I love to take time to reflect on how God has met me throughout the year. The end of the year is a perfect time to do that! I started this post on the last day of 2011, but I didn't get to finish it because children woke from naps and needed me, so it'll have to do nearly a week in to January.
I went back to re-read my first post of 2011. One of the goals I set for myself was to read the Bible in chronological order. My mom had bought me this Bible and it was set up so that you could read it through in a year. I didn't think that was a realistic goal for me, but guess what? I did it!! I read the whole Bible in a year. I did not do as well with doing Bible studies on my own. I did it for a little while in the beginning of the year, but I didn't continue it throughout the year.
Anne continues to be creative and imaginative. We've read the whole Narnia series, Anne of Green Gables, have started Anne of Avonlea, and many other books in between. Her already large vocabulary is increasing rapidly. She has memorized more Scripture, some at home and some in Sunday School. She loves learning and doing "homework". She has learned the alphabet in upper ans lowercase, writes several words, and can read a few, too! Anne continues to mother her little sisters. She's always eager to learn more.
Abbey has also grown this year! She is fully potty trained during the day (if you read any of my posts throughout the year you'll realize the struggle that was involved with this). Abbey is very good at quickly accomplishing 24-piece puzzles. She is still much more quiet than Anne, but that is great! Not all children are alike, and that's a wonderful thing. Abbey has grown a little bit more independent in 2011. She is in a separate Sunday School class from Anne and does well. It took a couple weeks of crying, but she has grown! She loves going to Sunday School and SMILE. Abbey still looks up to Anne but also loves to mother Maggie.
As predicted, 2011 was a year of many physical changes for Magdalena. She learned to roll over, sit up, crawl and walk!! She is talking a lot, too. I love to hear her cute baby voice. She tries to sing, but often it is just high-pitch squealing along with "Jesus". We walked through a difficult time of handling a gluten-intolerance and then a clean bill of health just a couple of months ago. We are so thankful to God for this miracle in our lives.
Trent was able to preach several times throughout 2011. He joined the Ministry team at work and he has taken on a lot of responsibility with trying to provide vision for our church. I'm so thankful for him and his good job that he really enjoys.
Looking back, 2011 was a bit of a weird year for our family. There was no new baby, and our thoughts of starting the international adoption process was halted. We have also been thinking about selling our house, but that didn't take place in 2011. Both Trent and I feel like we have experienced much spiritual growth in 2011, and are looking forward to this new year. I will plan to write out some goals before too long (I hope!)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Encouraging the Encourager
A few weeks ago I was challenged by a sermon to not bother to decorate for Christmas if I wasn't going to bother telling somebody about why I decorate and celebrate. So, I determined that I would share with a couple of neighbors why I decorate my home for Christmas, and ask why they decorate.
Anne learned a cute song in Sunday School that says, "Christmas bells, Christmas bells, ring on Christmas day! Tell each happy boy and girl God's son was born today!" Trent thought it would be cute if they sang that song to our neighbors when we distributed our little gifts to them. The girls decorated paper lunch bags and helped me make some instant cappuccino mix which we put into glass jars and decorated with red and green ribbon. We practiced the song and I worked up my courage and off we went.
There was no answer at the first door we knocked at, only to find out that the woman had gone to ring bell for the Salvation Army and would be gone all day. The next house was our dear friend, the girls sang her their song and gave her her gift. We crossed the street and went up the steps of the cute house of a sweet woman who was always very kind but I just never was sure if she knew about Jesus since I never asked.
We knocked on the door and to our delight, both the woman and her sister who lives next door to her were there. (Does God have perfect timing or what?) As we were invited into the home Abbey started ringing her bells and Anne and Abbey belted out their song. They were not nervous at all to share their faith and to share about the birth of Jesus! After the song was over we gave them their gifts and visited for awhile. We had a really good conversation about church and Jesus and why we celebrate. As it turns out, they do know the Lord, although they have not been attending a church regularly for awhile. They talked about their excitement for a Christmas Eve Service they hoped to attend. And, of course, they loved on the girls.
When we were getting ready to leave, one of the women said, "Thank you so much for coming to see us. You have no idea how much this means to me!" This woman was unable to have children, although she loves them dearly. Both sisters talked about how special Christmas is when there are children around. As I cast one last look at her perfectly decorated home and walked the few houses back to my own home with its sticky floors and books and toys spread over the carpet, I had to think about how right she was. My house may not be as beautiful as hers, but it is nearly bursting at the seams with love - love of God - love of family - love of neighbors - love of friends. I realized at that moment how truly blessed I am. I went to give simple gifts and offer encouragement in the name of Jesus to these neighbors, but I believe I ended up receiving more than I gave.
Anne learned a cute song in Sunday School that says, "Christmas bells, Christmas bells, ring on Christmas day! Tell each happy boy and girl God's son was born today!" Trent thought it would be cute if they sang that song to our neighbors when we distributed our little gifts to them. The girls decorated paper lunch bags and helped me make some instant cappuccino mix which we put into glass jars and decorated with red and green ribbon. We practiced the song and I worked up my courage and off we went.
There was no answer at the first door we knocked at, only to find out that the woman had gone to ring bell for the Salvation Army and would be gone all day. The next house was our dear friend, the girls sang her their song and gave her her gift. We crossed the street and went up the steps of the cute house of a sweet woman who was always very kind but I just never was sure if she knew about Jesus since I never asked.
We knocked on the door and to our delight, both the woman and her sister who lives next door to her were there. (Does God have perfect timing or what?) As we were invited into the home Abbey started ringing her bells and Anne and Abbey belted out their song. They were not nervous at all to share their faith and to share about the birth of Jesus! After the song was over we gave them their gifts and visited for awhile. We had a really good conversation about church and Jesus and why we celebrate. As it turns out, they do know the Lord, although they have not been attending a church regularly for awhile. They talked about their excitement for a Christmas Eve Service they hoped to attend. And, of course, they loved on the girls.
When we were getting ready to leave, one of the women said, "Thank you so much for coming to see us. You have no idea how much this means to me!" This woman was unable to have children, although she loves them dearly. Both sisters talked about how special Christmas is when there are children around. As I cast one last look at her perfectly decorated home and walked the few houses back to my own home with its sticky floors and books and toys spread over the carpet, I had to think about how right she was. My house may not be as beautiful as hers, but it is nearly bursting at the seams with love - love of God - love of family - love of neighbors - love of friends. I realized at that moment how truly blessed I am. I went to give simple gifts and offer encouragement in the name of Jesus to these neighbors, but I believe I ended up receiving more than I gave.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
An Anniversary, A Sisterhood, and Faith
The Hess sisters are doing well. Typically Magdalena is my little side-kick, attached at the hip, girl. The other evening while preparing dinner she took up her usual spot, on my hip, while Annie and Abbey played in the living room. It didn't take long for the noise level to get high, followed by giggles and shouts and jumping. As Maggie strained to see what the big sisters were doing, she said, "Down". I put her down and she ran as fast as her short little legs would carry her to join in the fun. It was such a beautiful moment as both girls saw her coming and welcomed her with open arms into their Sisterhood. It brought tears to my eyes because as closely bonded as Anne and Abbey are, they had no qualms with making room for the littlest. I cannot take credit for this, but I do thank the Lord for it. I know this is not the case in every family so I am all the more thankful for it.
Doesn't it seem that when we are really pursuing the Lord that we grow so much more? I have really really been struggling with having the faith that God will work out the timing of everything that we hope will happen in the coming months. In my head, I know that He will, because He always works everything out, and when I look back I can see His holy hand upon each situation. But when I'm in the midst of it, it's so hard to see. That is how I am right now. I'm in the thick of the planning part of selling/moving/buying/fostering/adopting and I can't quite see the end result. I have an idea of how I would like all of this to look and work out, but I'm just not sure what God has in mind. I've reached a point in my life where I so desperately want to be in the will of God that it sometimes creates this tension in me because I am over-analyzing every situation and possibility.
And so, as often happens, God speaks to me through Scripture. In our evening devotions yesterday the following verses were shared.
2 Kings 7: 2 "If the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?"
Mark 11:22 "Have faith in God."
Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith it is impossible to please Him."
Matthew 19:26 "With God all things are possible."
Isaiah 50:2 "Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?"
Isaiah 55:8-9 "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are you ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
Malachi 3:10 ""Try Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."
Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear."
2 Chronicles 14:11 "Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power."
2 Corinthians 1:9 "We should not trust in ourselves bu in God who raises the dead."
With the busyness of Christmas just around the corner, I fully intend to take some time to spend with the Lord. Just to be quiet, to remember the birth of my dear Savior, and to reflect on the blessings of 2011. I am so excited for 2012, but I think that I need to remember to slow down and enjoy each little moment of peace that I can for the rest of 2011.
May the God of all Creation bring you Comfort and Joy this Christmas.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A Stumbling Block
I recently posted on Facebook what I thought would be an entertaining debate on Santa. I asked Santa or no Santa, why or why not. Looking back, I wish I would've had the sense not to do that. There were, of course, many comments, most of them very passionate supporting their side of whether to "do" Santa or not.
I grew up in a home that "did" Santa. I believed in Santa, and have fond memories of staying up late with my sisters, listening for Santa on the roof, and looking forward to opening our stockings on Christmas morning, wondering what Santa brought for us. I don't remember an exact moment of when I learned that Santa was not real, but it was early in elementary school, maybe Kindergarten or 1st grade. I'm sure part of me knew prior to this that Santa couldn't possibly be real. Many of the people who were pro-Santa said to do it for the memories. I think this is what they meant.
When Trent and I got married and after we had Anne, we briefly discussed whether we would do Santa or not. Trent grew up in a home that did not believe in Santa, and after talking about it, we agreed that we would not pretend that there was a Santa that came to the house to deliver presents. Since we don't have any books about Santa Claus or a TV, we would have to completely fabricate a story to tell the children. It really feels like (and is) a lie. We want to always be truthful to our children, and believe it is important that they can trust us.
Looking back on my childhood, I can't say that I ever felt that my parents were liars because they told us about Santa. Trent and I are just choosing to do something different with our children, and I think that's okay. To be honest, I don't really have a problem with people doing Santa. I know that children enjoy it the same as they do other fairy tales. To me, this is a little different because you're actually trying to get a child to believe in something that isn't real and they can't see. We want our children to always believe in Jesus, even though they can't see him, and I would worry that this could be too confusing for little ones. Plus, when I have talked with Anne briefly about Santa and asked if she thought he was real she laughed and said, "no!" She has seen the classic Rudolph movie on YouTube, and recognizes Santa as a character, similar to Peter Pan or Bambi.
Now to the stumbling block. After reading several comments on why people did/or didn't do Santa, there was one girl who commented that she thinks it is so cruel for people to not allow their children to believe in Santa and people need to stop forcing their religion onto other people. It made me step back and think. Are my thoughts about Santa creating a stumbling block for another person to come to Christ?
1 Corinthians 8:9 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
I grew up in a home that "did" Santa. I believed in Santa, and have fond memories of staying up late with my sisters, listening for Santa on the roof, and looking forward to opening our stockings on Christmas morning, wondering what Santa brought for us. I don't remember an exact moment of when I learned that Santa was not real, but it was early in elementary school, maybe Kindergarten or 1st grade. I'm sure part of me knew prior to this that Santa couldn't possibly be real. Many of the people who were pro-Santa said to do it for the memories. I think this is what they meant.
*Best Friends*
When Trent and I got married and after we had Anne, we briefly discussed whether we would do Santa or not. Trent grew up in a home that did not believe in Santa, and after talking about it, we agreed that we would not pretend that there was a Santa that came to the house to deliver presents. Since we don't have any books about Santa Claus or a TV, we would have to completely fabricate a story to tell the children. It really feels like (and is) a lie. We want to always be truthful to our children, and believe it is important that they can trust us.
*sisters*
Looking back on my childhood, I can't say that I ever felt that my parents were liars because they told us about Santa. Trent and I are just choosing to do something different with our children, and I think that's okay. To be honest, I don't really have a problem with people doing Santa. I know that children enjoy it the same as they do other fairy tales. To me, this is a little different because you're actually trying to get a child to believe in something that isn't real and they can't see. We want our children to always believe in Jesus, even though they can't see him, and I would worry that this could be too confusing for little ones. Plus, when I have talked with Anne briefly about Santa and asked if she thought he was real she laughed and said, "no!" She has seen the classic Rudolph movie on YouTube, and recognizes Santa as a character, similar to Peter Pan or Bambi.
*My Magdalena*
Now to the stumbling block. After reading several comments on why people did/or didn't do Santa, there was one girl who commented that she thinks it is so cruel for people to not allow their children to believe in Santa and people need to stop forcing their religion onto other people. It made me step back and think. Are my thoughts about Santa creating a stumbling block for another person to come to Christ?
1 Corinthians 8:9 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
Of course, if a person is weak it could go the other way, too. If I do allow my children to believe in Santa, which feels fine to me, it could create a stumbling block for a person who believes it is wrong.
Believing in Santa Claus is not a salvation issue. So looking back, instead of creating controversy, I should have said nothing. My sister says that I'm an instigator, which can be true. I enjoy a hearty debate and can often appreciate both sides. But not everyone can. And so, I've repented of my error in judgement and will try hard not to do anything of that nature again.
Believing in Santa Claus is not a salvation issue. So looking back, instead of creating controversy, I should have said nothing. My sister says that I'm an instigator, which can be true. I enjoy a hearty debate and can often appreciate both sides. But not everyone can. And so, I've repented of my error in judgement and will try hard not to do anything of that nature again.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Scattered Thoughts
We've been having some rough times with Anne. She won't go to sleep at night, and keeps Abbey awake since they share a room. She has learned that if she takes a book she can flip the light switch on since she can't reach it. The first time this happened we didn't realize it and the girls were awake until almost 11 pm. We've tried spanking, taking away toys, taping the light switch, all to no avail.
We're trying something a little different with Anne. Friends have given me lots of advise (mainly that she's probably not tired since she usually takes a 3 hour nap), and I'm trying my own compilation of what I think will work best for Annie. I created a box of quiet things for Annie to do during nap time. Right now, there are a few colored pencils, two blank papers and two coloring book pages, 3 easy-reader books, a doll and doll clothes, and some stuffed animals. Today was our first day instituting the nap time box. After I put the other girls down for nap, I read Anne a chapter in "Anne of Green Gables", then I allowed her to get our her box to play quietly on her own. She did this for about an hour and a half, and then after checking on her a few times, could see she was getting tired. I suggested she lie down to sleep, and I am planning on only allowing her to sleep for an hour and a half at the most. Yesterday I did not have her "nap box" put together, so it was unsuccessful. She got into stuff in my room that she should not, and was not quiet at all. I only let her sleep about 45 minutes and it was just not long enough. So we're trying this today, and we'll see how it works!
I have a feeling this will be successful because I'm trying to make it as positive as possible. A similar "trick" I am doing with the light switch. She may turn on any light she wants in the morning, but at night, lights are off. I think we all enjoy when things are looked at in a positive light, and Anne especially so.
We read the following passage today in "Anne of Green Gables" and I really believe it fits my Anne. (page 178)
"For Anne to take things calmly would have been to change her nature. All "spirit and fire and dew", as she was, the pleasures and pains of life came to her with trebled intensity. Marilla felt this and was vaguely troubled over it, realizing that the ups and downs of existence would probably bear hardly on this impulsive soul and not sufficiently understanding that the equally great capacity for delight might more than compensate." As I thought about it, it occurred to me that my Anne has a great depth of feeling. Prior to this I would have said she is a sensitive child. She cries so easily, yet on the opposite end, she laughs harder than most other children. She gets immense joy out of life, but feels sorrow very deeply. The child is passionate.
I have been so frustrated with Anne disobeying me (it feels like all day long) or making excuses for not doing something right away when I ask. Then it struck me, how often do I do this to her? Our children learn from our example. How often does she ask me to do something for her, but I say, "I'll do it when I'm finished washing these dishes," or I'll say, "Let me switch the laundry over first, then I'll read you that book." Today I was very intentional about what I said. I paid closer attention to what the children's needs were, and I think I was better at meeting those needs. Abbey asked me to read a book, and I started to say, "let me just..." but instead I said, "Sure, Abbey, I'll read you that book! I'll put those dishes in the dishwasher later."
It may not seem like a big deal to you, but guess what? My morning went better today than it has in a long time (except that we missed a doctor appointment that I forgot to write on the calendar). Today felt like a victory. It's not easy to always put yourself second, but this is my calling. Mothering is my calling, and it is my job to do as good of a job as I possibly can.
I was thinking last night about how I'd love to have some closer relationships with some of my girlfriends. But I think about how much my children need me right now. I know that they won't always, and in the future there will be time for deeper relationships. So for now, I am going deeper with the children and with Trent. I am thankful for life, for Trent, for the children. Even when the girls are up to their crazy bedtime stunts, I really do love every moment. Only the good Lord knows how long we have on this earth. So if I spend every day being thankful and truly acknowledging my blessings, I believe if/when some difficult days come, I will be able to stand firm in my faith.
We're trying something a little different with Anne. Friends have given me lots of advise (mainly that she's probably not tired since she usually takes a 3 hour nap), and I'm trying my own compilation of what I think will work best for Annie. I created a box of quiet things for Annie to do during nap time. Right now, there are a few colored pencils, two blank papers and two coloring book pages, 3 easy-reader books, a doll and doll clothes, and some stuffed animals. Today was our first day instituting the nap time box. After I put the other girls down for nap, I read Anne a chapter in "Anne of Green Gables", then I allowed her to get our her box to play quietly on her own. She did this for about an hour and a half, and then after checking on her a few times, could see she was getting tired. I suggested she lie down to sleep, and I am planning on only allowing her to sleep for an hour and a half at the most. Yesterday I did not have her "nap box" put together, so it was unsuccessful. She got into stuff in my room that she should not, and was not quiet at all. I only let her sleep about 45 minutes and it was just not long enough. So we're trying this today, and we'll see how it works!
I have a feeling this will be successful because I'm trying to make it as positive as possible. A similar "trick" I am doing with the light switch. She may turn on any light she wants in the morning, but at night, lights are off. I think we all enjoy when things are looked at in a positive light, and Anne especially so.
We read the following passage today in "Anne of Green Gables" and I really believe it fits my Anne. (page 178)
"For Anne to take things calmly would have been to change her nature. All "spirit and fire and dew", as she was, the pleasures and pains of life came to her with trebled intensity. Marilla felt this and was vaguely troubled over it, realizing that the ups and downs of existence would probably bear hardly on this impulsive soul and not sufficiently understanding that the equally great capacity for delight might more than compensate." As I thought about it, it occurred to me that my Anne has a great depth of feeling. Prior to this I would have said she is a sensitive child. She cries so easily, yet on the opposite end, she laughs harder than most other children. She gets immense joy out of life, but feels sorrow very deeply. The child is passionate.
I have been so frustrated with Anne disobeying me (it feels like all day long) or making excuses for not doing something right away when I ask. Then it struck me, how often do I do this to her? Our children learn from our example. How often does she ask me to do something for her, but I say, "I'll do it when I'm finished washing these dishes," or I'll say, "Let me switch the laundry over first, then I'll read you that book." Today I was very intentional about what I said. I paid closer attention to what the children's needs were, and I think I was better at meeting those needs. Abbey asked me to read a book, and I started to say, "let me just..." but instead I said, "Sure, Abbey, I'll read you that book! I'll put those dishes in the dishwasher later."
It may not seem like a big deal to you, but guess what? My morning went better today than it has in a long time (except that we missed a doctor appointment that I forgot to write on the calendar). Today felt like a victory. It's not easy to always put yourself second, but this is my calling. Mothering is my calling, and it is my job to do as good of a job as I possibly can.
I was thinking last night about how I'd love to have some closer relationships with some of my girlfriends. But I think about how much my children need me right now. I know that they won't always, and in the future there will be time for deeper relationships. So for now, I am going deeper with the children and with Trent. I am thankful for life, for Trent, for the children. Even when the girls are up to their crazy bedtime stunts, I really do love every moment. Only the good Lord knows how long we have on this earth. So if I spend every day being thankful and truly acknowledging my blessings, I believe if/when some difficult days come, I will be able to stand firm in my faith.
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