Succumbed Synonyms: 1. submit, accede, surrender.
A few weeks ago, I was meeting with a committee that I'm a part of at church....our Children's Council. We meet a few times per year to discuss different things, opportunities, etc. in the children's ministry program. Our children's pastor, Nathan, leads the meeting and informs us of things he would like to try or things he is thinking about implementing. At this meeting, we discussed how technology is completely taking over the lives of our children. One fact, he had learned at a conference, was that 1 in 5 one year olds have a TV in their room.....YES I SAID ONE YEAR OLDS!!!!! Help Me Henry....what does a one year old do with a TV?? I, by no means, am trying to pass judgement on anyone for having a TV in their child's room....that is a decision made by that family for that family; but I will tell you that I am confused as to what a one year old would do with a TV in his/her room. I will also tell you that I don't believe in having TV in my children's room. Honestly I am not a huge fan of TV for kids at all.
We then discussed how most children, in today's society, have a cell phone, a WII, access to or their own computer, hand held vidoe games, etc. Again this is a personal family decision for you and your family, but I don't believe all these things are necessary....and I'm not just saying that because we couldn't afford these things if we wanted to....and I'm not saying that my children don't have a few of these things. What I am saying is I believe these things are NOT necessary. I remember Addi having a homework assignment that was to be done on a computer, and I said "Well we don't have a printer." And she said, her teacher said; "Go to the library and use theirs." Well that put me in my place and although that may have been a little more inconvenient, it was very true....there are ways to use a computer if you don't own one. I have been trying to think of things that we could cut out of our budget to help our money go farther, and one of them is cell phones.....I said I've been thinking about it....have I done it?? No sirree!!!! Will I do it???? I am still trying to convince myself that I don't really need a cell phone. I don't need a cell phone.....what if the school needs to reach me???? They were able to handle situations before I had a cell phone until they could reach me at home. What if my car breaks down??? I have borrowed someone's cell phone before to call NPayne and tell him I needed help. What if I need to call NPayne while he's on his way home and ask him to pick up some milk, so I don't have to wake a sleeping baby???? I can always run get it after he's arrived. Really I don't need a cell phone, but society has made it where we feel like we do need a cell phone....people need to reach you anywhere at anytime for any reason. I'm not laying blame, I'm just saying that's the way it is. I also told NPayne when he brought home our cell phones, that I didn't need unlimited texting, a blue tooth, a car charger, etc. So he did return the blue tooth, and he uses the car charger; but I have been convinced by my own use that I do need (or should I say want) unlimited texting. I have begun to text much more often now, and some of my friends don't really even answer their phones but only respond to texts. So how would I reach them??? Uh well I could tell them that I don't text, and I only call; I bet they would answer if they knew that. I have to admit that I have succumbed to texting, and although there are things that drive me NUTS about it; I actually like texting.....I have never been a fan of talking on the phone....I remember my parents getting me my own phone and phone # when I was a teenager and thinking to myself....hmmmm I wonder why they did that? As for texting, I am very slow but getting much faster; and I don't have a phone that is very conducive to texting....you know the kind....where you have to push the #2 three times to type a letter C? I find that a little annoying and a waste of time, but I am not going to get rid of a perfectly good cell phone to make my texting life easier. Also being an English teacher/major, I have a real issue with incorrect grammar, punctuation and abbreviation; so the use of....BTW for By The Way, or UR for You Are or Your, or THX for Thanks, or 2 for To literally drive me about bonkers; BUT again I have succumbed. My texting skills are sooooo slow, that I have succumbed to using some of these abbreviations; BUT I am NOT happy about it....not one little bit!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Say A Prayer If You Get A Minute...
If you get a minute....or think about it....maybe right after you read this....say a prayer for my Lifelong Friend, Leslie....her baby boy Shiloh's due date was today. It's a bittersweet day.... I'm thrilled that Shiloh is with his maker, but I'm heart broken that I'm not at the hospital holding that precious newborn baby boy.
When Leslie told me she was expecting a baby last Fall, I was ecstatic and never once, not even for a minute did I think that I would not be at the hospital on April 28th or maybe a few days before greeting this precious new life. I never wondered or doubted that this would happen. Although Leslie had a sixth sense that she might not be holding her baby today, I never once had a doubt UNTIL she went into the hospital in December. I had been praying for peace for Leslie and for her and the baby to be healthy from the day I found out she was expecting, but I never doubted that all would be fine UNTIL December.
When she lost her son, Chet, 3 1/2 years ago; she called me the day before and sounded really nervous about her checkup and said "I think I've been praying for the wrong thing!" I remember hanging up the phone and feeling very uneasy, and not sleeping much that night as I waited to hear what her checkup the next day would reveal. It was not the news I wanted to receive. When she called me before she went for her checkup in December, I heard that same nervousness in her voice; and I began to feel a little uneasy but still confident that all would be fine. I mean she can't lose 2 children....she just can't.....that will never happen! Then when she nearly lost her own life.....I kept thinking....women don't die in childbirth, this is 2009! Well guess what....they do....praise GOD she didn't, but she did suffer....another devastating loss of a child.
I think questioning God might be a natural instinct, but after witnessing the good that God has brought from the loss of Chet....I find myself waiting to see what good He is going to bring from the loss of Shiloh; and I will tell you....that He has already. If you ever had the chance to meet Leslie and Jeff (and I wish every single one of you could)....you would see, through their witness, that He has brought good. After they lost their first son, I think that is one of the first times that I have witnessed people's lives changing for the better from such a heartbreaking occurence.....mine being one of them. I'm not trying to minimalize their grief....BELIEVE me they are grieving. We are all still heartbroken and wishing we had 2 little boys' hair to tossle and tummies to tickle, but I have seen people brought closer to our Lord through both of these losses....it is oftentimes through heartbreaking tears, but it's happening. I'm speaking strictly from what I've witnessed....I am not speaking for Leslie.
I do know that she and Jeff are wondering where God is leading them, but they know through their losses good has and will come! As for how Leslie feels today....the day she should be nursing her baby....I honestly can't imagine her feelings! So if you get a minute, say a prayer for her!
When Leslie told me she was expecting a baby last Fall, I was ecstatic and never once, not even for a minute did I think that I would not be at the hospital on April 28th or maybe a few days before greeting this precious new life. I never wondered or doubted that this would happen. Although Leslie had a sixth sense that she might not be holding her baby today, I never once had a doubt UNTIL she went into the hospital in December. I had been praying for peace for Leslie and for her and the baby to be healthy from the day I found out she was expecting, but I never doubted that all would be fine UNTIL December.
When she lost her son, Chet, 3 1/2 years ago; she called me the day before and sounded really nervous about her checkup and said "I think I've been praying for the wrong thing!" I remember hanging up the phone and feeling very uneasy, and not sleeping much that night as I waited to hear what her checkup the next day would reveal. It was not the news I wanted to receive. When she called me before she went for her checkup in December, I heard that same nervousness in her voice; and I began to feel a little uneasy but still confident that all would be fine. I mean she can't lose 2 children....she just can't.....that will never happen! Then when she nearly lost her own life.....I kept thinking....women don't die in childbirth, this is 2009! Well guess what....they do....praise GOD she didn't, but she did suffer....another devastating loss of a child.
I think questioning God might be a natural instinct, but after witnessing the good that God has brought from the loss of Chet....I find myself waiting to see what good He is going to bring from the loss of Shiloh; and I will tell you....that He has already. If you ever had the chance to meet Leslie and Jeff (and I wish every single one of you could)....you would see, through their witness, that He has brought good. After they lost their first son, I think that is one of the first times that I have witnessed people's lives changing for the better from such a heartbreaking occurence.....mine being one of them. I'm not trying to minimalize their grief....BELIEVE me they are grieving. We are all still heartbroken and wishing we had 2 little boys' hair to tossle and tummies to tickle, but I have seen people brought closer to our Lord through both of these losses....it is oftentimes through heartbreaking tears, but it's happening. I'm speaking strictly from what I've witnessed....I am not speaking for Leslie.
I do know that she and Jeff are wondering where God is leading them, but they know through their losses good has and will come! As for how Leslie feels today....the day she should be nursing her baby....I honestly can't imagine her feelings! So if you get a minute, say a prayer for her!
Speaking of Camping Part 2....
NPayne and Cal are going on Cal's 4th grade trip next week. It is sort of a camping trip, but there are cabins to sleep in and a dining hall; so it's like camping for wimps which is how I prefer to camp. It is an outdoor learning center....there is canoeing, swimming in the lake, archery, swimming in the pool, fishing, hiking....and did I mention.....NO BATH TUBS....only showers! 
Our boy doesn't like....hates....abhors....detests....cannot stand to take a shower. Let's just say he prefers a bath where the water is not constantly hitting you in the face. In preparation for this 3 day trip, NPayne did this to Cal....
And now he looks like this....
....which Cal is completely okay with! I miss his long hair....I actually liked it A LOT! However he now looks so much younger and more like my little boy instead of my big boy which I kinda like as well! Hmmmmm.....I wonder if shaving my head would make me look that much younger?
Our boy doesn't like....hates....abhors....detests....cannot stand to take a shower. Let's just say he prefers a bath where the water is not constantly hitting you in the face. In preparation for this 3 day trip, NPayne did this to Cal....
And now he looks like this....
....which Cal is completely okay with! I miss his long hair....I actually liked it A LOT! However he now looks so much younger and more like my little boy instead of my big boy which I kinda like as well! Hmmmmm.....I wonder if shaving my head would make me look that much younger?Speaking of Camping.....
This little girl would love nothing more than to.....
....live in the country AND go fishing, hiking, exploring, cooking on a campfire, sleeping under the stars AND.....
....have her very own horse....
....to care for, love and of course....
RIDE!!!!!
....live in the country AND go fishing, hiking, exploring, cooking on a campfire, sleeping under the stars AND.....
....have her very own horse....
....to care for, love and of course....
RIDE!!!!!
Drew is our smack dab in the middle child....she is not by any means needy, but she does really thrive on one-on-one time spent with NPayne and I. She and NPayne joined the Adventure Guides group for that very reason.....they get to spend one-on-one quality time together. Our other children LOVE the outdoors, but Drew is a true "Granola Girl".... a lover of all things created by God. She is literally fascinated and completely grateful for any opportunity she has to explore the gift of our beautiful earth!
Of course there are always mishaps when you go camping....Drew shot herself in the arm with her bow while practicing her archery....How one shoots oneself in the arm while holding a bow and arrow????? I'll never quite understand, but she did; and she has the bruise to prove it. She received an eagle feather at the campout ceremony for being brave and toughing it out....when she shot herself. If she had shot herself a few more times, she would have then received turkey feathers....in other words....you gotta be quite a turkey to shoot yourself more than once (wink wink)!
She is always up for a challenge, but she mostly loves the time with her daddy!
Of course there are always mishaps when you go camping....Drew shot herself in the arm with her bow while practicing her archery....How one shoots oneself in the arm while holding a bow and arrow????? I'll never quite understand, but she did; and she has the bruise to prove it. She received an eagle feather at the campout ceremony for being brave and toughing it out....when she shot herself. If she had shot herself a few more times, she would have then received turkey feathers....in other words....you gotta be quite a turkey to shoot yourself more than once (wink wink)!
She is always up for a challenge, but she mostly loves the time with her daddy!Monday, April 27, 2009
Not Me Monday Honorary Post....
Not Me Monday....is a therapy session started by MckMama. It's a great place to confess....I mean....to defend yourself....I mean to tell on yourself....oh you know what I mean....a place to explain what you would never in a million years do, or have done, or did!!! MckMama has been a little preoccupied lately with travleing (is it travelling or traveling?) to Boston to seek the best possible care for Stellan, so she has not posted a Not Me in a while; but in honor of MckMama and Stellan....here is what we did NOT do this weekend!This week, we did NOT pray for Stellan....not even a little bit.....even when we traveled (is it travelled or traveled?) to another state to go camping!!! And we don't have the sign (which we hope will be added to Stellan's name gallery) to prove it!
On a more serious note, I am a firm believer that God brings good out of all circumstances and have many examples that I could share...but that is definitely worthy of another post. What I do believe is that through the problems with Stellan's heart and his illness, in utero and now out of utero, we have all been given the blessing and opportunity to pray for this baby and his family. I know MckMama and Prince Charming are advocates for the power of prayer, and I feel honored and priveleged to be praying for their baby. I also think it's a wonderful opportunity....teaching your children to pray for people that they don't know and will probably never meet, but still teaching them to pray and helping them realize that there are people literally EVERYWHERE who are facing some situation which needs specific prayers or praise. And it is something we can do and are instructed by God to do for others. The hard part is....sometimes God says "NO" and sometimes the healing, that we are praying for, results in the ultimate healing which is death....we celebrate in their eternal life, but it's hard for those who are left behind....grieving, longing, and aching for the one who is gone.
Passage James 5:14-16:
14Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for (A)the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, (B)anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
15and the (C)prayer offered in faith will [a](D)restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will (E)raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sometimes I Long For It.....REPOST
I have found myself longing A LOT lately, so I re-read and now I'm reposting!! Originally posted February 18, 2009!
As I was driving to visit My Lifelong Friend, who has suffered so much loss but also has so much to be grateful for, I was thinking.....A LOT.....about all of the individual people that I am praying for....some who have asked for prayers, and some who don't even know that I'm praying for them. I was thinking mostly about the pain and grief that is felt when a loved one is lost, and I found myself longing for it again.....HEAVEN! Now don't get me wrong, I have an exceptionally happy life; and I am so blessed....and by no means do I want to die. BUT I do long for the perfect place where nobody is sick, hurting, suffering, worrying, lonely, hungry, abused, fighting....I long for the perfect place where everything is better than we can ever imagine, full of love, full of peace, and we all exist there in harmony or unison or however you imagine it being with JESUS. I mentioned this to My Lifelong Friend today as we were talking about her health and the loss of her boys, and she agreed that she too longs for HEAVEN and to be reunited with her sons; BUT we both agreed that we are not ready to leave our loved ones behind. Why is that? How can that be? Heaven is the ultimate residing place, but we aren't ready to go? We choose this life on earth? Why can't we have the faith of our children who will tell us over and over again...."Don't be sad, he's with Jesus!" In this fallen world we live in, I find myself longing for it more and more; but God says choose life!
Passage Deuteronomy 30:19:
19 -20 I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God has a purpose and a plan, and we may not understand it during our earthly life; but we are instructed to choose life, love God, listen obediently and strongly embrace Him! Embrace your earthly life and live it in a way that gives God all the glory! God is good....in all circumstances....He is good!
As I was driving to visit My Lifelong Friend, who has suffered so much loss but also has so much to be grateful for, I was thinking.....A LOT.....about all of the individual people that I am praying for....some who have asked for prayers, and some who don't even know that I'm praying for them. I was thinking mostly about the pain and grief that is felt when a loved one is lost, and I found myself longing for it again.....HEAVEN! Now don't get me wrong, I have an exceptionally happy life; and I am so blessed....and by no means do I want to die. BUT I do long for the perfect place where nobody is sick, hurting, suffering, worrying, lonely, hungry, abused, fighting....I long for the perfect place where everything is better than we can ever imagine, full of love, full of peace, and we all exist there in harmony or unison or however you imagine it being with JESUS. I mentioned this to My Lifelong Friend today as we were talking about her health and the loss of her boys, and she agreed that she too longs for HEAVEN and to be reunited with her sons; BUT we both agreed that we are not ready to leave our loved ones behind. Why is that? How can that be? Heaven is the ultimate residing place, but we aren't ready to go? We choose this life on earth? Why can't we have the faith of our children who will tell us over and over again...."Don't be sad, he's with Jesus!" In this fallen world we live in, I find myself longing for it more and more; but God says choose life!
Passage Deuteronomy 30:19:
19 -20 I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God has a purpose and a plan, and we may not understand it during our earthly life; but we are instructed to choose life, love God, listen obediently and strongly embrace Him! Embrace your earthly life and live it in a way that gives God all the glory! God is good....in all circumstances....He is good!
Friday, April 24, 2009
It Came Out!!!!
Do you know what this is???? Any guesses????
It's Cal's tooth!!!!
It's the only tooth, that he's ever lost, that we have actually seen after it has come out!!!
Having a child with autism, guarantees you a few things.....
1. There are certain circumstances where you know EXACTLY what he will do!
2. There are certain circumstances where you have absolutely no idea what he will do!
Of course you get those guarantees with "typical" children as well. The difference for us is.....we never knew how Cal would handle things emotionally. We were so nervous about him losing his first tooth.....Would he completely freak out by the taste and sight of blood? Would he be so bothered by the hole in his mouth that he wouldn't eat? What if he lost it at school, would the rest of his day be a complete disaster? Honestly we had no idea what to expect, none, not even an inkling!!!!
This is how it happened, he got into the car one afternoon after school; and his teacher said...."Cal came back from lunch, and his tooth was gone! I asked him what happened, and he just said....'It came out!'" I couldn't believe it, could NOT believe that was it. I had built it up to be this possible traumatic event, and that was how he handled it...."It came out!" I immediately started asking him where it was...."Cal, where is your tooth?" "It came out!", he would say. "Cal, did you throw it away?" "Yes!", he would say. "Cal, did you swallow it?" "Yes!", he would say. I don't think he really knew what to do about this foreign object lying loose in his mouth, so he got rid of it somewhere somehow. Who knows what he did with it. That first lost tooth was a little disappointing for Addi though. She was so concerned about him not having a tooth to leave under his pillow....so she left a note....it read something like this....My brother doesn't know where his tooth is, can you please leave him something anyway? It's his first tooth!
Every since that first tooth....Cal will walk in the door, get in the car, come down the stairs each time he has lost a tooth and say....."It came out!"
Until this tooth, pictured above, we have never seen his lost teeth; and we have no idea what he does with them. That would be a little frightening and gross to think about, but since Cal is obsessively neat and tidy; I am absolutely positive that he doesn't leave them lying around or hide them. I am positive that he either throws them away or flushes them or perhaps even swallows them. I bet you're wondering, did Addi's plea after he lost his first tooth work? You bet it did. I think he got a quarter, but then again; he didn't really give a flip one way or the other....at that time, he had no idea what money was....he is just now starting to understand money and its value....but that's a whole other post waiting to be written.
It's Cal's tooth!!!!It's the only tooth, that he's ever lost, that we have actually seen after it has come out!!!
Having a child with autism, guarantees you a few things.....
1. There are certain circumstances where you know EXACTLY what he will do!
2. There are certain circumstances where you have absolutely no idea what he will do!
Of course you get those guarantees with "typical" children as well. The difference for us is.....we never knew how Cal would handle things emotionally. We were so nervous about him losing his first tooth.....Would he completely freak out by the taste and sight of blood? Would he be so bothered by the hole in his mouth that he wouldn't eat? What if he lost it at school, would the rest of his day be a complete disaster? Honestly we had no idea what to expect, none, not even an inkling!!!!
This is how it happened, he got into the car one afternoon after school; and his teacher said...."Cal came back from lunch, and his tooth was gone! I asked him what happened, and he just said....'It came out!'" I couldn't believe it, could NOT believe that was it. I had built it up to be this possible traumatic event, and that was how he handled it...."It came out!" I immediately started asking him where it was...."Cal, where is your tooth?" "It came out!", he would say. "Cal, did you throw it away?" "Yes!", he would say. "Cal, did you swallow it?" "Yes!", he would say. I don't think he really knew what to do about this foreign object lying loose in his mouth, so he got rid of it somewhere somehow. Who knows what he did with it. That first lost tooth was a little disappointing for Addi though. She was so concerned about him not having a tooth to leave under his pillow....so she left a note....it read something like this....My brother doesn't know where his tooth is, can you please leave him something anyway? It's his first tooth!
Every since that first tooth....Cal will walk in the door, get in the car, come down the stairs each time he has lost a tooth and say....."It came out!"
Until this tooth, pictured above, we have never seen his lost teeth; and we have no idea what he does with them. That would be a little frightening and gross to think about, but since Cal is obsessively neat and tidy; I am absolutely positive that he doesn't leave them lying around or hide them. I am positive that he either throws them away or flushes them or perhaps even swallows them. I bet you're wondering, did Addi's plea after he lost his first tooth work? You bet it did. I think he got a quarter, but then again; he didn't really give a flip one way or the other....at that time, he had no idea what money was....he is just now starting to understand money and its value....but that's a whole other post waiting to be written.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Date Day With Bryna Mae
Every Thursday, I have a date with Bryna Mae. I started this tradition with my first born, Addi Jo, the year before she entered kindergarten and have been able to continue on this tradition with each of my other children so far. The plan was that I would get to spend one afternoon per week with that one child for the entire school year prior to their kindergarten year. The child gets to choose what we do on date day but mainly it's about spending one on one quality time with that one child. Today, I surprised Bryna Mae, with a double date....and she was elated!
We went with our friends Ms. Kristi and Audrey for a picnic at the Gazebo in downtown! And if that wasn't exciting enough.....
We visited the Tea Room, which is set up just for little girls, and had cupcakes and tea!!
B and Audrey got to dress up....and they did several times!!!
Ms. Kristi even dressed up in a fancy tea hat and matching boa!!!!
And of course I chose a beautiful PINK hat, since pink is my favorite color!
Then the girls were treated to the real royal treatment....nails polished, makeup and glitter all over!!! 
Mirror Mirror on the wall.....
Then came time for the best part....at least the best part to me....cupcake of your choice....chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla with sprinkles and tea! And yes we had real sugar cubes and milk for our tea!!! It was quite scrumptuous!!!
And since I am frugal....all this for $8.95 made it even that much more enjoyable!
What a great way to spend a day with my princess!!
We went with our friends Ms. Kristi and Audrey for a picnic at the Gazebo in downtown! And if that wasn't exciting enough.....
We visited the Tea Room, which is set up just for little girls, and had cupcakes and tea!!
B and Audrey got to dress up....and they did several times!!!
Ms. Kristi even dressed up in a fancy tea hat and matching boa!!!!
And of course I chose a beautiful PINK hat, since pink is my favorite color!
Then the girls were treated to the real royal treatment....nails polished, makeup and glitter all over!!! 
Mirror Mirror on the wall.....
Then came time for the best part....at least the best part to me....cupcake of your choice....chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla with sprinkles and tea! And yes we had real sugar cubes and milk for our tea!!! It was quite scrumptuous!!!
And since I am frugal....all this for $8.95 made it even that much more enjoyable!
What a great way to spend a day with my princess!!
I was driving down the road, I had just dropped Addi off at Bible Study. I had just picked Drew up from piano, the other 3 children were also in the car with me; and for a moment it was quiet as we listened to the radio. Before the first word was sung, Drew said...."This is the new Miley Cyrus song." I said, "I don't think it is....we are listening to Christian radio, and I've never heard a Miley Cyrus song on this station." After about 10 seconds, I realized she was right....it was the song called...."The Climb!" I said,"This is the song they played at Jayla's funeral, I didn't realize Miley Cyrus sang it." As I was approaching the stop light, I glanced over my shoulder at Drew while I made that statement. She had a big, sad smile on her face and was gazing out the window as if remembering something. While continuing to gaze out the window, she said...."Jayla loved Hannah Montana. She had a Hannah Montana backpack, a Hannah Montana pencil, a Hannah Montana lunchbox..."! Drew never looked at me, and it was probably a good thing; because I began to cry....I cried the entire way to church as I thought about the grief that Jayla's family and so many others (including my Drew) are feeling. I remembered what my friend, Leslie, had told me after her first son died....she said "I am going to need prayers every single day to get me through this....every single day for the rest of our lives!" I said a quiet prayer for Jayla's family, and I looked at my little girl gazing out the window in deep thought. I realized that Drew is still grieving. It has only been a few weeks, since Jayla died; and I think this could explain her mood swings....she's happy, she's grouchy, she's falling apart, she's yelling at someone, she's laughing with that same someone she just yelled at. She needs some prayers to help her deal with the loss of her friend. I need to continue to pray for my sweet little girl, and I will.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wordful Wednesday
NPayne and myself.....this is one of the main reasons why I fell in love with him, why we are still married, why we get along so well, and why we are so happy together....laughter! Believe me....there's a lot of laughter in our house. The fact is.....I'm very easily amused, and NPayne thrives on that fact that I'm very easily amused.....hence much laughter! And just in case you're wondering......in this picture, we were dancing at our friends' wedding....and just in case you're wondering again....NPayne can burn up a dance floor....He can bust a move! For more Wordful Wednesday, click here!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday Sermon Summary---Knowing God's Will!
How does God speak to you? How does God lead you? How does God give direction? How do YOU hear God's will? How do you know what God wants you to do?
Do you believe God has ever directly spoken to you? If you don't, that's okay....maybe He hasn't yet; and maybe He never will. I do believe God has spoken to me....I believe in what I like to call "God Moments". I am not claiming to have actually heard the voice of The Lord, but I do believe that He gives me signs of reassurance, comfort, nudging, and oftentimes peace through music, scripture, something someone says, every day happenings, and other ways. I believe that there are times when something occurs that was meant to help me see Him more clearly. According to JI Packer....one thing that we as christians need to do when seeking God's will is "....learn to determine between ordinary and extraordinary, constant and occasional, the rule and the exception."!
Yesterday during Ken's sermon....he talked about how God speaks to us through scripture, and oftentimes when you are reading scripture; you will come across something that speaks to your situation at hand. It may be a scripture that you have read several times before or one you are reading for the first time, but if you are still and paying attention; it may be one that speaks to you. JI Packer says "God's teaching in scripture is the basic guide to our living."! Ken explained that in scripture, we see guidance. In Jesus, we see it lived out. How does God want us to live? Look at Jesus, and you have the answer.
If you haven't figured out by reading my blog, we attend a Methodist Church....Methodism was started by John Wesley. Since scripture talks about life in broad strokes, and we oftentimes get caught up in details; and we can't find guidance (through scripture) regarding the details; John Wesley gave us other ways to help us find guidance. He said that scripture is primary in everything, but at times it doesn't talk about certain things. When that occurs, you use the 3 following things to guide you....
1. REASON.....use your own intelligenc to help you reason out what you think God would want you to do, ask Him for guidance....
James 1:5 (Message Translation) says,
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
Proverbs 2:10-12 (New Living Translation)
10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
12 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.
2. EXPERIENCE....as our lives are opened to God, we have experiences of God within us which nudge us along.
John 16:12-14 (New Living Translation) says,
12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.
3. TRADITION....there have been 2000+ years of Christians which can also help in guiding and there's always the beauty of being able to go and speak with a fellow Christian and seek their wisdom and guidance as well in finding God's will.
Ken ended the sermon with this quote from Yogi Bera...."When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" As the congregation chuckled, he explained that when Yogi Bera made this statement; he was giving directions to his house....because his house was located at the top end of the road, so no matter which way you went at the fork; you would arrive at his house. God's will is not so much about do I turn left or right, but more about is my life open to hear His will? God's will is about our character. Start the 10/10 today....read your Bible for 10 minutes every day and pray for 10 minutes every day. If you don't know where to start reading, you can start with some of the scriptures below if you so choose.
Below are some scriptures that Ken gave us which talk about finding God's will through scripture...
Psalm 40:8
Joshua 1:8
Colossians 3:16
Psalm 119:19
Psalm 119:105
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Do you believe God has ever directly spoken to you? If you don't, that's okay....maybe He hasn't yet; and maybe He never will. I do believe God has spoken to me....I believe in what I like to call "God Moments". I am not claiming to have actually heard the voice of The Lord, but I do believe that He gives me signs of reassurance, comfort, nudging, and oftentimes peace through music, scripture, something someone says, every day happenings, and other ways. I believe that there are times when something occurs that was meant to help me see Him more clearly. According to JI Packer....one thing that we as christians need to do when seeking God's will is "....learn to determine between ordinary and extraordinary, constant and occasional, the rule and the exception."!
Yesterday during Ken's sermon....he talked about how God speaks to us through scripture, and oftentimes when you are reading scripture; you will come across something that speaks to your situation at hand. It may be a scripture that you have read several times before or one you are reading for the first time, but if you are still and paying attention; it may be one that speaks to you. JI Packer says "God's teaching in scripture is the basic guide to our living."! Ken explained that in scripture, we see guidance. In Jesus, we see it lived out. How does God want us to live? Look at Jesus, and you have the answer.
If you haven't figured out by reading my blog, we attend a Methodist Church....Methodism was started by John Wesley. Since scripture talks about life in broad strokes, and we oftentimes get caught up in details; and we can't find guidance (through scripture) regarding the details; John Wesley gave us other ways to help us find guidance. He said that scripture is primary in everything, but at times it doesn't talk about certain things. When that occurs, you use the 3 following things to guide you....
1. REASON.....use your own intelligenc to help you reason out what you think God would want you to do, ask Him for guidance....
James 1:5 (Message Translation) says,
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
Proverbs 2:10-12 (New Living Translation)
10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
12 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.
2. EXPERIENCE....as our lives are opened to God, we have experiences of God within us which nudge us along.
John 16:12-14 (New Living Translation) says,
12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.
3. TRADITION....there have been 2000+ years of Christians which can also help in guiding and there's always the beauty of being able to go and speak with a fellow Christian and seek their wisdom and guidance as well in finding God's will.
Ken ended the sermon with this quote from Yogi Bera...."When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" As the congregation chuckled, he explained that when Yogi Bera made this statement; he was giving directions to his house....because his house was located at the top end of the road, so no matter which way you went at the fork; you would arrive at his house. God's will is not so much about do I turn left or right, but more about is my life open to hear His will? God's will is about our character. Start the 10/10 today....read your Bible for 10 minutes every day and pray for 10 minutes every day. If you don't know where to start reading, you can start with some of the scriptures below if you so choose.
Below are some scriptures that Ken gave us which talk about finding God's will through scripture...
Psalm 40:8
Joshua 1:8
Colossians 3:16
Psalm 119:19
Psalm 119:105
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Sunday, April 19, 2009
CONFIRMATION!!!!!
Guess what happened to this precious child today?
After weeks and weeks of classes, she was confirmed.
Here is Addi with some of her friends, on the front pew, waiting for the service to begin. There were 33 confirmands today....WOW!
The confirmands all knealt down and waited for Jenny (our youth pastor) to present them for confirmation and Pastor Ken to come and pray over them. When it was their turn, their parents, Pastor Ken and Pastor Rick all laid hands on them while he prayed. There were 5 of the confirmands who were also baptized. Addi had already been baptized, so she was not baptized.
By this point, I was thinking that I actually may make it through the service without crying; BUT I was so very wrong. By the time Jenny announced Addi's name for confirmation, I saw that Jenny was crying.....still I was able to hold it together fairly well UNTIL I saw Ken's and Rick's hands resting on her head to pray over her. When I saw how gentle these hands were, and I saw Rick's great big hands so gently touch her hair....I LOST IT! (Rick is what I like to refer to as a giant teddy bear...he is a big man with an equally big heart). He has told me before that he thinks Addi will go into seminary, because of her gentle, caring and generous spirit. When I cried, it wasn't the gently wipe away a tear and keep composed cry....OH NO....I did the whole snort, wipe, deep breath, snort again, swallow hard, very ugly face cry....fortunately our backs were to the congregation; although I'm certain that most of the chancel choir saw my very frightening attempt to not lose all control.
After they received the prayer and blessing, all of the confirmands faced the congregation to be welcomed into the church as "official" members. By this time, I had regrouped; but it WAS NOT easy! I am NOT a pretty crier....at all!
Here is The Payne Train, trying to get a family photo, but it was just plain not happening very well. I thought this picture was funny and typical of how our family usually rolls.
Both of Addi's grandmothers were there and my cousin Susan was there. Then of course there's Bryna (yes she is wearing the hat from "THE BOX"....see previous post), Drew and Addi.
NPayne and Addi. She asked him to wear a tie to church, floral no doubt, and he happily obliged. She wanted us all dressed in flowers. Cal doesn't have anything floral, so we went with spring colors.
My best friend, Cynthia (who I never stand by in pictures, because she's GORGEOUS and thin...but I'm not vain....maybe insecure....but not vain). Addi was standing on her tip toes, because she wanted to be taller than us....she almost is taller on her flat feet.
Aunt Melinda, NPayne's sister, Addi and Melinda's beau....Matt. We sure hope they get married soon....my girls are dying to be flower girls (wink).
Here is Reverand Nathan, our children's pastor, who taught Addi so much about Jesus, The Bible, and what it means to be Christian. Jenny, our youth pastor, who has embraced Addi this year and has supported her throughout her transition from child to youth. Jenny led the confirmation classes. We love them both.
Clara and Addi....they have known each other since birth. Before the service, the confirmands and their families were honored with a brunch; and we brunched with Clara and her family.
Each confirmand wrote their own proclomation of faith. This was sitting on the brunch table, and then it appeared on the big screen during the service as that particular child was being confirmed. It was really amazing to read these wonderful proclomations from each of these children of God.
I gave Addi this necklace before church, it says "CONFIRMED"! When I looked up confirmed in the dictionary, these were 2 of the definitions....
1.
made certain as to truth, accuracy, validity, availability
After weeks and weeks of classes, she was confirmed.
Here is Addi with some of her friends, on the front pew, waiting for the service to begin. There were 33 confirmands today....WOW!
The confirmands all knealt down and waited for Jenny (our youth pastor) to present them for confirmation and Pastor Ken to come and pray over them. When it was their turn, their parents, Pastor Ken and Pastor Rick all laid hands on them while he prayed. There were 5 of the confirmands who were also baptized. Addi had already been baptized, so she was not baptized.By this point, I was thinking that I actually may make it through the service without crying; BUT I was so very wrong. By the time Jenny announced Addi's name for confirmation, I saw that Jenny was crying.....still I was able to hold it together fairly well UNTIL I saw Ken's and Rick's hands resting on her head to pray over her. When I saw how gentle these hands were, and I saw Rick's great big hands so gently touch her hair....I LOST IT! (Rick is what I like to refer to as a giant teddy bear...he is a big man with an equally big heart). He has told me before that he thinks Addi will go into seminary, because of her gentle, caring and generous spirit. When I cried, it wasn't the gently wipe away a tear and keep composed cry....OH NO....I did the whole snort, wipe, deep breath, snort again, swallow hard, very ugly face cry....fortunately our backs were to the congregation; although I'm certain that most of the chancel choir saw my very frightening attempt to not lose all control.
After they received the prayer and blessing, all of the confirmands faced the congregation to be welcomed into the church as "official" members. By this time, I had regrouped; but it WAS NOT easy! I am NOT a pretty crier....at all!
Here is The Payne Train, trying to get a family photo, but it was just plain not happening very well. I thought this picture was funny and typical of how our family usually rolls.
Both of Addi's grandmothers were there and my cousin Susan was there. Then of course there's Bryna (yes she is wearing the hat from "THE BOX"....see previous post), Drew and Addi.
NPayne and Addi. She asked him to wear a tie to church, floral no doubt, and he happily obliged. She wanted us all dressed in flowers. Cal doesn't have anything floral, so we went with spring colors.
My best friend, Cynthia (who I never stand by in pictures, because she's GORGEOUS and thin...but I'm not vain....maybe insecure....but not vain). Addi was standing on her tip toes, because she wanted to be taller than us....she almost is taller on her flat feet.
Aunt Melinda, NPayne's sister, Addi and Melinda's beau....Matt. We sure hope they get married soon....my girls are dying to be flower girls (wink).
Here is Reverand Nathan, our children's pastor, who taught Addi so much about Jesus, The Bible, and what it means to be Christian. Jenny, our youth pastor, who has embraced Addi this year and has supported her throughout her transition from child to youth. Jenny led the confirmation classes. We love them both.
Clara and Addi....they have known each other since birth. Before the service, the confirmands and their families were honored with a brunch; and we brunched with Clara and her family.
Each confirmand wrote their own proclomation of faith. This was sitting on the brunch table, and then it appeared on the big screen during the service as that particular child was being confirmed. It was really amazing to read these wonderful proclomations from each of these children of God.
I gave Addi this necklace before church, it says "CONFIRMED"! When I looked up confirmed in the dictionary, these were 2 of the definitions....1.
made certain as to truth, accuracy, validity, availability
2.
firmly established in a habit or condition
PRAISE GOD that all 33 of these children chose to be confirmed and some chose to be baptized! We, as their church family, and as their parents will continue to encourage, support, and teach them about The Bible and The Trinity. We pray that they will now take their faith, that they have been establishing, and grow in relationship with Jesus by their own choosing, teaching and learning. These children know that God loves them, they know the Jesus was a gift to them; and they know that the Holy Spirit resides within them! We can't wait to see them go out and shine the light of Christ to the world.
Our Day Full of Church Events.....
Today was a day full of church....which is a great thing! We normally attend the 9:00 service, but today Addi Jo was being confirmed which was taking place at the 11:15 service. HOWEVER....during the 9:00 service and only the 9:00 service, Pastor Ken leads the children's message which calls for child participation. Each week, he gives "THE BOX" to a child who then takes it home and puts something in it. They bring it back the following Sunday to the 9:00 service where he will then open "THE BOX" and see what's in it for the very first time. Pastor Ken, then does something really cool and quite frankly very impressive....he relates whatever is in the box....that he has seen just seconds before for the first time....to God! It's actually really fascinating and sometimes quite hilarious as well. Well....last week, Bryna Mae got "THE BOX"; so instead of making her miss her chance to bring it back (since we were going to attend the 11:15 service to see Addi Jo be confirmed), I decided that I would take her to 9:00 and go to 11:15 as well. So that's exactly what we did....
Here is "THE BOX"! You can see that each child who has received it adds a little decoration to it.
Here is "THE BOX"! You can see that each child who has received it adds a little decoration to it.
Here is the lid to "THE BOX"!
Bryna Mae chose to put this hat in "THE BOX"!
Here she is modeling persay hat....This is what Ken said, in my summary, when he opened "THE BOX" today.....There's a lovely hat in "THE BOX". Is it your Easter hat? B shakes her head no....then he sees the flower on the hat and begins talking about how a flower starts out as a little bud, then it will bloom into a beautiful flower, then eventually it will fade away and die....isn't that true? Then he explains to the children that God's love never fades away and dies, He loves us every single second of every single day as much as he did when he planned our existence....no matter what we do....no matter who we become....HE LOVES US!
Good going Ken....another great mini message from "THE BOX" !
More posts about our day at church coming soon.....
Saturday, April 18, 2009
RANDOM PICTURE CHALLENGE
April 2008, 42nd Picture
A picture I took of Addi Jo last April....I love her freckles! I love her!
A picture I took of Addi Jo last April....I love her freckles! I love her!Thursday, April 16, 2009
I Wonder....
I wonder what people who are dying of starvation would think if they heard someone say...."I'm starving to death!"
I wonder what people who are mentally challenged or love someone who is mentally challenged would think if they heard someone say...."Don't be a retard!"
I wonder what people who have just lost a loved one would think if they heard someone say...."That scared me to death!"
I wonder what people who live on the street would think if they heard someone say...."I really need new carpet!"
I wonder what people who are alone would think if they heard someone say...."I had to get away from my children, they were driving me crazy!"
I wonder what people who don't have a spare dime to spend would think if they heard someone say...."It's just pocket change!"
I wonder what would happen if we put more thought into what we were saying....into what we were teaching our children to say....into how we respond and who we are responding to. I wonder....
I wonder what people who are mentally challenged or love someone who is mentally challenged would think if they heard someone say...."Don't be a retard!"
I wonder what people who have just lost a loved one would think if they heard someone say...."That scared me to death!"
I wonder what people who live on the street would think if they heard someone say...."I really need new carpet!"
I wonder what people who are alone would think if they heard someone say...."I had to get away from my children, they were driving me crazy!"
I wonder what people who don't have a spare dime to spend would think if they heard someone say...."It's just pocket change!"
I wonder what would happen if we put more thought into what we were saying....into what we were teaching our children to say....into how we respond and who we are responding to. I wonder....
Which Payne baby is it?
In the previous post, I posted a picture of one of my children as a baby and asked ...Which Payne baby do you think this is? I had 2 responses, from really good friends, who have known my children for a long time; and they both guessed that it was CAL! Sorry friends, but it's not Cal....it's actually Elliot; but that just makes me realize even more that they do all look a lot alike! I also received another comment that said....Lucky, no make that Blessed, YOU! And I am going to have to wholeheartedly agree with that statement. Actually I don't believe in luck....ANYMORE, but I do believe in blessings! Thanks for the comments and the guesses. I love to read comments!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
"LUCKY YOU!"
"Lucky You!"....was the response I heard today when someone asked me...."How many children do you have?" That's the kind of response I love hearing.
The other day I was asked this question..."You have 3 girls?"
When I answered with....
"I have 4 girls....
....and 1 boy!"
All heads turned to stare, as if they were searching for my children in a crowd, but nobody said a word....not even the person who asked the question. They all just stared....actually some gawked. Silence is an acceptable response, gawking....not so much, it's a little awkward....or at least it should be; but you would be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't....especially those of you who have bunches of babes) at how many folks gawk. I've even seen some do a head count as we walk in somewhere(which always makes me giggle)....as if astonished that we have 5 children.....I like to think of that as a compliment....as if they are thinking to themselves....she sure doesn't look old enough to have 5 children and WOW is she thin (wink wink...joking of course)! The astonished response always makes me giggle and a little curious as well, mainly because I don't think 5 children is a lot....17 children....now that's a lot!
However when I get one of the following responses...."Are you crazy?" "What were you thinking?" "Don't you know how babies are made?" "How are you going to pay for their college?" "You've got your hands full!"
I just snicker to myself....give some polite response and think....
....they don't know what they're missing!!!
And what they usually have no IDEA about is.....that I would have had 5 more in a heartbeat....I mean look at that baby, wouldn't you? (Big Smile)! And to answer one of the above questions..."If having a house full of children makes someone assume I'm crazy, then YES I AM CRAZY and PROUD OF IT!" And to answer another question...."YES I KNOW HOW BABIES ARE MADE, but that's between me and NPayne and God of course; since HE is really their creator!"
Which Payne baby do you think this is?
"I have 4 girls....
....and 1 boy!"All heads turned to stare, as if they were searching for my children in a crowd, but nobody said a word....not even the person who asked the question. They all just stared....actually some gawked. Silence is an acceptable response, gawking....not so much, it's a little awkward....or at least it should be; but you would be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't....especially those of you who have bunches of babes) at how many folks gawk. I've even seen some do a head count as we walk in somewhere(which always makes me giggle)....as if astonished that we have 5 children.....I like to think of that as a compliment....as if they are thinking to themselves....she sure doesn't look old enough to have 5 children and WOW is she thin (wink wink...joking of course)! The astonished response always makes me giggle and a little curious as well, mainly because I don't think 5 children is a lot....17 children....now that's a lot!
However when I get one of the following responses...."Are you crazy?" "What were you thinking?" "Don't you know how babies are made?" "How are you going to pay for their college?" "You've got your hands full!"
I just snicker to myself....give some polite response and think....
....they don't know what they're missing!!!
And what they usually have no IDEA about is.....that I would have had 5 more in a heartbeat....I mean look at that baby, wouldn't you? (Big Smile)! And to answer one of the above questions..."If having a house full of children makes someone assume I'm crazy, then YES I AM CRAZY and PROUD OF IT!" And to answer another question...."YES I KNOW HOW BABIES ARE MADE, but that's between me and NPayne and God of course; since HE is really their creator!"
Which Payne baby do you think this is?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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