I am currently in a Bible study on Genesis and we are on Noah and the flood. I think it is so easy at times to become so familiar with stories like Noah and the Ark that we gloss over what it may have really been like. We think of Noah and his family happily working together to build the ark, the animals show up, they all go in the ark to hang out while it rained (a steady, dreary rain maybe) for 40 days and 40 nights, they floated on calm water for a bit, then the water goes away, they come out and all is well again, without all the bad people to deal with. We don't realize Noah spent over a year to build the ark while friends and neighbors probably ridiculed him mercilessly. It had never rained before so no one, not even Noah, had any concept of water coming from the sky, storms or floods. When the rain came, it was probably more like a hurricane with torrential rains, coupled with volcanic eruptions and massive tsunamis. This was a storm of such immense proportion, it literally wiped out the entire world. Not just a small forest and a little village of a few hundred people, an incredible civilization that some scholars estimate could have easily been over 1 million (given length of life and potential birth rates). Even if you don't believe that to be the case, the destruction from the tsunamis in Indonesia and Japan is only a small picture of what it could have been like and they are still recovering years later.
I could go on about the debris and potential clean up, but I want to talk about the time also. The storm lasted 40 days/nights, but they were on the ark for over a year, before they walked out onto dry land. We know the story had a happy ending, but God didn't tell Noah it would all be over in one year so they could count down on a calendar. All Noah could do was wait out the storm and then wait for the water to recede. Trust God and wait. And wait. They had plenty to do, taking care of the animals, but I'm sure Noah wondered a few times if they were ever going to get off of the ark.
How many times in life are we in a stormy season, with seemingly no end in sight? I know too many people going through difficult times and want so badly to see everything work out well right now. I have been through times myself where it seems like God has forgotten me, or things don't seem to be working out so well. That's when I have to remind myself that God does love me and there is a rainbow at the end of the storm. Things may be very different, but God is still with me to provide a fresh start and a wonderful life (I'll leave that for Christmas-time!).
To anyone going through a storm, big or small, my prayers are with you and the rainbow is going to be beautiful.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Being Real
I've been thinking a lot lately about what is means to be real or authentic. I listened to a CD from a Hearts at Home conference about being real in our marriage. I read about being real in our faith in a book (Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman, great book!). It seems like everywhere I look I hear or see or read something about being real. What does being "real" and authentic really look like? And how much real do we really need to share?
I believe we are called to be real and authentic in our lives and relationships. Which, to me, means being honest with yourself and others, allowing yourself to be vulnerable at times and not just put on the "I'm fine!" mask. But I also believe we need to exercise wisdom and discernment. Being real doesn't mean we have to share our family history with the grocery clerk or share all the juicy, potentially gory, details with our girlfriends. We can be positive and encouraging, without promising that everything will work out great, because sometimes life is hard and unfair. Fortunately we have a God that loves us and will always be there to walk by our side and give us hope. It does not mean denying there is a problem or ignoring that you would really like to claw someone's eyeballs out, but keeping things in perspective and exercising self-control. It does not mean never getting angry at God, it's not like He doesn't already know, but talking to Him and working it out. I tell people, if God can't handle my getting angry sometimes when yucky things happen or I'm hurt, then He would be kind of wimpy and my God's no wimp!
I believe being real is being able to respond to someone honestly in a sincere and genuine way. I know when I'm "faking it" or when I'm not being honest. Granted there are times when "fake it til you make it" comes in handy and rather appropriate, that is where the wisdom comes in and I will know in my gut that that is the right thing to do in that situation.
It's where, what you say and what you believe and what you do all seem to match up consistently, no matter where you are. And that is a beautiful thing! I have not mastered this, but with God's help I'm getting better and better every day.
I believe we are called to be real and authentic in our lives and relationships. Which, to me, means being honest with yourself and others, allowing yourself to be vulnerable at times and not just put on the "I'm fine!" mask. But I also believe we need to exercise wisdom and discernment. Being real doesn't mean we have to share our family history with the grocery clerk or share all the juicy, potentially gory, details with our girlfriends. We can be positive and encouraging, without promising that everything will work out great, because sometimes life is hard and unfair. Fortunately we have a God that loves us and will always be there to walk by our side and give us hope. It does not mean denying there is a problem or ignoring that you would really like to claw someone's eyeballs out, but keeping things in perspective and exercising self-control. It does not mean never getting angry at God, it's not like He doesn't already know, but talking to Him and working it out. I tell people, if God can't handle my getting angry sometimes when yucky things happen or I'm hurt, then He would be kind of wimpy and my God's no wimp!
I believe being real is being able to respond to someone honestly in a sincere and genuine way. I know when I'm "faking it" or when I'm not being honest. Granted there are times when "fake it til you make it" comes in handy and rather appropriate, that is where the wisdom comes in and I will know in my gut that that is the right thing to do in that situation.
It's where, what you say and what you believe and what you do all seem to match up consistently, no matter where you are. And that is a beautiful thing! I have not mastered this, but with God's help I'm getting better and better every day.
Monday, February 20, 2012
America's Funniest Videos
I am enjoying a nice relaxing day off from school with the kids. It snowed a little bit, actually it tried, but didn't succeed much and is already gone.
We are entertaining ourselves by watching America's Funniest Home Vidoes. Some of them are really funny, but I have found that the one's where people get hurt are not funny to me. We may giggle nervously, but mostly just groan or wince. My favorites are animals doing silly things and little kids.
I believe a sense of humor is very important and often vital to getting through life with any kind of sanity. And laughter has lots of health benefits. I agreed when someone said we need to learn to laugh at ourselves because we are the funniest things out there and we will never run out of things to laugh at then, too. I know there are situations that do not appear funny at the moment, but you can laugh about them later. (There was a snowmobile trip that resembles that remark and a sledgehammer incident as well. Fortunately, no one was permanently injured.) I also love a good practical joke and my Dad's family has a whole catalog of stories. My personal best was stitching all my boyfriend's clothes together while he was visiting at my parent's house. He was still finding things 6 months later, but it must not have been too traumatic, because we have been married over 19 years now. My favorite story of his was when he moved a guy's car around campus and had him convinced it was the football team doing it.
But how often do we laugh and allow ourselves to be entertained at others expense. I have had more than one coversation with my kids about you can tease and joke around with someone, but when they are not laughing it isn't funny to them and it has crossed the line. I have a very sarcastic tongue at times and have to be very careful that my teasing or joking doesn't cut too deep.
Our words have far more power than we could ever imagine. They say "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me". They obviously have never had anything cruel or mean said to them. My son has had several broken bones and they healed after a few weeks in a cast. I, however, still have wounds on my heart from things that were said to me several years ago. There are insecurities that I deal with where a seemingly harmless remark can cut deep.
As Christians, we are called to build each other up. So be careful what you say and do. Enjoy life and laugh with your family and friends often. Just make sure you are making a memory and not picking a scab.
And if you happen to have the video camera available when your husband is hanging out of the kitchen cabinet, trying to rescue a trapped hamster underneath with a reciprocating saw, go for it. I still think we could have won something if I had gotten the camcorder out and working that night!
We are entertaining ourselves by watching America's Funniest Home Vidoes. Some of them are really funny, but I have found that the one's where people get hurt are not funny to me. We may giggle nervously, but mostly just groan or wince. My favorites are animals doing silly things and little kids.
I believe a sense of humor is very important and often vital to getting through life with any kind of sanity. And laughter has lots of health benefits. I agreed when someone said we need to learn to laugh at ourselves because we are the funniest things out there and we will never run out of things to laugh at then, too. I know there are situations that do not appear funny at the moment, but you can laugh about them later. (There was a snowmobile trip that resembles that remark and a sledgehammer incident as well. Fortunately, no one was permanently injured.) I also love a good practical joke and my Dad's family has a whole catalog of stories. My personal best was stitching all my boyfriend's clothes together while he was visiting at my parent's house. He was still finding things 6 months later, but it must not have been too traumatic, because we have been married over 19 years now. My favorite story of his was when he moved a guy's car around campus and had him convinced it was the football team doing it.
But how often do we laugh and allow ourselves to be entertained at others expense. I have had more than one coversation with my kids about you can tease and joke around with someone, but when they are not laughing it isn't funny to them and it has crossed the line. I have a very sarcastic tongue at times and have to be very careful that my teasing or joking doesn't cut too deep.
Our words have far more power than we could ever imagine. They say "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me". They obviously have never had anything cruel or mean said to them. My son has had several broken bones and they healed after a few weeks in a cast. I, however, still have wounds on my heart from things that were said to me several years ago. There are insecurities that I deal with where a seemingly harmless remark can cut deep.
As Christians, we are called to build each other up. So be careful what you say and do. Enjoy life and laugh with your family and friends often. Just make sure you are making a memory and not picking a scab.
And if you happen to have the video camera available when your husband is hanging out of the kitchen cabinet, trying to rescue a trapped hamster underneath with a reciprocating saw, go for it. I still think we could have won something if I had gotten the camcorder out and working that night!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Hats
As moms, we wear many different hats. In order to keep our heads attached and our families fed (whether home-cooked or take-out) we have to multi-task and be prepared for multiple interuptions. If the only thing I had to do all day is wear one hat, it would be easy (or atleast I dream it would be), but that is not reality. So what do you do when yo have 5 hats on, someone wants to hand you 2 more, while 3 other people are pulling at you, threatening to throw you off balance and send all the hats flying in different directions? Not sure, but taking a deep breath sometimes helps. Then maybe you have to take the hats off for a moment and restack them so they're a bit more stable. It may mean some go in a closet or the hat rack nearby for you to exchange later. But one thing's for sure, it can't keep going on the way is or heads, not hats, will roll!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Eagle
On my way to the gym this morning, I looked up and saw an eagle flying overhead. It flew across the road and I lost sight of it as it flew over my car. It seemed to follow along above me for awhile before heading off to do what it was going to do.
For me it was a real comforting sign from God that all will be okay.
I have an amazing daughter, but she is a normal 16 year old and as much as I love her, I still want to shake her sometimes. Those times when you just do not know the best way to handle a situation, you think you have made the right decision, but it does not seem to work out the way you thought it would, it is nice to get a sign, some kind of assurance that it will all work out. Perhaps I have done something right and haven't totally messed my kids up.
With all that is going on, I was talking to my husband the other night and I said I would rather raise an eagle than a chicken. (There is a history behind that comment that I won't go into now.)
So even though there are days when I look forward to it and days when I don't want it happen, it's going to be beautiful to watch her fly.
For me it was a real comforting sign from God that all will be okay.
I have an amazing daughter, but she is a normal 16 year old and as much as I love her, I still want to shake her sometimes. Those times when you just do not know the best way to handle a situation, you think you have made the right decision, but it does not seem to work out the way you thought it would, it is nice to get a sign, some kind of assurance that it will all work out. Perhaps I have done something right and haven't totally messed my kids up.
With all that is going on, I was talking to my husband the other night and I said I would rather raise an eagle than a chicken. (There is a history behind that comment that I won't go into now.)
So even though there are days when I look forward to it and days when I don't want it happen, it's going to be beautiful to watch her fly.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
History
It occured to me the other day that I never explained the title to my blog. I have told people for years that one day I would write a book and the title would be "Help! I'm Super Mom and I'm Tangled up in My Cape!"
I can always remember wanting to be a mom and wanting to stay home with them. Then I got what I wished for! With 3 kids, a husband, multiple animals of many shapes and sizes over the years, and frequently an exchange student in the house, I am pulled in many directions. Not to mention volunteering at school, as every good "stay-at-home" mom should do, being involved in Jaycees (a community service organization for younger people), helping at church, having an at home business with Mary Kay, exercising, and more. With my perfectionist personality, I feel I should be able to "do it all" and do it well. The image of Super Mom, looking great in her size 6 (we won't even go lower than that!) spandex, flawless skin, flowing hair, hands on hips with a confident smile, easily tackling the most complicated of schedules and skillfully dousing any fires that may pop up, all while keeping the house and yard beautiful and a hot, healthy meal on the table, sounded pretty good to me.
Then I wake up and reality hits! As I stumble out of bed, later than I should, my cape is not flowing behind me, I'm tripping on it or waving my arms around, trying to get it out of my face. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy being a mom and I love my kids, all of them, foreign and domestic. I just don't like feeling frazzled, overwhelmed and scatter-brained most of the time. No where in Proverbs 31 does it say the woman has a melt down because the kids are late to bed again, no one took the picnic basket out of the van 2 days ago with the chicken salad in it, the van won't start, the puppy piddled on the floor again and dear hubby came home late again because of a church meeting. Somehow, Super Mom should be able to navigate such troubled waters with ease and a Coppertone tan to boot!
Hence my tangled up Super Mom image was born. So hopefully my ramblings and insights may encourage or inspire someone else as they journey through life, tangled up or otherwise.
I can always remember wanting to be a mom and wanting to stay home with them. Then I got what I wished for! With 3 kids, a husband, multiple animals of many shapes and sizes over the years, and frequently an exchange student in the house, I am pulled in many directions. Not to mention volunteering at school, as every good "stay-at-home" mom should do, being involved in Jaycees (a community service organization for younger people), helping at church, having an at home business with Mary Kay, exercising, and more. With my perfectionist personality, I feel I should be able to "do it all" and do it well. The image of Super Mom, looking great in her size 6 (we won't even go lower than that!) spandex, flawless skin, flowing hair, hands on hips with a confident smile, easily tackling the most complicated of schedules and skillfully dousing any fires that may pop up, all while keeping the house and yard beautiful and a hot, healthy meal on the table, sounded pretty good to me.
Then I wake up and reality hits! As I stumble out of bed, later than I should, my cape is not flowing behind me, I'm tripping on it or waving my arms around, trying to get it out of my face. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy being a mom and I love my kids, all of them, foreign and domestic. I just don't like feeling frazzled, overwhelmed and scatter-brained most of the time. No where in Proverbs 31 does it say the woman has a melt down because the kids are late to bed again, no one took the picnic basket out of the van 2 days ago with the chicken salad in it, the van won't start, the puppy piddled on the floor again and dear hubby came home late again because of a church meeting. Somehow, Super Mom should be able to navigate such troubled waters with ease and a Coppertone tan to boot!
Hence my tangled up Super Mom image was born. So hopefully my ramblings and insights may encourage or inspire someone else as they journey through life, tangled up or otherwise.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Weeds
I have been spending quite a bit of time outside lately working in the yard. The weather is nice and I just don't want to be inside, despite all that needs to get done there, too. But, that's for another day.
One of the things I've been spending the most time on is weeding. Ever notice that it's never done? I can get a flower bed all weeded and looking great and then just a few days later, those pesky things are back! I got to thinking about how weeds are like bad habits and thoughts. Some of my flower beds are very simple and if there is a weed, it is easy to spot and grab. The flower beds around the pool have a ground cover vine that I want and some other flowers, but I don't want to clover and grass. These flower beds are much more tedious to weed. Sometimes I feel I need tweezers. The grass and clover grow amongst the vine so I have to be very careful. I can't just whack at them with a big hoe or my 3-prong claw, cause I'll lose some vine as well.
I have all sorts of bad habits and less than desirable thought that pop up in my head at any given time. Some of them are pretty obvious and easy to catch and only a minor nuisance. Others are like that insidious grass that has deep roots and sends runners everywhere. Even when it looks like I got it all, it creeps back sooner than I'd like. Just like some of my thoughts. I think I've weeded it out, replaced it with truth (the negative tapes that play in my head about never being good enough are lies after all. They just happen to be believable lies and paralyzing at times.), and then something happens and it starts playing all over again. So I have to get the gloves out again and start weeding all over again.
Fortunately, when you look at some of the flower beds from a distance, they look great. It's only when you get up close that you notice the weeds. I pray that I can look good and be a positive influence on those around be despite some of the weeds in my life. Meanwhile I'll just keep weeding away as best I can.
One of the things I've been spending the most time on is weeding. Ever notice that it's never done? I can get a flower bed all weeded and looking great and then just a few days later, those pesky things are back! I got to thinking about how weeds are like bad habits and thoughts. Some of my flower beds are very simple and if there is a weed, it is easy to spot and grab. The flower beds around the pool have a ground cover vine that I want and some other flowers, but I don't want to clover and grass. These flower beds are much more tedious to weed. Sometimes I feel I need tweezers. The grass and clover grow amongst the vine so I have to be very careful. I can't just whack at them with a big hoe or my 3-prong claw, cause I'll lose some vine as well.
I have all sorts of bad habits and less than desirable thought that pop up in my head at any given time. Some of them are pretty obvious and easy to catch and only a minor nuisance. Others are like that insidious grass that has deep roots and sends runners everywhere. Even when it looks like I got it all, it creeps back sooner than I'd like. Just like some of my thoughts. I think I've weeded it out, replaced it with truth (the negative tapes that play in my head about never being good enough are lies after all. They just happen to be believable lies and paralyzing at times.), and then something happens and it starts playing all over again. So I have to get the gloves out again and start weeding all over again.
Fortunately, when you look at some of the flower beds from a distance, they look great. It's only when you get up close that you notice the weeds. I pray that I can look good and be a positive influence on those around be despite some of the weeds in my life. Meanwhile I'll just keep weeding away as best I can.
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