Every morning we get up and have breakfast together. We hold hands and pray, then as they eat, I read a passage that they have picked from the Bible. Sunday, I read about Love from 1 Corinthians. Monday, Evan picked the book of Titus. Tuesday, Joseph picked Genesis and God making Eve out of Adam's rib. Wednesday, Emma picked Jesus walking on the water and Peter walking out to him. Today they each got to pick something, and the first one was about the 10 Leopers Jesus healed, then Moses parting the Red Sea, and then Jonah and the Fish. Each of these were something special to each of them. They were stories that they knew and that we would refer to often as we were talking throughout the day.
That special time each morning was what I wanted them to remember from this week. I want them to know that God should always be a part of their day and they should read their Bible and pray everyday. It is something that we all can remember and apply to our lives. Without God everyday our life will not be as fulfilled, and we will not get to know Him as intimate as we should. If God is to be our best friend, then spending time with Him everyday is the only way to achieve that.
8.06.2008
JEE Day 4
They broke me today. I am woman enough to admit that today I caved. See, the PS2 controller was a little broken ( they could still use it, but the thingy that rolls around was kind of out of the socket) so to me they could still use it, but to an 8 and 10 year old, this is not a good controller. So, today I bought them not one, but two, wireless controllers. All week I told them that they didn't need it, that we could do other things, but I finally gave in. I wondered why I gave in, and it is only because I love them. They are good kids and what is a little sacrifice to grant them some joy and happiness in playing games that they enjoy...and me some time to clean the house and do laundry? I don't see any harm in that.
My nephew Evan likes to plan. He is 8. He will one day marry a woman who will completely appreciate this in him. He gets that from his mom giving him play by plays of what they are going to do each day. So this week, he constantly asks me what we are doing and will try to plan our day. It cracks me up. So, I have been teaching all of them that we are just going to "go with the flow" this week. We can do whatever and go wherever, whenever we want. So tomorrow we are going to the zoo, and they don't know it. We will get up and eat breakfast, then off we go. It will drive them nuts not knowing, but it will be good for them.
How often do we try to plan our lives out? I know I do. My plan was not to still be single, but it was God's. I find that when we try to plan, it usually does not come out the way we planned it. God's plans are perfect and as long as we are faithful to Him and continue to follow Him, our life will go according to what He wants, and will be the most fulfilling life we can ever have.
My nephew Evan likes to plan. He is 8. He will one day marry a woman who will completely appreciate this in him. He gets that from his mom giving him play by plays of what they are going to do each day. So this week, he constantly asks me what we are doing and will try to plan our day. It cracks me up. So, I have been teaching all of them that we are just going to "go with the flow" this week. We can do whatever and go wherever, whenever we want. So tomorrow we are going to the zoo, and they don't know it. We will get up and eat breakfast, then off we go. It will drive them nuts not knowing, but it will be good for them.
How often do we try to plan our lives out? I know I do. My plan was not to still be single, but it was God's. I find that when we try to plan, it usually does not come out the way we planned it. God's plans are perfect and as long as we are faithful to Him and continue to follow Him, our life will go according to what He wants, and will be the most fulfilling life we can ever have.
JEE Day 3
Well, today was a busy day! We went swimming of course and Evan learned how to float. I explained how and he tried it with my help, but he kept sinking. I thought at first that he may be like my dad, and not able to float (yes, my dad can't float - he sinks.) but after he practiced, he got it. He just had to try it himself first. Now he wants to float all the time because he knows he can do it.
After dinner, we went over to Mark's so the boys could play XBox. To me this was not a major thing, but apparently when you have a PS2 and get to play an XBox, it is a big deal. Emma was in the kitchen with Brittany and me while the boys were playing. Oh, and by the way, kids hear and repeat everything just in case some needed to know that...anyway, I was telling Brittany that earlier that day Emma would not dance with me. See, the Jonas Brothers came on T.V (apparently they are a big deal in a kids world) and were singing, so I got up and was dancing all around the living room. Emma wanted no part of it. When Brittany asked her why she wouldn't dance with me her response was " I am not a dancer...I'm going to be a Doctor". Good to know that she isn't going to be a dancer...her parents will be relieved.
Joseph just goes with the flow. He is so sweet but also has his moments. We were in the car, and of course I am joking around with them, and he gives me "the look". You know, the look kids give you when you think you are funny and they think you are a dork. Yes, that is the look I got. I have officially traveled out of the world of being cool, and into the world of being a dork. Not sure when that happens, but it did.
Overall it was a good day. They are very tired though, so bed time is early for this week. I will have to say that I am tired too, but love every minute of it.
After dinner, we went over to Mark's so the boys could play XBox. To me this was not a major thing, but apparently when you have a PS2 and get to play an XBox, it is a big deal. Emma was in the kitchen with Brittany and me while the boys were playing. Oh, and by the way, kids hear and repeat everything just in case some needed to know that...anyway, I was telling Brittany that earlier that day Emma would not dance with me. See, the Jonas Brothers came on T.V (apparently they are a big deal in a kids world) and were singing, so I got up and was dancing all around the living room. Emma wanted no part of it. When Brittany asked her why she wouldn't dance with me her response was " I am not a dancer...I'm going to be a Doctor". Good to know that she isn't going to be a dancer...her parents will be relieved.
Joseph just goes with the flow. He is so sweet but also has his moments. We were in the car, and of course I am joking around with them, and he gives me "the look". You know, the look kids give you when you think you are funny and they think you are a dork. Yes, that is the look I got. I have officially traveled out of the world of being cool, and into the world of being a dork. Not sure when that happens, but it did.
Overall it was a good day. They are very tired though, so bed time is early for this week. I will have to say that I am tired too, but love every minute of it.
8.04.2008
JEE Day 2
Today was another action filled day with the kids! I got up and made breakfast, then off to the pool we went. It was nice because it was just the 4 of us and that was a lot of fun. They get bored after a couple hours, so I have to plan our day accordingly.
Today was also Evan's 8th birthday. So, of course we went to Chuck E Cheese and played for a few hours. That was after we painted pottery. So today I really think that I got to feel like what it is to be a single mom. I am not a single mom, but today I learned to appreciate them in a whole new way. I honestly can't imagine what it is like, but I know that they have the hardest job in the world. Just to get ready to go today was an event!
As I was getting ready to put my make up on, Emma came in to the bathroom. She was telling me that she was glad I was putting make up on because I don't look very good without it. I couldn't fault her for being honest and she was telling the truth because I don't! Kids are so honest about things and I wondered what it would be like if we all were that honest? What if we said everything that was on our mind? Like I say all the time - it is all in the delivery. How you say things to someone can make all the difference in the world. I am trying to teach my neice and nephews that this week because they say things to each other that they shouldn't and hurt each others feelings. We do need to be honest, but we also need to be more aware of other people and how they perceive us.
Today was also Evan's 8th birthday. So, of course we went to Chuck E Cheese and played for a few hours. That was after we painted pottery. So today I really think that I got to feel like what it is to be a single mom. I am not a single mom, but today I learned to appreciate them in a whole new way. I honestly can't imagine what it is like, but I know that they have the hardest job in the world. Just to get ready to go today was an event!
As I was getting ready to put my make up on, Emma came in to the bathroom. She was telling me that she was glad I was putting make up on because I don't look very good without it. I couldn't fault her for being honest and she was telling the truth because I don't! Kids are so honest about things and I wondered what it would be like if we all were that honest? What if we said everything that was on our mind? Like I say all the time - it is all in the delivery. How you say things to someone can make all the difference in the world. I am trying to teach my neice and nephews that this week because they say things to each other that they shouldn't and hurt each others feelings. We do need to be honest, but we also need to be more aware of other people and how they perceive us.
8.03.2008
JEE Day 1
Well, day one is completed. My niece and nephews are here for a week with Aunt Lisa, and boy am I tired! It is very worth it though. They are full of life and energy, and they crack me up! Of course, being cousins they do have their moments, but overall they are a complete joy!
The best conversations are in the car and at the table during meals. Yesterday in the car Emma told me that that I must be sad because I was single. She told me that I must get lonely because I don't have a man to take care of me...Well...Huh...how do I anser that? How do I explain to someone that thinks she is a princess like Cinderella, that it's OK to not be married until God is ready for me to be. That's not how it happens in the movies, right? At the end of every love story is "happily ever after...". Then my nephew, Evan asked me if I cried when I was lonely. I told him that yes, sometimes I did cry because I missed them and the rest of the family. So, their answer to that was for me to move back to Hillsboro and then they could see me everyday. Then I wouldn't be lonely and Grandpa would be there to help me. They are so cute when they are young, aren't they?
So that got me thinking about how many people are out there that are lonely. I know that there are several. Yes, there are times that I am lonely but I have to get up, stay faithful and wait for the knight in shining armor that God has for me.
The best conversations are in the car and at the table during meals. Yesterday in the car Emma told me that that I must be sad because I was single. She told me that I must get lonely because I don't have a man to take care of me...Well...Huh...how do I anser that? How do I explain to someone that thinks she is a princess like Cinderella, that it's OK to not be married until God is ready for me to be. That's not how it happens in the movies, right? At the end of every love story is "happily ever after...". Then my nephew, Evan asked me if I cried when I was lonely. I told him that yes, sometimes I did cry because I missed them and the rest of the family. So, their answer to that was for me to move back to Hillsboro and then they could see me everyday. Then I wouldn't be lonely and Grandpa would be there to help me. They are so cute when they are young, aren't they?
So that got me thinking about how many people are out there that are lonely. I know that there are several. Yes, there are times that I am lonely but I have to get up, stay faithful and wait for the knight in shining armor that God has for me.
7.17.2008
Focus
I know it has been a long time since I have written anything. It has been a crazy busy summer! God, as always, is amazing. I can't describe all the amazing things that He has done in my life the last couple months, because there has been a lot.
What I will say is stay faithful. Keep dialy communication with God because that is the only way to keep your complete focus on him. Everyone is busy. I am extremely busy with work and life. It is easy to say you will do it later but will you? God desires you every day and wants you to be in His presence continually.
God answered a very important prayer today for someone very close to me. The situation my friend was in was very scary, but God took care of it. As this has been happening the last few weeks, it has really made me think about what is important, and it put a lot of things in perspective. Life is busy, but it is also too short to not live your life close to God.
What I will say is stay faithful. Keep dialy communication with God because that is the only way to keep your complete focus on him. Everyone is busy. I am extremely busy with work and life. It is easy to say you will do it later but will you? God desires you every day and wants you to be in His presence continually.
God answered a very important prayer today for someone very close to me. The situation my friend was in was very scary, but God took care of it. As this has been happening the last few weeks, it has really made me think about what is important, and it put a lot of things in perspective. Life is busy, but it is also too short to not live your life close to God.
5.06.2008
10K
No, I didn't win $10,000...but I did run (and walk) my first 10K last weekend. For those of you who know me well, you know that I detest running. It all started in January when my good friend Lisa suggested that all of us girls run in the Flying Pig 10K in Cincinnati. We all agreed and the training started. Well, if you could call it training. The most I have ever ran was around the bases in softball. So, this was a challenge for me. I started slow, walking most of the time and running a little bit. Over time the running increased, and so did my shin splints. Apparently, that is something else that I get from my father. In February I did 6 miles in 1.5 hours and I knew I had to train harder if I was going to get through this! A few weeks before the race, I did get out more and just hoped for the best.
My goal of the weekend was to complete the 6.2 miles, in less than 1.5 hours. That is all I wanted. When we were waiting for the race to begin, it was pooring rain. Not just a drizzle, a heavy rain that the wind was blowing sideways. I prayed the whole time that God would hold it off just long enough to complete the race. I was nervous enough and didn't want the rain on top of it! As soon as we started the rain subsided and didn't rain again until we were leaving for the car! Yes, that is God. The coolest thing about the race were the people. Several times I almost got very emotional because there were people out there cheering us on. It was cold and wet, but they were out there encouraging people they didn't even know. That is what kept me going. In mile 3, two of my friends were waiting there and that really kept me going. My shins were so sore, but my friend said "you can do this - keep going!". Just what I needed to hear at that point in time (thanks Jody).
This got me thinking. In life there are times when we could give up. Times when we don't want to go on and complete the race. That is when we need our friends and family there encouraging us on. Giving us words to lift our spirits, and that are there congratulating us when we complete the race. We also need to be that friend to others. We need to be the encourager at times and lift others up. Don't get so lost in your own life that you forget about those around you. Even people you don't know. God could use you to encourage someone and you don't even know it. I have no doubt that God put these people in my life for a reason and used them for me to complete the race. I did complete it in 1:23 and God was with me the entire way. It was an amazing feeling crossing the finish line and knowing I completed the race and met my goals, with amazing friends there along the way.
My goal of the weekend was to complete the 6.2 miles, in less than 1.5 hours. That is all I wanted. When we were waiting for the race to begin, it was pooring rain. Not just a drizzle, a heavy rain that the wind was blowing sideways. I prayed the whole time that God would hold it off just long enough to complete the race. I was nervous enough and didn't want the rain on top of it! As soon as we started the rain subsided and didn't rain again until we were leaving for the car! Yes, that is God. The coolest thing about the race were the people. Several times I almost got very emotional because there were people out there cheering us on. It was cold and wet, but they were out there encouraging people they didn't even know. That is what kept me going. In mile 3, two of my friends were waiting there and that really kept me going. My shins were so sore, but my friend said "you can do this - keep going!". Just what I needed to hear at that point in time (thanks Jody).
This got me thinking. In life there are times when we could give up. Times when we don't want to go on and complete the race. That is when we need our friends and family there encouraging us on. Giving us words to lift our spirits, and that are there congratulating us when we complete the race. We also need to be that friend to others. We need to be the encourager at times and lift others up. Don't get so lost in your own life that you forget about those around you. Even people you don't know. God could use you to encourage someone and you don't even know it. I have no doubt that God put these people in my life for a reason and used them for me to complete the race. I did complete it in 1:23 and God was with me the entire way. It was an amazing feeling crossing the finish line and knowing I completed the race and met my goals, with amazing friends there along the way.
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