Random Thought Thursday

Time to put your thinking caps on.

Last week's inane thoughts spurred a few comments, so I thought we should try this a little differently. Isn't it about time I shut my trap and let YOU talk? This relationship is far too one-sided. I want to get to know YOU (yes, even all you lurkers out there who rarely give any indication you're peeking in).

Come on, be brave. Tell me YOUR thoughts. You can do it. I promise it won't be painful. I'll be nice. Simply click on the comment link at the bottom of this post and tell me what you think. My friends coming over from Facebook can click the comment box at the top of the page or "Post a Comment" at the bottom of the post. It's so easy!

Throw me a bone, friends. Tell me what you think about this scenario.

A few weeks ago I sat in a drive-thru waiting for the guy ahead of me to pay for his breakfast. He kept handing the worker a card and she kept handing it back. Finally he drove off without any food. Maybe because he looked like a college kid and I could imagine Drummer Boy being in a similar circumstance, I wanted to give the poor guy a break. I figured he was coming back around the building behind me to sort it out, so when I got to the window I offered to pay for his breakfast. But AFTER I paid, the worker pointed out he was driving down the street, away from the restaurant.

My question is this:

If you try to do something nice for someone and they never know it, was your effort a waste?

Okay, now it's your turn. Don't leave me hanging here, people.

What do you think?



Photo Credit: SarahWynne

Be Near. Be Clear.

I watch my daughter struggle to decide what direction to take her young life. Where should she go to college? What should she choose for a major? What does God want her to be? What does He want her to do?

I can't answer her questions. I listen and give my two cents (lucky her), but I can't make the decisions. So I pray.

O God, be near. Be clear.

God's placed my friend in a tough spot. Despite her best efforts to rise above it, pain from her past and stress in her present steal her joy. She carries a heavy burden and begs God for relief which doesn't come.

I can't explain it. I don't understand it myself. I wish for a way to lighten her load, but there's nothing I can do. So I pray.

O God, be near. Be clear.

Another friend talks about the hard thing God's asking her to do. She'd rather not follow His voice on this difficult task, but she loves God so she will. When is the right time? What will happen as a result? What will she say? How will others react to her choice?

I have no way of knowing and can't advise her at all, but I listen. I admire her courage. I ask questions, hoping to help her process her thoughts and feelings. And I pray.

O God, be near. Be clear.

I struggle with my own perceptions of what my life should be. What is the best way to spend my time? What activities should I be involved with and what should I let go? What honors Him the most? How do I make the most of the years my kids are left in my house yet work in His service? Can God show me the blueprint so I know I'm on the right track?

His lack of answers brings me to my knees.

O God, be near. Be clear.

It doesn't take long to realize our inability to handle this life on earth appropriately. It's frustrating, but a gift, really, if we let it lead us to the throne of God.

Be near me Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay
close by me forever
and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children
in Thy tender care.
And take us to heaven
to live with Thee there.

Away in the Manger
Verse Three

O God, be near. Be clear.



Photo Credit: magnusvk

Hope Really Does Float

I'd love to be a writer, a real writer who makes money crafting thoughts and emotions on the page. But I'm not. I work hard at it. I spend a lot of time at it, more time than seems warranted since it doesn't pay off financially. With changes in the market due to electronic publishing and the advent of the Kindle and iPad, the odds of getting a book published get slimmer every day. Daunting. The competition is fierce. Publishing houses are dwindling and becoming more selective. It seems impossible.

Yet God nudges my spirit. He causes me to will and to act. He brings the words, the energy, the motivation. He dares me to hope for the impossible.

“Oh, remember this: There is never a time when we may not hope in God. Whatever our necessities, however great our difficulties, and though to all appearance help is impossible, yet our business is to hope in God, and it will be found that it is not in vain.”

~ George Muller, quoted in ~
The Roller Coaster of Unemployment: Trusting God for the Ride
by Sarah M. Hupp

He whispers gently.

He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

He reminds me of Abraham saying, Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."

Maybe the extent of my writing career will be the words I write here for my adoring fans (please tell me you're adoring fans, or at least humor me by smiling and nodding politely). He has a perfect plan and I will follow it. But whether or not I "arrive" in the publishing world, my hope has not been in vain.

For in hoping, I'm looking for God, expecting Him to work. I'm living a child-like faith He desires. I'm gaining strength to get through each day. Hope holds me up. Hope moves me forward. God has the power to do anything, but even if He decides not to, hope serves me well, keeping my boat afloat, teaching me reliance on the only One who can make the impossible possible.

Hope grows faith and trust.

For more impressions of this quote, visit Nina at Mama's Little Treasures.

Sing Anyway

How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough?
How amazing is Your love.
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King
and it makes my heart want to sing.

I look over the congregation and see smiling faces,
people truly praising God.

But I also see those who made themselves come,
whose hearts do not feel joy in this moment,
who are here because they don't know where else to turn,
and desperately want a touch from God.

God knows.
He sees.
He inhabits the praise of His people.
Relief resides in His presence.

So sing anyway friends.

Sing though your body is weary,
though your heart's not in it.
Let the tears come.
Feel His healing.

Sing anyway.

Remind yourself of grace and love
and mercy.
Remember what is true.
Let Him touch your drooping spirit.

Sing anyway.

Proclaim His name and see the devil flee.
Give a sacrifice of praise.
Show Him your love.

Sing anyway.

. . . it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God . . .

Psalm 73:16-17

Photo Credit: turbojoe

7 Quick Takes (Volume 100) Can You Believe It?

1) One hundred volumes of Quick Takes?!

And you're STILL READING?!

Seriously, do we need to talk about getting you a life?

2) Drama Queen was up to her normal reactive self when Ladies Man looked at her and said: "Your nose has so many emotions."

A nose? Emotions? He may be on to something.


3) Ladies Man overheard me seeking Drama Queen's thoughts on my appearance.

Me: I'm thinking about getting mahogany highlights in my hair.

Ladies Man: WHY?!

Drama Queen: Cause she's dumb.

(Drama Queen thinks gray hair is a crown of splendor. Well, she and GOD think so. Is it a terrible sin to want to look younger?)

Me: To hide the gray.

Ladies Man: Don't get freaked out about gray hair like kids do when they start growing hair in new places, Mom.

Drama Queen: Yeah. You can't prevent it, just like you can't prevent Ladies Man from getting arm pit hair.

So now they're comparing my gray hair to arm pit hair? Is there any question what needs to be done here?

4) Speaking of hair, this do Drama Queen wears when she doesn't want to do her hair always cracks me up.



Wow, look at all those natural highlights. For some reason it reminds me of the Whos in Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas so I call it Who Hair.

5) Another dinner time adventure in the Boesiger house:

Ladies Man: Mom, can you get me a plate?

Me: You were just there. Why didn't you get your own plate?

Ladies Man: I can't get way over there.

Drama Queen: Quit being lazy.

Ladies Man (to Drama Queen): Can YOU get me a plate?

Drama Queen: Can you jump off a cliff?

Ladies Man: I can't. I'm too lazy.

6) I stumbled into my kitchen early yesterday morning to find this note next to the stove top left by Ladies Man.


He DOES think I'm running a restaurant!

7) I must end this edition on a sappy note. I've felt SOOO blessed by my relationships this week. I experienced healing, thoughtful, honest (even painful) discussions with a handful of friends which left me feeling grateful for real communication. To be understood and loved anyway is a priceless gift.

My husband topped off the feeling. Trying to communicate something very personal to him, I worried I wasn't putting it quite right or that it might be hard to understand. He stopped me with a smile and a pat on my hip, saying, "Honey, we've been married almost 25 years. I know you."

And it made me all warm inside, knowing without a doubt that he does.

God is so good, isn't He, friends? May He show you this week the treasure of the beautiful relationships He's placed in your lives.

And thus ends another week in the Boesiger household. Enjoy the weekend and take a gander at other Quick Takes by clicking over to Conversion Diary.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Is there a reason to clean a trash can?

How do you know when God wants to you rely on His strength or just get a cup of coffee?

It would be WAY more motivating to spend time at the gym if you saw instant results after wards, which makes me wonder. Why is everything a process with God?

Is it tacky to wear white shorts in September, even when it's 85 degrees? If so, I tacked it up yesterday.

Who eats Spam?

Clearly, I spend too much time thinking. Have a great day friends.



Photo Credit: SarahWynne

Believing the Best

She makes a comment and I search for the meaning behind it. What is she really saying? Is she trying to manipulate the situation?

He does something I don't understand and I make a judgment call. He must not be as serious in his Christian walk as I am or he wouldn't do that.

I'm frustrated with her consistent lack of responsibility and melodramatic nature and shut down whenever she has something to say, thinking, "Here we go again."

No wonder I worry about what others think of me. I know what goes through my own mind.

Why can't I show mercy? Why can't I give grace and allow God room to work? Why must a judgment call be made? Why can't I pray for wisdom and love like crazy? Why can't I look past the flaws to see the heart that's hurting, the person who needs someone in their corner, the precious soul who's barely able to keep their head above water? Why can't I take into account the trauma they've been through, the wounds which may not be healed, the scars they carry with them?

Why can't I believe the best?

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice . . .

Hosea 6:6

If I believe the best about those around me, will it free me from my own tendency to please people? Can I escape the expectations of others by not allowing myself to have any of them? If I react with compassion will I assume others do too when my faults are glaring?

Will I feel mercy from others as I give it?

Isn't it just like God to use our obedience to our benefit? When will I learn?

I've got work to do.

Lord, help me.



Photo Credit: Summers

Being Real

I want you all to think well of me, to find me inspirational and timely, poignant and thought-provoking. I wouldn't even mind brilliant.

But mostly, I hope you find me REAL. I try not to set myself up as a model Christian (that's laughable). I let you in on my weaknesses, my thoughts, for one reason.

“You can’t cling to a mask and God at the same time.”

~ Dr. Juli Slattery ~
Beyond the Masquerade: Unveiling the Authentic You

An honest approach to life and faith is what draws people to God, not a picture of perfection. If I want to point people to God, I must show them the work He does in an average life. What I do ain't always pretty, folks, but God makes it beautiful.

And I must say that being me takes the pressure off. There's freedom in not having to maintain a persona. God wants ME, not a picture of the me I think I'm supposed to be. I don't have to put up a good front for Him, so I certainly shouldn't have to do it for you.

What about you? Do you wear yourself out being the Christian you think others expect? Are you hanging on to a mask? Let your guard down. Let God shine in you by being courageous enough to be yourself.

Only then will your true beauty show.

Join our host Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus for more interpretations of this quote.

Nothing to Say

I stare at a blank screen. Again. The pressure to click the "Publish Post" button looming.

And I've got nothing.

No hilarious anecdotes, no profound insights, no inspirational thoughts to motivate. Just me. This very ordinary, hormonal, sleep-deprived woman with one purpose.

Point people to God.

So instead of reading my words today, why not read His? Here's some of my favorite to get you started.

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant"; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:9-10

What is HE saying to you?

7 Quick Takes (Volume 99)

1) I've been hearing a new word coming out of Miss Innocent One's mouth lately--"suckish." As in, "That's kind of suckish" or "My day was suckish" or "This homework is suckish."

It makes me think of Sylvester the cat saying, "Sufferin' succotash!"

I know. That makes me old. Sigh.

2) Drama Queen carried a box of vanilla wafers.

Ladies Man: Hey, I'll have some of those.

Drama Queen: No, this is my dessert.

Ladies Man: It's my dessert too.

Drama Queen: Get your own dessert.

Ladies Man: Quit being a . . .

He catches my eye.

Ladies Man: . . .good sister. Give me some. Please.

Uh huh. Anyone else pretty sure that would have ended differently had I not been right there?

3) Drummer Boy . . . Oh, Drummer Boy! Are you ever coming home?!

I'm the mom. I'm supposed to lay a guilt trip, right?

4) Miss Innocent One released a rumble from her backside, not a polite toot, but a gurgle worthy of wincing.

Me: Yikes, honey.

Miss Innocent One: I'm surprised I don't poop my pants when I do that.

Me: No kidding.

Miss Innocent One: I didn't even dribble.

Is it just me or is that TMI?

5) I asked Ladies Man and Miss Innocent One if they had any good ideas for a birthday present for their dad. They were both in talkative moods and chattered on with little productivity until I eventually tuned out. And then I heard this.

Ladies Man: We need to solve the equation D + P = H

As a former math teacher, the equation talk perked me right up.

Ladies Man: Dad + Present = Happiness. We've got the D, now we just need to fill the variable P and we can have Happiness.

Is it any wonder I'm a little dizzy? All that closing my eyes and shaking my head takes a toll.

6) The latest text exchange between me and Drummer Boy:

Me (at an appointment in his town): R u home? want 2 eat w us?

Drummer Boy: I'm actually sick :/ stayed home from classes today.

Me: Cold? can we bring u something? need some meds or food?

Drummer Boy: Nah I'm fine. I haven't been getting much sleep lately and my body told me to stop ha.

Me: U sure we can't bring u anything?

Drummer Boy: Haha yes. I'm fine mother!

Me: OK son! hey u want 2 come 4 dinner sun. 2 celebrate dad's bday?

Drummer Boy: I'm actually gonna come home this weekend to watch the game with some guys so yeah!

Me: Glory be!

Drummer Boy: Yeah! On a side note, Jaime had some undergrad she works with ogle me today! :P

Me: She told me. STUD.

Do you see any reason he quit texting back after that?

7) I love having a husband who makes me feel wanted. We were out and about and he wanted to go out for lunch. I was more than a little hesitant since we'd gone out to lunch together Monday and had plans for the weekend.

Me: But we're going out tomorrow night for your birthday.

Kevin (with his best puppy dog face): I know, but I want you both times.

Now what woman could say no to that? I know. I'm easy. (Rachelle, zip it!)

And that's a wrap this beautiful Friday in Nebraska, folks. Take a break and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

A Prayer for Empowerment

Lord, I am only me.
A person far, FAR from perfect.
A woman wanting to please You, but knowing her weaknesses all too well.
An individual recognizing Your grace, but failing in her application.
A little girl wanting to hear You say, "Good job," but knowing she doesn't deserve it.
How can I ever do enough for You?
How can my measly attempts be sufficient for the Creator of the universe?
How can a human make Almighty God proud?

How do I make You smile?

Your Word tells me You have given everything I need for life and godliness.

I claim that promise now.

Make me strong.

Give me the spirit of power and love and self-discipline.

Enable me to do that which seems beyond me.

Guide my steps, my mouth.

Empower me with Your spirit.

Remind me I do not walk alone.

Grant wisdom and discernment, humility and mercy.

Make me more like You.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.

Photo Credit: Tolka Rover

My Amazing Drama Queen

She's strong and smart and sensitive.
My daughter.
Daring and forthright.
Committed.
Caring.
Insightful.
Discerning.
She knows how to make a scene, but also how to diffuse one.
Tough, yet tender.
Sold out to Jesus, willing to grow in Him even if it involves pain. This post proves it.

I am amazed by you, Drama Queen, and so proud. How I wish I had an ounce of your guts when I was seventeen. God uses you. Both now and no doubt, in the days to come. I love watching Him do His thing in you. Thanks for modeling a spirit open to His will.

I love your heart. I love your spunk. I love you.

More than you can imagine.

My Pray-ers

They pray for me.

I send them SOS e-mails when I'm not sure I have it in me to do what God asks. I call them my prayer team--seven amazing women I admire, respect and treasure who see my heart, understand where God leads me and believe in me enough to push me along His path.

They pray for me.

For every word I commit to page, for each opportunity placed before me, my little army is responsible for helping me get the job done. When I know they are praying for me--WOW. The knowledge alone is powerful. My confidence raises. My trust in God soars. I'm humbled by their faith in me and their willingness to utter my name before Almighty God. At times I physically FEEL the boost of supernatural help.

“One quality of a godly friend is helping others to reach their goals and to get to where they need to be. No we can’t walk on water, calm the storms in our friends lives, or land their boat where they want to go. But we can point them to the Friend who sticks closer than a Brother.”

~Lysa TerKeurst & Sharon Jaynes ~
A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life: Finding God’s Refreshing Priorities for You

My pray-ers are responsible for making me who I am. They spur me on. They tell me I can do it. They enlist the power of the Holy spirit, enabling me to get the job done. They keep my focus in the right direction. They hold me accountable to use the gifts God has given. They remind me I do not go alone. They can't land my boat, but they have no idea how often they keep it afloat.

They make me better than I am.

They pray for me.

Be a part of the In "Other" Words bunch. Link up with today's host, Patricia at Typing One-Handed.



Photo Credit: final gather

Killer Time Management for Busy Families

Our Saturday.

Kevin and I leave the house at 6:30 a.m. to catch Drummer Boy in action in the University of Nebraska marching band. On the way to Lincoln, I text Drama Queen, letting her know I left a new pair of pants for her she might want to wear to work that morning.

After taking in the festivities surrounding Memorial Stadium and enjoying a BEAUTIFUL morning, we set out to find a desk and chair for Drama Queen's new room. It takes a couple stops, but we're successful. As we load it into the van, Miss Innocent One calls asking if she could go to her friend's house a few hours earlier for her birthday party. No problem, I say. We're on our way.

We get home around 12:30. Ladies Man has just gotten up, Miss Innocent One needs help with homework and Drama Queen walks in the door from work, in a toot to get something to eat so she and Ladies Man can go to a friend's house to watch the Husker game. We each find a leftover and they're out the door in a matter of about ten minutes.

Kevin completes a project in Drama Queen's room and Miss Innocent One needs a present for her friend's birthday so we head out to find a treasure. On our way home from birthday shopping my cell phone rings. It's Drama Queen, saying she got a phone call from Miss Innocent One's friend's brother who's sitting in our driveway wondering where in the heck we are. And Miss Innocent One still needs to pack for the slumber party!

No worries. We squeal in (no, not really . . . well, maybe a little), Miss Innocent One packs, I wrap the present and send her on her way.

And then it's time to get ready for dinner guests that evening. I prepare some food while Kevin finishes his project upstairs. When that's done, we take full advantage of a quiet, empty house to sneak in a nap.

And it was a good thing too, because we had a long night ahead of us.

It's amazing how energizing a little nap can be. After waking, Kevin runs over to church to work on something there and I decide it's high time I paint over a spot in our kitchen wall I'd patched a LONG time ago. I'm not sure what possesses me to do this about an hour before our company was to get there, but I get it done in time to finish dinner and greet our friends in a fairly respectable manner.

Ladies Man and Drama Queen are back home by 5:30 and our guests arrive a little before 6, beating Kevin. After dinner, we sit in the living room enjoying a great conversation with our friends as at least half a dozen teenagers wander in and out of the house to see Drama Queen and Ladies Man. I don't realize how late it's getting until the last teenager arrives at 11:45 to spend the night and a pack of kids leave. After a lovely evening together, our friends depart around midnight and Kevin sits down at his computer to finish some work for Sunday morning while I make a beeline to clean the sink and toilet in my kids' bathroom since we're having an overnight guest. Dishes litter the kitchen and dining room (I refuse to clean up while entertaining guests. I'm sure I'll miss out on some sparkling or insightful revelations!), so I clear the remains of dinner, unload and load the dishwasher and clean up the kitchen.

The clock reads 12:34 when we finally call it a day.

Some days are like this. Some aren't this full. Some are worse, with Kevin and I going in different directions with different kids to get everything covered. It can be exhausting and exhilarating. In the commotion that is life, I've learned accepted a few things.

This is life right now.
I can hate it or I can embrace it, recognizing it won't be that long before my kids are no longer here.

Roll with it and keep breathing.
It isn't bad. It just IS.

Do one thing at a time.
Getting too far ahead of myself makes me crazy. You tackle a busy day one step at a time.

Getting stressed only heightens the chaos.
Keep breathing. Keep moving forward. Are you noticing a trend here?

Enjoy each moment.
Beauty can be found in every day, ordinary moments. A ride to pick up a birthday present can bring about great communication with your daughter. Dinner with friends can reveal God at work. Having teenagers around makes a house lively. Naps are good. Very, very good.

Life won't always require so much. And when it doesn't, I have a feeling I'll feel sad about it. I've decided to do more than endure these busy years. I choose to LOVE them.

Want to know how other families do it? Join the Marriage Monday gang or read other participants' stories at Chrysalis.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 98)

1) I hit a milestone this week. It's been TWO YEARS since Drummer Boy left our house for college and I think I've finally figured out how to do this mother of an adult child thing. It's taken me two years to trust the guy's judgment. Why? Remember how I said my word for the year was TRUST? Uh huh. I'm learning. Praise the Lord.

Now I get to start all over again with Drama Queen next fall. Ugh. Did God know what He was doing or what when He spaced our kids each three years apart?

2) One reason I shouldn't let Ladies Man be in control of the camera.



3) I got to see a parenting tactic pay off! We've stressed 2 Timothy 2:23-24 to our kids. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. It's one scripture sure to get an eye roll and/or heavy sigh in our house. I must admit I haven't seen much fruit from the strategy until this week. We were sitting at the dinner table and Drama Queen tried to make a point no one was buying. Before long frustration set in.

Drama Queen: Why is it whenever there's a family argument everyone gangs up on me?

Me: You're the only one arguing.

She shoved her chair back, exited the dining room and flung her hands in the air.

Drama Queen: I'm walking away from foolish and stupid arguments. You're welcome Jesus.

4) Ladies Man stole a carrot off my plate.

Me: Hey!

Ladies Man: The Mama Bear needs to feed her cub.

Kevin sat down with a glass of lemonade.

Ladies Man: Papa Bear, can I have drink? You've got to provide for your cub.

Kevin: When does the cub learn to get his own?

Ladies Man: A Mama Bear can't let a cub catch his own fish.

Kevin: I bet you leech off of us a lot longer than a bear cub does with his mama.

5) Much to the annoyance of us all, Ladies Man was not done.

Ladies Man: I have a bear family. My bear name is Cody Dean. They call me CD or RAWR!

Oh brother.

6) Drama Queen made my day telling me about how she's ready to be done with high school. Shocker, huh? She relayed the latest expectations she's not meeting of her friends and the frustration she feels over trying to keep everyone happy.

Drama Queen: I told my friend this is why I'm ready to be done with high school. I mean, I'm not ready to move out of my house and all, but I am so done with high school drama.

Did you catch it? She's not ready to move out of her house! Woo hoo! She loves us!

7) My husband's not a big sports fan. In fact, he gets highly irritated when he has to reschedule choir rehearsal because of the Super Bowl. Those of you who know Kevin well will get a kick out of this.

Ladies Man: Hey Dad, the NFL season starts tonight.

Kevin (as if he's just spilled a shake in his lap): Neat.


Do the poor guy a favor and watch a football game for him so he doesn't have to, okay? Have a great weekend and catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Prescription for A Meaningful Life

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard--things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Galatians 5:22-23, 25-26 (The Message)

Photo Credit: bench_30

How Long?

She's twelve.

Still so very sweet.

Dispensing hugs and kisses like gum.

Saying, "I love you Mom" more often than sneezing (even during allergy season!).

Asking me what I think she should do.

Laughing at my goofiness.

Wanting to sit in the front seat when I'm driving.

Finding me cool enough to dress just like me.

But how long will it last? When will adolescence steal her agreeable nature? How many years before I turn from Wonder Woman into the Wicked Witch of the West?

Maybe never.

Oh sure, we'll have our bouts. She'll roll her eyes and say it's not fair. She'll stomp up to her room and tell her friends I'm a grouch. She'll long for escape from my lectures and tire of me asking if her homework is done.

But her essence won't change. I've learned that lesson from her older sister. I may have to look harder, but the same little girl will always live in her skin.

She may not always like me, but her love won't waver.

If I remember that and act accordingly, we'll be okay.

Stop

I wake up at 4:30 AM.

Often.

Like nearly every day.

For no apparent reason.

Some mornings (Can we really call it that? There's no sun, no birds chirping, no aroma of coffee, no rooster crowing, nothing awake in the entire universe. And we call it MORNING?!) my mind keeps rhythm with my heart, recalling with great speed the worries of the day. My mental calculator computes upcoming expenses. Activities and responsibilities land punches to my gut. I lie there, too tired to get up, too tense to sleep.

I curse my blasted hormones, roll over and release a heavy sigh. The to do list I didn't finish the day before floats into memory and I add to it, my breathing accelerating.

I try to shake it from my head, roll over and release a heavy sigh. I remember the towels I left in the washer the night before. Drat.

No Tami. Stop thinking. Relax.

I flip my pillow, roll over and release a heavy sigh.

But some days I remember the right way to tackle my annoying early morning wake-up call.

Stop fighting,
stop resisting,
stop complaining,
and start trusting your sovereign heavenly Father;
refuse to worry.”

Chip Ingram

I endure patiently. I let go.

I stop thinking.

Stop mulling.

Stop worrying.

I say a prayer, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

Sleep doesn't come and I wonder how I'll get through the busy day ahead.

I meditate on scripture, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

I watch the numbers on the clock change and rub my eyes.

Then, I whisper the name of Jesus, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

Eventually I'll get it. Practice makes perfect, right? Maybe one day I'll thank God for the before-the-crack-of-dawn party He provides.

Because one day I'll know that's when I learned to TRUST.


To read other impressions of this quote, join our host Kathryn at Expectant Hearts.

Photo Credit: ladybeames

7 Quick Takes (Volume 97)--The Wedding Edition!!

1) We had a FANTASTIC time last weekend when my brother Jeff got married. Here he is with his sweet, lovely bride Trisha. Don't they look happy?


I've always thought he looked a bit like NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon. Don't ya think?

2) My brothers are twins. Here's the ying to Jeff's yang--Jason and his wife Jaime.


When our brothers were born I was ten and my sister eight. We were thrilled to each get our own real live baby. Teri was afraid of handling Jeff since he was very small at birth, just 4 pounds, 1 ounce, so I claimed him. Jason became her baby.

It's weird, but my sister-in-law Jaime looks more like my sister than I do. Here's proof. Teri is the blond to the right of me. (The adorable dimple girl on the left is my cousin Jami who we grew up with.)


Kevin pointed out at the wedding how Teri and I resemble our "baby's" wife more than we do each other. Funny! So Trisha, you and I have this odd pairing now (lucky you!). Brunettes unite!

3) I'm feeling a little guilty glossing over my cousin Jami like that (she was so much a part of my childhood, we're almost like sisters), so I should back up a bit. I grew up with a close extended family. We spent weekends together all the time. Our aunts, uncles and cousins were our social network. To this day the whole smack of us gets together once or twice a year. It may sound odd, but my kids are very familiar with my cousins' kids. I love it! They are a fun bunch of people as you can tell by this.


Nearly all the people in this picture are my relatives. I see my aunt, my nephew, lots of cousins and their kids. If you look closely you can see Kevin's and Drummer Boy's heads. I'm in the mix somewhere. Do you see Miss Innocent One towards the back with the yellow sash?

Drummer Boy had to take a picture with my cousin Jill. He was the ring bearer in her wedding fifteen years ago. She's taken great delight in hounding him ever since, never missing an opportunity to embarrass him with a hug or kiss, even in his high school years. By the looks of this picture, I don't think he's minded all that much.


4) And speaking of fun times with cousins, my kids had a great time hanging out all weekend with my siblings' kids. In our childbearing years, my sister and I took turns having four kids each (I had one, she had one, I had one, she had one . . .), so our kids are pretty close in age, but Jason's kids are much younger at 5 and 3. The age difference and the distance Teri's family lives from us hasn't prevented our kids from developing close relationships as these pictures confirm.














Somehow my youngest and Teri's youngest were not in that mix, but here's proof they were there. Drummer Boy got a little camera happy. Poor Miss Innocent One didn't know what hit her!


Here's my niece Sweet Cheeks taking advantage of the dollar dance to have Uncle Jeff all to herself. Isn't she sweet?


Boy, in this picture my brothers do look like twins.

5) Here's the woman responsible for it all. I LOVE it when people tell me I look like her. What a classy lady.


It's all your fault, Mom. THANK YOU!

6) The only downer to the day was the absence of our dad and Trisha's mom who passed away from cancer five and six years ago respectively. More than a few tears were shed over the lack of their presence.

Dad and Nancy--you were missed.

7) All in all it was one of the best weekends we've ever had.


I am overwhelmed with God's goodness. My family is wonderful. We felt like a real unit. My heart smiled at the way our kids are so familiar with each other and I don't think I've ever seen Jeff so happy. Plus I had some tender moments with my brothers I will treasure forever.

Welcome to this crazy tribe Trisha and congratulations to you and Jeff! Thanks for getting married and throwing this amazing shindig reminding me how awesome my family is. We love you and are happy for you!

And anxiously awaiting more cousins!

Looking for more Quick Takes? Wander over to Conversion Diary.



P.S. I should give credit where credit is due. I didn't shoot ANY of these pics. They came from Drummer Boy, my cousins Leigh and Jami, and a shot or two by Kevin and Miss Innocent One. Thanks for capturing some great moments!