Our Thanksgivings are usually spent alone. Any local family I have either leaves for the holiday or spends the day with other relatives, which can feel a little lonely. It is one of my favorite holidays…I love the turkey dinner and feeling of no pressure, just enjoyment for the day and thinking of reasons for which I am thankful.
This year was different. Since my sister and her family are headed to a warm destination for Christmas they decided to come from Indiana to spend the holiday with us. All other relatives decided to stay in town as well. I was so excited they would all be coming to my house to celebrate the holiday! We would be twenty one strong and in my mind, that‘s the way Thanksgiving should be!
On Monday my mother-in-law arrived for the week. She is a wonderful woman but never the less a visitor, someone who wants to help and please and I couldn’t think of much for her to do!
Tuesday my sister arrived and that night we started a string of dinners at my house with many little kids, mostly boys! The girls are quieter, but the drama between the two can raise anyone’s eyebrows.
Having so many people in my house for nights on end took its toll on the house for sure. I now have new holes in the wall, we had a flood in the basement from the toilet over flowing due to a “foreign object” flushed, red clay smashed in my dining room carpet just to mention a few.
I have local relatives that will never allow us to come to their house and the crowd can’t go to my mom’s because my eighty year old dad cannot tolerate the kids.
Over the years I have had to make adjustments to my expectations of holidays with the family here. I had to choose them all feeling welcome in my house over it staying in “One Piece”. I had to choose love over resentment for those not willing to step up to the plate and help. Accepting the role of referee when the kids are together gives me the opportunity to teach them about how to get along and what God says in the Bible about relationships.
The last four days have been busy and utterly chaotic. I can’t remember what day it is, but one thing is for sure, the good memories of Thanksgiving 2008 outweigh the challenges. Playing kick ball with the kids and adults was a highlight! Having everyone chip in to make something for the dinner made it enjoyable for everyone. Seeing the kids play and get along (for the most part) was a blessing. Watching the boys “sled” down the stairs was hysterical! The best part was looking around the crowded dinner table and being thankful for each and every person there. We ALL have our differences, yet our love for one another sets them aside and we choose to see the best in each other. For this, I am very thankful.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know that love of Christ which passes knowledge: that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:17-19
Blessings,
Debbie
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Humble Moment
When Steve and I took our first tour of the house we live in, my first thoughts, coming from a town house were “This house is too big to clean it on my own. I was pregnant with my second child and had an eighteenth month old little girl. Of course, I articulated this to my husband and put it right out there with signing the contract!
The generous man my husband is agreed and for all these years I have had a wonderful person clean my house twice a month. I looked forward to those two days a month when Scott would come and clean the house. If it was appropriate I would have bowed to him when he came. It was a luxury I appreciated!
Circumstances have changed and I must now clean my house. It takes two days of cleaning to get through just the upstairs and the downstairs (forget the finished basement!). This has become a family event. Everyone chips in and does their part. However, the one area I must clean on my own is the kitchen. After all it is the most “used” room and my domain. It gets the “works”, everything from the walls, cabinets, floors and windows. It’s the last room in the house and no other room when clean makes me feel so good!
Yesterday as the kids and I were cleaning Sam came in and asked me if he could mop the kitchen floor. Now, I’m all about making my kids a part and allowing them to do a job and not correct it, but NOT THE KITCHEN FLOOR! Since we weren’t doing the kitchen yet I just said” I don’t know, maybe”, hoping he would forget. Again came the question, “Mommy could I mop the floor when it comes time, I’m really good at it?” I was getting annoyed he kept asking me, I really didn’t want him doing the floor, how could he possibly do the job I know needs to be done?
Finally, it was late last night and the time was coming to mop the floor. I had the kids go up and get a bath. I figured I could quickly get the floor done while Sam was in the bath. Just my luck he was downstairs before I knew it, “Mommy, are you ready to have the floor mopped?” My last resort was to tell him how hard it was to do the floor and if he really wants to do it I would have to stand with him and make sure it’s done right. “That’s o.k. mommy, you can watch me.”
Not only did Sam do a beautiful job on the kitchen floor but he did two bathrooms, a mud room, and a large foyer. He did a better job then me!! I apologized to Sam and told him I feel just terrible. “Why would you feel terrible mommy?” “Because the floors only get mopped well twice a month and I wanted to make sure they were done right. YOU did such a great job, and I feel bad that I doubted that!”
When circumstances change in our lives and things become less comfortable then what we have known, I’ve come to learn there is always an opportunity to grow and allow God to show us things in us and others that we never knew before!
Sweet Dreams and blessings,
Debbie
The generous man my husband is agreed and for all these years I have had a wonderful person clean my house twice a month. I looked forward to those two days a month when Scott would come and clean the house. If it was appropriate I would have bowed to him when he came. It was a luxury I appreciated!
Circumstances have changed and I must now clean my house. It takes two days of cleaning to get through just the upstairs and the downstairs (forget the finished basement!). This has become a family event. Everyone chips in and does their part. However, the one area I must clean on my own is the kitchen. After all it is the most “used” room and my domain. It gets the “works”, everything from the walls, cabinets, floors and windows. It’s the last room in the house and no other room when clean makes me feel so good!
Yesterday as the kids and I were cleaning Sam came in and asked me if he could mop the kitchen floor. Now, I’m all about making my kids a part and allowing them to do a job and not correct it, but NOT THE KITCHEN FLOOR! Since we weren’t doing the kitchen yet I just said” I don’t know, maybe”, hoping he would forget. Again came the question, “Mommy could I mop the floor when it comes time, I’m really good at it?” I was getting annoyed he kept asking me, I really didn’t want him doing the floor, how could he possibly do the job I know needs to be done?
Finally, it was late last night and the time was coming to mop the floor. I had the kids go up and get a bath. I figured I could quickly get the floor done while Sam was in the bath. Just my luck he was downstairs before I knew it, “Mommy, are you ready to have the floor mopped?” My last resort was to tell him how hard it was to do the floor and if he really wants to do it I would have to stand with him and make sure it’s done right. “That’s o.k. mommy, you can watch me.”
Not only did Sam do a beautiful job on the kitchen floor but he did two bathrooms, a mud room, and a large foyer. He did a better job then me!! I apologized to Sam and told him I feel just terrible. “Why would you feel terrible mommy?” “Because the floors only get mopped well twice a month and I wanted to make sure they were done right. YOU did such a great job, and I feel bad that I doubted that!”
When circumstances change in our lives and things become less comfortable then what we have known, I’ve come to learn there is always an opportunity to grow and allow God to show us things in us and others that we never knew before!
Sweet Dreams and blessings,
Debbie
Monday, November 17, 2008
Good vs. Godly
Yesterday in church my pastor said something that I will never forget. A true revelation! He explained the difference between a good man and a godly man. The term “Godly” gets thrown around a lot in the church. “Oh, she’s so godly,” or “He’s a godly husband.” I personally don’t use this term much because I never understood the definition of Godly! It’s almost like the word “love”. It’s overused. I’ve never considered myself godly, just someone who tries to do the right thing. I do love God and I want to please Him, yet I am also aware of my shortcomings.
Our pastor said the difference between a good man and a godly man is how the good man (most of us are good willed) reacts when things aren't so good. How does the good man respond when someone slanders him? How does the good man respond when life gets really hard? That simple statement meant so much to me and clarified so much.
How about Job? Now that’s a guy who had reason to complain. His empire collapsed, his children were killed, and what was a healthy body became a rage of boils. Job refused top give up on God, even though he didn’t understand what was happening to him and why. Now that’s a godly man.
And Joseph? His brothers sold him for a slave, then he turns around and says “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” Another godly guy.
What about today? Do I know any Godly people? That was my question to me yesterday. Do I have the pleasure of knowing people who are good even when they are put through the fire? I mean multiple fires? Yes, and I am thankful for these people in my life. God has used them in so many ways to show His love, grace, and mercy to me. These people are not judgmental, they are painfully aware of God’s grace in their own lives.
I don’t know that I will ever fall under the category of “Godly”, but I’m thankful I know people who point me in that direction and better yet I have a God who wants just that for me. The Great I Am!
“And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord””. Job 1:21
Sweet dreams and blessings,
Debbie
Our pastor said the difference between a good man and a godly man is how the good man (most of us are good willed) reacts when things aren't so good. How does the good man respond when someone slanders him? How does the good man respond when life gets really hard? That simple statement meant so much to me and clarified so much.
How about Job? Now that’s a guy who had reason to complain. His empire collapsed, his children were killed, and what was a healthy body became a rage of boils. Job refused top give up on God, even though he didn’t understand what was happening to him and why. Now that’s a godly man.
And Joseph? His brothers sold him for a slave, then he turns around and says “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” Another godly guy.
What about today? Do I know any Godly people? That was my question to me yesterday. Do I have the pleasure of knowing people who are good even when they are put through the fire? I mean multiple fires? Yes, and I am thankful for these people in my life. God has used them in so many ways to show His love, grace, and mercy to me. These people are not judgmental, they are painfully aware of God’s grace in their own lives.
I don’t know that I will ever fall under the category of “Godly”, but I’m thankful I know people who point me in that direction and better yet I have a God who wants just that for me. The Great I Am!
“And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord””. Job 1:21
Sweet dreams and blessings,
Debbie
Monday, November 10, 2008
Good Bye Charlie
While away I received the dreaded call of a child crying. It was a voice message from Sam. Charlie, his pet parakeet just died. To hear the voice of my son try to compose himself while his heart was breaking was precious. In the message Sam went on and on about what a great bird Charlie was and sad that he is no longer amongst the living. Sam then prayed on my voicemail thanking God for the opportunity to have such a special bird. “Thank you Lord for Charlie, he was a great bird, and I will miss him very much. Even though I have asked for a kayak for Christmas, it would be nice if I can get a new bird too! In your name I pray…amen”
Once I heard the message I immediately called Sam and we cried together as we talked about all the fun times with Charlie and how I use to scream when he got out of his cage and fly all over the house. I told Sam I would miss Charlie keeping me company during the day. He use to chirp away as Ice (our dog) would stand there hoping he would fall out of his cage so he could eat him for lunch!
Since I was away Sam did not want to bury Charlie and he also wanted his mom mom and pop pop to come pay their last respects. For two weeks now Charlie has been in the freezer in a zip lock bag waiting for a funeral. We forgot to bury him last week and almost let this past weekend go by without the funeral. If it wasn’t for us moms, none of these momentous occasions would happen!
Saturday night Sam wrote out the funeral arrangements and a song for Charlie. It was to include our family singing, Steve playing the guitar, and Emeline playing the clarinet. Since the song “Ode to joy” is the only song Emeline knows, that was the tune for the song.
Yesterday Charlie went to his final resting place. Initially Sam wanted to build a nest for Charlie and put him in a tree. I said, “Absolutely, not, at some point he’ll fall out and the dog will eat him!” Charlie deserved better then that.
We all said our good-byes and buried the beloved bird right next to Emeline’s bunny Firball and our dog Jake. We’ve got quite the cemetery going on in our back yard!
Having pets has taught our kids great lessons from responsibility to dealing with the loss of something they love dearly. It was a precious moment as a family to gather around a tiny hole in the ground to pay honor and respect for one of God’s creatures that even He cares for.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will”. Matthew 10:29. God is aware of everything that happens, even Charlie dying! How much more does He know and care about our well being!
Blessings,
Debbie
Once I heard the message I immediately called Sam and we cried together as we talked about all the fun times with Charlie and how I use to scream when he got out of his cage and fly all over the house. I told Sam I would miss Charlie keeping me company during the day. He use to chirp away as Ice (our dog) would stand there hoping he would fall out of his cage so he could eat him for lunch!
Since I was away Sam did not want to bury Charlie and he also wanted his mom mom and pop pop to come pay their last respects. For two weeks now Charlie has been in the freezer in a zip lock bag waiting for a funeral. We forgot to bury him last week and almost let this past weekend go by without the funeral. If it wasn’t for us moms, none of these momentous occasions would happen!
Saturday night Sam wrote out the funeral arrangements and a song for Charlie. It was to include our family singing, Steve playing the guitar, and Emeline playing the clarinet. Since the song “Ode to joy” is the only song Emeline knows, that was the tune for the song.
Yesterday Charlie went to his final resting place. Initially Sam wanted to build a nest for Charlie and put him in a tree. I said, “Absolutely, not, at some point he’ll fall out and the dog will eat him!” Charlie deserved better then that.
We all said our good-byes and buried the beloved bird right next to Emeline’s bunny Firball and our dog Jake. We’ve got quite the cemetery going on in our back yard!
Having pets has taught our kids great lessons from responsibility to dealing with the loss of something they love dearly. It was a precious moment as a family to gather around a tiny hole in the ground to pay honor and respect for one of God’s creatures that even He cares for.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will”. Matthew 10:29. God is aware of everything that happens, even Charlie dying! How much more does He know and care about our well being!
Blessings,
Debbie
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Make My Toes Shorter?
After five months of pain in my foot, I returned for the second time to the foot specialist who treats all the professional ballet dancers in my city. With the pain in the ball of my foot and into my toes, I knew I was in good hands with Dr, Chau.
Six weeks ago I was advised my tennis injury was due to ligaments in my foot “just dying to pop out.” They’ve become so stretched and unstable. The best part of it all is the doc wrapped my toes to restrict the ligaments and gave me a pad for my shoe advising me the ligaments will most likely heal on their own. Great! I was willing to keep my activity level restricted while nursing my foot back to health. This wonderful doctor of mine told me I could play occasional tennis, and that makes me happy!
Today as I waited for the doctor to come in I contemplated whether to tell her how I was really feeling. I was trying to decide if I could just live with this pain. After all, I don’t want a cast or boot or be told to not do anything at all, or worst of all the s….. word! Actually, this would be a good time to go out on the disabled list because most of my dear “jock” friends are injured. We could start a support group! The fact of the matter is my foot still hurts, maybe a little worse. The tape helps for sure but without it I can’t walk without pain and favoring it.
As Dr. Chau examined my foot she told me the reason I had this condition is because my second and third toes are too long, they’re longer then my big toe and they really should be shorter especially for someone who likes sports. The next step? We wait six weeks and then talk surgery. Yes, she wants to cut both of the bones in my two toes and make them shorter! Make them shorter? OUCH!!!!!!! Now, I’m no rocket scientist but that sounds like a really big deal! I am not a surgery person. I have a shoulder that need to be put back together but that’s just not going to happen for me anytime soon, hopefully never. Shorter toes? We’ll have to see about that one.
My life is so busy with my kids I hardly have time to think about myself, and that’s a good thing especially now that I have my foot to fret about! Steve is not happy to hear I may need surgery but he has always wanted me to wear Birkenstock sandals, they’re his favorite shoe. If my toes are shorter I will fit the mold better for the Birkenstocks. If I do need surgery after all, while most husbands would give their wives a beautiful bouquet of flowers after a rough painful day in the OR, I’ll most likely be presented with a pair of Birkenstocks!
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps”. Proverbs 16:9
Prayers are appreciated for my foot and toes!! I like them just the way they are!!
Blessings,
Debbie
Six weeks ago I was advised my tennis injury was due to ligaments in my foot “just dying to pop out.” They’ve become so stretched and unstable. The best part of it all is the doc wrapped my toes to restrict the ligaments and gave me a pad for my shoe advising me the ligaments will most likely heal on their own. Great! I was willing to keep my activity level restricted while nursing my foot back to health. This wonderful doctor of mine told me I could play occasional tennis, and that makes me happy!
Today as I waited for the doctor to come in I contemplated whether to tell her how I was really feeling. I was trying to decide if I could just live with this pain. After all, I don’t want a cast or boot or be told to not do anything at all, or worst of all the s….. word! Actually, this would be a good time to go out on the disabled list because most of my dear “jock” friends are injured. We could start a support group! The fact of the matter is my foot still hurts, maybe a little worse. The tape helps for sure but without it I can’t walk without pain and favoring it.
As Dr. Chau examined my foot she told me the reason I had this condition is because my second and third toes are too long, they’re longer then my big toe and they really should be shorter especially for someone who likes sports. The next step? We wait six weeks and then talk surgery. Yes, she wants to cut both of the bones in my two toes and make them shorter! Make them shorter? OUCH!!!!!!! Now, I’m no rocket scientist but that sounds like a really big deal! I am not a surgery person. I have a shoulder that need to be put back together but that’s just not going to happen for me anytime soon, hopefully never. Shorter toes? We’ll have to see about that one.
My life is so busy with my kids I hardly have time to think about myself, and that’s a good thing especially now that I have my foot to fret about! Steve is not happy to hear I may need surgery but he has always wanted me to wear Birkenstock sandals, they’re his favorite shoe. If my toes are shorter I will fit the mold better for the Birkenstocks. If I do need surgery after all, while most husbands would give their wives a beautiful bouquet of flowers after a rough painful day in the OR, I’ll most likely be presented with a pair of Birkenstocks!
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps”. Proverbs 16:9
Prayers are appreciated for my foot and toes!! I like them just the way they are!!
Blessings,
Debbie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)