(This original post was written over 4 years ago. I'm not sure why I didn't publish it, but I didn't, at the time. I found it in my "drafts" folder. After rereading it today, I felt like it was worth sharing with you all.)
It occurred to me today that I'm not alone in my quest for a clean house. As I walk over piles of shoes by the front door, toys in the living room, crumbs randomly sprinkled on the kitchen floor, I know that families everywhere deal with the same thing. So what's the big deal? Nothing. I just had a few thoughts to share.
We have 13 children. A plethora of shoes by the front door comes with that, as does a plethora of coats by the back door, towels in the bathroom, etc. You get the picture. We measure things in dozens here. I have been in the homes of others with a large number of children. Some houses look like mine, but a few look like they are museums. When we were parents of only young children, we would get invited to these homes. I didn't notice any extra shoes by the front door, any wad of used towels on the floor in the bathroom, any dirty dishes in the sink, or any toys left on the living room floor. The furniture was perfect, the walls were perfectly clean with no dirty handprints on them, the windows were pristine, there were no holes through the sheetrock where a door handle had gone through, there were no piles of laundry, and certainly no overflowing trash cans. I was convinced that I was a failure as a mother, wife, and housekeeper.
Even today, as I step over the "stuff" littering the floors, my mind wanders back to those perfect houses, to that perfect house. I truly wonder now, 15 years later, if I was a failure, if I am a failure. Were those houses lived in or were their lives spent maintaining the houses and not living? Maybe you can have both.
I look back and think of the years spent trying to make my house look like that house, when my children were little. They were wasted years. They are years my children remember with few fond memories of time spent together, and too many memories of cleaning, and impossible standards of cleanliness expected. I can remember the times people came into the house and said, "I don't know how you do it! How can you keep your house clean with all of your kids? I only have 3 and my house is constantly a mess." I know, through private conversations, that those women felt a heavy burden because of my house. I perpetuated the cycle all over again.
Don't get me wrong, I like things tidy. I don't like walking over piles of things on my floor. We clean our home once a week. We don't live like slobs. I have tried to learn the art of balancing life with my desire to have a clean home. There are weeks we don't get to the cleaning, and its ok! If someone pops over unexpectedly, I don't cringe. I invite them in to my home. If people are offended by my home, then I refer them to the following: The people that mind, don't matter, and the people that matter don't mind.
So mother, if you are out there, stop cleaning your house. Don't be afraid to let people come over and see you as you are. Pick up a book and read to your kids. Make some cookies. Ride your bikes together. Live your life. Have a home that is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough for its residents to be happy.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Larry and I were able to spend a few days in California, just the two of us. It is the first time we have been away without a child, or 2, or 13 with us.
9when I made clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10and prescribed limits for it
and set bars and doors,
11and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
. 
This picture was taken at Huntington Beach, The sun warmed our faces, the spray from the ocean waves misted the air, the salty smell beckoned us to come closer, and the birds running up and down the edge of the waves made us laugh. The thundrous crashing of the waves interrupted our conversation every few seconds, but we didn't mind. We scooped up handfuls of shells, marveling at the swirl of colors, the heavy texture of some, the frail and broken texture of another. Larry stood in the water, just watching wave after wave roll in. I opted for the hand dip in the ocean, just to say I touched the Pacific.
We were both reminded of the verses in Job 38 that say:
8“Or who shut in the sea with doors
when it burst out from the womb,9when I made clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10and prescribed limits for it
and set bars and doors,
11and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
"Thus far you shall come, and no farther". Over and over as we watched the waves over and over, we were reminded of the greatness of God, the infinite nature of God, the magnitude of this world and how small it is compared to God.
As for the rest of our trip, we spent a day at Knotts Berry Farm riding the roller coasters, went to the Santa Monica Pier (and rode the roller coaster), had dinner at sunset on the beach, walked through beautiful gardens, drove up the coast, and spent time talking, praying, and reconnecting.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Love and the Commandments
Have you ever read a book, talked to a friend or heard a sermon and had the topic work its way into your heart and mind? At different times over the past few years a certain subject has been brought to mind and slowly I began to look at people different, look at past experiences in a new light, gauge my interaction with my family and friends from a new angle.
When I hear a sermon or read a book that is particularly challenging, I am all gung-ho about making a change, implementing my new discovery immediately if not sooner. When I take a step back, and thoughtfully and prayerfully consider this idea in light of the rest of Scripture, the rest of my convictions, the context of my season of life I realize that not everything is one-size-fits all. It is a tricky business picking apart and applying the truths that are for me, right now. It takes the powerful working of the Spirit of God, discernment, prayer and faith.
It is with this thinking that I have approached this certain subject over the past few years. Each time I come in contact with someone that has something to say about it, I listen to their wisdom, advice and experiences and tuck them away for further reference in my mental filing cabinet. I have tried to look at my past experiences with this new idea in mind. It is similar to going back and doing it all over again with the wisdom that I know now. Did other people I met back then know this? Is this why they reacted in the manner they did? Thank you Lord for patient friends who loved me through my ignorance and immaturity.
God says we are to worship in spirit and in truth. As I look back at past churches we have been a part of, I ask myself which side of the aisle they fall on. Were some of the difficulties and blessings in the church because they were on one side or the other? What about people that live their life that way on one side or the other?
Truth is relevant. Spirit is relevant. God requires both. We must find a way to have balance without tipping to one side or the other.
I will admit that my husband and I have been on the "truth" side of things for a long time. We are both very left brained, logical people. We liked having the ten commandments, the catechism, the Proverbs and other ways to keep our doctrine tidy. We learned a lot during the first few years of our marriage. A lot of the truths were new to us, even though we had been Christians for years, and with great zeal we wanted to share our new knowledge.
Years later, we attended a church full of people that lived their life on the "spirit" side of things. Thankfully for us, they were mature, seasoned Christians that had seen our type before. We learned about being gracious, about what it was like to walk through the valley with those who were hurting, about how God works to convict people of sin in His timing. Each one of us must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. That means that the walk of faith He requires of me is different than what He requires of other believers.
On my heart lately is the reconciling of these two things. How do they fit together? Are they opposed to one another?
About truth and the law. God gave us the ten commandments, not to follow in order to be saved, but so that we would know what sin is. Without awareness of sin, we don't know that we need a savior. God says in John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments." We must study His word to know what His commandments are, to know what God expects of us. We cannot please Him simply by doing what we feel is best. Leviticus 10:1-3 talks about Nadab and Abihu who offered profane fire before the Lord. God struck them dead. There must be more to it than just a feeling.
About spirit. This is the practical living out of our doctrine. We cannot just know the truth, we must live it. That is quite a heavy task. Simply put we are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Once again, how are we to do that? The Bible is the source of how to love. I Corinthians 13 tells us what love is. We must read it, study it, memorize it and live it.
We have been saved by grace, not by following the law. Let me make that perfectly clear. Following a said list of rules is not the way to get to heaven. But lets not throw the baby out with the bath water. Remember, God says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."
Practically speaking, we need to know that there isn't a one-size fits all description of what a Christian looks like. There ought to be more unity in the adherence to God's commandments, however. May we all strive to this end, loving and encouraging one another along the way.
When I hear a sermon or read a book that is particularly challenging, I am all gung-ho about making a change, implementing my new discovery immediately if not sooner. When I take a step back, and thoughtfully and prayerfully consider this idea in light of the rest of Scripture, the rest of my convictions, the context of my season of life I realize that not everything is one-size-fits all. It is a tricky business picking apart and applying the truths that are for me, right now. It takes the powerful working of the Spirit of God, discernment, prayer and faith.
It is with this thinking that I have approached this certain subject over the past few years. Each time I come in contact with someone that has something to say about it, I listen to their wisdom, advice and experiences and tuck them away for further reference in my mental filing cabinet. I have tried to look at my past experiences with this new idea in mind. It is similar to going back and doing it all over again with the wisdom that I know now. Did other people I met back then know this? Is this why they reacted in the manner they did? Thank you Lord for patient friends who loved me through my ignorance and immaturity.
God says we are to worship in spirit and in truth. As I look back at past churches we have been a part of, I ask myself which side of the aisle they fall on. Were some of the difficulties and blessings in the church because they were on one side or the other? What about people that live their life that way on one side or the other?
Truth is relevant. Spirit is relevant. God requires both. We must find a way to have balance without tipping to one side or the other.
I will admit that my husband and I have been on the "truth" side of things for a long time. We are both very left brained, logical people. We liked having the ten commandments, the catechism, the Proverbs and other ways to keep our doctrine tidy. We learned a lot during the first few years of our marriage. A lot of the truths were new to us, even though we had been Christians for years, and with great zeal we wanted to share our new knowledge.
Years later, we attended a church full of people that lived their life on the "spirit" side of things. Thankfully for us, they were mature, seasoned Christians that had seen our type before. We learned about being gracious, about what it was like to walk through the valley with those who were hurting, about how God works to convict people of sin in His timing. Each one of us must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. That means that the walk of faith He requires of me is different than what He requires of other believers.
On my heart lately is the reconciling of these two things. How do they fit together? Are they opposed to one another?
About truth and the law. God gave us the ten commandments, not to follow in order to be saved, but so that we would know what sin is. Without awareness of sin, we don't know that we need a savior. God says in John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments." We must study His word to know what His commandments are, to know what God expects of us. We cannot please Him simply by doing what we feel is best. Leviticus 10:1-3 talks about Nadab and Abihu who offered profane fire before the Lord. God struck them dead. There must be more to it than just a feeling.
About spirit. This is the practical living out of our doctrine. We cannot just know the truth, we must live it. That is quite a heavy task. Simply put we are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Once again, how are we to do that? The Bible is the source of how to love. I Corinthians 13 tells us what love is. We must read it, study it, memorize it and live it.
We have been saved by grace, not by following the law. Let me make that perfectly clear. Following a said list of rules is not the way to get to heaven. But lets not throw the baby out with the bath water. Remember, God says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."
Practically speaking, we need to know that there isn't a one-size fits all description of what a Christian looks like. There ought to be more unity in the adherence to God's commandments, however. May we all strive to this end, loving and encouraging one another along the way.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
My thoughts on moving on.
Perhaps the title intrigued you. Perhaps you have heard rumors and wanted to know whether they were true. It is true. We will be moving on to a house in Minot so that we can be together as a family. Our plan is to stay there through the duration of Larry's work there. We don't know how long that will be.
In our life together, we have moved 15 times in 20 years, including living in 4 different cities and 2 different states. It never seemed like a burden to move our family, just something necessary. With each move we approached it with a sense of adventure, looking forward to all the treasures that lie ahead. In preparing the children for a potential move back to North Dakota, I told stories about life there, places we had lived, sites visited, friends still there. As thrilling as my stories were, the children began asking questions like, "Do they have a ______ there?" "Will we be able to do _______there?" It was an invitation to teach them an important lesson. I told them that I would have no talk about what North Dakota didn't have, no talk about what is better in Colorado, no talk about all of the things here that we would miss. Rather, I want them to look forward to new things, to see the good that comes from relocating, being open to new experiences, new ways of doing things, and new places.
I was 27 when we moved here to Colorado and I will be 38 when we leave. Our children were 8, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 11 months old then. They are now 19, 19, 17, 15, 13, and 11 joined by 6 more children born since we moved. Our hearts are full with the friendships we have made, and the memories of our years here, 11 almost to the day. God has used each one of you in our lives to change us, to teach us, to love us and we will remember you no matter where we are.
It is with these full hearts that we embark on a new adventure. We will fondly remember our time in Colorado and look forward to our visits back. But, we must be moving on, at least for now. There are many friends in North Dakota anxious for our return. We look forward to spending more time with our Grandparents that are all there, and Great Grandparents.
As much as the kids would like to think of North Dakota as the desert in Exodus, and our moving there like the wandering of the Israelites (sorry, please don't take offense, they really like the mountains) I remind them that we don't want to be like the Israelites that grumbled and complained. "Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." Exodus 16:3. While the children don't believe that God is sending us to North Dakota to kill us with hunger, the attitude is what needs to be watched. I remind the children that God intends good for us, that all things work together for good. Rather than focusing on what God did give them, the Israelites saw only what God did not give or what He had taken away. It is all a matter of perspective. I want my children to be brave and bold and to willingly go wherever God leads them.
For now, that is back to North Dakota.
In our life together, we have moved 15 times in 20 years, including living in 4 different cities and 2 different states. It never seemed like a burden to move our family, just something necessary. With each move we approached it with a sense of adventure, looking forward to all the treasures that lie ahead. In preparing the children for a potential move back to North Dakota, I told stories about life there, places we had lived, sites visited, friends still there. As thrilling as my stories were, the children began asking questions like, "Do they have a ______ there?" "Will we be able to do _______there?" It was an invitation to teach them an important lesson. I told them that I would have no talk about what North Dakota didn't have, no talk about what is better in Colorado, no talk about all of the things here that we would miss. Rather, I want them to look forward to new things, to see the good that comes from relocating, being open to new experiences, new ways of doing things, and new places.
I was 27 when we moved here to Colorado and I will be 38 when we leave. Our children were 8, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 11 months old then. They are now 19, 19, 17, 15, 13, and 11 joined by 6 more children born since we moved. Our hearts are full with the friendships we have made, and the memories of our years here, 11 almost to the day. God has used each one of you in our lives to change us, to teach us, to love us and we will remember you no matter where we are.
It is with these full hearts that we embark on a new adventure. We will fondly remember our time in Colorado and look forward to our visits back. But, we must be moving on, at least for now. There are many friends in North Dakota anxious for our return. We look forward to spending more time with our Grandparents that are all there, and Great Grandparents.
As much as the kids would like to think of North Dakota as the desert in Exodus, and our moving there like the wandering of the Israelites (sorry, please don't take offense, they really like the mountains) I remind them that we don't want to be like the Israelites that grumbled and complained. "Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." Exodus 16:3. While the children don't believe that God is sending us to North Dakota to kill us with hunger, the attitude is what needs to be watched. I remind the children that God intends good for us, that all things work together for good. Rather than focusing on what God did give them, the Israelites saw only what God did not give or what He had taken away. It is all a matter of perspective. I want my children to be brave and bold and to willingly go wherever God leads them.
For now, that is back to North Dakota.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Listen to my words...
We visited some friends this weekend, and at one point the other mother and I were cooking breakfast in the kitchen. We conversed about many things and the topic came around to some new ideas in the church that have been floating around and taking root over the past few years. (We were both delighted to find that neither of us were being swayed by the new shiny ideas.) Around this time I noticed my two oldest boys hovering around the stove. I wasn't sure if they were truly that hungry and wanted first dibs at the pancakes, or if they wanted to help us cook. They told me they were interested in our conversation and wanted to listen to the discourse.
Proverbs repeats the phrase, "Son, listen to my words". What a joy to know that my boys moved closer to be able to hear what we were talking about, to glean what they could from our iron sharpening iron. Thank you, Lord, for faithful children that seek to know You more and long for Your teaching.
Proverbs repeats the phrase, "Son, listen to my words". What a joy to know that my boys moved closer to be able to hear what we were talking about, to glean what they could from our iron sharpening iron. Thank you, Lord, for faithful children that seek to know You more and long for Your teaching.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Hamlet revised
This video is a little rough around the edges, but the content is great. We captured our son, Brian, delivering an interp. Watch and enjoy!~
http://youtu.be/HKXW5az3DSU
http://youtu.be/HKXW5az3DSU
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Due date in 6 days.
September 19, 2011
This evening I was sitting around the living room with my husband and the youngest 6 children. I looked at each one of them and thought back to their labors and deliveries. Sure, each one was painful, but brought about the same result - a glorious new little baby! I had survived each one and I will get through this labor as well I assured myself. I have been praying that not only would I not be fearful or afraid of this delivery, but that I would be excited and looking forward to this birth with anticipation. I am struggling with that a little.
As I closed my eyes and rested my head on the back of the couch, I was thinking about a dream I had a few weeks back. In this dream I was holding my new baby and experienced the rush of emotions that come along with holding him/her for the first time. Those same physical feelings of hormones, adrenaline and bliss washed over me again as I relived this dream, accompanied by the feel of the baby's skin against my face and lips as I kissed him/her for the first time, the smell of the skin of my new baby, the sweet sounds that newborn babies make, the little movements, the little hands and I found myself longing to go through labor to feel all of those beautiful things again. What a glorious gift!
God knows just exactly what we need and exactly when we need it to be encouraged in the work that we are doing. So many people think that I must have things easy by now with my 12th baby. Some babies have been easier to deliver than others but they by no means get easier just because they are number 11 or number 12. Each labor and delivery is so very different and rather indicative of the personality of each child. The experience is as much theirs as it is mine. We do it together. I can't wait to see what is in store this time around and to meet this special, new little one.
September 20, 2011
I was able to hold a 2 week old little baby today and I cried as I snuggled and swayed with this fresh little baby boy. It reminded me of God's goodness to me with the last 2 babies just days before their births. On both occasions God provided a new little baby for me to snuggle with to help remind me that the labor and delivery is all worth it, that any discomfort I will experience over the next few days is worth it.
I am overwhelmed by God's provisions in my life. They are everywhere around me. I only need to look beyond myself at the workings around me to see them. God is always good and always faithful.
This evening I was sitting around the living room with my husband and the youngest 6 children. I looked at each one of them and thought back to their labors and deliveries. Sure, each one was painful, but brought about the same result - a glorious new little baby! I had survived each one and I will get through this labor as well I assured myself. I have been praying that not only would I not be fearful or afraid of this delivery, but that I would be excited and looking forward to this birth with anticipation. I am struggling with that a little.
As I closed my eyes and rested my head on the back of the couch, I was thinking about a dream I had a few weeks back. In this dream I was holding my new baby and experienced the rush of emotions that come along with holding him/her for the first time. Those same physical feelings of hormones, adrenaline and bliss washed over me again as I relived this dream, accompanied by the feel of the baby's skin against my face and lips as I kissed him/her for the first time, the smell of the skin of my new baby, the sweet sounds that newborn babies make, the little movements, the little hands and I found myself longing to go through labor to feel all of those beautiful things again. What a glorious gift!
God knows just exactly what we need and exactly when we need it to be encouraged in the work that we are doing. So many people think that I must have things easy by now with my 12th baby. Some babies have been easier to deliver than others but they by no means get easier just because they are number 11 or number 12. Each labor and delivery is so very different and rather indicative of the personality of each child. The experience is as much theirs as it is mine. We do it together. I can't wait to see what is in store this time around and to meet this special, new little one.
September 20, 2011
I was able to hold a 2 week old little baby today and I cried as I snuggled and swayed with this fresh little baby boy. It reminded me of God's goodness to me with the last 2 babies just days before their births. On both occasions God provided a new little baby for me to snuggle with to help remind me that the labor and delivery is all worth it, that any discomfort I will experience over the next few days is worth it.
I am overwhelmed by God's provisions in my life. They are everywhere around me. I only need to look beyond myself at the workings around me to see them. God is always good and always faithful.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The blessing of the Lord's Day.
Today was a glorious day spent doing all of the things that one should do on a day "off". I slept in a little later, played with my kids in the pool, blew up balloons for them, watched a child do a back flip on the trampoline for the first time, spent quiet time doing crosswords on the back deck with two of my girls, shucked corn, peeled potatoes, had a turkey with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob for supper, ate caramel popcorn and watched a movie all together as a family. There was even time to Skype twice with beloved members of our family. All in all, it was a beautiful day of rest and fellowship together.
Before it all got started this morning God placed a burden on my heart. What came to mind were the many friends and family I know that do not participate or enjoy the glorious Lord's Day rest that we were intended to partake of on a weekly basis. It grieved me to consider what so many are missing out on by being too busy to take a day "off".
God gave us the Sabbath, or Lord's Day as a gift and a blessing. He created the day for us, not the other way around. It was never meant to be a burden or a means of taking away our fun. It was a gift, given to us by our Creator who knew our frame, knew our needs and knew that we would need a weekly rest to recharge and gear up for the upcoming days.
Let me take a moment to simply list the different blessings that we have found by taking literally the command to "do no work" on the Lord's Day. We are able to plan times of fellowship with our friends and neighbors both to encourage and to be encouraged, we aren't pulled in different directions on this day and can spend the day updating each other on the weeks activities, there is no hectic schedule to keep, naps are for everyone who wants one with no guilt, projects that are looming are forgotten and put aside with no guilt, and there is time to minister to the needs of others. We also do special things just on Sundays like drinking chocolate milk for breakfast or having root beer floats for dessert after lunch.
Like too many things in life, the Lord's Day rest is overlooked and pushed aside as burdensome, legalistic, old fashioned, not realistic in today's world, and on and on could go the list. Rather than see it that way, I challenge you to see it from a positive point of view. Look at all that you receive! God wants to bless you richly each week, on His special day. Why turn that down?
Before it all got started this morning God placed a burden on my heart. What came to mind were the many friends and family I know that do not participate or enjoy the glorious Lord's Day rest that we were intended to partake of on a weekly basis. It grieved me to consider what so many are missing out on by being too busy to take a day "off".
God gave us the Sabbath, or Lord's Day as a gift and a blessing. He created the day for us, not the other way around. It was never meant to be a burden or a means of taking away our fun. It was a gift, given to us by our Creator who knew our frame, knew our needs and knew that we would need a weekly rest to recharge and gear up for the upcoming days.
Let me take a moment to simply list the different blessings that we have found by taking literally the command to "do no work" on the Lord's Day. We are able to plan times of fellowship with our friends and neighbors both to encourage and to be encouraged, we aren't pulled in different directions on this day and can spend the day updating each other on the weeks activities, there is no hectic schedule to keep, naps are for everyone who wants one with no guilt, projects that are looming are forgotten and put aside with no guilt, and there is time to minister to the needs of others. We also do special things just on Sundays like drinking chocolate milk for breakfast or having root beer floats for dessert after lunch.
Like too many things in life, the Lord's Day rest is overlooked and pushed aside as burdensome, legalistic, old fashioned, not realistic in today's world, and on and on could go the list. Rather than see it that way, I challenge you to see it from a positive point of view. Look at all that you receive! God wants to bless you richly each week, on His special day. Why turn that down?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
God's plans
This was my morning update on Facebook today. I was asked by a friend if seeing the positive in things and remaining calm during such uncertain times is a learned response or if I was raised that way. I had to answer that because of God's continuing faithfulness to me, I have no reason to doubt. There is no need to fret or worry about what will happen tomorrow for I have no control over that.
In my younger married days, I remember as a mother and as a wife trying to control every little detail to make sure that everything turned out the way I wanted it to. Somewhere between then and now I have learned a few things. First, when things turn out contrary to how I would have envisioned, more often than not it is much better than I could have planned. What a pleasant surprise to realize that other people have great ideas, too, and that I'm not the only one who can be right. Second, God works all things together for good to those who are the called (Romans 8:28) so I don't need to take care of God's work. Life is much more peaceful when we trust in Him, have faith that He is working in His time for our good and accept the gifts He gives us. I believe that to include going where He wants us to go and accepting whatever He gives us to deal with (knowing that He is with us along the way).
For me, that means a temporary separation from my husband and two oldest boys. I don't know why things have worked out like they have, but it is not my place to question God. It is only for me to have faith that He is working out the details for my good. I know that He is with each of us during these difficult weeks and months.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Bloom where you are planted.
This saying is such a beautiful reminder to "give thanks in all things". It is a practical way to live out this biblical truth. No matter where we are, no matter what the circumstance, we need to make the best of it and look for ways to bless others.
This phrase has become a new favorite of mine for several reasons.
#1. We are not to worry and fret about tomorrow because the Lord takes care of our provisions. We are to concern ourselves with today. What can we do that says, "God, thank you for what you have given me today." Instead of saying, "I hate the snow. Spring can't come soon enough." Why not remember that it is only for a season, snow is great for sledding, skiing and building snowmen and go enjoy it? Children will emulate what they see you doing. We want thankful children, not children prone to grumbling and disputing. So whip out the hot chocolate and the marshmallows and enjoy the snow.
#2. I see so many people that put their hope in finding the right job, moving to the right city, making enough money....if only, if only, if only. It is sad to watch them rely on these outward things. God takes care of those details, we need only to focus on our daily walk, in faithfulness. He wants us, right where we are, right now, to use our gifts and talents to bless those around us. If we are so focused on doing God's job, we won't have time for the tasks He has given us to do.
#3. There is a lot of symbolism that can be drawn from this small command. Flowers bloom, and in doing so, bless many others. Nobody can deny how pleasant the fragrant aroma from a garden can be. Blooms are beautiful to the eye. I so enjoy a bouquet of fresh flowers on my dining room table, or bouquets of wild flowers on our patio table. Blooms also bless the bees and so many other other things. When we bloom, rather than sulk or remain drawn inward, we are able to bless others. Most of the time, we won't even know we have done it, and that's a good thing.
We need to walk in obedience in this simple command. The blessings are enormous. In all things we are to give thanks. Make the very most of each thing God has given you. How will you bloom where you are planted today?
This phrase has become a new favorite of mine for several reasons.
#1. We are not to worry and fret about tomorrow because the Lord takes care of our provisions. We are to concern ourselves with today. What can we do that says, "God, thank you for what you have given me today." Instead of saying, "I hate the snow. Spring can't come soon enough." Why not remember that it is only for a season, snow is great for sledding, skiing and building snowmen and go enjoy it? Children will emulate what they see you doing. We want thankful children, not children prone to grumbling and disputing. So whip out the hot chocolate and the marshmallows and enjoy the snow.
#2. I see so many people that put their hope in finding the right job, moving to the right city, making enough money....if only, if only, if only. It is sad to watch them rely on these outward things. God takes care of those details, we need only to focus on our daily walk, in faithfulness. He wants us, right where we are, right now, to use our gifts and talents to bless those around us. If we are so focused on doing God's job, we won't have time for the tasks He has given us to do.
#3. There is a lot of symbolism that can be drawn from this small command. Flowers bloom, and in doing so, bless many others. Nobody can deny how pleasant the fragrant aroma from a garden can be. Blooms are beautiful to the eye. I so enjoy a bouquet of fresh flowers on my dining room table, or bouquets of wild flowers on our patio table. Blooms also bless the bees and so many other other things. When we bloom, rather than sulk or remain drawn inward, we are able to bless others. Most of the time, we won't even know we have done it, and that's a good thing.
We need to walk in obedience in this simple command. The blessings are enormous. In all things we are to give thanks. Make the very most of each thing God has given you. How will you bloom where you are planted today?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Fruits of Training
As has been the custom for the past 10 years, Saturday is our cleaning day. This doesn't mean that we don't clean the rest of the week, because with 13 people in the house we do a fair amount of cleaning every day. It refers more to the once a week, every room gets a thorough once over type of cleaning. We vacuum the carpet and stairs, sweep and mop the hardwood floors, scrub down the bathrooms, dust, tidy up the garage, pull out the laundry hampers and clean up all of the lint that has glued itself to the laundry room floor, and spot clean any other area that needs it. (How do the fingerprints get up there?)
As a child, I remember cleaning the house before Grandma would come to visit. The list included the basics, vacuuming, washing the dining room floor and dusting. That was it for my list. It was 3 small rooms, no bathrooms and I remember the feeling of utter doom. Surely it was going to take me aaaall daaaaay! Instead of approaching the task with joy at being able to serve, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of selfishness. I would drag my feet, do as little as possible and whine incessantly when asked to go back and complete the task properly. Ugh! (I have apologized to my mother a plethora of times for my behavior.)
I didn't learn the joy of cleaning, or how to do it completely and efficiently. I was left to learn these lessons with small children in the home, at the same time I was learning how to be a mother, how to be a biblical wife, how to cook and how to manage my home.
I want something better for my kids. I want household tasks and efficiency to be the least of their concerns when they have little ones to care for. With this in mind, we started teaching our children how to cook, clean and take care of things around the house. For our Saturday cleaning, we have 6 different tasks for the children to choose from. Each of the children, starting at the age of 9, take a task. Often times two will work together to increase efficiency. The younger children, 3-7, follow along and help where they can. For example, they help whoever is vacuuming by moving objects in the way. Some children sing while they work, some children listen to music on an iPod, and some quietly work while listening to the noise around them. However it is accomplished, I remind them that God wants us to serve cheerfully. He is not interested in outward obedience with inner grumbling. To Him that is not serving nor obeying.
When Sunday comes around, we can enjoy our sabbath rest, knowing that each of us has contributed to the order, peace and cleanliness of our home. This is just one of the fruits of faithful training.
As a child, I remember cleaning the house before Grandma would come to visit. The list included the basics, vacuuming, washing the dining room floor and dusting. That was it for my list. It was 3 small rooms, no bathrooms and I remember the feeling of utter doom. Surely it was going to take me aaaall daaaaay! Instead of approaching the task with joy at being able to serve, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of selfishness. I would drag my feet, do as little as possible and whine incessantly when asked to go back and complete the task properly. Ugh! (I have apologized to my mother a plethora of times for my behavior.)
I didn't learn the joy of cleaning, or how to do it completely and efficiently. I was left to learn these lessons with small children in the home, at the same time I was learning how to be a mother, how to be a biblical wife, how to cook and how to manage my home.
I want something better for my kids. I want household tasks and efficiency to be the least of their concerns when they have little ones to care for. With this in mind, we started teaching our children how to cook, clean and take care of things around the house. For our Saturday cleaning, we have 6 different tasks for the children to choose from. Each of the children, starting at the age of 9, take a task. Often times two will work together to increase efficiency. The younger children, 3-7, follow along and help where they can. For example, they help whoever is vacuuming by moving objects in the way. Some children sing while they work, some children listen to music on an iPod, and some quietly work while listening to the noise around them. However it is accomplished, I remind them that God wants us to serve cheerfully. He is not interested in outward obedience with inner grumbling. To Him that is not serving nor obeying.
When Sunday comes around, we can enjoy our sabbath rest, knowing that each of us has contributed to the order, peace and cleanliness of our home. This is just one of the fruits of faithful training.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Packing
We are getting ready to go away for a few days. In preparation, today is packing day. It is also, vacuum out the van day, cook food for the trip day, wash the laundry so we can pack it day, print out the maps day and miscellaneous other labels. We are used to all of the activity it takes to get 13 people ready for a small trip. Knowing that most of you out there reading this blog are not from a family of this size, we thought maybe you would be interested to know how we do it.
#1. There is a family meeting, usually the night before, detailing what clothing items need to be set out and what time they are expected to be ready for inspection.
#2. A list is made of every task that needs to be completed, and in what order, so that they can be assigned. Nothing is crossed off of this list without the work being checked.
#3. Clothes are ironed and placed on hangers with the necessary accessories. For the boys, their church clothes are layered on a hanger with their pants, t-shirt, dress shirt, blazer, belt and tie. Tucked inside their shoes are their socks. For the girls, their dresses are ironed if necessary and layered with their sweaters, or blouses. For trips with multiple dress outfits, the tights (or socks) belonging to each outfit are placed in a small ziploc bag and affixed to the hanger.
#4. Clothes are inspected for appropriateness, cleanliness, completeness and grouped together by room. For example, when camping, all of the campers in a tent will have their clothes in the same suitcase. When staying in a hotel, all of the children in the same room will have their clothes in the same suitcase. When staying with another family, the children staying in the same house will have their clothing in the same suitcase. Once filled, the suitcases are labeled with the day and the names of the children. Because this trip is short, there will only be one suitcase per group for the entire trip. The little boys (ages 10 -1) will have their clothes together, the little girls (7-5) will have their clothes together, etc. The bathroom bags are packed in the same way to ensure that the necessary items are with the right children. The hair brush for the little girls won't do us any good if it is in a bag with the older girls in another house.
#5. When packed, the suitcases are taken to a central location for loading.
#6. In the morning, before we leave, the pillows, blankets and other personal things are loaded up into the van. The water bottles are loaded as well as the food. For most trips, we pack sandwich fixings and stop along the way to make our lunch. For a snack we pack pretzels, veggies and dip, string cheese, etc.
Right now we have most of the clothes ironed, some set out, some still washing, the van is already vacuumed and ready, and the bread is baking. The plans have already been made and the maps are being printed. The rest of the day will be filled with waiting for the last few items to be ready to pack, last minute tasks that need to be done, taking care of forgotten details, etc.
When I look over the pictures from the last few years of our travels, I remember all of the memories we made, the people and places we were able to visit and the laughter that we shared. Never once do I think about all of the hours of preparation that went into each trip.
Where will your travels be taking you?
#1. There is a family meeting, usually the night before, detailing what clothing items need to be set out and what time they are expected to be ready for inspection.
#2. A list is made of every task that needs to be completed, and in what order, so that they can be assigned. Nothing is crossed off of this list without the work being checked.
#3. Clothes are ironed and placed on hangers with the necessary accessories. For the boys, their church clothes are layered on a hanger with their pants, t-shirt, dress shirt, blazer, belt and tie. Tucked inside their shoes are their socks. For the girls, their dresses are ironed if necessary and layered with their sweaters, or blouses. For trips with multiple dress outfits, the tights (or socks) belonging to each outfit are placed in a small ziploc bag and affixed to the hanger.
#4. Clothes are inspected for appropriateness, cleanliness, completeness and grouped together by room. For example, when camping, all of the campers in a tent will have their clothes in the same suitcase. When staying in a hotel, all of the children in the same room will have their clothes in the same suitcase. When staying with another family, the children staying in the same house will have their clothing in the same suitcase. Once filled, the suitcases are labeled with the day and the names of the children. Because this trip is short, there will only be one suitcase per group for the entire trip. The little boys (ages 10 -1) will have their clothes together, the little girls (7-5) will have their clothes together, etc. The bathroom bags are packed in the same way to ensure that the necessary items are with the right children. The hair brush for the little girls won't do us any good if it is in a bag with the older girls in another house.
#5. When packed, the suitcases are taken to a central location for loading.
#6. In the morning, before we leave, the pillows, blankets and other personal things are loaded up into the van. The water bottles are loaded as well as the food. For most trips, we pack sandwich fixings and stop along the way to make our lunch. For a snack we pack pretzels, veggies and dip, string cheese, etc.
Right now we have most of the clothes ironed, some set out, some still washing, the van is already vacuumed and ready, and the bread is baking. The plans have already been made and the maps are being printed. The rest of the day will be filled with waiting for the last few items to be ready to pack, last minute tasks that need to be done, taking care of forgotten details, etc.
When I look over the pictures from the last few years of our travels, I remember all of the memories we made, the people and places we were able to visit and the laughter that we shared. Never once do I think about all of the hours of preparation that went into each trip.
Where will your travels be taking you?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sledding 2-7-11
Oh yes. The kids take their sledding seriously. We have received several feet of snow over the past few days and few things take advantage of the fresh snow like sledding. It only took a few minutes to get geared up and they were off. 
There is a look of doom on one little girl's face. This is from prior sledding experiences where she fell off and landed face first into the snow. It was time for her to go with Dad and get back on the horse, so to speak. We try to teach our children to overcome their fear of such things. After much encouragement, praise and loads of fun, she is now an experienced sledder and looking forward to the next trip. 
The ride home tells of an afternoon well spent.
Hot chocolate with marshmallows of course.
The best of friends. What a blessing.Monday, February 7, 2011
Devils Tower - July 2010
Last year we took several trips back to North Dakota, one for a wedding and one for a class reunion. This was the final leg home after the last trip with a stop overnight at Devils Tower. Even though the crew was a little road weary we had a great time. We made some amazing memories. We watched a movie on a big screen TV outside on the movie deck. It started to getcold so a few of us went back to the camp site. The die hard viewers stayed through the cold and watched the last few minutes huddled with other campers under the umbrellas after it started to rain.
In the morning, this was our view of Devils Tower from our cabin. God's blessings are everywhere!
(l-r) Adam, Sabrina, Ruth - Nicholas is in the backgroundBack at the cabin, the kids enjoyed the swing and time to run around enjoying the sunshine, the grass and a book or two.
Back row (l-r) Ellie, Matthew, Joseph, NicholasMiddle row (l-r) Maria, Mom (with Hezekiah), Brian, Ruth, Thomas
From row (l-r) Sabrina, Adam
This was from our day hike at Devils Tower.
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