In the last several months, my kids have been playing a bit of a learning game with us. Usually, as we drive in the car, the kids try to think of the biggest, oldest or strongest thing they can imagine and ask us if God is bigger. It goes something like this:
Child - "Mommy, is God bigger than the ocean?"
Mommy - "God is indeed bigger than the ocean...he made the ocean."
Child - Mommy, is God stronger than superman?
Mommy - God is even stronger than superman.
Child - Is God older than Daddy?
Mommy - God is even older than Daddy, He always has been and always will be.
Then one time I heard and answered the next question -- and had to chuckle at their reaction.
Child - Is God even older than Pappy?
Mommy - God is older than pappy, He always has been and always will be.
Child -- WOOOOWWWW, That is OLD!
(poor pappy, he didn't think it was so funny we told him.)
The faith of my children through their perspective always amazes me. But the simple truth is that the Lord is larger than life itself. He is hard for us to even put in perspective through our intellectual brains, hard to rely on all that He is capable of providing and hard to fit all of his love into our small and inadequate hearts. If we had a God that we could completely understand and completely explain, I am not sure I would follow him... We are so limited in our view of how Awesome and Capable our Lord really is, that we even now still have trouble placing all of our lives, all that we love and hold dear, into his Hands to control.
My prayer today, is that my friends and family will experience the Grace that sets them free, His love that holds no conditions and His Amazing adventure He has called us to embrace.
love ya!
Amanda
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Ultimate Healer
What an amazing God we serve! It has been a long time since I have posted, due to the fact that I have been quite ill recently with what was thought as Fibro Myalgia as I was diagnosed a year ago next month. HOWEVER!!!! I love saying that....
Since a lot of people have been asking about what is going on, why i have spurts off of facebook and not been writing on my blog, I thought i would start at the beginning and inform everyone at the same time of what is going on and my update as of today!
This all began with sudden pain in my lower back and abdomen area that seemed to hop and skip to different spots around my stomach and bowls about two years ago. I have earlier in life been diagnosed with an irritable bowl condition that acts up during stressful times. I first went to see my new family doctor, who took me off all medications that I was currently taking to see if it was the meds that were the problem. Without my dosage of meds that I normally took, I took a turn for the worse, and became very tired, and unable to communicate effectively as well as sunk into a bit of a depression caused by the pain. My family doctor finally put me on the dosages that I began with, and due to the fact that my sed rates were extremely high and I had gained 30+ pounds in two months, he sent me to an endocrinologist Once seeing the endocronologist and finding nothing there, I was sent to a rheumatologist, again because of my sed rates being so high as an indicator of infection or inflammation. My rheumatologist began a medication regiment to help ease the pain and help me lead a more normal life. As the pain medications began to work, and I felt quite a bit better, he then diagnosed me with stress induced Fibro Myalgia - a condition that effects the muscle and tendon connections causing pain. No one knows why anyone gets this, and there is no cure. So, you are on medication for the rest of your life.
Last month I was experiencing more pain than normal in my abdomen and although I am on medication (high doses of vicatin in fact), nothing seemed to take care of all of the pain. For three days I was down, and only was able to get through it during sleep with the help of my muscle relaxers. After three days of this, I decided this wasn't the normal fibro myalgia acting up, but had to be something wrong. After calling the rhumetologist and was told to go to my family doctor for an ultra sound, I went to see our family doctor and was given an ultra sound and a upper GI test. The ultra sound verified that my gallbladder had VERY large stones at the neck and my doctor said that it would probably be the cause of my pain and should come out as soon as possible. After seeing a surgical consult and being told that if I were to go through with the surgery that I would have a 70 percent chance of complete healing of all pain, we decided to go for it! My doctor also stated that he was not arrogant enough to say that the diagnosis of fybro myalgia could be pre-mature, but that it is definitely possible that this surgery could cure all of the current pain.
I was scheduled for surgery and it went very well. I had made it and I wasn't nervous until the Dr. started my first iv. I had told him I was a little nervous, he smiled and said it will be OK, and that is the last thing I remember until I woke up in recovery telling the nurse that I was concerned she was having a bad day because she wasn't smiling very much. :) she perked up after that and told me it was her third 12 in a row, and just needed a day off...so pray for her if you can remember.
My surgeon was great...and said that despite what the test results were, I DID have imflamation of the gallbladder and that we were wise to get it out when we did. He also said that my stone was so large that he had to cut a larger incision to actually get it out through my belly button! Every thing else looked good, expect he could confirm for me that I might still have a bit of irritable bowel syndrome, but nothing that couldn't be controlled with diet and meds.
I am doing well recovering at home---AND HAVE NO PAIN THAT I HAD HAD BEFORE! PRAISE GOD! However, due to the fact I have been on heavy doses narcotics for the last 18 months for pain, I am in a 5-7 (day 5 is today) day rough detox period -cold turkey- to get my body used to not taking them any longer. Then will be in a easier detox for about a month to rid my body of everything. It sounds weird to me and almost unbelievable that I have to detox and go through withdrawal from the pain meds..., but I have NO pain and it seems that the surgery has been successful in getting rid of every problem thus far -- except for this recovery period to get off the pain medication safely. There are some minor side effects (shakes, chills, trouble sleeping and some unmentionables that I wont share) --- BUT, once this period is finished we are confident that I should be back to normal (whatever that is) and doing really well.
Day 5 today - I have had a wonderful day and spring cleaned 3 rooms in my house with two preschoolers and a big baby puppy running everywhere! Took it easy this evening but feel great. I really can't believe or begin to explain the difference--and that is WITH the side effects from the withdrawal! God is truly amazing!
This for me is a huge answer to prayer. Some at the beginning of this process thought it was all in my head and called me(and still think) I am mentally ill -- (hahahaha) however, I know different - and now the doctors have found proof of that fact! I praise my Lord for how he works to heal and make us completely whole - even with missing body parts!!!
Thanks to all of you who have supported me in this process and journey to this point. I am excited to get back to real life living and writing more on my blog!
Since a lot of people have been asking about what is going on, why i have spurts off of facebook and not been writing on my blog, I thought i would start at the beginning and inform everyone at the same time of what is going on and my update as of today!
This all began with sudden pain in my lower back and abdomen area that seemed to hop and skip to different spots around my stomach and bowls about two years ago. I have earlier in life been diagnosed with an irritable bowl condition that acts up during stressful times. I first went to see my new family doctor, who took me off all medications that I was currently taking to see if it was the meds that were the problem. Without my dosage of meds that I normally took, I took a turn for the worse, and became very tired, and unable to communicate effectively as well as sunk into a bit of a depression caused by the pain. My family doctor finally put me on the dosages that I began with, and due to the fact that my sed rates were extremely high and I had gained 30+ pounds in two months, he sent me to an endocrinologist Once seeing the endocronologist and finding nothing there, I was sent to a rheumatologist, again because of my sed rates being so high as an indicator of infection or inflammation. My rheumatologist began a medication regiment to help ease the pain and help me lead a more normal life. As the pain medications began to work, and I felt quite a bit better, he then diagnosed me with stress induced Fibro Myalgia - a condition that effects the muscle and tendon connections causing pain. No one knows why anyone gets this, and there is no cure. So, you are on medication for the rest of your life.
Last month I was experiencing more pain than normal in my abdomen and although I am on medication (high doses of vicatin in fact), nothing seemed to take care of all of the pain. For three days I was down, and only was able to get through it during sleep with the help of my muscle relaxers. After three days of this, I decided this wasn't the normal fibro myalgia acting up, but had to be something wrong. After calling the rhumetologist and was told to go to my family doctor for an ultra sound, I went to see our family doctor and was given an ultra sound and a upper GI test. The ultra sound verified that my gallbladder had VERY large stones at the neck and my doctor said that it would probably be the cause of my pain and should come out as soon as possible. After seeing a surgical consult and being told that if I were to go through with the surgery that I would have a 70 percent chance of complete healing of all pain, we decided to go for it! My doctor also stated that he was not arrogant enough to say that the diagnosis of fybro myalgia could be pre-mature, but that it is definitely possible that this surgery could cure all of the current pain.
I was scheduled for surgery and it went very well. I had made it and I wasn't nervous until the Dr. started my first iv. I had told him I was a little nervous, he smiled and said it will be OK, and that is the last thing I remember until I woke up in recovery telling the nurse that I was concerned she was having a bad day because she wasn't smiling very much. :) she perked up after that and told me it was her third 12 in a row, and just needed a day off...so pray for her if you can remember.
My surgeon was great...and said that despite what the test results were, I DID have imflamation of the gallbladder and that we were wise to get it out when we did. He also said that my stone was so large that he had to cut a larger incision to actually get it out through my belly button! Every thing else looked good, expect he could confirm for me that I might still have a bit of irritable bowel syndrome, but nothing that couldn't be controlled with diet and meds.
I am doing well recovering at home---AND HAVE NO PAIN THAT I HAD HAD BEFORE! PRAISE GOD! However, due to the fact I have been on heavy doses narcotics for the last 18 months for pain, I am in a 5-7 (day 5 is today) day rough detox period -cold turkey- to get my body used to not taking them any longer. Then will be in a easier detox for about a month to rid my body of everything. It sounds weird to me and almost unbelievable that I have to detox and go through withdrawal from the pain meds..., but I have NO pain and it seems that the surgery has been successful in getting rid of every problem thus far -- except for this recovery period to get off the pain medication safely. There are some minor side effects (shakes, chills, trouble sleeping and some unmentionables that I wont share) --- BUT, once this period is finished we are confident that I should be back to normal (whatever that is) and doing really well.
Day 5 today - I have had a wonderful day and spring cleaned 3 rooms in my house with two preschoolers and a big baby puppy running everywhere! Took it easy this evening but feel great. I really can't believe or begin to explain the difference--and that is WITH the side effects from the withdrawal! God is truly amazing!
This for me is a huge answer to prayer. Some at the beginning of this process thought it was all in my head and called me(and still think) I am mentally ill -- (hahahaha) however, I know different - and now the doctors have found proof of that fact! I praise my Lord for how he works to heal and make us completely whole - even with missing body parts!!!
Thanks to all of you who have supported me in this process and journey to this point. I am excited to get back to real life living and writing more on my blog!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Welcome to 2009
We rang in the new year at the Durbin family by putting the kids to bed at 9pm, and watching House episodes online until midnight. I believe Eric rolled over (had been asleep and snoring) kissed me and said, "happy new year baby"--then rolled back over and went back to sleep!! We are definitely the lively bunch eh?! Party like its 2009! Ah, Prince...(formally known as, the sign we couldn't ever explain...) we miss the 80's!
As I reflect on the year, and how life has evolved in the Durbin family -- All I can say really is, "Praise God, we are loved." We have been through several transitions these last couple of years, and we have found that our true friends still love and care for us. They still pray with us, they still cry with us and they share our joys with us. True friends are rare in ministry -- but, I can honestly say, we have some of the best people, with the largest hearts for our friends. You all know who you are -- and I say Thank you.
My goals this year are purely relational in context. They are interpersonal in perspective. I have in many years past been a friend to many -- usually with an agenda. Not a bad agenda...one with a kingdom goal in mind usually...(can't say always), but with expectations. One could argue reasonably that they were "results oriented friendships". This is probably one of the hazards of ministry leadership. The "if you...then I will" not unconditional but conditional love. I am not convinced that this is true friendship. Now, I did love all of them. Cared for all of them and they usually knew it -- but they also knew I had expectations, and high ones at that - and some often felt that they wouldn't ever measure up. Thus, this year my goals are not numerical, can't really be measured by any metrical system or quantitative means...but purely in meaningful blessings that probably won't be noticed by me until I reach heaven - and my Lord looks in my eyes and says "well done, my good and faithful servant." -- So what are they??? Let's list them...(I LOVE Lists!)
1. Reach out to people I do not know in a meaningful way. At least one a week. (oops..numerical..can't seem to get away from measurable goals! ugh!)
2. Deepen and enrich the new relationships I currently have in my life.
3. Communicate love and genuine concern for friends I have had throughout my life.
4. Love my family (ugh, all of them) and communicate this in an effective way.
5. Hug and kiss my kids every day and tell them I love them.
6. Communicate affectionately, in my husband's love language, how much I am in love with him and how that love grows each passing minute by showing him how much I respect his leadership, his Daddy's heart and his ability to provide for our family through his passions and spiritual giftings.
OK -- now they are in print. Accountability begins. I will update you on how things are going...you as my readers and followers are probably my friends as well -- so, you are my best audience and accountability! I love and care for you! (oops...the agenda again...not bribing you to say I am doing well!!!!! I promise!)
I hope you enjoy reading. I love writing!
As I reflect on the year, and how life has evolved in the Durbin family -- All I can say really is, "Praise God, we are loved." We have been through several transitions these last couple of years, and we have found that our true friends still love and care for us. They still pray with us, they still cry with us and they share our joys with us. True friends are rare in ministry -- but, I can honestly say, we have some of the best people, with the largest hearts for our friends. You all know who you are -- and I say Thank you.
My goals this year are purely relational in context. They are interpersonal in perspective. I have in many years past been a friend to many -- usually with an agenda. Not a bad agenda...one with a kingdom goal in mind usually...(can't say always), but with expectations. One could argue reasonably that they were "results oriented friendships". This is probably one of the hazards of ministry leadership. The "if you...then I will" not unconditional but conditional love. I am not convinced that this is true friendship. Now, I did love all of them. Cared for all of them and they usually knew it -- but they also knew I had expectations, and high ones at that - and some often felt that they wouldn't ever measure up. Thus, this year my goals are not numerical, can't really be measured by any metrical system or quantitative means...but purely in meaningful blessings that probably won't be noticed by me until I reach heaven - and my Lord looks in my eyes and says "well done, my good and faithful servant." -- So what are they??? Let's list them...(I LOVE Lists!)
1. Reach out to people I do not know in a meaningful way. At least one a week. (oops..numerical..can't seem to get away from measurable goals! ugh!)
2. Deepen and enrich the new relationships I currently have in my life.
3. Communicate love and genuine concern for friends I have had throughout my life.
4. Love my family (ugh, all of them) and communicate this in an effective way.
5. Hug and kiss my kids every day and tell them I love them.
6. Communicate affectionately, in my husband's love language, how much I am in love with him and how that love grows each passing minute by showing him how much I respect his leadership, his Daddy's heart and his ability to provide for our family through his passions and spiritual giftings.
OK -- now they are in print. Accountability begins. I will update you on how things are going...you as my readers and followers are probably my friends as well -- so, you are my best audience and accountability! I love and care for you! (oops...the agenda again...not bribing you to say I am doing well!!!!! I promise!)
I hope you enjoy reading. I love writing!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Wishes
I have not yet had a minute to sit and think this year regarding what my Christmas wish might be this year...My prayer for my family and friends. So, as I sit here (freezing in my drafty house whose water pipes freeze if we don't open our drafty cabinetry), I will download a few pictures of the kids that I have taken thus far --and think of what we as a family truly wish for you this year.
OK..I remember one Christmas about 5 or 6 years ago, Eric and I were at his dad's home getting ready for yet another Christmas celebration. The question was asked, before gift giving time, what would one thing could the family pray that the Lord would provide for you by the next Christmas -- I remember thinking.."great question.." Eric and I had just lost a baby due to a miscarriage and had desperately been wanting to begin a family for the five years up to this point in our marriage without success. So, with tears mixed with hope, Eric and I asked the family to pray for a little miracle -- a baby. In March or April of that year, we were able to announce that the Lord had prove faithful and provided another baby. At Christmas that next year, Mackenzie was two months old as we were able to introduce her to the family. I remember many tears of joy by my sister-in-laws and mother in law, as we carried the baby to the house. My wish for you as you contemplate your new year and Christmas wishes, is that you too will be bless with answered prayer. We now have two miracles...Mackenzie and Cooper (that is another story for another blog)! The Lord continues to prove to be faithful, and is our great provider, shepherd and healer of every wound. May He be ever close to you and yours this Christmas and this coming year. Enjoy the pictures of our miracles!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Gifts of the Magi
For Christmas, Eric and I have a tradition we began three years ago with our children. This year that they are now old enough to actually begin to understand the meanings behind our gift giving, we have begun to explain why we have our tradition. It is simple. To avoid the delima every year on how much to give our children with each year trying to compete with the last Eric and I decided to seek the Bible for words of wisdom. In looking at the the Matthew account of Jesus' birth -- we see that the Magi have been searching for Him.
I read an wonderful account of the Magi and explanation of their gifts online the other day, Let me share it with you.
"Undaunted, those magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship Jesus. They had been guided by God’s Shekinah light (the star that moved), and by His Scriptures—to find baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The Wisemen may have been part of the men instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah. So when at last they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped Him. He was God in the flesh. Worship was all they could do.
In their worship they gave Him gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were unusual presents--by any standards. The gold, of course, we all can understand--but the frankincense and myrrh are not normal gifts. We can surmise that these Wisemen had also been exposed to Isaiah's prophecy which foretold that "nations will come to your light, and kings to your rising . . . They will bring gold and frankincense, and will bear good news. . . ." (Isaiah 60:3, 6) Knowing of that Scripture could explain the first two gifts and their worship--but not the myrrh.
In the world of the Bible, myrrh was a perfume, like frankincense. But unlike frankincense, myrrh always seemed to smell like death. It was the embalmers choice for preparing a corpse for burial. Jesus himself would be embalmed with this very perfume in John 19:39. Could the magi be thinking of Jesus' death when they brought the myrrh? Yes, it is very likely that the great and revered Daniel of Babylon had taught his prophecy of Christ's coming to the forefathers of these magi (Wisemen). Over the centuries the truths of Daniel's prophecy (9:24-27) were read and passed down, that the "Messiah will be cut off" and this "will make atonement for iniquity" and ultimately "bring in everlasting righteousness." So this may be how God led those Wisemen to bring that third gift. Amazingly, even at Christ's birth, the shadow of the cross is already falling over His life.
This reminds me of a famous painting by the artist Holman Hunt—showing how Jesus came into the world to die. In this painting called The Shadow of Death.
I love this painting because it shows the whole of Jesus’s life in one image – his birth, his life and his death.
"The scene shows Jesus and his mother Mary in his father’s carpenters’ shop. We see Mary searching through the trunk for something amongst the gifts from the Three Kings, we see Jesus, as a young man, stretching his arms after using the saw in the foreground and in the background, we see the shadow cast by Jesus on the wall foretelling his crucifixion.
"We do not see Mary’s face but can imagine her fear, as she sees the shadow on the wall. The painting is unusual, as it shows Jesus as a working man in an ordinary setting. It shows the love between a mother and her child, which again is universal."
Back to our family tradition: knowing that our Lord received three gifts at his birthday celebration, we realized those three gifts would be perfect to receive for our children as well. No, not the actual Gold, frankincense, and myrrh - but gifts that would represent each of those in our child' s life. For the Gold gift, we give our kids an extravagant gift that they have wanted for some time. Something that we wouldn't normally be able to purchase or make for them during the rest of the year. For this Christmas, Mackenzie has been asking for the Rose Petal Cottage for at least 6 months, so we saved and was able to purchase this for her ---(shhhh..it is still a secret). For Cooper this year, he has been wanting a battery operated motorcycle that he can ride on -- now this is still too extravagant for our budget -- so we had him talked down to a new bike--a new Spiderman bike to be exact! For the Frankincense gift, we purchase a gift that represents their spiritual or natural gifts given to them for Jesus --something we can help promote in their character and help others sense the frangrance of Christ in them. For Mackenzie, she has shown a nurturing/mothering/hospitality side in the last several years --so we were able to get her the nursery (cradle and changing table) for her new rose petal cottage. For Cooper, he has been developing his love for music this year, so we decided to get him his favorite singer's new CD (Toby Mack's "I don't wanna loose my soul") and a durable CD player/karaoke machine. Then, lastly, we turn to the Myrrh gift. Eric and I then purchase gifts for them that are on the practical side, as the Myrrh was used for practical and medicinal purposes. This year, Mackenzie has developed a huge love for arts and crafts and so mommy has depleted her supply at the house --thus we need to get her more arts and crafts supplies -- we will put in a large tub for her quite a few items that will help her do her art as well as an easel for a stationary place to complete it on. For Cooper, we have purchased a basketball goal (and Nerf ball) for in the house to let him get his exercise without making mommy stay out in the cold all day!
Thus, the three gifts for our children - and not going overboard on the budget! I will say that Santa does bring one smaller gift that they will love -- but it is not bigger or more significant that the Gold gift, frankincense gift or the Myrrh gift. Mackenzie will have a stocking this year with a new ornament, small art stuffs, toothbrush, toothpaste and a my little pony plush she wanted. --Cooper will be getting in his stocking a new ornament, guitar pics and strings for his guitar, toothbrush, toothpaste and a small electric drum pad that he asked Santa to bring.
I hope this wasn't too much info for you -- but just wanted so share our family tradition of celebrating the birth of our Lord --and how we keep from getting wrapped up in the material shopping craze and keep our focus on Jesus--especially during the financial delima our country is facing. I trust that you will have a Very Merry Christmas!
I read an wonderful account of the Magi and explanation of their gifts online the other day, Let me share it with you.
"Undaunted, those magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship Jesus. They had been guided by God’s Shekinah light (the star that moved), and by His Scriptures—to find baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The Wisemen may have been part of the men instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah. So when at last they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped Him. He was God in the flesh. Worship was all they could do.
In their worship they gave Him gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were unusual presents--by any standards. The gold, of course, we all can understand--but the frankincense and myrrh are not normal gifts. We can surmise that these Wisemen had also been exposed to Isaiah's prophecy which foretold that "nations will come to your light, and kings to your rising . . . They will bring gold and frankincense, and will bear good news. . . ." (Isaiah 60:3, 6) Knowing of that Scripture could explain the first two gifts and their worship--but not the myrrh.
In the world of the Bible, myrrh was a perfume, like frankincense. But unlike frankincense, myrrh always seemed to smell like death. It was the embalmers choice for preparing a corpse for burial. Jesus himself would be embalmed with this very perfume in John 19:39. Could the magi be thinking of Jesus' death when they brought the myrrh? Yes, it is very likely that the great and revered Daniel of Babylon had taught his prophecy of Christ's coming to the forefathers of these magi (Wisemen). Over the centuries the truths of Daniel's prophecy (9:24-27) were read and passed down, that the "Messiah will be cut off" and this "will make atonement for iniquity" and ultimately "bring in everlasting righteousness." So this may be how God led those Wisemen to bring that third gift. Amazingly, even at Christ's birth, the shadow of the cross is already falling over His life.
This reminds me of a famous painting by the artist Holman Hunt—showing how Jesus came into the world to die. In this painting called The Shadow of Death.
I love this painting because it shows the whole of Jesus’s life in one image – his birth, his life and his death.
"The scene shows Jesus and his mother Mary in his father’s carpenters’ shop. We see Mary searching through the trunk for something amongst the gifts from the Three Kings, we see Jesus, as a young man, stretching his arms after using the saw in the foreground and in the background, we see the shadow cast by Jesus on the wall foretelling his crucifixion.
"We do not see Mary’s face but can imagine her fear, as she sees the shadow on the wall. The painting is unusual, as it shows Jesus as a working man in an ordinary setting. It shows the love between a mother and her child, which again is universal."
Back to our family tradition: knowing that our Lord received three gifts at his birthday celebration, we realized those three gifts would be perfect to receive for our children as well. No, not the actual Gold, frankincense, and myrrh - but gifts that would represent each of those in our child' s life. For the Gold gift, we give our kids an extravagant gift that they have wanted for some time. Something that we wouldn't normally be able to purchase or make for them during the rest of the year. For this Christmas, Mackenzie has been asking for the Rose Petal Cottage for at least 6 months, so we saved and was able to purchase this for her ---(shhhh..it is still a secret). For Cooper this year, he has been wanting a battery operated motorcycle that he can ride on -- now this is still too extravagant for our budget -- so we had him talked down to a new bike--a new Spiderman bike to be exact! For the Frankincense gift, we purchase a gift that represents their spiritual or natural gifts given to them for Jesus --something we can help promote in their character and help others sense the frangrance of Christ in them. For Mackenzie, she has shown a nurturing/mothering/hospitality side in the last several years --so we were able to get her the nursery (cradle and changing table) for her new rose petal cottage. For Cooper, he has been developing his love for music this year, so we decided to get him his favorite singer's new CD (Toby Mack's "I don't wanna loose my soul") and a durable CD player/karaoke machine. Then, lastly, we turn to the Myrrh gift. Eric and I then purchase gifts for them that are on the practical side, as the Myrrh was used for practical and medicinal purposes. This year, Mackenzie has developed a huge love for arts and crafts and so mommy has depleted her supply at the house --thus we need to get her more arts and crafts supplies -- we will put in a large tub for her quite a few items that will help her do her art as well as an easel for a stationary place to complete it on. For Cooper, we have purchased a basketball goal (and Nerf ball) for in the house to let him get his exercise without making mommy stay out in the cold all day!
Thus, the three gifts for our children - and not going overboard on the budget! I will say that Santa does bring one smaller gift that they will love -- but it is not bigger or more significant that the Gold gift, frankincense gift or the Myrrh gift. Mackenzie will have a stocking this year with a new ornament, small art stuffs, toothbrush, toothpaste and a my little pony plush she wanted. --Cooper will be getting in his stocking a new ornament, guitar pics and strings for his guitar, toothbrush, toothpaste and a small electric drum pad that he asked Santa to bring.
I hope this wasn't too much info for you -- but just wanted so share our family tradition of celebrating the birth of our Lord --and how we keep from getting wrapped up in the material shopping craze and keep our focus on Jesus--especially during the financial delima our country is facing. I trust that you will have a Very Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Answered Prayer
From the time Eric and I moved back to the States from Canada, we became fully aware of how Eric's brother's health had become to deteriorate even faster than before. With every visit, we have seen him continue to struggle with his balance, speech and thinking. With these difficulties, Bruce has been unable to care for even the basic maintaining of his home. The worst of all rooms in need of desperate repair was the bathroom. It was unlivable. My daughter, Mackenzie, in our visits to Uncle Bruce, would refuse to use the restroom until we left and returned home. It was falling apart, dirty and should have been condemned. Just to help you with the image, here are a few photos.
UNLIVABLE BATHROOM
Yes, his walls were wet and molded and falling into his bathtub-- where he was still showering. His floor was very old and dirty from years of backup. And the walls around the room were all caving in. He also had a large mirror that could have been very dangerous if he had fallen. The size of the tub, entering and exiting also was a large issue. He is unable to lift his leg up and still balance that far off the ground, and thus he fell several times. If he would have ever fallen into the glass -- we hate to even think of what could have happened. Being on disability, Bruce had a limited income, and the family had done all it could do to help him stay in his home, keep him fed and clothed let alone help with with minor repairs to his house. However, none of us could help with the large expense of a bathroom remodel. Thus the praying began. Eric and I continued to pray for an answer to this delima for several months. Upon moving to the Winchester area, now 8 minutes from Bruce rather than the 30, we were able to assess the situation even more closely. Then the Lord asked me to begin to contact local resources for assistance. Upon doing this, those that I contacted either failed to respond or took several months to even acknowledge my emails. Thus, I began to just "vent" some of my frustrations to a few close friends and asked them to begin to pray with us.
To make a very long story short -- our answer to prayer came when one of our friends told us that he had contacted his church pastor, showed him these photos ---and the church wanted to give Bruce a new bathroom for Christmas! The Lord indeed still does miracles today, and He used these very caring, loving and hard working men and women to carry out his miracle! In a very short time of two weeks, from beginning to end, with actual four days of work -- a new bathroom was constructed! Take a look at the bathroom now!
During this Christmas season, I know one thing for Sure. I serve a risen Savior who is still in the business of accomplishing miracles. I would like to thank all of those who had a hand in this project (you know who you are) but most of them wanted me not to mention their names. I thank God for His body of believers who accept His challenge daily ---"as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me". Thank you God for your gift of Jesus and His body, the church, this Christmas season!
UNLIVABLE BATHROOM
Yes, his walls were wet and molded and falling into his bathtub-- where he was still showering. His floor was very old and dirty from years of backup. And the walls around the room were all caving in. He also had a large mirror that could have been very dangerous if he had fallen. The size of the tub, entering and exiting also was a large issue. He is unable to lift his leg up and still balance that far off the ground, and thus he fell several times. If he would have ever fallen into the glass -- we hate to even think of what could have happened. Being on disability, Bruce had a limited income, and the family had done all it could do to help him stay in his home, keep him fed and clothed let alone help with with minor repairs to his house. However, none of us could help with the large expense of a bathroom remodel. Thus the praying began. Eric and I continued to pray for an answer to this delima for several months. Upon moving to the Winchester area, now 8 minutes from Bruce rather than the 30, we were able to assess the situation even more closely. Then the Lord asked me to begin to contact local resources for assistance. Upon doing this, those that I contacted either failed to respond or took several months to even acknowledge my emails. Thus, I began to just "vent" some of my frustrations to a few close friends and asked them to begin to pray with us.
To make a very long story short -- our answer to prayer came when one of our friends told us that he had contacted his church pastor, showed him these photos ---and the church wanted to give Bruce a new bathroom for Christmas! The Lord indeed still does miracles today, and He used these very caring, loving and hard working men and women to carry out his miracle! In a very short time of two weeks, from beginning to end, with actual four days of work -- a new bathroom was constructed! Take a look at the bathroom now!
BATHROOM RENOVATION
During this Christmas season, I know one thing for Sure. I serve a risen Savior who is still in the business of accomplishing miracles. I would like to thank all of those who had a hand in this project (you know who you are) but most of them wanted me not to mention their names. I thank God for His body of believers who accept His challenge daily ---"as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me". Thank you God for your gift of Jesus and His body, the church, this Christmas season!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Perfect Plans
David, I am a fairly young mom -- and am still struggling to figure out this thing called life in God's family --- so, forgive me if I sound too preachy or heretical myself!
As a young mom, with a type A personality, plans are something I think about often ---and find that more times than not, my plan isn't really the plan...but a partial part of the ultimate plan of the day. No matter how messed up my check list gets with marks or erase scratches, at the end of the day I can look back and see how everything had a special place in fulfilling the overall goals of loving and caring for my children. (already you know what I want to say)....
I am not sure that everything that happens in our lives -- the details and situations that we worry ourselves over -- even the horrible of the horrible large scale decisions that us free willed people have encountered -- are ever part of God's plan for his children. His plan was for the children to live in the garden of Eden and enjoy the loving relationship He has so freely given us ---and now, due to our disobedience, to restore that right relationship. Just as Cooper falling off his bike and hitting his head on the pavement after mommy told him (over and over) to wear his helmet...his decision to refuse my promptings lead to a large and painful bump on his sweet little head. I am ultimately sad for him, but love him just the same and our relationship is restored upon learning mommy indeed knows best. I am not trying to trivialize the Holocaust or large scale attack on innocent people or even the sadness of loss and disease, but what I am getting at is that at the end of the day, the Lord's plan is still always accomplished. His children are blessed and His name is glorified. His children are loved and cared for. Their scares are soothed by the sweet whispers of his love and grace. They remember that the Lord is Lord and knows best --and place thier trust in Him once again. Their fears are conquered through the hope of heaven. And best of all, His presence is even closer than the day before. Is this heretical?? I am not sure...but it gets me through the bumps and bruises of my messy life -- I only wish that we (as a human race) would trust Him more and obey his promtings every time, we would then truly be in a better world.
I am interested in what you think! Thank you for following, and I enjoy your writing too. Mark and Darcy Dill forwarded me some of your book -- I have enjoyed what I have read thus far (have a lot of questions regarding it some of it) and looking forward to the middle and ending!
As a young mom, with a type A personality, plans are something I think about often ---and find that more times than not, my plan isn't really the plan...but a partial part of the ultimate plan of the day. No matter how messed up my check list gets with marks or erase scratches, at the end of the day I can look back and see how everything had a special place in fulfilling the overall goals of loving and caring for my children. (already you know what I want to say)....
I am not sure that everything that happens in our lives -- the details and situations that we worry ourselves over -- even the horrible of the horrible large scale decisions that us free willed people have encountered -- are ever part of God's plan for his children. His plan was for the children to live in the garden of Eden and enjoy the loving relationship He has so freely given us ---and now, due to our disobedience, to restore that right relationship. Just as Cooper falling off his bike and hitting his head on the pavement after mommy told him (over and over) to wear his helmet...his decision to refuse my promptings lead to a large and painful bump on his sweet little head. I am ultimately sad for him, but love him just the same and our relationship is restored upon learning mommy indeed knows best. I am not trying to trivialize the Holocaust or large scale attack on innocent people or even the sadness of loss and disease, but what I am getting at is that at the end of the day, the Lord's plan is still always accomplished. His children are blessed and His name is glorified. His children are loved and cared for. Their scares are soothed by the sweet whispers of his love and grace. They remember that the Lord is Lord and knows best --and place thier trust in Him once again. Their fears are conquered through the hope of heaven. And best of all, His presence is even closer than the day before. Is this heretical?? I am not sure...but it gets me through the bumps and bruises of my messy life -- I only wish that we (as a human race) would trust Him more and obey his promtings every time, we would then truly be in a better world.
I am interested in what you think! Thank you for following, and I enjoy your writing too. Mark and Darcy Dill forwarded me some of your book -- I have enjoyed what I have read thus far (have a lot of questions regarding it some of it) and looking forward to the middle and ending!
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