tinker toys

What 14 looks like now adays.

2009-02-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Luke turned 14 on January 2nd. This is what turning 14 looks like

now a days..

One little girls crown a bright purple shirt and dinner with family and friends at your favorite restaurant.

Fifty Million times.

2009-02-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Ok so if I can verbally give my children a list of rules they need to follow. If I can print them out and post them on the bulletin board in the kitchen.
Which happens to be the most frequented place besides the bathroom.
And if I can repeat and re print and reiterate these said rules fifty million times .
Then why, Oh why is that it seems like only handful of those rules are ever followed a handful of those fifty million times.
So to my children whom I love so very dearly.
Mom has made a place for everything and everything has a place and guess what.....
THE FLOOR IS NOT THAT PLACE!!!!!
But I guess the same could be said of me, because just as I'm sure I will repeat myself today more times then I care to admit.
My Lord is always so faithful and loving to tenderly redirect me over and over and over and over again.
So today in my flesh I will seek to be slow to speak and hope to be quick in grace.
For the training of God's servant is a worthy cause that takes time.
Even fifty million times.

Today is historical but then again so is everyday.

2009-01-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

As we all sit somewhere this morning either watching or listening to the inauguration of the new President I cannot help but be extremely proud of this great nation we live in.
We may not all agree on whether the better party won this election, but I think and hope that without a shadow of doubt we can all agree that we are blessed beyond all measures.
We all are given free choice,free speech, and most importantly the freedom to worship without fear of persecution.
I know that I serve a mighty God and so with that I urge all of us who call ourselves christians to remember that we are under His authority and we are to pray for our leaders. (Hebrews13:17-18 )
Let yourself be known not by how you disagree but how you set yourself apart from the complainers, the mockers, the ones that speak without thinking that act without concern for the outcome.(Ecc.5:6)(Mt 12:36)
It is a free will that we all have been given.
What will you do with your free will?
How will you impact those around you ?
What will you do today to live justly, to love merciful and to walk humbly with and for your God?

In Honor of Adoption.

2009-01-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

My whole life I have known that I was adopted but never put too much thought into the fullness of adoptions and how utterly life changing they are, for everyone.

I have the most amazing parents and one incredible sister. I have been blessed beyond all expectations my little mind could dream of.

In December of 1990 I had my second taste of what adoption is. I made a decision to follow Christ and learned an eternal perspective of adoption.

From there my heart has grown immensely regarding adoption. Mostly in part because of what the Lord has done by allowing me to see first hand as an adult what Dads and Moms go through even before they receive there children in hand.

I feel completely privileged to have seen several friends go through some of their process of adoption and then see their precious completion. Grant, Christian, Malia, Savannah, Isaac, and now little Emmile are to name a few of whose lives have been forever changed.

Adoption is life changing for all that are involved.

For the birth parents it is a sacrifice they never knew they were strong enough to make.(Eph:1:5 In love he predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ.)

For the families that await there children it is a testament to their endurance in faith. (Heb.11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.)

And for the children it is an unimaginable feeling of completion in love.(2 Peter.1:17 "This is my son, whom I love:)

Why I share this story is because this February 28th I will turn 40 years old and for many of you you have spent the last year listening to me count down the days until I do.

Well the time is finally upon on us and, I am doing things a little different to celebrate.

I have researched a foundation called Shaohannah's Hope. It is created by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife. He and his wife have adopted several children and created this foundation to award grants to parents adopting children.

It is my hope that all of you will join me in my big 4-0 celebration and give to a child, a soon to be family, a donation that will forever change lives.

Not flesh of my fleshNor bone of my bone,But still miraculously my own.Never forget for a single minute,You didn't grow under my heart,But in it.

http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer

2008-11-25T08:58:00.000-08:00

I have this deep unquenchable passion for parenting not because I feel like I do it so well but simply because since the birth of my first child my life has never been more changed in a moment-by-moment way.
I have laughed harder then I have ever in my life and I have cried harder too.
I have learned things about myself that I never knew existed.
I have patience that last a lifetime and then in a split second that patience’s is gone and I have anger that stirs in me a powerful scary feeling.
I guess the thing that draws me to mom issues or parenting issues is that it has been the one thing that I have been determined to never presume I have the answers to anything but always willing to ask the questions to find the best possible path and to be available to my children. I have done more soul searching since becoming a mom and find often it is me who has to do the changing and growing before I can ask it of my children.
Parenting comes in so many stages too. All of which are exhausting on there own, but you add more then one child at a different stage then look out!
I can’t ever imagine not having this task of parenting and hesitantly wait for the day that they are all grown, and have children of there own so that they might experience this expression called parenting.
I have so much to be thankful for in my life and most certainly my children are much of what I have to be thankful for.

It's all in how you look at it.

2008-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

So over the past few days I have spent time pondering over the
Oh so many things that make be happy.

Rereading the list I have already posted and thinking... hmm, what if I got all those things?
All the time.
Would they bring as much joy and happiness as they do now?
Maybe, probably ...I don't know...
I have so much of what I need everyday to survive not only in the physical perspective but in the emotional and spiritual aspect too.
I am free to eat when and where I want pretty much anytime of any day.
I can call, email, text, drive over to a friends house whenever I like.
I have access to over ten bibles just in my house alone. There are too many churches in the city I live in to count. All of which I can go to freely without harm.
The abundance to what you have is beyond what you need.
So is it wrong to make a list of the things that truly bring you joy?
No.
I think it has been helpful for me in keeping my perspective on the things that I need versus what I want.
And what I want is to bring honor and glory to my savior whom I love and have come to know that He delights in fulfilling my list not just for my birthday but for my life.

Proverbs30: 7-9
"Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say,
"Who is the Lord?"
Or may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Happy Birthday!

2008-10-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

OK so it is 4 months and 11 days until I turn the big "40"

So I thought I would start celebrating now by sharing with everyone what makes me smile and look forward to another year older.

I have an amazing savior who loves me all the time !

My husband is hot and he works so hard and loves his family.

Those little gifts from God that I am so privileged to call my children.

A rock steady group of girls that I can call my "village peeps" and my

more then I deserve friends stretching as far as D.C. to Ill. , Co, NV,TX,El Salvador,WA., and the good old Ca. My friends are outstanding.

My savior and my family and my friends have continued to grow me and teach me so much over the years that as 40 approaches I can't wait to see what else I will savor and treasure like I have already.

I am not sure of what the future holds for me but I try hard to not dwell on that but live fully for the day that I have been given.

Loving and learning from the people that I have been blessed with and the things that I get to do.

40 is just a number but today is an opportunity to make a difference.

Here is a list of things that I cherish and enjoy

a smile

kind word

clean house

a good cup of coffee

friends

the wind

a good book

an incredible ocean

laughing with friends

crying with friends

alone time

music

my husband

trader Joe's

well really any grocery store

cooking

running

swimming

watching Luke play soccer

listening to Ryan share his knowledge

my mom

faith

Brookelynn swimming

my village peeps

babies

my family

cooking for others

hanging with Leandra

I could go on and on but my heart swells with such satisfaction in knowing that those are the things that I treasure and I have had the opportunity to enjoy all of them at some time or another.

May we all count are blessings and share some with someone else.

Everyone has birthdays I think we should not just celebrate the one day but everyday so we never forget how great a gift we have been given.

Happy Birthday!

You know it's someones birthday today.

Too many words not enough listening..

2008-08-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lately I have done some reading on the power of words. I have gone through several articles, other blogs, and scripture.
I have been reminded of life lessons I have had to learn the hard way and reminded of illustrations.
Like : If you were to take a tube of tooth paste and squeeze it and have way to much come out , would you be able to put it back to the way it was?
No ,once the paste is out it is impossible to restore to its original form. So is the case with unkind inappropriate words, slander, profanity,etc.
Once it's been said, once it's out there there is no returning the victim to their original form.
What if its a nickname, a friendly banter of jokes? What if you believe the words you have chosen to speak are for the persons own good?
I'm sure there are cases where someones nickname has great comfort and joy. Or jokes among long time friends and family are acceptable.
I'm also sure that I have felt justified in the words I spoke on someones behalf, but with that said I am also that much more sure that I was wrong and I was hurtful and needed to seek much forgiveness.
So whats a person to do when the words we speak or think can be painful ,taken the wrong way or just left out there to be dissected?
The world shows us that we can justify our choice of words based on, what the situation was when we spoke the words, or spin it to show it was taken out of context or provoked by the other person.
How sad.
I struggle with what words to speak daily, and with the world working against me I fear even more for my kids and what must go through there minds on whats right and whats wrong.
Everyone can find justification for the things they say; bad day, headache, just got yelled at by some else, whatever we want I'm sure we could use it to get out of the truth and the truth is that we have to be responsible for the things we say.
The good the bad and the ugly.
We have a place to go for examples of how we can attain words worthy to be heard.
Where the WORD is true and just and powerful enough to change this spirit of mine.
I hope today I am given the chance to listen more and speak less.
The chance to encourage and lift up the people in my life.

Eph:4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

First days and jitters.

2008-08-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

I watched my children run to the gate to find there names and see their teacher's name.
One returned with satisfaction the other returned not knowing what the papers said.
She needed my help to read and find her name.
With the last name of Wesselhoff it was easy, go to the end of the lists and there you are.
I knew that my oldest child was a theater major but little did I know that she had been
secretly training her little sister.
Because without warning she broke out into the most dramatic and sorrowful rant about her teacher and friends or lack there of.
And just when I thought we would need some serious intervention it was over.
The first day of school came and went and well, it came and went without so much as hiccup of what was thought to be the worst thing that has ever happen to her.
So now we are back to the day in and day out of schedules ,routines and homework assignments.
The long days of who is and who isn't friends or dating anymore.
Where are the favorite shoes, shirts, socks, or possibly underwear.
The whys , the how comes and that is so not fair.
Bedtimes, wake up times, and definitely shower time...
The ever popular " no I don't have any homework" " oh really ?" argument.
Packing lunches, remembering to brush their teeth's, hair and whatever else they might need to do before they leave.
Finding a place to do the homework that they don't have: even though they all have their own desks.
Not to mention, the proverbial, laundry, cleaning, Dr. apt., dentist apt. planning dinner, pick ups, drop offs, go to that practice, to that friends house, bible study and what nots of the day in the life of moms and kids alike across the world.
So when you find yourself looking for the one shoe, the perfect hair bow, even the backpack , take a deep breath and no that your not alone.
Somewhere out there someone else is also looking.

Summer time!

2008-06-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

summer goes around this old house we find ourselves as parents enjoy the accomplishments of our children.

All four successfully completed the first year of; college, Jr high, fourth grade and kindergarten.

All four are looking forward to the upcoming wedding of their aunt in Chicago.

The college girl traveled to and from New York successfully. She attended a conference, saw the sights, and tasted some treats.

Our Jr. Higher played on a tournament soccer team and played several rounds of soccer. Thankfully finishing just in time before the summer heat wave took over.

The last two are in over the heads in a good way with the local swim team. They have competed in two swim meets already and both have already exceeded last years records for themselves.

As far as the old man and myself we sit up at night and share some good laughs, some deep sighs of relief and many many praises for all the blessings the Lord has granted us for the day He gave us.

May we all cherish our times this summer and make the most of what God has given us.

Happy Summer!

And all the bricks came tumbling down.

2008-06-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was doing some reading in one of the many books I am working on and
I came across a section on humility.
I have heard the word on a regular basis for several years now, but for some reason today I feel my eyes were wide open to see it from a new perspective.
How do I practice humility in my house?
With my husband, my children, my friends and others I come across?
Do I even practice humility?
So I spent the rest of the afternoon doing some research on my heart.
And I started to wonder what my house, my home would look like if humility was really practiced.
After much reading and searching it seems to me that the key to all relationships is humility.
In 1 Peter 5:5-6 we see that god opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
And in Job scripture honors him as a perfect and upright man but Job sees himself so differently in Job 42:6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.
In Isaiah we learn he was a great prophet of the Lord and yet when in the Lords presence his response was as such Isaiah6:5 “woe to me!” I cried “ I am ruined For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among people of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King.
Daniel was admired for his courage and convictions and his dedication to God but here too his response was on his face. Daniel 10:8-9
I could go on and on with so many examples of godly men and women in the bible whose response you would not think or expect to be that of such profound humility, but there they are clear and concise.
So why is it then today that I was so moved by what seems to be such an obvious concept yet so few times it is practiced.
I don’t know.
All I know is that I need to learn more about what it means to love humility as a great character trait and not as something I need to add to a check list of duties.
I will end with one of my favorite verses.
Micah 6:8 He has showed you , O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you ? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly, with your God.

Loss and life.

2008-05-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

How do we explain loss and pain and tragedy to our children?

This morning I read an article about Steven Curtis Chapman and how his little girl was killed by a tragic accident and without realizing it I had gasped out loud.

Which lead to my youngest asking "What Mommy what happen?" I had to give a short answer to her question but yet all the same it was enough to change her today.

Then on the way to school we saw a dead cat, which pales in comparison to a loss of a child but none the less holds pain.

Then I read about the growing number of deaths in China, and the inhumane behavior in Myanmar. There is pain and loss all around us.

Do we spare our children from it or do we share and let them in to the depravity of the world?

Somethings are not meant for young hearts to learn yet. It's the lesson of protecting the innocent from things that are not in there realm to fix or take on.

So then where do I go with the sadness that has filled my young ones heart.

She said to me as we left the car to walk to her class " Mommy why did I have to hear all this dying this morning?"

I gave her a hug and a kiss and told I would do my best to look for the answer while she was at school.

My thoughts have raced all over the place with this one because honestly I can not imagine losing a child much less the way in which the Chapman families occurred.

Death and pain demand so much of our attention that at least for me I don't care to give it.

But it's there it's real and we all go through it.

So what will I say this afternoon, I'm not sure.

"Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16

Original post date5/22/08

The greatness of God!

2008-05-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

The greatness of God! How would you or could you ever describe it. I was reading a blog that I frequent and then also in my bible and I found some amazing verses that give ample descriptions into the greatness of God. Not that I don’t think that the bible throughout is full of God’s greatness. It is just sometimes I can come across a verse or a new book or in this case a blog entry and be inspired and excited to share more of God and His greatness.
In the book of Job we read about so much heartache and tragedy the Job goes through, but we also learn how he responds to all of it. Job maintains his integrity throughout.
In chapter 5 verse 9-10 Job writes about rain and places it in the category of miracles.
It is rain, what’s the big deal. Well in this blog entry I read the writer breaks down truly the making of rain and all that in tales before it is actually released and made to rain. Here is a little bit from that blog entry.

(Water will come out of the clear blue sky? Well, not exactly. Water will have to be carried in the sky from the Mediterranean Sea, over several hundred miles and then be poured out from the sky onto the fields. Carried? How much does it weigh? Well, if one inch of rain falls on one square mile of farmland during the night, that would be 27,878,400 cubic feet of water, which is 206,300,160 gallons, which is ,650,501,280 pounds of water. That's heavy. So how does it get up in the sky and stay up there if it's so heavy? Well, it gets up there by evaporation. Really? That's a nice word. What's it mean? It means that the water sort of stops being water for a while so it can go up and not down. I see. Then how does it get down? Well, condensation happens. What's that? The water starts becoming water again by gathering around little dust particles between .00001 and .0001 centimeters wide. That's small. What about the salt? Salt? Yes, the Mediterranean Sea is salt water. That would kill the crops. What about the salt? Well, the salt has to be taken out. Oh. So the sky picks up a billion pounds of water from the sea and takes out the salt and then carries it for three hundred miles and then dumps it on the farm? Well it doesn't dump it. If it dumped a billion pounds of water on the farm, the wheat would be crushed. So the sky dribbles the billion pounds water down in little drops. And they have to be big enough to fall for one mile or so without evaporating, and small enough to keep from crushing the wheat stalks. How do all these microscopic specks of water that weigh a billion pounds get heavy enough to fall (if that's the way to ask the question)? Well, it's called coalescence. What's that? It means the specks of water start bumping into each other and join up and get bigger. And when they are big enough, they fall. Just like that? Well, not exactly, because they would just bounce off each other instead of joining up, if there were no electric field present. ) www.desiringgod.org

See what I mean something’s we see as just rain but really they are so much more then just rain. Next time it rains stand outside and watch a miracle happen.

Happy Mother's Day.

2008-05-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up with a kink in my back that doesn't allow me turn all the way to the left or the right.
Bending down to pick something up or even pour a simple glass of juice for breakfast sends a shooting pain up my neck and down my back and tears out the side of my eyes.
But did that stop me from doing what needed to be done..
No.
What needs to be done in a day of mom is no match for a silly little kink...
Alarm sounds at 6am.
Coffee percolates by 6:15am
The first child awakes at 6:30am straggles to the kitchen and pours the routine bowl of cereal.
Leaving a trail of milk around the bowl with several missed placed pieces of cereal across the floor.
While that child takes a shower it leaves just enough time to lay out the two options of clothing for the youngest child which well inevitably be ignored and an entirely new outfit(barely matching) will be worn.
Now that it is 7am the rest of the motley crew have arose to the morning routine, one child barely makes it to the kitchen,but manages to mustard up his typical sunny disposition. The youngest can't seem to find the kitchen because of how distracted she is by her oldest brother and his strange antics.
Blissfully by 7:20am the teenager as checked his hair, his outfit and grabbed his barely together back pack and has vacated the premises.
With two left and an ever pressing engagement with their school we begin the fast passed ever daunting task of positive motivation.....
Please hurry up.
Have you brushed your teeth sweeties?
What do you want in your lunch honey?
Did you want a snack today baby?
Hurry up!
Where are you shoes kiddo?
Hurry up!!!
Your teeth.
your shoes....
lunch, whats for lunch?!!!!
Are you kidding, what are you doing ,why would you do that, come on, what is taking you so long,
oh my gosh how hard is it to answer me......
See,, positive motivation works all the time
7:50am and we are out the door.
Whew, they all made it.
Now I can sit and have one lukewarm cup of coffee and start again,
One load of laundry started, the other removed from the dryer,
Sweep one kitchen floor and two bathrooms.
Mop all three rooms.
Check on one package being shipped from Colorado.
Change sheets on beds.
Place that load in the wash while putting the other in the dryer now.
Vacuum, dust, and start to defrost whats for dinner.
What is for dinner?
Still that ever pressing kink in the back hasn't stopped either.
By now I can pick up the youngest, listen to her tell of her day, complain of her wrist pain
and figure out what she wants for lunch.
Start her homework never minding the fact that she has two whole draws full of pencils and crayons but she can't seem to find not one, one measly little pencil for her work. So now she breaks down into how this is the worst day of her life. No one cares for her and she can't believe how mean I am.
After some consoling we move on and all is well.
By 2pm the fun really begins we retrieved the teenager and return to the home front.
There are several rounds of crazy antics and even more positive motivation going on.
Pleeease son pleeeease be an example and do your homework.
Thank you.
Son, what are you doing? That doesn't look like homework.
Please let go of your sister... no she isn't having any fun.
When she says no she means it.
Now look what you did.
Oh good you're doing your homework.
Please leave your brother alone.
Hey, I said leave him alone.
OK you two that's it go to your rooms.
One leaves the room in tears and slamming doors, the other leaves the house with attitude and has no idea that the door is locked behind him...
Few minutes later the youngest announces she is sorry for bothering her brother and wants to join him outside.
To which I proclaim nope we have to go and get your other brother from school now.
3pm and we all have snack and a brief moment of solitude.
Followed by ...
you guessed it positive motivation.
What homework do you have?
Please leave her alone.
Get off the computer.
No, you are not playing the Wii.
Get your homework done then you can go outside or play on the computer.
And depending on the day, and
in between homework, more picking up, refereeing, comforting feelings , skinned knees and elbows, making dinner, we are either getting soccer stuff ,swim stuff, or bible study stuff together. Not to mention the probability of having someone need to see a doctor, dentist or get a pair of glasses adjusted.
Hopefully by 7:30pm I'm cleaning dishes, folding more laundry, finishing up bath time and reading one bedtime story and finally maybe sitting down.
This day includes just a few of what a day in the life of this mom may do but not necessarily all of what really goes on.
To all you moms out there my hats are off to you.
We sleep with one eye open.
We eat things that started off hot but are no longer.
We have cleaned up and held things in our hands that were never meant to be.
We coach, we train, we comfort and scold, we hope, we love, and we laugh just a little
because no matter how long, how hard or how out of this world our days may be we wouldn't trade them for anything.
Mom its the sweetest name that holds so much meaning to everything.
Happy Mother's Day.
Oh yes and that kink it's still there and like all kinks in a mothers life it just gets added to all the other badges we so proudly wear.

How many hats do you wear and which one looks best on you?

2008-04-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have been married and parenting for many many many years, and I have always cringed at the expression " we wear many hats", why you might ask?

Well simply because I feel that I don't ever wear any of them well. Except one......

So this blog is an ode' to my hat of nurse maid....

For some very odd reason I wear this one very well and

Oh so very often....

These pictures represent.....

One, set of twelve stitches to the forehead

One, double stitched split lip plus two very chipped teeth

One, dislocated finger after one amazing dive as goalie.

Yes he stopped the goal....

One, broken collar bone....oops correction one collar bone

broke twice...also during soccer..

and one set of twenty stitches to the inner thigh after taking the

quick route out of the neighbors tree..

I have to admit this all seems daunting,

but, well who am I kidding it is extremely daunting.

But I praise God through it all...

He as protected, spared, healed,watched out for, and truly pushed out of

the way so many other times that this is why I as nurse maid to

my family can praise Him and thank Him for all that He does.

But if any of you have any extra bubble wrap.......

Ps.. pictures represent April 07' to April 08'

To Doubt or not to Doubt?

2008-03-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

For some of you you may have wondered where I have been, for others maybe not so much.
I have had writers block wrapped up with a whole lot of doubt.
Doubt is a precarious little fellow.
It can ruin any plan, any day and wipe out any family.
So what exactly is doubt, in the good old Webster it states: to be uncertain about; questionable or unlikely. to distrust. to fear
When you think about it doubt/fear grips just about all of us at any given moment and it strikes without warning.
Or so you think?
Think about these statements: You cant really think that's going to work?,What were you thinking when you said that? Why would you start that? Why wasn't I included? You're the worst parent ever, Or just the feelings of being misunderstood by family or friends so you stay quiet.
Doubt comes in all shapes and sizes. It is the very thing that goes against everything you know to be right and true.
I think for me it's my silent giant always waiting for its opportunity to strike in me, in my children, my marriage, parenting, friendships and how I choose to spend my time.
I have been wrestling with doubt my whole life.
So I have come up with little weapons of combating my giant.
I have taken charge of what goes into my mind and heart by what I read, watch and listen to.
I have found that what I read probably makes the biggest difference in battling the little lies that storm my mind.
Deuteronomy 11:18:Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Next is what I listen to.
I am an avid music person and could really listen to just about anything, rock and roll, hip hop, classical you name it I could jam with it. But over the years I realized that just because I think I am able to tune out and not respond to what the lyrics are saying I am truly not able to keep all the lies from infiltrating my mind and neither are others around me.
So along with changing the music habit I have changed the T.V. habit too. I have to say that more than the majority of music I listen to is christian inspired. Which has lent itself to more music on and less T.V.
One of my favorite quotes lately is this
"Doing hard things is your best life. It's not your easiest but its your best life. It's a life full of adventure, excitement and fulfillment because its what God made you to do for His Glory"(Alex Harris)
Changing the way you respond to the doubt in your life will be hard it will take discipline, but it will be well worth every effort you make against the doubt in your life!
1 Samuel17:40 Then he took his staff in his hand,chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his Shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
We all have our slings but the question is two fold what will you put in your sling to take down your giant and will you use it?

What happens when we move?

2008-01-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

I have been plagued with the daily grind of life. It has stopped me from writing and feeling like writing.
But then I read and find myself building up steam to write and have thoughts other then
what time do I have to this that and the other things in life.
I recently have read articles regarding moving forward. In one of the articles the writer quotes a man named Thomas Huxley saying "The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other one somewhat higher."
If there is one thing I have learned in these last few years is that we truly need to keep moving forward.
Whether it is in the hard times of life or the restful times.
If we sit back and wait for life to accommodate us then we will miss out in what life is doing.
The Lord is always moving.
It is up to us to move forward with Him , in search of Him and then we can know where to serve Him.
Take a leap of faith and move today.
You will be amazed and what is already going on around you.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 4:15
It is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33–36)

I came across these verses while reading on a favorite site. May you be as encouraged as I was through the word of the Lord.
We have so much to be thankful for.

A race run by one but finished by many.

2007-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I ran a half marathon, 13.1 miles to be exact.

It was the Santa Clarita Valleys yearly race. Which consisted of a full marathon,half,5k, and a kids race.

Although the actual finishing of the race is a great accomplishment that's not why I boast.

I share this day in my life to point out that we can not go through life alone.

Lets go back to the beginning. Saturday morning coffee with two amazing friends turned quickly into a coaxing of running the race.

I didn't sleep much the night before. I tried, believe me I tried. But my mind got the better of me, racing with all the what ifs and what was I thinking saying yes to a half marathon.

Before I knew it I was awake and dressed and now driving with my still amazing friends to the starting line.

We met up with several other friends. All of who were very surprised to see me there.

The race began and off we went.

I was quickly left behind not by any ones intentions just by the mere fact they had all been training for this and I had not.

I didn't mind the solitude of being out on my own Leandra had programed her Ipod with my favorite tunes(3 hrs worth).

I was set , me, God , the Itunes and the hard pavement.....well the other racers were there too but I didn't see them.

I just kept going.

And then it happened......

I looked up and there was my friend taking pictures, encouraging me and readily granting my request of a mint.

I was so blessed by her face at that moment.

And it happened again but this time it was my family. Scott had all the kids up and somewhere on the trail with signs cheering me on. My breath was taken away not from exhaustion but from the joy I received from their faces.

I pressed on and by mile 7 I had done better on my time then I thought I could do.

Into mile 8-9 I found myself starving and oh so very alone. Not wanting to let anyone down I tried to stay focused. Let me tell you that was a breaking point for me. My legs hurt, my heart was pounding and I found myself praying to God.

He answered.

"He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord"Deut.8:3

Coming up on completing mile 9 I saw my wonderful husband with a power bar and the rest of my family and more friends. The very vision of all of them yelling with such excitement I knew I could to do it. Rounding into mile10 I could hear Luke yelling "its all down hill from here Mom you can do it see you at the finish line"

Running into the home stretch I really couldn't believe that I had ran 13.1 miles. Luke met me just before I turned into the finish line and told me " They're all there Mom, everyone is waiting to see you" That beautiful group of runners you see in the photo plus,two husbands,one boyfriend,one totally cool friend and seven children all there at the finish line.

So although I may have been the one hitting the pavement I surly did not run alone that day.

There is no way I could have done it without all of the support,coaxing,feeding and cheering.

So as stated before I do not boast for myself but I boast and cheer and brag for the most amazing group of friends and family. Way to go!

"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."Heb12:1

Bursting with Pride!!!!

2007-11-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

This is my attempt to be as humble as possible.

Not really.

Brookelynn entered a contest called the "Art of Healing"

It is a community based contest for the elementary age children of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Her picture is titled "My flower garden" She was one out of 110 entries. Although she might not have won the grand prize.

She along with several other entries were honored last night. Brookelynn's quote for the event was this" I am so proud of myself"

As her parents and family members we too are very proud of her. Because not only was she honored last night. Her art work is going to be used for a first ever Saugus union school district paper. The super-intendent had called our schools principle to ask permission to use her work.

So it is with great joy that we present our little artist to all of you and hope that she and her art bring a smile to all of you today.

There is power in words.

2007-10-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

We all enjoy gifts of various kinds.
For some of us getting an expensive gift is the best thing ever. For others it's the homemade gifts that get us excited.
But for me it's the words. The words of life do so much for me.
The loud ones that speak hard and direct. You know the ones that sound like this:
"You hurt me", "No, you are wrong and you can't do it", " You are so stupid", " What were you thinking?", "You should have known better".
Those are the words that I wish I could erase from my own vocabulary.
Then there are the quiet words, they come more like this...
A friendly smile. A door held open. A hug. That certain look that says, "Good job". I know those are not spoken words, but the unspoken word is just as powerful.
And then my favorite words of all. They are words of encouragement. These are the ones that I have been working on incorporating into my vocabulary on a more consistent base.
Making quick to tell the ones around me good job.
"Thank you for helping."
"You are so important to me."
"I know that wasn't easy, but it was the right thing to do. I am so proud of you."
Using those silly nicknames more often.
These words are the ones filled with kind and gentle tones say so much to those we love. They say so much to anyone that we come in contact with.
There is power in words and if we understand the weight in which they carry, we wouldn't be so quick to give away the ones that break down the very heart of a person. But just maybe we would consider giving away the ones that build up and fill up a person instead.

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body,but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire." (James3:5-6)

See the world with new eyes.

2007-10-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

I was sitting here watching the old T.V. show Little House on the Prairie. As it came on the oldest daughter Mary was being fitted for a pair of glasses. Through the art of television they showed here vision before the glasses and then after.
What I found so refreshing about this particular episode was how we choose to look at the world can make all the difference.
Mary found true pleasure in the crisp clean pictures of things she already had known. A flock of birds were exciting now. The color of the trees, the smile on her fathers face all seem to take her breath away.
Take a look around you today and see things you have always seen in a new light.
With gratefulness. The sun that warms your face. The breeze that might cause you to take an extra long breath.
Or the look of heart break in your child's eyes when they know they let you down. Take that moment to give grace.
Give them the same opportunity as Mary had before and after her glasses to see you in a new way.
One that encourages them to know they are loved unconditionally.
Then sit back and enjoy the look of love.
Everything looks different when we look through the eyes of love.

Psalm119:18
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Life in the day of a five year old.

2007-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

So while driving my husband to the train station I was privileged to sit in on a conversation he was having with our five year old. Here's how it went.
"So Brookelynn you didn't tell me how school was today." Scott
"Oh sorry"Brookelynn
"Are you learning anything?"Scott
" Um............ Not much." Brookelynn
Laughter.........Mom and Dad
"Oh wait the color of the week is Green, Daddy"Brookelynn
Brookelynn now breaks into a song she has learned at school.

If we could only all take life with such stride maybe then we would be less likely to lose our cool.

Why buy good enough when you can have the best?

2007-10-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

I don't consider myself to be one of those people who just love to read. But I have decided to become one of those people for the sake of my son. And by choosing to read I have found that I truly appreciate reading. You gain so much from a good book. A great article. A funny story. Someones writing can truly inspire you to change what you thought was good enough to be even better.
The things that I have been reading lately have all had one common theme in them.
Why have we settled for mediocrity?
To understand this first you have to know what mediocrity is.
According to Webster: Mediocrity/mediocre: of only ordinary or moderate quality, barely adequate.
How sad is that? To think so many in society are buying into that definition. They're even selling it to our kids in so many different ways. Labeling some of them as " they're not a natural athlete" "He's just not a great reader"
How many of us have said that at one time another to one of our kids or about a friend. I know I am guilty of it. Just look how I started this blog regarding my own state of mind on reading.
We don't give up on our children when it comes to them learning how to walk or potty train. I don't know to many of us who said "well they're just not the potty training type"
So why is it that we let mediocrity take hold of us when we get older? When life gets harder.
Or does life really get harder or are we just constantly buying into mediocrity?
I believe that I was created by an amazing God. And that nothing He has done or will ever do is of moderate quality or barely adequate.
So I choose to not live a life of ordinary. I choose to not pass on a life barely adequate. I chose to pass on the power, the strength that I get from a most worthy God. I will choose to rise above what this world calls good enough. And give my children the wisdom to know that they are created by One who can and will cause them to rise above the labels of life. It wont be the easy road. It will be the road less traveled. And hopefully the one most sought after.

Happy, happy, Joy, joy!

2007-10-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

Joy: -a feeling or state of great delight or happiness; causing or bringing joy. That is the definition given by the great book of Webster.

Listening to worship music. Spending time with the Lord. Praying. Reading.
A great cup of coffee. Lunch with an old friend. A good book. Time with someone special.
The laughter of my children. And of course any episode of I love Lucy. That is my definition of joy today.

Have fun finding your joy for today.

From Lucy with love.

2007-09-20T08:47:00.001-07:00

Lucy: I drew in an extra hour at the bottom of the chart.

Ethel: Where did you get the extra hour?

Lucy: From the next day.

Ethel: From the next day?

Lucy: Yeah. It'll work out fine until the end of the year, and then I'll be two weeks short.

Dont look for the extra hour just work with what you have and enjoy it .....

Go make a splash!

2007-09-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

When your day comes to an end and all is quiet in the house do you count it a successful day and simply close your eyes?
Or do you spend hours trying to take back the things that have been done or said.
I do both.
There are those days where I walk through each of the children's room and let out a sigh of relief that they are asleep and all went well.
Then there are the days when I feel I failed. At what I'm not sure, but just that the day seemed to have slipped away from what it could have been.
But I have to remind myself that what I may count as a successful day is not the same as what the Lord and even my kids count as successful.
The extra long back scratch, that favorite book read twice, a smile, the simplest of gestures from a heart that loves is success. Its not all the stuff we do its how we do it that makes the biggest splash in the lives of those we love and meet along the way.

Ode to a childs day

2007-09-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

Im sitting here watching two of my four children play frisbee by themselves. Let me give you a visual. Ryan is throwing a frisbee and Brookelynn is throwing a frisbee but not to each other just in the air for themselves. I have sat here for at least fifteen minutes wondering if they might ever think to play together. I guess that is fun defined by children.

As for Luke well he is lamenting over the fact that he can not find his Ipod and has homework to do. What can I say a day in the life of a child is no fun or lots of fun indeed. It's all how you look at it.

9/11

2007-09-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Six years ago I awoke for the day to send Luke and Leandra to school. I saw what most of us in the world saw, something that was so horrific that all I could do was sit there and hold my kids with my mouth open in such disbelief. I even found myself watching the footage over and over again, I didn't want to but yet somehow I guess I just hoped that this was not happening.
But as we all know Sept. 11Th 2001 did happen. In my opinion it happened with such vengeance and such rage that I still find myself dwelling on that day, not just today but other days as well. I can watch my children and think someone',s mom,dad,aunt,uncle,brother,sister and so on wont get the chance to see what I'm seeing: they wont come home to a home cooked meal, go to "back to school nights" or just tuck someone into bed EVER.
I don't reflect on this tragic day to be somber, but to remember that I am not promised tomorrow. I have been given today so what am I going to do with that? Will I choose to serve, to say I'm sorry, to go the extra mile.
"After this Jesus went and prayed, 'Father, the time has come Glorify your son,that your son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him" John 17;1-2
This is the extra mile. This is the life that I choose- to ask that I may have the chance to glorify the Father.
May the lives of those changed by 9/11 get the chance to live for Jesus.

At what cost are we willing to pay?

2007-09-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

As I sat watching a show called "I caught" about things caught on the Internet and early in the morning I was listening to the "View" and one of their hosts talked about taking "You Tube" dates with her husband. She stated that they love to watch all the funny bloopers from weddings or pranks. So before the day was done I tried it, I tried to watch You tube and then watched that show "I caught". You know what, I don't get it. I don't get why people plaster themselves and family members across the Internet where anyone and everything can be done. Where rules and boundaries seem to be non existent. Where the depravity of man comes through loud and clear. And the worse part is when something does go wrong or things that are posted are used for the wrong reasons the people who posted act so surprised and offend that it happen. Man is depraved we live in a selfish sinful world. We can not utilize the things of this life time with such reckless behavior and then throw our hands up with no responsibility for what has happen. We have a responsibility to take care of what we have. We need to protect the purity of what is true and right. Or better said like this Philippians4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Think about the impact we would have on those we come in contact with if our minds and hearts were filled with those such things as mentioned in Philippians. The depravity of man will continue on but lets just try not to fuel the fire anymore.

What's in a Quote?

2007-08-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

OK so even though my daughter is 18 and considered a legal adult its good to know that she is still a kid at heart. See she was offered a place to live right near college. We were so thrilled. She is now living with a friend from high school and her friends grandmother. She gets her own room that has a beautiful window and a wonderful bookshelf filled with all kinds of fabulous books. In fact the house has many books. Leandra was was thrilled to pieces about all the books so much so that she transformed right before me from college student to little girl by stating " Its like being Belle living in the Beast castle" ( from the movie Beauty and the Beast) Words that brought great joy to this mothers heart.
Alright on to the second quote this one is from Brookelynn. Everyone keeps asking "How do you like kindergarten?, do you like your teacher? What did you learn today ?"Well come to find out Brookelynn is so tired after school that she has very little to say about anything. So when we ran into a friend of mine yesterday and she asked the questions Brookelynn had an answer to one of them...when asked "did you learn anything today?" She answered with a very sure answer of " Nothing,, nothing I can remember"to which both myself and my friend just had to laugh. So here's to kids and what comes out of their mouths.....Oh and to us to remember to watch what we say...because you just never know who could be listening...

Nothing is ever dull around here

2007-08-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

OK so as life would have it in this house there is never a dull moment.
When I picked up a certain 4Th grader who shall at this time remain nameless because I still don't have full permission to speak directly about the young lad...Hey you like that we will just call him the young lad. So anyways I digress that's probably from all the puke fumes running through my house. Yep you guessed it the young lad arrived home shortly after 3:30 and began the puke brigade. Oh happy day.... what a happy day. Well its just a matter of time now before the rest of the motley crew come down with the same involuntary muscle spasms. Oh wait what is this I hear in the distant the sound of muscles spasming... wish us well...

How to be extraordianry......

2007-08-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here's to being extraordinary.... When I looked up the word in the dictionary the meaning of extraordinary is this...being beyond what is usual, exceptional, noteworthy, remarkable.
I also as of late came across a verse in the bible which states.."As the mountains surround Jerusalem so the Lord surrounds his people from this time forth and forevermore"psalm125:2 This statement has been so evident to me this week. I have had so many of you call and write asking me if I was OK. I have had breakfast with a friend I have been encouraged, I have shared stories, laughed and cried with some of you. For me this week of first has been extraordinary....not only did we started college and Jr. high we started kindergarten... (I would also say that we started fourth grade but I don't have permission to speak of such an event) So with that know that kindergarten has been good and so as you know who in you know what grade...
So how do we attain being extraordinary, we call and tell someone we care, share a smile or a hug at just the right time, give time that isn't spent on us but instead on someone else, laugh, love. Extraordinary is going beyond what is usual beyond what is for us but making it for someone else. Thank you to all my noteworthy friends........I have been surrounded......

First day of everything

2007-08-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

At some point in the weeks to come all of us who have school aged children will be sending them off again and some for the first time, to that wonderful institute called school. Last night we said goodbye to Leandra although she was just driving to Glendale to stay over with my mom. This morning she stepped out into the big world of college. Realizing that her days are forever different from this day to the next. We sat on my bed last night and she cried telling me "that this was harder then she realized, not being able to see her usual suspects(otherwise known as her friends)on a daily basis. I tried to comfort her and encourage her that although high school holds a great place(yet slightly demented) for all of us I shared that the years of kindergarten through senior year are formative for who she will become but now is where she will define who is she is going to be. I know that her footsteps through life will be held by what God has in store for her. Here's to you Tinkerbell 1Tim 4;12 Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
But as it goes in my house not all things happen just one at a time so for another first Luke went off to Jr. High this morning. He is our strong but truly sensitive guy so Jr. high will make or break him and I believe it will make him while it breaks me..... I never thought it but I got all choked up this morning as he drove off with his best friend. So has I can reflected and looked forward to what Leandra will share for her first day I write emphatically for therapy for how and what Luke's day will hold for him. I know without doubt and write with complete joy that God has been at work this summer with Luke because for the first time since kindergarten Luke was looking forward to starting school. The unknown which usually grips Luke with fear had him excited and slightly anxious for the first day. So here's to you "cool hand" Mt.5:16 In the same way , let your light shine before man, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.
To all veterans and especially to all you first timers how then do we keep up the good fight for raising our children, letting them go, building their confidence yet keeping them grounded(and for some literally grounded)instilling what we all so hope is success for their futures, we call each other, we share stories for the newbies, we hold hands, maybe even cry but most importantly we pray and keep up the faith for our children. And if any of your households are like mine you always remember to laugh......

A trial is not just a trial

2007-08-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

As of lately I have come to find great solace in the book of James 1:2-4
We are to consider it pure joy when we face trials of various kinds. Most of us would rather find an easy way to maturity in Christ because lets face it as life has it we have enough going on without having to face trials. But what if we didn't face the trials would we really be able to consider it pure joy ;things of this life that we go through daily. Maybe. But for me as a mother of four I have learned to welcome the trials because they lend themselves to opportunities to share the love of the Lord with my children. I am able to live out my faith. Sometimes are harder then others but all the while learning to consider it pure joy when I face trials of various kinds. I can't think of anything better. OK that's not all true I could think of things better but where would they get me how would they affect my family and would I really be any better off. Probably not, so for now I will go with what the Lord is revealing to me through His word and will go with the fact that three of the four kids that I have are in for serious trials right about now....because door slamming is just not OK... lol

I want to be somebody new!

2007-08-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

We can all say that we have wished at times to be someone different or be somewhere different. But what would I really do if I was someone different or somewhere different? The what ifs of the world can do some real damage. We were created by the Lord for His purpose so who am I to question being someone else or somewhere else. When really if I truly surrender daily my life my thoughts my ways to Gods ways I would be someone else I could truly go somewhere else. By God's design I can be transformed from who I am and I can go where He sends me. So for today I choose to go where God will send me and I will choose to follow His ways. I pray that I make a difference today for the sake of the kingdom for the sake of the children that the Lord has in trusted me with and I will keep the eyes of my heart open to what He may wish for me to see and serve Him in today. May you be blessed by what God is doing already in your life only today I pray that you recognize it and thank Him.

mama said there would be days like this

2007-07-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

When I think that I just cant go on .... I get so lost in this thing called motherhood. It is by far the hardest task I have ever been given. I phrase it like that because I feel a job you apply for and can truly quit whenever you feel like. But being a mom well I desired to have children but it was God's design that allowed these children into my life, so therefor I feel it is the task that I have been given and as long as I am given today I need to continue the task to the best of my ability.
Having said all that today I have struggled with my task. I have given into my own tiredness and responded to my children with such harsh reaction. It seems that there are days when I can be so off and still surrender myself to what the Lord is asking of me for the sake of His children. but other days I just get so lost in selfishness that my response is purely my own strengths and it shows.
Thankfully I have learned over the years that despite these days I have hope. I can make the choice to call out to Jesus and ask for forgiveness and then in turn ask my children for forgiveness. I can only strive for being authentic with my children and others in my life. I am only human but I choose to live a life for Christ and with that comes the responsibility to often times humble myself and be real. I have never nor will I ever begin to think that I have all the answers but I will always choose to live a life that I hope will one day be deserving of the Lord to say well done...
In his and hands and grace.

another day in our house

2007-07-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well as days go in the house there is never a dull moment.... yesterday my oldest son who had saved his money was able to spend it finally. He and our friends went to magic mtn. But the day ended a little early for my son. He somehow managed to mangle his face with a rail in line of one of the rides. He took out two teeth with significant chips and then planted the newly mangled teeth into his bottom lip which was worthy of two stitches. So for day we will spend most of our day at the dentist in hopes to salvage his teeth. ..... Meanwhile my younger two who are five and nine. Missed out on their swim practice and since my nine year old was already sore from not being able to go to magic mtn,. now having to take care of his older brother; he let into one of those oscar worthy sagas of how unloved he is and how unfair this day has been and he might as well throw himself on the ground and get hurt so that he can have someone show him he is loved.....
Being a mom gives way to so many avenues of expertise that I never new exsisted.... Not to mention on top of all that being a wife before all the mommy parts too. How then do we not lose our heads during a day inlife of wife and mother....
I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of
heaven and earth.
Psalm121-1-2

2007-07-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

So having never blogged before this is a first. Im just going to use this as a starting place for writting my thoughts for the day and life of a married mother of four. And as life goes today I had to make a tough choice and let my one son go to magic mtn. and not the other. My oldest son had saved his money to buy a pass so he was allowed to go. My younger son had no money and neither did I . so thats how the decision was made.