Blog Book

August 19, 2014 ...I found a sweet note. It was on the fireplace mantel behind some pictures, and has to be at least four years old. I'm not sure WHY that was it's location, because until Saturday - when I was dusting - Elizabeth was supposed to be dusting every Saturday. And the way I have always told her to clean is to take all the items off a shelf (dusting each as you take it off) and then dust the entire shelf before returning the items to said shelf. I'm sure she never cut corners with her chores because she wanted to get on to bigger and better things. Yet, somehow, this dusty note was hidden behind some picture frames. *Hmmmmm* Anyway, I read the note and was filled again with love and delight for my girl. This is what it says: Elizabeth, You are a shining star girl! Thanks for being such an example of Philippians 2. I want to specifically congratulate you on your simple obedience to Christ last Wednesday at Impact through baptism. I am convinced that the obedie...

August 5, 2014 Dear Lovely Young Lady, I am so thrilled you have decided to marry my Josh. Er, I'll really work on putting an end to calling him "mine". He has chosen you, and I will honor both of you in that choice. But, before you speak your vows and make the marriage final, I feel obligated to give you full disclosure regarding what you are getting yourself into. I know. Josh is charming. He's funny. He's handsome. I'm sure you think staring into his gorgeous blue eyes is the best way for you to spend the rest of your life. You love him. I get that! But, dear young lady, I would not be a good mother-in-law if I didn't tell you everything I know. I must be honest with you! Before Josh met you, long before he knew the feelings and desire he has for you were possible, he committed himself to another love. I remember one night when Josh was 16 years old and we sat around the dinner table listening to him talk about this love of his. He had spent years c...

July 29, 2014 Last Thursday, Matthew had a job to do. Brian had asked him to wash the screens to the windows, and had them leaning up against the house. Just waiting for Matthew to get to them. I had reminded Matthew a time, or two, that the screens were waiting. And, finally, I came out and asked, "So, Matthew. When are you planning to take care of your chores?" **Honest moment: Matthew was using my computer, and I wanted to use it. I thought my more direct question would motivate him to get to work - which would allow me access to my computer. Confession finished. So, anyway, Matthew hopped up to wash the screens. And I sat down to play, er, I mean work. Except, I found myself spending more time staring out the window at my boy than looking at the computer screen and getting things done. Because he was working so diligently. And he was being careful to do a good job. And I just stared at my son and realized how much he's growing up. I was proud of the hard work he w...

July 15, 2014 So, we're in the airport in Cancun, going through security on our way home. And Elizabeth gets "flagged" for a random search. I know it had to be a random search, because, really. If you looked at my sweet daughter, there is no way you would think she's a terrorist. First of all, she was carrying a bright pink back pack. And the back pack had two key chains on it. One was a cute little squirrel in a sleeping bag. The other simply said, "Trust." Not very threatening so far. The security officer unzipped the back pack, reached in, and produced two stuffed animals. Still not threatening. Then he reached in and pulled out a rectangular box-y object which was covered in flower-y material and lace. I could see him asking Elizabeth to explain the item. And I wanted to call out, "Careful! It's sharper than a double-edged sword!" (The item in question was her Bible.) The officer unzipped the cover and flipped through it a bit. At tha...

July 3, 2014 During our flight from Chicago to Cancun I had the joy of sitting next to a little boy, about 4 years old, and his mother. My young neighbor was quiet and content for most of the flight - enjoying a portable video game. But as we began our descent to Cancun, he began to speak up. Because he was having ear problems. And when I say ear problems, I mean 4-year-old-sized ear problems. You know? The kind you don't really understand, so you blow them out of proportion and think the world is coming to an end. This poor little guy was miserable. In spite of his mother's efforts to comfort him - with sips of pop, and gum, and rubbing his ears and back - nothing seemed to help. In fact, he got to the point of crying out, "I can't take it anymore!" And he said to his mother, "I don't like this place," (referring to our destination). "I wish we weren't even taking this trip." And there - in the midst of my sympathetic yearnings to...

April 2, 2014 Saturday I was grocery shopping. When I got to the frozen vegetable isle, I walked up and down it four times - progressively slower with each pass. I was looking for pearl onions for the chicken pot pie I'm going to make this week, but I just couldn't find them. At first I took my usual brisk stride down the isle, then I walked slowly, then slower, until I was eventually going step, step, pause and scan; step, step, pause and scan. Finally I decided, Whatever! I don't really need those onions, anyway. And I walked over to pick out the ice cream. (Where I was much happier to spend time lingering until I found just the right flavor...) Were it not for the goodness of God, I'm sure I wouldn't have thought about those onions again. But God is good (All the time!) and I did think about those onions once more. I was back home, putting the groceries away when it happened. I opened the freezer, picked up a basket, and got a great big smile on my face. T...

February 26, 2014 Last week during Bible study at Edgewood, we got into a discussion about what it means to trust God. And what it means to NOT trust Him . * While it may be true that You created the entire universe, I don't really believe You're big enough to handle my current circumstance. * I know You can raise the dead to life, but I don't know if You can truly restore this broken relationship. * Yes, You are perfect in wisdom. However, I'm not sure You know what You're doing in my life today. * OK, so You promise to work all things for good, but I don't see how this situation is really in my best interest. * I don't believe You are able. * I have zero confidence in Your power. * I don't think You are all-knowing, after all. When we are in the midst of the struggle, I know we may feel these things. Believe me, I've been there! Yet, when I look at those feelings in words I think, I would never say that! But as we discussed it together ...