"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
I love that God loves me! I love that there are so many mentions of love in the Bible. I love that His love is unconditional. I love that God loves me no matter what. I love seeing others love each other well. I love seeing Lauren and Taylor's love for each other grow and change over the years.
Last week Lauren had a rough day. It was just one of those afternoons where things weren't quite going her way, and it was topped off when she found out Taylor got a part in the church musical, and she didn't. It's rare, but the public showing of tears came. Lauren just couldn't help it, and other people saw her crying...and noticed something was amiss. They just didn't know what had happened.
Lauren is so AMAZING! She is amazing on her own, and the way she handles her life as Taylor's sister is as big a part of Taylor's story as Taylor's own successes. Later that night after I explained to Lauren that there was a part in that play written for her and Taylor (though Lauren can't be in it because of her spring softball schedule), it was a little easier to handle. Just knowing she was recognized meant the world to her.
The most amazing part of the evening came later that night as we were all saying prayers together. First of all, Lauren asked if she and Taylor could have a sleepover together (which we usually just let them do on the weekends) and then she prayed. She thanked the Lord for Taylor and for Taylor getting a special part in the play. She explained to the Lord that eventhough she wanted to be in it too, she knew she couldn't and was happy for her sister. She showed me that night the power of love over selfish desires. She reinforced to me God's love for us.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The Work of God
"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?'
'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' Jesus said, 'but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.' " John 9:1-3
'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' Jesus said, 'but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.' " John 9:1-3
I've read this passage of scripture many times and am always thrilled that Jesus points out the man's blindness is not caused by anyone's sins and is for God's work displayed through the man. The passage goes on to show Jesus spitting on the ground, creating a mud paste with his saliva, and putting it on the man's eyes. The man goes to the Pool of Siloam, washes, and can see. No one can believe it, and the man has to tell people over and over he is truly the blind man who can now see. (I always love hearing and imagining the passion in this man's voice as he continually says he is the man throughout the religious leaders' arguments about Jesus healing him. He finally says, " 'Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!'
26 Then they asked him, 'What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?'
27 He answered, 'I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?' " I laugh imagining this man's frustations telling the same amazing story over and over since I can only imagine his unbelievable excitement over being able to see for the first time in his life!)
Well, as I read it recently, I realized this man was born blind for this exact moment in time. His birth was for this moment to be recorded for all to know and "that the work of God might be displayed in his life." Those words kept echoing over and over. I think of the pain the parents went through as he was born, throughout his years, and the glory of God displayed this very moment...all planned by God for God.
I am so thankful for all that we see displayed through Lauren and Taylor. I am so thankful for all the lessons I've learned being Mom to both these girls. I am also so thankful for God's Word and for the lessons I learn through it each day. I am blown away as I realize this man was born blind as part of God's plan that on that appointed day, the work of Jesus was displayed through him. I love that I can read this story and know that his story reaches generations over thousands of years and God's glory is still displayed through him. May God be glorified through my life!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Fight Day!
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-15
This past weekend was nothing short of AMAZING! I am one proud mama of 2 girls. Lauren had her first softball scrimmage and took a leadership role on the field. We see it everyday as she proudly looks after and walks side-by-side with Taylor, but it was special to see it on the field.
Taylor had her first jiu-jitsu fight. That's right...a real, live grappling fight in a huge tournament. To use the word AWESOME is an understatement. Inspiring, gutsy, courageous, deteremined, WINNER, CHAMPION! I cannot really put into words the right terms for what happened on the mat and in my heart Sunday morning.
Taylor's been training for about seven months. I thank (OK, blame) my dear friend Parisa for getting us into this sport. She's the one who took our teacher, Bill, up on his offer of training blind children for free. You see, he's blind as well and is a black belt in the sport. None of his students are visually impaired, and he wanted to give back to the blind community, as well as teach his students what is was like to train with the visually impaired. It's been a part-time job and one for which I am thankful. Taylor will be able to protect herself that day she's on a bus or walking the streets independently.
So Sunday was her first tournament. Not too many people realized she was blind since there were 3 blind people in the entire gym! (Taylor, her buddy Brennan, and Coach Bill) It was a full house with hundreds of kids signed up to fight in different divisions. She, well really all of us, were so nervous. Taylor's first fight was tough to say the least! She lost 24-0, but I have never been so proud of her in my entire life. She got up from the mat, smiled as her hand was lowered signifying she lost the fight, but inside she knew she was a true champion! This girl has more guts than I ever would have. Her sister has supported her throughout the long practices, the tears and fears each day driving to class, and the victory of finishing.
I learned something huge Sunday...first place, last place, who cares...just finish! I want to fight on here. I watched Taylor and later thought of all the family and friends we know who are fighting for their lives...literally. I thought of all of us fighting against our fears, fighting the spiritual battles that rage, fighting determined to finish strong. I am still in awe of what I learn and how God teaches me all the time.
Here's a video link my talented sister Sarah put together so you can see for yourself.
http://youtu.be/daGmPKdd5Vg
This past weekend was nothing short of AMAZING! I am one proud mama of 2 girls. Lauren had her first softball scrimmage and took a leadership role on the field. We see it everyday as she proudly looks after and walks side-by-side with Taylor, but it was special to see it on the field.
Taylor had her first jiu-jitsu fight. That's right...a real, live grappling fight in a huge tournament. To use the word AWESOME is an understatement. Inspiring, gutsy, courageous, deteremined, WINNER, CHAMPION! I cannot really put into words the right terms for what happened on the mat and in my heart Sunday morning.
Taylor's been training for about seven months. I thank (OK, blame) my dear friend Parisa for getting us into this sport. She's the one who took our teacher, Bill, up on his offer of training blind children for free. You see, he's blind as well and is a black belt in the sport. None of his students are visually impaired, and he wanted to give back to the blind community, as well as teach his students what is was like to train with the visually impaired. It's been a part-time job and one for which I am thankful. Taylor will be able to protect herself that day she's on a bus or walking the streets independently.
So Sunday was her first tournament. Not too many people realized she was blind since there were 3 blind people in the entire gym! (Taylor, her buddy Brennan, and Coach Bill) It was a full house with hundreds of kids signed up to fight in different divisions. She, well really all of us, were so nervous. Taylor's first fight was tough to say the least! She lost 24-0, but I have never been so proud of her in my entire life. She got up from the mat, smiled as her hand was lowered signifying she lost the fight, but inside she knew she was a true champion! This girl has more guts than I ever would have. Her sister has supported her throughout the long practices, the tears and fears each day driving to class, and the victory of finishing.
I learned something huge Sunday...first place, last place, who cares...just finish! I want to fight on here. I watched Taylor and later thought of all the family and friends we know who are fighting for their lives...literally. I thought of all of us fighting against our fears, fighting the spiritual battles that rage, fighting determined to finish strong. I am still in awe of what I learn and how God teaches me all the time.
Here's a video link my talented sister Sarah put together so you can see for yourself.
http://youtu.be/daGmPKdd5Vg
Monday, November 21, 2011
Birth Days
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. "
They say wisdom comes with age. Sometimes I'm very grateful for that wisdom, and sometimes I wish I could go back to when I didn't have a care in the world (except what was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or how late I could stay outside playing "3 flies up" or "butts-up 7-up.") Ah, the good old days!
Now, at 40, I love most of the wisdom I've received and learned over the last 4 decades. One thing I've learned in the last 8 years is how incredibly important it is to pray over pregnancies and those little ones that have taken up residence inside their mommies. As soon as Taylor was born, I realized healthy Birth Days are not to be taken for granted. I pray constantly when I find out someone I love and care about is pregnant. Actually, I pray constantly for anyone I see who's pregnant, but the truth is if I know you personally, the whole family is praying for you! In fact, when I know someone is in labor, I can hardly wait to hear the words, "Healthy Baby!" I'm on pins and needles the whole time. Once I receive the word, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief and Praise GOD!
I realize how special that day is. I realize it doesn't happen for everyone. It didn't happen for us. I realized how anxious I now become until the phone rings (or the texts flood in). I realize that those prayers can't stop when the announcement comes.
I've been blessed with several nieces and nephews since Taylor was born. Those nine (ten) months are covered in prayer! Each morning, Mike and I are praying for our nieces or nephews, and each evening the girls and I are praying for their cousins. I know I can't stop praying for them when I hear the words, "He's here!" or, "She's here!" No matter what, I'll always pray for these sweet treasures and be thankful for their Birth Days!
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. "
They say wisdom comes with age. Sometimes I'm very grateful for that wisdom, and sometimes I wish I could go back to when I didn't have a care in the world (except what was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or how late I could stay outside playing "3 flies up" or "butts-up 7-up.") Ah, the good old days!
Now, at 40, I love most of the wisdom I've received and learned over the last 4 decades. One thing I've learned in the last 8 years is how incredibly important it is to pray over pregnancies and those little ones that have taken up residence inside their mommies. As soon as Taylor was born, I realized healthy Birth Days are not to be taken for granted. I pray constantly when I find out someone I love and care about is pregnant. Actually, I pray constantly for anyone I see who's pregnant, but the truth is if I know you personally, the whole family is praying for you! In fact, when I know someone is in labor, I can hardly wait to hear the words, "Healthy Baby!" I'm on pins and needles the whole time. Once I receive the word, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief and Praise GOD!
I realize how special that day is. I realize it doesn't happen for everyone. It didn't happen for us. I realized how anxious I now become until the phone rings (or the texts flood in). I realize that those prayers can't stop when the announcement comes.
I've been blessed with several nieces and nephews since Taylor was born. Those nine (ten) months are covered in prayer! Each morning, Mike and I are praying for our nieces or nephews, and each evening the girls and I are praying for their cousins. I know I can't stop praying for them when I hear the words, "He's here!" or, "She's here!" No matter what, I'll always pray for these sweet treasures and be thankful for their Birth Days!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Walking in Darkness
Last year I had the "privilege" of experiencing blindness firsthand on a "sighted guide walk." I've had multiple opportunities to do this walk in the past but wasn't up to it until last year. I've always been afraid of experiencing Taylor's dark world first-hand for fear I'd slip into a depression of sorts that I had when she was first born.
The first part of this walk was to be blindfolded. The second the blindfold went on, my world changed. My sensitivities changed. My senses changed. I was using everything I could to make sense of the world around me. The shade felt so nice and cool, and the slightest bit of sun scorched. Cold-hot-cold-hot immediately! I also immediately tuned in to the voice that was to be my guide for this walk.
There were so many distractions all around...traffic, voices of other walkers and guides, children in the neighborhood, waterfalls, people working on their cars and homes for the weekend. You name it, it became "white noise," but I had to learn to tune into my guide's voice. I don't even remember her name, but I knew that voice within seconds. I knew my life would literally be in her hands for this walk.
The first part of this walk was to be blindfolded. The second the blindfold went on, my world changed. My sensitivities changed. My senses changed. I was using everything I could to make sense of the world around me. The shade felt so nice and cool, and the slightest bit of sun scorched. Cold-hot-cold-hot immediately! I also immediately tuned in to the voice that was to be my guide for this walk.
There were so many distractions all around...traffic, voices of other walkers and guides, children in the neighborhood, waterfalls, people working on their cars and homes for the weekend. You name it, it became "white noise," but I had to learn to tune into my guide's voice. I don't even remember her name, but I knew that voice within seconds. I knew my life would literally be in her hands for this walk.
After taking this walk and getting through the fears, the hesitations, the beauty of "THE voice," I started seeing how much this walk relates to walking daily through life. I was reminded immediately of how easy it is to be distracted by "white noise." You know, the stuff that isn't as important as we make it out to be. I was reminded of how easily I am afraid of what I don't understand. I was reminded of how much I try to do things by myself without asking for a helping hand.
Most of all, I realized how much I have to listen to THE VOICE. When I listened and trusted in her lead, in her guidance, I felt safe on that walk. Much is the same in my life. When I listen to Jesus in His Word, when I trust in His lead, His guidance, His plan and path, I feel safe. It's when I try to do it all without trusting Him or listening to Him that I get off track. I've got to listen to Him, trust in Him, and walk with Him each step of each day.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
A Grandmother's Legacy
"Grandchildren are the crowning glory." Psalm
Each summer we try to make a trip to Big Bear with Mike's parents, brother, his wife and 2 young children. Well, we just started making it an annual tradition last year! It's been so much fun both times, and lots of memories are being made. It's a one bedroom cabin with some extra space where we attempt to comfortably fit 6 adults and 4 children. Works for us just fine!
In the last 3 years, Mike's parents have really had their share of physical challenges. Mike's dad, Russ, had a stroke nearly three years ago and has been limited severely on his right side as well as in other ways. Mike's mom, Bev, has been doing much of the caretaking for Russ while dealing with a lifetime of arthritis and most recently losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. There has been so much change that it's become overwhelming at times for Bev.
While in Big Bear, I was watching and admiring this woman from afar. We spend a lot of time together regularly, but I realized while in Big Bear, Bev has always been the spiritual leader for her 3 sons and step-daughter which has been her legacy passed on to her grandchildren. She was the first born-again Christian in the family and marched her boys to church each week alone. It wasn't until decades later that Russ would come to church with her and get involved in Bible Studies himself. Each of Bev's boys have been heavily involved in their churches since their childhood. Each of her sons married Christian women, and now she has several grandchildren being raised in Bible-believing Christian homes. I marveled at this revelation watching her move about the cabin and was brought to tears when I saw my own daughters, niece, and nephew with her sitting on the couch. I am blessed to see her legacy living on in my children, her choice many years ago being lived out in her son, in my life, in my daughters' lives. Thank you, Bev. I love you.
Each summer we try to make a trip to Big Bear with Mike's parents, brother, his wife and 2 young children. Well, we just started making it an annual tradition last year! It's been so much fun both times, and lots of memories are being made. It's a one bedroom cabin with some extra space where we attempt to comfortably fit 6 adults and 4 children. Works for us just fine!
In the last 3 years, Mike's parents have really had their share of physical challenges. Mike's dad, Russ, had a stroke nearly three years ago and has been limited severely on his right side as well as in other ways. Mike's mom, Bev, has been doing much of the caretaking for Russ while dealing with a lifetime of arthritis and most recently losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. There has been so much change that it's become overwhelming at times for Bev.
While in Big Bear, I was watching and admiring this woman from afar. We spend a lot of time together regularly, but I realized while in Big Bear, Bev has always been the spiritual leader for her 3 sons and step-daughter which has been her legacy passed on to her grandchildren. She was the first born-again Christian in the family and marched her boys to church each week alone. It wasn't until decades later that Russ would come to church with her and get involved in Bible Studies himself. Each of Bev's boys have been heavily involved in their churches since their childhood. Each of her sons married Christian women, and now she has several grandchildren being raised in Bible-believing Christian homes. I marveled at this revelation watching her move about the cabin and was brought to tears when I saw my own daughters, niece, and nephew with her sitting on the couch. I am blessed to see her legacy living on in my children, her choice many years ago being lived out in her son, in my life, in my daughters' lives. Thank you, Bev. I love you.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
On the Heart
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4
Yesterday I officially entered the 4-0 club. What a day for celebrating...and celebrate we did. I definitely have noticed in the last decade many physical changes...wrinkles, sags and bags (despite how many crunches or lunges or stairmaster steps I do). For the most part, I'm OK with it all. I mean, I do work out, I do eat moderately healthy, and I do try to take care of what I've got. I do love new clothes...and looking presentable on the outside. I definitely can't complain, and I'm not trying to kid myself when I know the next decade will bring many more signs of "the aging process."
About a month ago, Taylor and I were chatting about me turning 40. She can feel every lump, bump, wrinkle, crease, scrape, scab...basically EVERYTHING! She was asking about her many new "discoveries" upon my face, and she said, "I know I can't tell what you look like, but on the heart-you're beautiful." Thank you Taylor for the reminder of what is really important.
Yesterday I officially entered the 4-0 club. What a day for celebrating...and celebrate we did. I definitely have noticed in the last decade many physical changes...wrinkles, sags and bags (despite how many crunches or lunges or stairmaster steps I do). For the most part, I'm OK with it all. I mean, I do work out, I do eat moderately healthy, and I do try to take care of what I've got. I do love new clothes...and looking presentable on the outside. I definitely can't complain, and I'm not trying to kid myself when I know the next decade will bring many more signs of "the aging process."
About a month ago, Taylor and I were chatting about me turning 40. She can feel every lump, bump, wrinkle, crease, scrape, scab...basically EVERYTHING! She was asking about her many new "discoveries" upon my face, and she said, "I know I can't tell what you look like, but on the heart-you're beautiful." Thank you Taylor for the reminder of what is really important.
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