My children never cease to amaze me. The kind, strange, loving, unique things they say and do are part of what makes parenting so fun! Watching them grow and learn is a great source of joy in my life.
This past week my girls have had to learn fast and make some adjustments to "life as usual".
We welcomed two children into our home for foster care and my girls have quickly learned, adjusted and grown. I have never been more proud of them. We have certainly had a few bumps along the way but , this new journey has been an adventure shared by our entire family!
My girls share toys they never would before, wake up earlier to accomodate everyone's schedule, joyfully teach about God and prayer, ask questions with care and concern for others and share their mom and dad with kids who need a little extra TLC.
My oldest understands more and she cries along with and for the kids in our care. She has a caring and loving heart for helping others.
My youngest tries to understand everything. So she asks a lot of questions. The way she explained foster care to her friend was overheard.... "It's kind of like we kidnapped them, only not really." Back to the drawing board.
Father God- I give you thanks and praise you God for this beautiful day that you created. God you are the alpha and omega and have wisdom far beyond my understanding. God, you work all things for good and I thank you for children, they have hearts that are open for you God and for your people. God I thank you for taking care of children who may not be in a safe situation right now and God I know you are working things out for them to learn, grow and find you as their only safe refuge. God, help me to have the heart of a child, let my heart be open to you and to others in need. In Jesus' name- Amen.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Waiting for change
It seems that today is THE day that my family has been preparing for...
At the beginning of the summer we had a special family night, we made a bonfire outside, read scriptures, made s'mores and talked to our kids about foster care and adoption. They have accepted this idea with open arms, and have been patient through 30 hours of PRIDE training classes, participated in 5 home visits and worked to move around toys, beds, dressers and even embraced sharing a room to have an open room for foster children. They excitedly ask with each new change, "Do we get a new kid now?" And every time our response has been, "Not yet."
Today the answer is, "Yes!" Our new family adventure will begin. We have been accepted by the state as a registered foster, respite and adoptive placement! We got the call this morning for our first placement, the details aren't worked out but we are waiting. Waiting for change.
Father God- I am in awe of your glory. I thank you for this day that you have prepared my heart to take in children who need safety and shelter during the storm of their life. Thank you God for helping my family show kindness and love. Thank you God for the many supportive friends and family members in my life who will listen, guide and love me along the way. God the plan you planted in my heart so many years ago has grown and is making roots, thank you for courage and wisdom as it blossoms! In Jesus' name, Amen.
At the beginning of the summer we had a special family night, we made a bonfire outside, read scriptures, made s'mores and talked to our kids about foster care and adoption. They have accepted this idea with open arms, and have been patient through 30 hours of PRIDE training classes, participated in 5 home visits and worked to move around toys, beds, dressers and even embraced sharing a room to have an open room for foster children. They excitedly ask with each new change, "Do we get a new kid now?" And every time our response has been, "Not yet."
Today the answer is, "Yes!" Our new family adventure will begin. We have been accepted by the state as a registered foster, respite and adoptive placement! We got the call this morning for our first placement, the details aren't worked out but we are waiting. Waiting for change.
Father God- I am in awe of your glory. I thank you for this day that you have prepared my heart to take in children who need safety and shelter during the storm of their life. Thank you God for helping my family show kindness and love. Thank you God for the many supportive friends and family members in my life who will listen, guide and love me along the way. God the plan you planted in my heart so many years ago has grown and is making roots, thank you for courage and wisdom as it blossoms! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Team Work
It has been an interesting weekend. I just wanted to take a minute and reflect on what my pastor talked about in service yesterday.... because, again, I believe he has possibly "bugged" my house and car. I don't know how else he could talk directly about trials I am facing, every week!
The message was about being a team, and how in the Bible God teaches us in many stories that people work better in teams. But that the team that works together to win, or eomplete the task they are called to do, they overcome challenges together.
Remembering that we overcome challenges by working together and the remembering to foucs less on me and more on the team (relationships) and God. This lesson has become vital as I take steps (leaps) in faith to do what God has called me to do- parent, foster care, work full time, support my husband in his dreams/goals, serve in the church...
I have also been reminded in the past few days how words and actions can greatly affect those around you, and that it is important to use words that edify, act with others in mind and remember above all that we are more then conquerers through Jesus. This is important for me to remember in working with a team.
Father God- I give you thanks and praise today, it is a beautiful day which you have provided. God I ask for your blassings for the people who are on my teams. And God thank you for the wisdom and patience you provide to me through the Holy Spirit, in myself and in Godly mentors. Father God, I am so thank ful for Church of the Harvest, the leaders, teachers, pastors and members. Thank you God for the work being done for Your Kingdom- in Jesus' name. Amen.
The message was about being a team, and how in the Bible God teaches us in many stories that people work better in teams. But that the team that works together to win, or eomplete the task they are called to do, they overcome challenges together.
Remembering that we overcome challenges by working together and the remembering to foucs less on me and more on the team (relationships) and God. This lesson has become vital as I take steps (leaps) in faith to do what God has called me to do- parent, foster care, work full time, support my husband in his dreams/goals, serve in the church...
I have also been reminded in the past few days how words and actions can greatly affect those around you, and that it is important to use words that edify, act with others in mind and remember above all that we are more then conquerers through Jesus. This is important for me to remember in working with a team.
Father God- I give you thanks and praise today, it is a beautiful day which you have provided. God I ask for your blassings for the people who are on my teams. And God thank you for the wisdom and patience you provide to me through the Holy Spirit, in myself and in Godly mentors. Father God, I am so thank ful for Church of the Harvest, the leaders, teachers, pastors and members. Thank you God for the work being done for Your Kingdom- in Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, February 4, 2011
The little things
This morning as we got into the car to head to school/work my youngest says, "Did you smell the wind mom? It was awesome!" And you know what, I had not smelled the wind so I took her word for it.
When I reflect on the little things in life I realize how much of life is the little things and I'm missing it! Now, I don't mean smelling the wind necessarily, but the sunset, full moon, new socks, the ability to have a cupboard filled with food, laughter, a small touch from my spouse, a smile from a child, noticing some one's new hair cut and making a comment. Those moments may seem insignificant until we don't have them.
What if I couldn't see and didn't have the option to see the sunset, a full moon or a smile.
What if I couldn't hear and didn't notice the doorbell, a soft rain or laughter.
What if I lost my job and could no longer afford new socks or to fill my cupboards with food.
When I don't take note of the little things then I am really taking the bigger things for granted. I am forgetting to thank my Provider for the blessings I have, I am not noticing the orchestrated beauty that He presents me with every day.
I need to remember to take time for the little things.... or shame on me when I miss them if they aren't there.
Father God- Thank you for this day of beauty and grace that you have provided for me. You are all powerfull and all knowing and God you know the prayers of my heart, before I know them. I thank you God for reminding me to be thankful for everything in my life, please open my eyes to the wonders and blessings right in front of me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
When I reflect on the little things in life I realize how much of life is the little things and I'm missing it! Now, I don't mean smelling the wind necessarily, but the sunset, full moon, new socks, the ability to have a cupboard filled with food, laughter, a small touch from my spouse, a smile from a child, noticing some one's new hair cut and making a comment. Those moments may seem insignificant until we don't have them.
What if I couldn't see and didn't have the option to see the sunset, a full moon or a smile.
What if I couldn't hear and didn't notice the doorbell, a soft rain or laughter.
What if I lost my job and could no longer afford new socks or to fill my cupboards with food.
When I don't take note of the little things then I am really taking the bigger things for granted. I am forgetting to thank my Provider for the blessings I have, I am not noticing the orchestrated beauty that He presents me with every day.
I need to remember to take time for the little things.... or shame on me when I miss them if they aren't there.
Father God- Thank you for this day of beauty and grace that you have provided for me. You are all powerfull and all knowing and God you know the prayers of my heart, before I know them. I thank you God for reminding me to be thankful for everything in my life, please open my eyes to the wonders and blessings right in front of me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Learning something new
I have been a born again Christian for about 18 months. But, there is one instance that stands out to me when I really KNEW that God was changing me. I was listening to the radio, on the Christian station, and Dr. David Jeremiah was talking about being a "submissive wife." Now, my old self would have immediately turned the station and thought, WHATEVER! But, I didn't turn the station. I listened. And I agreed with what was being taught!
My note to self today isn't about being a submissive wife but it's about having an open heart and mind to Biblical teaching that doesn't line up with what I had thought to be true. Because I learned that night that submissive doesn't mean doormat, weak or quiet like I had thought.
The next morning I signed up to receive a daily devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah and I have been blessed many times via email with Biblical truths and God's promises explained in a way that I ccould understand.
This is from today's devotional:
If you have dreams or questions about tomorrow, commit them to the God of the future. If your dream doesn't come true, it's only because God has something even better in store.
Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to his love, and the future to his providence.
--Augustine
--Augustine
If you would like to sign up to receive the daily devotional or learn more click Dr. David Jeremiah
Father God- Thank you for this beautiful day, for the blessing of teaching that is true to your Word and for opening my heart to learn more about You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Love is...
I have, in ten years of marriage, realized that this marriage thing takes WORK. (Yes, I'm a little slow.)
My husband is a hard-working, educated, kind man. He is good with the kids, he has faith in God and he doesn't really like sports (bonus). But the most important things: he loves God and he loves me. And when it comes down to it, that's where our arguments end, disagreements fade, and where understanding begins.
It's our common ground, our cornerstone and our new beginning. Because I Love God and I love my husband.
As my husband and I continue our faith adventure and face the ups and does of life if we both focus on God and grow closer to God then we also have a more meaningful relationship with each other, and we argue less.
1 Corinthians 13:4 says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
It's my job to remember these instructions aren't only for my husband but that I am those things for him- I am called to be patient, kind, and not to envy, boast or have pride.
Father God, Thank you for my husband and the covenant of marriage that we share. You are the God of enduring love for your people. Father I praise you today for your love and teaching me to love the way that you do. In Jesus' name- Amen.
My husband is a hard-working, educated, kind man. He is good with the kids, he has faith in God and he doesn't really like sports (bonus). But the most important things: he loves God and he loves me. And when it comes down to it, that's where our arguments end, disagreements fade, and where understanding begins.
It's our common ground, our cornerstone and our new beginning. Because I Love God and I love my husband.
As my husband and I continue our faith adventure and face the ups and does of life if we both focus on God and grow closer to God then we also have a more meaningful relationship with each other, and we argue less.
1 Corinthians 13:4 says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
It's my job to remember these instructions aren't only for my husband but that I am those things for him- I am called to be patient, kind, and not to envy, boast or have pride.
Father God, Thank you for my husband and the covenant of marriage that we share. You are the God of enduring love for your people. Father I praise you today for your love and teaching me to love the way that you do. In Jesus' name- Amen.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
If You're Happy and You Know it....
Clap your hands, stomp your feet, shout AMEN!
Anyone?
Is anyone happy?
I have been thinking about happiness. It seems like very few people express being happy. People don't look or act happy that's for sure. And if I ask, "How are you?" I usually get, "Tired." or "Fine." Which is often the response I give as well.
My 4 year old is PERPETUALLY happy. She finds wonder and joy in simple daily things and events that I take for granted. I love it when she points these things out in wonderment, "Mom, look at my trees, they're so tall and reach UP to the sky!" Or when driving down town she sees the street lights and traffic signals she'll report, "Look at all the beautiful lights, it's amazing!" My older daughter had a school concert last week and it was all we could do to keep my youngest from dancing in the aisles! The people sitting near us were smiling as they watched her enjoyment of the music. Her happiness led others to be happy as well. If only for that moment.
As I thought more about being happy I was drawn to this quiz on WebMD and it had some interested points that I hadn't thought of before. Sadly, I only scored a 67% on the test, so am I failing happiness? Nope- that's still a D (depending on the grading scale)!
So, the quiz told me some of this information:
Anyone?
Is anyone happy?
I have been thinking about happiness. It seems like very few people express being happy. People don't look or act happy that's for sure. And if I ask, "How are you?" I usually get, "Tired." or "Fine." Which is often the response I give as well.
My 4 year old is PERPETUALLY happy. She finds wonder and joy in simple daily things and events that I take for granted. I love it when she points these things out in wonderment, "Mom, look at my trees, they're so tall and reach UP to the sky!" Or when driving down town she sees the street lights and traffic signals she'll report, "Look at all the beautiful lights, it's amazing!" My older daughter had a school concert last week and it was all we could do to keep my youngest from dancing in the aisles! The people sitting near us were smiling as they watched her enjoyment of the music. Her happiness led others to be happy as well. If only for that moment.
As I thought more about being happy I was drawn to this quiz on WebMD and it had some interested points that I hadn't thought of before. Sadly, I only scored a 67% on the test, so am I failing happiness? Nope- that's still a D (depending on the grading scale)!
So, the quiz told me some of this information:
Suppression of sadness is one of the keys to long-term happiness.
Your Answer: False
Having a positive outlook doesn't mean you never allow yourself to feel sadness. "Happiness is not the absence of sadness," says David Spiegel, MD,
I love the quote: Happiness is not the absence of sadness. I feel like that is probably true of other things as well, I can be happy and feel tired or I can be happy and feel overwhelmed.
Maybe next time someone asks, "How are you?" I will answer, "Victorious and happy!"
Father God- you are all-knowing and the God of peace and grace. Thank you today for happiness found in unexpected places and that we have victory through Your Son. In Jesus name, Amen.
Which is better to improve one's own sense of happiness?
Your Answer: Gratitude
Psychologists studying the effects of positive emotions say gratitude can improve our sense of happiness if we turn it into a conscious and regular practice.
In other words being thankful is better and will make us happier then focusing on what we don't have, or what we wish we had (aka- complaining or "venting").
I love it! We should show gratitude and be thankful and remember that other feelings can occur at the same time along with happiness.
So my four year old, has it figured out! And so does the Bible...
1 Corinthians 15:57-But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
By having faith and trust in God, we are victorious! Maybe next time someone asks, "How are you?" I will answer, "Victorious and happy!"
Father God- you are all-knowing and the God of peace and grace. Thank you today for happiness found in unexpected places and that we have victory through Your Son. In Jesus name, Amen.
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