Well, again it has been awhile and although I am tempted to write about all the many events over the last month, I shall refrain. Have you ever wondered why the two busiest holidays of the year are a month a part? I want to enjoy my Thanksgiving decorations a little longer, but. . . .
Thanksgiving was very nice; it is good to pause and reflect on the many blessings we have. It was lovely to have many of our friends and family in our home to share a meal and make sweet memories. We serve a Mighty God who is ever faithful.
We are officially in the season of Advent. This is the season of expectant waiting to celebrate the birth of our Savior. I love having the house decorated--I don't really relish the job of decorating, but I do love the end result. I love all of the reminders of the holiness of the season. I love putting new candles in the advent wreath, I love setting up the many Nativity sets I have collected over the years. Ryan has already found 3 of the 5 children's sets I have and he has been 'playing the story' for days. I love the fact that the first thing we put on our lighted tree is a very large nail and we hang it in the front, near to top to remind us why He came. I love the Christmas music--sacred and secular, vocal and instrumental, old and new. I love surfing the net for a 'treasure' I might find for someone dear. I love imagining what Mary and Joseph were thinking and feeling four weeks before Jesus was born. I wonder if they were excited or just terrified?
Most of all I love being reminded that not only is His name Emmanuel,God with Us, but He is also the King of Kings, and Prince of Peace. I love Christmas, and I am most grateful.
With great Anticipation,
Christine
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Of Celebrations and Convictions
One thing about blogging is that it gives one an opportunity to be completely opinionated--actually I think that is expected in a blog. I find it easy to be opinionated, but have tried to temper my comments as it is not my intent to offend or alieante, but time has come to make an exception.'Why now you say?", because today is October 31 and I am finding it increasingly difficult to remain silent on a subject about which I do have such strong feelings.
Most who know me already know--we don't celebrate Halloween, we try to be very consistent and to our knowledge do not celebrate any occultic holidays--but it is very hard to ignore this one. From mid August through the end of October, one cannot go into any retail store without being bombarded with jack-o lanterns, tombstones, black bats, spiders with webs, and of course, witches. Most of my family and friends do celebrate this holiday, "innocently" with thier children--how it is possible for any of this to be innocent is beyond my understanding, but I think I know what is meant. I "innocently" celebrated it for years. When Rachel was very young, a Godly Christian teacher began to lovingly challenge me to learn more about Halloween--not just its origins but how it is celebrated today. Her real challenge was to me as a new mother and what I would do to protect my child. So I began to read more and what I found is that Halloween is a celebration of death that is sacred to modern day witches.
Now let me slow down as I know that some of you reading this now are becoming defensive. The fact that we do not celebrate this is not to say that I condemn anyone else who does. What I do believe is that this is a personal, spiritual conviction and I know many strong Christians who do not share this conviction. The fact is that in our culture witchcraft is becoming more and more popular and Wicca is recognized religion that is spreading like wildfire. As a religion, it is having a stong, be it subtle impact on our culture. As a mother, I am concerned that my children are taught that Halloween is simply a harmless and fun holiday. I certainly do not have a problem with costumes or pretending, my issue lies in the problem of association. A friend of mine many years ago stated it this way--"there is nothing wrong with draping oneself in bedsheets and marching down the middle of the street, unless of course the Klu Klux Klan is active in your community."
Last week I asked Ryan's school if the children wore costumes to school or if they had Halloween parties, because if they did he could have stayed home. I was told they did not; however, when he came home today, he had language and math papers with Halloween themes, a spider from the cupcakes a classmate brought to share, and an orange and black necklace he made in art class. (Of course Ryan was so proud that he made a tiger necklace--orange and black :)!!). I am not so niave as to believe he has been scared for life, but I do believe we Christians have accepted a double standard--Halloween is a religous holiday and all the symbols of this holiday are widely accepted. Why is is a nativity or a cross is banned when witches and bats are welcomed?
If you celebrated Halloween tonight, we prayed for your safety, we think no less of you, and we hope you think no less of us. Should you desire to read a little more about my conviction, I will share two good websites. (Someone please show me how to reference these in my blog so you can just click on them): www.theselittleones.com/evenachild/editorials/htm and www.lasttrumpetministries.org/tracts/tract10.html
Great news--tomorrow is All Saints Day--Let's Celebrate!
Most who know me already know--we don't celebrate Halloween, we try to be very consistent and to our knowledge do not celebrate any occultic holidays--but it is very hard to ignore this one. From mid August through the end of October, one cannot go into any retail store without being bombarded with jack-o lanterns, tombstones, black bats, spiders with webs, and of course, witches. Most of my family and friends do celebrate this holiday, "innocently" with thier children--how it is possible for any of this to be innocent is beyond my understanding, but I think I know what is meant. I "innocently" celebrated it for years. When Rachel was very young, a Godly Christian teacher began to lovingly challenge me to learn more about Halloween--not just its origins but how it is celebrated today. Her real challenge was to me as a new mother and what I would do to protect my child. So I began to read more and what I found is that Halloween is a celebration of death that is sacred to modern day witches.
Now let me slow down as I know that some of you reading this now are becoming defensive. The fact that we do not celebrate this is not to say that I condemn anyone else who does. What I do believe is that this is a personal, spiritual conviction and I know many strong Christians who do not share this conviction. The fact is that in our culture witchcraft is becoming more and more popular and Wicca is recognized religion that is spreading like wildfire. As a religion, it is having a stong, be it subtle impact on our culture. As a mother, I am concerned that my children are taught that Halloween is simply a harmless and fun holiday. I certainly do not have a problem with costumes or pretending, my issue lies in the problem of association. A friend of mine many years ago stated it this way--"there is nothing wrong with draping oneself in bedsheets and marching down the middle of the street, unless of course the Klu Klux Klan is active in your community."
Last week I asked Ryan's school if the children wore costumes to school or if they had Halloween parties, because if they did he could have stayed home. I was told they did not; however, when he came home today, he had language and math papers with Halloween themes, a spider from the cupcakes a classmate brought to share, and an orange and black necklace he made in art class. (Of course Ryan was so proud that he made a tiger necklace--orange and black :)!!). I am not so niave as to believe he has been scared for life, but I do believe we Christians have accepted a double standard--Halloween is a religous holiday and all the symbols of this holiday are widely accepted. Why is is a nativity or a cross is banned when witches and bats are welcomed?
If you celebrated Halloween tonight, we prayed for your safety, we think no less of you, and we hope you think no less of us. Should you desire to read a little more about my conviction, I will share two good websites. (Someone please show me how to reference these in my blog so you can just click on them): www.theselittleones.com/evenachild/editorials/htm and www.lasttrumpetministries.org/tracts/tract10.html
Great news--tomorrow is All Saints Day--Let's Celebrate!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Young love
If you are not a regular viewer of Animal Planet, and I can't imagine why you wouldn't be, you may have not noticed the new show from Steve Irwin's daughter, Bindi--the Jungle Girl. Let me assure you Ryan has seen this show and is completely smitten with its star, Bindi. As he has become older, Ryan is more intentional about his time, and I have observed that he plans his activities around the times this show airs.
About a week ago he told me we needed to send Bindi his address and invite her to come visit so that they could play. I half heartedly replied, "Ok honey, we will." He then proceeded to remind me each day that we needed to write to Bindi. I really thought that will all the excitement of meeting the family in the mountains and having 3 days to play with his cousins, he would forget about Bindi--not so.
When we returned Monday, I began to look for an address to write to her, amid the comments from his older sister telling him,"She is not coming--get over it". I cannot find a physical address but we did find an email address, sort of. At any rate we wrote the letter and asked her to have her mom contact his mom so I could give her directions to our house. When he goes to bed he prays for Jesus to let Bindi answer his email. When he wakes up he asks it I think she has read his email, when he gets off the bus, he asks if Bindi has responded to his mail. While I admire his persistance, there is a part of me that so wants to protect his little heart from breaking. I hate the thought that he is going to be so disappointed, and yet there is a little part that thinks maybe, just maybe, this will be the letter to which she reponds and decides to come visit this little guy who is so 'taken' with her. I have tried to explain that she gets thousands of letters and simply cannot grant all requests, to which he innocently responds, "But mom, I know she would like to come visit us--I think she will come."
God knows the desires of our heart, and unlike we earthly parents who are so flawed in our ability to always guide correctly, He has a perfect plan for us. It must break His heart when he sees us spending so much time and emotional energy begging for something He knows is not in our best interest. He wants to protect us and has told us, "Above all else, guard your heart . . " (Prov 4:23). That is great advice, but not so easy to follow.
I am waiting to see what will happen with the Bindi letter; I am even more excited to see what God will do in Ryan's heart as he continues to learn to 'trust God no matter what'.
About a week ago he told me we needed to send Bindi his address and invite her to come visit so that they could play. I half heartedly replied, "Ok honey, we will." He then proceeded to remind me each day that we needed to write to Bindi. I really thought that will all the excitement of meeting the family in the mountains and having 3 days to play with his cousins, he would forget about Bindi--not so.
When we returned Monday, I began to look for an address to write to her, amid the comments from his older sister telling him,"She is not coming--get over it". I cannot find a physical address but we did find an email address, sort of. At any rate we wrote the letter and asked her to have her mom contact his mom so I could give her directions to our house. When he goes to bed he prays for Jesus to let Bindi answer his email. When he wakes up he asks it I think she has read his email, when he gets off the bus, he asks if Bindi has responded to his mail. While I admire his persistance, there is a part of me that so wants to protect his little heart from breaking. I hate the thought that he is going to be so disappointed, and yet there is a little part that thinks maybe, just maybe, this will be the letter to which she reponds and decides to come visit this little guy who is so 'taken' with her. I have tried to explain that she gets thousands of letters and simply cannot grant all requests, to which he innocently responds, "But mom, I know she would like to come visit us--I think she will come."
God knows the desires of our heart, and unlike we earthly parents who are so flawed in our ability to always guide correctly, He has a perfect plan for us. It must break His heart when he sees us spending so much time and emotional energy begging for something He knows is not in our best interest. He wants to protect us and has told us, "Above all else, guard your heart . . " (Prov 4:23). That is great advice, but not so easy to follow.
I am waiting to see what will happen with the Bindi letter; I am even more excited to see what God will do in Ryan's heart as he continues to learn to 'trust God no matter what'.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Off in search of fall
I am surprised to discover something about myself I really did not know--my mood is affected by the weather. I always thought it was silly when people said they got depressed when it rained for days (got depressed because my hair frizzed, but not because the sky was gray)! I am finding I am becoming one of those people. When it rains for days I seem to have less enerygy; when it it really hot I am more grumpy, and when it is supposed to be fall and all the leaves are green I am a little frustrated.
When I look at the calendar I can confirm it is fall, but the temperature and the green leaves on the trees don't seem to know this. I spent so much of my life in Florida where the only way to tell it is fall is by looking at the calendar, and I am so very happy to be living in a place where we can feel crisp cool air and view gorgeous leaves of red, yellow, and orange. But this year the drought and heat wave is making that impossible. I am especially disappointed because my sister is here for a few days and I bragged last year so much about the fall colors that she came to she them this year. We will head up the road tomorrow for a few days of girl time in Helen, please pray for Edgar and the kids while I am away, but I am less than hopeful to see fall colors. Next weekend we join the Bishop clan in Cashiers, NC where it will be cooler, but most likely still green. None the less, it will be fun to see everyone and spend a few days away. Most of the family will spend the week, but we will come home on Monday as the kids have school.
When I contemplate the fact that the changes in weather can affect my mood, I am more grateful that we serve an unchanging God. The fact that He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow does not make me feel bored or frustrated, but rather secure and comforted that He is not affected by weather, my moods, or circumstances. When i remember that His love and care for me does not fluxuate based on my behavior I am amazed. He knows my heart, my inner most thoughts, my failures, frustrations, and yet He chooses to lavish me with His love and affection.
Today, although I miss the changes in leaf color I delight in the consistancy of our God.
When I look at the calendar I can confirm it is fall, but the temperature and the green leaves on the trees don't seem to know this. I spent so much of my life in Florida where the only way to tell it is fall is by looking at the calendar, and I am so very happy to be living in a place where we can feel crisp cool air and view gorgeous leaves of red, yellow, and orange. But this year the drought and heat wave is making that impossible. I am especially disappointed because my sister is here for a few days and I bragged last year so much about the fall colors that she came to she them this year. We will head up the road tomorrow for a few days of girl time in Helen, please pray for Edgar and the kids while I am away, but I am less than hopeful to see fall colors. Next weekend we join the Bishop clan in Cashiers, NC where it will be cooler, but most likely still green. None the less, it will be fun to see everyone and spend a few days away. Most of the family will spend the week, but we will come home on Monday as the kids have school.
When I contemplate the fact that the changes in weather can affect my mood, I am more grateful that we serve an unchanging God. The fact that He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow does not make me feel bored or frustrated, but rather secure and comforted that He is not affected by weather, my moods, or circumstances. When i remember that His love and care for me does not fluxuate based on my behavior I am amazed. He knows my heart, my inner most thoughts, my failures, frustrations, and yet He chooses to lavish me with His love and affection.
Today, although I miss the changes in leaf color I delight in the consistancy of our God.
Monday, October 1, 2007
"Where do I begin?. . ."
Some of you are actually old enough to remember the old movie "Love Story" and the title of this blog will have you singing an old tune in your head. For the rest of you, take it at face value--when you wait this long to blog it is difficult to know where to start. Let me just say, I love reading everone's blogs, so sorry I haven't kept up, will try to do better. Let me just hit the highlights and will go from there.
August
The kids started school--Ryan is repeating first grade at the local elementary school where he started last year. He now has a GREAT teacher and he is loving it! Most of it is review at this point so his confidence is way up. Rachel is having a much easier beginning as she knows many people. She is taking some really tough classes though. For her AP US HIstory she has a teacher who insists on getting these kids, mostly JR.s, ready for college. Pray for her as she is struggling in this one. Also Advanced Trig is giving her fits, but AP Psych, Amer Lit, Spanish III, and chorus are great. Also she is dancing 2 nights a week, co-leading a 6th grade small group at church, playing her guitar and leading worship at her high school FCA meetings a couple of times a month. We also kept Anita and Phillip's girls for 10 days, ages 1 and 3, while they went to Kenya. Actually it was not too bad, they are precious, exhausting, but precious, and grandmommie Billie stayed with us and helped alot.
September
Ryan started soccer again, thanks uncle Phillip for coaching again, and he is a Wolf cub. He also turned 8 this month, and the big event was having his tonsils and adenoids removed and his tongue clipped. He was a real trooper for the surgery and his recovery is going remarkably well--thanks to so many of you who are faithfully praying for him. Rachel's social calendar keeps us hopping and she is getting very good on her guitar. Edgar, Rachel, and I attended the live recording of Northpoint's newest worship album--it was an incredible night. We are loving our church and the awesome worship and teaching we experience each week. I am still an coach on Upstreet, our children's program, and have moved with my 4th graders and our team up to 5th grade. God is doing amazing things at our church that is less than a year old. We have incredible environments designed for 350 kids. Last school year we averaged over 600 and this year we are averaging over 780, with our high attendance being 805! What an amazing thing to see our volunteers ministereing to these kids and them engaging so well.
October is here and Edgar and I will celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary on the 4th. We are also looking forward to getting to enjoy a few days with the Bishop's at the family reunion later on this month. Also, my sister is coming up for a few days and she and I are planning a girls only overnight to the mountians.--that's it so far, you are pretty caught up and I WILL try to do better.
If any of you are still reading, let me end this by sharing a little story from surgery day. Ryan loves his little plastic animals--he has hundreds and he catagorizes them, lines them up by two's to board his ark, and carries one or two of them everywhere. The night before his surgery we talked about the fact that he keeps them in the palm of his hand because they are so precious to him. I told him that the Bible tells us that God holds us in the palm of his hand, which is the most tender and sensitive part of our hand. As he was going into the operating room, holding a little jaguar, I told him that he would fall asleep and his hand would open and I would keep the jaguar for him, but God never sleeps and he would keep Ryan in the palm of his hand all through the surgery. When he woke up it took a little while for him to become coherent. When he spoke, he saw his jaguar on the bed rail where I had placed it and he looked up and said, "Mommie, Jesus kept me in the palm of his hand". May we all remember that as we go through our days--we are precious to God and He keeps us in the palm of His hand.
Blessings,
Christine
August
The kids started school--Ryan is repeating first grade at the local elementary school where he started last year. He now has a GREAT teacher and he is loving it! Most of it is review at this point so his confidence is way up. Rachel is having a much easier beginning as she knows many people. She is taking some really tough classes though. For her AP US HIstory she has a teacher who insists on getting these kids, mostly JR.s, ready for college. Pray for her as she is struggling in this one. Also Advanced Trig is giving her fits, but AP Psych, Amer Lit, Spanish III, and chorus are great. Also she is dancing 2 nights a week, co-leading a 6th grade small group at church, playing her guitar and leading worship at her high school FCA meetings a couple of times a month. We also kept Anita and Phillip's girls for 10 days, ages 1 and 3, while they went to Kenya. Actually it was not too bad, they are precious, exhausting, but precious, and grandmommie Billie stayed with us and helped alot.
September
Ryan started soccer again, thanks uncle Phillip for coaching again, and he is a Wolf cub. He also turned 8 this month, and the big event was having his tonsils and adenoids removed and his tongue clipped. He was a real trooper for the surgery and his recovery is going remarkably well--thanks to so many of you who are faithfully praying for him. Rachel's social calendar keeps us hopping and she is getting very good on her guitar. Edgar, Rachel, and I attended the live recording of Northpoint's newest worship album--it was an incredible night. We are loving our church and the awesome worship and teaching we experience each week. I am still an coach on Upstreet, our children's program, and have moved with my 4th graders and our team up to 5th grade. God is doing amazing things at our church that is less than a year old. We have incredible environments designed for 350 kids. Last school year we averaged over 600 and this year we are averaging over 780, with our high attendance being 805! What an amazing thing to see our volunteers ministereing to these kids and them engaging so well.
October is here and Edgar and I will celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary on the 4th. We are also looking forward to getting to enjoy a few days with the Bishop's at the family reunion later on this month. Also, my sister is coming up for a few days and she and I are planning a girls only overnight to the mountians.--that's it so far, you are pretty caught up and I WILL try to do better.
If any of you are still reading, let me end this by sharing a little story from surgery day. Ryan loves his little plastic animals--he has hundreds and he catagorizes them, lines them up by two's to board his ark, and carries one or two of them everywhere. The night before his surgery we talked about the fact that he keeps them in the palm of his hand because they are so precious to him. I told him that the Bible tells us that God holds us in the palm of his hand, which is the most tender and sensitive part of our hand. As he was going into the operating room, holding a little jaguar, I told him that he would fall asleep and his hand would open and I would keep the jaguar for him, but God never sleeps and he would keep Ryan in the palm of his hand all through the surgery. When he woke up it took a little while for him to become coherent. When he spoke, he saw his jaguar on the bed rail where I had placed it and he looked up and said, "Mommie, Jesus kept me in the palm of his hand". May we all remember that as we go through our days--we are precious to God and He keeps us in the palm of His hand.
Blessings,
Christine
Friday, August 3, 2007
Password problems
Ok, so you may have noticed that I haven't posted in a while. It is not because we were in California for a week have a fantastic visit with the Paffords which included a 2 day trip to San Fransisco, nor was it because when we got home we had jet lag and a full week to catch up on coffee orders and business paper work. It wasn't even because we are gearing up for the new year of serving in children's ministry at our church and had several things to do. No, the real reason was because I couldn't remember my password to log on!!!!
I do understand that with all of the problems people have in cyber space including identity theft, there have to be safeguards in place. But for pity sake, don't they understand that one losses one's memory with age and the threat of someone wanting to assume my identity and blog for me is a significantly low risk?! You may say, "Well you need to keep a list of all your passwords", to which I would answer, "You are right, and I do, but I FORGOT to include the one for my Blog!!"
At any rate enough of the ranting and raving for this morning, suffice it to say I will try to do better.
Rachel came home safely from Africa and within 24 hours we all got on a plane to California. It was a fun week of visiting with 'the nephews' as Ryan says. We did a few 'touristy' things but mostly just had a great visit. When we took the boat tour in San Fransisco we went under the Golden Gate bridge and around Alcatraz Island. We also rode the cable cars and ate at several great restaurants including the Cheesecake Factory which is on the 8th floor of the Macy's building and Bubby Gump's on Fisherman's Warf.
I appreciate all of your prayers for Rachel on her trip, she loved it and can't wait to go back, as I knew she would. If you go to her blog you can see pictures. I also appreciate your prayers for us as we make decisions regarding Ryan's health and school. We talked with a pediatric ENT and think we will have his tonsils and adenoids removed, and have his tongue clipped. We believe this will help his speech and also allow him to have more recuperative sleep. We also have him re-enrolled in 1st grade at out local public school, but this time with an open IEP and promise of special services and a modified written requirement. I will blog more about that as we know more.
Tomorrow morning I am off to the 'mother ship' known to most as Northpoint Community Church for a morning kick off of our children's ministry for the new year. I am so thankful to volunteer in this amazing program with such wonderful volunteers and staff. I am even more thankful that Ryan gets to participate in Upstreet! Thank you Lord, for faithfully fulfilling the desires of my heart.
I do understand that with all of the problems people have in cyber space including identity theft, there have to be safeguards in place. But for pity sake, don't they understand that one losses one's memory with age and the threat of someone wanting to assume my identity and blog for me is a significantly low risk?! You may say, "Well you need to keep a list of all your passwords", to which I would answer, "You are right, and I do, but I FORGOT to include the one for my Blog!!"
At any rate enough of the ranting and raving for this morning, suffice it to say I will try to do better.
Rachel came home safely from Africa and within 24 hours we all got on a plane to California. It was a fun week of visiting with 'the nephews' as Ryan says. We did a few 'touristy' things but mostly just had a great visit. When we took the boat tour in San Fransisco we went under the Golden Gate bridge and around Alcatraz Island. We also rode the cable cars and ate at several great restaurants including the Cheesecake Factory which is on the 8th floor of the Macy's building and Bubby Gump's on Fisherman's Warf.
I appreciate all of your prayers for Rachel on her trip, she loved it and can't wait to go back, as I knew she would. If you go to her blog you can see pictures. I also appreciate your prayers for us as we make decisions regarding Ryan's health and school. We talked with a pediatric ENT and think we will have his tonsils and adenoids removed, and have his tongue clipped. We believe this will help his speech and also allow him to have more recuperative sleep. We also have him re-enrolled in 1st grade at out local public school, but this time with an open IEP and promise of special services and a modified written requirement. I will blog more about that as we know more.
Tomorrow morning I am off to the 'mother ship' known to most as Northpoint Community Church for a morning kick off of our children's ministry for the new year. I am so thankful to volunteer in this amazing program with such wonderful volunteers and staff. I am even more thankful that Ryan gets to participate in Upstreet! Thank you Lord, for faithfully fulfilling the desires of my heart.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The Real Weaning Begins
I would love to say that I can tell you all about what Rachel is doing in Africa, and I can tell you what was planned, but alas the phone service where she is has been very unreliable and we have not talked but once for about 2 minutes! She was doing well Wednesday evening, really loving being with the children at Tumaini and not seeming to mind the cold showers and less than dependable flushing toilets. I did speak with Steve Taylor, Donna's husband, at church this morning and he said they delivered the milk cows to the widow/mothers yesterday and were on their way to church and the soccer game this afternoon. By now they should be back at the hotel with one day left at the orphanage, a day and a half for some safari, and then back on the plane for the long journey home, I do know that Rachel is not ready to leave. This time has gone by way too quickly for her and she is already planning to go back next year.
I was thinking last evening that one of the things that made this trip difficult for me was the fact that Rachel is experiencing something very significant with people we do not know, and more importantly without her family. I know that this is part of the 'wings' in the goal of 'giving your children roots and wings', but it is not easy. I am so happy for her and thankful for this opportunity, but it is such a reminder that my baby girl is becoming her own young woman and moving away from our nest. For her sake I am sorry the trip is winding down, but for me I can't wait to see her and have her home. If she follows in my footsteps and decides to go far away from home for college in a couple of years I will be a basket case!
I am knee deep in children this week as Ryan and I have moved to Sugar Hill for a few days to take care of Savannah Grace and Rylee while Phillip and Anita take a mini vacation. It will be fun, but alas another reminder that this ole gal is no spring chicken! Grandmommie will take over for me on Thursday so I can go to the airport and meet my girl when she gets home. Then Edgar, R & R, and I get on a plane Saturday to fly to CA for a week with the Paffords.
Thanks again for all your prayers for Rachel, keep me before the throne as this week I do my best to mommy a one year old, a 3 and half year old, and an almost 8 year old. You might remember Edgar as he is at home taking care of all our critters :).
I was thinking last evening that one of the things that made this trip difficult for me was the fact that Rachel is experiencing something very significant with people we do not know, and more importantly without her family. I know that this is part of the 'wings' in the goal of 'giving your children roots and wings', but it is not easy. I am so happy for her and thankful for this opportunity, but it is such a reminder that my baby girl is becoming her own young woman and moving away from our nest. For her sake I am sorry the trip is winding down, but for me I can't wait to see her and have her home. If she follows in my footsteps and decides to go far away from home for college in a couple of years I will be a basket case!
I am knee deep in children this week as Ryan and I have moved to Sugar Hill for a few days to take care of Savannah Grace and Rylee while Phillip and Anita take a mini vacation. It will be fun, but alas another reminder that this ole gal is no spring chicken! Grandmommie will take over for me on Thursday so I can go to the airport and meet my girl when she gets home. Then Edgar, R & R, and I get on a plane Saturday to fly to CA for a week with the Paffords.
Thanks again for all your prayers for Rachel, keep me before the throne as this week I do my best to mommy a one year old, a 3 and half year old, and an almost 8 year old. You might remember Edgar as he is at home taking care of all our critters :).
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Eagle has Landed
We got a phone call from a very excited Rachel this afternoon about 5:45 our time. They were in Nairobi, she got her Visa (thank you God), her luggage all arrived, she bought her Kenyan Shillings, and they were already at the Presbyterian Guest House where they will stay the first night. She got plenty of sleep on the plane and sounded very excited. As we go to bed about midnight Tuesday she will be up and ready to head out for the Tumaini orphanage; they are 7 hours ahead of us.
I will try to post updates over the next week or so as we receive news. Thanks again for all your prayers!!
I will try to post updates over the next week or so as we receive news. Thanks again for all your prayers!!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Complete Perfection
In the Bible the number 7 represents perfection, or more accurately completion. In Hebrews we are told to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith". We usually think of the word perfect as an adjective, but here it is a noun. It is Jesus who will bring to completion or perfect our faith. Many Christians and non Christians consider the number seven to be 'lucky'. I am not superstitious nor do I depend on luck, but this week God showed our family how He is the completer and perfecter of our faith.
Many of you have joined is in praying for Rachel's trip to Africa with Heart for Africa. You have generously given money to make this trip possible and have prayed faithfully for all the aspects of the trip--most recently for the arrival of her passport. We applied for the passport 14 weeks ago, in late March when there was no discussion of a need to expedite said passport. So we waited, and waited, and waited. Then ten days ago we began calling the 800 number only to be put on hold for over an hour each call and then be told, "we have your application and will begin processing it soon". We even called our congressman who said we could start the process over and overnight the paperwork and funds to his office in Washington DC and we could get it in 5-7 business days, but we did not have an additional birth certificate! All of this to say it was truly in God's hands; we did all we could do and it was totally left to Him (as if that weren't the case anyway!!)
So, on Saturday-two days before she was scheduled to depart--on the 7th day, of the 7th month, in the 7th year God showed His perfection again and sent Rachel's passport via FedEx Saturday delivery!! Needless to say there was great rejoicing at the Munn home. We had already dug out the suitcases, filled one with clothes and shoes to leave in Africa, and packed the other one with most of what she would need. We wanted to be as ready as possible should the passport actually arrive.
I had already asked a few questions to Donna at Heart for Africa regarding, 'what if it doesn't come'? Even as I was asking, I kept thinking, "God I really believed it was Your will for Rachel to go on this trip--could it be I am not in tune with you on this?" It is amazing how the Enemy will try to make us doubt our faith or our relationship with our Heavenly Father. He cannot thwart God's will, but he can make us doubt ourselves.
The passport arrived about 11:00 am and we went straight to Walmart to finish getting the last minute Africa-specific supplies we needed--insect repellent with Deet, electrical outlet converter, etc. (We even found $1:00 folding umbrellas to send to the ladies in Africa!) It was a very exciting day and we went to bed exhausted.
Sunday morning I woke up with a terrible headache and could not stop crying. I think after all the anxiety of waiting for the passport I was more emotionally drained than I realized and the water works just poured. At any rate, by the evening I was all cried out and was ready as I could be to send her off. It is one thing to take your child to another continent; it is a whole new ball game to send her!
We all got up very early Monday morning and took Rachel to Donna's where she rode with several others to the airport. As I write this she is in the air on the final leg of the journey and should arrive in Nairobi at 3:10 pm Monday afternoon our time, which is 10:10 pm in Africa. She has called from each airport stop--Chicago and Brussels--and was so excited each time we spoke. I can really feel the faithful prayers of so many who have prayed for this trip and who are continuing to pray--thank you. I especially appreciate those of you who called or came by to specifically pray with Rachel. I am so grateful to hear all of what God is going to do in the next 9 days not only in the lives of the people in Kenya, but in the lives of the Munn's.
Thank you Jesus, for being our perfect Savior who always completes what You begin!
Many of you have joined is in praying for Rachel's trip to Africa with Heart for Africa. You have generously given money to make this trip possible and have prayed faithfully for all the aspects of the trip--most recently for the arrival of her passport. We applied for the passport 14 weeks ago, in late March when there was no discussion of a need to expedite said passport. So we waited, and waited, and waited. Then ten days ago we began calling the 800 number only to be put on hold for over an hour each call and then be told, "we have your application and will begin processing it soon". We even called our congressman who said we could start the process over and overnight the paperwork and funds to his office in Washington DC and we could get it in 5-7 business days, but we did not have an additional birth certificate! All of this to say it was truly in God's hands; we did all we could do and it was totally left to Him (as if that weren't the case anyway!!)
So, on Saturday-two days before she was scheduled to depart--on the 7th day, of the 7th month, in the 7th year God showed His perfection again and sent Rachel's passport via FedEx Saturday delivery!! Needless to say there was great rejoicing at the Munn home. We had already dug out the suitcases, filled one with clothes and shoes to leave in Africa, and packed the other one with most of what she would need. We wanted to be as ready as possible should the passport actually arrive.
I had already asked a few questions to Donna at Heart for Africa regarding, 'what if it doesn't come'? Even as I was asking, I kept thinking, "God I really believed it was Your will for Rachel to go on this trip--could it be I am not in tune with you on this?" It is amazing how the Enemy will try to make us doubt our faith or our relationship with our Heavenly Father. He cannot thwart God's will, but he can make us doubt ourselves.
The passport arrived about 11:00 am and we went straight to Walmart to finish getting the last minute Africa-specific supplies we needed--insect repellent with Deet, electrical outlet converter, etc. (We even found $1:00 folding umbrellas to send to the ladies in Africa!) It was a very exciting day and we went to bed exhausted.
Sunday morning I woke up with a terrible headache and could not stop crying. I think after all the anxiety of waiting for the passport I was more emotionally drained than I realized and the water works just poured. At any rate, by the evening I was all cried out and was ready as I could be to send her off. It is one thing to take your child to another continent; it is a whole new ball game to send her!
We all got up very early Monday morning and took Rachel to Donna's where she rode with several others to the airport. As I write this she is in the air on the final leg of the journey and should arrive in Nairobi at 3:10 pm Monday afternoon our time, which is 10:10 pm in Africa. She has called from each airport stop--Chicago and Brussels--and was so excited each time we spoke. I can really feel the faithful prayers of so many who have prayed for this trip and who are continuing to pray--thank you. I especially appreciate those of you who called or came by to specifically pray with Rachel. I am so grateful to hear all of what God is going to do in the next 9 days not only in the lives of the people in Kenya, but in the lives of the Munn's.
Thank you Jesus, for being our perfect Savior who always completes what You begin!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Thoughts on Freedom
It is difficult to believe that we are already into July; the summer is passing quickly. We will celebrate Independence Day tomorrow and we will do so with the traditional gathering of family(those who are local at least), eat too much food, and possible enjoy watching the skies light up with beautiful fireworks--depending on what city officials have deciding in light of the current drought. I am sure we will have a great time; we all enjoy being independent.
I wonder if we will give much thought to the price that has been and is currently being paid so that we can enjoy this independence? I know that I try to ask God each day to give wisdom to our local and national leaders, and to protect those in harms way, but I am sure that I really do not appreciate all the freedoms I enjoy. My grandfather fought in the civil war, my father and Edgar's fought in WWII. I will never know the real price they paid, nor I believe, will I ever really appreciate what they bought for us. I hope we will all do our best to honor what has been done and work to ensure our independence is not lost in the future because we fail to remember.
I love living in a free country, in fact I am sure I don't even realize all the freedoms I have because I have never not been free. It is certainly in our nature to desire independence. In my years of working with young children, independence is the driving force behind most of what they do--God made them that way. It is that same drive for independence that usually gets them into trouble. You see we all want unrestrained freedom, and that doesn't exist. My precious little niece who is a year old today wants the freedom to climb to the top of my stairs with no restraint, but she does not understand that before we can grant her that freedom, she must be responsible enough to come down safely. My son, as I am writing, has packed his suitcase and had decided he will move into the empty house next door--he wants the freedom to play with his toys and only clean them up when and if he wants to. He doesn't understand the responsibility involved in home ownership--or toy ownership. Fortunately he will soon change his mind and be able to exercise his complete independence and come home.
As a Christian, I want to enjoy all the freedom that I have because of the debt my Savior paid, yet as I read my Bible I understand that I have been bought with a price and that I am not my own. Now don't think that I am speaking of a legalistic code that I am forced to follow, but rather a behavior modification lifestyle based on gratitude. I am free to love my enemies, to pray for those who persecute me, and to turn the other cheek when someone assaults me. All of this is because I am no longer a slave to sin but a servant to righteousness. It is a responsibility to live free in Christ, just as it is a responsibility to live as a free citizen. I pray that we all take a few moments this Independence Day and ask God what He would have us do to fulfil our responsibilities to live free.
Celebrate and be grateful!
I wonder if we will give much thought to the price that has been and is currently being paid so that we can enjoy this independence? I know that I try to ask God each day to give wisdom to our local and national leaders, and to protect those in harms way, but I am sure that I really do not appreciate all the freedoms I enjoy. My grandfather fought in the civil war, my father and Edgar's fought in WWII. I will never know the real price they paid, nor I believe, will I ever really appreciate what they bought for us. I hope we will all do our best to honor what has been done and work to ensure our independence is not lost in the future because we fail to remember.
I love living in a free country, in fact I am sure I don't even realize all the freedoms I have because I have never not been free. It is certainly in our nature to desire independence. In my years of working with young children, independence is the driving force behind most of what they do--God made them that way. It is that same drive for independence that usually gets them into trouble. You see we all want unrestrained freedom, and that doesn't exist. My precious little niece who is a year old today wants the freedom to climb to the top of my stairs with no restraint, but she does not understand that before we can grant her that freedom, she must be responsible enough to come down safely. My son, as I am writing, has packed his suitcase and had decided he will move into the empty house next door--he wants the freedom to play with his toys and only clean them up when and if he wants to. He doesn't understand the responsibility involved in home ownership--or toy ownership. Fortunately he will soon change his mind and be able to exercise his complete independence and come home.
As a Christian, I want to enjoy all the freedom that I have because of the debt my Savior paid, yet as I read my Bible I understand that I have been bought with a price and that I am not my own. Now don't think that I am speaking of a legalistic code that I am forced to follow, but rather a behavior modification lifestyle based on gratitude. I am free to love my enemies, to pray for those who persecute me, and to turn the other cheek when someone assaults me. All of this is because I am no longer a slave to sin but a servant to righteousness. It is a responsibility to live free in Christ, just as it is a responsibility to live as a free citizen. I pray that we all take a few moments this Independence Day and ask God what He would have us do to fulfil our responsibilities to live free.
Celebrate and be grateful!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Getting ready for Africa
Time is getting closer for Rachel to go to Africa and as the time passes there is still much to do. We would appreciate your prayers at this time. First of all, her passport has not arrived. She applied 11.5 weeks ago and they are very backed up right now. She needs to get her passport and her Visa SOON! Although it is possible to go to Kenya with just a passport, should the country of Kenya decide to not grant her a Visa for some reason, she would have to come home alone. Her mom would really like to know that all the paperwork is in place before she leaves Atlanta.
Secondly, she goes Friday to get the rest of her shots and medicine. I know all of this is to protect her, but the thought of intentionally injecting her with several potentially deadly diseases is a little nerve racking for me--those of you who know me well know that I am severely allergic to Drs. and most medications!
Lastly, she is very close to having all her funds in place for this trip. We are so grateful to all who have generously supported her in this faith venture. She still needs about $500 and we are trusting God to provide that also.
I am really excited for her to experience this time in Kenya and know that God is going to do amazing things to and through her. I believe she will experience the greatest joy and deepest sorrow as she serves these children and families in Kenya. I pray that she will have a much greater appreciation of God's unconditional love and a much stronger hatred for the Enemy.
I know that preparing me to let her go is a time of faith testing and faith growing for me. I think I understand the risks involved and the potential good that she can accomplish, but letting her go is a stretch for me. I think of the thousands of parents who have sent their children on to a foreign country as full time missionaries, and my release is so small. I am reminded that my Heavenly Father sent His Son on a mission trip one time and my gratitude far outweighs my current fears. Thank you God for letting us play a small part in what you are doing.
Secondly, she goes Friday to get the rest of her shots and medicine. I know all of this is to protect her, but the thought of intentionally injecting her with several potentially deadly diseases is a little nerve racking for me--those of you who know me well know that I am severely allergic to Drs. and most medications!
Lastly, she is very close to having all her funds in place for this trip. We are so grateful to all who have generously supported her in this faith venture. She still needs about $500 and we are trusting God to provide that also.
I am really excited for her to experience this time in Kenya and know that God is going to do amazing things to and through her. I believe she will experience the greatest joy and deepest sorrow as she serves these children and families in Kenya. I pray that she will have a much greater appreciation of God's unconditional love and a much stronger hatred for the Enemy.
I know that preparing me to let her go is a time of faith testing and faith growing for me. I think I understand the risks involved and the potential good that she can accomplish, but letting her go is a stretch for me. I think of the thousands of parents who have sent their children on to a foreign country as full time missionaries, and my release is so small. I am reminded that my Heavenly Father sent His Son on a mission trip one time and my gratitude far outweighs my current fears. Thank you God for letting us play a small part in what you are doing.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Successful travels
We are home from our whirlwind trip to NC. Thanks for all the prayers, we had a safe trip and even spent a day in Greensboro taking care of several business issues and visiting with friends. We also got some confirmation on some of the concerns we have had regarding Ryan's learning differences. I will take a few moments here to recap our trip.
We traveled to Chapel Hill to meet with a couple of learning specialists at the Center for Student Success. The Center is a part of the organization All Kind of Minds. Dr. Mel Levine, a pediatrician, began looking at how and why children process information. When the labels ADD and ADHD became very fashionable, Dr. Levine was much more concerned as to why some children have the difficulties and some do not. He developed a system whereby a student can be evaluated and have a neurodevelopment profile defining the student's strengths and weaknesses. Once this is done, strategies are developed to help the student use his/her strengths and work around his/her weaknesses. The evaluation is done by educational specialists and pediatric neurodevelopmentalists.
The whole process was very respectful and positive. Ryan spent about 4 hours with the clinicians while Edgar and I sat in a room observing the whole process via a computer monitor and headsets. At the end of the morning, we went to a long lunch while the clinicians conferred. After lunch, we met together and they told Ryan what a terrific brain he has and explained some of what they had learned about how he thinks. It was important that through out the entire process Ryan was included and we all did our best to explain to him why we were there and what we were doing. We will get a detailed report in 2-3 weeks but this is a brief summary:
Assets:
1. Receptive language: understands what he hears and reads
2. Expressive language: communicates his ideas
3. Memory: remembering, storing, retrieving what he has learned
4. Higher order cognition: being a good thinker
5. Sequential ordering: recognizing and putting things in proper order
6. Gross Motor Functions: large motor coordination
Areas to Work on and Around
1. Attention Controls:
A. Processing controls--having trouble processing input deeply, staying focused,
getting distracted, and taking 'mind trips'--especially with visual input
B. Mental effort--running out of fuel to process
2. Graphomotor function: handwriting
One very interesting thought was that he needs to see and ENT and possibly have his adenoids removed. Although he gets enough sleep, it is not necessarily restful sleep and therefore when new info is presented, he responses by being very tired and listless.
At any rate, there is much more to come but we think he will repeat first grade and go to the local public school. Our prayers now are that he will not have to wait 3 months to get an IEP (individualized educational plan). Once he has the IEP he can begin to get special services. I have expressed three main concerns with the assistant principal: Ryan needs a nurturing teacher who is OK with hugging him some, he cannot do a lot of homework--he struggles so with writing, and a 6 hour school day is huge for him. We also want to protect his self image and help him be a confident learner.
We rest in the fact that we know he is 'fearfully and wonderfully made', and we are so grateful that God entrusted him to our care. He brings such joy to our home and we know that with God's grace he will have a wonderful year next year.
Thank you again for your prayers and concerns. I will try to let you know as we learn more and discover practical strategies to best help him.
We traveled to Chapel Hill to meet with a couple of learning specialists at the Center for Student Success. The Center is a part of the organization All Kind of Minds. Dr. Mel Levine, a pediatrician, began looking at how and why children process information. When the labels ADD and ADHD became very fashionable, Dr. Levine was much more concerned as to why some children have the difficulties and some do not. He developed a system whereby a student can be evaluated and have a neurodevelopment profile defining the student's strengths and weaknesses. Once this is done, strategies are developed to help the student use his/her strengths and work around his/her weaknesses. The evaluation is done by educational specialists and pediatric neurodevelopmentalists.
The whole process was very respectful and positive. Ryan spent about 4 hours with the clinicians while Edgar and I sat in a room observing the whole process via a computer monitor and headsets. At the end of the morning, we went to a long lunch while the clinicians conferred. After lunch, we met together and they told Ryan what a terrific brain he has and explained some of what they had learned about how he thinks. It was important that through out the entire process Ryan was included and we all did our best to explain to him why we were there and what we were doing. We will get a detailed report in 2-3 weeks but this is a brief summary:
Assets:
1. Receptive language: understands what he hears and reads
2. Expressive language: communicates his ideas
3. Memory: remembering, storing, retrieving what he has learned
4. Higher order cognition: being a good thinker
5. Sequential ordering: recognizing and putting things in proper order
6. Gross Motor Functions: large motor coordination
Areas to Work on and Around
1. Attention Controls:
A. Processing controls--having trouble processing input deeply, staying focused,
getting distracted, and taking 'mind trips'--especially with visual input
B. Mental effort--running out of fuel to process
2. Graphomotor function: handwriting
One very interesting thought was that he needs to see and ENT and possibly have his adenoids removed. Although he gets enough sleep, it is not necessarily restful sleep and therefore when new info is presented, he responses by being very tired and listless.
At any rate, there is much more to come but we think he will repeat first grade and go to the local public school. Our prayers now are that he will not have to wait 3 months to get an IEP (individualized educational plan). Once he has the IEP he can begin to get special services. I have expressed three main concerns with the assistant principal: Ryan needs a nurturing teacher who is OK with hugging him some, he cannot do a lot of homework--he struggles so with writing, and a 6 hour school day is huge for him. We also want to protect his self image and help him be a confident learner.
We rest in the fact that we know he is 'fearfully and wonderfully made', and we are so grateful that God entrusted him to our care. He brings such joy to our home and we know that with God's grace he will have a wonderful year next year.
Thank you again for your prayers and concerns. I will try to let you know as we learn more and discover practical strategies to best help him.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Tomorrow is a big day for us. Edgar, Ryan and I are driving to Chapel Hill,NC where Ryan has an appointment at the Center for Student Success. He will be seen by a group of clinicians who will observe, interact, and hopefully give us some answers to the many questions we have regarding Ryan's learning processes. He is a very bright little boy who loves life, but not school. This Student Success Center specializes in evaluating children because they recognize that children come with 'all kinds of minds'.
We are not looking forward to the 7 hour drive to and from, but are hopeful for some insights. We appreciate your prayers for our travel safety as well as for the assesment itself. Rachel has chosen to stay home with Uncle Phillip, Aunt Anita and the girls as most of her Greensboro friends are still in school. I think Ryan will radiate the love of Jesus to the clinicians as well as charm them with his smile, but then I am prejudiced. Will keep you 'posted'.
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for thier work." Ecc.4:9
We are not looking forward to the 7 hour drive to and from, but are hopeful for some insights. We appreciate your prayers for our travel safety as well as for the assesment itself. Rachel has chosen to stay home with Uncle Phillip, Aunt Anita and the girls as most of her Greensboro friends are still in school. I think Ryan will radiate the love of Jesus to the clinicians as well as charm them with his smile, but then I am prejudiced. Will keep you 'posted'.
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for thier work." Ecc.4:9
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Things that go bump in the night
I am finding that my schedule is once again digressing from the normal 'go bed at a decent time so I can be up, showered, and ready to go by 8:00am' to my more natural 'stay up until about 2:00am and sleep in until 9:30'. This really is not good when you have kids. Now that school is out Rachel could easily follow the same schedule--and often does, but Ryan never sleeps past 8:30am and is usually up before 7:00. The problem is that he is creative and very independent--yes that is a nice way of saying he gets into everything!!
Being a conscientious educator, I have encouraged him to get up and let the dog out, feed her, and watch television quietly. He invariably adds making himself breakfast--which always messy no matter how I try to prepare for him the night before. Some sarcastic, violent cartoon is usually substituted for the educational TV program we discussed, and more often than not he can't resist running out into the backyard in his underwear chasing the dog who is loudly barking. All of this to say that staying up half the night is rarely followed by a restful 'sleep in' morning. None the less, my nights are getting later and later.
Over the weekend I found myself up particularly late one night. I was Internet surfing, playing spider solitaire, and halfway watching an old movie. Everyone in the house was sound asleep including the dog. About 2:23 am the silence was broken by the high pitched sound of a little voice. At first I thought I imagined it, but then a few minutes later I heard it again. Just a few words but enough to make my heart beat a bit faster.
Years ago I decided that I would not live my life in fear as that is the antitheses of faith, but when you hear these kinds of noises in the night it takes a little reminding. The fact that Ellie was sound asleep and not barking her head off gave comfort because had it been a real threat she would definitely announced it. I carefully walked into the hallway between our bedroom and the family room and waited. No more voices spoke for several minutes so I decided all must be well and went to bed.
The next day, Ryan and I were reading in the family room when the voices started again. This time it was clear to me that the voices were coming from the corner of the Family Room where I have two baskets of toys; one for each of my nieces who come often to visit. There right in the middle of one of baskets was a red Sesame Street stuffed toy--Tickle Me Elmo--to be exact and it was talking. The mystery was solved and Ryan calmly said, "Oh listen mom, Savannah Grace forgot to turn off Elmo, I'll do it." I was immediately transported mentally to a little house on Third Street in Arkansas City, Kansas where I lived with my family when I was 5 years old. I had been given a 'Chatty Cathy' doll for Christmas that I dearly loved. By about March she no longer talked, even when I pulled the string in her back. I kept her in a cradle by my bed and one night as I was almost asleep, she suddenly said, "I love you". I remember lying there in such terror. I wanted to scream, or run to my mom in the next room or something, but instead I just laid there paralyzed with fear.
I wonder how many times we as adults allow situations, or relationships to paralyze us with fear, when all we have to do is open our eyes of faith and see that our fears are completely unfounded. Sometimes I think we even allow our fears to prevent us from expressing our love and worship to God. We try to keep our relationship with Him private so as to 'not offend anyone'; we keep our worship very controlled so as to 'not draw attention to ourselves'; we even fail to openly give thanks for our food because of what others might think.
I've learned that most things that go bump in the night, usely just lie there during the day, and life is too short to allow any kind of fear to prevent us living out our lives of faith to the fullest.
Being a conscientious educator, I have encouraged him to get up and let the dog out, feed her, and watch television quietly. He invariably adds making himself breakfast--which always messy no matter how I try to prepare for him the night before. Some sarcastic, violent cartoon is usually substituted for the educational TV program we discussed, and more often than not he can't resist running out into the backyard in his underwear chasing the dog who is loudly barking. All of this to say that staying up half the night is rarely followed by a restful 'sleep in' morning. None the less, my nights are getting later and later.
Over the weekend I found myself up particularly late one night. I was Internet surfing, playing spider solitaire, and halfway watching an old movie. Everyone in the house was sound asleep including the dog. About 2:23 am the silence was broken by the high pitched sound of a little voice. At first I thought I imagined it, but then a few minutes later I heard it again. Just a few words but enough to make my heart beat a bit faster.
Years ago I decided that I would not live my life in fear as that is the antitheses of faith, but when you hear these kinds of noises in the night it takes a little reminding. The fact that Ellie was sound asleep and not barking her head off gave comfort because had it been a real threat she would definitely announced it. I carefully walked into the hallway between our bedroom and the family room and waited. No more voices spoke for several minutes so I decided all must be well and went to bed.
The next day, Ryan and I were reading in the family room when the voices started again. This time it was clear to me that the voices were coming from the corner of the Family Room where I have two baskets of toys; one for each of my nieces who come often to visit. There right in the middle of one of baskets was a red Sesame Street stuffed toy--Tickle Me Elmo--to be exact and it was talking. The mystery was solved and Ryan calmly said, "Oh listen mom, Savannah Grace forgot to turn off Elmo, I'll do it." I was immediately transported mentally to a little house on Third Street in Arkansas City, Kansas where I lived with my family when I was 5 years old. I had been given a 'Chatty Cathy' doll for Christmas that I dearly loved. By about March she no longer talked, even when I pulled the string in her back. I kept her in a cradle by my bed and one night as I was almost asleep, she suddenly said, "I love you". I remember lying there in such terror. I wanted to scream, or run to my mom in the next room or something, but instead I just laid there paralyzed with fear.
I wonder how many times we as adults allow situations, or relationships to paralyze us with fear, when all we have to do is open our eyes of faith and see that our fears are completely unfounded. Sometimes I think we even allow our fears to prevent us from expressing our love and worship to God. We try to keep our relationship with Him private so as to 'not offend anyone'; we keep our worship very controlled so as to 'not draw attention to ourselves'; we even fail to openly give thanks for our food because of what others might think.
I've learned that most things that go bump in the night, usely just lie there during the day, and life is too short to allow any kind of fear to prevent us living out our lives of faith to the fullest.
Monday, May 21, 2007
A Sacred Gathering
Last Friday evening Edgar and I celebrated what might be my favorite birthday to date. We went to my favorite eatery--Sweet Tomatoes, then we went to Northpoint Community Church for what was called a Sacred Gathering--wow.
This event was not widely publicized, in fact most of my friends up at Brown's Bridge (where we attend) were unaware of it. I think with 3 campuses and multiple services, the number of people now attending on a regular basis, over 27,000 total, it is unreasonable to open the invitation to all three campuses, but I am so glad we heard about it. It was a service, not a ticketed event, and it was amazing.
We arrived a little early and the auditorium doors were not yet opened. (I still think is so cool to attend a church where people line up outside the doors at each service waiting to go in). When we did enter, we noticed several "stations" of tables with candles, white linens, and the Lord's Supper juice trays and round loaves of bread. Since it was my birthday, Edgar conceded to let us sit near the front--I don't see too well when we are in the back. The light's were low and Bill was playing lovely music on the piano. As the room filled, Edgar commented how happy people here are. It is true, there was a sense of peaceful joy in the room.
Promptly at 8:00 three ladies came with stools and the singing began. First a solo, then a couple of duets and a trio. All hymns about the cross including one of my favorites, In Christ Alone. Next the ladies left the stage and we began congregational singing with Todd Fields on guitar, two other instrumentalists--one on cello, and one using snare sticks on the bongos. One of the ladies also joined Todd in singing. The tempo picked up a little and the songs still focused on the cross.
In the center of the stage was a large metal, back lighted cross suspended about 10" off the ground. The sacred part of the evening was unfolding with each song as we collectively and musically meditated on the loving sacrifice of our Savior. Most of the time events at the Northpoint Ministries campuses are termed "foyer" events. They are designed for regulars to bring guests to a safe and comfortable environment to just see what it is all about. This was definitely different. This Gathering was designed for believers who have a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
When Andy got up to speak, he drew attention to the scriptures where the angels first announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds and reminded us that the 'Good News' was to all people. He then challenged us to really focus on the all for whom Jesus came. He reminded us that while it is 'a really cool way to spend a Friday evening' and it is important to spend time intimately communing with the Father around the table we have come to know as the Lord's Supper, it is also critical that we never lose sight of the all. He then asked us if there was a least one person we know who is not a believer. Then he asked the really uncomfortable question: are we actively petitioning God for the salvation of that individual? I immediately thought of one of our neighbors. We have come to know the father and are beginning to know the rest of the family. They are good people, but they do not know the Lord and we have been inviting them to church. I look forward to the day when they connect with our Heavenly Father; I am trusting God for that day to come soon.
We spent sometime praying aloud in small groups and then in a very orderly and respectful fashion stood and each row was guided to one of the tables where we could take a cup and piece of bread. As we came back to our seats to meditate and individually partake of the elements there was a hush in the room exceptt for the piano music.
Once everyone finished the music began to pick up tempo and become more celebratory. The next 30 to 40 minutes over 2500 worshippers filled the room and I'm sure the heavens with praise and adoration unparalleled. Kristian Stanfill, Steve Fee, Eddie Kirkland, Todd Fields, and several other musicians led a time of music and worship that honored God and inspired His people. It was truly a Sacred Gathering, and an awesome birthday date!
This event was not widely publicized, in fact most of my friends up at Brown's Bridge (where we attend) were unaware of it. I think with 3 campuses and multiple services, the number of people now attending on a regular basis, over 27,000 total, it is unreasonable to open the invitation to all three campuses, but I am so glad we heard about it. It was a service, not a ticketed event, and it was amazing.
We arrived a little early and the auditorium doors were not yet opened. (I still think is so cool to attend a church where people line up outside the doors at each service waiting to go in). When we did enter, we noticed several "stations" of tables with candles, white linens, and the Lord's Supper juice trays and round loaves of bread. Since it was my birthday, Edgar conceded to let us sit near the front--I don't see too well when we are in the back. The light's were low and Bill was playing lovely music on the piano. As the room filled, Edgar commented how happy people here are. It is true, there was a sense of peaceful joy in the room.
Promptly at 8:00 three ladies came with stools and the singing began. First a solo, then a couple of duets and a trio. All hymns about the cross including one of my favorites, In Christ Alone. Next the ladies left the stage and we began congregational singing with Todd Fields on guitar, two other instrumentalists--one on cello, and one using snare sticks on the bongos. One of the ladies also joined Todd in singing. The tempo picked up a little and the songs still focused on the cross.
In the center of the stage was a large metal, back lighted cross suspended about 10" off the ground. The sacred part of the evening was unfolding with each song as we collectively and musically meditated on the loving sacrifice of our Savior. Most of the time events at the Northpoint Ministries campuses are termed "foyer" events. They are designed for regulars to bring guests to a safe and comfortable environment to just see what it is all about. This was definitely different. This Gathering was designed for believers who have a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
When Andy got up to speak, he drew attention to the scriptures where the angels first announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds and reminded us that the 'Good News' was to all people. He then challenged us to really focus on the all for whom Jesus came. He reminded us that while it is 'a really cool way to spend a Friday evening' and it is important to spend time intimately communing with the Father around the table we have come to know as the Lord's Supper, it is also critical that we never lose sight of the all. He then asked us if there was a least one person we know who is not a believer. Then he asked the really uncomfortable question: are we actively petitioning God for the salvation of that individual? I immediately thought of one of our neighbors. We have come to know the father and are beginning to know the rest of the family. They are good people, but they do not know the Lord and we have been inviting them to church. I look forward to the day when they connect with our Heavenly Father; I am trusting God for that day to come soon.
We spent sometime praying aloud in small groups and then in a very orderly and respectful fashion stood and each row was guided to one of the tables where we could take a cup and piece of bread. As we came back to our seats to meditate and individually partake of the elements there was a hush in the room exceptt for the piano music.
Once everyone finished the music began to pick up tempo and become more celebratory. The next 30 to 40 minutes over 2500 worshippers filled the room and I'm sure the heavens with praise and adoration unparalleled. Kristian Stanfill, Steve Fee, Eddie Kirkland, Todd Fields, and several other musicians led a time of music and worship that honored God and inspired His people. It was truly a Sacred Gathering, and an awesome birthday date!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Okay, so maybe I am a conference junkie
One of the really neat 'perks' of living north of Atlanta and attending a Northpoint Ministries congregation, is meeting and serving with some wonderful people. I have the pleasure of being a 4th grade coach in our elementary small environment called Upstreet. I work with some amazing men and women who love Jesus and pour themselves into the 50+ 4th grade boys and girls who come to our room each Sunday. We have Small Group Leaders, Greeters, and Production folks. Then on Sunday afternoons I serve with a small team of parents who show up each week to prepare and serve a snack supper to about 120 high school students during their worship and small group environment called Inside Out. All of these folks volunteer and many volunteer in other ministries also. So in addition to good fellowship and awesome worship experiences, this has opened the doors to several other ministry opportunities.
Two weeks ago about 1500 college student leaders gathered at the Thirsty07 Conference, a ministry of Louie Giglio's organization, Passion. I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the registration desk and on the Touch team. I met people from all over the country who came to Alpharetta to give of themselves for 3 days to serve God and others. I had the opportunity to hear some amazing servants of God, including Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, and David Crowder.
People came because they were are thirsty to hear from God, and God showed up--it was such a blessing.
Last week, Edgar let me move into the Hyaitt hotel in Smyrna GA for 3 days so I could volunteer at the Orange conference, sponsored by the Rethink Group--wow! (My wonderful niece, Anita, really made this possible because she came and stayed with my kids.) For years I looked forward to the Grow Up conference at Northpoint as a conference attendee. It was there that God opened my eyes to new ways to think about children's ministry. I always described it as "a big party where you learn alot". The Rethink Group, under Reggie Joiner's leadership now has expanded their ministry and are challenging church leaders around the world to combine strategies to be more effective. The Orange Conference was their first conference and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be there serving over 3800 attendees from all over the world. The main sessions were as great as I had expected; inspiring worship, hilarious skits, and challenging messages. In addition to hearing from Reggie, Sue Miller, Francis Chan, and Donald Miller, Jeff Foxworthy made an appearance--what fun.
Did I work hard? You bet, this old gal was exhausted, but it was glorious! Did I make a difference? I hope so; I was simply one of many who were a 'little part of something big'. I can hardly wait until next year when hopefully I can serve again. I guess I really am a conference junkie, and I am so grateful to have such incredible conferences in my neck of the woods. Thanks, God.
Two weeks ago about 1500 college student leaders gathered at the Thirsty07 Conference, a ministry of Louie Giglio's organization, Passion. I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the registration desk and on the Touch team. I met people from all over the country who came to Alpharetta to give of themselves for 3 days to serve God and others. I had the opportunity to hear some amazing servants of God, including Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, and David Crowder.
People came because they were are thirsty to hear from God, and God showed up--it was such a blessing.
Last week, Edgar let me move into the Hyaitt hotel in Smyrna GA for 3 days so I could volunteer at the Orange conference, sponsored by the Rethink Group--wow! (My wonderful niece, Anita, really made this possible because she came and stayed with my kids.) For years I looked forward to the Grow Up conference at Northpoint as a conference attendee. It was there that God opened my eyes to new ways to think about children's ministry. I always described it as "a big party where you learn alot". The Rethink Group, under Reggie Joiner's leadership now has expanded their ministry and are challenging church leaders around the world to combine strategies to be more effective. The Orange Conference was their first conference and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be there serving over 3800 attendees from all over the world. The main sessions were as great as I had expected; inspiring worship, hilarious skits, and challenging messages. In addition to hearing from Reggie, Sue Miller, Francis Chan, and Donald Miller, Jeff Foxworthy made an appearance--what fun.
Did I work hard? You bet, this old gal was exhausted, but it was glorious! Did I make a difference? I hope so; I was simply one of many who were a 'little part of something big'. I can hardly wait until next year when hopefully I can serve again. I guess I really am a conference junkie, and I am so grateful to have such incredible conferences in my neck of the woods. Thanks, God.
This is a milestone week for me; I am another year older, hopefully wiser, and have decided to begin this journey by beginning a blog. It has been a while since I kept a journal and perhaps this is a way to re institute putting thoughts on paper. I don't know if it will be read by anyone, but I believe the value is in the composition more than in the audience. So I begin.
My over riding thoughts just now center around my increasingly feeble attempts at parenting. Yesterday was Mother's Day and my own mother died when my first child was 5 years old. I have spent the bulk of my career working with children and their parents and although I have a lifetime of experiences, I seem to have few answers.
My children amaze me each day. It is a little tricky having an almost grown daughter who feels ready to spread her wings and a young son who still filters most of his world through his parents. I believe in helping children to become independent, yet the thought of her stepping out into the world without me is terrifying. Always bright, fearless, eager to try new things, and happy, she is passionate about the injustices in the world and is going to Africa this summer to do her part to make a difference. I am proud, excited, nervous, fearful, and expectant all at once. The last sixteen years have gone so quickly and daily I think of things I want her to know before she goes off to college.
My son has a heart of gold. He is imaginative, thoughtful, bright, and struggles with processing basic academic information. I have spent my life as an educator and yet feel like a failure when it comes to helping him learn. I want to celebrate his uniqueness and am angry that he must conform to be considered successful. As I observe him daily I so admire his innocent love of life.
I am thankful that of all the attributes of God, He refers to Himself most often as our Father. His example to us of how to parent our children with unconditional love is one of the gifts for which I am most grateful. I want to give good gifts to my children, to love them, to support them, and to guide them. Most of all, I want to point them to their Heavenly Father who, unlike this earthly mother, does know what is best for them in all situations. I will continue to pray for wisdom and take it one day at a time, but at the end of the day, each day, I must give them back to their Father and ask Him to work through my good intentions to accomplish His perfect plan. After all, they are simply on loan to me.
My over riding thoughts just now center around my increasingly feeble attempts at parenting. Yesterday was Mother's Day and my own mother died when my first child was 5 years old. I have spent the bulk of my career working with children and their parents and although I have a lifetime of experiences, I seem to have few answers.
My children amaze me each day. It is a little tricky having an almost grown daughter who feels ready to spread her wings and a young son who still filters most of his world through his parents. I believe in helping children to become independent, yet the thought of her stepping out into the world without me is terrifying. Always bright, fearless, eager to try new things, and happy, she is passionate about the injustices in the world and is going to Africa this summer to do her part to make a difference. I am proud, excited, nervous, fearful, and expectant all at once. The last sixteen years have gone so quickly and daily I think of things I want her to know before she goes off to college.
My son has a heart of gold. He is imaginative, thoughtful, bright, and struggles with processing basic academic information. I have spent my life as an educator and yet feel like a failure when it comes to helping him learn. I want to celebrate his uniqueness and am angry that he must conform to be considered successful. As I observe him daily I so admire his innocent love of life.
I am thankful that of all the attributes of God, He refers to Himself most often as our Father. His example to us of how to parent our children with unconditional love is one of the gifts for which I am most grateful. I want to give good gifts to my children, to love them, to support them, and to guide them. Most of all, I want to point them to their Heavenly Father who, unlike this earthly mother, does know what is best for them in all situations. I will continue to pray for wisdom and take it one day at a time, but at the end of the day, each day, I must give them back to their Father and ask Him to work through my good intentions to accomplish His perfect plan. After all, they are simply on loan to me.
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