Sunday, January 30, 2011
Anybody see which way the truck that hit me went?
Wow. I don't think I've ever been this sick in my life. Ever. The can't-even-get-out-of-bed-for-two-days kind of sick. You just don't even think about being healthy until you're not. Which reminds me of the people I know who are currently living with serious, ongoing illness. It gives me new appreciation and sympathy for their struggle, new appreciation for the great health our family (usually) lives with, and renewed realization that our days here on earth are numbered. Am I living the abundant life Jesus came here to give me in those hours and moments I'm given?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Helllloooooo 2011!
A new year is here! What will it bring? Only God knows.
I just spent some time reading through my blog posts from 2010, trying to get an overall picture of the last year of our life (because, quite frankly, it's a bit of a blur). It's cool to see how the boys have grown and changed, teeny tiny ways that I have (there's a LOOONG way to go), and to recap fun, exciting, and even challenging events from the year. It's also a bit humbling to see all these projects/ideas I got all gung-ho about and went practically nowhere. You'd think putting it in print would keep me a LITTLE bit accountable.
I'm going to steal this idea from a fellow blogger and do some reflecting on 2010 and projecting into 2011:
1)What accomplishments from the past year are you most proud of? Well, my kids all seem to be intact, physically and emotionally. Haha! Ha.
2) What did you learn about yourself this last year? I'm a bit of a coward, socially speaking. I tend to shy away from uncomfortable or new social situations. I didn't used to be this way or at least not this bad. I'm working on it. More than myself, I feel like I've learned or re-learned some things about God and his immense, crazy love for me.
3) In what ways have you grown? I've been getting out of my comfort zone more. Also learning to be less prideful.
4) What were the high points of the past year? Vacationing with family, James's and my mini-getaway, Labor Day camping trip with Lombard CRC, girls getaway weekend, getting my part-time job at home, our new church starting up, Friday morning coffee time ;), Jeran learning to ride a bike, annual friends' camping trip, and I know there's more I'm neglecting to mention. Have I mentioned how crappy my memory can be?
5) Low points? Keith and Jeni moving to Alaska. Sorry guys. We're still happy for you, but it was hard to say good-bye. :)
6) What inspiration will you carry forward into the year ahead? The realization that I have been given SO MUCH blessing in my life. My children, my husband, our health, SO MANY loving friends and family, an enormous support system dispersed through so many areas of my life. My cup runneth over.
7) How would you complete this sentence: 2010 was the year of...movin' on: the boys (ok, and us) got older and grew in many ways, family moved home, family moved away, we moved to a different church, etc.
8) Pick 3 words to describe 2010. Sleeplessness, Fun, Growth
9)What were the best books you read this year? The Hunger Games, for sure. The Help, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Prodigal God, The Shack (which I think technically I re-read this year).
10) How did you grow in your relationships? I have had a lot of new friendships start up this year which is exciting. We've gotten to know some of our neighbors better as well.
11) What was your single biggest time waster? Ugh. I hate to admit it: Facebook and the internet in general.
12) What was the best way you used your time this year? Those stretches of time when I was exercising and eating right. Anytime I spent in the Word and prayer, particularly when I started my day that way.
GOING FORWARD:
1) What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead? Walking more closely with the Lord, our trip to the Dominican Republic for our good friends', Clint and Merley's, wedding (no kids! Lots of friends!), growing in my relationships with my children, my husband, and others in my life
2) What do you want more of in the year ahead? God and an understanding of His love, time spent with my kids rather than wasting it on things that don't matter (like a clean house -though this is hard for me to give up!)
3) Less of? Pessimism, debt, unhealthy choices, anger
4) What relationships will you invest more of yourself in this year? My kids and my husband. Because I see them everyday I feel like it's easiest for me to just go on autopilot with them. They definitely do not get the best of me each day.
5) In what ways would you like to see yourself grow? Simplifying. Living wisely (see #8 below). Being present in each moment of my day. Praying without ceasing.
6)What are you choosing to let go of this year? People not living up to my standards/expectations; instead, loving them for who they are not who I think they should be. I also want to let go of this whole concept of needing THINGS. There's always bigger, better, more out there for me to want, buy, waste time and money on.
7) How would you complete the following sentence: This will be the year of: healthy choices! wise living!
8) If you had to choose a verse for the year ahead what would it be? God has directed my attention to Ephesians 5:15-17 several times in the last few weeks, and I feel his message for me this year is this: "Be very careful then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Happy New Year (a little late) y'all! May you grow, change, be blessed in 2011!
I just spent some time reading through my blog posts from 2010, trying to get an overall picture of the last year of our life (because, quite frankly, it's a bit of a blur). It's cool to see how the boys have grown and changed, teeny tiny ways that I have (there's a LOOONG way to go), and to recap fun, exciting, and even challenging events from the year. It's also a bit humbling to see all these projects/ideas I got all gung-ho about and went practically nowhere. You'd think putting it in print would keep me a LITTLE bit accountable.
I'm going to steal this idea from a fellow blogger and do some reflecting on 2010 and projecting into 2011:
1)What accomplishments from the past year are you most proud of? Well, my kids all seem to be intact, physically and emotionally. Haha! Ha.
2) What did you learn about yourself this last year? I'm a bit of a coward, socially speaking. I tend to shy away from uncomfortable or new social situations. I didn't used to be this way or at least not this bad. I'm working on it. More than myself, I feel like I've learned or re-learned some things about God and his immense, crazy love for me.
3) In what ways have you grown? I've been getting out of my comfort zone more. Also learning to be less prideful.
4) What were the high points of the past year? Vacationing with family, James's and my mini-getaway, Labor Day camping trip with Lombard CRC, girls getaway weekend, getting my part-time job at home, our new church starting up, Friday morning coffee time ;), Jeran learning to ride a bike, annual friends' camping trip, and I know there's more I'm neglecting to mention. Have I mentioned how crappy my memory can be?
5) Low points? Keith and Jeni moving to Alaska. Sorry guys. We're still happy for you, but it was hard to say good-bye. :)
6) What inspiration will you carry forward into the year ahead? The realization that I have been given SO MUCH blessing in my life. My children, my husband, our health, SO MANY loving friends and family, an enormous support system dispersed through so many areas of my life. My cup runneth over.
7) How would you complete this sentence: 2010 was the year of...movin' on: the boys (ok, and us) got older and grew in many ways, family moved home, family moved away, we moved to a different church, etc.
8) Pick 3 words to describe 2010. Sleeplessness, Fun, Growth
9)What were the best books you read this year? The Hunger Games, for sure. The Help, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Prodigal God, The Shack (which I think technically I re-read this year).
10) How did you grow in your relationships? I have had a lot of new friendships start up this year which is exciting. We've gotten to know some of our neighbors better as well.
11) What was your single biggest time waster? Ugh. I hate to admit it: Facebook and the internet in general.
12) What was the best way you used your time this year? Those stretches of time when I was exercising and eating right. Anytime I spent in the Word and prayer, particularly when I started my day that way.
GOING FORWARD:
1) What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead? Walking more closely with the Lord, our trip to the Dominican Republic for our good friends', Clint and Merley's, wedding (no kids! Lots of friends!), growing in my relationships with my children, my husband, and others in my life
2) What do you want more of in the year ahead? God and an understanding of His love, time spent with my kids rather than wasting it on things that don't matter (like a clean house -though this is hard for me to give up!)
3) Less of? Pessimism, debt, unhealthy choices, anger
4) What relationships will you invest more of yourself in this year? My kids and my husband. Because I see them everyday I feel like it's easiest for me to just go on autopilot with them. They definitely do not get the best of me each day.
5) In what ways would you like to see yourself grow? Simplifying. Living wisely (see #8 below). Being present in each moment of my day. Praying without ceasing.
6)What are you choosing to let go of this year? People not living up to my standards/expectations; instead, loving them for who they are not who I think they should be. I also want to let go of this whole concept of needing THINGS. There's always bigger, better, more out there for me to want, buy, waste time and money on.
7) How would you complete the following sentence: This will be the year of: healthy choices! wise living!
8) If you had to choose a verse for the year ahead what would it be? God has directed my attention to Ephesians 5:15-17 several times in the last few weeks, and I feel his message for me this year is this: "Be very careful then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Happy New Year (a little late) y'all! May you grow, change, be blessed in 2011!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
Eternal God,
This holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May that light illuminate our hearts and shine in our words and deeds. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem this night fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. May we share the divine life of your son, Jesus Christ, even as he humbled himself to share our humanity.
Amen.
~Rev. Richard J. Fairchild
This holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May that light illuminate our hearts and shine in our words and deeds. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem this night fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. May we share the divine life of your son, Jesus Christ, even as he humbled himself to share our humanity.
Amen.
~Rev. Richard J. Fairchild
Monday, December 13, 2010
Props to my birthday boys
Bob the Builder here and his Pops both celebrated birthdays this month: 3 and 34, respectively. My hub's is actually celebrating his today, and Benji's glorious day of birth was the 10th. I recounted his birth story last year, here, if at all interested.
Just gotta say that I love my December boys and celebrate not only their arrival into this world but their arrival into my life.
Fact: There are 30 days in November.
Fact: Though I committed to NaBloPoMo (which requires a blog a day), I blogged a total of 17 entries in the aforementioned month.
Conclusion: Sometimes I REALLY suck at following through on things I say I'm going to do.
This is a character flaw that has recently come to light for me. For the most part, when I commit (particularly if other people are involved) I stick to the commitment. But it has become clear that without some sort of external motivation (ie: someone counting on me) I have a really difficult time with follow-through. Other examples from recent months:
- The South Beach Diet and exercise: While I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the way I treat my body, both in what I ingest and lack of physical activity, is going to produce detrimental effects down the road, I can't seem to stick with any sort of positive bodily regimen. I was super excited about the South Beach Diet because I have seen it work for friends of mine and because the principles behind it really are sound. Yet getting through the first two weeks of detox have proven, three times over, to be apparently impossible for me to stick with. Exercise: love the way it feels, but when the going gets tough (too dark in the morning, too tired in the evening, too cold now, etc. etc.) I fizzle out.
-There is a looooong list of people in my life who I vow constantly to be in touch with more frequently, get together with, and just in general let them know how much they mean to me. James and I started a letter-writing campaign a few Thanksgivings ago with the intent to let everyone in our lives know how important they are to us. We didn't even make it a quarter of the way through our list. I fear that my friends and family will not know how much you mean to me/us because I just plain poop out on picking up the phone, writing an email, setting a date for coffee or a drink. Because I know that no one is really EXPECTING this of me, it seems I take for granted the time I have to spend with those I love.
- House projects: another long list here. When I get spare time, though, to work on these things I find myself picking up a book instead of a paintbrush because there's no real deadline. When the day comes to put our house back on the market I'm sure I'll curse myself for this.
-The way I spend money. I find that old habits die hard here. You'd think I would learn a lesson or two from past experience and current debts still being paid, and there have been SOME positive changes in this area of my life, but I still seem to get sucked back into old patterns of behavior. Suffice it to say I put plans in place to be better about this and am challenged in following through.
-When I think about my past I can see that throughout my school career I was a bit of a procrastinator and half-assed worker, forgive the crudeness. Which works against my theory of external motivation because there were grades involved there. But I guess I was just content to be your average student.
Long story short, I really despise this part of my personality. I would like to change it. I want the satisfaction of a job well done and time well-spent to be my motivator, rather than the pressure that someone else is looking over my shoulder. I want to use the gifts and talents I've been bestowed with to be a blessing to others and in my own life/activities. But I'll betcha I'll need to build in some sort of accountability for this knowing how my personality works. At least I put it out here in writing. That has to be SOME sort of external motivator right? Time will tell.
Fact: Though I committed to NaBloPoMo (which requires a blog a day), I blogged a total of 17 entries in the aforementioned month.
Conclusion: Sometimes I REALLY suck at following through on things I say I'm going to do.
This is a character flaw that has recently come to light for me. For the most part, when I commit (particularly if other people are involved) I stick to the commitment. But it has become clear that without some sort of external motivation (ie: someone counting on me) I have a really difficult time with follow-through. Other examples from recent months:
- The South Beach Diet and exercise: While I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the way I treat my body, both in what I ingest and lack of physical activity, is going to produce detrimental effects down the road, I can't seem to stick with any sort of positive bodily regimen. I was super excited about the South Beach Diet because I have seen it work for friends of mine and because the principles behind it really are sound. Yet getting through the first two weeks of detox have proven, three times over, to be apparently impossible for me to stick with. Exercise: love the way it feels, but when the going gets tough (too dark in the morning, too tired in the evening, too cold now, etc. etc.) I fizzle out.
-There is a looooong list of people in my life who I vow constantly to be in touch with more frequently, get together with, and just in general let them know how much they mean to me. James and I started a letter-writing campaign a few Thanksgivings ago with the intent to let everyone in our lives know how important they are to us. We didn't even make it a quarter of the way through our list. I fear that my friends and family will not know how much you mean to me/us because I just plain poop out on picking up the phone, writing an email, setting a date for coffee or a drink. Because I know that no one is really EXPECTING this of me, it seems I take for granted the time I have to spend with those I love.
- House projects: another long list here. When I get spare time, though, to work on these things I find myself picking up a book instead of a paintbrush because there's no real deadline. When the day comes to put our house back on the market I'm sure I'll curse myself for this.
-The way I spend money. I find that old habits die hard here. You'd think I would learn a lesson or two from past experience and current debts still being paid, and there have been SOME positive changes in this area of my life, but I still seem to get sucked back into old patterns of behavior. Suffice it to say I put plans in place to be better about this and am challenged in following through.
-When I think about my past I can see that throughout my school career I was a bit of a procrastinator and half-assed worker, forgive the crudeness. Which works against my theory of external motivation because there were grades involved there. But I guess I was just content to be your average student.
Long story short, I really despise this part of my personality. I would like to change it. I want the satisfaction of a job well done and time well-spent to be my motivator, rather than the pressure that someone else is looking over my shoulder. I want to use the gifts and talents I've been bestowed with to be a blessing to others and in my own life/activities. But I'll betcha I'll need to build in some sort of accountability for this knowing how my personality works. At least I put it out here in writing. That has to be SOME sort of external motivator right? Time will tell.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
No Tannenbaum
I am ALL for traditions. This is by far my favorite time of year, and I am absolutely giddy about all of the preparations, celebrations, and decor. With that said, we made the decision this year to forego a tree. I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty devastated at first. Part of the reason, honestly, is that I just don't have it in me to continuously put down efforts made by Grayson, the human tornado, to dismember my tree. But also, I had to question my initial reaction to the very idea of "Christmas Without a Tree". While I like to think I'm able to keep the correct perspective on the Reason for the season, I can see that the last several years I've really fallen in to the trap of focusing on buying the perfect gifts (cost be darned), decorating "perfectly" (as perfectly as things ever get in this house), etc. etc. I don't mean to say that any of these Christmas traditions is inherently wrong. There's just MORE to this holiday than that, and I keep wondering if James and I are truly teaching our kids the right message about Christmas. Is there something more/different/radical, even, that we could be doing? I'm certain the answer is yes. For this year, what this will look like is not having a tree adorning our front window, waiting for its plethora of presents to protect. I also want us to look more intentionally than we have in the past for opportunities to spread the message of Christmas to those who might not otherwise hear it.
*Disclaimer: I did end up breaking down and buying a dinky tree for the boys to decorate and put in their room. And I have been pushing pretty hard the idea of putting lights on the house for the first time ever. I didn't say I was ready to throw in the towel on Christmas decorating altogether. :)
*Disclaimer: I did end up breaking down and buying a dinky tree for the boys to decorate and put in their room. And I have been pushing pretty hard the idea of putting lights on the house for the first time ever. I didn't say I was ready to throw in the towel on Christmas decorating altogether. :)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Count your blessings, name them one by one
1) The unconditional love and mercy of God
2) My hubby. He's a-ma-zing.
3) My kiddos. I complain, I know. But they are pretty stinkin' great.
4) My parents - how blessed I have been to have them raise me and remain so closely in my life
5) Siblings! Both by birth and marriage. Sharing life with you is a privilege
6) Laughter and having so many reasons to use it
7) Health - not just for me but for almost everyone in my life at this moment. For those I know and love who are struggling in this area, I'm so thankful for modern medicine and caring doctors.
8) Living in a country that, even with all its problems, affords me freedoms so many can only imagine
9) Friends I have known for years and are still willing to be associated with me (some even for my entire life!)
10) New friends
11) People who challenge me to think, act, know better
12) Books
13) Vehicles that (usually) run great and get me where I need to go (even if sometimes they have to be bribed with ridiculous things like, oh, new brakes. What gives?)
14) Enough to eat and then some
15) My humble abode. It works plenty good to keep us sheltered from the elements, and we have lots of great memories here.
16) My extended family - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. So many people in my life that fill me (and now my kids) up with love!
17) Incredible in-laws. Not everyone gets the privilege of marrying into such an amazing family.
18)All 4 of my grandparents being a part of my boys' lives. Watching the relationships they're forming is priceless.
19)Cofffffeeeeeee
20)CenterPointe church - God is working!
21) Sunshine
22) Living in a place where I can experience the majesty of God's creation through all 4 seasons (even though I tend to get grumpy about snow)
23) The wonders and convenience that modern technology affords
24) James's job and the fantastic people he works with/for
25) God's provision for all our needs plus a lot of our wants too
26) Christmas - a time to specifically reflect on the incredible love of God to send His son to earth so that we would not remain lost.
27) Music
And the list goes on........ Now the trick is to reflect on this EVERY day of the year!
2) My hubby. He's a-ma-zing.
3) My kiddos. I complain, I know. But they are pretty stinkin' great.
4) My parents - how blessed I have been to have them raise me and remain so closely in my life
5) Siblings! Both by birth and marriage. Sharing life with you is a privilege
6) Laughter and having so many reasons to use it
7) Health - not just for me but for almost everyone in my life at this moment. For those I know and love who are struggling in this area, I'm so thankful for modern medicine and caring doctors.
8) Living in a country that, even with all its problems, affords me freedoms so many can only imagine
9) Friends I have known for years and are still willing to be associated with me (some even for my entire life!)
10) New friends
11) People who challenge me to think, act, know better
12) Books
13) Vehicles that (usually) run great and get me where I need to go (even if sometimes they have to be bribed with ridiculous things like, oh, new brakes. What gives?)
14) Enough to eat and then some
15) My humble abode. It works plenty good to keep us sheltered from the elements, and we have lots of great memories here.
16) My extended family - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. So many people in my life that fill me (and now my kids) up with love!
17) Incredible in-laws. Not everyone gets the privilege of marrying into such an amazing family.
18)All 4 of my grandparents being a part of my boys' lives. Watching the relationships they're forming is priceless.
19)Cofffffeeeeeee
20)CenterPointe church - God is working!
21) Sunshine
22) Living in a place where I can experience the majesty of God's creation through all 4 seasons (even though I tend to get grumpy about snow)
23) The wonders and convenience that modern technology affords
24) James's job and the fantastic people he works with/for
25) God's provision for all our needs plus a lot of our wants too
26) Christmas - a time to specifically reflect on the incredible love of God to send His son to earth so that we would not remain lost.
27) Music
And the list goes on........ Now the trick is to reflect on this EVERY day of the year!
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