In my Sister's Shoes...

I interrupt this regular post to suggest you visit my friend Sharon at her blog. Sharon is a gifted writer, among many other things, and she recently was featured in Lysa TerKeurst's brand new book, "Unglued".  Lysa has a way of writing that encourages girlfriends of all walks to hang out and deepen our relationships with God and with each other.  She gracefully shares truths in a way that is not only receiveable but also do-able!  In celebration of this wonderful new book, Sharon is hosting a fabulous give-away...please, please do not miss this opportunity to be one of the first folks to have this phenomenal book in your collection of what you are reading this summer!  Stop by, share a comment with Sharon and be entered to receive a signed copy of  "Unglued"!

Now, onto a LONG overdue post...
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"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

We find her clip clopping around the house; her pretty little feet tucked into her sister's shoes.  She laughs wildly and holds up a foot for me to see.  They fight like typical siblings.  The two of them, as different as the yin and yang of their haircolor, are the differences in their personalities.

"She is touching me!" 

"That is MINE." (with a telltale whine)

"STTTTOOOOOOPPPP!!" (If I hear this one one more time, I very well may require intervention!)

And still, despite their differences, the younger of the two will capture every opportunity to slip on her sister's shoes and proudly strut, desiring to be just a smaller version of her elder counterpart.

In May, our older daughter, Emily was anticipating many milestones.  Her first Reading Olympics, multiple recitals, school concert, her tenth birthday! The Reading Olympics and school dance recital fell the same day, just one day prior to her tenth birthday.

Em woke early, which I quickly attributed to excitement.  It wasn't until I stood and watched her that morning that I knew something was wrong.  Em struggled to eat her little bowl of cheerios and when she looked up at me, I could see her flushed cheeks.  A whole year of healthy ushered out in just a moment of fever, on the worst possible day of the year.

Her eyes knowingly plead her case, wishing away the warmth that threatened to ruin a year's worth of hard work.  I believe we took Em's temperature 113 times that morning, each time, praying that God would change the thermometer.  A normally antagonistic little sister, Hannah watched silently. This was the day of her FIRST dance recital. 

102.7 was the first attempt and 104.4 was the final attempt...that fever wasn't going anywhere.  So, with a heavy heart, I called school to let them know Em would not be there that day.  We had the sad job of telling Emily  we could not send her to Reading Olympics or the dance recital with a fever peaking just over 104 degrees. I assured her that her hard work was not in vain.  These are the moments I wish our parenting handbook was delivered WITH the child!

That evening Hannah joyfully donned her costume.  She was dancing to a beautiful version of the Lord's Prayer. Em put her costume on "as a symbol of solidarity" she said.  I was rather impressed that with eyes heavy with fever and a terrible headache she mustered the energy to be excited for her little sister.  They posed for pictures and as Hannah was leaving, Em smiled, waved and told her to do as well as she had done in rehearsal.  My mama's heart was conflicted.  As sad as I was to leave Emily home with her grandmother, I was beaming with joy for Hannah.  I was elated that in an important moment, these two sisters were compassionate to one another, Em setting aside her disappointment and Hannah able to receive that her sister felt badly about missing two such important events.
Because I work at the school, one of my roles this year was to assist the dance teacher with the production.  So, there I sat, in the front, anticipating my baby's first time on a stage.  She did not disappoint.  It was so exciting to see Hannah confident and worshipful.  There was no doubt that she served the Lord with her whole heart.

 It was what she did next that really blessed me, though.

The dancers were nearing the time for the finale and the smaller children were to take their places in the front, down low.  The dance teacher and I realized that Em was partnered with another girl high up on the stage to wave a gold banner, the effect simply would not be the same without Em.  So, in a quick attempt to fill Emily's shoes, I motioned to Hannah to take Emily's place.  Now, Hannah is a tiny little bit of a girl and she had to maneuver up that stage in between the junior high girls and get to another dancer and partner with them.  It was obvious how closely she must have watched her sister, because with great precision, she got to her mark, made eye contact with the other girl and that banner was waved!

It may sound simple, but more than anything, Hannah had honored Emily.  Her small frame not quite able to do exactly what her sister did, she tried her best and the product was exceptional.  When the dancers were finished and Hannah ran to me, she said, "Emily would be so proud." 

Sisters.

"Sisters are different flowers from the same garden" ~Anonymous
On a normal day, their battle cries would sound loud and clanging, not this day.  This day, they chose to quietly love on one another.

I am certain Em would not have chosen to be sick and miss the Reading Olympics and the dance recital.  But, I am also certain that God's special design for that day was best for her.  And perhaps, best for this conflicted mama.  Often, the Lord chooses events and circumstances we would NEVER choose for ourselves. We can be assured that what the Lord allows in our life is surely to build His kingdom. 

Hannah's gentle act of love allowed us a window to her heart and sweet honor to her sister.  It was a blessing amidst uncommon circumstances that I will not soon forget!

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins."  1 Peter 4:8

Visiting Friends

Isn't it fun to get together, catch up and spend some time with the people you love?

Definitely!

Even in our blogging community, we get those opportunities!  My dear friend, Sharon, who is first and foremost a dedicated daughter to her heavenly Father is also a wife, mommy, sister, daughter, friend and a gifted writer.  Sharon knows how to employ just the right mix of fun and relatability into her sharing of God's truths.  A dedicated student of His Word, Sharon ministers to the heart of many and is a great encourager.  She asked some friends to guest post on her blog, His Table for Two.  Please take some time to visit Sharon and her friends :)  Leave a comment, not necesarily on my post, but on Maria's, Jenn's and scroll through to read some of Sharon's beautiful writing.  A link to her article published in June in Proverbs 31 Woman (the magazine!!!!) is in her sidebar, as well as a link featuring Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Unglued, which Sharon is featured in. Feel free to visit Sharon's other blog, also... Joy in the Truth.

Sharon and I on a little adventure we took this past fall.

It has been a long time since I have posted here to my own blog.  Personally, the time to write quality posts just hasn't been there, but I pray often that the Lord will open up that time, so that I can return to writing, a deep passion for me.  Just recently, I took a walk by myself and as I strolled along, I felt the Lord say very clearly, "go back to writing!".  So, prayerfully this won't be a single little post that sits here a looooooonnnggg time, but the beginning of a committment to share again.  Feel free to hold me accountable!

Hoping you are enjoying a wonderful summer day!

"From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another." John 1:16



  

The Quiet Teacher

When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always quiet during a test. ~ Anonymous



Yes, this little ditty was posted to a friend's status recently. However, it prompted me to pray and think about the truth in this simple statement. Like a roaring ocean, we stand at the place where the waves crash hearing the boom of God's great creation. Yet, if we dive in, sinking below the surface, there is a hush, a quiet.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

I can't help but wonder if this is God's will when He is quiet. Remember, the Lord is not absent or removed, just quiet. His desire is for us to dive beneath the surface, seek Him more fully and perhaps, rest in His contentment to be quiet.

"Love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him."
Deuteronomy 30:20

Sometimes when our lives present with the most noise, the greatest chaos, it is those times, we wait expectantly, hoping for a loud, thunderous resolution to whatever issue is taking us to our knees. Sometimes, it will require our patience, knowing that the Lord numbers our steps carefully and protects us accordingly. If He is silent, it is in our best interest.

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” Psalm 130: 5

As a behavior therapist, often the louder a student becomes, the quieter I become. The student will eventually meet my voice with their own, changing the dynamic of the interaction and the intimacy of the conversation. As we become content to connect with God quietly, we increase the intimacy of our relationship and dive below the surface of our typical intermingling with our precious Lord. Like the classroom, the children ask question upon question...the teacher guides and sometimes reminds the students, "It's okay, you already know this...I have prepared you." God loves us so much that He has prepared us, His quiet is in love.

Next time an issue is pressing and your repeated pleas yield little conversation, keep close the heartfelt faith that God loves us enough that He has prepared us and that He may be quiet but is never far away. He is always right there.

Baby Love

In honor of Valentine's Day, this is my post for Titus 2 In Action...true love, real love...not candy or jewelry or flowers...I am blessed to know what real love feels like.

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God ~ for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." 1 John 4:7-10




It was a simple sticky note.
Yellow.
Stuck to my Bible on my nightstand. And it said,

"I'm not your baby anymore. But I still love you, mama."

I rubbed it gently between my fingers fighting my hot cheeks and imminent tears, as I grappled with the reality that my sweet kindergartener was beginning to show her independence and ability. I thought back to earlier in the day when I lovingly and with great affection answered my youngest with the words, "Yes, baby." Obviously, my gently used moniker for our little one left her feeling less than great. Compelled to tell me the truth, she left the note to make her point. How often does God point out the truth, painful as it is...always ending with, BUT I STILL LOVE YOU. A precious message and life lesson I received from my tender child that day.

This child...a child whom love escaped for quite a time. Living in an orphanage the first eleven months of her life, thrust into a new home, new world, new family. Not yet ready to love with full abandon, she eased her way into committment and attachment. Slowly, like a flower opening petal by petal, she grew and emerged, blossoming into the loving girl I now see. I adored her before I ever knew her; she had reason to doubt love. She has taught me daily about God's love...in the threshold of parenting, we can most closely feel that unconditional love God has shown us in the love we hold for our children. It is possibly one of the finest representations of that original love that we can find. He loved us before we loved Him. It is the simple truth.

As a toddler, our daughter held onto raw emotions, causing us to seek deeper, stronger, more passionately God's truths and how to parent her without shattering her beautiful spirit. The first time she uttered the words, "I love you Mama", she held my face in her little hands. She was two and a half and we were visiting my older daughter's school as they rehearsed for the winter concert. Literally, a choir of angels sang as she melted into my own frame. I have to believe that my rejoicing resembles that of the Lord's each time a new son or daughter receive Him lovingly into their hearts. Oh how He must dance!

May it be that in gladness, sadness, truthfulness, and life, we can accept God's instruction and guidance all the while knowing BUT HE STILL LOVES US.

"God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8

Merry Christmas!

Some December highlights to begin this post...

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

As we entered the Christmas season and I worked with our school's enrichment classes, I was priviledged to share with them some of the eternal truths set forth by the birth of one small baby in the most unlikely of places. The children's enthusiasm and their curiosity blessed me as we reconnected with these precious events. We have heard the story so many times, that sometimes in our worldliness, certainly not purposely, but often mistakenly, we overlook pieces simply because we know it so well.

One of our school principal's said it eloquently when he said, "It just doesn't make sense and perhaps that makes it all that much more special." Our journey of faith begins in that very stable, a barn. A stinky, messy barn... where greatness came into the world. And as I shared with the students, it was not for one of us...it was for ALL of us.

So, this day...I wish you a Merry Christmas. A blessed, joyful day of celebrating the birth of our Savior. I pray you know Him and if by chance you don't, or you have a loved one who does not, leave me a message with your email. I will respond back to you privately.

All I really want for Christmas is for others to know Him and be freed by His love and grace. I am a child of the Almighty and thankful each and everyday for the mercies He showers upon His flock.

Blessings to you ~ and a very Merry Christmas!

A Few of My Favorite Things!

I wish that time was everlasting and I could get here more often to post, but alas, time slips away and I find that our dear friend Face*book has sneakily stolen my mojo for blogging. Well, that and parenting and being a good wife and working and food shopping and activities...and doctor appointments and cleaning and planning and...oh, you know you are so there! :)

There is a huge blessing my lack of time. God has bestowed upon us many to love and much to do. So in this post, I will attempt to share some really great links and update you on our lil' family.

First things first...some friends, Lisa, Diana and Stefanie have combined their amazing pool of efforts (what a super talented trio of mamas this is!)for an awe-inspiring fundraiser to bless some fantastic organizations for causes near and dear to our hearts. Please, please visit their blogs often to be part of the Fill Their Stockings event.


Secondly, I am a huge fan of Wild Olive Tees. If you have never visited, you really must! One of my online friends is gearing up to bring home "Little 9" and
"Little 10"! Wild Olive is famous for designing precious tees to help benefit families becoming families :) They are committed to sharing scripture that conveniently enough, you can wear! This link will allow you to visit Love them Home to assist with Amie's fundraiser or you can link from her page to the Wild Olive site.

Third...yes, there is a third! Just ordered some new hair bling for my cutie pies and want to send a shout out to Kimberley, who is an awesome friend and a magnificent business woman! Sophia Jane Boutique is a great place to visit!


On the home front, the girls are keeping us on our toes. I struggle with the reality of how that time thing is working against us and growing them up before our very eyes!


Kindergarten happens to be one of Hannah's favorite things. When she isn't doing her newest love...HOMEWORK!... She is loving dance class and gymnastics. She has been a faithful member of the sidelines for all of Emily's activities, so it is fun to watch her emerge and find her own voice and passion.


Em has morphed into our music-ista! I think I very well may hear her flute in my sleep. Though she is ready to begin her second basketball season, her true loves come in the forms of singing, dancing and flouting :) As she sashays onto the court, we definitely have to remind her to keep her eye on the ball!


Me? I am blessed to be a mama first and foremost, I have a job I love, a Bible Study that helps me to smooth out all those rough edges, I am reading the Bible in a year, which is exhilarating (if you ever considered doing this...please, don't wait...it is lifechanging!) I have been a Bible believing Christian all my life, but it is amazing how disciplining oneself to read and study His Word everyday has monumental impact. We are so fortunate to have good friends and family to love on us. My nephew will graduate from University of Maryland this spring. We got to see him march in the marching band a few weeks back. It was, of course, the coldest, rainiest day of the season, but it could not dampen my spirits when a guard permitted me down to the band entrance so I could snap this great pic of our Andrew!


As I glance around, house not decorated yet, laundry waiting to be folded, stray mail askew on the counter and dishes needing to be cleaned, I count my blessings for the beautiful ways my life is filled with joy. I am humbled by the magnitude of what this month holds for us. I pray for you an Advent season filled with miraculous surprises and sweet treasures.

Hoping to be back soon... :)

Get Out Your Mustard Seed!

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20


Emily loving on sweet Joshua James

Blessings to all of you who are praying for beautiful Joshua James...thank you! I wanted to provide a bit of an update. The short version is that Joshua is eating like a champion, completely loving his mommy and daddy and keeping them up at night. They have many doctor's appointments and much of their instruction will be "watch and wait". I am continuing to leave the details to the One who knows them all. But, please continue to pray and hold this precious family up.

Gerry and I have an easy, loving relationship. We were chatting today and another co-worker mentioned in those moments when the roller coaster dips deep into the bends and turns, we question our hearts...is my faith enough? Quite honestly, I think BECAUSE our faith is so deep, we know that God is capable of that which we cannot understand or comprehend.

I thought of the mustard seed my dad brought me when I was a little girl. He had gone to a Christian men's retreat and when he returned home, he handed to me a small package. Inside, was a lovely little necklace, a bubble with a tiny seed inside and inscribed with the words, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed..."

Our faith is so much bigger than that mustard seed, but how comforting that if we have even that little bit of faith, mountains can be moved! I am anticipating the great things God is going to do in Joshua's life...get out your mustard seeds people and keep those prayers lifted high!