retreat

Doug and I are leaving Saturday for our annual trip to Florida. Even though it's a family trip (read: the lovliness of crazy kids) we somehow get very refreshed. We come home spiritually and physically refreshed and inspired. We spend a lot of time reading books and talking about what God is teaching us. I usually come home with new inspiration and fresh purpose.
I guess you could say I've been preparing by reading Donald Miller's "Blue Like Jazz." The author was challenged by a friend with the question, "what/who are you willing to die for?" The question was followed with, "what/who are you willing to live for?" His friend suggested that living for something/someone is more difficult than dying for something/something. After some thought, I agreed. Then I thought about, if looking at my life what/who would I say I'm currently living for? These are good questions to ask and on which to reflect. It's easy for me to say I'll die for Christ, others, a good cause. But, when I think about living it out day to day I makes me think of all of myself I really need to forsake, and that stings. I like making myself happy (or at least trying), and I like people to like me while I'm at it :)
(and yeah, the picture is meant to be ironic...I'm reading Joel Vestal's "Dangerous Faith")

Christmas Cheer and Other thoughts

Here are a few pictures of Maegan singing at church (rather unethusiastically) and at school (rather joyfully).
The other picture is of a gadget Maegan drew that is a remote control power zapper. She and Spencer have been chasing around the house "stealing our power." The buttons include: a button to immediately put a bad guy in jail if the police take to long getting to the scene, one to make a bunk bed out of ordinary beds (they tried that when I wasn't paying attention), and a couple to use super power soccer skills.
Speaking of power control, Maegan has an issue with our "power" over the household, especially mine. She has declared "you aren't in charge of my life", "you aren't the smartest person in this house", and "you need to leave me alone and let me do whatever I want!" She has also said that one day this house will be hers Doug and I can be the guardians to make sure bad guys stay away. The teenage years aren't looking so good.

Jolly Land

We took our annual trip to Jolly Land at the Children's Museum. Maegan is aware that Santa isn't really a guy who comes and brings presents to the house. She has learned that he was created out of the memory of St. Nick, who helped families that had need and did it in secret. Now that I'm thinking about it, the fact that Nicolas did his giving in secret means he probably isn't a fan of a character being made after him. I know many people like for their kids to imagine Santa is real and enjoy the magic of the season. And, I've asked Maegan not to blow it for the other kids (which almost happen yesterday at school).
My Dad always told me the truth about Santa, the easter bunny, etc. He thought it was important that I didn't get confused on what is true. It was important for him to teach me the Bible and know that he (my dad) was always telling the truth. I really appreciate this. Trust me, there was always lots of magic in the season for me. What could be more wonderful than God sending Jesus to live here on Earth, and have to come as a meek, fragile baby!! And don't forget the sky full of angel's singing and celebrating the occasion...that is pretty awesome!
I hope you are enjoying the magic of the season and taking time to ponder God's great love!

tagged

4 tv shows i love to watch:1. Survivor 2. Biggest Loser 3. Chuck 4. The Office

4 of my favorite restaurants: 1. Mama Corolla's 2. Binkley's 3.Outback 4. Panera :)

4 things that happened today: 1. Spencer threw up on me 2. washed raw poultry for tomorrow 3. cleaned all the moldy, smelly stuff from the frig 4. tried to clean Spencer's pee from Maegan's carpet (he did it on purpose).

4 things i'm looking forward to: 1. going to Fogo with the Ashleys 2. Christmas 3. Florida 4. Jesus' return


4 things on my "wish"/hope list: 1. that Maegan's eye condition would be healed 2. that my children would grow up knowing God and delighting in His presence 3. that our home would be a place of peace and love 4. that the baby in my belly would be healthy and come easily :)...you said wish.

4 people i'm tagging: 1. loree 2. alison 3. kari 4. amy a.

advent conspiracy

I've been concerned with the dismal forecast for Christmas this year. I've seen numerous reports on the news that this is going to be the "worst Christmas in years." Stop and think about the stupidity of that comment. How can someone decide this is going to be the worst Christmas? What is their measure? Of course we know this is from the retail perspective, but we often adopt that perspective as ours.
I'm most looking forward to telling the Christmas story to Maegan and Spencer often and in many ways. I'm looking forward to singing about the AMAZING reality that God came to Earth in flesh and endured this world, then sacrificed Himself for our sins. Don't let it pass you by. Make this a season of meditation, prayer, worship, and spreading the Good News.
Check out the Advent Conspiracy video below. If you attend Common Ground your outlet for giving can be the "redistribute" campaign.

Creative Liberty

Doug and I met with Mrs. H this week for Maegan's parent/teacher conference. It was nice to hear that she is doing well in school. Maegan is starting to pick up some words and read some very basic books that are sent home from school. Her strong point is art. She really is great at drawing pictures and her details are amazing. At home she draws "toys" and plays with them. For example, she drew, colored and cut out an entire tea set. Then she played with the paper tea set over the next week. She has also made a paint sprayer, glasses, and cars for Spencer.
So, at the conference Mrs. H said, "You guys must give her lots of freedom to create at home." I said, "Oh yes, she has constant access to markers, crayons, scissors, and paper."
Well, that afternoon you can see what this creative freedom led to...Spencer getting his face painted like an Indian. The markers were taken out of her room.
The pink marker didn't come off for a day, so Spencer looked like he had a bad sunburn.

In all Things, With Thanksgiving

Right after raising my voice for the umpteenth time today it hit me. I'm ungrateful. This is how God speaks. Well, He speaks in many ways....but I often hear Him like this. Something just pops in my head, and it is true to God's Word. I'm ungrateful. It's good to have it diagnosed.
I've been dragging around for the last several weeks complaining about the never ending mess in our house. Doug has endured my ranting.."I spend all day just walking around cleaning up and in five minutes it's all gone to pot!" Doug has patiently listened as I declare I'm done dealing with little people who don't listen and do something naughty every time I leave their sight. I lose my patience when I've tried very hard to get them settled for rest time and then they disturb my rest every 10 minutes.
This enlightenment of my ungratefulness comes after reading several blogs written by men who have lost their young wives to cancer. Reading about the hundreds of people who prayed that God would give these women just a little more time with the husbands, children, and friends.
I have these days that others have prayed for. I'm squandering them on complaining and impatience. I pray God would give me fresh perspective and wisdom. I need different expectations.
Let me end by expressing much gratitude for 8 wonderful years with Doug. Today is our anniversary! He gives me nothing to complain about, and so very much to celebrate! And, in Doug's wisdom he has never told me I'm ungrateful...he leaves that communication up to God. Doug just loves me and does everything possible to make me glad :)