Sunday the Anne girl told me that she asked Jesus to come and live in heart. I wasn't sure if she actually knew what this meant, and was hoping that we would get a chance to talk about it.
Today the opportunity presented itself. We were eating lunch, and as often happens, we have great conversation at the table. We were talking about what we are Thankful to God for, as we think about Thanksgiving. I told the girls that I am thankful to God for each one of them, that I love them, and I love how each of them are different. I said I am thankful to God that He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth as a baby, that he lived and he died to save us from our sins.
Anne chimed in with something like this, "I'm thankful to God that when I die I will get to go to Heaven because I asked Jesus to come and live in my heart." We had more conversation about why she needed to do this, because we are all sinners. She enjoys saying, "Even Mommys and Daddys sin sometimes." And I really believe that she "gets it". She prayed on her own that Jesus would come in her heart and that He would help her to obey Him. I told her that Mommy and Daddy are so happy that she did this, and that we prayed that she would one day accept Jesus even before she was born. I told her that the Bible tells us (Mark 16:15 NIV) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." I explained that that means we need to tell other people about Jesus so that they can love Him, too, and that they can go to Heaven when they die.
She immediately turned to Abbey and said, "Abbey, did you know that Jesus died on the cross to save you from your sins? You should ask Him to come and live in your heart!"
Abbey responded matter-of-factly, "I already did!"
I know that they are only 4 and 2 and 1/2, but I really do believe that they understand to some degree, and I promised Annie and Abbey that I would try to help them to continue to follow God and love Him all the days of their lives.
A little later Anne ran upstairs. I assumed that she went to the bathroom, but before long I heard loud singing. As I went to investigate, she was lying on her bed with her arms up in the air singing praises to God that He is living in her heart.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to God that two of my children have dedicated their little hearts to the Lord. And even little Maggie raised her hands to heaven to "Praise God" with us!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Devil's Lies and a Sign
In case you couldn't tell, I was not my normal, happy self earlier this week. I'm very thankful to be feeling much better now and to have fresh perspective on life and what really matters.
In my last post I said "I am beginning to feel like I'm not doing anything of value currently, and so need to be doing something."
Can you see how this is (in the words of Trent) complete garbage?? These are lies that the devil whispers to us mothers. It may take the form of, "you're not doing enough," "you aren't a good mother," "you aren't a good housekeeper," "you aren't patient enough," etc. etc. In the depressed mood I was in I began to buy into the lie that I wasn't doing anything of value. WHAT?? Raising three daughters IS of value! Even if my house isn't clean, or I at times lose patience, or it is noon and I haven't brushed my hair, I AM BUILDING GOD'S KINGDOM. And that, my friends, is always of value, and always enough.
In my strange mood, I also prayed an odd prayer. I had prayed that God would reveal to me in a dream what I am supposed to do. Now, I have never before had a "vision" of what I was to do. But I thought it would be worth praying for. No, I did not have a dream, but God spoke to me as He usually does, through people and Scripture.
Yesterday I took the girls to McDonald's after Anne's 4 year well-child visit. Annie had to get 4 shots, Maggie got the flu shot, and Abbey and Anne both got the nasal-spray flu vaccine. I had told them if they were good girls we would go to McDonald's for lunch. Typically if we do this, we drive through and then take it home to eat. But for some reason, Anne really wanted to eat inside, so we did. And for some reason, they wanted to play in the play-area instead of having ice cream cones. And wouldn't you know, there was one woman out there with her two little boys, a four year old and a one year old. As this woman and I talked while the children played, she revealed to me that the sweet boys are actually foster-boys. So I took this "chance encounter" and accepted it as my sign from God that foster-adopt is indeed what we were to do.
Our devotions last evening shared this timely verse:
Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"
I hear you, Lord!! Thank you for revealing yourself to me.
In my last post I said "I am beginning to feel like I'm not doing anything of value currently, and so need to be doing something."
Can you see how this is (in the words of Trent) complete garbage?? These are lies that the devil whispers to us mothers. It may take the form of, "you're not doing enough," "you aren't a good mother," "you aren't a good housekeeper," "you aren't patient enough," etc. etc. In the depressed mood I was in I began to buy into the lie that I wasn't doing anything of value. WHAT?? Raising three daughters IS of value! Even if my house isn't clean, or I at times lose patience, or it is noon and I haven't brushed my hair, I AM BUILDING GOD'S KINGDOM. And that, my friends, is always of value, and always enough.
In my strange mood, I also prayed an odd prayer. I had prayed that God would reveal to me in a dream what I am supposed to do. Now, I have never before had a "vision" of what I was to do. But I thought it would be worth praying for. No, I did not have a dream, but God spoke to me as He usually does, through people and Scripture.
Yesterday I took the girls to McDonald's after Anne's 4 year well-child visit. Annie had to get 4 shots, Maggie got the flu shot, and Abbey and Anne both got the nasal-spray flu vaccine. I had told them if they were good girls we would go to McDonald's for lunch. Typically if we do this, we drive through and then take it home to eat. But for some reason, Anne really wanted to eat inside, so we did. And for some reason, they wanted to play in the play-area instead of having ice cream cones. And wouldn't you know, there was one woman out there with her two little boys, a four year old and a one year old. As this woman and I talked while the children played, she revealed to me that the sweet boys are actually foster-boys. So I took this "chance encounter" and accepted it as my sign from God that foster-adopt is indeed what we were to do.
Our devotions last evening shared this timely verse:
Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"
I hear you, Lord!! Thank you for revealing yourself to me.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
An Unfamiliar Time
I know this will sound strange to many of you, but I have recently entered a foreign land. Baby is completely weaned at 14 1/2 months, and I'm not pregnant. This is the first time that I have been at this point in time since January, 2007.... almost 5 years.
So it is very strange for me. I'm going through this time where, to be honest, I feel a little lost. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing with myself and where I should be expending my energy. Obviously I have three young children, and they require energy, but I have so much more! I really feel like there is something missing in my life right now.
I'm excited for the future, but the future is just that. I am challenged to be useful and of value where I am. I am beginning to feel like I'm not doing anything of value currently, and so need to be doing something. I just don't know what it is. At the risk of sounding even more strange, I've been asking God to reveal to me in a dream what he wants me to do. I'd love to hear how God reveals himself to you all?
So it is very strange for me. I'm going through this time where, to be honest, I feel a little lost. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing with myself and where I should be expending my energy. Obviously I have three young children, and they require energy, but I have so much more! I really feel like there is something missing in my life right now.
I'm excited for the future, but the future is just that. I am challenged to be useful and of value where I am. I am beginning to feel like I'm not doing anything of value currently, and so need to be doing something. I just don't know what it is. At the risk of sounding even more strange, I've been asking God to reveal to me in a dream what he wants me to do. I'd love to hear how God reveals himself to you all?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Four
Yesterday marked four years since Anne Margaret Hess was born. Four years. . .
*2 Days old*
*1 Year old*
*2 Years old*
*3 Years old*
*4 Years old*
As the eldest child Anne bears the brunt of my parenting mistakes. She has the unasked for role of "Guinea Pig". And she handles it so well. She is so forgiving and easily asks forgiveness. She has taught me much.
Anne and I have the joy of having very similar personalities. This can be great because we enjoy doing much of the same things (reading!). But it has caused some difficulty as well. We can both be stubborn, want things done our way, and are always right. I am constantly being challenged by this little one. I get frustrated with her sometimes. And yet, I love her so deeply. I value our mother-daughter relationship more than I value being right all the time. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm learning.
Anne has challenged me to be more vocal about my faith in Christ. She is always eager to share her love of Jesus with everyone we meet. She is forcing me to find creative ways to live out my faith and share the love of God with neighbors, friends and family.
The Anne girl has a beautiful motherly spirit in her. She dotes on her younger sisters, cares for them and protects them. I am thoroughly enjoying watching Anne grow up and slowly mature into a beautiful girl. I look forward to watching her grow up into a young woman. I am excited to watch the plan that God has for her life slowly unfold.
We have laughed together, cried together, prayed together and sang together. I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing Anne into our family in His perfect timing.
God is good.
*2 Days old*
*1 Year old*
*2 Years old*
*3 Years old*
*4 Years old*
Four years goes quick.
Anne and I have the joy of having very similar personalities. This can be great because we enjoy doing much of the same things (reading!). But it has caused some difficulty as well. We can both be stubborn, want things done our way, and are always right. I am constantly being challenged by this little one. I get frustrated with her sometimes. And yet, I love her so deeply. I value our mother-daughter relationship more than I value being right all the time. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm learning.
Anne has challenged me to be more vocal about my faith in Christ. She is always eager to share her love of Jesus with everyone we meet. She is forcing me to find creative ways to live out my faith and share the love of God with neighbors, friends and family.
The Anne girl has a beautiful motherly spirit in her. She dotes on her younger sisters, cares for them and protects them. I am thoroughly enjoying watching Anne grow up and slowly mature into a beautiful girl. I look forward to watching her grow up into a young woman. I am excited to watch the plan that God has for her life slowly unfold.
We have laughed together, cried together, prayed together and sang together. I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing Anne into our family in His perfect timing.
God is good.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Baby Steps & A Miracle
I believe that every child is a gift from God.
Psalm 127:3 (New Living Translation) "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."
And each gift is different.
Psalm 139:13 (NIV) "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."
Sometimes these precious gifts face more challenges than others. Sometimes we are blessed with "easy" lives, good health, and financial stability. Other times we face challenges, poor health, a difficult economy, desert days.
My post today, "Baby Steps & A Miracle" is just that.
Baby is taking steps; lots of them! She started taking a step or two here and there about a month ago. Now she walks probably 50% of the time. She will often start crawling if she isn't going fast enough. Maggie's personality is blossoming. She is wild, and willful, and naughty; yet is also snuggly, lovey, and sweet. Isn't that beautiful? The joy and laughter she brings to our home is a blessing. Each new thing she does seems to be a miracle.
And now for the big miracle. Magdalena does NOT have Celiac Disease!! After much debating we had decided to get her tested. When my doctor's office called with the results I was stunned! Negative?? How could this be? In my mind, we were having her tested in order to confirm whether we would be doing this life-long gluten-free diet for our little girl. And we were totally willing to do it! We were dedicated to taking care of our child, regardless of what challenges that may entail. We were sure that she had Celiac Disease, and even a couple of months ago she ate something containing gluten that seemed to hurt her stomach (up all night crying).
There was still a chance that she could have a gluten-intolerance without having Celiac Disease. The way to know is to slowly start to re-introduce gluten into her system. We have done this for the past week (since getting her negative result) and she has been stomach-ache free! Praise God!! Maggie was always a good eater, but now she's even better! She doesn't want to have anything to do with her gluten-free food that we used to feed her!!
Trent says that she could have just out-grown it, but I disagree. I will give the credit to God for working yet another miracle in my little baby's life!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV) "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Psalm 127:3 (New Living Translation) "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."
And each gift is different.
Psalm 139:13 (NIV) "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."
Sometimes these precious gifts face more challenges than others. Sometimes we are blessed with "easy" lives, good health, and financial stability. Other times we face challenges, poor health, a difficult economy, desert days.
My post today, "Baby Steps & A Miracle" is just that.
Baby is taking steps; lots of them! She started taking a step or two here and there about a month ago. Now she walks probably 50% of the time. She will often start crawling if she isn't going fast enough. Maggie's personality is blossoming. She is wild, and willful, and naughty; yet is also snuggly, lovey, and sweet. Isn't that beautiful? The joy and laughter she brings to our home is a blessing. Each new thing she does seems to be a miracle.
And now for the big miracle. Magdalena does NOT have Celiac Disease!! After much debating we had decided to get her tested. When my doctor's office called with the results I was stunned! Negative?? How could this be? In my mind, we were having her tested in order to confirm whether we would be doing this life-long gluten-free diet for our little girl. And we were totally willing to do it! We were dedicated to taking care of our child, regardless of what challenges that may entail. We were sure that she had Celiac Disease, and even a couple of months ago she ate something containing gluten that seemed to hurt her stomach (up all night crying).
There was still a chance that she could have a gluten-intolerance without having Celiac Disease. The way to know is to slowly start to re-introduce gluten into her system. We have done this for the past week (since getting her negative result) and she has been stomach-ache free! Praise God!! Maggie was always a good eater, but now she's even better! She doesn't want to have anything to do with her gluten-free food that we used to feed her!!
Trent says that she could have just out-grown it, but I disagree. I will give the credit to God for working yet another miracle in my little baby's life!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV) "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Two little Girls
I have been wanting to repaint the big girls' room for a long time. About 2 months before we found out we were pregnant with Anne we had just torn out the plaster from one wall and put up new drywall... and we painted the "spare room" blue. Well wouldn't you know it, a few months later found out we were pregnant, and a couple months after that, found out we were expecting our first daughter. Trent refused to repaint a room since it had perfectly good paint already on the walls. Well anyway, we had a problem with our furnace awhile back and it was putting black soot on all the walls. After we replaced the furnace we were slowly (as in years) repainting all the rooms in our house.
-Before-
I decided that the girls really ought to have a pink room, so I chose a lovely old-fashioned pink color called Rose Shadow or something like that.... We didn't purchase any new furniture or bedding. If we did I would have chosen something painted white, but that looked aged and a pretty patterned quilt with pinks and blues... maybe someday we'll get some furniture of our own.
-Priming-
Back in May we painted Anne and Abbey's room and I was very pleased with the result. The girls love it, it brightens the room, and they love showing people who come to our house their "new" room.
-Daddy succumbing to the fact that he has 3 daughters. Smiling as he paints with pink!-
-With their beds together. They call this their "trundle bed" like in Little House on the Prairie. Their beds are no longer like this since it resulted in too much jumping on the beds while they were supposed to be sleeping.-
-My mom had got these cute owl stickers for Abbey so we were able to put those up on the wall with her help. The girls really enjoy them!-
-Before-
I decided that the girls really ought to have a pink room, so I chose a lovely old-fashioned pink color called Rose Shadow or something like that.... We didn't purchase any new furniture or bedding. If we did I would have chosen something painted white, but that looked aged and a pretty patterned quilt with pinks and blues... maybe someday we'll get some furniture of our own.
-Priming-
Back in May we painted Anne and Abbey's room and I was very pleased with the result. The girls love it, it brightens the room, and they love showing people who come to our house their "new" room.
-Daddy succumbing to the fact that he has 3 daughters. Smiling as he paints with pink!-
-Still wet, but getting pink... the doors still need painted-
-Loving it!-
-With their beds together. They call this their "trundle bed" like in Little House on the Prairie. Their beds are no longer like this since it resulted in too much jumping on the beds while they were supposed to be sleeping.-
-My mom had got these cute owl stickers for Abbey so we were able to put those up on the wall with her help. The girls really enjoy them!-As difficult as it can be at times to have Anne and Abbey sleeping in the same bedroom, I am so thankful that they are! The girls have an incredibly close bond. They have been asking when Maggie will be old enough to sleep in their bedroom with them. Even though we will hopefully be moving to a bigger house next year, I love the idea of the three girls sleeping together in one room. Bunk beds and a toddler bed? Why not!?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
40 Years!
On Sunday I had the privilege of preparing food to celebrate my mother and father-in-law's 40th wedding anniversary. I was a little worried that it would get stressful since I was taking all the food to their home, but it turned out very well. I did most of the prep-work on Saturday, then Sunday after church and we got the girls down for their naps I headed down to their home to make the salad and get everything situated. It didn't take me as long as I expected so I had plenty of time to relax before Trent arrived with the girls. Our little party consisted of the honored guests, Don & Diane Hess, and their three boys, (Troy, Todd, and Trent) Todd's girlfriend Sarah, and then myself and our three girls. It was nice to all be together for this special occasion.
I have a lot of appreciation for marriages that are life-long. Far too often we see broken families, divorces, and hurting children as a result. I was reading my Bible today and I read these verses:
Malachi 2:13-15 "Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."
I think many of us know people who have divorced and have not produced godly offspring. Obviously, this is not always the case. But what I infer from this text is that godly children are more likely to result when a married couple is together as ONE. And when they commit themselves in flesh and spirit to the LORD first.
The other day when I was talking with Anne we were sharing how much we love each other. And out of nowhere she said, "But Mommy, I love Jesus even more than I love you!" And I was so excited! This is something that took me YEARS to understand. How can I love God more than I love my mom? Or more than Trent? But this little three - almost four - year old gets it! Praise God!
So, thank you, Don and Diane, for showing your boys (and me!) what 40 years of commitment is like. Maybe you had rough times in the mix, but you stuck it out, you remained faithful to God and to your marriage vows. Lord willing we will be celebrating your 50th and 60th!
I have a lot of appreciation for marriages that are life-long. Far too often we see broken families, divorces, and hurting children as a result. I was reading my Bible today and I read these verses:
Malachi 2:13-15 "Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."
I think many of us know people who have divorced and have not produced godly offspring. Obviously, this is not always the case. But what I infer from this text is that godly children are more likely to result when a married couple is together as ONE. And when they commit themselves in flesh and spirit to the LORD first.
The other day when I was talking with Anne we were sharing how much we love each other. And out of nowhere she said, "But Mommy, I love Jesus even more than I love you!" And I was so excited! This is something that took me YEARS to understand. How can I love God more than I love my mom? Or more than Trent? But this little three - almost four - year old gets it! Praise God!
So, thank you, Don and Diane, for showing your boys (and me!) what 40 years of commitment is like. Maybe you had rough times in the mix, but you stuck it out, you remained faithful to God and to your marriage vows. Lord willing we will be celebrating your 50th and 60th!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)