I realize that there is no way I am going to keep up with posting on here every day, so I am going to have to settle for 'whenever I remember' :). That being said, I will happily post the thankful thoughts I have had over the last few days...
I am thankful for:
*SNOW :) :) :)
*Icy roads that allowed Emily to have NO school on Thursday afternoon and Friday!
*Frigid weather that has caused us to spend many evenings in front of the fire playing games, watching movies and talking together - always fun to Mom!
*Good health overall for everyone (Emily has a sinus infection but is on the mend now)
*Time with Michael while he is still home-he and Nicholas have watched Bond movies!
*Great day in worship - Ravi Zacharias preached for us this morning - a very special blessing.
*Time to get my house completely back in order, purge lots of messy cabinets, drawers and closets and do extra cleaning of those 'often ignored' areas that we all have.
*Precept Bible Study started back on Thursday -we are doing Philippians this semester and so far, it is even better than 1 John :)
*I have all of my funds for my Ecuador mission trip in April! Now to start working on funds for Medical Mission trip to Honduras in June and possible trip to Argentina in Sept/Oct!
*A good nap this afternoon (small things matter too!)
*The privilege to record a CD with my amazing choir this coming weekend.
So why the sadness? Well, as a Mom with two children who live most of the time away from home and too far for easy visits, I can tell you that it doesn't matter how many times they come home and leave - it is STILL hard to say good-bye! Michael leaves in the morning to drive 11 hours back to PHC to start classes on Wednesday. He is a SENIOR now so that is really exciting :)
But we don't know what his plans are (he doesn't even know what they are yet!)He may or may not come home for spring break. His spring break is the same time as our trip to Ecuador, so even if he came home, we'd only see him for 2 days on the front end and maybe not at all on the other end. In the summer, he really needs to do an internship and may find the best option in the VA/DC area which would mean he might only come home for a week on each end of summer. I know this is way more than I need to think of right now, but it's alot easier to say good-bye when you have SOME idea of when you will see your child again.
Our visit has been good overall. Michael is at an age and stage where it seems there are more differences than similarities with his parents, and even with his younger siblings. He thrives on argument and debate, loves to play devils advocate and sees an awful lot more 'grey' than he ever did before, though he is convinced that it's all black and white of course. We have been relatively argument-free over this whole break, but it's not without much effort. I really work to find common ground, show and tell him that I love him, include him in discussions, activities and family times.
He loves time alone in his room, which is fine, but I did much more to encourage him gently to plan time with friends, siblings, taking care of shopping needs, etc. That caused his days to be more interesting and full. I do think this had an effect on his demeanor and his attitude overall.
I love my husband and my children. I feel blessed beyond measure to live in the family I live in. I treasure time with each family member and especially love the holiday time all together. We had a great visit with Ashley and Steve for four days over Christmas too - lots of beautiful music in our house with both piano and saxophone being played daily, often together - amazing!
As I go into a new week, where everyone will be fully back to regular life, school, work, I joyfully and thankfully anticipate a few times of peace and solitude in my house, some productive times with my Bible Study, better meals being made, more exercise and back on track with eating less, exercising more and feeling more energetic! It should be a great week - Lord-willing!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A New Challenge
It's actually harder than I expected to come up with new and different, sincere and impactful things that I am thankful for every single day. And I consider myself a pretty thankful person! It's easy to just repeat or repackage the same few top items over and over, but that is not what this blog is about. I want to be sincerely, deeply and uniquely thankful, each and every day, for the specific blessings of that particular day.
Yesterday (Jan 5)I was thankful for:
*Two dogs who mostly get along, play well, and give LOTS of love to all of us :)
*A restful evening with my husband, in front of a lovely crackling fire, cross stitching, playing Skip-Bo (card game) and watching news and football together.
*Timing that worked out - got lots of cleaning and chores done in between and around a necessary trip to Kroger - where I got EVERYTHING I needed.
I love when I have a bunch of random little things to do in a day and it works out that by dinner time, every single item is done plus a few that I hadn't remembered or noticed until I walked past them - like a basket of laundry plus clean stuff in the dryer :).
Thankful for so many things...
Loren
Yesterday (Jan 5)I was thankful for:
*Two dogs who mostly get along, play well, and give LOTS of love to all of us :)
*A restful evening with my husband, in front of a lovely crackling fire, cross stitching, playing Skip-Bo (card game) and watching news and football together.
*Timing that worked out - got lots of cleaning and chores done in between and around a necessary trip to Kroger - where I got EVERYTHING I needed.
I love when I have a bunch of random little things to do in a day and it works out that by dinner time, every single item is done plus a few that I hadn't remembered or noticed until I walked past them - like a basket of laundry plus clean stuff in the dryer :).
Thankful for so many things...
Loren
Monday, January 4, 2010
Back to Normal
That is the first thing I am thankful for today...being back to normal! I got up early today, was able to spend time with Emily before she left for her first day back at Reinhardt and really was productive all day! I love Mondays like that :)
Soooo, here is what I am most thankful for today:
*A warm house, fire in the fireplace and time to spend in front of it on a bitterly cold day
*Time to really spend on Bible Study today - Philippians
*Good health that allows me the energy to clean my whole house
*Time to really clean out and organize some neglected areas of my house
Lord, help me to see the blessings, the special and unique joys in my daily life that are from You to me. Let me have a fully thankful heart!
Soooo, here is what I am most thankful for today:
*A warm house, fire in the fireplace and time to spend in front of it on a bitterly cold day
*Time to really spend on Bible Study today - Philippians
*Good health that allows me the energy to clean my whole house
*Time to really clean out and organize some neglected areas of my house
Lord, help me to see the blessings, the special and unique joys in my daily life that are from You to me. Let me have a fully thankful heart!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
January 2 and 3, 2010
Well, they say it takes two weeks to create a new habit, maybe more for some of us, and it is obvious that I need more focus to actually remember to post! I did, however, pray before bed and share with God what I was thankful for yesterday. As such, I will post both days points of gratitude today.
January 2 I am thankful for:
*A fire in the fireplace and time to enjoy it while still finishing up the cleaning, reorganizing and packing away of Christmas
*Relaxing time with my children to invest in their lives
*A nice dinner with Michael, Emily and Noah Cypher
*Time to stitch, read, cook, talk and still get all things done at home
January 3 I am thankful for:
*Sweet time sharing heart to heart with Nicholas
*A wonderful morning at our precious church with precious friends
*Great lunch visit with Anna Duncan
*Afternoon NAP!!
*Evening time helping Emily get ready to start classes tomorrow, play with Cassie together and watch "Holiday" with Michael and Richard
The blessings have been so sweet from this weekend and I am so thankful to God for filling my heart over these last days! I pray the Lord would help me to continue to see ALL of the blessings I enjoy every day and to be mindful to post the most meaningful ones each day as a reminder to me and an encouragement to others.
Well, they say it takes two weeks to create a new habit, maybe more for some of us, and it is obvious that I need more focus to actually remember to post! I did, however, pray before bed and share with God what I was thankful for yesterday. As such, I will post both days points of gratitude today.
January 2 I am thankful for:
*A fire in the fireplace and time to enjoy it while still finishing up the cleaning, reorganizing and packing away of Christmas
*Relaxing time with my children to invest in their lives
*A nice dinner with Michael, Emily and Noah Cypher
*Time to stitch, read, cook, talk and still get all things done at home
January 3 I am thankful for:
*Sweet time sharing heart to heart with Nicholas
*A wonderful morning at our precious church with precious friends
*Great lunch visit with Anna Duncan
*Afternoon NAP!!
*Evening time helping Emily get ready to start classes tomorrow, play with Cassie together and watch "Holiday" with Michael and Richard
The blessings have been so sweet from this weekend and I am so thankful to God for filling my heart over these last days! I pray the Lord would help me to continue to see ALL of the blessings I enjoy every day and to be mindful to post the most meaningful ones each day as a reminder to me and an encouragement to others.
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year, A New Attitude
The Bible has much to say about gratitude and thankfulness. It is clearly a matter of the heart. I want to start this year off by listing several things that I'm thankful for each evening before bed. What a great way to refocus my heart and mind! What a great way to set the tone before going to sleep! I am excited to make a habit of bedtime gratitude.
Here is my January 1, 2010 gratitude list:
1. I am thankful for a great, relaxing day with my family. We took down the tree together, cleaned everything up, had a nice dinner in the DR tonight (Nicholas had to work until 10PM), then Michael, Emily and I played two games of Yahtzee - I lost miserably - then Emily and I played Phase 10 and she beat me too! But it was all good.
2. A fire in the fireplace on a really cold day, time to read, exercise, organize, cross stitch, play games and just relax!
3. Starting a new year with everyone healthy, happy and together.
4. A crisp winter morning with a gorgeous blue sky this morning!
Thank you Lord for loving me and for so many blessings that I in no way deserve!
Here is my January 1, 2010 gratitude list:
1. I am thankful for a great, relaxing day with my family. We took down the tree together, cleaned everything up, had a nice dinner in the DR tonight (Nicholas had to work until 10PM), then Michael, Emily and I played two games of Yahtzee - I lost miserably - then Emily and I played Phase 10 and she beat me too! But it was all good.
2. A fire in the fireplace on a really cold day, time to read, exercise, organize, cross stitch, play games and just relax!
3. Starting a new year with everyone healthy, happy and together.
4. A crisp winter morning with a gorgeous blue sky this morning!
Thank you Lord for loving me and for so many blessings that I in no way deserve!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Holiday Weekends...
Without really realizing it, I am standing on the precipice of another holiday weekend. Not sure how I feel about it either. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am BIG on family holidays: traditions, time together, great meals and decorations themed by season...you get the idea. So what is a Mom to do when her foundation for such holiday times is crumbling?
Believe me, I have thought for a long time about how my life would change, especially holidays, so my head is prepared for things like celebrating holidays on alternate days, celebrating with just two or three of us and so on. I know these things will come and I always think I'm ready for it, but there are times when it just leaps into my lap without warning.
Now I realize that Labor Day weekend is NOT anyone's idea of a big holiday, so all I might hope for is one meal - a cookout, a picnic, a dinner-and-a-family-movie-that we could enjoy together. As I was able to talk to Emily and Nicholas, and gather work schedule information, I must accept the fact that my one meal together is not going to happen. Emily works Sat, Sun and Mon afternoon/evening and Nicholas wants to go to the Crown Knights game tomorrow evening. Lucas Fernandez Paz, Pastor Johnny's intern for this year and our wonderful family member for the remainder of 2009, is often a great and reliable addition to our holidays because his family is all in Argentina. But even he is out of town for this weekend.
What complicates this from a heart perspective is that so many of our friends' children who are away at college, are able to come home for Labor Day weekend. Our two who are away cannot come home because they are simply too far. Again, I know in my head that this is nothing sort of holiday that doesn't need any time or attention or pouting from me because it holds no particular highlight. But the purpose of this blog is to share my heart. It isn't always logical or reasonable.
The funny thing in our family is this: we are not empty-nesters. Ashley is living in Rochester, NY, attending her second year of grad school and almost completely independent. We get to see her usually twice a year - for a few days in the summer and around a week at Christmas. There are many holidays and birthdays that she hasn't been able to be a part of for several years now, and as of this last year, Thanksgiving has been added. We stopped seeing her for Easter three years ago. Michael is in northern Virginia and will be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas but not for any three day weekends or family celebrations where we are used to him being a part. Emily and Nicholas are still here, but yet they are not. Emily is in college at Reinhardt (locally) but her schedule between school, work, practicing, homework and free time, is all her own. When she is here, she is in her room and most of the time, she is gone. This is a big change from last year and from her 'graduation summer' of just work and relaxing! Nicholas is in 11th grade and still homeschooled, but is gone all day on Tuesdays and several other large chunks of time during the week. We share a car so that often means I am not only home alone, but carless to boot. (Now believe me, I don't mind at all being home alone-I'm thrilled to have a quiet house and enjoy setting my own schedule after so many years of my whole day being dictated by homeschooling, housekeeping and family needs.)
Sooo, while we have two out of the house most of the year, we have two who are here, albeit less and less, but there is alot of running in and out, need for quick meals, instant help with something, money :) and criss-crossed schedules. What that means is I rarely have more than a couple of hours alone without a phone call, child running in for a short time, car-swapping, etc. That does NOT qualify as an empty-nest now does it? Add to that our dear and loveable Lucas and a Wings of Morning girl (or often two) and there is rarely total peace at my house. Yet, it is much more often a lonely place. How can that be? Simply because as everyone runs in and out, needing a quick something from me, or many times nothing but a washer/dryer, shower or a grab and go meal, it's like a hit and run encounter. Whatever I might be doing when someone comes home, I stop, stand ready to serve however I am needed, but then it's over. That person is on to their own agenda and I am left standing there.
There is no getting around it-it is hard to let go of our children! It is tough to celebrate holidays where the table was full and now there are empty chairs. There is less conversation, less laughter, less spontaneity, fewer hands to help prepare, fewer mouths to feed and more leftovers...and at my age, that is NOT an advantage! :)
Now lest you think that my life is all sadness and pouting...let me set the record straight! I LOVE having charge of my day, being able to set blocks of time to accomplish tasks long neglected, cross stitching in the middle of the day, going to read and swim at the pool at 10:00 AM on a Wednesday, enjoying a dinner of leftovers or fried egg sandwiches with Richard when we find out kind of last-minute that it's just us...this is a wonderful aspect of life. And I have dear friends, many of whom are in a similar life season - especially important to me! I am doing a Precept Bible Study for the first time-because it's always been too much of a time commitment for me to make. I am excited about spending more time learning to study God's Word on a whole new and deeper level! Also, I am really looking forward to Love Loud at our church because my schedule is much freer right now. And there is a strong possibility that FBCW will be a Drop Off Center for Operation Christmas Child and I will probably co-direct this with a gentleman from church who shares this passion and vision. And a wonderful side-benefit - Richard has offered to do it WITH ME! That is a first and I am thrilled to share a serving opportunity with my husband of 25 years!! After so many years spent raising up our precious children, I am excited to enjoy some brand new experiences and opportunities!
So, as I stand on the precipice, the optimist in me says, "Hey, more time to work on that Christmas stocking for Richard this weekend, less time spent in Kroger and at the sink prepping all kinds of food. My children have years of memories, we have tons of pictures and videos and it's okay for a holiday weekend to slip by quietly here and there. But don't ever expect to hear me say that about Thanksgiving or Christmas!! If it gets down to just two of us, you'll find us serving the homeless, visiting those alone at a nursing home or hospital or inviting international students to join us in our home. There are some things that I won't change...and having a full table for the 'big holidays' is one of them.
Thanks for joining me on the journey...
I am thankful for Jesus because He is ALWAYS with me!
Loren
Believe me, I have thought for a long time about how my life would change, especially holidays, so my head is prepared for things like celebrating holidays on alternate days, celebrating with just two or three of us and so on. I know these things will come and I always think I'm ready for it, but there are times when it just leaps into my lap without warning.
Now I realize that Labor Day weekend is NOT anyone's idea of a big holiday, so all I might hope for is one meal - a cookout, a picnic, a dinner-and-a-family-movie-that we could enjoy together. As I was able to talk to Emily and Nicholas, and gather work schedule information, I must accept the fact that my one meal together is not going to happen. Emily works Sat, Sun and Mon afternoon/evening and Nicholas wants to go to the Crown Knights game tomorrow evening. Lucas Fernandez Paz, Pastor Johnny's intern for this year and our wonderful family member for the remainder of 2009, is often a great and reliable addition to our holidays because his family is all in Argentina. But even he is out of town for this weekend.
What complicates this from a heart perspective is that so many of our friends' children who are away at college, are able to come home for Labor Day weekend. Our two who are away cannot come home because they are simply too far. Again, I know in my head that this is nothing sort of holiday that doesn't need any time or attention or pouting from me because it holds no particular highlight. But the purpose of this blog is to share my heart. It isn't always logical or reasonable.
The funny thing in our family is this: we are not empty-nesters. Ashley is living in Rochester, NY, attending her second year of grad school and almost completely independent. We get to see her usually twice a year - for a few days in the summer and around a week at Christmas. There are many holidays and birthdays that she hasn't been able to be a part of for several years now, and as of this last year, Thanksgiving has been added. We stopped seeing her for Easter three years ago. Michael is in northern Virginia and will be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas but not for any three day weekends or family celebrations where we are used to him being a part. Emily and Nicholas are still here, but yet they are not. Emily is in college at Reinhardt (locally) but her schedule between school, work, practicing, homework and free time, is all her own. When she is here, she is in her room and most of the time, she is gone. This is a big change from last year and from her 'graduation summer' of just work and relaxing! Nicholas is in 11th grade and still homeschooled, but is gone all day on Tuesdays and several other large chunks of time during the week. We share a car so that often means I am not only home alone, but carless to boot. (Now believe me, I don't mind at all being home alone-I'm thrilled to have a quiet house and enjoy setting my own schedule after so many years of my whole day being dictated by homeschooling, housekeeping and family needs.)
Sooo, while we have two out of the house most of the year, we have two who are here, albeit less and less, but there is alot of running in and out, need for quick meals, instant help with something, money :) and criss-crossed schedules. What that means is I rarely have more than a couple of hours alone without a phone call, child running in for a short time, car-swapping, etc. That does NOT qualify as an empty-nest now does it? Add to that our dear and loveable Lucas and a Wings of Morning girl (or often two) and there is rarely total peace at my house. Yet, it is much more often a lonely place. How can that be? Simply because as everyone runs in and out, needing a quick something from me, or many times nothing but a washer/dryer, shower or a grab and go meal, it's like a hit and run encounter. Whatever I might be doing when someone comes home, I stop, stand ready to serve however I am needed, but then it's over. That person is on to their own agenda and I am left standing there.
There is no getting around it-it is hard to let go of our children! It is tough to celebrate holidays where the table was full and now there are empty chairs. There is less conversation, less laughter, less spontaneity, fewer hands to help prepare, fewer mouths to feed and more leftovers...and at my age, that is NOT an advantage! :)
Now lest you think that my life is all sadness and pouting...let me set the record straight! I LOVE having charge of my day, being able to set blocks of time to accomplish tasks long neglected, cross stitching in the middle of the day, going to read and swim at the pool at 10:00 AM on a Wednesday, enjoying a dinner of leftovers or fried egg sandwiches with Richard when we find out kind of last-minute that it's just us...this is a wonderful aspect of life. And I have dear friends, many of whom are in a similar life season - especially important to me! I am doing a Precept Bible Study for the first time-because it's always been too much of a time commitment for me to make. I am excited about spending more time learning to study God's Word on a whole new and deeper level! Also, I am really looking forward to Love Loud at our church because my schedule is much freer right now. And there is a strong possibility that FBCW will be a Drop Off Center for Operation Christmas Child and I will probably co-direct this with a gentleman from church who shares this passion and vision. And a wonderful side-benefit - Richard has offered to do it WITH ME! That is a first and I am thrilled to share a serving opportunity with my husband of 25 years!! After so many years spent raising up our precious children, I am excited to enjoy some brand new experiences and opportunities!
So, as I stand on the precipice, the optimist in me says, "Hey, more time to work on that Christmas stocking for Richard this weekend, less time spent in Kroger and at the sink prepping all kinds of food. My children have years of memories, we have tons of pictures and videos and it's okay for a holiday weekend to slip by quietly here and there. But don't ever expect to hear me say that about Thanksgiving or Christmas!! If it gets down to just two of us, you'll find us serving the homeless, visiting those alone at a nursing home or hospital or inviting international students to join us in our home. There are some things that I won't change...and having a full table for the 'big holidays' is one of them.
Thanks for joining me on the journey...
I am thankful for Jesus because He is ALWAYS with me!
Loren
Monday, August 31, 2009
My First Thoughts
August 31, 2009
This season of my life is exciting but it also has created some anxiety and sadness. I have done much praying, some reading, sharing with dear friends and still I find that I have much on my heart that I want to share. I believe this blog will give me an outlet to speak from my heart, seek God and work out the path God has for me in this next phase of my life, both as a wife and mother, but probably more importantly, as a woman.
After being a Mom for nearly 23 years, it is almost unthinkable to separate that title from who I am. It has most often been the FIRST title that I wear, and the most time-consuming, rewarding and exhausting one as well. Poor Richard! Wife has long been second...or third. I look forward to reordering those priorities, taking on new challenges, new structure to my day...lots of new things. I normally don't really embrace change but right now I am looking forward to it!
I am amazed at how this 'emptying nest' hits my emotions when I am not expecting it. Today I just really missed Michael's great hugs! Even now, tears well up as I think about my big guy bounding down the stairs excitedly telling me about something he just figured out on his computer or a new book he is going to get. I know growing up is normal, going off to college is normal, striking out on their own is normal. That is how my head sees it, but my heart often goes it alone.
In the weeks and months to come, I hope to share not only my heart, but resources, quotes, Scripture and stories from others who are walking somewhere through this same phase of life.
Thanks for reading my humble beginnings...
Seeking my Savior,
Loren
This season of my life is exciting but it also has created some anxiety and sadness. I have done much praying, some reading, sharing with dear friends and still I find that I have much on my heart that I want to share. I believe this blog will give me an outlet to speak from my heart, seek God and work out the path God has for me in this next phase of my life, both as a wife and mother, but probably more importantly, as a woman.
After being a Mom for nearly 23 years, it is almost unthinkable to separate that title from who I am. It has most often been the FIRST title that I wear, and the most time-consuming, rewarding and exhausting one as well. Poor Richard! Wife has long been second...or third. I look forward to reordering those priorities, taking on new challenges, new structure to my day...lots of new things. I normally don't really embrace change but right now I am looking forward to it!
I am amazed at how this 'emptying nest' hits my emotions when I am not expecting it. Today I just really missed Michael's great hugs! Even now, tears well up as I think about my big guy bounding down the stairs excitedly telling me about something he just figured out on his computer or a new book he is going to get. I know growing up is normal, going off to college is normal, striking out on their own is normal. That is how my head sees it, but my heart often goes it alone.
In the weeks and months to come, I hope to share not only my heart, but resources, quotes, Scripture and stories from others who are walking somewhere through this same phase of life.
Thanks for reading my humble beginnings...
Seeking my Savior,
Loren
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