After a year of anticipating Emeline’s first sleep away camp, it was finally here! She was going to a Christian Girl’s Camp called Tapawingo , “Island of Joy” on an island in the middle of a lake in the Adirondacks. This is not a strange place to our family, my mother went to the camp when she was a young girl, and we have vacationed on the same lake for many years.
The summer has been busy and VERY fun with the swim team but now it was time to pack up and “Head for the Hills”. As a decent mother I tried to have everything perfect for Emeline’s week away. I made sure she had basically disposable clothes, I didn’t want to be disappointed when half of them didn’t come back! I discovered the Salvation Army for great deals on camp clothes!! Finally I arranged to have a package delivered to Emeline each day with a special note from me and a surprise inside. My desire was to make sure she knew how much she was loved while away from her family since we could not communicate with her.
I made sure I read through all the information for camp which included what to do about homesickness. Then I started to wonder what would happen if I got camp sick for her? There was nothing in the brochure about that!
The day came to register Emeline on the main land and then send her on her way. Parents were allowed to come out to the island with their daughter but it was not encouraged. I left that decision totally up to Emeline. The last minute decision was for me to go.
When we got to the island I started to choke up. The girls on the island were greeting the boat with the “Tapawingo Song”, welcoming the new campers. As I looked at my daughter I saw a quiet confidence about her, she was ready to take this step. I knew somehow the next time I saw Emeline she would be a different girl.
When it came time to say good-bye we held each other tight and I prayed that God would just bless her with the most amazing week of her life! We both shed a few tears but remained strong for one another. My mind quickly fast forwarded the clock ten years and realized this was the first of many good-byes, a small step toward her independence.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”. Proverbs 22:6
As parents we do our best to instill Godly values in our children. With help from above I give it my best shot every day. One thing is for sure, my kids know Steve and I love them and they know we are ALL in need of Jesus in our lives.
As I left the “Island Of Joy” and my daughter that day, my heart was heavy yet full of peace to know that Emeline was in a very special place, ready to spread her wings and fly!
Sweet dreams and blessings,
Debbie
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
She's Free!
Steve and I just returned home from a trip to see his dad in Missouri in a nursing home. The saying “Once an adult, twice a child” kept running through my mind as I saw this man, a victim of four strokes, now blind and unable to do anything for himself, completely dependent on the people around him. An average feeding time takes over an hour. After every bite of food dad’s mouth needs to be wiped, and he frequently chokes. A machine is used to move him from his wheelchair into his bed, cradling him like a baby.
Steve’s mom faithfully goes to the nursing home twice a day to feed and take care of him. You would think most families would be there for their loved ones but apparently that is not always the case. Many elderly patients spend their days alone. After watching my mother-in-law take care of my father-in-law it was apparent he was getting the best care of all! Everyone should have her to take care of them. The one big difference between her and other family members is Steve’s dad chose to leave his mom many years ago. The devastation and heart ache of the divorce lingered for many years. Forgiveness was not easy for Steve’s mom, this was not what she would have chosen for herself or the family.
Last January my father-in-law could no longer take care of himself and the decision was made by the family to move him from Florida to Missouri where his mom and sister were. My mother-in-law hadn’t seen him for many years. None of this made sense to me. “Why would we send him to where his ex-wife is? It’s not her job to take care of him” were my thoughts. My husband assured me this was the right thing to do.
The choice was made by my mother-in-law not only to forgive her ex-husband but she stepped into a selfless role of taking care of the man who hurt her so deeply causing more pain in her life then she could imagine. Amazingly, the fruit of her unconditional labor of love every day has produced joy. I sat with tears in my eyes as she tenderly fed him, changed him, treated his bed sore, and finally sang a song with him. By setting aside her hurts, moving in a direction of kindness, she has gained a priceless gift herself, FREEDOM in her heart! I’m sure the pain of what she went through will never completely go away, but somehow God has allowed her to experience this unthinkable task, taking care of the person who was supposed to be there “for better or for worse” so that He could show her His grace and mercy in a way many of us will never experience.
“And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. Romans 8:28
Before Steve and I left today, we knelt down beside dad and wept, not sure that we would ever see him this side of heaven again. I sensed my husband rewinding the clock over the last forty years, terribly broken to think this could be it. We held each other and dad as we prayed asking God to take him home to heaven when He is ready. In the meantime we prayed for minimal pain and suffering.
Thank you to all our friends and family who have prayed for Steve’s family and his dad. We also thank everyone who took and offered to take our kids on such short notice. We are humbled and grateful.
Sweet Blessings,
Debbie
Steve’s mom faithfully goes to the nursing home twice a day to feed and take care of him. You would think most families would be there for their loved ones but apparently that is not always the case. Many elderly patients spend their days alone. After watching my mother-in-law take care of my father-in-law it was apparent he was getting the best care of all! Everyone should have her to take care of them. The one big difference between her and other family members is Steve’s dad chose to leave his mom many years ago. The devastation and heart ache of the divorce lingered for many years. Forgiveness was not easy for Steve’s mom, this was not what she would have chosen for herself or the family.
Last January my father-in-law could no longer take care of himself and the decision was made by the family to move him from Florida to Missouri where his mom and sister were. My mother-in-law hadn’t seen him for many years. None of this made sense to me. “Why would we send him to where his ex-wife is? It’s not her job to take care of him” were my thoughts. My husband assured me this was the right thing to do.
The choice was made by my mother-in-law not only to forgive her ex-husband but she stepped into a selfless role of taking care of the man who hurt her so deeply causing more pain in her life then she could imagine. Amazingly, the fruit of her unconditional labor of love every day has produced joy. I sat with tears in my eyes as she tenderly fed him, changed him, treated his bed sore, and finally sang a song with him. By setting aside her hurts, moving in a direction of kindness, she has gained a priceless gift herself, FREEDOM in her heart! I’m sure the pain of what she went through will never completely go away, but somehow God has allowed her to experience this unthinkable task, taking care of the person who was supposed to be there “for better or for worse” so that He could show her His grace and mercy in a way many of us will never experience.
“And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. Romans 8:28
Before Steve and I left today, we knelt down beside dad and wept, not sure that we would ever see him this side of heaven again. I sensed my husband rewinding the clock over the last forty years, terribly broken to think this could be it. We held each other and dad as we prayed asking God to take him home to heaven when He is ready. In the meantime we prayed for minimal pain and suffering.
Thank you to all our friends and family who have prayed for Steve’s family and his dad. We also thank everyone who took and offered to take our kids on such short notice. We are humbled and grateful.
Sweet Blessings,
Debbie
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Pony Tails Rock!
What was I thinking? Here it is mid July and I have a new doo!! A short doo that needs doing!! I can no longer just throw my hair up in a pony for one, two, maybe three days! Sure, I take a shower every day, but my life with kids doesn’t tolerate primping time for me. No make up and pony tail is what I am comfortable with. Wearing a Nike baseball hat is practically a trademark for me but it looks silly without a pony hanging out the back! I now have to wash and blow dry my hair everyday. Today, I got the wash in but never made it to the blow dry part and had to walk around for hours with flat wavy hair pushed back in a headband. Not my look for sure. Do I sound annoyed with myself?
I’ve taken to networking, talking to different ladies with shorter hair. Seeking new ways to get the hair up when it’s hot for the pool, tennis and workout. Why didn’t I just wait until September? Now I’m admiring and envious of all the ladies I see out with Pony Tails, surely their life must be easier then mine. After all Pony Tails Rock!!
My daughter tells me she likes longer hair on me and my sweet brother told me I look older with my new doo! My mother expressed surprise that I would cut my hair.
There are times in our lives when we just make a big mistake. At first we try and excuse it but it’s right there staring at us in the face, we get up and have to look at our mistake everyday! To add insult to injury we often have to live with consequences like a stub for a pony tail!
Making a mistake can be humbling especially when it involves another person. Taking ownership for the mistake is critical. I recently had to apologize for a mistake I made. The process was uncomfortable but the fruit was peace and joy in my heart (priceless)
“Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time”. 1 Peter 5:6
Realistically speaking, I hope everyone knows that this hair thing is a bummer but “JUST HAIR”! I’m missing my pony tail terribly but it will grow back! I’m not crazy about my new doo, but its just fine for now, and the best part about this whole thing is I’m thankful that I have any hair at all!!
Sweet Dreams,
Debbie
I’ve taken to networking, talking to different ladies with shorter hair. Seeking new ways to get the hair up when it’s hot for the pool, tennis and workout. Why didn’t I just wait until September? Now I’m admiring and envious of all the ladies I see out with Pony Tails, surely their life must be easier then mine. After all Pony Tails Rock!!
My daughter tells me she likes longer hair on me and my sweet brother told me I look older with my new doo! My mother expressed surprise that I would cut my hair.
There are times in our lives when we just make a big mistake. At first we try and excuse it but it’s right there staring at us in the face, we get up and have to look at our mistake everyday! To add insult to injury we often have to live with consequences like a stub for a pony tail!
Making a mistake can be humbling especially when it involves another person. Taking ownership for the mistake is critical. I recently had to apologize for a mistake I made. The process was uncomfortable but the fruit was peace and joy in my heart (priceless)
“Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time”. 1 Peter 5:6
Realistically speaking, I hope everyone knows that this hair thing is a bummer but “JUST HAIR”! I’m missing my pony tail terribly but it will grow back! I’m not crazy about my new doo, but its just fine for now, and the best part about this whole thing is I’m thankful that I have any hair at all!!
Sweet Dreams,
Debbie
Monday, July 14, 2008
Going Against The Waves
Surf’s Up!! Spending the weekend at the shore, Sam worked hard to perfect his Skim Board Surfing. I’ve only seen the skim boards used for skimming the surface of the water, but now the “Dude” rage is surfing into the waves, not with them. If you do it right, the surfer gets a lot of air and cheers from the crowd! It’s amazing to watch the teenage boys thrill over throwing the board, running to jump on it, hitting a wave dead on, flying in the air, staying on their board rarely, most of the time slapping their bodies into the ocean. Only to get back on the beach and do it again! The timing is absolute key. Going against the waves and tide is technical and difficult for sure but the thrill of catching it right seemed worth it, the look on their faces said it all!!
Sam spent a lot of time watching the boys so he could get it just right. He stuck with it, lots of falls, mostly head first into the ocean. Every once in a while Sam got it right too!!
I couldn’t help but think about our lives as Christians, and how at times it feels like we’re going against the tide and waves. Because I believe the bible is the true word of God, my views or thought process may not be popular. How to get to heaven can be a “sticky” subject. Jesus tells us in Matthew that there is only one way to heaven “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it”. Matthew 7:14.
This verse does not mean it is difficult to become a Christian but there is only one way to an eternity with God, asking Jesus into your heart (John 3:16). Only a few decide to walk that road. Living with this belief system may not be popular but it is true and right.
As I watched Sam trying to master the waves, I prayed that he will always have a heart to serve Jesus and not care that he is going against the waves and tide, even if he flies through the air and lands head first into the ocean of life. May he get up, grab his board, hang onto Jesus, and do it again!!
Sweet Dreams,
Debbie
Sam spent a lot of time watching the boys so he could get it just right. He stuck with it, lots of falls, mostly head first into the ocean. Every once in a while Sam got it right too!!
I couldn’t help but think about our lives as Christians, and how at times it feels like we’re going against the tide and waves. Because I believe the bible is the true word of God, my views or thought process may not be popular. How to get to heaven can be a “sticky” subject. Jesus tells us in Matthew that there is only one way to heaven “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it”. Matthew 7:14.
This verse does not mean it is difficult to become a Christian but there is only one way to an eternity with God, asking Jesus into your heart (John 3:16). Only a few decide to walk that road. Living with this belief system may not be popular but it is true and right.
As I watched Sam trying to master the waves, I prayed that he will always have a heart to serve Jesus and not care that he is going against the waves and tide, even if he flies through the air and lands head first into the ocean of life. May he get up, grab his board, hang onto Jesus, and do it again!!
Sweet Dreams,
Debbie
Thursday, July 10, 2008
She Knew Her Daddy Was There!
Another banner meet for the “Crocs” (Crocodiles) tonight. Why? Because they have a lot of kids that can swim really well, and oh, the head coach is amazing. She recently qualified for the Ironman in Hawaii. Coach Heather amazes me how she takes the time to teach each individual age group and bring out the very best in their strokes and turns. The kids love and respect her.
When the events are scheduled for each meet, it makes sense to put the kids in the very best stroke they achieve making sure they have the legal kicks necessary.
Emeline is a good swimmer and is usually chosen for the back stroke and breast stroke. The back stroke can be stressful for a child because when they are coming down the lane on their back they don’t know where the wall is, so they slow down and can loose time. Knowing Emeline would most likely be chosen for the back stroke I reminded her before the meet to keep swimming, someone will put their hand out to catch her. I was a place judge tonight so I couldn’t move from my position. Sure enough Emeline was in two events with the back stroke. The first time she came down the lane and no one caught her. Whacking her head and shoulder, she then marched up to me and said “No one caught me!” I knew that if I didn’t make quite sure this wouldn’t happen again she would not swim well for the next event. I told her I would speak to the parents timing the lane and ask one of them to be sure they catch her head.
The next event was coming up for Emeline to swim the back stroke, and I could see her getting nervous. Just then my husband showed up at the meet and told her he would stand at the end of the lane and catch her. Emeline’s eyes lit up and she beamed with confidence to see her daddy at the wall!
“Swimmers take your mark!” and the horn went off for the start of the race. As the Place Judge I had to watch all eight lanes racing but Emeline was clearly pulling for first place. As she approached the wall, two swimmers were gaining on her but she swam harder to take first place knowing her daddy was there to catch her.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. Hebrews 11:1. Emeline could not see Steve as she was swimming but trusted he would be there because he said he would. God promises us many times over in the bible how he will be there for us, yet we must put our trust in Him. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him”. Hebrews 11:6
I pray we all grow to trust Him more in our daily lives holding onto the assurance He will be there to catch us!
Sweet dreams and blessings,
Debbie
When the events are scheduled for each meet, it makes sense to put the kids in the very best stroke they achieve making sure they have the legal kicks necessary.
Emeline is a good swimmer and is usually chosen for the back stroke and breast stroke. The back stroke can be stressful for a child because when they are coming down the lane on their back they don’t know where the wall is, so they slow down and can loose time. Knowing Emeline would most likely be chosen for the back stroke I reminded her before the meet to keep swimming, someone will put their hand out to catch her. I was a place judge tonight so I couldn’t move from my position. Sure enough Emeline was in two events with the back stroke. The first time she came down the lane and no one caught her. Whacking her head and shoulder, she then marched up to me and said “No one caught me!” I knew that if I didn’t make quite sure this wouldn’t happen again she would not swim well for the next event. I told her I would speak to the parents timing the lane and ask one of them to be sure they catch her head.
The next event was coming up for Emeline to swim the back stroke, and I could see her getting nervous. Just then my husband showed up at the meet and told her he would stand at the end of the lane and catch her. Emeline’s eyes lit up and she beamed with confidence to see her daddy at the wall!
“Swimmers take your mark!” and the horn went off for the start of the race. As the Place Judge I had to watch all eight lanes racing but Emeline was clearly pulling for first place. As she approached the wall, two swimmers were gaining on her but she swam harder to take first place knowing her daddy was there to catch her.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. Hebrews 11:1. Emeline could not see Steve as she was swimming but trusted he would be there because he said he would. God promises us many times over in the bible how he will be there for us, yet we must put our trust in Him. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him”. Hebrews 11:6
I pray we all grow to trust Him more in our daily lives holding onto the assurance He will be there to catch us!
Sweet dreams and blessings,
Debbie
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
"Did You Check The Garage?"
Just getting back from vacation, Monday morning was chaotic to say the least. Staying up late nights by the campfire and fun activities throughout the days produced three tired children not ready to kick into a routine for the week. I wasn’t ready either!! It was time to buckle down with chores, reading, math, eating healthier, brushing teeth (my kids tend to take a vacation from that when they go away!), swim practice, and camp. Somehow we managed to get my daughter to camp by 9:00 AM.
Zachary’s chore on Monday was to clean out the dog crate. I told him to put the dog outside while he cleaned the crate. Our black lab has an electric fence so he can be outside without running away. Busy about my own chores and multi tasking I did not monitor Zach’s progress but did see the end result. A clean crate! I soon realized the dog was no where to be found. I went outside calling for him “Ice” many times but he did not come. Annoying thoughts started racing through my mind thinking this was now going to take the better part of the day to find the dog if he is really lost. I was also wondering how he broke through the electric fence. “ Ah!” I remembered, since we had been away, the electric collar was removed, and my husband probably forgot to put it back on!
Interrupting my attempt to bring order back to the family I gathered the boys in the car to drive around the neighborhood calling for Ice and asking people if they had seen him. I found it embarrassing to basically announce we can’t keep track of our dog! How hard can that be??
After driving all over the neighborhood, down many streets I had never traveled before, screaming Ice’s name, I was headed back home to start making phone calls. Just then Zachary said “Did you check the garage?” Turns out when I asked Zachary to put him “out”, that meant outside OR the garage to him.
I was reminded how often we all experience miscommunications. It never occurred to me to ask Zachary if he really put the dog out because I thought my directions were clear. To Zachary (five years old), that just meant to put the dog somewhere so he could clean his crate. It reminded me that so much of life can be about misunderstandings. I believe God wants us to give others the benefit of the doubt especially when it comes to relationships. “Judge not, lest you be judged” is a verse in Matthew where Jesus teaches about criticizing and seeing the best in others.
May we all be careful in our communication to one another, extending grace and giving the benefit of the doubt.
I was hysterically laughing to realize we were out searching the neighborhood while Ice was safe and sound in the garage!
Happy summer days!
Blessings,
Debbie
Zachary’s chore on Monday was to clean out the dog crate. I told him to put the dog outside while he cleaned the crate. Our black lab has an electric fence so he can be outside without running away. Busy about my own chores and multi tasking I did not monitor Zach’s progress but did see the end result. A clean crate! I soon realized the dog was no where to be found. I went outside calling for him “Ice” many times but he did not come. Annoying thoughts started racing through my mind thinking this was now going to take the better part of the day to find the dog if he is really lost. I was also wondering how he broke through the electric fence. “ Ah!” I remembered, since we had been away, the electric collar was removed, and my husband probably forgot to put it back on!
Interrupting my attempt to bring order back to the family I gathered the boys in the car to drive around the neighborhood calling for Ice and asking people if they had seen him. I found it embarrassing to basically announce we can’t keep track of our dog! How hard can that be??
After driving all over the neighborhood, down many streets I had never traveled before, screaming Ice’s name, I was headed back home to start making phone calls. Just then Zachary said “Did you check the garage?” Turns out when I asked Zachary to put him “out”, that meant outside OR the garage to him.
I was reminded how often we all experience miscommunications. It never occurred to me to ask Zachary if he really put the dog out because I thought my directions were clear. To Zachary (five years old), that just meant to put the dog somewhere so he could clean his crate. It reminded me that so much of life can be about misunderstandings. I believe God wants us to give others the benefit of the doubt especially when it comes to relationships. “Judge not, lest you be judged” is a verse in Matthew where Jesus teaches about criticizing and seeing the best in others.
May we all be careful in our communication to one another, extending grace and giving the benefit of the doubt.
I was hysterically laughing to realize we were out searching the neighborhood while Ice was safe and sound in the garage!
Happy summer days!
Blessings,
Debbie
Sunday, July 6, 2008
For Such A Time As This
Many of us are getting ready or have already sent our beloved little people away for camp. Some go to day camp, others sleep away camp. IF your child is ready, camp is a life changing blast!!
Many years before I was born (YIKES!) my mother vacationed at Camp-of-the-Woods, a Christian family camp and has become our favorite time away!! What makes it so special? Do I dare say everything except the food? Even the food isn’t half bad for, well, camp (I’m picky)! The camp sits on a beautiful lake which can’t help bring peace to the soul. The activities are for any and all ages keeping everyone as busy (or not) as you want. Tennis (my favorite), swimming, canoeing, zip line, gym, miniature golf, carnival, arts and crafts, water skiing, fishing, campfires, just to mention a few. Believe it or not, with all the exciting activities, my children could be found most of the time catching frogs in the pond!
In years past we go to camp with many of my family members but this year we went just us five.
We were so amazingly blessed with all the new people we met and got to know, as well as time spent with Emeline, Samuel and Zachary.
I’m a guarded person when it comes to new friends. Not for any other reason then my life is quite full with my current family and friends. My children keep me so busy I don’t have much time for socializing. Last week I met several women of various ages I wish could be my next door neighbor (really!) A few were moms whom we shared a lot in common with our lives and challenges. One sweet woman had wisdom and grace just pouring out of her, I wanted to sit all day in her presence and listen to her share life experiences. Then there was my “tennis buddy”. I knew when I met her we would do well on the court together. In fact we won the woman’s doubles tournament!! The reward was a hot fudge sundae (doesn’t get much better then that!). She was just like me. Has a love for the game, competitive spirit, but enjoys lots of laughs along the way!!
The best part of the week was the chapel services each day. The speaker encouraged us to have a more intimate relationship with God. Not easy to do, but ALL things are possible with Him!!
I’m not typically a sad person, but as the week at camp came to a close I was so very sad to say good-bye to all my new friends. Of course it would be wonderful if we all meet again, but the beauty of knowing Jesus is the assurance we will one day be together in eternity. For now, I’m just thankful God saw fit to bring us all together last week “For Such a Time as This”
http://www.camp-of-the-woods.org/ Check it out!!
Sweet Blessings,
Debbie
Many years before I was born (YIKES!) my mother vacationed at Camp-of-the-Woods, a Christian family camp and has become our favorite time away!! What makes it so special? Do I dare say everything except the food? Even the food isn’t half bad for, well, camp (I’m picky)! The camp sits on a beautiful lake which can’t help bring peace to the soul. The activities are for any and all ages keeping everyone as busy (or not) as you want. Tennis (my favorite), swimming, canoeing, zip line, gym, miniature golf, carnival, arts and crafts, water skiing, fishing, campfires, just to mention a few. Believe it or not, with all the exciting activities, my children could be found most of the time catching frogs in the pond!
In years past we go to camp with many of my family members but this year we went just us five.
We were so amazingly blessed with all the new people we met and got to know, as well as time spent with Emeline, Samuel and Zachary.
I’m a guarded person when it comes to new friends. Not for any other reason then my life is quite full with my current family and friends. My children keep me so busy I don’t have much time for socializing. Last week I met several women of various ages I wish could be my next door neighbor (really!) A few were moms whom we shared a lot in common with our lives and challenges. One sweet woman had wisdom and grace just pouring out of her, I wanted to sit all day in her presence and listen to her share life experiences. Then there was my “tennis buddy”. I knew when I met her we would do well on the court together. In fact we won the woman’s doubles tournament!! The reward was a hot fudge sundae (doesn’t get much better then that!). She was just like me. Has a love for the game, competitive spirit, but enjoys lots of laughs along the way!!
The best part of the week was the chapel services each day. The speaker encouraged us to have a more intimate relationship with God. Not easy to do, but ALL things are possible with Him!!
I’m not typically a sad person, but as the week at camp came to a close I was so very sad to say good-bye to all my new friends. Of course it would be wonderful if we all meet again, but the beauty of knowing Jesus is the assurance we will one day be together in eternity. For now, I’m just thankful God saw fit to bring us all together last week “For Such a Time as This”
http://www.camp-of-the-woods.org/ Check it out!!
Sweet Blessings,
Debbie
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