I love our church. It is a church full of imperfect people. But one thing these imperfect people know how to do is to love their neighbor. Who is our neighbor? Everyone you come into contact with.
When we started attending many years ago, the first thing I noticed was "Grandma's Attic". Grandma's Attic is a clothes closet for those within the church and outside the church. There would be a line of people sometimes waiting for the services to end so they could come in and get clothing. At first I thought it was odd, but many of the people in the community didn't speak English and probably weren't comfortable coming into a Christian church. Many were from China and most likely were Buddhist. Others were from Mexico and only spoke Spanish.
Because of that, our church started English Second Language Classes and started holding a Spanish Bible Study. Our friends also moved into the apartments near the church to minister to the people there.
Later on, about 6 years ago, we started a Food Pantry. "Grandma's Pantry" It was suggested at first that there is a food pantry in the community; but after talking it over, it was decided that We should be reaching out and helping those in our body AS a body, not turning helping our neighbor into a social service event for the person in need of help.
The food pantry opened with 1 rule. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.( so that the thing that happened to me in my post below would NEVER happen to anybody within our scope of contact) If you need food, it is there for the taking. If you have food to give, give it. If you use food, when you can, contribute back so others can use it. It has since grown from canned goods, to pampers, formula, baby food, specialized foods, tooth paste, soaps and deoderant. There are even walkers, canes and potty seats in there.
I am so thankful for the loving, giving hearts of those who secretly give. And I am SO THANKFUL that there is a place people can go for food and not be embarrassed.
Grandma's Pantry has exploded to Grandma's kitchen too. You can get refrigerated items;frozen meats and dairy products. Isn't that great!
In the times we are facing as a nation, I am happy to be at a church where people can find comfort and that as a church, we will pull together and take care of each other and those in our community who have need.
The Minich Family Blog: Every Family Has A Story...Welcome To Ours
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
When We Think Our Sin Doesn't Stink
I was talking to a friend today about life, and how it makes such interesting twists and turns.
She is much younger than I am. In fact she is probably about the same age as my youngest son. :)
She and her sister have seen much heartache in this life, and as young people, they did not know the Lord. They turned their hearts and desires towards Him when they had already tread some paths that have brought them regret.
As we were talking, it dawned upon me that she had no idea of some of my life when I was younger. Because of the nature of our conversation, I was able to share a little with her about my earlier years.
She has felt that the problems she has faced in life are sometimes of the magnitude that many who have grown up in the church are completely unable to relate to her. Even though I did grow up within a broad Christian circle, my early married life took some horrific paths and I learned much about the grace and mercy of God through very difficult circumstances.
Unfortunately, I understand her conclusions about how SOME within the church deal with sin, with the effects of sin, with past sin, with new believers who have horrific pasts, and with those who are believers living in horrific conditions.
As I was talking to her, memories flooded in of me as a young mother seeking counsel about my situation. I walked away many times bewildered not only by the "casualness of what I was told, but the true lack of love I felt from those who were supposed to love me." If this was LOVE, I was in serious trouble.
I actually had a woman tell me one time, that she knew of another woman in my situation that obeyed God and submitted to her husband, and when He came at her with a hammer, she simply began to pray in tongues and he couldn't hit her! NO kidding. She used this example to show me where I had failed in my life and how I was in sin.
There was another man who called me and told me that I had no right to marry again. I was an adulteress and he went on and on. This same man had had numerous relationships with women of an inappropriate nature, though he himself only wanted to marry a pure woman.
Then, there was the time I went to MY OWN CHURCH (not the one I am in at present) to seek food for my family. A very grouchy assistant pastor came out and yelled at me, demanding to know, "How did you get yourself into this situation?" I had never met this man, nor had I ever asked for food before.
I was so embarrassed and horrified and humiliated, I left, with him then saying, "Wait, do you need food?" Well, yea, but not from you.
Let's see, How DID I get myself into that situation?
I purposely married a lousy man who used drugs and was an alcoholic. I purposely married a man who mistreated me and my children, because that is what I really wanted...... duh.....So I decided to give birth to 4 children within 4 years and live in poverty and I got myself into this situation because I was of such a vile and sinful nature that I could do no other. Oh yea, and I was a total idiot.
Sometimes, that is how those within the church make you feel. It is one of those situations where they approach you with a, "We've got it all together because we are special and it is our job to fix you and make you see things our way, and by the way, 'you really are an idiot'! "
When you go to them to share a real problem, you get to thinking, "this person has never missed a meal, the worst problem they have had in their entire life is a broken nail or the store didn't carry the right hair color, and... they think I'm an idiot."
Have I said idiot enough?
Those thoughts and feelings are very raw and very real. They are some of the reasons I stopped seeking any kind of counsel except on my knees in prayer and in the reading of my bible.
I say that today and I'm bothered by that. We SHOULD be able to seek godly counsel. We SHOULD be able to get help and be LOVED by the Body of Christ. We SHOULDN'T bear our burdens alone. But many do, for the very reasons I have stated above.
The problem is for those who have grown up in the church, including myself.... we don't see our sin as stinky. We don't see our true condition. We have a list of rights and wrongs and as long as we safely stay away from the 10 majors, then well, we are doing pretty good! Right? WRONG!!!!!We don't know that we are the ones who are poor, and hungry and naked.
That basically makes us Pharisees. The Pharisees were able to follow the law and even built laws around the law to make sure they didn't break the law. In fact, Paul stated that he followed the law perfectly! But Christ referred to them as "white washed seplechurs full of dead men's bones."
But Christ raised the bar of the law abit. He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind, AND Love your neighbor as yourself." In His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, he gives a very revealing sermon on what His desire is for us. "Love your enemy", turn the other cheek, if somebody takes your coat, give him your sweater as well."
For those who do talk to others who are struggling: Are we applying Christ's words? Are we loving that person as we would love ourselves. Are we treating them as we would want to be treated? Or are we shocked at the depth of their sin, and disgusted by their lack of spiritual awareness? Are we rightly dividing the word of Truth with them?
It is my hope that when somebody does seek counsel, they will find a wealth of love and support, both in the Word of God, in the spoken word and in deed; also that a clear picture of Christ will be presented and that they will walk away ready and excited about continuing down the path of Life, despite the problems they are facing. It is my hope and desire that those within the church who desire to counsel, will first be humble and know that if they have not experienced extreme hardship, it isn't because they are so special and they have made wonderful choices, but it is the blessing of God upon them and His mercy that has kept them, in spite of themselves.And this IS something to be thankful for!
And for those who HAVE gone through extreme hardship,that they would allow the Lord to use them to bring about HIS glory and that they would encourage others to press on to the finish line.
All of us... every one of us.... no matter how pretty, how pleasant, how ugly, how unpleasant, were born naked, and in desperate need of a Savior. We all come to know Him the same way; in Faith, through the precious blood of Christ.
She is much younger than I am. In fact she is probably about the same age as my youngest son. :)
She and her sister have seen much heartache in this life, and as young people, they did not know the Lord. They turned their hearts and desires towards Him when they had already tread some paths that have brought them regret.
As we were talking, it dawned upon me that she had no idea of some of my life when I was younger. Because of the nature of our conversation, I was able to share a little with her about my earlier years.
She has felt that the problems she has faced in life are sometimes of the magnitude that many who have grown up in the church are completely unable to relate to her. Even though I did grow up within a broad Christian circle, my early married life took some horrific paths and I learned much about the grace and mercy of God through very difficult circumstances.
Unfortunately, I understand her conclusions about how SOME within the church deal with sin, with the effects of sin, with past sin, with new believers who have horrific pasts, and with those who are believers living in horrific conditions.
As I was talking to her, memories flooded in of me as a young mother seeking counsel about my situation. I walked away many times bewildered not only by the "casualness of what I was told, but the true lack of love I felt from those who were supposed to love me." If this was LOVE, I was in serious trouble.
I actually had a woman tell me one time, that she knew of another woman in my situation that obeyed God and submitted to her husband, and when He came at her with a hammer, she simply began to pray in tongues and he couldn't hit her! NO kidding. She used this example to show me where I had failed in my life and how I was in sin.
There was another man who called me and told me that I had no right to marry again. I was an adulteress and he went on and on. This same man had had numerous relationships with women of an inappropriate nature, though he himself only wanted to marry a pure woman.
Then, there was the time I went to MY OWN CHURCH (not the one I am in at present) to seek food for my family. A very grouchy assistant pastor came out and yelled at me, demanding to know, "How did you get yourself into this situation?" I had never met this man, nor had I ever asked for food before.
I was so embarrassed and horrified and humiliated, I left, with him then saying, "Wait, do you need food?" Well, yea, but not from you.
Let's see, How DID I get myself into that situation?
I purposely married a lousy man who used drugs and was an alcoholic. I purposely married a man who mistreated me and my children, because that is what I really wanted...... duh.....So I decided to give birth to 4 children within 4 years and live in poverty and I got myself into this situation because I was of such a vile and sinful nature that I could do no other. Oh yea, and I was a total idiot.
Sometimes, that is how those within the church make you feel. It is one of those situations where they approach you with a, "We've got it all together because we are special and it is our job to fix you and make you see things our way, and by the way, 'you really are an idiot'! "
When you go to them to share a real problem, you get to thinking, "this person has never missed a meal, the worst problem they have had in their entire life is a broken nail or the store didn't carry the right hair color, and... they think I'm an idiot."
Have I said idiot enough?
Those thoughts and feelings are very raw and very real. They are some of the reasons I stopped seeking any kind of counsel except on my knees in prayer and in the reading of my bible.
I say that today and I'm bothered by that. We SHOULD be able to seek godly counsel. We SHOULD be able to get help and be LOVED by the Body of Christ. We SHOULDN'T bear our burdens alone. But many do, for the very reasons I have stated above.
The problem is for those who have grown up in the church, including myself.... we don't see our sin as stinky. We don't see our true condition. We have a list of rights and wrongs and as long as we safely stay away from the 10 majors, then well, we are doing pretty good! Right? WRONG!!!!!We don't know that we are the ones who are poor, and hungry and naked.
That basically makes us Pharisees. The Pharisees were able to follow the law and even built laws around the law to make sure they didn't break the law. In fact, Paul stated that he followed the law perfectly! But Christ referred to them as "white washed seplechurs full of dead men's bones."
But Christ raised the bar of the law abit. He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind, AND Love your neighbor as yourself." In His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, he gives a very revealing sermon on what His desire is for us. "Love your enemy", turn the other cheek, if somebody takes your coat, give him your sweater as well."
For those who do talk to others who are struggling: Are we applying Christ's words? Are we loving that person as we would love ourselves. Are we treating them as we would want to be treated? Or are we shocked at the depth of their sin, and disgusted by their lack of spiritual awareness? Are we rightly dividing the word of Truth with them?
It is my hope that when somebody does seek counsel, they will find a wealth of love and support, both in the Word of God, in the spoken word and in deed; also that a clear picture of Christ will be presented and that they will walk away ready and excited about continuing down the path of Life, despite the problems they are facing. It is my hope and desire that those within the church who desire to counsel, will first be humble and know that if they have not experienced extreme hardship, it isn't because they are so special and they have made wonderful choices, but it is the blessing of God upon them and His mercy that has kept them, in spite of themselves.And this IS something to be thankful for!
And for those who HAVE gone through extreme hardship,that they would allow the Lord to use them to bring about HIS glory and that they would encourage others to press on to the finish line.
All of us... every one of us.... no matter how pretty, how pleasant, how ugly, how unpleasant, were born naked, and in desperate need of a Savior. We all come to know Him the same way; in Faith, through the precious blood of Christ.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Blessed By A Child
Blessed By A Child posted about her son Joseph today. You will truly be blessed by reading her post. It is a precious story of God's grace. Please read it and drop my friend Jeane and her son Joseph a line in her comments section. They are getting ready to go and get another little one.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Triggers
Our Friday night tradition of Pizza and a movie continues, and then we all retreat to camp in mom and dad's room for the night. It is usually a peaceful sleep, but last night was a little different. The sleeping arrangements were changed. This time Erika slept on the cot at the end of our bed, Anna took the chair and Sarah slept on blankets on the floor.
I was awoken to Erika having one of those dreams. The kind that give me chills. She never remembers them. But they are of that deep,mournful cry; a panic, a sense of loss and loneliness that is so great it can't be fathomed by those of us who have never experienced total aloneness.
And then, once again, I heard the cot start to squeak back and forth. When I got up to check on her she was in a deep sleep rocking back and forth and she had tightly wrapped her covers all around her like a straight jacket. I touched her gently and said, "sweety, you are rocking". She opened her eyes,smiled and then went to sleep again, this time without rocking. Then it started up again.....
When she woke this morning, she was rested and had no memory of her restless sleep.
I am so thankful that in God's mercy, he allows us to not remember things in our conscious state. Things so terrible and feelings so fearful that they are best left untouched.
When the right time comes, if God so chooses, she may remember more. She remembered a lot when she first came home, and the things she told us were shocking and upsetting.
She was in the dark a lot. There were other beds. She was tied, sometimes she ate and sometimes she didn't. The covers were wrapped around her. She was left to lay. For four years she rocked before she made it to an orphanage. Much of what she told us, she has forgotten. Time has a way of helping us to forget.
But then there are those times when her memory is triggered and she does. The season of year, may be her trigger. Our 3 year anniversary is coming up soon. It is both joyful and sad. It triggers memories of belonging to a new family, but it also triggers memories of rejection, abandonment and loss.
That is the nature of adoption. It has 2 sides. Happiness in finding a forever home, but profound sadness because you were rejected by the very ones who gave you birth.
The circumstance doesn't really matter. The rejection hurts just the same.
One thing we as adoptive parents can do for our children is to grieve with them. The compassion we show them when they feel that loss is so important. Their sadness does not reflect on their love for us, nor does it mean they don't love us. It just means they have suffered great pain and need support to heal. It is our job and DUTY as parents to love them through these moments, being careful to not trivialize them by saying, "But you have a new home, you are here with a new mommy and daddy, your life is wonderful now!" Those things do not matter at that moment. What matters is that momentary memory of pain and rejection. Our reaction to that can make all the difference in the world towards their complete healing.
Our daughter is a happy, loving and caring child. It is our prayer that her past pain and experiences in life will be used by the Lord to mold and shape her into the vessel He has chosen for her to be, and that she would see His hand on her life.
I know she already does.
I was awoken to Erika having one of those dreams. The kind that give me chills. She never remembers them. But they are of that deep,mournful cry; a panic, a sense of loss and loneliness that is so great it can't be fathomed by those of us who have never experienced total aloneness.
And then, once again, I heard the cot start to squeak back and forth. When I got up to check on her she was in a deep sleep rocking back and forth and she had tightly wrapped her covers all around her like a straight jacket. I touched her gently and said, "sweety, you are rocking". She opened her eyes,smiled and then went to sleep again, this time without rocking. Then it started up again.....
When she woke this morning, she was rested and had no memory of her restless sleep.
I am so thankful that in God's mercy, he allows us to not remember things in our conscious state. Things so terrible and feelings so fearful that they are best left untouched.
When the right time comes, if God so chooses, she may remember more. She remembered a lot when she first came home, and the things she told us were shocking and upsetting.
She was in the dark a lot. There were other beds. She was tied, sometimes she ate and sometimes she didn't. The covers were wrapped around her. She was left to lay. For four years she rocked before she made it to an orphanage. Much of what she told us, she has forgotten. Time has a way of helping us to forget.
But then there are those times when her memory is triggered and she does. The season of year, may be her trigger. Our 3 year anniversary is coming up soon. It is both joyful and sad. It triggers memories of belonging to a new family, but it also triggers memories of rejection, abandonment and loss.
That is the nature of adoption. It has 2 sides. Happiness in finding a forever home, but profound sadness because you were rejected by the very ones who gave you birth.
The circumstance doesn't really matter. The rejection hurts just the same.
One thing we as adoptive parents can do for our children is to grieve with them. The compassion we show them when they feel that loss is so important. Their sadness does not reflect on their love for us, nor does it mean they don't love us. It just means they have suffered great pain and need support to heal. It is our job and DUTY as parents to love them through these moments, being careful to not trivialize them by saying, "But you have a new home, you are here with a new mommy and daddy, your life is wonderful now!" Those things do not matter at that moment. What matters is that momentary memory of pain and rejection. Our reaction to that can make all the difference in the world towards their complete healing.
Our daughter is a happy, loving and caring child. It is our prayer that her past pain and experiences in life will be used by the Lord to mold and shape her into the vessel He has chosen for her to be, and that she would see His hand on her life.
I know she already does.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Birthday To Tim, Joe ,Becca and Sam
February is a very busy Birthday Month for us.
Here are a few pictures I happen to have on the computer of the Birthday boys and Girl!
This is Tim when he was very sick. He was a preemie and we are very fortunate
to have him around.:)
This is Tim and Joe when they were 1 and 2. I was in the hospital on complete bed rest with their brother Marcus.
I love this picture of Joe and Becca!
Here are Joe and Sam. Sam is going to be two at the end of the month.
This is one of my favorite little boy pictures of Timothy.
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And here is Tim and Emily on their wedding Day. What a difference 21 years can make. :) (between birth and marriage)
Happy Birthday Ya'll. I'm very proud of each and every one of you. :)
Love,
Mom
Here are a few pictures I happen to have on the computer of the Birthday boys and Girl!
This is Tim when he was very sick. He was a preemie and we are very fortunate
to have him around.:)
This is Tim and Joe when they were 1 and 2. I was in the hospital on complete bed rest with their brother Marcus.
I love this picture of Joe and Becca!
Here are Joe and Sam. Sam is going to be two at the end of the month.
This is one of my favorite little boy pictures of Timothy.
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And here is Tim and Emily on their wedding Day. What a difference 21 years can make. :) (between birth and marriage)
Happy Birthday Ya'll. I'm very proud of each and every one of you. :)
Love,
Mom
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Waltons Good or Not?
I purchased the Walton's Series on DVD for the girls. It was a great buy for just $10.88 at Sams.
I remember watching the Walton's as a girl and loved that show. I liked John Boy and Mary Ellen and all the stories. What I wasn't quite prepared for was what the girls picked up. You think they would be "Mary Ellen, Erin and Elizabeth" in their play, but NO!
They have been playing Miss Mamie and Miss Emily!. I caught them playing Miss Mamie and Miss Emily and during their tea party today they were serving "The Recipe!"
For those who aren't familiar with the Waltons. Miss Maimie and Miss Emily are old spinsters who protect their fathers old still. They are boot legg-whiskey makers.
The recipe is Whiskey! LOL
(Now the girls don't know that , but there is something disturbing about that)
At least they are learning to call each other "dear sister". LOL
They were all singing while doing the dishes and Anna had made up a song that went something like, "If you feeling good or your feeling weak, just mix up some Recipe!"
help
A Good Reminder
Last night, I was helping the girls wind down from the day. We needed to finish chores, clean up and get ready for bed. As I was throwing out instructions, I asked them to please not touch a few things on the table, because I was working on them. Well, they got touched. So I asked, who moved my things? Then, when Erika went over to the table she said, these things? and started moving them. I said, "I told you not to touch those things!" (these are my tax papers I'm working on, so I need them untouched or I'll get lost!) She then went over to do something else, and I reminded her, that yesterday we showed her to do things a different way and she had not done it the way we showed her.
She looked abit confused, and then got teary. 2 times in a few minutes she was corrected and seemed bewildered about why.....
So me in perfect form (NOT) says, if you are going to cry, you need to do it in the other room. duh....
So she REALLY pulls out the tears. I was in the kitchen kicking myself for not being more sensitive, and then it dawned on me. Something she said was, "You are talking too fast." She hasn't even been in the USA for 3 years, and I am expecting her to understand language like Anna. She doesn't. It is easy to forget when a child doesn't have an accent, speaks rather well, does well in school, and generally seems to understand what you are saying. But I do notice that many times she guesses, or she asks questions. Sometimes she doesn't know how to ask the question. Language aquisition is such an interesting phenomenon.
So, I sadly went into the bedroom and sat down with her and said, "Can mommy say I'm sorry?" She sat down on my lap and I apologized to her for not realizing she was not understanding everything I was saying. I told her that I forget that she is still learning English, and we are ALL learning language. It is a never ending process.
So she smiled and we had a hug, the tears stopped and we shared some I love yous.
She went to bed happy and understood, and I still have those papers on the table to finish getting ready for the tax man.
She looked abit confused, and then got teary. 2 times in a few minutes she was corrected and seemed bewildered about why.....
So me in perfect form (NOT) says, if you are going to cry, you need to do it in the other room. duh....
So she REALLY pulls out the tears. I was in the kitchen kicking myself for not being more sensitive, and then it dawned on me. Something she said was, "You are talking too fast." She hasn't even been in the USA for 3 years, and I am expecting her to understand language like Anna. She doesn't. It is easy to forget when a child doesn't have an accent, speaks rather well, does well in school, and generally seems to understand what you are saying. But I do notice that many times she guesses, or she asks questions. Sometimes she doesn't know how to ask the question. Language aquisition is such an interesting phenomenon.
So, I sadly went into the bedroom and sat down with her and said, "Can mommy say I'm sorry?" She sat down on my lap and I apologized to her for not realizing she was not understanding everything I was saying. I told her that I forget that she is still learning English, and we are ALL learning language. It is a never ending process.
So she smiled and we had a hug, the tears stopped and we shared some I love yous.
She went to bed happy and understood, and I still have those papers on the table to finish getting ready for the tax man.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mommy And Daddy Sitting In a Tree.......
Except she sang:
"Mommy and Daddy sitting on the couch"
K I S S I N G
First comes love, then comes marriage,
Then comes another adopted child!
It didn't rhyme, but I thought it was pretty funny. :)
I won't say how high of a number she counted up to! Yikes.
"Mommy and Daddy sitting on the couch"
K I S S I N G
First comes love, then comes marriage,
Then comes another adopted child!
It didn't rhyme, but I thought it was pretty funny. :)
I won't say how high of a number she counted up to! Yikes.
Look Mommy!
"I Blew a Heart!"
She sure did! I asked her if she could do it again so I could get a picture of it
and she did it again! How special is that!
This is my special "Heart Breathing" Valentine.
She sure did! I asked her if she could do it again so I could get a picture of it
and she did it again! How special is that!
This is my special "Heart Breathing" Valentine.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Mommy Unleashed
I thought Anna was blogging. But no.... she was busy recording.
It was fun, and uninhibited, so here is Mommy Unleashed;dancing with Sarah
and Erika. :)
It was fun, and uninhibited, so here is Mommy Unleashed;dancing with Sarah
and Erika. :)
The Challenge of Being Different
Today, Erika was out of pants to wear. She LOVES wearing pants. I suggested a dress, she has that is very cute. It is like overalls, but is a jumper type dress. It turns out, she doesn't like showing her legs. Not because they are hairy, or skinny, or fat, but because they are fake. Prosthetic. DIFFERENT.
So I ask in my most cheerful motherly voice, "So what's the problem with different?"
Everybody stares. I don't like them staring...... Hmmmm.... She is definitely becoming a young lady. And those stares from strangers and friends alike can make us feel like a piece of pepper in a salt shaker. So we had a discussion about how EVERYBODY stares at everybody. If you are tall, fat, skinny, ugly, pretty, have moles like mommy, smoothe skin, blue eyes, etc. etc. etc. EVERYBODY gets stared at!
But she has something happy on her legs to share. Butterflys, soccer balls, basketballs. Things that make those who stare SMILE. :) People decorate themselves in tattoos these days. I'm sure they know others will look. SO, her legs are different. SO WHAT! She WALKS. She is a walking billboard for the grace of God in our lives. She is a walking billboard for those who cannot come out of their homes; to help us remember those who are shut in and in need. If she is out here in Wylie, all by herself, I wonder how many more children there are in the world like her? Who are shut in, or cannot get out and play?
She is a walking testimony of the Lord's grace, and a testimony of those who have compassion on those less fortunate that give to the hospital that graciously cares for her and Sarah.
But she is oh so much more than that. She is not defined by her legs. She is not defined by arthrogryposis, she is not defined by being an amputee, any more than I am defined by those moles that I am so glad I have kept, even though I hate them.
Erika is a blossoming, lovely person, who is full of life, full of energy and humor, and love, and kindness, and boy is she ever smart. She loves all the things little girls love and best of all she loves Jesus. (and mommy too) :)
So, we are going to go out in that dress today to the store. We are going to hold our heads high and walk down the aisle and have a wonderful time, and hopefully, anybody who stares today, will see a precious little girl who is living a full and happy life, and they will WANT what she has. Joy,Peace,and a nice mommy and daddy. :)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Our Family Blog: RANDOM THOUGHTS
Our Family Blog: RANDOM THOUGHTS
I still haven't figured out the link thing. I was trying to link this post to my post below on Erika, and someday, I'll get it. But just not today.
Anyway, if you click on this link, it will take you to something I wrote a couple of years ago.
CM
I still haven't figured out the link thing. I was trying to link this post to my post below on Erika, and someday, I'll get it. But just not today.
Anyway, if you click on this link, it will take you to something I wrote a couple of years ago.
CM
A Mother's Joy and Tears
This is a very special video for me. It brings me both tears and joy. OR should I say, tears OF joy. :)
It may not seem much to many to see a child of 10 swinging on an old swingset. But LOOK! Look closely! She is doing it all by herself! 6 years ago, she was in a bed, laying in a bed, laying all day and all night, just "left to lay", that is what they call it. By a miracle, she was transferred to an orphanage where they started to work with her. I met the woman during our last missions trip who taught her how to walk in cumbersome braces. She taught her to feed herself and talk. And I was able to tell her thank you.
Swinging herself though! This is a new thing. She is so proud, and I am proud of her.
She got all muddy swinging so I had to take her socks and shoes off. This is what I found!
They didn't have purple toenail polish in the orphanage either. :)
Erika has come so far. It will 3 years in April. It seems so long ago, like she has always been with us, yet it seems like yesterday when we brought her home forever.
So today I have tears of joy, just because a little girl is happy and can paint her toenails any color she wants.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
3 Little Girls, 3 Different Interests: For Today
It is interesting watching the girls grow and develop different interests. Today, Erika has spent loads of time with dad. She said, "Mom, I really like doing "man things!" LOL
She went with him yesterday to get a car with the trailer and in "true woman form" she reported to him that "mommy would never drive like that!" :)
Anna is learning to braid. She took this picture of her masterpiece from the back of my head. :) (am I really that gray?) YIKES!
Sarah has been interested in measuring things lately. Here she is measuring my little table in the kitchen.
I just wonder what they will do when they are grown.... I am thrilled to just think of the possibilities. The guys are all so different in profession, and much of what I see the girls do, I saw the guys do too. (minus the braiding of my hair) LOL
Dad is thrilled that Erika like to do "man things". He may have finally found a potential mechanic! LOL
She went with him yesterday to get a car with the trailer and in "true woman form" she reported to him that "mommy would never drive like that!" :)
Anna is learning to braid. She took this picture of her masterpiece from the back of my head. :) (am I really that gray?) YIKES!
Sarah has been interested in measuring things lately. Here she is measuring my little table in the kitchen.
I just wonder what they will do when they are grown.... I am thrilled to just think of the possibilities. The guys are all so different in profession, and much of what I see the girls do, I saw the guys do too. (minus the braiding of my hair) LOL
Dad is thrilled that Erika like to do "man things". He may have finally found a potential mechanic! LOL
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Cows Are In The Corn
This is one of my favorite stories a friend sent me several years ago:
Hymns and Choruses: The Cows are in the Corn
An old farmer went to the city one weekend and attended the big city church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was. “Well,” said the farmer, “It was good. They did something different, however. They sang praise choruses instead of hymns.”
“Praise choruses,” said his wife, “What are those?”
“Oh, they’re okay. They’re sort of like hymns, only different,” said the farmer.
“Well, what’s the difference?” asked his wife.
The farmer said, “It’s like this--If I were to say to you: ‘Martha, the cows are in the corn,’ well, that would be a hymn. If, on the other hand, I were to say to you: Martha, Martha, Martha, Oh, Martha, MARTHA, MARTHA, the cows, the big cows, the brown cows, the black cows, the white cows, the black and white cows, the COWS, COWS, COWS are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, the CORN, CORN, CORN, then, if I were to repeat the whole thing two or three times, well that would be a praise chorus.”
As luck would have it, the exact same Sunday a young, new Christian from the city church attended the small town church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was. “Well,” said the young man, “It was good. They did something different, however. They sang hymns instead of regular songs.”
“Hymns,” said his wife, “What are those?”
“Oh, they’re okay. They’re sort of like regular songs, only different,” said the young man.
“Well, what’s the difference?” asked his wife.
The young man said, “Well, it’s like this-If I were to say to you, ‘Martha, the cows are in the corn,’ that would be a regular song. If, on the other hand, I were to say to you:
Oh Martha, dear Martha, hear thou my cry
Inclinest thine ear to the words of my mouth.
Turn thou thy whole wondrous ear by and by
To the righteous, inimitable, glorious truth.
For the way of the animals who can explain
There in their heads is no shadow of sense,
Hearkenest they in God’s sun or His rain
Unless from the mild, tempting corn they are fenced.
Yea those cows in glad bovine, rebellious delight,
Have broke free their shackles, their warm pens eschewed.
Then goaded by minions of darkness and night
They all my mild Chilliwack sweet corn have chewed.
So look to that bright shining day by and by,
Where all foul corruptions of earth are reborn.
Where no vicious animal makes my soul cry
And I no longer see those foul cows in the corn.
Then, if I were to do only verses one, three and four and do a key change on the last verse, well that would be a hymn.”
(from the web—numerous sources)
Eye Hand Coordination
Many children struggle with Eye Hand Coordination for various reasons. Some of those reasons are because of immaturity, but sometimes it can be because of neurological or inflicted problems.
Anna has had many issues with eye hand coordination. But today, I was so very proud of her. What she would have NEVER attempted to do last year, she did on her own during her morning break this year! YEA ANNA!
She designed and cut out a dress for her paper doll. That may not seem like much to some, as she is 10. But to me, and for Anna, it is nothing short of a miracle. She was so proud of herself. I am proud of her too. GREAT JOB ANNA!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Studying the Bill of Rights
We are getting ready to memorize the Bill of Rights. Today we were going over them and the right to bear arms came up.
I asked the girlies: What does it mean, "You have the right to own, keep and bear arms?"
The answers:
You have the right to have babies with arms! (bear)
You have the right to keep your arms. Nobody can take them away.
If somebody cuts your arms off, you can own them by keeping them.
If your arms don't have hair; it is ok, you can keep them.
Here are a few more rights:
The right to petition for grievances in Fair and Honest Judgement:
"To tell the judge what you think of him."
I means you can go to the judge and they will be unjust.
The right to privacy in homes:
The condition of being out of the sight and hearing of all other people.
IT means that you want to be left alone.
The right to free speech and press:
You can say what you want to say
It means the right to speak free without getting pressed.
The right to freedom from arbitrary government regulation and control:
You can do whatever you want.
The right to bargain for goods and services in a free market:
To be able to get what you want at the store.
The right to trial by jury and innocent until proven guilty means:
You get together with them and tell them if you are guilty or not.
hmmmmm. we have much work to do. :)
LOL
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Fallout of Sin
My mind has been full of thoughts about the issue of sin and the fallout of sin in our lives, and how it affects those around us either directly or indirectly.
Let me start with, WE ALL SIN, we are all sinners, with a fallen nature, it shouldn't surprise us that we sin or other's sin. It is what comes "natural" to us. When Christ reaches in and changes us, that does not mean we will never sin again. It does mean we will care deeply about our plight and turn to Him for help, both in turning from our sin and growing in our spiritual walk so we are not bound by sin. For the first time, we are actually FREE, to NOT sin!
I talked with an old friend that I had not heard from in many years. This person was disgraced by what happened in their life, and their actions affected many, many people around them. The actions of this person were not so horrific that they had to go to jail, but they did leave our area and eventually lost contact. So I was pretty surprised to get a call yesterday.
What broke my heart was the depth of personal prison this person was in because of sin.
They confess they know Christ, yet the bondage of guilt is upon them, as they know the delicate position they were in caused much pain for those in their charge.
This is one of the huge problems, in my humble opinion, of putting people in places of leadership when they are in no way ready to be a leader either by maturity or relationship. A few places scripture gives guidelines for leaders is in Titus and 1 Timothy.
I personally think it is irresponsible of leaders to place people in places of authority or teaching when they are not ready. THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO DO WITH AGE.
This has everything to do with spiritual maturity.
The "Win-em, wet-em, work-em" menality is damaging.
It was especially damaging for this person, and it personally affected our own family and many others. While we worked our way through much discouragement and pain, one of our sons did not, and continues to have trust problems with the established church.
This very incident was one reason that we shyd away from the influence of organized "youth groups", minus parents involvement.
I thought we would never have to deal with this issue again, in relation to the church, because all our boys grew up. But guess what? Not so. We have 3 little girls getting ever so closer to that delicate "youth group" age, and guess who is now having memories that cause me to sweat drops of nervousness and pain? Yep, your's truly....
I am typing this and my own son works with youth in another state! LOL
I will have to think long and hard about the delicate issue of youth group for our girls. I saw how the actions of a few wayward leaders nearly totally destroyed our son, and he came from a stable home. I can't imagine how those same actions would have effected our girls, coming from a much less stable background.
We have many things to think about with regards to our girls and youth group situations. It is NOT a command of scripture that says, "Thou Shalt Go To Youth Group", but there are those who get their tail feathers all tangled when you politely decline. They take it personally. It is NOT personal, it is prayerful direction.
So, while we have long forgiven and moved on in our lives; our son struggles with pain from what happened long ago. The person involved struggles with the pain they caused indirectly by their own personal actions and is still struggling spiritually. I can picture Christ with His arms opened wide, wanting them to come to Him, because HE ULTIMATELY is the only one who can heal the situation AND HE is the only one we can TRULY put our trust in. That is after all why He came; to heal, to renew, to restore.
We need not look at man. We MUST keep our eyes on Christ, the AUTHOR and PERFECTER of our faith. So, if you have read all of this and think about those who struggle with past sin, or even present sin, remember to hold them up in prayer.
There is much Fallout from Sin.
Let me start with, WE ALL SIN, we are all sinners, with a fallen nature, it shouldn't surprise us that we sin or other's sin. It is what comes "natural" to us. When Christ reaches in and changes us, that does not mean we will never sin again. It does mean we will care deeply about our plight and turn to Him for help, both in turning from our sin and growing in our spiritual walk so we are not bound by sin. For the first time, we are actually FREE, to NOT sin!
I talked with an old friend that I had not heard from in many years. This person was disgraced by what happened in their life, and their actions affected many, many people around them. The actions of this person were not so horrific that they had to go to jail, but they did leave our area and eventually lost contact. So I was pretty surprised to get a call yesterday.
What broke my heart was the depth of personal prison this person was in because of sin.
They confess they know Christ, yet the bondage of guilt is upon them, as they know the delicate position they were in caused much pain for those in their charge.
This is one of the huge problems, in my humble opinion, of putting people in places of leadership when they are in no way ready to be a leader either by maturity or relationship. A few places scripture gives guidelines for leaders is in Titus and 1 Timothy.
I personally think it is irresponsible of leaders to place people in places of authority or teaching when they are not ready. THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO DO WITH AGE.
This has everything to do with spiritual maturity.
The "Win-em, wet-em, work-em" menality is damaging.
It was especially damaging for this person, and it personally affected our own family and many others. While we worked our way through much discouragement and pain, one of our sons did not, and continues to have trust problems with the established church.
This very incident was one reason that we shyd away from the influence of organized "youth groups", minus parents involvement.
I thought we would never have to deal with this issue again, in relation to the church, because all our boys grew up. But guess what? Not so. We have 3 little girls getting ever so closer to that delicate "youth group" age, and guess who is now having memories that cause me to sweat drops of nervousness and pain? Yep, your's truly....
I am typing this and my own son works with youth in another state! LOL
I will have to think long and hard about the delicate issue of youth group for our girls. I saw how the actions of a few wayward leaders nearly totally destroyed our son, and he came from a stable home. I can't imagine how those same actions would have effected our girls, coming from a much less stable background.
We have many things to think about with regards to our girls and youth group situations. It is NOT a command of scripture that says, "Thou Shalt Go To Youth Group", but there are those who get their tail feathers all tangled when you politely decline. They take it personally. It is NOT personal, it is prayerful direction.
So, while we have long forgiven and moved on in our lives; our son struggles with pain from what happened long ago. The person involved struggles with the pain they caused indirectly by their own personal actions and is still struggling spiritually. I can picture Christ with His arms opened wide, wanting them to come to Him, because HE ULTIMATELY is the only one who can heal the situation AND HE is the only one we can TRULY put our trust in. That is after all why He came; to heal, to renew, to restore.
We need not look at man. We MUST keep our eyes on Christ, the AUTHOR and PERFECTER of our faith. So, if you have read all of this and think about those who struggle with past sin, or even present sin, remember to hold them up in prayer.
There is much Fallout from Sin.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Adopting Older Children
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=children+of+leningradsky&www_google_domain=www.google.com&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f&aq=0&oq=children+of+lenin#
If you are thinking about adopting an older child from Eastern Europe, PLEASE watch this. It might bring some understanding and compassion to how you view your new child and help you to understand the depths from whence they came.
If you click on the title to this post, it will take you directly to the 34 minute documentary.
This is NOT to scare ANYBODY away from older child adoption, but it IS to make you aware and secure your compassion for these very special children.
STRONG WARNING: This is not for children to view. There is language (subtitles) drugs, violence and sadness. IT IS A MUST SEE though. Many of our children who were neglected before going into the orphanage had similar experiences to these children. Many children escape orphanages to live on the streets. Some go back and forth. Many long for a family to love them, but if the chance comes for them to be adopted, which is nearly like winning the lottery for them, they do not do well BECAUSE the adoptive parents are not prepared for how to parent these special kids. They cannot just become
the son or daughter you want them to be. They are rough around the edges and do not even come close to understanding the concept of family, of love, of loyalty etc.
THEY CAN SUCCEED and YOU CAN SUCCEED as parents to bring together a successful outcome, but you must know what you are dealing with. Even if your child has not experienced life to this extreme, believe me, they have been neglected at best.
All those babies don't rock back and forth in cribs because they are being so well taken care of. If they came from an orphange, just because it looked like a great place, don't be fooled. Orphanages are not great places. There are those that truly care for the kids, but they CANNOT give what the children need. They need a mom and dad and family to love and support them unconditionally.
If you are thinking about adopting an older child from Eastern Europe, PLEASE watch this. It might bring some understanding and compassion to how you view your new child and help you to understand the depths from whence they came.
If you click on the title to this post, it will take you directly to the 34 minute documentary.
This is NOT to scare ANYBODY away from older child adoption, but it IS to make you aware and secure your compassion for these very special children.
STRONG WARNING: This is not for children to view. There is language (subtitles) drugs, violence and sadness. IT IS A MUST SEE though. Many of our children who were neglected before going into the orphanage had similar experiences to these children. Many children escape orphanages to live on the streets. Some go back and forth. Many long for a family to love them, but if the chance comes for them to be adopted, which is nearly like winning the lottery for them, they do not do well BECAUSE the adoptive parents are not prepared for how to parent these special kids. They cannot just become
the son or daughter you want them to be. They are rough around the edges and do not even come close to understanding the concept of family, of love, of loyalty etc.
THEY CAN SUCCEED and YOU CAN SUCCEED as parents to bring together a successful outcome, but you must know what you are dealing with. Even if your child has not experienced life to this extreme, believe me, they have been neglected at best.
All those babies don't rock back and forth in cribs because they are being so well taken care of. If they came from an orphange, just because it looked like a great place, don't be fooled. Orphanages are not great places. There are those that truly care for the kids, but they CANNOT give what the children need. They need a mom and dad and family to love and support them unconditionally.
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