If I didn't laugh, I'd cry

Our family has been anxiously anticipating a Thanksgiving vacation . The festivities were to begin in MI with my family and conclude in Virginia for Randy's grandmother's 90th birthday party. We've been preparing for weeks- travel plans (we were going to fly), luggage preparations, calls to the airlines, emails, discussions, setting aside gas money, etc. etc.

6AM- Travel Day--"Daaaaaady! Mmmmmoooomy! (sob sob sob) My jammies were choking me and I throwed-up all over my Dora pillow...my tummy hurts...and my legs hurt...and my head hurts...and (gagging....)

Poor Wyndham. The stomach flu finally got around to her. As disappointed and depressed about this new development as I was, clearly this was the way to go. She COULD have been throwing up all over her cousins in VA- or worse yet, all over an unsuspecting passenger on the flight there! We gave it an hour or so to make sure it wasn't just nerves...she threw up 3 more times and began running a temp. I changed her jammies 4 times, and she ended up sleeping in just a pull-up and a towel when all was said and done. The saddest and most charming moment of this whole fiasco came when Wyn exlaimed that she will probably be sick "fo-evah" as she dramatically touched her hand to her head and laid down.

As hard as it is to watch your kids have to go through illness, I love taking care of them in their hour or need. I remember always feeling so safe and nurtured when my mom would care for me when I would get sick. The thoughtful touches, cold washcloths on the forehead, clean jammies, chicken soup, special movie rental :). I always knew if I was sick, mom was going to be there to help. A couple of years ago, I took sick during the teaching day and had to come home to mommy. Out came the washcloth and Campbell's soup once more. Ahhhh....

I've been wistful about the missed trip this weekend, but have quite a few precious memories of babying my first "baby" back to health. Ironically, we just got our flu shots this past Monday, and Wyndham met our new pediatrician for the first time. I told Wyn I would have to call him to ask if we could give her "special medicine" to help her to feel better....she was scared that the doctor would have to give her another "shock" on her arm:)

The docotor DID recommend giving her Pedialyte for the dehydration. Daddy jumped in the car and brought home 2 large bottles of the "special juice" for Wyndham. She immediately guzzled a glass-full down. A few hours later, she seemed to have gained some of her strength back. She wanted to eat some food as well, but I warned her that we would have to take it slow as she might get sick again. She assured me that the "magical juice" daddy gave her would keep her safe and not make her "throwed-up" again.

It's helpful to laugh during times of disappointment. While I'll miss the family celebration in VA, I've been able to spend more time with my family here, which has been great. It's funny how much I enjoy my kids when other people get to enjoy them too....flu and all:)

I saw the following story on a blog I like to read called "Girl Talk". I laughed OUT LOUD when I read this Thanksgiving story. It SO reminds me of something Wyndham would do...I so love having girls! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

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THE GOOD NAPKINS...ahhhhh...the joys of having girls...

My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first mistake)....

One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping 'napkins' in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen?

Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that those were for "special occasions" (her second mistake)...

Now, fast forward a few months....It's Thanksgiving Day, and my folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table.

When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into laughter.

Next, in came his wife who gasped, then began giggling.

Next, in came my father, who roared with laughter.

Then in came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a "special occasion" napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!!

My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter.

"But, Mom, you SAID they were for special occasions!!!" Isn't it easier to just tell the truth and be careful who you ask to set the table for you!

A Closer Walk with Thee

Randy and I have been spending a lot of quality time together lately. Mind you, this quality time takes place between the hours of 8:30PM and midnight, but we will take what we can get as young parents! Normally, our quality time would be spent talking, reading, watching a movie--normal "couple" things. If we had a free day, we might try and find a fun quaint restaurant to discover, an out-of-the-way antique store full of treasure, or a park or lake in which to enjoy. While we of course still enjoy those things... we have been spending a ton of time listening to sermons online, reading the bible and books, and hashing out our theology together as a couple. 

Theology for me has never been something I spent a great deal of time truly investing in. I grew up a PK, I have a christian education....theology was handed to me, and why would I question it? Further more, beyond just questioning it, why would I want to know and understand why certain doctrines and belief exist to begin with?

I have come to the humble  conclusion that I have a LOT to learn about who God is and who I am in relation to his glory. This is not false humility by any stretch of the imagination. I recognize that I have grown up in a very comfortable world- one of protection, love, food, shelter, etc....Unfortunately, a fully protected safe existence doesn't leave much of a need for the saving grace of a Savior. 

The last year has been littered with pain, struggle and brokeness. In it, I have lost an uncle to suicide, I've witnessed a divorce in my immediate family, I have watched a sibling struggle with constant pain and anger, I've watched a loved one struggle with deep depression, I have lost a friend to death, I have weeped with friends through miscarriages, job loss and have watched friends be swept away into spiritual "myths" as described in II Timothy chapter 4. These in addition to our own personal loss and separation from family and relationships in OH. At one point this past fall, I truly thought I was going to have to be hospitalized. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually-- I thought I had reached my end. The transition to IL so close to the birth of Sophia coupled with the many other stresses of life truly almost put me over the edge. Visions of my marriage dissolving, even days where I wasn't sure life was worth living anymore. 

Thankfully, quietly and steadily, (and thanks to many prayers, a Godly husband and loving family) God drew me near to Him. He revealed to me that I have been believing LIES for far too long. It's as old as the Garden of Eden...does God REALLY tell us the truth? Is He who He really says He is? The answer is YES in capital letters. My spiritual weakness has revealed to me that I have a lot to learn and understand, and has reminded me that I cannot survive on my own strength. 

As the Spirit has instilled in me a hunger to learn and grow, I have risen above some of the thick and blinding clouds that have surrounded me. Mind you- I have not ARRIVED...far from it. If anything, I feel like I just woke up from a 28 year slumber. God has been teaching me that trials create perseverance and dependence on God and God alone (Phil. 3:12-16). 

When you have nothing left, when there is nothing you can truly do to manipulate your world and change your circumstances-- it is then that we finally realize that we have been distracted and denying the very thing that will bring us life: The love of a Father who made a way for us despite our rebellion--the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus the Son who endured God's wrath so that we wouldn't have to---and the work, power and regeneration of the Holy Spirit who guides our growth towards Christ and compels us to share the Gospel with the world. 

Basically, I have realized that just because I have experienced blessing in my life, just because I have Christian parents, education, etc., just because of a number of other things.... it doesn't mean that I have a living thriving relationship and understanding of God. I have realized that if I ever feel like I have arrived I am either kidding myself, or need to repent of being prideful. I need Christ and a true understanding and trust in His truth and work more now than I ever have before....23 years after kneeling to accept Christ as my Savior to begin with!

If you are experiencing hardships, loss, fear, pain...take comfort in who God is. If your circumstances compel you to run to God, thank Him for drawing you near once again. Let us humbly keep this right perspective of who we are and who God is. Let us pray for the power of the Spirit to strengthen and teach us. We need strength in this coming age. This world is passing away- but the Good News is that the tomb is empty- the penalty is paid and we have the utter privilege of living and being in relationship to our God for eternity.

Below is a link to a sermon we recently listened to. It was given by Pastor Josh Harris from Covenant Life church. Yes- this is the same guy who wrote "I Kissed Dating Goodbye". Let me assure you, whether or not you liked or dislike that book, he has grown into a tremendous teacher and pastor. The link will lead you to a sermon entitled "Prayer for Spiritual Strength". What I like about this sermon is that he doesn't offer the typical trite answers "just do this and that and wala! Spiritual maturity!" He gets at the root of our problem- our hearts. 

I encourage you to take some time to listen and reflect. It is an hour long, so you may have to plan it, but it is well worth it. Randy and I have enjoyed getting a warm beverage and settling in during these dark cold evenings to be illuminated by God's truth. I pray that you will be encouraged and convicted a we have.

Prayer for Spiritual Strength- Sermon- Josh Harris

Serbian Abortionist Who Aborted 48,000 Babies Becomes Pro-Life Activist

I saw this article posted on a blog that I like to follow. Wow. Talk about a Saul/Paul conversion. I hope this man knows Jesus!

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MADRID, November 13, 2008 (CNA) - The Spanish daily "La Razon" has published an article on the pro-life conversion of a former "champion of abortion." Stojan Adasevic, who performed 48,000 abortions, sometimes up to 35 per day, is now the most important pro-life leader in Serbia, after spending 26 years as the most renowned abortion doctor in the country.

"The medical textbooks of the Communist regime said abortion was simply the removal of a blob of tissue," the newspaper reported. "Ultrasounds allowing the fetus to be seen did not arrive until the 80s, but they did not change his opinion. Nevertheless, he began to have nightmares."

In describing his conversion, Adasevic said he "dreamed about a beautiful field full of children and young people who were playing and laughing, from 4 to 24 years of age, but who ran away from him in fear. A man dressed in a black and white habit stared at him in silence. The dream was repeated each night and he would wake up in a cold sweat. One night he asked the man in black and white who he was. 'My name is Thomas Aquinas,' the man in his dream responded. Adasevic, educated in communist schools, had never heard of the Dominican genius saint. He didn't recognize the name."

"Why don't you ask me who these children are?" St. Thomas asked Adasevic in his dream.

"They are the ones you killed with your abortions,” the Dominican saint told him.

"Adasevic awoke in amazement and decided not to perform any more abortions," the article stated.

"That same day a cousin came to the hospital with his four months-pregnant girlfriend, who wanted to get her ninth abortion - something quite frequent in the countries of the Soviet bloc. The doctor agreed. Instead of removing the fetus piece by piece, he decided to chop it up and remove it as a mass. However, the baby's heart came out still beating. Adasevic realized then that he had killed a human being,"

After this experience, Adasevic "told the hospital he would no longer perform abortions. Never before had a doctor in Communist Yugoslavia refused to do so. They cut his salary in half, fired his daughter from her job, and did not allow his son to enter the university."

After years of pressure and on the verge of giving up, he had another dream about St. Thomas.

"You are my good friend, keep going,” the man in black and white told him. “Adasevic became involved in the pro-life movement and was able to get Yugoslav television to air the film 'The Silent Scream,' by Doctor Bernard Nathanson, two times."

Adasevic has told his story in magazines and newspapers throughout Eastern Europe. He has returned to the Orthodox faith of his childhood and has studied the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

"Influenced by Aristotle, Thomas wrote that human life begins forty days after fertilization," Adasevic wrote in one article. Scientific advancements since Thomas’ time, however, have revealed that human life begins at the moment of conception. La Razon commented that Adasevic "suggests that perhaps the saint wanted to make amends for that error." Today the Serbian doctor continues to fight for the lives of the unborn.

(Reprinted with permission from the Catholic News Agency)

See the Catholic News Agency Online here:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

I have been praying for clarity and comfort in this crazy election season. John Piper, author and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis has this to say about the election. See also this outline...

Outline:

1. Womanhood
2. Race
3. Abortion
4. Prophetic perspective
5. Sovereignty of God
6. Gospel

The latest Wyndhamisms

I can't help but add a few more as of late. I think I may begin penning a novel:)

(As she was washing the windows with mommy)- "I can't WAIT to gwoh- (grow) up so I can do all of the things that humans do!"

(After being told we were going to a family friend's house for dinner) We are going to Miss Sandy's house for dinner? Wait a minute....is Miss Sandy a human....or a dog? (Perhaps she has taken "Annie" too much to heart:)

(After being questioned about wanting more brother and sisters) "I want 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Actually, I want you to have babies come out of your tummy like that (pointing to the computer printer as some papers were printing out) Swoosh-Swoosh-Swoosh! They can come out like that. Maybe we should have 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14- eleven-teen (I don't think she knows 15 exists) 19 20 babies!!"