Why The Waiting?

I'm convinced God is the genius behind automated phone systems and Christmas return waiting lines.

After all, He's a master at leaving us in limbo, springing the unexpected our way, forcing us into unfamiliar territory. We beg for His favor and relief only to sit in what feels like a stalled car. You know what I'm talking about?

He says, "Don't be anxious about anything, but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." But when I follow that and "give it to God," the answers don't come any quicker. In my experience God usually requires a holding pattern, enough time to wonder if He's heard or will ever intervene. There's no explanation for what we're waiting for, only a resounding, "Trust Me."

Sigh. Is it just me or is that really tough?

Why does God work this way? What is He shaping by making us wait? Is He giving us time to relinquish our own ideas? Building our faith muscles? Trying to give us an eternal perspective? Teaching us to give it up already?

The Jews in the Old Testament waited for a Messiah. The Christians in the New Testament wait for His return. We wait for answers, His rescue, for Him.

Why all the waiting?

God gives a clue in the middle of His big faith chapter in the Bible, Hebrews 11.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. and they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:13-16

He IS building our faith, but He also wants to see how serious we are. Are we fairy godmother Christians, in it to get His good graces or do we love Him so much we're willing to do whatever He asks? Are we looking for a heavenly home or earthly comfort? If we're seeking ease in this world, do we honestly worship Him? Are we a true disciple if no sacrifice is involved? Does the waiting sift out the shallow and reveal the faithful?

I want to be faithful. I work to be faithful. I endure to be faithful, but I admit there are times I get angry with God, thinking I've waited enough, wanting Him to make it easy one time. But God doesn't do easy. God does BEST. So when the growly in me starts rising at His admonishment to "Trust Me," I have to find a way to stay faithful, to wait for His best. I turn to His soothing Word.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18

He LONGS to be gracious. He shows compassion. BLESSED are all who wait for Him. I want His blessing. I want His best. So even when I don't like it or understand it, I choose to wait.

What will you do?

Being FAT

I've spent too much of my life feeling inadequate, unworthy, not good enough. I've kicked myself around for my lack of discipline, my stupid humanness, my weak will. I've wanted to be more, for myself, my husband, my loved ones, but mostly for my God. I've wanted to be better. Yet, throughout my life, God gently whispers encouraging words to keep me going, to tell me I don't have to live up to my own expectations. He says all He needs is a willing heart.

“God is looking for F.A.T. disciples, disciples that are
faithful,
available,
and teachable.
We can’t teach others what we don’t know ourselves.”

Anonymous

He's not looking for perfect or flawless or talented or beautiful. He's looking for someone willing to learn, to take a crack at it, and stick it out over the long haul. I can do that. No special skills required.

I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but I want to be FAT. I want a front row seat to His work. I want to belly up to the God bar and see what He's got going.

What about you? Does being FAT appeal to you? A FAT girl is one who knows she goes in God's strength, not her own. Does that take the pressure off you like it does me? We don't have to be anything, friends.

Just FAT.


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


Photo Credit: Yukari*

The Good and Bad of Technology

When I went to college, my parents didn't hear from me for at least a week (Well, okay, Mom, you got me, maybe before that. I was pretty homesick). In order to check in, I had to make a phone call from my room and if I missed them, there was no answering machine to leave a message or caller ID to let them know I called. When they tried to get me, the same was true. You both had to be next to your phones to actually connect.

The world is a different place for college kids and their parents now. I can pretty much touch base with my kids at any time in a matter of seconds. My best bet is a text, but if they don't answer that, I can call their personal cells and leave a message or get a glimpse of what's going on in their lives via Facebook. Miss Innocent One has had a blast the TWO days she's had a Facebook account, connecting with her brother and sister. Ladies Man texts them regularly. It's easier for our family to stay close because of technology.

But sometimes, I wish I could turn the clock back thirty years, like the day Drummer Boy's status said something about being discouraged or when Drama Queen posted about not being able to sleep her first night in the dorms. My mama heart goes, "ohhhhh" and I wonder what's got them down or awake. I'm not crazy about seeing my kids' mood swings on Facebook, you know? My mother only had to keep a stiff upper lip through a weekly phone call. I have info and have to stuff it to let them be independent!

And then there's the whole cell phone deal. If Ladies Man forgot his trombone, it's a little too easy to get a hold of me to bring it. Any random thought can be texted any time, even after I've gone to bed. Text reminders to pick something up for them sure make their lives easier (okay, I've taken advantage of this one myself). It's nice to keep track of my kids and I know they like to be able to reach me quickly as well, but . . . sometimes I don't want to be found!

So while I've appreciated the way technology keeps my family connected, it's not all butterflies and roses. I'm too easy to reach. Sometimes I know too much. I guess that's fair. They get a glimpse in my head every day if they read this blog. What kind of fodder do I give them to worry about?!

We're all good, my dear children, and for the most part I love stalking being connected with you. It's good practice for working on the worrying thing. Really. I know it probably doesn't show, but I'm working on it. SOOO hard. Until I have it mastered, we must keep texting and calling and posting, okay? Love you guys!

7 Quick Takes (Volume 148)

1) School is in full swing now and I'm feeling better getting into a routine. I DON'T like, however, bringing out the Homework Nazi for Ladies Man. This kid will waste time like you wouldn't believe. Suddenly after school he becomes Larry Loose Lips and has more information to share than a piano has keys. I bet I say, "Let's get on your homework," twenty times before he buckles down to it. Then he sits at the table and talks to Miss Innocent One. If I'm not sitting right next to him, there's no stopping his mouth. The other day when I could take no more of his incessant rambling to avoid homework, I got loud.

Me: DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Ladies Man: Geez. Sorry for trying to bond with you.

You think I should steer him towards a career in politics?

2) I had the living daylights scared out of me this week. They only thing stopping me from wetting myself was the fact that I had no pants on! I had just gotten out of the shower and started blow drying my hair, sans clothing (I was home by myself!), when out of the corner of my eye, I caught the figure of a man coming into the bathroom. I was so startled I think I even yelped!

It turned out to be Kevin who came home unexpectedly to pick something up. Apparently I'm not one of those natural ninja types, as the most ferocious thing I did was grasp the blow dryer with two hands. It's a good thing though or he would have lost a limb or something!

3) Wonderful news! I actually raised some produce!


Never mind that these are not supposed to be cherry tomatoes. A tomato is a tomato, right? Boo Yah! and Woo Hoo! and BOOM (That's for you Drummer Boy)!

4) You think when a child moves out of the house, they can no longer blame you for anything right? Not so, my friends, not so. Drama Queen blamed me this week on Facebook.

Drama Queen's status: Thinking this whole double credit Spanish class thing is already not so fun.

My comment (Teasing her about her terrible sense of direction): Does this mean you found it?

Drama Queen's comment back: Yes mother, and why did you talk me into double majoring with Spanish as one of them?!

How is it my fault?! Thank the good Lord for a sister-in-law who backs me up. Love you Jaime!

Jaime's comment: Because your mother is wise beyond her years and you should listen to her suggestions when it comes to college.....that's why. (love you....)

I suppose I should prepare myself for lots more blame, shouldn't I? Isn't college where discussions over the dysfunctional way they were raised become the topic of late night bonding among coeds? It has only begun. Remember, Drama Queen, I love you dearly and never meant to scar you for life.

5) With college in full swing and Drummer Boy and Drama Queen moved out, our house is amazingly quiet. I can't believe it myself, I mean, Ladies Man is naturally quite vociferous. How can it be quiet? Is it just that the volume level is normal now? I don't know, but I can't say I hate it. (Yes, I did just use a double negative to say I like the quiet. It seems to soften the blow a little. I don't want my older children thinking I don't want them around. On the contrary-- I MISS YOU GUYS!)

6) Another Drama Queen post to Facebook, this one on Ladies Man's wall. (Yes, I realize it looks like I miss my daughter and am stalking her on Facebook. Guilty. Totally. Go ahead and say it Drama Queen. Creeper!)

Drama Queen on Ladies Man's wall: Ladies Man! My everyday life is missing your loudness and spazz attacks! Come spend a weekend at Grandma's sometime with Drummer Boy so we can all hang out!

Doesn't it just warm your heart they actually like each other? And now we know the answer to the quietness in the house. Ladies Man isn't performing for Drama Queen any more!

7) Miss Innocent One can't wait to get in on the Facebook action. It's coming soon. Can you believe my baby becomes a teenager tomorrow? Happy 13th Birthday babe!


How did this happen?! Maybe this explains the strange age-spotted, graying woman staring back at me in the mirror. Ah well, whatever. You're becoming a wonderful woman, Miss Innocent One. Watching you grow up is worth every gray hair and age spot. Love you!

And so ends another week at the Boesiger house. May you all have a lovely weekend. The weather in southeast Nebraska couldn't be more perfect. Enjoy it, my friends. And when the sun goes down and you're looking for some entertainment, take a peek at more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Little Drops of Courage

Some days life seems overwhelming, even when it isn't. Maybe I'm wimpy or melodramatic (or both), but some days tears rest at the surface and I spend my energy keeping them at bay. I don't think I'm alone in this. I've seen you on the days you put one foot in front of the other, but would rather be laying in bed. God expects us to press on, of course, to make the best of it, to endure until it passes so we do, but He doesn't leave us floundering. Signs of his love hover all around. He sends assurances of His care if we open our eyes.

Today I am thankful for encouragement, precious little gifts from a loving God:

a pat on my leg saying, "I see" without words
an unexpected card in the mail
an email telling me my work matters
a warm hug
a "You okay?" accompanied by sympathetic eyes
an impromptu prayer
a shared verse zinging straight to my heart
kind words reminding me who I am

It's like these small gestures come directly from heaven, whispering in my ear, "Keep going. You're right on track. Let nothing move you. Don't give up. I see. I know. I love you."

And I breathe deeply, stand taller and forge ahead.

Lord, thank You for gentle reminders of Your presence. Open my eyes to the ways You love. May I be as encouraging to others as they are to me.


For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Laurie at Women Taking a Stand.

Photo Credit: Thorsten Becker

Trying to Make Sense of the God of the Old Testament

I'm making bigger strides than ever in my quest to read the Bible in a year. It's August and I'm still current. I can't believe it myself. Woo hoo. Praise the Lord.

But right now I'm reading the prophetic books and BABY is it tough to hear over and over and over about how God's people disappointed Him, how evil they were, how disrespectful and vile God saw them. The announcements of their punishment tempt me to look over my shoulder to see if my every move is watched. When will the hammer come down on me? I can't help but wonder what horrible thing I've done to prostitute my love to an idol (Don't kid yourself, folks. We all do this!). I'm certain I deserve the wrath of God every bit as much as the chosen people of Israel and Judah.

Except that I have Jesus, whose blood covered my sin. How do you reconcile the God who seems so harsh in the Old Testament in a post Christ era? Does the Father view me differently because of His Son's sacrifice? Does He see the nail-scarred hands instead of my filth? Does He look at us through the lens of the Ultimate Sacrifice? Can He only see His Beloved?

Are we freed from the wrath of God when we're freed from our sin by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ?

We're still held accountable for our actions. We're still instructed to obey. But have we been spared His fury if we claim Jesus as our Savior?

Hmmm . . . this one has me puzzled. Any ideas?

Help.

That's Where He Touched Me

The young teen stands in line for hours to get an autograph from Justin Bieber. Finally the moment arrives and not only does she get his signature, but he poses for a picture and gently kisses her cheek. She vows never to wash her face again.

That's where he touched me!

If I think about who I have been and where God has brought me, I find myself feeling the same way. I'll never forget the shy little girl I was, the overweight teenager, the young woman who felt so undesirable she thought finding a husband would take a miracle. I remember the fear harbored, the anxiety which kept me awake, the inadequacies which told me there was nothing special about me. I keep these close for one reason.

That's where He touched me.

Why would I want to forget how He's healed and strengthened, loved and made whole?

"The Christian often tries to forget his weakness: God wants us to remember it, to feel it deeply."

Andrew Murray

God wants us to remember where we've come from, how His love makes new. He wants us to rest, knowing any difficulty is a chance for Him to step in. He reminds us all things work together for the good for those who love Him.

So I won't hide the embarrassing, the ugly, the profane. I won't pretend to have it all together. I'll share my flaws knowing they display the work of the Ultimate Fixer.

That's where He touches me.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” . . . That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Corinthians 12:9-10

Praise God for weaknesses, my friend. Those are the places His love flows to, the cracks His mercy longs to patch, the holes His grace fills.

That's where He touches us.



Join Twinkle Mom at Sunflower Faith to see what others thought about this quote.



Photo Credit: lichterkettenraucher

Who Really Knows Me?

As a kid I watched my sister, the witty, fun extrovert, charm her way into the hearts of many and wished I could be like her. People joked with her, enjoyed her, sought her out. While I sat in the corner. Taking it all in.

At some point, I realized by hiding myself I didn't give people a reason to care. Slowly I started opening up--to individuals, at Bible study, in small groups of friends, on this blog. It didn't take long to see the more vulnerable I made myself, the more people cared, the more they asked how I was doing or told me they were praying. Being willing to share a bit of what went on in my heart and head (especially the ugly stuff) cleared the way to a whole new world of relationships.

It's been exciting and freeing. People seem genuinely happy to see me. Sometimes they even seek me out. Kind words buoy me. I'm held up in prayer. Taking risks is worth it. I finally understand my own insecurities have held me back from experiencing meaningful relationships. Now I know to push through for the prize of friendship.

But there are times, no matter how personal I get with others, no matter how much I let people in, it becomes apparent I'm not known as well as I thought. An offhand comment leaves me wondering. I realize I haven't met someone's expectations. Criticism meant to sharpen me still smarts. Harsh words burrow deep. A joke hits too close to home.

I feel defeated and think, "Do they know me at all?"

When those thoughts creep in and doubt hovers, God whispers sweetly in my ear.

I know you. I delight in you. I love you.

And I'm so thankful, for a God who sees, who recognizes my human flaws and loves me in spite of them. I'm thankful He knows exactly where I've come from, what my motives are and where we're headed.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

Psalm 139:1-5

Being known by the living God brings strength and confidence to keep putting myself out there. It means I have no need to justify myself or live up to varying standards of people around me. There is no need to explain myself. In Him, I can be me.

And be treasured, flaws and all.

The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Walk on in confidence, my friends, knowing your God sees who you are. He created you for a specific reason. He knows you. He values you. You make Him smile.



Photo Credit: RejiK

7 Quick Takes (Volume 147)

1) I had a GREAT time at a Women of Faith conference last weekend. Our seats were awesome (You ROCK, Rachelle!) and the speakers walked right by us every time they entered and exited the stage. Their "porch" was just a few feet away. One of the highlights was getting autographs and a picture with Mandisa. She was a sweetheart.


2) Kevin sang with a men's quartet at an assisted living facility and much to my surprise, Drama Queen wanted to know what time they were singing.

Me: Why? You want to go?

Drama Queen: Hello?! It's quartet music.

Who is this person and what has she done with my daughter?!

Me: I'm not going. I've got too much to do. Besides, quartet music isn't my thing. Your grandparents are going if you want to go with them.

So she did! Later I got a text from her.

"Once again . . . your husband is a freaking stud. You're missin out."

Who knew Kevin would get such points for singing quartet music?!

3) One of the reasons dinner is never boring at our house:


4) It was a week of firsts. Miss Innocent One started school on Tuesday.


Ladies Man started school on Wednesday.


We took Drama Queen to college on Thursday.


5) And speaking of Drama Queen and college . . . oh boy, leaving that girl was hard. A few people have asked me if it was easier having done it before, but I can say from experience now--Are you freaking kidding me?! Still tough. Every child gone is a unique loss.

Before I left, I had to get my last "Mom" words in.

Me: I love you. It's going to be great. It's normal to feel homesick and sad, but it will be okay. This will be a really good thing for you.

Drama Queen: Are you saying this to me or to you?

Yep. Nailed me. I wasn't five minutes down the road when I got a text from her saying, "You're not crying and driving right? You shoulda taken a water bottle for the ride home to replenish your fluids."

Ha! She knows me. Love you babe!

6) Let's talk about something happier now, shall we? Miss Innocent One was quite excited to receive the latest issue of American Girl magazine.


She entered a contest to design tennis shoes and her design was chosen! Here's the page where it appears. Hers is smack dab in the middle, the one with cookies and milk.


Congratulations babe!

7) We're headed up to the University of Nebraska to watch Drummer Boy at the Cornhusker Band Exhibition. It's become a family tradition now and always a good time. Drummer Boy says his hair is grown out some already so we won't have to be afraid of him. If any of you are interested in a free, fun evening at Memorial Stadium, venture on up.

That's all for this Friday, folks. I gotta say I'm glad to be finishing this one. The week's taken a toll on me. I'm ready for a weekend! Hope you enjoy yours too. Look for more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Today's the Day

The day has finally arrived. Today we move Drama Queen to college.

Sigh.

She's been a kick to have in our home, providing hours of entertainment her whole life. There's never a dull moment with this girl around. And though her exterior is tough, she is jello on the inside, a young woman with a heart for people and their problems, a person who is a faithful friend and dependable confidant.

We're going to miss her at home (You better come back, you hear?!), and although I'm sad today, I'm so very thankful to be forever connected to this girl, this completely unique and gifted woman. God is good, isn't He? Though my heart is heavy thinking of my little girl moving away, I know she will always be mine, always my daughter, always tied to me in a special way. Friends come and go, your MOTHER does not (Let's savor the moment, Drama Queen--no quips needed here).

Today I thank God for my precious daughter, for her fiery spirit and tender heart. I thank Him in advance for the wonderful things He has planned for her and the privilege I have to be privy to them. There were many days I wasn't sure I had it in me to mother this child, but true to who He is, God helped me. Now I stand back in awe of His work. She is something.

And to my dear, dear Drama Queen--you amaze me. You surprise me. Sometimes you frustrate the snot out of me, but you'll always have my heart. We are so proud of you and excited to see what God has in store for your future. Remember we are always in your corner, cheering you on, praying like crazy. You can always come home. We love you so much.


For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Laurie at Women Taking a Stand.

The Power of Words

I went to get some alterations done on a dress yesterday and the seamstress couldn't have been more complimentary. She praised my marriage, my kids, my figure, even my lackluster, spider-veined legs. She laid it on so thick that when she leaned in and whispered, "You are beautiful," I got so flustered I had to leave.

But here's the thing. I walked out smiling. I liked it! She made me feel like a million bucks! In my head I doubted her kind words were warranted. Hello? I've been living with myself a long time. I've got my number. Yet, I wanted to believe everything she said was true.

I know this woman. I know her character. She was sincere. A bit over the top maybe, but genuine. It is just like her to encourage others this way. No doubt everyone who leaves her feels lighter, more confident, special. It's a gift she uses well.

She reminded me to utter out loud the things I think in my head. If a woman looks great in that shade of blue, I should tell her. If her laugh makes me smile, shouldn't it be made known? When I admire how her hair shines in the sun, I should say something. If I appreciate her soothing voice or gentle words, why don't I speak of it? She should know if I notice how white her teeth are or how healthy her tan makes her look. If standing in her presence brings me peace, she may like hearing about it. Some may scoff as I did, but I'm certain a fuzzy glow will go with them.

I walked by a total stranger Saturday who was all dressed up, I guessed, for a wedding, maybe even the mother of the bride or groom. Her dress sparkled and she looked so classy waiting for her ride I couldn't help but say something. And you should have seen her face.

"Thank you," she said, "that's nice of you."

I hope she walked into her wedding a little taller, confident in who she was because in my eyes she was beautiful. And if I thought it, what was God thinking?

Yesterday, when I didn't know what to do with all the nice things the seamstress said, she told me to accept that God, as the Creator of beauty, is delighted to see me celebrate it. I'm not sure I'm evolved enough to accept that, but I sure hoped the stranger I complimented did.

For when we accept the encouragement of others, it enables us to confidently do what God asks of us.

So thank you my silver-tongued, encouraging, seamstress friend. You give me courage and fortitude to forge ahead confidently in my walk with God and others. You remind me how powerful words can be.

Let's do this together, friends. It's easy to find something you appreciate in another. Don't keep it to yourself. Say it out loud and lift another up. I challenge you to look for one positive thing to say to everyone you encounter today. See how it softens their day.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Hebrews 3:13

To Choose Wisely

I know myself.

I know if I don't exercise right away in the morning, I won't get it done. If the clock reaches 9:AM and I haven't hit the streets or the gym, it ain't happening, people.

But I also like to start out my day gradually, sitting quietly with a cup of tea in my office, checking emails, Facebook, reading blogs. And I know I need some quiet time with God in prayer, reading His Word, soaking in what it has to say, taking the time to put thoughts to paper to cement what I'm learning.

To accomplish all this by 9:AM requires me to either get up pretty early, which I often do, give something up, or be extremely disciplined, which I'm not. Every day, every single day is a challenge, a battle. A cloudy morning makes my bed more appealing. I oversleep and feel bloaty so I choose the Y instead of my quiet office and Bible. I check Facebook first and get lost in cyberspace. A online bunny trail steals my time.

"I must make a conscious, deliberate, daily choice to sit at His feet, to listen to His Word, to receive His love, to let Him change me, and to pour out my heart’s devotion to Him. When I get into His presence, the whole world looks different.”

A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

How can I choose wisely? How can I force myself to make that deliberate decision to do what I know to be best? I remember the prize--the perspective shift I gain in His presence, the peace and direction which only come from Him. I mean, c'mon, which would you rather do, run three miles or find calming guidance for your day? No contest.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24

To choose wisely, I think of the prize, not the discipline.

Join our host Debbie at Heart Choices for more thoughts on this quote.

A Way to Overlook

I'm not sure when it happened, when I stopped thinking the best of her. I suppose it was about the time I assumed too much of her reaction. At some point I felt judged and found lacking and instead of mentioning it right away, I stuffed it. But then resentment built and my speculations (which may or may not have been true) grew, making me certain she thought ill of me.

We hurt each other. We disappointed and let down and got defensive. We pulled away.

Walls went up.

Grace fell.

And it's bothered me. A lot. I've always thought myself good at relationships. They've been easy for me. I've never had a tough time making or keeping friends, or I didn't use to. Why have my adult years muddied the waters of relationships?

God answered my prayers in an unusual way. When someone asked me about an entirely different subject and person, I heard myself say, "I know where she's come from and how hard it's been on her. I guess I love her so much I can't think bad of her."

A bell went off in my head taking me to my troubled relationship. That's what I've been missing.

I haven't loved her enough.

I haven't loved her enough to overlook the words that hurt, the things I assume she's thinking (which she may not be). I've forgotten what she's been through and how far she's come and the burdens she plows through every day in obedience to God who keeps telling her to go in.

I love her so much I can't think bad of her.

Why haven't I applied it to her?

Friendships can be complicated. The older I get, the more defeated I feel about being a good friend. Experience has taught me I can't meet the expectations of everybody. Demands on my time cause me to shrink away. I unintentionally disappoint. My own hurt feelings cloud correct thinking.

Walls go up.

Grace falls.

But does it have to be this way? Can't we do something?

We must love so much we can't think bad. Love looks past today. Love considers another's history, remembering that where a person comes from shapes the way they interact now. Love looks for soft spots and tries to be sensitive. Love acknowledges their work to overcome.

Love covers over a multitude of sins.

I love her so much I can't think bad of her.

Lord, make this true in all my relationships. Give me Your eyes to see into the past. Give me a greater, stronger, deeper heart. Help me love this much.



Photo Credit: :: Hello Mizu ::

7 Quick Takes (Volume 146)

1) My sister gave me some peppers and cucumbers out of her garden (and I don't think she read about my produce woes ). There were two kinds of peppers. One I recognized as jalapenos and know from experience to handle with care. The other was a long green stringy looking pepper I'd never seen before.


I was not intimidated. I love hot spicy. If it doesn't make your nose run it isn't spicy in my book. I was excited to stir-fry it with some onions and shrimp to wrap in a tortilla for dinner. I knew my family would not be as adventurous, so I only made enough for me. I used only a portion of one jalapeno. I know how fresh ones pack a punch and then cut up about half of another pepper. It didn't smell hot, so I kept throwing a little more in. I threw it all in a pan with some onions and olive oil and it smelled divine. I got excited about my new adventure for dinner and while stirring the taco meat I made for everyone else, I threw the shrimp into the pan of peppers.

The minute the shrimp hit the pan, some strange sort of fume rose, choking me up. My eyes watered, my nose got drippy and I started coughing. And coughing and coughing. Once I stirred the concoction up it got better, but when Kevin came in the kitchen, he started coughing. And one by one, as each family member entered the kitchen, they immediately broke into coughing fits.

"Watch out," Ladies Man squeaked out, "the kitchen is toxic."

We got a good laugh out of it--enter the kitchen, cough, exit the kitchen, stop, enter the kitchen, cough, exit the kitchen, stop--and the kids were shocked I actually planned on eating it. It was delicious and not that hot really, but baby, did it send out some fumes. I haven't tried using the peppers since, but I'm not done with them. Any ideas on how to use them without gassing out my family?

2) We've had more laughs this week about Ladies Man's size. Get a load of these two pics. The first picture is my four-year-old nephew playing Superman with Ladies Man whose feet as are big as his entire torso. See Ladies Man's toe sticking out by his shoulder?


The next picture comes from band camp. This one makes me smile. Isn't it funny?


3) How about a lesson in teenage vernacular? Here are a few new words Drama Queen and Ladies Man taught me this summer.

janked--messed up as in "That kid is janked." Not sure why we need another phrase for messed up, but whatever.

chi-mo--child molester, as in "Geez, Dad, that look on your face made you look like a chi-mo." Yeah, not crazy about that one myself.

Oh, and I also learned a new search engine thing you can do on your cell phone. You can text any question to ChaCha (242242) and it will give you an answer like Google. When I texted the question, "What is ChaCha?" I got this answer.

"ChaCha is a service where human guides answer your questions. Just call or text for free. ChaCha is ad-supported. Got another Q? *Win $50K! Txt SOLOW2 to 23687."

and

"We send 2 OR more texts back 2 ur questions, including ads. We never send u spam AND we don't SHARE ur personal info. Ads always START WITH an *."

Not crazy about putting my cell phone number in some "human guides" hands, but I see how it could be useful in certain situations. I tried using it on our way to Lincoln the other night to find a restaurant, but it couldn't locate it for me. And for the fun of it, we asked a question about married couples and it came back with survey information that sort of answered the question. When we couldn't tell Drama Queen exactly what we asked (I mean, she really didn't want to know, if you get my drift), she got annoyed.

Drama Queen: I should have never told you about that.

Apparently now I am janked.

4) We have this hot water dispenser in our kitchen that automatically dispenses hot water at the push of the handle--we're talking almost boiling, the perfect temperature for tea (yay!). Last week the handle broke and wouldn't shut off. The water ran until it got cold. The only way to get it to stop was to actually turn off the cold water under the sink (I know. It makes no sense.). So now we have this strange phenomenon with our faucets in the kitchen. When you turn the main faucet on cold you get nothing.


When you turn the main faucet to hot you get water than eventually turns hot.


But when you put the main faucet handle in the middle, you get water out of both spouts!


It's the best of all worlds without racking up a huge plumbing bill. I may live with this hillbilly situation for a while.

5) Do you think I should be worried about Ladies Man becoming a food hoarder?


He's got that bag clipped to his pocket!

6) Miss Innocent One has been filling her time doing craft projects. She's made some cool things, but always leaves remnants of her work on the living room carpet. So the other day I asked her to vacuum our enormous living room, a task each of the kids groans upon being assigned. Much to my surprise, she didn't complain, but got out the vacuum and got to it. A few minutes later she was back in the kitchen putting it away.

Me: Uh, did you do a good job?

Miss Innocent One: Yeah. I got all the paper.

Me: You were supposed to do the whole room, not just get the slivers of paper you left behind.

Miss Innocent One: Ugh. But why? It looks clean.

Me: But is it?

She stopped for a moment and gave me puppy eyes. I strategically returned with raised eyebrows. We locked stares until she couldn't take it anymore.

Miss Innocent One (dragging the vacuum behind her into the living room): Fine. Be a mother.

One battle down, 5,298,331 to go!

7) Look what Drummer Boy did to commemorate another year of band camp.


He shaved off ALL HIS HAIR! Wow. You can imagine what Drama Queen had to say about that (think of the new phrases you've been taught)!

And with that we better call it quits before it gets really ugly. Find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary. Have a great weekend, friends!

Still Feeling the Love

I'm still giddy.

Never mind that I'm a middle-aged woman who's now been married for a quarter of a century, I feel like a young girl in love. I can't think straight. I dawdle at my keyboard. I look at pictures of my husband and me. I re-read the kind comments of others. I sit. I smile. I thank the good Lord in heaven.

Though my silver anniversary has passed, my joy has not. God's design for marriage is perfectly wonderful, isn't it? Who knew that after twenty-five years together a couple could still have so much fun, would still pick the other first, would still want the other? I never gave it much thought, I guess, but what a lovely plan God created in the idea of mates, establishing a life time together to truly know each other. So beautiful.

Tuesday night as we toasted to us under a hazy, moonlit sky, all felt right with the world. This is what marriage is supposed to be--comfortable, exciting, fun, to rest in each other without shame or expectations, to know love and acceptance here on earth the way God offers. Is this what Eden felt like every day?

Forgive me for laying on more sap this week (and please understand all is not roses in the Boesiger house!), but I just can't help it. A special occasion brings your blessings front and center. It tells me the work is worth it. The sacrifices, the biting of tongues, the giving up of what you'd really like for the sake of another, it's all worth it for the joy of becoming more and more one. It takes time and effort and a whole lot of patience, but the prize is priceless.

So here's to marriage, God's physical illustration of Christ and His bride. May we live up to His standard and experience the joy He intended.


For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Laurie at Women Taking a Stand.