Ode To New Fathers

Oh What A Tangled Mess

You can't see it from the picture but this is a pretty big box. And it is full to overflowing with hangers. It's really a jumbled mass of wire and plastic. Not really something one has a huge urge to deal with but nevertheless it did need to be done.
So.
Today my mission was to finally stop putting this task off and unjumble them.
That was fun.
I've been putting it off since we moved in but I really needed them so today was the day.
The worst part about it is this. It's my fault.
When we moved I took my clothes off the hangers and folded them so I could just put them in suitcases or small boxes so they wouldn't get dirty in the moving van.
I was in a hurry. And as I took the clothes off each hanger I just sorta threw the hangers in the box.
Yep. It was dumb. But I did it. I needed to get it done as fast as possible and that seemed to be the most expedient at the time. Blame this brillant plan on the pregnancy.
So there I was today undoing my hurried "time-saving" handiwork.
In the pursuit of doing things quickly because I wanted to move on, I actually created more work for myself down the road. I made a real mess of things and I had to sit down and take the time to fix it.
If I would have done it right back then, I wouldn't have been sitting in the floor of my bedroom grumbling at the tangled pile before me as I tried to figure out the puzzle to pry them apart.
Isn't it that way a lot of times? Not just with hangers.
God gives us tasks or commands from His word and we think, "It'll take too long that way" so we find shortcuts to get the job done. And then, later on down the road we find ourselves sitting down and untangling the mess we created by doing it our way and trying to weave around some steps in the plan God has laid out.
God's ways are perfect and there is a reason He wants us to do things the way He spells out for us. He doesn't want us to have to take time later on to fix what could have been avoided if we would have listened.
Do you ever wonder what we could have been doing for Him if we weren't using that time to untangle ourselves?
What do you think would have happened to Noah if he would have taken shortcuts or hadn't followed God's plans to the T? What would have been the result if others in the Bible hadn't listened to God's voice? What do we miss when we do the same?
Okay, I realize that hangers aren't in quite the same category here but....application people!

Take my advice- In hangers and in life, It's better to take the time to do it right the first time than to have to go back and do more work later. And the "more work later" part usually isn't very much fun.

The Air That Bites

The wind has a decided bite to it these days and most people are starting to complain.
Add to that the gloomy sky and drizzle and most Michiganers are starting their annual "it's time to start complaining about the cold" routine.
I have decided to postpone that this year. I promise not to complain until at least December. You can remind me of that.
But actually I'm loving me some fall.
When most people are grumbling at the clouds and wind, I am enjoying the feel in the air, the smell of fresh breeze, the sound of leaves rustling through the trees before they float to the ground, and yes, even the sight of the cloudy, gloomy sky.
Days like this week have produced actually energize me.
They make me smile.
They make me wanna eat some really unhealthy fall food.
I don't have much of anything to write so this post is nothing more than an ode to the last few days and how much I've enjoyed them, even if most people are complaining.
Even if my own body is starting to protest when I get up in the morning because it would much rather stay all warm and cozy.
Even if my hands are starting to get a little cold while typing because they can't be in their normal "cold weather position" when I'm at the computer. (For those of you who are curious, that position happens to be with me sitting on my hands.)
There may be a long list of things one could start complaining about and I'm starting to hear them wherever I go but they don't matter because the moment I walk outside I am in fall paradise and I'm lovin' it!

I WANT THAT ONE!

Have you ever humbly bowed your head and pleaded with God for something that He said "no" to?
Ya, I'm sure you have.
I was reminded of the times I have done that when I went to wal-mart recently and overheard a "spirited" conversation between a mother and daughter.
The little girl was determinded to get what she wanted and the mom was reasoning with her (in frusterated and somewhat frazzled tones) that the one that she (the mom) had picked out was better because it would stay pretty longer, she wouldn't outgrow it as fast and would be even more fun. But the little girl wanted the one she wanted. It was yellow and she wanted yellow.
Somewhere in the exchange I heard myself from so many other occasions saying, "Lord, I want that one."
And God, being all wise and all loving, said "no" to me because what He had in store was far better than what I had my eye on.
He knows all about the things we want and why or why not they are best for us. He knows what will happen if we do or don't get it. And He loves us enough to hold His ground and say "no".
He doesn't say no just to say no, He does it because He loves us so much that He wants us to have the very best, not to settle for second best. Sometimes I think what we ask for is far worse than second best. Sometimes we ask for trinkets (for whatever reason) and God wants to give us treasure.
There's a song that says "if God says no, there must be an even greater yes". Somewhere down the line, God will give you abundently more than we could ask or think. He has to say no sometimes to get us to yes.
When we ask for less, He's not going to give it to us because He delights in giving us better things. The best things.
That little girl was throwing a fit because she didn't get her way.
I hope we don't throw a fit when we don't get ours.
I wonder what would happen if mom had given in. She would have gotten her yellow whatever it was and she would think "look how much mom loves me, getting me what I wanted".
But soon, it would break or she'd outgrow it and have no use for it. She'd get tired of it and it wouldn't fit her needs any more. Then she would be left with something that she enjoyed for a season but all too quickly the season would come when she would disgard (or want to disgard) what she had. She could have still been enjoying it if she would have listened to mom, or if mom would have stood her ground and gotten what she saw was best for her in the long run and not what she wanted in the moment.
Which requires more love? Giving in or letting us throw a little fit but still saying no so that when the yes comes along, we will be oh so much better off.
In my life, I've been told "no" by God more than a few times. Sometimes it doesn't bother me and sometimes it does. Sometimes it downright hurts.
But looking back, I'm SO thankful for the no.
God took the no and replaced them with amazing yeses.
Looking back, I don't know where I'd be if I'd gotten some of those things that I prayed so hard about but I can tell you one thing. I wouldn't be where I am and there's a good chance I wouldn't like where I was or what I had. But where I am and what I have I do like. Love it actually. And a lot of it took some no to get here.

"When you can't trust His hand, trust His heart."

Sunday Scripture

28 Weeks

Sadly a little more true of me right now than I'd like to believe. But funny anyway.
I really do try to eat healthy. Mostly. But sometimes...well, you know.

FYI:
I added a "Here Comes Lydia" countdown at the bottom of the blog that explains what she's up to right now as well as calculates how many days left before she makes her grand entrance.

It's Here!

Soak it all up and try not to think about what comes after fall. :)

Goodbye To The Summer That Wasn't

According to my countdown banner at the bottom of this blog, summer is almost over and fall will begin in 8 days.
Wow.
Did anyone but me just miss this summer?
I don't even remember it.
Between Michigan's abnormally low temps this year and the fact that it has been one crazy summer for us, I still can't believe it's over when I'm still waiting for it to begin.
So here's to the summer that wasn't.
*Summer fun I didn't get to do this year*
1. Swimming. Not one time did I get to go swimming. It's been too cold. What a shame. And this, the year I would have looked just like a whale in a bathing suit.
2. Picnics. Well, we did go on a few with church family but cookouts weren't nearly as frequent this year as I would have liked.
3. Camping/fishing. Every year I tell myself this is the year we are gonna make that happen. Chalk another year up to that not happening.
4. Festivals/Fairs. I really enjoy going to these. Not to throw my money away on all the vendors and overpriced food stands but to just enjoy the atmosphere, the animals and people watch. Is there any greater entertainment than people watching at a fair/festival?
5. Camp. I didn't get to go to church camp this year. I hate that. I always have enjoyed going to church camp and this year I missed them all.

Yeppers, summer is over and it didn't even really get here.
But on the up side...FALL IS ALMOST HERE!
Last year I wrote a lot about my love of fall so I won't go into all that again this year (you can look them up in my archives, I still feel the same) but I am really looking forward to all fall is and it's just around the corner!
I am determined to take time and enjoy it, to soak it all in because fall was just meant to be enjoyed.
The leaves are already turning here, (yeah, crazy huh?) and fall weather is making appearances occasionally. Well, half our summer was fall-like weather, but I really am looking forward to that special nip in the air. I'd say I was going to get all my sweatshirts, sweaters, flannel pj's and blankets out soon but I never put them away. At least now I can use them and not grumble about the fact that I'm wearing sweaters in July. That was a little strange.
So I bid thee a fond farewell, summer- I'll (hopefully) catch up to you next year.
Hello Fall- I'm so glad you're here!

You Can't Help But Smile

When someone comes to your door bearing this....

and tells you it's because they care about you and just wanted to encourage your day, you can't help but smile whenever you look at them the rest of the day.
Aren't they just the "happiest" looking flowers you ever saw?
You can just tell they were meant to bring an extra dose of happy to the recipient- down to the colors and type of flowers.

Do I have great friends or what?

Thank you, Tammy. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Love Explained By Kids

What is the proper age to get married?
"Eighty-four! Because at that age, you don't have to work anymore and you can spend all your time loving each other." (Judy, 8)

"Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife!" (Tom, 5)

What do most people do on a date?
"On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for the second date." (Mike, 10)

When is it okay to kiss someone?
"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR 'cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." (Jim, 10)

"Never kiss in front of other people. It's a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy but just for a few hours." (Kelly, 9)

The Great Debate: Is it better to be single or married?
"It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them!" (Lynette, 9)

"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble." (Kenny, 7)

Concerning why love happens between two particular people
"No one is sure why it happens but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular." (Jan, 9)

"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." (Harlen, 8)

"One of the people has freckles and so he finds somebody else who has freckles, too." (Andrew, age 6)

Reflections on the nature of love
"Love is the most important thing in the world but baseball is pretty good too." (Greg, age 8)

How do people in love typically behave?
"Mooshy - like puppy dogs - except puppy dogs don't wag their tails nearly as much." (Arnold, age 10)

"All of a sudden, the people get movie fever so they can sit together in the dark." (Sherm, age 8)

On what falling in love is like
"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." (Roger, 9)

"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." (Leo, 7)

On the role of good looks in love
"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful." (Jeanne, 8)

"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet." (Gary, 7)

"Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time." (Christine, 9)

Concerning why lovers often hold hands
"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." (Dave, 8)

"They are just practicing for when they might have to walk down the aisle someday and do the holy matchimony thing." (John, age 9)

Confidential opinions about love
"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five but the girls keep finding me." (Bobby, 8)

"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough."(Regina, 10)

"Love is foolish - but I still might try it sometime." (Floyd, age 9)

The personal qualities necessary to be a good lover
"One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." (Ava, 8)

"Sensitivity doesn't hurt." (Robbie, age 8)

Some surefire ways to make a person fall in love with you
"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." (Del, 6)

"Yell out that you love them at the top of your lungs - and don't worry if their parents are right there." (Manuel, age 8)

"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention but attention ain't the same thing as love." (Alonzo, 9)

"One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me." (Bart, 9)

How can you tell if two adults eating dinner at a restaurant are in love?
"Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love." (John, 9)

"Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food." (Brad, 8)

"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are... on fire." (Christine, 9)

"Romantic adults usually are all dressed up, so if they are just wearing jeans it might mean they used to go out or they just broke up." (Sarah, age 9)

"See if the man has lipstick on his face." (Sandra, age 7)

What most people are thinking when they say, "I love you"
"The person is thinking: Yeah, I really do love him. But I hope he showers at least once a day." (Michelle, 9)

"Some lovers might be real nervous, so they are glad that they finally got it out and said it and now they can go eat." (Dick, age 7)

How was kissing invented?
"I know one reason that kissing was created. It makes you feel warm all over, and they didn't always have electric heat or fireplaces or even stoves in their houses." (Gina, age 8)

How a person learns to kiss
"You learn it right on the spot when the gooshy feelings get the best of you. (Doug, 7)

"It might help to watch soap operas all day." (Carin, age 9)

When is it okay to kiss someone?
"When they're rich." (Pam, age 7)

"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you. (Jean, 10)

"If it's your mother, you can kiss her anytime. But if it's a new person, you have to ask permission." (Roger, age 6)

How to make love endure?
"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." (Tom, 7)

"Don't forget your wife's name... That will mess up the love." (Roger, 8)

"Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash." (Bobby, 9)

"Don't say you love somebody and then change your mind - Love isn't like picking what movie you want to watch." (Natalie, age 9)

Titles of the love ballads you can sing to your beloved
How Do I Love Thee When You're Always Picking Your Nose? (Arnold, age 10)

I Love Hamburgers, I Like You! (Eddie, age 6)

Hey, Baby, I Don't like Girls but I'm Willing to Forget You Are One! (Will, age 7)


From Mark Lowry's Website

Things I Have Learned During The Moving Process

We are all moved in and the work of emptying the boxes and putting the contents of them into an organized, functional and homey order has begun. There is no place I can look where there is not a box and to be honest, it's a little daunting. I get tired just looking at them so sometimes I lay down and take a nap. They're still there when I get up.
If ever I wish I could just wiggle my nose and everything would pop into place it's now. I love decorating and I have a whole house waiting for me but here's the problem(s).
1. My body has recently been sucked of energy by this growing bump and after a matter of hours I'm ready to call it quits. (This is so frustrating as I feel I'm not getting enough done.)
2. I seem to have lost all creative ability at the wrong time. I blame the overwhelming mountain of boxes that has me a little, well, overwhelmed. It has squelched my creativity.
3. I don't know where to start!

So having spent a few days weaving my way around boxes going in circles, seemingly chasing my tail but accomplishing little else, I have learned and pondered on a few things that have helped me out and even put a spring in my step.
1. One box at a time does accomplish something even if it doesn't seem like it.
2. I have time and no one is putting time constraints on me, except me.
3. As it all slowly comes together I am totally loving our new home.
4. The boxes will go away and in a shorter time than I think it will be all done. I just try focus on the end result.
5. I have a tremendous amount of stuff-just stuff- and this is a great opportunity to purge. And don't get me started on clothes. I even apologized to Vince for the amount of clothing I own. It actually made me a little appalled.
6. I have THE MOST wonderful husband. He has worked tirelessly and without complaint to make my work load easier when I get so tired all I can do is slump on the couch and drool. I cannot say enough about all he has done and it almost makes me cry to think of all his efforts and the tender care he has shown for me, our baby girl and our new home.
Seriously ya'll, he has humbled me by his love, hard work and selflessness. Every day I lift up a grateful heart to the One who saw fit to bring us together. I DO NOT deserve such a wonderful man.
7. We have awesome friends who have shown us great love and kindness and who have given of themselves in so many ways I am in awe. They have taught me so much about what it means to love and serve each other in Christ. They make us feel so loved.
8. At the end of each day I don't have to think of what's left to be done but I can focus on what has been done and be thankful for the energy I had to finish the tasks now behind me. Doing that, I can relax and enjoy the evenings. My new favorite thing to do is to sit down on the couch in our very own home curled up next to my hubby and together watch my tummy as baby girl stretches and kicks around. Knowing we are preparing a home not just for us but for her as well is just to amazing for words.
9. I do not deserve any of what I have been given. I sit here humbled with a heart that doesn't quite know how to say "thank you" enough to those around me and especially to my heavenly Father who has poured out rich blessings on my life, undeserving as I am.

Kingsmen Videos

I've been on a Kingsmen kick lately thanks to the radio station I listen to playing a lot of their stuff. I had forgotten how good they were. They used to be one of my favorite groups but it's been a few years since I've played their music. I've really enjoyed getting reacquainted with this quartet.


I don't know how many times this song has helped me out. It has always been one of my favorites.



This song is fun to sing. I can't listen to it without singing along.



I wanna be this kind of mamma! It's my prayer that when my child(ren) are grown they will remember me this way.