7 Quick Takes (Volume 114)

1) I have a feeling Ladies Man may be soaring to new heights in his social life since he got a cell phone for Christmas. The very first day he got frustrated trying to text people because he kept getting interrupted by new texts. I hope he'll be able to concentrate on school with that thing in his pocket. I guess one really good aspect is we have more leverage in our parenting bag o' tricks. The threat of confiscating his phone will surely wield great power.

2) We had a fantastic Christmas, spending lots of time at home (glory be!). I think my favorite moment came on Christmas morning when we decided to pray together as a family before we opened gifts. I don't remember ever doing that before, but it's a good tradition I hope we hang on to. Anyway, my heart was touched when we got to Drummer Boy and he thanked God for being able to be home for the week. "I've really, really missed these guys," he said. So special. We've really, really missed you too, Drummer Boy. Come home any time!

3) The little no man's land time between Christmas and New Year's is always very welcome at our house. The church office is closed so Kevin is home more. We tend to spend more time with relatives (We have two Christmases tomorrow!). I'd hoped to get some closets and/or drawers and cabinets cleaned out, but we've had too much fun seeing people and taking our sweet time to do normal every day tasks. Don't worry, though. Kevin seems to have developed an affinity for Hoarders, so I'm getting reminders often about getting my house in order. I think it may actually happen this year folks!

4) Trying to be a good mother and build up my son, I told Ladies Man at dinner one night how one of my friends commented on how cute he was getting.

Ladies Man: No offense, Mom, but thirty and forty year old women are not really my target. I'm going for teenage girls.

Kevin: Yeah. You've got the Boesiger curse. (Is it any wonder our kids can be so dramatic?) You attract women older than you.

Ladies Man: What?

Kevin: For my whole life, I've never drawn women my age, only older ones. It doesn't matter how old I get, the women who think I'm all that are always older.

(Should I be offended? Technically I am older than Kevin, but I think we're still in the same age group, right?)

Drummer Boy: It's true. It happens to me too.

Oh no. One more thing for Ladies Man to worry about.

5) This week has been low-key and therefore great, but not without its challenges. Drama Queen had the stomach flu for two days and Miss Innocent One was diagnosed with pneumonia. With lots of time to hang at home, they are doing much better. Ladies Man was able to ditch his crutches a few days before Christmas and is getting along well, so that was progress, but I've had all three of them in to see the doctor this week. Good thing Drummer Boy's in San Diego or who knows what may have happened to him!

6) Drummer Boy got to attend the Holiday Bowl with the Husker band. There was even a good shot of him on T.V. which both Drama Queen and Ladies Man promptly sent to us on their cell phones. Ladies Man's message? "Drummer Boy's on the freaking t.v.!" I'm sure it was a loud moment at the bowl party they attended with the Beatrice Drum Line that Drummer Boy directs.

No surprise, but his parents haven't heard a word from him. I'm choosing not to take it personally and let him live his life without checking in with his mommy. I assume he's having a great time. He looked good on t.v. anyway, so he must be eating (HA!). He'll be back this afternoon.

We're planning our Movie Marathon to bring in the New Year. We haven't done it for a few years because the kids have started getting better offers, but Kevin and I decided we'll honor the tradition with whoever feels inclined to be here. Movies, junk food and lots of laying around. If the kids are here, great. If not, we know how to have a good time without them. Enough said.

7) Hard to believe 2010 is nearly history. I'd have to say it was a good year at the Boesiger house. I started the year being frightened when God told me my word for the year should be TRUST, but it's actually been a blessing learning to let things go and trust God to handle it. It will be a life long lesson, but the payoff is huge. So far no new word has come, so I may stick with this one, especially since 2011 will bring the launching of another chick (sigh). God is good and He will help us navigate the changes as always.

I pray your new year brings you a greater awareness of His presence, of His incomprehensible love for you, and His desire to bring meaning to your life. To that end, I leave 2010 with these powerful words.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

Happy New Year, my friends. Thanks for accompanying me in life's journey. You bring me joy.

As always, you can catch other Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Top Ten Countdown

As I'm feeling particularly uninspired this week, I decided an obligatory countdown of this year's top ten blog posts was in order. According to Google Analytics the following posts received the most hits. No surprise to me, many of the most popular hits were from the Friday Quick Takes. I'm not sure why people like these inane happenings and observations on my family's life, but they're easy posts and fun to do, so I'll keep 'em coming.

I was encouraged that two posts in the top three are serious, thought-provoking, philosophical diatribes (or something like that--humor me, please). My friends Edie and Rachelle will be horrified at number two which for some reason gets hits from all over the world. Sorry, girls!

Without further adieu, here are 2010's top ten hits of The Next Step. Enjoy, ignore or poke fun at them, whatever floats your boat. Drum roll, please. . .

10. Quick Takes (Volume 94)

9. Quick Takes (Volume 97)--The Wedding Edition!!

8. Quick Takes (Volume 108)

7. Quick Takes (Volume 93)

6. Quick Takes (Volume 89)--The THIS is What Summer is Supposed to Be Edition

5. Quick Takes (Volume 65)

4. Quick Takes (Volume 90)--The Rocky Mountain Edition

3. Our Limitations, God's Opportunity

2. Shooting the Minnow

And, with nearly five times the number of hits than any other post, the number one blog post of 2010 is . . .

1.Outer Beauty is Important to God

Have a great day, friends.

Defying the What Ifs

I worry about a lot of things. I'm getting better as I get older (another advantage to aging), but I still lay awake some nights feeling very small and inept to handle life's problems.

I worry about the big stuff, like how we'll get four kids through college and how long our vehicles will last and how we'll ever be able to retire.

But I also sweat small stuff, like what if I don't like a new furniture arrangement or what my kids will get for lunch or whether I should color my hair or not.

And then there's things I should never waste the energy on. What if I never amount to more than I am right now? What if I never make a mark on this world? What if I don't have it in me to reach my goals? What if God's plans are different than mine?

What if I become disabled? What if my husband dies suddenly? What if God calls us to move? What if our income is drastically slashed? What if someone I love is diagnosed with cancer? What if an accident claims the life of someone in my family?

I know I go to the extreme, but these things happen to people every day. Why wouldn't they happen to me? It's tough to live on planet earth. And painful. And scary. Who knows what a day will bring?

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 ESV

I cannot predict the future. I can only live for today. Yet whatever is ahead for me, God tells me I will not go through it alone. Whatever tragedy, joy or sorrow are to come, I am commanded to be courageous, to press on despite the fear inside, because I am never alone.

YOU are never alone.

Never.

So when the "what if"s wail, I pump myself up instead of drag myself down.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed.

I replace anxiety with Truth.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Even if I have to say it 347 times, I keep repeating it.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

And somehow the words seep into my being.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

And I start to believe it.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

The fear dissipates.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

And I know I can handle tomorrow.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

You can do it too, friends. Defy your "what if"s. Believe the Truth.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Amen.

To read what this quote reminded others of, click over to Typing One-Handed.

Sounding My Age

Having all the chickies in the nest for the last week has caused me to say the oddest things, like:

"Isn't this nice, to be together under the same roof?"
"This is fun, all six of us going out."
"Isn't this great, the whole fam in one place?"

For some reason, hearing these words come out of my mouth made me feel instantly older. Haven't these phrases been uttered by my mother, my grandmother? When did I reach their age? When did I start sounding like someone in another generation?

When I reached it.

Sigh. Though I don't feel any older, I'm still aging. I'm edging into the next generation. I guess I think of myself as eternally in my twenties until I realize I have a child that old. Yikes! Where did time go? And what can I do about it?

How about I just enjoy it? There is something good about every age, isn't there? I don't have to worry about losing baby fat left over from pregnancy ever again. I'm done with braces and middle of the night feedings. Gone are the days of awkward conversations with boys and figuring out how to be an adult. I no longer have to put off Christmas shopping until I get my bonus check two days before Christmas. Having a sick kid doesn't necessarily mean I'm bound at home. I can stay out as late as I want or go to bed as early as I please. I don't have to line up babysitters or be home at a certain time for the sake of the children. My wardrobe has expanded as my daughters have grown. I'm healthy enough to do anything I put my mind to.

Yep, this is a good age. And next year will bring something good and so will the year after that and every year to come. I only have to look for it. It's time to embrace my age and enjoy it.

Now remind me of all this when my birthday rolls around in a few weeks, okay?



Photo Credit: Vincent van der Pas

7 Quick Takes (Volume 113)

1) Merry Christmas Eve! How will you spend your day? I'll no doubt be in the kitchen most of the day. We'll go to church in the early evening, then have some people over for soup afterward. No oyster stew at our house. I endured enough of that as a child. Though my grandma insisted it was just like potato soup if she didn't give me any oysters, the flavor was still there. Sorry Grandma. I just never acquired the taste.

Christmas Day we're actually home and having our parents over for dinner. Kevin has agreed to help me make Chicken Cordon Bleu. Believe it or not, he found a great recipe for this dish himself and made it for my birthday a few years ago. Our friend said he set the bar too high for the rest of the husbands. We're also planning a heavenly dessert called Chocolate Decadence, another recipe he found and made for me on Valentine's Day. Sorry ladies. He's all mine. And I like him. A lot.

2) Miss Innocent One has been busy all week making the sweetest little gifts for her friends. See?


Aren't they cute?

3) I watched my first episode of Hoarders this week and I've been haunted ever since with the nagging urge to clean out my closets! And my cabinets. And all the dressers. Anything unsightly in my home makes me certain I'm headed to the danger zone where professionals will be needed. I think it would be good for me to watch it often. I might actually get my house in order!

4) We've been happy to have Drummer Boy home all week. I'm not sure he's spent a night at home since he moved into his own apartment in August. I had to laugh at him his first night here as he scavenged through the kitchen.

Drummer Boy: There's so much food here!

Then he told tales of the different foods he's been buying and the new concoctions he's putting together.

Drummer Boy: I finally realized, hey, I don't have to buy what Mom does. I can get whatever I want!

Oh the bonuses of growing up.

5) Our kids decided to draw names among themselves. It's actually kind of fun to see them shop for their person. It reveals a little of their personality. So does their wrapping. Here's Ladies Man's gift for Drama Queen. Dig that goofy grin (on the box, not the kid!)?


6) If one Superman movie wasn't enough, we sat through two more. I actually enjoyed number two better since Christopher Reeve was in the whole thing and in number three they conveniently send Lois Lane on vacation so we hardly see her(glory be). But to be honest, we weren't thrilled enough to sit through number four. I mean all the drama is gone when you know Superman won't ever be able to fall in love because being with a regular woman requires him to give up his super powers which spells disaster for Metropolis. A person can only take so much of this defeating the bad guys mumbo jumbo. I don't need to see anyone throw any more cars or drop heavy things inches from innocent civilians. If there's nothing juicy in his love life, what's the point?

7) We took the whole fam out to eat and to a movie last night. As the kids get older these times will be more and more rare, so we snatch 'em when we can. You know you live in a small town when the waiter is a personal friend who is happy to snap a picture for you (much to Drama Queen's dismay). Thank you Blake. And thank you Drama Queen for humoring your mother.


Have a very Merry Christmas, from the Boesiger bunch.

Being the Best Vs. Being Faithful

I'm not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination, but I go to the gym consistently. I wouldn't call myself super fit, but my faithfulness produces long term effects--greater endurance, flexibility, a better immune system. These results do not come because I'm so good at anything I do there. Trust me. I can't bear to look at myself in the mirrors at the aerobics class I attend. I know how uncoordinated and awkward I can be, yet my body benefits because I'm faithful.

Why don't I apply that to other areas of my life? I'm not the greatest at anything I do, yet my exercising experience tells me results don't come by being the best. They come by being faithful.

I'm not the best mother in the world, but I have good relationships with my kids because I'm around. It's not that I'm an expert in childrearing, but that I'm faithful to being a part of their lives.

For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Psalm 27:28

I'm not the best friend in the world with the ability to say all the right things, yet I have wonderful friends. I'm not especially astute or wise, but I'm available, offering a consistent, sympathetic ear.

for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 2:8

I'm not the best Bible study leader, but I get to do it because I'm reliable, willing to put in extra time to see what God says about any question I might have.

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

Psalm 25:10

I'm not the most creative writer in the world, but when I'm faithful to do it anyway, God gives ideas and strengthens my skills. He brings opportunities when I'm willing to write what He asks without regard for compensation.

Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.

Psalm 31:2

I will never be the BEST at anything, but God values faithfulness more.

To the faithful you show yourself faithful. . .

Psalm 18:25

Praise the Lord it doesn't matter in God's eyes how accomplished or skilled or enlightened we are. He'll use anyone who consistently does what He asks.

Faithfulness, not amazing ability, produces long term, beautiful results.

Come

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
O come, ye, o come ye to Bethlehem.

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Come and behold Him, born the king of angels.

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
O come let us adore Him

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
O come let us adore Him

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
O come let us adore Him

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Christ the Lord.



Scripture taken from Isaiah 55

Looking Beyond This Earthly Suit

I look in the mirror and instead of admiring the good qualities God has given me, my eyes gravitate to the "ew" zones, the glaring flaws I'm sure all are noticing and commenting about behind my back, the places I wish I could take a do over.

Every woman I know does it. Both of my beautiful daughters, only seventeen and twelve are familiar with the angst. Sigh. What is the matter with us?

“It’s important we don’t get so caught up in our earthly suit that we miss our eternal heritage.”

Wayne Corderio

Are we stuck in our earthly suits? Have we gotten bogged down in the temporary instead of focused on the eternal? How do we shock ourselves back into princess mode, acting as daughters of the Most High God?

We focus on what is true. My thighs may pack more cellulite than mashed potatoes do lumps, but my legs are strong and better than they used to be. My face carries more wrinkles, but they reveal a life of laughter. I may have bony, old lady hands, but they've been used well, bringing loved ones close, helping me complete tasks both here and for eternity.

What is true?

The King is enthralled with your beauty.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.

This is not all there is.

The best is yet to come.

What lies beyond this earthly suit? Something way better than the reflection in our mirrors. It's time we lived like we believed it.

So hold your head up high, friend. You are a cherished child of the King. You ain't seen nothing yet.

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

Trying to Teach the Kids a Lesson

So the kids and I were leaving for church when I noticed Drama Queen's car was a titch close to the neighbor's garage. I thought about trying to shinny my way through, but then remembered.

Me: I'm a bad driver. I better not try it.

Surprisingly, no one said anything (too tired? too early? humoring me? just being nice?) and I grabbed the silence to teach my children a life lesson.

Me: See? This is why it's good to be aware of your weaknesses. If you know who you are you can avoid problems. Since I know I'm a bad driver, I didn't try to scootch through and avoided damaging both vehicles.

Ladies Man (think as dry and monotone as you can): Thank you for the lesson, Mommy.

Me: I do my best to raise you guys to be upstanding citizens.

Ladies Man: My weakness is school. I should just quit.

Ugh. Foiled again.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 112)

1) It's been concert central at our house. Last Friday we attended a concert for Drummer Boy. The Cornhusker Band Highlights Concert is always a good time. The band plays all of the music from their half time shows. They start the night off with the entire auditorium pitch black and play the theme to 2001: A Space Odyssey, followed by the fight song which is always a crowd pleaser.

I only snapped one really bad, dark picture where you couldn't see Drummer Boy at all before the announcer said photographs weren't allowed. Poop. See?


I got a better shot of baldy than my son. Poop again. He's there somewhere between the biggest bass drum and a tuba. I guess you'll have to trust me. He did great and it was an awesome night. So proud of you, Drummer Boy!

On the upside, the tickets are a little pricey and when we walked in some guy had five free tickets to give away. The seat were located in a prime spot in the auditorium too. They were given to him by a local music store and when we told him how much they were he said, "Merry Christmas AND Happy New Year!"

2) Monday night brought a concert for Miss Innocent One. I did manage one picture of her playing her saxophone. She's the girl in the polka dot skirt. It takes some talent to look lady like with a sax hovering by your knees, but she did it. Nice work, babe.


3) Last night was a concert for Drama Queen and Ladies Man. Again, my photography skills were a little lacking. The picture I got of Drama Queen looked much like the one I got of Drummer Boy--dark, blurry and impossible to pick her out.


Don't you feel sorry for my kids? Drama Queen is in the front row, three in from the right. Again, trust me. She looked beautiful. Love you, babe!

I couldn't see Ladies Man throughout the entire concert, but managed one pic with his buddies at the reception. Can you believe it?!


I thought I better take my only chance to record his time on crutches. He is not so willing at home by himself. Lookin' good, bub.

4) I think we've had enough concerts for a while. We are SOOOOOO ready for a break at our house. ALL of us. Every morning it's harder to get the kids up and out the door. I have little motivation to do anything myself (although I did make some cute little gingerbread men yesterday). I guarantee you there will be lots of sleeping in and laying around between Christmas and New Year's. Lots.

5) Ladies Man had an important announcement at dinner this week.

Ladies Man: I think I might have fat ketosis.

Kevin: What?

Me: Oh great. All the fitness articles you have to read to make up P.E. are going to cause all kinds of new issues.

Ladies Man: No, we talked about it in health. The symptoms are stomach ache, back ache and fruity smelling breath. This morning my stomach hurt, then my back hurt and my breath wasn't fruity, but it smelled terrible.

Me: Could it be your back is sore from sleeping on the couch and your stomach hurt cause you didn't eat breakfast?

Ladies Man: No, listen. A person can die from this.

All the while Ladies Man inhaled his chicken.

Kevin: Could you slow down a little?

Ladies Man: Is that a fat joke? This is serious. My life is on the line, people.

Kevin: Okay, what is this fathead syndrome?

Ladies Man: It's not funny, Dad. I could die.

Kevin: I think you need to feast your mind on something different.

Ladies Man: Feast?! Really, Dad? Another fat joke?! Thanks a lot.

Soon Ladies Man's rapid eating caught up with him and he burped.

Drama Queen: Did it smell fruity?

Ladies Man: Yes! See! I'm worried about this.

Every head around the table shook, every eye rolled and he knew the subject was dead, so he switched tactics and teased his father.

Ladies Man (with his most annoying grin): How are you today, Daddy?

Kevin: Well, I was doing pretty good until I found out my son may die soon.

Nice one, honey!

6) Ladies Man got frustrated studying.

Ladies Man: When am I ever going to use this stuff? When will I ever care about what some dead guy did?

Me: If you're ever on Jeopardy, you want to win.

Kevin: Oh, that's a good reason. Who cares about knowing your history?

I thought money motivated teens more than knowledge, but Ladies Man thought Jeopardy a lame way to make a buck. Sigh. Yet another indication I'm getting old.

7) I'm close to wrapping up this Christmas shopping deal. Kevin and I are hoping to get the dirty job done today. Woo hoo! Then it's time for some baking and food planning. You can tell I've spent too much time living in town when I get a little antsy thinking about stores being closed for Christmas. What if I forget something? I feel a few lists coming on!

I hope your Christmas preparations are coming along and you have some time to enjoy your family and relax a little. Have a great weekend friends and check out some other Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Heaven

No rehearsals.
No concerts.
Dinner without rush.
Together.
At the table.
Two nights in a row of absolutely nothing.
At home.
Aah.



Photo Credit: philip bouchard

Time With Superman

We watched the old Superman movie with Christopher Reeve last night. The first half of that movie where Clark Kent is some other dude with strange hair is just weird. Maybe I didn't get the full effect of it since I slept through most of it, but what I did see involved lots of psychedelic music and a story that didn't make any sense. After Clark's earthly father dies, he tells his mother (who looks like she ages thirty years over night) it's time to go and he walks to the North Pole and throws a green crystal thingy into the wilderness. The snow looks like quick sand as it swallows the crystal. Our kids did not appreciate our color commentary but I figured since there was no dialogue and only freaky music, we were doing them a favor.

Me: What is the deal with his mom? Why does she suddenly look so old? Why is he going to the North Pole? How did he get there so fast?

Kevin: He ran. He has to go there to make his fortress.

Me: Why did they use this guy? He doesn't look eighteen. Why didn't they just use Christopher Reeve and give him longer hair or something? And how does he know he's supposed to do this? There were no directions on the crystal thingy.

Kevin: Just watch. He's going to throw it.

Me: How can he hold that crystal and not be weak? I thought it was kryptonite. And why is the fortress in the ice? Why doesn't he seem more cold? He's not dressed very warm.

Ladies Man: Could you guys be quiet?

Me: What? There are no words. We're not missing anything.

Kevin: Now he's going to throw it and his fortress will rise.

Me: Have you watched this recently? How do you remember this? Weren't we like ten when this came out?

Clark pitches the crystal and it bobbles in the snow.

Me: Look, it's Jabba the Hut. How did he get there?

I found myself quite hysterical, but Ladies Man was getting annoyed.

Ladies Man: STOP!

Kevin: Now his real parents are going to show up.

Me: How do they get there? Does Jabba the Hut give them a ride?

Kevin: No, they're holograms. Wait for it. Here it comes. Here comes his dad.

Me: Where? That just looks like a blob.

Kevin: It's his head.

And that's when, to Ladies Man's relief, I lost interest again. If I have to work to see a head who sounds like he's talking in a can about really boring, sci-fi stuff, it just seems like too much effort. I snoozed again until hunky Christopher Reeve showed up. But I was still torn. He was so cute and Lois Lane so annoying. I'd wake up, take a peek at Christopher Reeve and then when Lois Lane started screaming I'd drift back into lala land.

Even though I probably only saw forty minutes of the movie, the time spent was totally worth it. I enjoyed a couple of hours planted in our big chair, cuddled up with my own Superman, snoozing at will, waking only to make stupid comments spurring his laughter and my satisfaction. Life is good.

Unless Kevin thinks I'm like that Lois Lane. Ew. Shoot me now.

When Easy is Not Best for My Kids

Some days it's tough being a mom.

I want to solve all my kids' problems, but I can't. Sometimes all I can do is help them endure. I want to be their advocate, their cheerleader, their drill sergeant, but knowing when to be which is an art form. I know God has plans for everyone and often His plans include pruning and humbling and taxing lessons which in the long run produce great things, but when it's my kid, it's hard to watch. When they're going through rough patches, I'd rather He make their lives easier.

And yet I know God doesn't work that way. As the Bible says, He disciplines those He loves. I should rejoice when their roads are rocky, knowing He is at work. I want God's will to be done in their lives, yet when it involves pain, I wither. I beg God to lighten their load, to bring relief. I want to see them happy and healthy, void of anything hard.

“I am learning that praying for God’s will is harder than it seems. When God’s will is asked for in hopes of it agreeing with a personal desire, it is not asking for God’s will at all. It takes complete surrender and self sacrifice.”

by Jayson VS ~ Loni’s son @ Writing Canvas

Sometimes praying for God's will to be done in my kids' lives brings difficulty for them. As hard as that is to witness, it is necessary. I need to trust He will see them through the same way He sees me through.

I need to surrender my kids to Him.

This seems like a lot to ask of a parent until I remember He did the same for me. He surrendered His Son to suffer a much more harrowing experience for the sake of me AND my kids. He doesn't ask any more of me than He's willing to give Himself.

So I boldly pray for God's will to be done in the lives of my kids, but I also ask for the grace to withstand it. I pray He makes us hearty and strong. I pray for a spirit of perseverance. I pray He uses tough times to build our faith. I give up my own desires for easy parenting to do what is best for them.

Lord, make us faithful.

To read more impressions of this quote, visit Loni at Writing Canvas.

I Miss My Kids

How is it you can live in the same house together and still not manage to connect? The older my kids get, the busier we are, running here and there, often in different directions. Our hectic autumn is catching up, making me miss them.

We're all ready for a little down time. Bring on Christmas! I can't wait to lay around the living room watching movies together, sit all six of us around the dining room table and share some meals, maybe decorate some Christmas cookies and drink egg nog and 7-up, and hear their silly banter. I can't wait for some time to soak them in. Heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for my kids. They are awesome.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 111)

1) Poor Ladies Man. If missing a week of school being sick isn't enough, yesterday he tore his hamstring in P.E. I've never seen the guy in more pain. Who knew a muscle injury could take a person out like that? He'll be on crutches at least a week.

While we were waiting in the Emergency Room, I got a call from Drama Queen, who'd heard the news at lunch.

Drama Queen: Is Ladies Man going to die or something? I heard he was ushered out of P.E. in a wheelchair. What's going on?

Me: We're waiting to find out. I'll let you know as soon as I know something.

Drama Queen: What's the matter with that kid? He's always got an issue.

Now that he's going to be okay, she's taken to calling him Gimp. He's on enough pain meds he doesn't care.

2)
We survived the run of "The Gift." It was a great experience. To be part of an amazing group of people with one purpose is a gift in itself. One of the cast members wrote about it on her own blog and captures it well. Click here to read her post.

And I want to thank the unsung heroes of the production, our directors.


These people put in countless hours. Paul spends the summer designing our set. His drawings are a work of art themselves. Linda spent weeks coming up with choreography. The two of them together dissected the script (making me sweat!) and worked tirelessly with the actors to bring home the story and message. They do everything from painting sets to choosing costumes to pulling raw emotion out of people and everything in between. This production is a direct result of their efforts and they never get a chance to be recognized. So let me do it today. Thank you Paul and Linda. Wonderful job!

3) Drama Queen was ready to leave, but waited on her little sister.

Drama Queen: Where is she?

Me: She's brushing her hair.

Drama Queen: Sheesh.

Miss Innocent One: I just need some socks.

Drama Queen: Oh brother.

Ladies Man: You got your shoes?

Miss Innocent One: Yes!

Drama Queen: Are you good now? You need anything else? You got it?

Miss Innocent One just looked at me and shook her head.

Drama Queen: You about ready Princess Dawdle?

And now she's trying to make the nickname P.D. stick. Miss Innocent One isn't crazy about it, but is being realistic.

Miss Innocent One: Like I have anything to say about it. You're going to call me whatever you want.

Can you tell she's used to being the youngest?

4) I heard someone whistling in the hall.

Me: Who is that?

Kevin: Drama Queen

Me: She's happy?!

Shall we say the tension between us at times reminds me God prepares people for the next step in life? Her good mood honestly surprised me. Drama Queen entered our room, indeed, whistling. Hmmm. Imagine.

Me: Why are you so happy?

Drama Queen (her eyebrows furrowed together): What kind of question is that?!

Now there's the Drama Queen I know.

5) We attended Drama Queen's madrigal feast last night. I don't understand why this girl has an aversion to pictures. She's beautiful! The first time I tried to snap a shot she snatched the camera out of my hand. This is the best I could do beforehand.


My first attempt at the feast.


One with her dad.


And finally a decent one with my girls.


6) Several girls in Ladies Man's class were servers at the madrigal feast. Whenever we encountered one, they'd ask.

How is Ladies Man?
Is he going to be okay?
Oh, tell him I hope he feels better soon.
Is Ladies Man all right?
Will he be at school?
Can he walk yet?
Will he be able to go to the party Saturday?
Tell him to take care of himself.
Tell him I said hi, okay?

"Oh sure," Miss Innocent One said, "All the GIRLS ask about him."

7) As we were getting ready for bed I asked Miss Innocent One if I should change her name on the blog to Princess Dawdle.

Miss Innocent One: NO!

Drama Queen: Just call her P.D.

Miss Innocent One: NO!

Me (to Drama Queen): See. I told you she hates that name.

Ladies Man: Yeah, she slapped me when I called her that last night.

Drama Queen: Hey P.D., don't slap Gimp.

Yeah. She thinks she's hysterical.


I hope you have a great weekend friends. Catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

No Such Thing as A Blessed Few

You are blessed.

I'm not sure why, but I've heard this phrase often in the last week. The words have been directed to me audibly, in e-mails, in comments left here and on Facebook. While I appreciate the kind words, I don't get it really. Oh, I understand God's blessings in my life and thank Him all the time, yet I know there's nothing special about me. When someone says, "You are blessed," it makes me wonder if they think I have some unusual touch from God they don't, which can't be. If any of us is a child of God, we are blessed, aren't we? There are no degrees of blessing, no job more important than another.

When someone says, "You are blessed," I want to respond, "And so are you. You aren't missing it, are you?"

I'm as guilty as the next person. I long for a divine anointing no one can miss. I envy the accomplishments, the gifts, the opportunities of others. I've written ad nauseam about my desire to be somebody, to have an impressive title, or earn my own money, yet that is not God's call on my life. I will know His pleasure, His blessing, when I do what is before me, accepting and following His lead for me.

I do feel blessed, not because I'm all that (My teenagers are hollering "Amen sister!" to that!), but because I understand my call. I know what God wants me to do and I do it. There's no special talent involved, only a seeking, willing heart.

You are blessed.

You are. Your blessings will be as unique to you as the timbre of your voice, the curve of your jawbone or the way you like your tea. If you can't see it, ask God to show you. He will open your eyes.

You are blessed.

You are. You aren't missing it, are you?

Taking Advantage of My Tribe

It's my favorite sight at any funeral, the family walking in together moments before the service starts. You know this group of people have had plenty of arguments, disagreements and hurt feelings, yet in crisis they come, united in purpose, as one body.

There's something beautiful and soothing about being part of a family. It doesn't mean everything's all butterflies and roses (there are times you don't get each other at all and would love to slap one another), but you have a people, a tribe, a group that has your back. You may not even like each other very much, but they give a you a place in this world.

I haven't always felt this appreciation for my tribe. As a teen and young adult I felt like the black sheep of my family being the "religious" one. No one gave me any grief about it (unless you count my sister and cousin who consistently teased me about being "square"--I'll be milking that guilt trip as long as we live girls!), but I thought no one got me. Worse yet, I assumed they wouldn't understand and found me stupid.

But in making these assumptions I isolated myself from them. I didn't give them a chance to know me. I didn't tell them my thoughts, my struggles, my dreams, assuming they would think I was silly. It wasn't fair to them or me. In not sharing my real self, there was no way for them to know what I needed from them. And in keeping my personal feelings to myself, they weren't aware of my affection for them either.

Our tribes, our families aren't perfect and often bring the most grief, but I'm convinced we don't give ourselves a fighting chance. We make assumptions about what the others are thinking without asking or risking our own true feelings. We peg each other as being a certain way and allow no room for growth. In doing so we build walls isolating us from the tribe which is meant to bring us protection and validation.

I see the same phenomenon in the family of God. When you become a Christian, you have a new tribe, yet I see many people in the body of Christ without that sense of belonging. We hide our true selves wanting to appear together and fit for the body. We make assumptions based on how our family members look or their position.

We don't get to know each other because we're so worried about proving ourselves worthy.

But what would happen if we gave up something personal? What if we let someone know what we really thought? It's risky, I know. You open yourself up for judgment and criticism, but if we never let anyone in, how can they know what we need? How can they be there for us if they aren't aware of our struggles? How can they rejoice with us if they don't know where we've come from and how we've been delivered?

If I'm not honest, if I hide myself away, I don't take advantage of the tribe God has given me, both my earthly family and heavenly one. I know it's tough and I know doing so will cause us grief sometimes, but to me the risk is worth it for the payoff of deeper relationships and that feeling of belonging. I want to feel cared for in the family of God, but I can't without giving up something of myself.

Will you take advantage of your tribe? Will you open yourself to your family?



Photo Credit: Native American Seals/Logos

Faith in Prayer

A long week, preceded by months of preparation put me in a funk.

After opening night of our church musical, my body, my emotions let down. How can you know your effort is worth it? The entire next day, my mind swarmed with questions. How much is enough? Was the work valuable? Were people touched? Does it matter? Does it make a difference? One question in particular haunted me.

Is God pleased?

I lay in bed Friday night, two performances behind me, yet doubts lingering, tears dripping into my pillow, begging Him for confirmation of His pleasure.

It means nothing if You don't like it Lord. How can I know if You're pleased?

Silence.

I don't need accolades from others. I need to know what You think. Can You do something for me? How about a sign?

As I thought about a good indication of His pleasure, my mind went to what I wanted, what I wished to see. My brothers aren't big music or theater buffs. They rarely come to our productions. I don't blame them and don't push them because I know it's not their thing, but I've always wondered what they'd think of the words I write. They have no idea I do this, but whenever I pen anything, I think of them. Would they think it sounds too preachy? Is it something they could relate to? Thinking of their response helps me write better dialogue, more realistic conversations, yet they never hear or read my words. So when I thought of the perfect sign of God's pleasure, I thought of them.

God, I'll know You're pleased if you bring my brothers. That would be a miracle.

The minute I prayed it, I knew it was too much to ask. I was testing God, putting conditions on Him that weren't right and I regretted saying it.

I'm sorry Lord. Never mind.

The next morning the heaviness lingered so I took some time to see what Scripture says about God's pleasure. I looked up references containing the words "please", "pleased", "pleasing" and "pleasure," and found these.

My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him.
Hebrews 10:38

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He earnestly rewards those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
Yet again, He said, "Trust Me."

Okay Lord, I'll trust You are pleased. I'll finish the work and believe You will use it for Your purposes. I won't shrink back. I'll rest in the fact that I've earnestly sought You and assume that is enough to make You smile.

“Prayer invites us to rest in the fact that God is in control, and the world’s problems are ultimately God’s, not ours. If I spend enough time with God, I will inevitably begin to look at the world from the point of view that more resembles God’s own. What is faith, after all but believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”

~ Philip Yancey ~
Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?

I chose to believe He would make the work matter. I chose to have faith, no matter what was said or who attended. I chose to believe He was pleased and readied myself for two more performances.

Because what is faith if not believing in what you can't see? Faith believes. Faith trusts. Faith knows God is in control. Faith rests. I chose to have faith.

The rest of the performances went well and my spirit was encouraged by the kind comments of others. I didn't look for God to do anything and knew my time in prayer had brought about a change in perspective I desperately needed. Though my spirit could have been daunted by a small crowd for Saturday's performance, I trusted God brought exactly the people He wanted. I enjoyed conversations with people afterward and felt satisfied with God's leading and grateful for His goodness.

So when I entered the auditorium for the final performance, I thanked God for allowing me to be part of His work. I descended into the orchestra pit one last time, played the tuning note for the players, got my score and script settled, then nervously scanned the crowd to pass the few minutes before we started. I acknowledged familiar faces, joked with some in the front row and spotted my mother. As I waved her way, my sister-in-law peeked her head out and my heart beat faster as I struggled to see behind heads blocking my view. There, in row four, next to my mother, sat both of my brothers and their wives.

Incredible.

Though I blinked back tears, nothing could take the smile from my face. God is so good. So very, very good. Though He got His point across that I needed to do what was before me and trust Him for what may come of it, He still threw in some pizzazz and answered my prayer.

First came the lesson in faith, then He let me know, beyond any doubt, He was pleased. Wow.

God hasn't always worked this way in my life. Usually He delays His answers long enough for me to wonder if He hears. Often He says no. And yet, when I come to Him in honest prayer, He makes any answer easier to swallow. His presence centers me and gives perspective. The prayer itself reassures me, regardless of His response.

For He wants us to come to Him, not for the flashy answers we desire, but for the attitude adjustment He provides, for the peace and perspective He offers. He wants us to commune with Him to give us His point of view, to build our faith.

And sometimes, He boosts our faith by replying in an amazing way.

Thank You Lord.

Join our host, Debbie, at Heart Choices for more interpretations of this quote.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 110)

1) News bulletin: I am one tired cookie. It's production week at our house (Don't worry. I'll get my official plug in before we're done here.) Busy, busy, busy. We've spent our days completing the set (Come see my rocks--they look awesome!) and our evenings at dress rehearsals. Making matters worse, I've been sleeping horrible. Nerves or something, I guess. Kevin and I write these musicals ourselves and by this time every year I start getting worried about how our words will be interpreted . . .no, how they'll be criticized. I feel exposed and open for judgment. So I don't sleep well and I'm busy every second of every day. I've got that I'm so tired I'm weepy feeling. Be warned. If these Quick Takes seem a little disjointed, now you know why.

2) Look what Drama Queen presented to me. Victory!


Maybe my parenting skills aren't totally lacking! (See #5)

3) Drummer Boy reminded me yet again he's not a little boy anymore. The father of his roommate passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday and he was there when the difficult news was given. It's tough, tough stuff and he handled it with compassion and maturity. I was proud of him.

Pray for his roommate's family. The death is a shock and leaves a huge hole that will take a long time to heal.

4) Kevin and I were talking with relatives last night about how tired we were.

Me: I think we should get the kids to school and go back to bed. Isn't that a marvelous plan?

Kevin: Yeah, I'd love to have the whole house to ourselves.

We honestly weren't insinuating anything except that a quiet house sounded wonderful, but Miss Innocent One was in earshot and made herself known in a hurry.

Miss Innocent One: Hello, your child is sitting right here. I know how I got here, but I don't need to hear about it. Ew.

5) Poor Ladies Man has been sick since Thanksgiving. I've had him to the doctor THREE times in the last week. I'm hoping he turns a corner soon. I miss his goofy remarks and commentary on life.

6)
You knew it was coming--one final plug for our church musical. We opened last night to rave reviews and thunderous applause (or something like that). And it's not too late for you! We have three more performances. Come check it out. An original production. My husband gets decked. And it's all free. FREE I tell you. What are you waiting for?

7) In case my discreet suggestion isn't enough and you're wondering exactly what this program is about, here's a clip of Kevin promoting it on a local news station. I can't believe he sounded coherent at 5:50 AM. He is NOT a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. Nice job, honey.

Make "The Gift" part of your weekend and come say hi to the crazy lady swinging the stick in the orchestra pit. Check out more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.