Tonight was a tough night.
We finally had good enough weather to bring the kids up to the campsite, and also enough time to enjoy ourselves, since I picked them up earlier in the afternoon. As soon as we got there, I sent them swimming, thinking it might be a good way to expend some energy!
I cooked campfire chili, which I thought was pretty good, but Hope wouldn't eat it at all. Finally, Morgan coerced her into taking two bites, but that was all she would do. Then we made smores. In this process, Brother #1 ended up taking a timeout in the car for not listening and making faces at me.
On the was home, Brother #1 picked on Brother #2 so much that I had to stop the car twice. When we got home, I told him I would have a talk with him and dad. I explained to dad what had happened, and Brother #1 and I discussed how I didn't have to bring him with me, but that I wanted to, but only if he behaved. He promised to behave next time. Dad didn't seem too bothered, but Morgan (who had asked to use their bathroom) said Mom was talking to him when she came out. We'll see what Monday brings.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A Story of Hope: Wed. July 22
Still camping at St. Mary's - I was again planning to bring the kids up to the campsite, but today it decided to rain - all day. I knew they would be a muddy mess, and wouldn't have any fun, so we again changed our plans. This time, I took them to see "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 3D". They loved it. Brother #1 was not with us tonight, and there weren't any problems, except it was kind of expensive again. But these kids are definitely worth it. They are just brimming with excitement when I pick them up and they ask where we're going tonight!
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Story of Hope: Mon. July 20
I decided to take my own kids camping at St. Mary's this week. We spent the day shopping, getting packed, getting our campsite, and unpacking. Originally, I was planning to bring all the kids up to the campsite for the evening, but after realizing it's about an hour drive from their home, I changed my plans. Instead, we decided to go bowling. We first stopped at the bowling alley near their home, but it was closed on Mondays. So I brought them back to Sidney and we bowled here. It turned out to be a little more expensive than I expected - seven people at two games each, plus shoes, pizza, and drinks, was about $75. Brother #1 had to take a timeout - the boys were full of energy! I think Morgan ended up winning both games.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Mexico Reflection
Tonight, the pastors of our church want to meet with those who went on any of the Mexico Missions trips this summer. Following are my thoughts on what they have asked us in preparation for this meeting:
What have I learned about the following words and what they mean? Simplicity, Contentment, Joy, Faith.
We, as Americans, have more "stuff" than just about any other culture, yet we never have enough. I am as guilty of this as anyone. We will never have contentment in simplicity without the joy that our faith in the Holy Spirit provides. While I may be blessed to have many nice things, I need to keep in mind that it's not the stuff that makes me happy. It's my relationship with Jesus Christ.
What internal (attitudes, thoughts, etc.) and external (habits, actions, words, etc.) things has God's spirit already prompted me to yield to Him and let Him change? i.e. How is this trip going to change me? What are the action plans toward this change?
Internally, I would like to be more open and accepting of those less fortunate than myself. Taken from the sermon today, every one of God's people deserves the same dignity I enjoy. I plan to display this externally by not engaging in gossip at school, and by opening myself up more often to serve His people, both locally (in school and around town) and abroad (future trips to TCM).
What impressions of my friends in Mexico will live with me forever?
The hurt that I saw in each woman's past, yet they still rejoice in their Savior, Jesus Christ.
How is God asking me to support TCM? (relating to #2 in life-style change upon returning)
This is still being determined, but I believe it will involve future trips to Tijuana. I may give thought to sponsoring a child. I certainly would welcome a child by adoption if God places me in that situation.
What have I learned about the following words and what they mean? Simplicity, Contentment, Joy, Faith.
We, as Americans, have more "stuff" than just about any other culture, yet we never have enough. I am as guilty of this as anyone. We will never have contentment in simplicity without the joy that our faith in the Holy Spirit provides. While I may be blessed to have many nice things, I need to keep in mind that it's not the stuff that makes me happy. It's my relationship with Jesus Christ.
What internal (attitudes, thoughts, etc.) and external (habits, actions, words, etc.) things has God's spirit already prompted me to yield to Him and let Him change? i.e. How is this trip going to change me? What are the action plans toward this change?
Internally, I would like to be more open and accepting of those less fortunate than myself. Taken from the sermon today, every one of God's people deserves the same dignity I enjoy. I plan to display this externally by not engaging in gossip at school, and by opening myself up more often to serve His people, both locally (in school and around town) and abroad (future trips to TCM).
What impressions of my friends in Mexico will live with me forever?
The hurt that I saw in each woman's past, yet they still rejoice in their Savior, Jesus Christ.
How is God asking me to support TCM? (relating to #2 in life-style change upon returning)
This is still being determined, but I believe it will involve future trips to Tijuana. I may give thought to sponsoring a child. I certainly would welcome a child by adoption if God places me in that situation.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A Most Awesome Quiet Time With God
Morgan loves being a CIT (Counselor-in-Training) at Camp Union, but sometimes softball gets in the way. Such as it was tonight ... or so I thought.
A game was scheduled for tonight, so I headed over to Camp Union (an hour's drive away) to pick her up. When we got back to town, I dropped her off at the ball field. They played (and lost), and then we headed back to Camp, where I dropped her off again. I had taken Aidan with me on the way to pick her up, but this time, I was all alone for the ride home - peace and quiet! I decided to listen to the new Beth Moore book I purchased on my iPod, Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only.
The timing of the game worked out that I was headed home during sunset. The colors of the sky were rich with oranges, yellows, pinks, purples, blues, and greens. The clouds formed a path that led directly into the sunset. The scene was absolutely stunning ... breathtaking ... majestic.
Between home and Camp lies Logan County, the highest point in Ohio. I reached this point during the climax of the sunset. As I crested the top of a hill near Ben Logan HS, I felt surrounded by the beauty of His presence. I knew that the ballgame was scheduled at the perfect time in the evening, right in the middle of Camp, for me to experience. Thank you, Heavenly Father.
A game was scheduled for tonight, so I headed over to Camp Union (an hour's drive away) to pick her up. When we got back to town, I dropped her off at the ball field. They played (and lost), and then we headed back to Camp, where I dropped her off again. I had taken Aidan with me on the way to pick her up, but this time, I was all alone for the ride home - peace and quiet! I decided to listen to the new Beth Moore book I purchased on my iPod, Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only.
The timing of the game worked out that I was headed home during sunset. The colors of the sky were rich with oranges, yellows, pinks, purples, blues, and greens. The clouds formed a path that led directly into the sunset. The scene was absolutely stunning ... breathtaking ... majestic.
Between home and Camp lies Logan County, the highest point in Ohio. I reached this point during the climax of the sunset. As I crested the top of a hill near Ben Logan HS, I felt surrounded by the beauty of His presence. I knew that the ballgame was scheduled at the perfect time in the evening, right in the middle of Camp, for me to experience. Thank you, Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
A Story of Hope: Wed. July 8
Saturday, June 27th was the VBS pool party. I went down to pick up the kids, but only the boys came along. Dad also joined us, which I wasn't expecting, but it turned out well, anyway. Dad played and swam with Aidan, who got to experience having someone throw him in the water.
I began babysitting for the family on Monday the 29th. That night we went to the ball field to watch Morgan's game after eating dinner at our house.
On Wednesday, I brought the kids home, fed them dinner, and then we got the outside toys out of the garage. They had a ball!, so we did the same on Friday.
This week, my own kids are at Camp Union, so I decided to take the kids elsewhere instead of home. Monday, we got food from the Rootbeer Stand and took it across the street to the park. I tell you, those girls could swing all day if you'd let them!
Monday was also the first day I had all the kids together, as the oldest stayed with an uncle last week. The boys, especially #1, tested the boundaries of behaving. Both ended up in timeout at least once during the evening, but after being a little mad, they are already showing more respect.
Tonight, Dad said I wouldn't have to keep them as long, so we just decided to go to McDonald's Playplace. I thought it might be stiflingly hot in the play area, but it's actually quite comfortable.
While at my house last week, Hope got wet both times, so at the park, I made sure she used the bathroom before playing. Did the same again tonight. She still seldom tells me she has to go until it's too late, if at all (she didn't say anything either night at my house). She does not go independently, either.
On Friday, while we were playing outside, Hope's hairtie came loose, and she asked me to put it back in for her. As I did, I noticed tiny white things attached to some of her hair. It was my first real experience actually seeing them. Luckily, I didn't find any live ones. I very briefly checked #4 and didn't find any, but the boys would not sit still long enough for me to check them thoroughly. I told Mom about my find when I took them home, and as she checked for herself, she and Dad both commented about how Hope gets them frequently, but no one else in the family does.
I can still tell that this situation is going to be a blessing to everyone involved. It's still going to get bigger, and I don't yet know what all is in store for us, but I know that He will be with me no matter what.
I had the wonderful opportunity today to hear Molly and Jamey French speak at the YWCA about their experience, and their faith. They spoke of following 3 steps during the hard times in one's life. 1) Pray. All the time. For anything and anyone. But don't tell God what to do - ask for wisdom, strength, and guidance in your situation. 2) Accept offers of help from anyone you can. That is most likely the only thing they can do. Don't take the gift of giving away from them. It will be easier for you, and will make them happy, too. 3) Be grateful. For a sunrise. For a cool breeze on a hot day. For the things you can do, rather than those you can't. For the things you still have, rather than those you've lost. What an amazing testimony this couple is bringing to those around them. And it's going to get bigger and better, I just know it.
I began babysitting for the family on Monday the 29th. That night we went to the ball field to watch Morgan's game after eating dinner at our house.
On Wednesday, I brought the kids home, fed them dinner, and then we got the outside toys out of the garage. They had a ball!, so we did the same on Friday.
This week, my own kids are at Camp Union, so I decided to take the kids elsewhere instead of home. Monday, we got food from the Rootbeer Stand and took it across the street to the park. I tell you, those girls could swing all day if you'd let them!
Monday was also the first day I had all the kids together, as the oldest stayed with an uncle last week. The boys, especially #1, tested the boundaries of behaving. Both ended up in timeout at least once during the evening, but after being a little mad, they are already showing more respect.
Tonight, Dad said I wouldn't have to keep them as long, so we just decided to go to McDonald's Playplace. I thought it might be stiflingly hot in the play area, but it's actually quite comfortable.
While at my house last week, Hope got wet both times, so at the park, I made sure she used the bathroom before playing. Did the same again tonight. She still seldom tells me she has to go until it's too late, if at all (she didn't say anything either night at my house). She does not go independently, either.
On Friday, while we were playing outside, Hope's hairtie came loose, and she asked me to put it back in for her. As I did, I noticed tiny white things attached to some of her hair. It was my first real experience actually seeing them. Luckily, I didn't find any live ones. I very briefly checked #4 and didn't find any, but the boys would not sit still long enough for me to check them thoroughly. I told Mom about my find when I took them home, and as she checked for herself, she and Dad both commented about how Hope gets them frequently, but no one else in the family does.
I can still tell that this situation is going to be a blessing to everyone involved. It's still going to get bigger, and I don't yet know what all is in store for us, but I know that He will be with me no matter what.
I had the wonderful opportunity today to hear Molly and Jamey French speak at the YWCA about their experience, and their faith. They spoke of following 3 steps during the hard times in one's life. 1) Pray. All the time. For anything and anyone. But don't tell God what to do - ask for wisdom, strength, and guidance in your situation. 2) Accept offers of help from anyone you can. That is most likely the only thing they can do. Don't take the gift of giving away from them. It will be easier for you, and will make them happy, too. 3) Be grateful. For a sunrise. For a cool breeze on a hot day. For the things you can do, rather than those you can't. For the things you still have, rather than those you've lost. What an amazing testimony this couple is bringing to those around them. And it's going to get bigger and better, I just know it.
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