Contemplations of a Mommy "Monk"

A little trip to the post office this afternoon was all it took to remind that indeed our God is good - so good, so caring, so attentive to the details in our lives that it knocks me off my feet! So, let me back up a little bit. First of all, I have been largely absent from the bloggy world over the past....eight months or so? It's sort of a blur to me, because that's how life has been. I've been on the computer so much with my online teaching job that I just haven't had the inspiration, time or desire to sit down and write. But, there's something about writing that calms me and focuses me on what's really important. What's really important is not the daily ups and downs of life, although God holds our hands through these roller coaster moments. What keeps me grounded is knowing that in the midst of paying bills, doing dishes, teaching, working, ministering...God is IN me. God is WITH me. I definitely needed a little bit of reminding about that this ...

A week and a half ago, I spoke to a large group of women about joy. I shared with them that the practice of gratitude can make a huge difference in our outlook on life. And then I realized that I have neglected this practice lately. To seek for joy and to look for gifts from God's hand...it takes constant reminding, but it is so rewarding. I am thankful for... Crescent moon and sparkling stars on a bright dark morning (and as an aside, I'm thankful that I woke up at 5:20 despite my alarm's lack of functioning so I could make it to my excercise class barely on time) Blue skies and sunshine (it's colder today but still feels like spring) A little girl curled up reading Bike rides (soon, I'll be riding a bike too instead of chasing after them on foot...looking a bit ridiculous) Flirting with my husband (I'm still in love with him!) Students who participate and enjoy learning. Friends Volunteers who eagerly throw themselves into projects that I have no talent for (i...

When God really wants to speak to me, He keeps on repeating Himself. I'm not sure why He does that, but I have a few hints. I do have a tendency of forgetting items at the grocery store, or things on my to-do list, or the time for an important event. Oh, all right, I'll just be honest: I'm forgetful and a little ditzy. So, He keeps whispering in my ear until I finally hear Him. It's amazing for me to see how so many peices can fit together into a clear message. I have been focusing on Philippians 4:8 for a long time since I need to keep my thoughts and WORDS on things that are excellent, pure and praiseworthy. Part of this process is being involved in Thankful Thursdays. Each week as I count my blessings, my thoughts are turned toward all the good that God is doing instead of toward my natural pessimistic thinking. A few weeks ago, without requesting it, I recieved a copy of the 4:8 project in my mailbox. When I opened it, I wondered if I had fogotten one more thing. B...

She lays in a hospital bed, not moving her hand, her leg or even her mouth without great difficulty. Her hair has been shaved around the spot where the surgeon entered to remove the dangerous blot clot and to stop the bleeding that threatened her life. Her home is being remodeled to accommodate her new needs though she spends hours each day in physical therapy re-training her brain to accomplish ordinary, everyday tasks that I take for granted. Just a few weeks ago, she was busy teaching the children at AWANA about God's love for the world, teaching the women about God's Word, planning a Christmas tea and dinner and now, her life has been turned upside down. How would I respond if I were to face such a challenge? If my husband were to be in this place? Would I start each day with praise, would I find reasons for thanksgiving in everything from oatmeal, silly speech or wiggling toes? Would I? ( I'm rather inclined to think that I might be resentful, frustrated and depresse...

No matter if you're a glass half empty or half full kind of person, we all need to remember to be thankful. You can read my devotion at Laced with Grace today.

A light blanket of snow covers the yard and though it certainly isn't enough to make a snowman, my children have found enough snow to entertain themselves for hours, even after dark. For their mother, this is happiness! Rosy cheeks, mittens laying on the heater to dry and little drops of wetness tracked in by careless feet are topped off by hot chocolate with marshmallows as we greet winter this year. Reasons for thanksgiving abound: *Time with friends this past weekend, chatting and catching up *A family date to the movies (a rare occurrence for us) *"The Christmas County Spelling Bee" has our house a buzz with songs of Jesus' name and excitement for an upcoming Christmas program. *Prayer: as my aunt undergoes quadruple bi pass surgery, I'm so grateful that we can come to God in prayer at any time. As I think about items that bring me joy, I remember that God created this world for our enjoyment and He gives us good gifts every day, but He told us that there w...

The past two months have been a time of adjustment for me. It's been a good adjustment; I've wanted to be working for the past 4 years, but I've needed time to figure out how to balance everything on my plate. And that plate has gotten quite full, a bit like Thanksgiving dinner, where I try to cram in cranberries, stuffing and jello salad around the turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans. And the roll and salad just have to go on the side and somehow I still save space for pumpkin pie! Between being a mother a wife (I need to remind myself that THIS is my most important job), teaching adult Sunday School with my husband, coordinating Children's ministries at church, writing devotionals, and working practically full time as an online teacher, there's little time left for anything else. Last week, it became apparent to me that something very important was missing on my overflowing plate. Jesus. How could I fill up on so many other things and yet leave no ti...

Great hunters dwell in my home. Earlier in the summer, we moved the bluebird house off of the deck and into a nearby tree. The sleek black feline hunter was poking his paws into the small opening, searching for prey. I love the fact that my cat scares off the rabbits, squirrels, black birds and mice, but he was taking it too far with the baby blue birds. So, in an effort to keep the bluebirds around, we moved their house. But, even in their new location, they are not safe. The cat climbed straight up that tree and slung himself precariously across a thin branch while dangling over the edge of the bird house. And there was that paw reaching around from behind the house to poke its way into the round opening. Thankfully, the bluebirds have already evacuated so I could laugh at my cat hanging by a mere claw doing acrobatics to reach his prey. On the same morning, my little guy (3 1/2) was catching grasshoppers. The big flying grasshoppers were eluding him though, so he put on his se...

The little boy plopped down next to me in the grass. "Professor Heather, do you like the fireworks?" he asked. Yes, I did, but there was something more exciting than the event displayed in front to of my eyes. A little boy who was learning about Jesus. I'm thankful that God works through ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. Sometimes people shy away from being involved in church activities. "I'm too busy to help out in the Nursery..." Or "There's already lots of people working in the kitchen..." or "I'm not any good at doing that kind of stuff..." They're missing out. Yes, it is work to be involved in ministry and sometimes it causes us to sacrifice or stretch ourselves, but the rewards are beyond compare. Scripture tells us that what we sow, we will reap. So, even though I've wanted to pull my hair out a few times this summer over this new ministry position (children's director), I KNOW beyond a d...

This week, I've been thankful for some "real" life fun with people I love. Here's ONE: Yesterday morning, the kids started the day out with some Karaoke fun. The first song requested was "Shine" by the Newsboys and I smiled as the kids bounced around in the family room to this song. Our little guy then asked for his favorite: Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie. Don't ask me why. But hearing a three year old boy sing about big girls crying is just adorable. We progressed to "Big Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstill. I have no idea what she means (why not a black kitten and an apple tree?), but the kids love the "whoo-hoo" part and that's all that really matters. Whoo-hoo....whoo-hoo! And the last song, a favorite of all, "Mr. Roboto" by STYX. Oh yeah. We shine our light for Jesus in Robot style around our house. Three little robots marched around with jerky movements singing word-for-word the entire song. Here...

**I'm so thankful for my eternal relationship with Jesus, first and foremost. He's my very best friend and the only One who knows every crook and cranny of my heart. He loves me and accepts me even with full knowledge of my failures and foibles. **My husband has been the most wonderful partner God could have ever chose for me. I'm so thankful for him, for his friendship, for his love, for his understanding spirit, and for his heart to encourage me. **I'm thankful for the friends I've made since we moved to this area. Like my friend who spent the day with preparing for VBS even though she doesn't go to my church! Or my friends who watched my kids so I could go to a writer's conference, a job interview, and a field trip with one daughter. **I'm thankful for good relationships with my children and I pray that we will always be close. I'm glad God gave us relationships - He knew that we needed each other. Thanks Iris for reminding us to be thankf...

It seems like every morning, when I turn to the Word and to my devotionals, I hear God speak right to my situation. This doesn't always happen and I've gone through long stretches of hearing God's silence, but right now it's been amazing to hear God's gentle voice speak to my daily needs. For example, when I was trying to balance busyness with ministry and my quiet moments spent just with the Lord, I read (in Oswald Chambers' Utmost for His Highest ): "Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ. There is a difference between devotion to a Person and devotion to principles or to a cause." When I was feeling anxious or a little stressed about getting the details together, I opened my devotional to read: Psalm 37: 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. On July 9th, I wondered why the verse was Joshua 24:19 "You cannot serve the Lord." That sounded odd to me. I WAS ser...

A few things that fill my heart with gratitude... *Bright explosions in the sky *Bug repellent *Calamine and band aids for when we forget about the bug repellent (and the polka dot girl I put to bed each night whose sensitive skin seems to attract the little suckers) *Days spent at the beach *Life jackets *Aloe, although it can't take away a lobster red sunburn, it does soothe *Photographs and memories *The public library. My family has been enjoying plenty of summer library programs. *Ok, I'm even thankful for cockroaches. The kids sure had fun playing with the huge ones the "Bug Guy" Brought in for the last program we attended. They even ate a few bugs. (I am NOT joking!) I, on the other hand, found it conveniently necessary to excuse myself to the restroom right around the time the roaches and tarantulas were being brought out. *I'm thankful for a new job...which will be starting soon (more on that later). *Green slime, explosions, goggles and lab coats...yes,...

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I spent 8 days (on my anniversary trip) away from the kids. I returned feeling so thankful for each one of them. Thankful for the oldest (she's 7 already!): I'm thankful for her funny spirit and her desire to always do what is right. She is a natural leader, a bookworm, and a student at heart. Ok, she's ME! :) I'm thankful for the middle one (almost 5 and headed to kindergarten): She's quiet sometimes, so people outside our family don't always see her goofy side. She loves to play alone and use her imagination. She will make a good mom someday because she has a compassionate heart. She is tender and loving. She loves to organize and do the dishes. That's a GREAT reason for me to be thankful! :) I'm thankful for my little boy too: He loves fish and bugs and worms and all living things (except spiders). He loves food (midnight pantry raider!) and he loves hugs. He is a chatter-bug and a charmer. He's adorable. I...

Outside my window this morning, the birds sing praise and the sun shines in worship to God most high. I join with them in praising my Creator today. Thank you Father for blue clear skies, gentle breezes and cool lake waters. Thank you Father for family and friends. I'm so thankful I live in this century where I can see my Mom and Dad even though they live across the country (even if it is only once or twice a year). I'm thankful for days at the park, for firecrackers and fresh fried fish together. Thank you Father for the many new friends I've made recently at Write to publish. What a gift - to meet people and make such deep connections immediately. I'm thankful for a job interview this morning and for peace about it too. And finally, I'm thankful for all of the ladies heading off to She Speaks this weekend. I'm praying for you - that this would be a great time of learning and growing and that God would speak to each person's heart. What are you thankful for...

Over and over again, we hear Paul mention his gratitude for the prayers of others. He believed in the power of prayer and he was thankful for his prayer supporters. I recently sent out a prayer request for my week at Write to Publish. I was overwhelmed with the response. Every one of the fourteen people I emailed sent back a prayer for me. Thank you ladies from Laced with Grace ! I felt your prayer support surrounding me and lifting me up. God directed me to just the right editors as He was clarifying my vision. I felt lost at the beginning of the week, but He immediately reassured me that I was following Him on this journey. I couldn't have done it without your prayers. THANK YOU! God works through our prayers and He hears our cries. Would you join me today in praying with Tracy for the people in her area who are dealing with heavy flooding?

It seems like it was just Thursday yesterday...so how did it get here again so fast? Some things I'm thankful for this week: *Barbeques, potato salad, watermelon and jello cake *Dinner out and a date night with my lifetime lover * Turtles, minnows and worms... *Bible Study - today was our last meeting for the year. Thanks ladies for a great study and for your sweet gifts of appreciation. *A husband who is sold out for Jesus. He's going to be speaking this weekend to the men of our church (and community) about maintaining sexual purity in an immoral society. *One first grade girl who braved the inside of a digestive system (a model at the children's museum) *Another little girl singing about dinosaurs "We will, we will STOMP you! Woo!" and four in the bed (complete with a nightcap) at her end of the year program *A God who never changes, who remains forever loving no matter what is going on

I was trying to have an adult conversation on the telephone and make some ministry plans. But, the kids kept interrupting my conversation with real and imagined needs. "I need a drink." "I need a snack." "My fish is dead," (he waves it in front of my face, dripping slime all over the carpet), "and I want to bury him in the garden." "I'm bleeding!!!" "So-and-so is riding her bike down the hill, can I go with her?" Is it urgent? "Yes - she's riding down the hill RIGHT NOW and it can't wait." Then, in walks Darth Vader in his snowmobiling helmet. I "hohhh" NEED "hohhh" YOU "hohhhh" Time to get off the phone. Grown-up conversations may need to wait for a little while longer. Darth Vader and his big sister with the bleeding lip NEED me. Sometimes I resent being needed so much, so often, so interminably. And right about then I hear a deep sign from the adult on the other end of th...

My daughter can count to one hundred and beyond. My son can count to twenty-thirty. Ann Voskamp has counted to One Thousand. I'm just happy to keep counting My blessings, that is! 1. Library story hour for toddlers. It's so fun to see my son engaged in singing and listening to books. 2. Friends. When we get to the library, little man rushes in to see if his pals are already there. 3. Company. Dinner tastes better with extended family or church family gathering at the same table. The conversations, like iron on iron, spark enthusiasm for my walk of faith. 4. Time. Though time seems to be standing still for me right now, I'm so blessed to have these moments with my kids. Time to read to them and time to play Barbies. Time for hugs and snuggles on the couch. Time to watch them ride bikes down the street or play softball. 5. Fellowship. The encouragement I receive from my fellow writers at our guild meetings always makes me soar. 6. My husband. Though it so...

Lord, this week You've shown Yourself to me in so many places lately. Here are a few: *The birds singing sweetly out my window *A big girl riding a bike with TWO wheels and two wheels only (and no spills yet!) *Gourmet Pork Chops, barbequed chicken, fried fish, grilled shrimp... (made by my lifetime lover ) *A loving family who blessed me this weekend with a great gift wrapped up in Christmas paper! *Softball games in the mud and the rain. *Kids covered with dirt from cheeks and noses to grimy little toes *Hanging the laundry out on the line to dry *Power walks with a friend *Dirt under my fingernails *A new bike (with training wheels) for Missy, our second daughter (I'm grateful that broken bikes can be exchanged for working ones) *A freezer quickly filling up with fish *Creativity and beauty (I'm enjoying scrapbooking) *Those Aha! moments when reading Scripture (Read some of Tuesday's In Other Words this week - amazing) Thanks Iris , for hosting Thankful Thursdays!