer. (And prayer is NOT just us "dumping" on God, it involves being quiet to hear the Holy Spirit.)
I think that if we all better our relationship with God we will find that many areas of our lives will follow suit. And think of the ripple effect this change could make on our families, circles of friends, our co-workers, maybe even our world.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday Mumblings
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year...
Life was busy over the last two weeks. We celebrated Christmas and New Year's with family and friends in PA and IN. Lots of miles were traveled and lots of fun was had.
The week prior to Christmas involved basketball (of course), planning for the last Sunday of the year, and Christmas Eve choir preparations, of course culminating in the two Christmas Eve services at our church. The boys all sang in the choir and Emma decided after walking out onto the stage to bail. I had a feeling she wouldn't stay on the stage. :-)
The six of us celebrated Christmas with presents and a big breakfast capped off with birthday cake in honor of Jesus' birthday. The boys all helped to read the Christmas story from Luke and Matthew, while Emma helped recite our advent calendar.
We then spent some time with my Great-Aunt before getting my Grandpa and heading to my God-parents house for dinner with their family. Food and fun was had by all.
Then Sunday after teaching the preschoolers and elementary age children at church during both services the kids, my Grandpa and I headed out to Indiana. We made great time in spite of the wind that threatened to blow us off the road at times.
Monday was spent with the Maxson side of the family. It was great to spend time with my brother and his family as well as my sister and her's. We celebrated with our traditional Christmas meal and then on to exchanging gifts. It was fun to see my niece and nephew getting the knack of opening presents.
Tuesday we had breakfast and then said good-bye to Ben, Lacey and Kaitlyn as they headed home to OH. Then the kids and I ran a few errands. Emma's baby ornament is broken and the Hallmark store in Warsaw usually carries ornaments from years past. Of course I couldn't find ANY from 2006. UGH! Then we were on to the jewelers as Emma and I get charms for our charm bracelets each year. If we take the charm and bracelet into the store where the charms are purchased it is free to have them attached.
We then met my in-laws for lunch at McDonald's. We thought the plan may have backfired when we realized the play place was closed. Fortunately they opened it just as the kids were finishing their lunches. It gave us adults a few minutes to chat without interruptions. Then we headed to their house for presents. The kids all got a DSi. They were thrilled and quickly disappeared throughout the house to try them out. Emma impressed us all with her ability to quickly pick up the concepts of the games. After dinner and a few more rounds on the DSi we said goodbye and headed to my parents house to sleep and prepare for the trip back to PA.
Wednesday morning we packed up the car and left IN with my sister and her son to make the trip back. It took about 11 hours to get home but since we weren't in any hurry it was a good trip.
Friday we went to a birthday/New Year's party at my God-parents house. (It was my God-sister's birthday.) Joining us a bit later at the party were my parents, Laura's husband and Grandpa. We hung out and enjoyed each other's company, leaving their house a little after 11 pm. While everyone was in bed by the time the New Year came in, we knew it arrived by the fireworks going off.
Saturday was spent just laying low. We didn't do much which was kind of nice.
Sunday I colored my hair as my part in an offering challenge for the kids at church. (May post a picture on Wordless Wednesday. There really are no words for the color my hair was on Sunday morning.) The kids loved that I did it. It was really fun to watch adults expressions.
Sunday evening we spent with most of the family that is local as well as all the visiting family. It was again a great time to just gather and enjoy each other's company. Unfortunately we had to watch the clock as it was back to school and work this morning.
Lots has happened in the past two weeks and January is filled with basketball. Hopefully though Monday Mumblings won't be such a rambling post for quite some time. I'm tired just rehashing it all. :-) I will try to put together a post filled with pictures from our holidays.
As this New Year begins I pray that God will bless you and keep you. Have a great week one in 2011.
Life was busy over the last two weeks. We celebrated Christmas and New Year's with family and friends in PA and IN. Lots of miles were traveled and lots of fun was had.
The week prior to Christmas involved basketball (of course), planning for the last Sunday of the year, and Christmas Eve choir preparations, of course culminating in the two Christmas Eve services at our church. The boys all sang in the choir and Emma decided after walking out onto the stage to bail. I had a feeling she wouldn't stay on the stage. :-)
The six of us celebrated Christmas with presents and a big breakfast capped off with birthday cake in honor of Jesus' birthday. The boys all helped to read the Christmas story from Luke and Matthew, while Emma helped recite our advent calendar.
We then spent some time with my Great-Aunt before getting my Grandpa and heading to my God-parents house for dinner with their family. Food and fun was had by all.
Then Sunday after teaching the preschoolers and elementary age children at church during both services the kids, my Grandpa and I headed out to Indiana. We made great time in spite of the wind that threatened to blow us off the road at times.
Monday was spent with the Maxson side of the family. It was great to spend time with my brother and his family as well as my sister and her's. We celebrated with our traditional Christmas meal and then on to exchanging gifts. It was fun to see my niece and nephew getting the knack of opening presents.
Tuesday we had breakfast and then said good-bye to Ben, Lacey and Kaitlyn as they headed home to OH. Then the kids and I ran a few errands. Emma's baby ornament is broken and the Hallmark store in Warsaw usually carries ornaments from years past. Of course I couldn't find ANY from 2006. UGH! Then we were on to the jewelers as Emma and I get charms for our charm bracelets each year. If we take the charm and bracelet into the store where the charms are purchased it is free to have them attached.
We then met my in-laws for lunch at McDonald's. We thought the plan may have backfired when we realized the play place was closed. Fortunately they opened it just as the kids were finishing their lunches. It gave us adults a few minutes to chat without interruptions. Then we headed to their house for presents. The kids all got a DSi. They were thrilled and quickly disappeared throughout the house to try them out. Emma impressed us all with her ability to quickly pick up the concepts of the games. After dinner and a few more rounds on the DSi we said goodbye and headed to my parents house to sleep and prepare for the trip back to PA.
Wednesday morning we packed up the car and left IN with my sister and her son to make the trip back. It took about 11 hours to get home but since we weren't in any hurry it was a good trip.
Friday we went to a birthday/New Year's party at my God-parents house. (It was my God-sister's birthday.) Joining us a bit later at the party were my parents, Laura's husband and Grandpa. We hung out and enjoyed each other's company, leaving their house a little after 11 pm. While everyone was in bed by the time the New Year came in, we knew it arrived by the fireworks going off.
Saturday was spent just laying low. We didn't do much which was kind of nice.
Sunday I colored my hair as my part in an offering challenge for the kids at church. (May post a picture on Wordless Wednesday. There really are no words for the color my hair was on Sunday morning.) The kids loved that I did it. It was really fun to watch adults expressions.
Sunday evening we spent with most of the family that is local as well as all the visiting family. It was again a great time to just gather and enjoy each other's company. Unfortunately we had to watch the clock as it was back to school and work this morning.
Lots has happened in the past two weeks and January is filled with basketball. Hopefully though Monday Mumblings won't be such a rambling post for quite some time. I'm tired just rehashing it all. :-) I will try to put together a post filled with pictures from our holidays.
As this New Year begins I pray that God will bless you and keep you. Have a great week one in 2011.
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