Once apon a time there lived a little boy named Gabriel that was a sweet but mischievious little guy. He liked to ask questions while his mommy was busy working. If she didn't answer him, he would just ask louder and louder until she would turn and look at him and say, "What!?!"
Gabriel's mommy loved him very much but had a hard time doing more than one thing at a time, which you usually need to do when you are a mommy.
Gabriel's mommy wanted to try something new and so instead of trying to get her work done fast, she decided that Gabriel could sit on her lap and help her. Gabriel seemed to like this plan and sat still for about 20 seconds. Then he found that he could reach the keys and wanted to help typojnglk;sjl;s hisdkl storyknl;kn. Gabriel's mommy didn't like this development so instead she read him the begining of his story. Gabriel like this very much and sat sooo still his mommy wondered if he was going to fall asleep. Gabriel had no plans of falling asleep but he did like to use his mommy's are as a pillow. He even made sure that his mommy could not move her arm away because he like his pillow so much. This made typing very hard. Luckily a hero lives at Gabriel's house. It is his older sister named Eliana. Eliana sometimes got tired of playing with Gabriel, which was usually when Gabriel visited his mommy; but on this particular day, just when Gabriel's mommy thought she was not going to get anything done, Eliana asked Gabe to come outside and blow bubbles. Gabriel jumped down from his mommy's lap and ran off to play. Gabriel's Mommy sat and worked dilligently for 5 whole minutes before Gabriel came back inside saying, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy...." Gabriel and his mommy are working hard on learning to talk to each other nicely.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
A Valentines Gift...
This is one of those stories that just HAS to be shared.
First off I am going to share a photo of an artifact from my early teens.
When my parents moved a couple of months ago I found a bin of notes and who knows what else that I had saved over the years. On sunday morning Eliana brought me the bin of notes and this little note was the first one I pulled out.
Okay here comes the cool part
That's right, back in 1995 - I was 14 - and in my cheezy, over dramatic doodle something cool happened. No matter if you believe that you were destined to be with your spouse or if you are more inclined to think it was a matter of chance and choice. Either way this is still cool.
To me it speaks of a God that knows where we are going. He is not blind or lying when he says that He knows the plans he has for us.
I have to say that this little gift has added something special to this Valentines day, not only am I married to my best friend and the greatest guy around but I know I am exactly where I am meant to be.
First off I am going to share a photo of an artifact from my early teens.
When my parents moved a couple of months ago I found a bin of notes and who knows what else that I had saved over the years. On sunday morning Eliana brought me the bin of notes and this little note was the first one I pulled out.
Feel free to take time to snicker and laugh now.....
Okay here comes the cool part
That's right, back in 1995 - I was 14 - and in my cheezy, over dramatic doodle something cool happened. No matter if you believe that you were destined to be with your spouse or if you are more inclined to think it was a matter of chance and choice. Either way this is still cool.
To me it speaks of a God that knows where we are going. He is not blind or lying when he says that He knows the plans he has for us.
I have to say that this little gift has added something special to this Valentines day, not only am I married to my best friend and the greatest guy around but I know I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Crafting Genius
So I thought I would inspire you all with my crafting genius. The holiday season is when crafters come out of the closet and paste their beautiful creations around their homes and share them with friends and family.
Well this is me sharing...although you may not want to follow suit - I thought you would want a chance to admire our fine work. Although I can't take much of the credit Gabe and Eliana did most of the original artwork. :)
Well this is me sharing...although you may not want to follow suit - I thought you would want a chance to admire our fine work. Although I can't take much of the credit Gabe and Eliana did most of the original artwork. :)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Morning Devotional...
Well after my long absence from blogging I am apparently making my comeback with a rather personal reflection but it is God's work that I know that He is working out in more than just my life. So welcome to my morning devotional. Tomorrow morning I will be sharing this at the staff meeting at my school - I covet your prayers in this.
I don't now about you but there are seasons in life, or perhaps it is just a fact of life, that is full of sorrow as well as joy. I so loved Linda's reminder last week about counting our blessings and keeping our eyes on God's goodness and faithfulness in the big and small things. With that very premise in mind I wanted to take a peak at a slightly different angle of this - being able to see God's goodness and faithfulness even in the midst of our own pain and suffering.
Obviously in our communities right now we feel the weight of sin - the overwhelming sorrow of loss and I know in a much less dramatic circumstances I have sometimes found myself equally disillusioned by what I have perceived was a lack of God's goodness. I have been reading "One Thousand Gifts" by Anne Voskamp and I wanted to share the quotes that struck me so profoundly that I felt that gut wrenching guilt because I knew her honest voice was echoing the voice in my heart.
Ann relates the beginning of her journey of living a life of thanksgiving by sharing her honest feelings about trusting God - even as a Christian
"Is this the toxic air of the world, this atmosphere we inhale, burning into our lungs, this -No, God? No, God, we won't take what You give. No, God, Your plans are a gutted bleeding mess and I didn't sign up for this and You really thought I'd go for this? No, God, this is ugly and this is a mess and can't you get anything right and just haul all this pain out of here and I'll take it from here, thanks. And God? Thanks for nothing. Isn't this the human inheritance, the legacy of the Garden?
I wake and put the feet to the plank floors, and I believe the Serpent's hissing lie, the repeating refrain of his campaign through the ages: God isn't good. It's the cornerstone of his movement. That God withholds good from His children, that God does not genuinely, fully, love us."
For me this lie has whispered in the back of my mind. Through the past couple years I have especially felt myself giving way before this lie. A Good, Sovereign, God who does nothing, while I watch those close to me loose husbands and children - mothers and fathers. While I watch personal injustices go unaccounted for - the widow taken advantage of, the fatherless cast aside. I have felt my heart scream as Anne screams. I just never had the courage to say it aloud. I felt as if I was one before the firing line and the suffering continually hit closer and closer to home. I was afraid if I spoke out against the one with gun the wound would be more than I could bear. But I continued to read...and God continued to speak to my scared broken heart and bring more revelation.
Again I rob another's words that so adequately capture the hope in it all.
"If the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see.
To See through to God.
That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave."
When we can step back from ourselves, like Linda reminded us last week, we can catch a glimpse of an Eternal God. Who sees the grand tapestry and not the tangled thread. When I step back and take a moment to recognize who I am accusing - I am appropriately reminded "Who am I?" Who am I to know the mind and plans of Almighty God.
So what then?
Even as lately as this past Sunday I was reminded that I need to hold up my shield of faith to protect my heart and mind from the lies of the enemy and that I need to soak myself in the truth of God's word and in who He says he is. To remember that His grace is sufficient, that He loves with an everlasting love, that He is Good, That He is God. In the midst of chaos and sadness - injustice and sorrow. He is still God and He still wants to open our eyes to His goodness.
I don't now about you but there are seasons in life, or perhaps it is just a fact of life, that is full of sorrow as well as joy. I so loved Linda's reminder last week about counting our blessings and keeping our eyes on God's goodness and faithfulness in the big and small things. With that very premise in mind I wanted to take a peak at a slightly different angle of this - being able to see God's goodness and faithfulness even in the midst of our own pain and suffering.
Obviously in our communities right now we feel the weight of sin - the overwhelming sorrow of loss and I know in a much less dramatic circumstances I have sometimes found myself equally disillusioned by what I have perceived was a lack of God's goodness. I have been reading "One Thousand Gifts" by Anne Voskamp and I wanted to share the quotes that struck me so profoundly that I felt that gut wrenching guilt because I knew her honest voice was echoing the voice in my heart.
Ann relates the beginning of her journey of living a life of thanksgiving by sharing her honest feelings about trusting God - even as a Christian
"Is this the toxic air of the world, this atmosphere we inhale, burning into our lungs, this -No, God? No, God, we won't take what You give. No, God, Your plans are a gutted bleeding mess and I didn't sign up for this and You really thought I'd go for this? No, God, this is ugly and this is a mess and can't you get anything right and just haul all this pain out of here and I'll take it from here, thanks. And God? Thanks for nothing. Isn't this the human inheritance, the legacy of the Garden?
I wake and put the feet to the plank floors, and I believe the Serpent's hissing lie, the repeating refrain of his campaign through the ages: God isn't good. It's the cornerstone of his movement. That God withholds good from His children, that God does not genuinely, fully, love us."
For me this lie has whispered in the back of my mind. Through the past couple years I have especially felt myself giving way before this lie. A Good, Sovereign, God who does nothing, while I watch those close to me loose husbands and children - mothers and fathers. While I watch personal injustices go unaccounted for - the widow taken advantage of, the fatherless cast aside. I have felt my heart scream as Anne screams. I just never had the courage to say it aloud. I felt as if I was one before the firing line and the suffering continually hit closer and closer to home. I was afraid if I spoke out against the one with gun the wound would be more than I could bear. But I continued to read...and God continued to speak to my scared broken heart and bring more revelation.
Again I rob another's words that so adequately capture the hope in it all.
"If the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see.
To See through to God.
That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave."
When we can step back from ourselves, like Linda reminded us last week, we can catch a glimpse of an Eternal God. Who sees the grand tapestry and not the tangled thread. When I step back and take a moment to recognize who I am accusing - I am appropriately reminded "Who am I?" Who am I to know the mind and plans of Almighty God.
So what then?
Even as lately as this past Sunday I was reminded that I need to hold up my shield of faith to protect my heart and mind from the lies of the enemy and that I need to soak myself in the truth of God's word and in who He says he is. To remember that His grace is sufficient, that He loves with an everlasting love, that He is Good, That He is God. In the midst of chaos and sadness - injustice and sorrow. He is still God and He still wants to open our eyes to His goodness.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
My Thoughts on Week Three...
To put it mildly this fall has brought a few changes. On purely an emotional note I feel like I have jumped out of one of Mary Poppins chalk paintings into the real world.
I have been so lucky to have spent the last 5 yrs at home with my two kids but this year was the big leap back into 'real life'.
Eliana has started full time kindergarten and has been on a permanent adrenaline high. Her mission has been to makes as many friends and learn as many things as she can. Her teacher assured me that she is adjusting well and is very confidant. I am still trying to decipher if that means - "your daughter is taking over the class". lol
Gabriel is so lucky to have one of his favourite people as his 'Nanny'. He gets to stay home with 'Mimi' who has been doing a great job of planning little adventures and doing things that make him feel just as special staying home. He still is adjusting Eliana being gone and they are so adorable when they hug goodbye in the morning.
Tomorrow will be day five of my new job and I am totally enjoying the process of becoming an adult again! lol Its great to be working in such a great place and with such nice people. I am still working on how to carry on life while working...I'll let you know how that goes. Chances are though if I haven't blogged in a while, its because I am buried under a pile of laundry and need to be rescued.
Ed as always is my tangible sticking place. I thank Jesus so much for bringing us together and giving me someone who knows just how seriously to take me.
SO I have to say - so far so good. There are pros and cons in this new life that we have but I know that God's grace is sufficient and I am confident that we are right where He wants us to be - learning and growing in the ways we need to learn and grow right now.
I have been so lucky to have spent the last 5 yrs at home with my two kids but this year was the big leap back into 'real life'.
Eliana has started full time kindergarten and has been on a permanent adrenaline high. Her mission has been to makes as many friends and learn as many things as she can. Her teacher assured me that she is adjusting well and is very confidant. I am still trying to decipher if that means - "your daughter is taking over the class". lol
Gabriel is so lucky to have one of his favourite people as his 'Nanny'. He gets to stay home with 'Mimi' who has been doing a great job of planning little adventures and doing things that make him feel just as special staying home. He still is adjusting Eliana being gone and they are so adorable when they hug goodbye in the morning.
Tomorrow will be day five of my new job and I am totally enjoying the process of becoming an adult again! lol Its great to be working in such a great place and with such nice people. I am still working on how to carry on life while working...I'll let you know how that goes. Chances are though if I haven't blogged in a while, its because I am buried under a pile of laundry and need to be rescued.
Ed as always is my tangible sticking place. I thank Jesus so much for bringing us together and giving me someone who knows just how seriously to take me.
SO I have to say - so far so good. There are pros and cons in this new life that we have but I know that God's grace is sufficient and I am confident that we are right where He wants us to be - learning and growing in the ways we need to learn and grow right now.
Monday, September 12, 2011
I Heart Faces - Back to School!
My oldest just finished her first week of Kindergarten...big week in our family. So this challenge was mostly a challenge of which picture to go with!! I chose this one because the scope of the photo makes her look even tinier and I think every momma thinks their 'baby' is still to tiny to be going to school on the first day of kindergarten!
Apple Sauce Crotch
Last week was Eliana's first week of Kindergarten and the first week of a new kind of life for this family. Getting up before 7:30 is new for the kids and I but I have no doubt we will adjust quickly.
The funniest thing Eliana came home saying this past week was 'apple sauce crotch'. Knowing that I was loosing something in translation I asked for the context and learned that every time they sat down at group time they would say 'apple sauce crotch, put your hands in your lap'. I couldn't decoded it until I conferred with some other moms - sure enough it made a lot more sense as
"Criss Cross Apple Sauce - Put your hands in your lap"
This helps the kids sit cross legged for group time.
I love that I can look forward to all sorts of new adventures and 'lost in translation' moments in the coming year.
The funniest thing Eliana came home saying this past week was 'apple sauce crotch'. Knowing that I was loosing something in translation I asked for the context and learned that every time they sat down at group time they would say 'apple sauce crotch, put your hands in your lap'. I couldn't decoded it until I conferred with some other moms - sure enough it made a lot more sense as
"Criss Cross Apple Sauce - Put your hands in your lap"
This helps the kids sit cross legged for group time.
I love that I can look forward to all sorts of new adventures and 'lost in translation' moments in the coming year.
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