As we rang in 2010, I somehow knew this would be a year for change. It made me nervous, change can be good and change can be…well, not so good. Which would it be, maybe a combination of both? The older I get the more I celebrate each day. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean everyday is worth celebrating, in fact there are some days I would like to forget. I’m just more sensitive to everything that I have. I am most of all thankful to know God. I have a personal relationship with Jesus that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I value my family and the relationships God has blessed me with. I’m not a perfect wife, mom, or friend, but I’m thankful God’s mercies are new everyday…WHEW!!!
Everything changed on January 5th. A large envelope came Fed-X to my attention. Standing in the kitchen I opened the envelope and read the letter. “CONGRATULATIONS, YOUR BOOK HAS BEEN ACCEPTED FOR ROYALTY PUBLICATION!” I started to tremble. Who knew the book my mom and I took a year to write would be accepted? I knew it was a good idea, but a publishable book? That was a moment in time I will never forget.
Then the work began. The book was accepted on its story but now we needed to write segments to make the book sell like the foreword, epilogue, and back matter. I never heard of a back matter before in fact I went and googled it wrong typing in “back splatter”! Don’t do that, it’s basically poop on the back of the toilet YUCK!!!! After having the work checked by editors and special help from a friend, and three months of chenging, we finally submitted our manuscript to the publisher. Fully expecting to hear we did something wrong in the submission process, hoping they wouldn't laugh at it, I was just glad to get it off my plate and in the hands of the publisher so they could begin their critique process.
Today I checked my e-mail, “We received your manuscript and it looks good.” Those were sweet words to my soul. I wasn’t looking for great, good is just fine with me!! O.K. so they went on to say someone will be in touch next week to begin the editing process and they did mention the book has a high word count for Children’s books but that’s o.k. for today its fine…….
Writing a book is an accomplishment, yet the accomplishment doesn’t come without a lot of hard work. As I re-read what was submitted, I can still make so many changes yet at some point it was necessary to just step out, click send, and pray for the best!!
So much of life is about us doing our best and letting God do the rest. When we walk with Him and abide in Him He takes care of us and directs our steps.
Grace and blessings,
Debbie
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sam's first Water Polo Tournament
As the mom I try to find different sports to suit my kid’s personality. At their ages I want them to experience several different sports. Emeline has recently developed a love for soccer. What makes her so good (besides her big “foot”) is her aggressiveness. The trainers love a kid that isn’t afraid to back down…it’s exciting to watch, especially for a girl who broke bones for two years and could not participate in any type of sports activities. Zachary also loves soccer and will try out for the travel team for the fall. All three are good swimmers.
Sam loves tackle football. He talked about it for years and finally this past fall he played for the township, Steve was the assistant coach. There are not many moms out there who love their son playing football. Most of us tolerate the sport because either our husbands or son (or both) are dying for them to play. Wanting to find another sport for Sam, knowing he was a good swimmer, we inquired about a water polo team. Sam started playing water polo with mostly older kids. I’m not use to seeing Sam look like the “runt” out there but in this sport he’s the “baby”. I have tried to keep Sam away from tournaments. Just letting him play during the week once is enough. With several tournaments in the last few weeks the coach really wanted Sam to experience one of them. So off we all went to support Sam at Villanova University. As expected Sam sat most of the time on the side of the pool. Each time he went in the water we were so proud of him. O.K. so he only got the ball once and the opponent immediately stole it away but we’re the parents…all parents are proud!!
The team had two games back to back. The first game was tight, Sam’s team was losing so he didn’t see much playing time. In fact I think one time he was in for @ thirty seconds. The next game Sam’s team was winning so the coach was a bit more generous with putting the weaker kids in. As expected each player has an opponent they are required to cover. It was apparent that Sam wasn’t sure what to do so the coach was yelling and making all kinds of hand gestures to Sam that didn’t look universal to me nor Sam. Sam’s interpretation to what the coach was trying to tell him was to just dunk the opponent. So there was Sam out in the pool, ball nowhere near him, trying to dunk another player (poor guy looked like he was drowning). I knew Sam had no ill intent but the child and his coach didn’t know that. The game was stopped and Sam had to have a talk with the ref. Sam didn’t see much more time in the pool after that.
Most of the time at sports events our kids are doing well, giving us good reason to cheer and be proud. Last night was a good example of how as a parents, we don’t care how well our kids perform, we think they’re just the greatest thing since sliced bread right?? WE want them to have fun and enjoy the healthy bodies they have been blessed with.
After all it is “In Him that we live, and move, and have our being.” Acts 17:28
Grace and blessings,
Sam loves tackle football. He talked about it for years and finally this past fall he played for the township, Steve was the assistant coach. There are not many moms out there who love their son playing football. Most of us tolerate the sport because either our husbands or son (or both) are dying for them to play. Wanting to find another sport for Sam, knowing he was a good swimmer, we inquired about a water polo team. Sam started playing water polo with mostly older kids. I’m not use to seeing Sam look like the “runt” out there but in this sport he’s the “baby”. I have tried to keep Sam away from tournaments. Just letting him play during the week once is enough. With several tournaments in the last few weeks the coach really wanted Sam to experience one of them. So off we all went to support Sam at Villanova University. As expected Sam sat most of the time on the side of the pool. Each time he went in the water we were so proud of him. O.K. so he only got the ball once and the opponent immediately stole it away but we’re the parents…all parents are proud!!
The team had two games back to back. The first game was tight, Sam’s team was losing so he didn’t see much playing time. In fact I think one time he was in for @ thirty seconds. The next game Sam’s team was winning so the coach was a bit more generous with putting the weaker kids in. As expected each player has an opponent they are required to cover. It was apparent that Sam wasn’t sure what to do so the coach was yelling and making all kinds of hand gestures to Sam that didn’t look universal to me nor Sam. Sam’s interpretation to what the coach was trying to tell him was to just dunk the opponent. So there was Sam out in the pool, ball nowhere near him, trying to dunk another player (poor guy looked like he was drowning). I knew Sam had no ill intent but the child and his coach didn’t know that. The game was stopped and Sam had to have a talk with the ref. Sam didn’t see much more time in the pool after that.
Most of the time at sports events our kids are doing well, giving us good reason to cheer and be proud. Last night was a good example of how as a parents, we don’t care how well our kids perform, we think they’re just the greatest thing since sliced bread right?? WE want them to have fun and enjoy the healthy bodies they have been blessed with.
After all it is “In Him that we live, and move, and have our being.” Acts 17:28
Grace and blessings,
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Nor'easter Slams The East
It’s hard to believe only five days ago I was in sunny California. It’s wasn’t exactly hot but I was able to wear shorts and a lightweight shirt….oh, and sunglasses all the time…oh, and fun girlfriends who kept me laughing for four days straight..oh, and a husband who freely let me go, took care of the kids, and cleaned the house! THANK YOU STEVE, you’re the best!
Today I’m wondering how I’ll dig six kids and myself out of over twenty inches of snow! Months ago when I heard my girlfriend was headed to NY I offered to take her boys. I love these kids (and my girlfriend). The weekend promised to be busy. Moving them from one activity to another would be a “piece of cake”. Five basketball games and a birthday party for Sam would keep them all out of trouble or from bothering one another. As the weekend approached it was apparent all plans would be cancelled, a big Nor’easter was dumping snow and rain over much of the mid to southern section of the country, which also meant Steve would be gone for days working. I started to wonder what on earth I would do with five boys and one girl by myself. They don’t like arts and crafts. If it snowed they wouldn’t want to be outside, other than the typical twenty minutes of fun (when it took you and hour to dress them all).
I knew I needed a plan. When this group of kids get together all they want to do is play the wii, striving for the next level, thrilled over the challenge…Mario rules!!! They would play all day and night if I let them, only coming up to eat and drink when necessary. I decided to plan a schedule, limiting the wii time and any other type of electronic activities. I got the paper out with them and we created a wii schedule as well as other types of activities for them to do, chores were included.
Once you’re snowed in with kids, one needs to take on a certain mind set…..FLEXIBILITY and CREATIVITY! It is obviously not a day to think you can get anything done, or do anything for yourself. You’re lucky if you get to eat! Having lots of snacks and drinks is essential. Getting annoyed with wet snow tracking through your house is self destructive, for goodness sakes it’s just water. Rewarding myself with coffee and chocolate keeps me alert and smiling.
Have a great day!! Go sledding with the kids! Help your neighbors dig out! Laugh at those great kids you have! EAT CHOCOLATE!
Blessings,
Debbie
Today I’m wondering how I’ll dig six kids and myself out of over twenty inches of snow! Months ago when I heard my girlfriend was headed to NY I offered to take her boys. I love these kids (and my girlfriend). The weekend promised to be busy. Moving them from one activity to another would be a “piece of cake”. Five basketball games and a birthday party for Sam would keep them all out of trouble or from bothering one another. As the weekend approached it was apparent all plans would be cancelled, a big Nor’easter was dumping snow and rain over much of the mid to southern section of the country, which also meant Steve would be gone for days working. I started to wonder what on earth I would do with five boys and one girl by myself. They don’t like arts and crafts. If it snowed they wouldn’t want to be outside, other than the typical twenty minutes of fun (when it took you and hour to dress them all).
I knew I needed a plan. When this group of kids get together all they want to do is play the wii, striving for the next level, thrilled over the challenge…Mario rules!!! They would play all day and night if I let them, only coming up to eat and drink when necessary. I decided to plan a schedule, limiting the wii time and any other type of electronic activities. I got the paper out with them and we created a wii schedule as well as other types of activities for them to do, chores were included.
Once you’re snowed in with kids, one needs to take on a certain mind set…..FLEXIBILITY and CREATIVITY! It is obviously not a day to think you can get anything done, or do anything for yourself. You’re lucky if you get to eat! Having lots of snacks and drinks is essential. Getting annoyed with wet snow tracking through your house is self destructive, for goodness sakes it’s just water. Rewarding myself with coffee and chocolate keeps me alert and smiling.
Have a great day!! Go sledding with the kids! Help your neighbors dig out! Laugh at those great kids you have! EAT CHOCOLATE!
Blessings,
Debbie
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Oh The Pain!
Did you ever wonder why we experience so much pain? Whether it’s physical or emotional it’s overwhelming when it consumes you. This last year has been a year of physical pain. First I was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in my hands which seemed terrible yet five months later after a scare with possible cancer I was diagnosed with fifteen kidney stones OUCH! In addition my cholesterol is high and needs attention. The latest ailment came this week, I woke up one day with pain in my neck. Since I was already seeing a physical therapist for my tennis elbow (just a side bar) I decided to go for my neck. It was determined I aggravated a muscle in my shoulder that was radiating the pain to the neck. As the week went on it became increasingly worse to the point it affected my swallowing and breathing. Finally the doctor ordered an X-ray. My biggest fear would be a diagnosis of arthritis, that seemed unbearable and why would God allow that to happen to this very active already “medically challenged” mom of three WHO LOVES TO PLAY TENNIS? Somehow I knew what the diagnosis would be before it came. It’s the things in life we say “Absolutely Not!” that God seems to challenge us on.
How did I know? God was preparing my heart. As I made desperate calls to a few close friends asking them to specifically pray this was not arthritis I also spent time in prayer and reading the Bible. “He remembered us when we were in trouble, His love continues forever.” Psalm 136:23
A devotional I read from Max Lucado yesterday included this paragraph “When God doesn’t do what we want, it’s not easy. Never has been, never will be. But faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it.” Somehow I knew after reading yesterday the news wasn’t going to be good but I knew it would be o.k. because God would walk with me and take care of me.
Our disappointments in life don’t have to keep us down. With God’s help we learn how to manage them and use them to bring honor and glory to His name. We learn to lean on Him when we have pain whether it is physical or emotional. It also makes us more compassionate to others that are hurting.
I once heard someone say “When you’re fifty you can go to sleep fine and wake up with any injury.” I’m not quite there but very close and I can tell you the statement is true.
“Those who are sad now are happy, because God will comfort them. Those who want to do right more than anything else are happy, because God will fully satisfy them.” Matthew 5:4,6
By the grace of God today I choose joy.
Grace and blessings,
Debbie
How did I know? God was preparing my heart. As I made desperate calls to a few close friends asking them to specifically pray this was not arthritis I also spent time in prayer and reading the Bible. “He remembered us when we were in trouble, His love continues forever.” Psalm 136:23
A devotional I read from Max Lucado yesterday included this paragraph “When God doesn’t do what we want, it’s not easy. Never has been, never will be. But faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it.” Somehow I knew after reading yesterday the news wasn’t going to be good but I knew it would be o.k. because God would walk with me and take care of me.
Our disappointments in life don’t have to keep us down. With God’s help we learn how to manage them and use them to bring honor and glory to His name. We learn to lean on Him when we have pain whether it is physical or emotional. It also makes us more compassionate to others that are hurting.
I once heard someone say “When you’re fifty you can go to sleep fine and wake up with any injury.” I’m not quite there but very close and I can tell you the statement is true.
“Those who are sad now are happy, because God will comfort them. Those who want to do right more than anything else are happy, because God will fully satisfy them.” Matthew 5:4,6
By the grace of God today I choose joy.
Grace and blessings,
Debbie
Friday, January 1, 2010
God's Peace in 2010
January 1st is not a day when I make a lot of changes. Resolutions have not been “my thing”, it is the fall, September when the kids go back to school that I make any changes. Eating better (not so many sweets!), chores for the kids, schedule changes, new goals, always praying to bring peace and contentment on the home front. One thing I have learned over the years is to not overcommit myself. That never works for my family or me. I can tell when it is happening, I start to feel very anxious inside, and like I’m disappointing everyone around me.
As I look ahead into this New Year I see so many changes and potential changes coming for 2010. Most are good an exciting, some are unknown causing apprehension. I find in the times I am unsure I try to control and help the situation along…..after all, we all like to stay within the comfort zone of life with no boats rocking around us right?
With the New Year comes change whether we like it or not, and most of us don’t like change, it feels unsettling. As we reflect next year on this day will we have a smile on our face or sadness in our heart?
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.
I am thankful God knows what each day will entail for me and my family…..He orders our steps. As I think of all the specific changes that will take place this year I know that God is with me and it is His faithfulness and peace that I can count on. As I wake up each day and commit my day to Him through prayer and reading the Bible, I know that no matter what changes come it will be o.k. my heart is at peace knowing God is in control.
My daily prayer for 2010: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. To these I will commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Happy New Year! May you find peace in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray His light shines powerfully into your heart.
Sweet blessings to you and your families!
Debbie
As I look ahead into this New Year I see so many changes and potential changes coming for 2010. Most are good an exciting, some are unknown causing apprehension. I find in the times I am unsure I try to control and help the situation along…..after all, we all like to stay within the comfort zone of life with no boats rocking around us right?
With the New Year comes change whether we like it or not, and most of us don’t like change, it feels unsettling. As we reflect next year on this day will we have a smile on our face or sadness in our heart?
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.
I am thankful God knows what each day will entail for me and my family…..He orders our steps. As I think of all the specific changes that will take place this year I know that God is with me and it is His faithfulness and peace that I can count on. As I wake up each day and commit my day to Him through prayer and reading the Bible, I know that no matter what changes come it will be o.k. my heart is at peace knowing God is in control.
My daily prayer for 2010: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. To these I will commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Happy New Year! May you find peace in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray His light shines powerfully into your heart.
Sweet blessings to you and your families!
Debbie
Monday, December 14, 2009
"Where's The Fat Santa?"
The young proud father held his baby girl in his arms, “This is her first Christmas and I want everything to be perfect!” The elf checking in customers for their visit and picture with Santa just shrugged his shoulders, after all it wasn’t his problem the Santa the mall hired this year wasn’t fat! “We’ll wait for the fat Santa”, the young man said in a huff as he stepped out of line.
This was a clip from a television show last week and although I laughed hysterically, what a reality check it was. Although I’ve never been concerned about Santa’s weight I can certainly think of many incidents that pull at that desire to have “Everything perfect”
It started with the tree. First we named him “ Sheldon” which was a mistake because there’s an instant attachment when you name anything! For the first time ever I thought we needed to return our tree. Upon its arrival into the living room, he started raining needles, you could hear them pouring onto the rug. Since we have our tree up for a month, if Sheldon kept raining needles it would look like the Charlie Brown tree in a week! Steve convinced me Sheldon was in shock and would be o.k. The next crisis was as I stood there with the last ornament to place on the tree all the lights went out. A friend sitting on my sofa watching told us we shouldn’t hook up any more then three strands of lights together. Well, we had at least ten strands! My electrician Steve fixed it all so that Sheldon is plugged into a few different outlets, whew….after all that, Sheldon is a beauty!!
We all have our expectations of what Christmas should look like. For some it is the way the house is decorated, for others it is the gifts they buy (and receive!). The older I get (and I am getting old!) I realize and am content with the “imperfectness” of my life. Christmas cookies have been burnt, lights continue to short circuit, but it represents what “the norm” is. Yesterday Emeline had her sweet friend Nell over. I enjoy watching these two girls, they jump from one activity to another. Yesterday they created a gingerbread house together. It turned out nice and beautiful but they replaced one of my favorite Christmas decorations with their house! Of course I couldn’t say anything but I was disappointed to see MY favorite piece tossed aside…
As I look around I chuckle. Lights are out that should be on, fragile item have been broken, candy has been eaten off the calendar on dates that aren’t here yet, and my favorite Christmas centerpiece has been rejected.
Yet..My heart is content…without the people I love around me life would be different. My house without them would look perfect…someday they’ll be gone and I’ll miss it all!
Enjoy the “imperfectness” of the holiday, laugh with the people you love, and remember Christmas is about how God came down and gave us Himself……EMBRACE THE PERFECT GIFT!
Blessings, Debbie
This was a clip from a television show last week and although I laughed hysterically, what a reality check it was. Although I’ve never been concerned about Santa’s weight I can certainly think of many incidents that pull at that desire to have “Everything perfect”
It started with the tree. First we named him “ Sheldon” which was a mistake because there’s an instant attachment when you name anything! For the first time ever I thought we needed to return our tree. Upon its arrival into the living room, he started raining needles, you could hear them pouring onto the rug. Since we have our tree up for a month, if Sheldon kept raining needles it would look like the Charlie Brown tree in a week! Steve convinced me Sheldon was in shock and would be o.k. The next crisis was as I stood there with the last ornament to place on the tree all the lights went out. A friend sitting on my sofa watching told us we shouldn’t hook up any more then three strands of lights together. Well, we had at least ten strands! My electrician Steve fixed it all so that Sheldon is plugged into a few different outlets, whew….after all that, Sheldon is a beauty!!
We all have our expectations of what Christmas should look like. For some it is the way the house is decorated, for others it is the gifts they buy (and receive!). The older I get (and I am getting old!) I realize and am content with the “imperfectness” of my life. Christmas cookies have been burnt, lights continue to short circuit, but it represents what “the norm” is. Yesterday Emeline had her sweet friend Nell over. I enjoy watching these two girls, they jump from one activity to another. Yesterday they created a gingerbread house together. It turned out nice and beautiful but they replaced one of my favorite Christmas decorations with their house! Of course I couldn’t say anything but I was disappointed to see MY favorite piece tossed aside…
As I look around I chuckle. Lights are out that should be on, fragile item have been broken, candy has been eaten off the calendar on dates that aren’t here yet, and my favorite Christmas centerpiece has been rejected.
Yet..My heart is content…without the people I love around me life would be different. My house without them would look perfect…someday they’ll be gone and I’ll miss it all!
Enjoy the “imperfectness” of the holiday, laugh with the people you love, and remember Christmas is about how God came down and gave us Himself……EMBRACE THE PERFECT GIFT!
Blessings, Debbie
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Committed Fullback
After a busy summer of fun we are full swing into fall with school and sports. Our kids have played soccer for many years on our church league. This year we ventured out into our community which we love. Samuel was ready for tackle football and Emeline wanted to “have at it” on the travel soccer team. Since Zachary is the third child he must be flexible until any talent arises (which it has). He plays soccer as well.
Emeline started playing soccer when she was little like most kids. She and her friends would pick flowers while the coach was screaming for them to be out on the field. At the time she was also dancing and doing more “girly” type things like wear dresses and have her mother paint her nails. When Emeline turned seven she started breaking bones, her “klutzy” stage lasted for two years. After many casts and no sports she tried soccer again last year on our church league. People (including her mother) could hardly believe this was the same girl we once knew. Sweet Emeline was aggressive and ready to rumble out on the field. Her focus and desire was clear….she wanted the ball and a goal.
Emeline is enjoying her time playing for the “Torches”. She is a light to those who know her and meet her, encouraging her other teammates. As for her defensive skills? She’s a fighter who commits and won’t stop until the ball is headed up field again for the offensive players to do their job.
I cannot help but scream my head off. Now I’m not the quietest person in the world but I’m also not known for my screaming, in fact some would say I’m rather soft spoken. Well, not on the soccer field anyway. I either need to stop going to the games or tape my mouth shut, otherwise I can’t seem to help myself…the competitor in me surfaces every time!
I am proud of Emeline, sometimes it makes me cry to think that God would bless me with such a delightful person who happens to be my daughter. Although I’m supposed to be leading her and guiding her, she often teaches me so much about kindness and compassion..mercy and grace.
Blessings,
Debbie
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