Recently, I was reading a blog where the writer requested input on how to keep a house in the midst of a chaotic schedule. I've come to respect this blogger greatly over the months even though I don't actually "know" her other than through her blog. She too is in ministry and juggles a hectic schedule as well as the weight and responsibility of ministry. It is a tough task.
Anyway, back to the original request. I have thought a lot about her question. There are times when I have the same feelings.
When we first moved here and began the building of relationships that is necessary in church planting, I found myself busying every moment of every day with relational things. I struggled with keeping up with our home and all that entails. So, I decided to make some changes to make our home run more smoothly. Instead of having a cleaning day, I tackled small tasks each day. Monday was laundry and ironing; Tuesday was deep kitchen cleaning; Wednesday was deep bathroom cleaning; Thursday was floors and dusting. I decided to not task anything to Friday, Saturday and Sunday; mainly because I knew myself. I knew that I would not do house work on the weekends and would feel like a failure if it was on my own personal task sheet and never checked.
I kind of wish that I still lived by that task sheet. However, when I went back to work almost 2 years ago, I had to make some adjustments. These adjustments actually work well for our family and our stage of life now. Basically, I do everything "chore" related on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Our kids are also at an age where they are tasked with more responsibility; read as, they can clean the bathrooms. I love the fact that our kids can help more the older they get.
When we married and had my own home to keep, I began a practice that has served me and my OCD habits well. These are almost non-negotiables for me. While cooking and baking, I clean as I go; that makes cleaning up after dinner much faster. We clean the kitchen and dishes after every meal. I also pick up the house every night before bed, and have the kids pick up their bedrooms. Those three things keep me happy because I really hate waking up or coming home to a mess.
In all of the housework pondering during the last couple of days, I also have made another observation. When Paul and I married, it was a joy to cook for him every night. I loved having the ability to show my love for him in the meals we shared each night. I've since found out that he barely tolerated my cooking of our newlywed days. Bless his heart - he was so long-suffering. We then began adding to our family which allowed for me to practice my cooking skills on more people....with not so hidden opinions. All the while, I still enjoyed providing nice meals for our brood. However, now that my "job" involves cooking all day, the last thing I want to do is cook when I get home. Thankfully, most days my boss loads us up with catered fare. I've also noticed that when one person of our family is gone during meal time cooking becomes a chore to me again. I'm weird that way. Our kids get very tired of peanut butter & jelly and soup when Daddy is out of town or has a late night at the church. Bless their hearts! I wonder what will happen once our nest is empty? Poor Paul.....
Slideshow
May 6, 2009
May 5, 2009
Embarrassing Confessions
Throughout my life I have had a couple or hundred embarrassing moments. Like the time in first grade when my friends and I found a large hole to jump over on the playground over and over and over again. I was the one that fell in that "hole" which could also be called the sewer. That was a pretty stinky day....literally. Especially since my Mom couldn't bring a change of clothes right away. For some reason nobody wanted to sit next to me for the rest of the day.
Then, there was the time in third grade when those same friends and I played kickball during recess. I do see a reoccurring theme with the playground mishaps. I was third baseman. Apparently, I was so into the game that I failed to notice that third base was the red ant pile.
For those reading not aware of what red ants are or their habitat, please allow me to tell you. Red ants are very large. Red ants have big stingers. Red ants build large hills and live in large colonies.
When I got back to my class after recess, we were doing math. As if on cue, approximately one hundred red ants bit me at once. I literally jumped up from my seat screaming; ran down the hall crying and disrobing at the same time to the school nurse. Thankfully, my Mom was able to come to school right away and pick me, and my horribly bitten self, up to go home. It took several years to laugh about the red ant incident and the fact that I literally had ants in my pants.
You know, if I wanted to, I could chronologically detail embarrassing moments through the years but who would want to read about that? Why not just jump ahead twenty plus years to yesterday.
I was out shopping for my Momma's Mother's Day gift. While I was inside shopping the weather proceeded to get worse and the wind and rain picked up. In battling the elements and trying to avoid the massive water puddles, I was distracted as I walked back to my van. I headed to the aisle where I parked and spotted a lovely champagne colored minivan. I drive a champagne colored minivan. There was a big, navy truck parked beside the van and it was straddling the parking line making it very difficult to open the door and get in. I did manage to get the door open and make my way inside to the driver's seat....of the wrong van! The worst or the funniest part; depending how you look at it, was the man sitting in the passenger seat. A very surprised passenger greeted me with a, "Heelllooo?"
I could not get out of his van and to mine fast enough! In an attempt to defend myself; it was the same make, model and color as my van that was parked 2 spots down. Unlike the red ant incident, I was able to laugh hysterically immediately. Funny...and embarrassing.
Then, there was the time in third grade when those same friends and I played kickball during recess. I do see a reoccurring theme with the playground mishaps. I was third baseman. Apparently, I was so into the game that I failed to notice that third base was the red ant pile.
For those reading not aware of what red ants are or their habitat, please allow me to tell you. Red ants are very large. Red ants have big stingers. Red ants build large hills and live in large colonies.
When I got back to my class after recess, we were doing math. As if on cue, approximately one hundred red ants bit me at once. I literally jumped up from my seat screaming; ran down the hall crying and disrobing at the same time to the school nurse. Thankfully, my Mom was able to come to school right away and pick me, and my horribly bitten self, up to go home. It took several years to laugh about the red ant incident and the fact that I literally had ants in my pants.
You know, if I wanted to, I could chronologically detail embarrassing moments through the years but who would want to read about that? Why not just jump ahead twenty plus years to yesterday.
I was out shopping for my Momma's Mother's Day gift. While I was inside shopping the weather proceeded to get worse and the wind and rain picked up. In battling the elements and trying to avoid the massive water puddles, I was distracted as I walked back to my van. I headed to the aisle where I parked and spotted a lovely champagne colored minivan. I drive a champagne colored minivan. There was a big, navy truck parked beside the van and it was straddling the parking line making it very difficult to open the door and get in. I did manage to get the door open and make my way inside to the driver's seat....of the wrong van! The worst or the funniest part; depending how you look at it, was the man sitting in the passenger seat. A very surprised passenger greeted me with a, "Heelllooo?"
I could not get out of his van and to mine fast enough! In an attempt to defend myself; it was the same make, model and color as my van that was parked 2 spots down. Unlike the red ant incident, I was able to laugh hysterically immediately. Funny...and embarrassing.
February 19, 2009
Time Flies
I have to acknowledge the huge elephant on the blog before moving on to anything else. I haven't posted anything since November. That is CRAZY! It's not that there's not a lack of happenings to post about for sure. I have definitely missed journaling my thoughts online and hopefully can get back in the swing of things.
We did have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and Christmas trip to see our families in OK and TX. We almost didn't make it to OK in time for Christmas after an insane run through the Denver airport.
Portland had the most beautiful snow in the weeks preceding Christmas. Beautiful snow in Portland also translates to a city that rarely sees that much snow and ice therefore the equipment needed to plow 16 inches of it is non-existent. The streets, parking lots and sidewalks were a mess, but it was so much fun and will be a forever memory for our family. Hopefully we'll still be remembering the fun when we're in school an extra week in June to make up for the week of cancellations in December!
Because of the mess of the streets with the snow Paul and I decided that we should stay at a hotel near the airport the night before our 6 AM flight. When I booked our tickets, the excitement of the trip apparently superseded any sense of logical thought because our layover time in Denver was 25 minutes. Twenty-five minutes for a layover anywhere is cutting it close at any airport when things are going "as planned". Twenty-five minutes in the Denver airport, on Christmas morning, after leaving a snow storm in Portland was mere stupidity on my part.
When we boarded the plane that took us from PDX to DIA they had our family seated separately throughout the plane. Paul was in front, I was in the middle, and the kids were separated by a row and an aisle in the back. I was slightly frustrated with that seating arrangement until we landed in DIA late and Paul was able to exit the plane quickly and make the trek 14 gates down the concourse to our connecting flight. One wouldn't think 14 gates to be very far, until the food court and restroom/snack areas are accounted for.
Paul raced off of the plane when we landed late due to taking off late from PDX for de-icing. He ran to the next gate only to see them closing the doors to the jet way. He begged and pleaded for them to open the doors for his family so that we could make it home for the Christmas festivities. Mind you, the kids and I are still on the first plane at this point because we were seated on the very last rows of the plane. They greatly hesitated but finally relented only if we got there in the next 2 minutes. The kids and I were off of the plane and running at this point. I was struggling with the run because I packed many books in my carry-on that I carry on my shoulder. Sidenote: I have to get myself a roller carry-on. Jared was having an asthma attack and Kylea was suffering from motion sickness.
We did finally make it to the connecting gate and they did let us on the plane. The ticket lady was not very happy with us....but the older gentleman that also made the flight was very grateful...we adopted him as another "Grandpa". The flight crew was very hospitable and let us take the seats at the front of the plane, where there is a lot more legroom than the very last row next to the bathroom!
We had a great time with our families. It's always a joy to see our parents and an even greater joy to see our kids with our parents...or our parents with our kids. Kylea and Jared got to spend time with their cousins; one of which they met for the very first time.
Fun Memories!
We did have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and Christmas trip to see our families in OK and TX. We almost didn't make it to OK in time for Christmas after an insane run through the Denver airport.
Portland had the most beautiful snow in the weeks preceding Christmas. Beautiful snow in Portland also translates to a city that rarely sees that much snow and ice therefore the equipment needed to plow 16 inches of it is non-existent. The streets, parking lots and sidewalks were a mess, but it was so much fun and will be a forever memory for our family. Hopefully we'll still be remembering the fun when we're in school an extra week in June to make up for the week of cancellations in December!
Because of the mess of the streets with the snow Paul and I decided that we should stay at a hotel near the airport the night before our 6 AM flight. When I booked our tickets, the excitement of the trip apparently superseded any sense of logical thought because our layover time in Denver was 25 minutes. Twenty-five minutes for a layover anywhere is cutting it close at any airport when things are going "as planned". Twenty-five minutes in the Denver airport, on Christmas morning, after leaving a snow storm in Portland was mere stupidity on my part.
When we boarded the plane that took us from PDX to DIA they had our family seated separately throughout the plane. Paul was in front, I was in the middle, and the kids were separated by a row and an aisle in the back. I was slightly frustrated with that seating arrangement until we landed in DIA late and Paul was able to exit the plane quickly and make the trek 14 gates down the concourse to our connecting flight. One wouldn't think 14 gates to be very far, until the food court and restroom/snack areas are accounted for.
Paul raced off of the plane when we landed late due to taking off late from PDX for de-icing. He ran to the next gate only to see them closing the doors to the jet way. He begged and pleaded for them to open the doors for his family so that we could make it home for the Christmas festivities. Mind you, the kids and I are still on the first plane at this point because we were seated on the very last rows of the plane. They greatly hesitated but finally relented only if we got there in the next 2 minutes. The kids and I were off of the plane and running at this point. I was struggling with the run because I packed many books in my carry-on that I carry on my shoulder. Sidenote: I have to get myself a roller carry-on. Jared was having an asthma attack and Kylea was suffering from motion sickness.
We did finally make it to the connecting gate and they did let us on the plane. The ticket lady was not very happy with us....but the older gentleman that also made the flight was very grateful...we adopted him as another "Grandpa". The flight crew was very hospitable and let us take the seats at the front of the plane, where there is a lot more legroom than the very last row next to the bathroom!
We had a great time with our families. It's always a joy to see our parents and an even greater joy to see our kids with our parents...or our parents with our kids. Kylea and Jared got to spend time with their cousins; one of which they met for the very first time.
Fun Memories!
November 24, 2008
Christmas Wish Received
On Friday I purchased 4 airline tickets to go see our families for Christmas. Those 4 little pieces of paper cost a lot of money - but I'm sure will be worth every penny! Each of our parents bought a plane ticket, Paul's aunt generously gave towards another ticket and we paid the rest. What a blessing! I changed the words and came up with a song for the occasion!
We'll be home for Christmas.
You can count of us.
Please have snow and mistletoe.
{We don't want} presents under the tree.
Christmas Eve will find us
at the 3 Westport Christmas Eve Services.
We'll be home for Christmas
Thanks to the monetary gifts of family.
November 9, 2008
I Changed My Mind Today
Yesterday I posted my Christmas wish list. Today I decided that although a laptop would be my first choice of a material item I would much prefer four of these.....
One for each member of my family; departing on Christmas Day to Oklahoma City, OK and returning home to PDX on January 3.
Our family is going through some serious extended family withdrawal. The strange thing is, all four of us are in this emotionall state at the same time. I've lived away from "home" since I left for college and have experienced extreme home sickness through the years. Thankfully, I'm not home sick, per se, but I am family sick. I miss our parents, sisters, brother, brothers-in-law, nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. My heart aches to see them all again soon and there's a very large lump in my throat that could give way to profuse crying if allowed.
This is the stinky part of moving 3000 miles away from family to start a church. I love our church and what God has called us to, but it's hard sometimes to be so far away. The wonderful blessing through church planting is the peace that has come from my heart settling in Portland and the ability to call Portland home. We have lived in five states in our marriage, which translates to 11 homes (oh my!) and the previous 4 states were not "home". Sure, we set up house at each place and settled in, but our hearts were never settled. Our hearts are settled here, praise God! Nonetheless, I still miss my family and REALLY want to go see them this Christmas.
November 8, 2008
Christmas Wish List
My busy schedule, desire to be with my family and having to share my computer with my children has me eyeing this:
I have wanted a laptop for a very long time. In fact, there have been a couple of times that I thought I had finally landed a used one...only to be disappointed with someones obsolete reject that didn't work. So my only want for Christmas/Birthday/Mother's Day for the next 10 years is a laptop....my fingers are crossed.
If anyone is interested, I have a list of reasons for why this will be helpful for our family, you know, just to help make my case:
- The kids are getting to an age where they need the family computer for homework.
- I could be one of those really cool Panera Bread people that study/write/communicate while enjoying a delectable treat.
- Paul and I could sit in the same room and work while watching football games. I have a vision of dueling computers; it's kind of like dueling banjos...only more productive!
Perhaps if you leave a comment confirming a mother's need for her own laptop, I could pass that on to my hubby!! Thanks!
November 7, 2008
Peace
This week, during one of my Bible Studies we were asked to sum up in one word what God was doing in our lives. The first word to come to mind was peace.
For some months now, I have been in a very low valley. That valley affected my view of everything in life; relationally, spiritually, emotionally, physically...I think you get the idea. In those months I have mourned and yearned for my relationship with the Lord to be revived. I could be described as spiritually paralyzed. I can identify with David as he was in Psalm 42.
4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
8 By day the LORD directs his love,
9 I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me?
10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me,
11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? A couple of weeks ago I was driving down the road and recognized my thoughts, feelings, behaviors and emotions. I even asked myself, "Why are you so discouraged?" God began to bring to mind many things to praise and thank Him for. I began to count the many blessings and began praising the Lord as I recognized His hand in my life. Basically what happened was taking my thoughts away from me and directing my heart back to Him. It seems so very simple and an action that I know in my head. As a pastor's wife, I could even give someone that simple, pat answer if needed when they come to me. But to know something in my head and to practice it with my heart are very different.
Peace.
God gives me peace.
A peace the surpasses all understanding.
A peace that withstands a failed economy, a breached security and the change of a new President.
A peace that is steadfast when my children encounter turmoil at school.
That peace requires dependance, that dependance requires humility.
Daily. Hourly. Moment by moment.
For some months now, I have been in a very low valley. That valley affected my view of everything in life; relationally, spiritually, emotionally, physically...I think you get the idea. In those months I have mourned and yearned for my relationship with the Lord to be revived. I could be described as spiritually paralyzed. I can identify with David as he was in Psalm 42.
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"
10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
11 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Peace.
God gives me peace.
A peace the surpasses all understanding.
A peace that withstands a failed economy, a breached security and the change of a new President.
A peace that is steadfast when my children encounter turmoil at school.
That peace requires dependance, that dependance requires humility.
Daily. Hourly. Moment by moment.
November 6, 2008
11 Things.....
About my Baby Girl:- She has a contagious laugh.
- A joyful heart.
- She is a gifted writer.
- Loves to shop.
- She enjoys family time, playing games and watching movies.
- A great friend.
- She is a leader.
- Loves Jesus.
- She can bake!
- 3 Words (or syllables)...O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-E-D.
- Turned 11 years old a couple of weeks ago.
I love my baby girl and enjoy being her Mommy. She brings such joy to our lives and home with her witty ways and sweet, precious spirit. A couple of weeks ago we were able to enjoy a Sabbath together. After a huge, delicious breakfast, we spent the morning reading the Word and praying together. Our prayer time focused on praising the Lord rather than requesting the Lord like we tend to easily do. Baby Girl's heart was revealed as she praised God for His Son and His gift of salvation. There is no greater joy for a parent than to know that her children are walking with the Lord.
Thank you Father for these precious gifts.
October 20, 2008
The Ickiness of Life
Today is a hard day emotionally speaking.
Both of my kids are experiencing some icky relational things at school. Those things hurt my heart and are gripping my emotions. Mama Bear has emerged from hibernation and I feel a sense of protection for my kids like never before. Don't get me wrong, I have always felt a protection for them but never at this level.
To add to their troubles, I just got off the phone with my mother. The beloved family puppy is very sick and will be put down today. I cry as I type. My sister got her puppy, Ruffles, in July of 1994, the summer before I left for college. That was a long time ago; many, many, many moons ago. Ruffles is Jenna's dog, technically speaking, but she remained with my parents after Jenna moved out and has lived as "our" dog all of these years. If you look up "our" in the dictionary, I'm sure that you will see a picture of my parents, my sister and her family, me and my family, my grandparents, and one of my aunts with her family. She is a precious dog and will very much be missed.
Fond memories.
When we brought her home all those years ago she was so tiny. She would steal and play with my hairbrush which was bigger than her. Some of that could be the fact that it was the early 90's and I proudly teased my hair to great heights and so I needed a large brush to do so...or that she was just that tiny! She could fit into the palm of one's hand. She would also go into my bedroom where I situated all of my treasured stuffed animals, nestle into their warmth and sleep for hours. She was so tiny and the perfect shade of red that we would "lose" her in the stuffed animals; she just blended in so perfectly.
So, I'm sad; very, very sad. As silly as it is, I'm also praying for my parents. They are experiencing a great loss and an emptier house tonight.
Ick.
Both of my kids are experiencing some icky relational things at school. Those things hurt my heart and are gripping my emotions. Mama Bear has emerged from hibernation and I feel a sense of protection for my kids like never before. Don't get me wrong, I have always felt a protection for them but never at this level.
To add to their troubles, I just got off the phone with my mother. The beloved family puppy is very sick and will be put down today. I cry as I type. My sister got her puppy, Ruffles, in July of 1994, the summer before I left for college. That was a long time ago; many, many, many moons ago. Ruffles is Jenna's dog, technically speaking, but she remained with my parents after Jenna moved out and has lived as "our" dog all of these years. If you look up "our" in the dictionary, I'm sure that you will see a picture of my parents, my sister and her family, me and my family, my grandparents, and one of my aunts with her family. She is a precious dog and will very much be missed.
Fond memories.
When we brought her home all those years ago she was so tiny. She would steal and play with my hairbrush which was bigger than her. Some of that could be the fact that it was the early 90's and I proudly teased my hair to great heights and so I needed a large brush to do so...or that she was just that tiny! She could fit into the palm of one's hand. She would also go into my bedroom where I situated all of my treasured stuffed animals, nestle into their warmth and sleep for hours. She was so tiny and the perfect shade of red that we would "lose" her in the stuffed animals; she just blended in so perfectly.
So, I'm sad; very, very sad. As silly as it is, I'm also praying for my parents. They are experiencing a great loss and an emptier house tonight.
Ick.
September 29, 2008
God of This City
This song is rocking my world. I can't help but think of it today for so many reasons.
I first heard the song this summer on a weekend where our church was serving the community we live in. It was impacting; the song and the weekend.
Here we are today, a scary day in the US economy. I stood at the ironing board tonight listening and watching the analysis on CNBC. As a woman that craves security, humanly speaking, I could get really scared from today's events. However, my heart began singing the words to this song. Then, I started rehearsing and meditating on verses that God brought to mind.
He is not only God in this city; He is God of this state, of this nation, of this world. He is in control, even when everything, everywhere looks to be crumbling. In that very fact, I find peace.
Thank you God for Your peace that surpasses all understanding....
You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You Are
You're the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You're the King above all Kings
You Are
You're the strength in our weakness
You're the love to the broken
You're the joy in the sadness
You Are
Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done
In this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for you and love for you
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here
I first heard the song this summer on a weekend where our church was serving the community we live in. It was impacting; the song and the weekend.
Here we are today, a scary day in the US economy. I stood at the ironing board tonight listening and watching the analysis on CNBC. As a woman that craves security, humanly speaking, I could get really scared from today's events. However, my heart began singing the words to this song. Then, I started rehearsing and meditating on verses that God brought to mind.
He is not only God in this city; He is God of this state, of this nation, of this world. He is in control, even when everything, everywhere looks to be crumbling. In that very fact, I find peace.
Thank you God for Your peace that surpasses all understanding....
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