For those of you who have been wondering if I am staying on track with my new commitment to cleaning-- [see Tuesday, July 20, 2004-- Diapers, Dusting, and Discipline...]-- I am happy to report that my house is CLEAN! I have spent the past two days sweeping, dusting, scrubbing, purging, moping, washing, and organizing.
When I get on one of these cleaning binges-- which isn't often-- I really do it right. To illustrate the insanity-- today I cleaned my washer and dryer inside and out-- all the little knobs and everything; I vacuumed my blinds; I washed down my kitchen cabinets. Yesterday I scrubbed all the baseboards in my foyer, kitchen, powder room, and dining room with a toothbrush and wiped them down with a rag!
The challenge is how long I will be able to maintain this clean house paradise! It amazes me how fast things can become messed up again! How many times have I vowed to perpetuate this Martha Stewart mindset only to slip back into sloppy old habits. I'll keep you posted!
We had several couples over tonight to discuss our Marriage Builders' Class at Woodmont-- the main motivating factor for my cleaning streak! It was a time for us to plan and examine how things are going in the class and what things still need to be done. It was a good meeting-- they are a great bunch of people. I feel like we are all on the same page...
It's funny that we all grew up in families where church was such a high priority. We were there every time the doors were open-- literally-- for every service, fellowship meal, gospel meeting-- everything! We all watched our parents dedicate their time and energies to the church family and benefited from the relationships that resulted from the church community.
Now that we have families of our own, I think we are all starting to crave that same "community" that we knew as children. The main difference is that the churches we knew as children operated from a slightly different motivation. They were more legalistic and pretty much required total dedication and participation in church activities. We have been "freed" from the "do good deeds or else" mentality to a more grace-oriented mindset at Woodmont, but with that perspective, it is so easy to lapse into laziness as far as church duty goes-- since there is no "fear" to motivate us. No one is going to make us feel bad if we aren't at every function or signed up on every committee....
I think we are all starting to realize that even in a grace-oriented church we should be just as committed. Our motivation is no longer fear or tradition, but thankfulness and love for all He has done for us. Being active and accountable to a church family is a good thing, and there are many of us who are seriously starting to pursue a more active role.
How blessed we were to have parents who modeled that kind of discipline for us! I hope that Scott and I can be that kind of example to Luke. We are so thankful that we will be able to raise him along with our friends and our church family.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Monday, July 26, 2004
Oh, Let Me Not Forget...
Today Luke got to spend the day with his second cousin, Shannon. She is nine. They had a great time playing together. It is amazing to watch Luke being able to interact in that way now. He is just developing so quickly.
Shannon was Luke's age at our wedding nine years ago! That is so hard to fathom... Time just keeps on marching.
I catch myself saying over and over again how I wish Luke would stop getting so big and growing up so fast.... I guess what I am really saying is-- I hope I never forget how precious each moment has been that I have been blessed to share with him. Please let me remember every little detail. The look in his eye when he reaches out for my nose. The way he laughs and gets so excited when I first enter his room every morning and he is smiling up at me from his crib-- sometimes face down on his stomach. The sounds of his screams when he yells with all his might just because he has finally learned to make noise. The way he rubs his eyes and finds his thumb when he gets sleepy--- All of these things and a million more will soon be distant memories replaced by other important events like first bicycle rides, first lost tooth, first day of school-- and then even driver's license, graduations, engagements, wedding?! OK-- so, I do have a few years before all of that comes to pass, but it will be here before I can truly appreciate the times I have just experienced with my sweet boy.
I am sure that God is using this time with Luke to teach me so many lessons about Himself. I pray for the wisdom to see Him at work and the desire and insight to treasure each opportunity He offers me. Then I will surely have no regrets as time rushes by-- only moments and moments of sustaining, sweet relationship with my Father and with Luke.
Shannon was Luke's age at our wedding nine years ago! That is so hard to fathom... Time just keeps on marching.
I catch myself saying over and over again how I wish Luke would stop getting so big and growing up so fast.... I guess what I am really saying is-- I hope I never forget how precious each moment has been that I have been blessed to share with him. Please let me remember every little detail. The look in his eye when he reaches out for my nose. The way he laughs and gets so excited when I first enter his room every morning and he is smiling up at me from his crib-- sometimes face down on his stomach. The sounds of his screams when he yells with all his might just because he has finally learned to make noise. The way he rubs his eyes and finds his thumb when he gets sleepy--- All of these things and a million more will soon be distant memories replaced by other important events like first bicycle rides, first lost tooth, first day of school-- and then even driver's license, graduations, engagements, wedding?! OK-- so, I do have a few years before all of that comes to pass, but it will be here before I can truly appreciate the times I have just experienced with my sweet boy.
I am sure that God is using this time with Luke to teach me so many lessons about Himself. I pray for the wisdom to see Him at work and the desire and insight to treasure each opportunity He offers me. Then I will surely have no regrets as time rushes by-- only moments and moments of sustaining, sweet relationship with my Father and with Luke.
Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom. O LORD, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us see your miracles again; let our children see your glory at work. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalms 90:12-17
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Every Season
My most favorite singer/song writer of all time is Nichole Nordeman. I will never forget being at Sam's Place at the Ryman (the event Gary Chapman used to host). Scott and I hadn't been married for very long and he came home one night saying he could get discounted tickets to the show through his work. We had nothing better to do, so we went. I think the big headliner that night was Point of Grace (which is funny because now our ZOE producer is John Mays who also produces them... small world).
Anyway-- there are always the "small" acts who open up for the big names.. Gary started to announce a newcomer to the Christian music scene... She has just won a songwriter competition in LA and had just arrived from Santa Monica-- Nichole Nordeman. She would be playing the title track "Wide-Eyed" off of her first CD.
She walked onto the darkened stage and sat down at a grand piano. When she began to play and started to sing those powerful lyrics, I was hooked. I went out that very night and ordered the CD off of the internet. I remember going to church the next day and telling Randy our worship leader that I had heard the most amazing singer!
Nichole, with her lyrics and music, has always spoken to me. She can put into words in such a powerful way the exact way I am feeling. I have always tried to spread the word about how amazing she is-- so, I will now, too-- you can check her web site out at www.nicholenordeman.com.
She became a new mom to a baby boy last summer-- yet another thing I have to love about her!
One of her songs has really been in my head this week-- "Every Season." It is a song about how God is continually working in all areas of our lives, in every season of our lives. I guess I feel like that is what I am struggling with now.... Trying to see how God will work in my life during this season of motherhood and "stay-at-home"-dom.
Life is so interesting-- It is always changing and God is always leading us into new "seasons" of His choosing, whether we recognize it at the time or not. I just pray that I will be able to see Him at work now instead of having to see it in hindsight. I really want to know Him and to be using my gifts in ways that glorify Him instead of pursing things that aren't in "season."
Check out Nichole! I will be happy to lend out some of her CDs! 
Every Season by Nichole Nordeman
Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children's games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer
And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and what's to come
You are autumn
And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter
And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season's change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Diapers, Dusting, and Discipline...
I didn't get much accomplished today-- except hanging out with my son, and really, I guess that is the most important thing I can do. I get so frustrated with myself lately because I can't seem to get a good schedule going as far as keeping the house organized. Now that Luke is so easy to take care of-- he takes such long naps during the day-- I really don't have any excuse to get things done. I don't know what my problem is, but I am vowing to fix it right here, right now! Starting tomorrow I am going to get back on my system of cleaning a different "zone" of the house each day. It is a great concept I found on a website called www.flylady.net. I used to do such a good job staying on track, but I have been off in a "ditch" since becoming pregnant. It was easy to be more focused on the joys of being pregnant than it was to maintain a daily sweep of my "hot spot" clutter zones! Anyway, from what other moms of young ones tell me, I'm probably not alone in feeling unorganized and inefficient.
One of the best things about the "Flylady" plan is the weekly house blessing which happens on Mondays. It is a time to pause and to be thankful for all that you have been blessed with and to think about why it is important to spend time each day maintaining, taking care of, and cleaning our home. God has blessed me with a beautiful house, and I should be thankful that I am able to keep it in the best shape that it can be-- thankful that I can make it a peaceful, clean, organized place for my husband and son and me to enjoy! I sound SO domestic!!! But, this really is my "job" now that I am no longer teaching. I need to remind myself of that and set goals and deadlines for myself just as if I was working for a boss. Scott jokes that I am a CHO-- Chief Home Officer.
The one area of my life that I have stayed extremely disciplined in is exercise. I exercised 5 days a week at the YMCA throughout my pregnancy and started right back with my routine once I was cleared to return when Luke was 8 weeks. I do PowerSculpt classes on Mondays and Fridays; Step/Sculpt on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and Spin class on Wednesdays. I absolutely love to start each morning out by heading to the Y. Luke has done so well in the nursery, too, which has made it much easier to go each day. There is just something so nice about having and hour each day to spend on me. I feel so great about challenging myself physically to get stronger and to become more fit. So, hopefully I can become as excited and challenged by my renewed commitment to house cleaning as I am about exercise!
Thank you, Father, for a wonderful husband, a precious son, and a beautiful home. Help me to be more dedicated to taking care of the people and things that you have blessed me with in my life. Help me to do all things with a cheerful heart to Your glory!
One of the best things about the "Flylady" plan is the weekly house blessing which happens on Mondays. It is a time to pause and to be thankful for all that you have been blessed with and to think about why it is important to spend time each day maintaining, taking care of, and cleaning our home. God has blessed me with a beautiful house, and I should be thankful that I am able to keep it in the best shape that it can be-- thankful that I can make it a peaceful, clean, organized place for my husband and son and me to enjoy! I sound SO domestic!!! But, this really is my "job" now that I am no longer teaching. I need to remind myself of that and set goals and deadlines for myself just as if I was working for a boss. Scott jokes that I am a CHO-- Chief Home Officer.
The one area of my life that I have stayed extremely disciplined in is exercise. I exercised 5 days a week at the YMCA throughout my pregnancy and started right back with my routine once I was cleared to return when Luke was 8 weeks. I do PowerSculpt classes on Mondays and Fridays; Step/Sculpt on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and Spin class on Wednesdays. I absolutely love to start each morning out by heading to the Y. Luke has done so well in the nursery, too, which has made it much easier to go each day. There is just something so nice about having and hour each day to spend on me. I feel so great about challenging myself physically to get stronger and to become more fit. So, hopefully I can become as excited and challenged by my renewed commitment to house cleaning as I am about exercise!
Thank you, Father, for a wonderful husband, a precious son, and a beautiful home. Help me to be more dedicated to taking care of the people and things that you have blessed me with in my life. Help me to do all things with a cheerful heart to Your glory!
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.The woman to be admired and praised is
Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.The woman to be admired and praised is
the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD.
Proverbs 31: 17-20, 27-30
Monday, July 19, 2004
On the Road with an Angel
We got back last night from St. Louis around 6:45. It was a wonderful trip, and Luke could not have done better! We continue to stand in awe of how good-natured and flexible he is-- if you read my blog, I am beginning to sound like a broken record! But, he really is such a wonderful, happy baby!
He slept all the way up and back-- We stopped around two hours into the journey to let him eat and stretch his legs a little bit. He slept great-- took good naps and was passed around and played with by dozens of people at the church. Everyone just thought he was the cutest, sweetest thing! He also hit a big milestone on the trip-- His first tooth! It finally broke through his lower gum on Friday! I suppose he is now officially beginning to exit out of infanthood.
The conference went really well. The people hosting us at McKnight Road were so gracious and attended to our every need. It is hard to know how much of an impact, if any, you will have on people or a congregation when you do one of these conferences.... It is hard to know what God needs to do-- or what to pray for.... The worship sessions went fine. Friday night it was obvious that some of what we were doing was a little new-- maybe out of the "comfort zone" a little. But, by Saturday night, people really seemed to be adjusting and joining in more readily.
One of my absolute favorite things that ZOE does is Randy Gill's presentation on worship through the ages. I think that this is perhaps some of the best teaching we take across the country through our ministry. He gets us to think about what God says about worship in scripture and then takes us on a time-travel journey through history to show us how the worship music in our churches has always been "contemporary" to its time. For example, some may think that the "new" worship music that is being introduced into our churches is inferior to the "old classic" hymns-- like Isaac Watts' When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Well, in his day, Isaac Watts was considered too "contemporary" and controversial.
It is all a matter of hindsight and perspective. We must acknowledge that no matter how hard we try, we are still limited to our myopic view of worship because our worship is a reflection of our current culture and tastes-- not the 1st century church-- which wouldn't have even known what 4-part harmony or song books were!
Meaningful worship is not about having a praise team or introducing drama to a service. Meaningful worship is realizing that it is not about me or my preferences at all-- It is about God. It is about praising Him for all He has done. It is about "offering myself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--- this is my spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)
A woman who was having problems with her husband attended our Friday night session. They were not living together anymore and were not speaking. After the session ended, she called him and told him that he needed to come to our Saturday session. I don't know if their relationship will be healed, but if anything we did caused them to stop and think about their relationship with each other and with the Father, then it was worth the drive to St. Louis.
We will never really know how we have changed lives and hearts for the better via God's wonderful wisdom, power, and mysterious ways. It is nice to hear from those who appreciate us, our music, and what we do; but, in the end, only God knows the importance of our ministry.
All of us who are blessed to sing with ZOE realize the awesome responsibility and opportunity we have been given to join Him in this amazing journey, and we are excited to be along for the ride-- as long as He decides it will last!
He slept all the way up and back-- We stopped around two hours into the journey to let him eat and stretch his legs a little bit. He slept great-- took good naps and was passed around and played with by dozens of people at the church. Everyone just thought he was the cutest, sweetest thing! He also hit a big milestone on the trip-- His first tooth! It finally broke through his lower gum on Friday! I suppose he is now officially beginning to exit out of infanthood.
The conference went really well. The people hosting us at McKnight Road were so gracious and attended to our every need. It is hard to know how much of an impact, if any, you will have on people or a congregation when you do one of these conferences.... It is hard to know what God needs to do-- or what to pray for.... The worship sessions went fine. Friday night it was obvious that some of what we were doing was a little new-- maybe out of the "comfort zone" a little. But, by Saturday night, people really seemed to be adjusting and joining in more readily.
One of my absolute favorite things that ZOE does is Randy Gill's presentation on worship through the ages. I think that this is perhaps some of the best teaching we take across the country through our ministry. He gets us to think about what God says about worship in scripture and then takes us on a time-travel journey through history to show us how the worship music in our churches has always been "contemporary" to its time. For example, some may think that the "new" worship music that is being introduced into our churches is inferior to the "old classic" hymns-- like Isaac Watts' When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Well, in his day, Isaac Watts was considered too "contemporary" and controversial.
It is all a matter of hindsight and perspective. We must acknowledge that no matter how hard we try, we are still limited to our myopic view of worship because our worship is a reflection of our current culture and tastes-- not the 1st century church-- which wouldn't have even known what 4-part harmony or song books were!
Meaningful worship is not about having a praise team or introducing drama to a service. Meaningful worship is realizing that it is not about me or my preferences at all-- It is about God. It is about praising Him for all He has done. It is about "offering myself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--- this is my spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)
A woman who was having problems with her husband attended our Friday night session. They were not living together anymore and were not speaking. After the session ended, she called him and told him that he needed to come to our Saturday session. I don't know if their relationship will be healed, but if anything we did caused them to stop and think about their relationship with each other and with the Father, then it was worth the drive to St. Louis.
We will never really know how we have changed lives and hearts for the better via God's wonderful wisdom, power, and mysterious ways. It is nice to hear from those who appreciate us, our music, and what we do; but, in the end, only God knows the importance of our ministry.
All of us who are blessed to sing with ZOE realize the awesome responsibility and opportunity we have been given to join Him in this amazing journey, and we are excited to be along for the ride-- as long as He decides it will last!
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Meet Me in St. Louis
Early tomorrow morning we will be heading to St. Louis for a ZOE Worship Conference. It is being held at McKnight Road Church of Christ. It should be a wonderful weekend-- especially if Luke maintains his wonderful, cheery disposition and flexibility! I am hoping he chooses to sleep the majority of the way on the 5 hour journey!
I am so thankful that Scott is able to go on trips like this with me! How terrific that he can take off from work when he needs to! He is so good with Luke; I couldn't go on these trips without him.
What a blessing to be a part of ZOE! I am still amazed that people from all over the country come to see us and to worship with us. This is absolute 100% proof that God exists, because only He could use our ministry to touch so many lives-- it is nothing that we have done! It is a testimony to how he can use people-- regular people-- to do incredible things. I think as long as we ALWAYS remember that He deserves all the credit and glory for any good that ever comes from ZOE that we will thrive. I pray that He uses us to change someone this weekend. I pray that He uses us to challenge someone this weekend. I pray that He uses us to reveal part of Himself to all of us present this weekend.
Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be a tool to reach others for you. Never let me take lightly this blessing and responsibility!
I am so thankful that Scott is able to go on trips like this with me! How terrific that he can take off from work when he needs to! He is so good with Luke; I couldn't go on these trips without him.
What a blessing to be a part of ZOE! I am still amazed that people from all over the country come to see us and to worship with us. This is absolute 100% proof that God exists, because only He could use our ministry to touch so many lives-- it is nothing that we have done! It is a testimony to how he can use people-- regular people-- to do incredible things. I think as long as we ALWAYS remember that He deserves all the credit and glory for any good that ever comes from ZOE that we will thrive. I pray that He uses us to change someone this weekend. I pray that He uses us to challenge someone this weekend. I pray that He uses us to reveal part of Himself to all of us present this weekend.
Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be a tool to reach others for you. Never let me take lightly this blessing and responsibility!
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Calm by Candlelight
Last night was a comedy of errors-- sort of! A major storm was on its way... We have several TALL trees behind our house, so I always fear storms that bring high winds. This is the second weather "emergency" we have experienced since Luke's arrival. It is funny how seriously you take weather warnings when you have a child. So-- since I knew bad weather was scheduled to hit around 9:15 according to the Storm Tracker radar, I didn't want to put Luke in bed upstairs-- his nursery is on the side of the house where the big trees are!
Luke seemed to be enjoying the excitement anyway-- He was nursing when the power went out and we were left in the dark. He knew something was different, but he wasn't upset. We gathered up candles and flashlights and prepared to wait on the wind and rain.
We moved into the foyer away from the windows-- which faced the tress. We ended up on the stairwell which leads to our upstairs. We sat quietly and watched the lightning and listened to the wind rustling the limbs on those big trees. We watched Luke's eyes dance in the candlelight and listened to him breathe. It is perhaps a cliche to say that we miss out on a lot in our high tech worlds because we are always so busy watching and doing-- TV, computers, cell phones-- But, it was so nice to be sitting in the dark save a few candles, listening to nothing more than the wind and our sweet son laugh. It was a night to cherish and remember!
The power didn't come back on until early morning, but we didn't miss it much. We were thankful that our house was spared-- some weren't so fortunate. We were thankful that we were happy and safe and together. We are blessed.
This morning Luke woke up face down again! When we got downstairs I put him on his floor mat. He rolled over onto his stomach and then rolled back over onto his back! This is the first time that I have witnessed this, so it was a milestone morning for us! It is still so hard to believe that he is growing up so quickly!
We are looking forward to our St. Louis trip tomorrow, praying that Luke survives 5 hours in his car seat! He has been so good-natured and flexible so far, we hope he continues that this weekend!
Luke is sleeping, yet our small group starts in 45 minutes, and he will need to eat when he finally awakes! Schedules-- or lack thereof-- take on a WHOLE new meaning with a little one! I must be as flexible as he is! :)
Luke seemed to be enjoying the excitement anyway-- He was nursing when the power went out and we were left in the dark. He knew something was different, but he wasn't upset. We gathered up candles and flashlights and prepared to wait on the wind and rain.
We moved into the foyer away from the windows-- which faced the tress. We ended up on the stairwell which leads to our upstairs. We sat quietly and watched the lightning and listened to the wind rustling the limbs on those big trees. We watched Luke's eyes dance in the candlelight and listened to him breathe. It is perhaps a cliche to say that we miss out on a lot in our high tech worlds because we are always so busy watching and doing-- TV, computers, cell phones-- But, it was so nice to be sitting in the dark save a few candles, listening to nothing more than the wind and our sweet son laugh. It was a night to cherish and remember!
The power didn't come back on until early morning, but we didn't miss it much. We were thankful that our house was spared-- some weren't so fortunate. We were thankful that we were happy and safe and together. We are blessed.
This morning Luke woke up face down again! When we got downstairs I put him on his floor mat. He rolled over onto his stomach and then rolled back over onto his back! This is the first time that I have witnessed this, so it was a milestone morning for us! It is still so hard to believe that he is growing up so quickly!
We are looking forward to our St. Louis trip tomorrow, praying that Luke survives 5 hours in his car seat! He has been so good-natured and flexible so far, we hope he continues that this weekend!
Luke is sleeping, yet our small group starts in 45 minutes, and he will need to eat when he finally awakes! Schedules-- or lack thereof-- take on a WHOLE new meaning with a little one! I must be as flexible as he is! :)
Monday, July 12, 2004
Milestones
Luke hit a big milestone this weekend-- he rolled over onto his stomach! He has been flirting around with it before, and even rolled over kind of-- but this was his first official incident.
He usually sleeps through the night without a peep, but on Friday night I heard him fussing around 1:30-- He was just "yelling"-- he had been doing that all week. He has discovered he can make noise, and he enjoys screaming just for the fun of it. He went back to sleep after a few minutes, and I didn't think much of it.
Around 5:15 he woke up fussing again, but went back to sleep-- then he was fussing again at 5:30.... So, I finally went in to check on him and found him face down in the crib! He had officially rolled over onto his stomach, but had gotten stuck!
He really moves around the crib now. It is funny to see where he will be when he wakes up as compared to where I laid him down.
He is still the best baby! Saturday and Sunday night we had him out in big groups and he did so well. He never cries and is so flexible. We can put him down in the cribs at our friends' homes and he will go right to sleep. Everyone is amazed at how happy and easy-going he is-- so are we!
He will also drink out of a bottle now-- not milk or formula, but white grape juice mixed with water. That is a start!
We really had a great weekend. We spent time with dear friends. Saturday night we had a cookout with several of Scott's close friends and their wives. We have all known each other for quite a long time now-- ever since college. We have seen each other through dating, engagements, and now raising children. It is so fun to "grow up" with good friends and to share in the joys and frustrations of it all-- especially as many of them now have second children.
Sunday night we had a Bible study with one of the small groups we attend. What an amazing group of people! We all discussed our desire to really become plugged in at church and to take on more leadership and responsibility there. We all had similar backgrounds-- which is really amazing in and of itself.... We all grew up in wonderful Church of Christ homes which were very disciplined. We were used to going to church every time the doors were open and saw our parents as active, involved members of the church community. I think we are now looking to follow in those same footsteps. We might not share the exact same theology as our parents did, but we respect the traditions and sense of loyalty toward the church.
It is quite interesting to be pondering your role in God's Kingdom-- especially as we mature and grow... Can't wait to see where He leads!
I am so thankful that Luke will grow up with such wonderful people in his life!
He usually sleeps through the night without a peep, but on Friday night I heard him fussing around 1:30-- He was just "yelling"-- he had been doing that all week. He has discovered he can make noise, and he enjoys screaming just for the fun of it. He went back to sleep after a few minutes, and I didn't think much of it.
Around 5:15 he woke up fussing again, but went back to sleep-- then he was fussing again at 5:30.... So, I finally went in to check on him and found him face down in the crib! He had officially rolled over onto his stomach, but had gotten stuck!
He really moves around the crib now. It is funny to see where he will be when he wakes up as compared to where I laid him down.
He is still the best baby! Saturday and Sunday night we had him out in big groups and he did so well. He never cries and is so flexible. We can put him down in the cribs at our friends' homes and he will go right to sleep. Everyone is amazed at how happy and easy-going he is-- so are we!
He will also drink out of a bottle now-- not milk or formula, but white grape juice mixed with water. That is a start!
We really had a great weekend. We spent time with dear friends. Saturday night we had a cookout with several of Scott's close friends and their wives. We have all known each other for quite a long time now-- ever since college. We have seen each other through dating, engagements, and now raising children. It is so fun to "grow up" with good friends and to share in the joys and frustrations of it all-- especially as many of them now have second children.
Sunday night we had a Bible study with one of the small groups we attend. What an amazing group of people! We all discussed our desire to really become plugged in at church and to take on more leadership and responsibility there. We all had similar backgrounds-- which is really amazing in and of itself.... We all grew up in wonderful Church of Christ homes which were very disciplined. We were used to going to church every time the doors were open and saw our parents as active, involved members of the church community. I think we are now looking to follow in those same footsteps. We might not share the exact same theology as our parents did, but we respect the traditions and sense of loyalty toward the church.
It is quite interesting to be pondering your role in God's Kingdom-- especially as we mature and grow... Can't wait to see where He leads!
I am so thankful that Luke will grow up with such wonderful people in his life!
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Woodmont Wednesday
Tonight we are headed to church for a picnic! Our small group is meeting there together. It should be fun-- hope it doesn't rain. It seems like it rains every day now.
I have been designing a web site all afternoon for Scott because he doesn't have time to work on it-- and he said he'd pay me!! :)
I have also been trying to finalize our family trip to Philadelphia to see Nancy, David, and the kids. I think sometime in September is looking good. I have never been to Philly outside of the airport or driving through, so I am looking forward to seeing all the history. They live in the heart of the historic district, too, so it should be a ton of fun to tour around with them. Dad and Mom already got to spend a little time doing that when they went up to help them move. They had a great time and are looking forward to returning.
Had a great workout this morning in SPIN. What a cardio session! I have to admit that I am pretty proud of myself for getting to the Y 5 days a week, especially with a 5 month-old baby! I have been back to working out now for three months-- I started back when he was 8 weeks. It has been nice to get my muscles back and I am really getting stronger-- I moved up to 15 lb weights in sculpt class this week. I still have some work to do-- and I will never be back to the way I was in college-- But then again, who is?! I am also happy that I have never really struggled with body issues, although I have never been overweight either. I guess I have tried very hard not to become to fixated on it because of all I have seen working with teenage girls in the past. Easting disorders are nothing to mess with-- very sad. I refused to get fanatical about what I eat. I just want to be healthy and strong enough to lug a growing boy around!
Speaking of my growing boy-- he is sound asleep. He has gone down for his naps like a perfect angel this week. I can lay him in bed and he knows it's nap time and drifts off without a whimper. I am really trying to enjoy these times of him being so easy to handle and so much fun to be with-- because it surely must get harder and more stressful as he continues to age-- but still fun, I'm sure-- just in a different way.
We are headed to St. Louis next weekend for a ZOE conference, and I hope he continues to be so flexible. I bet that will be the weekend he decides to have a major meltdown!!! :) Oh well-- such is life!
I have been designing a web site all afternoon for Scott because he doesn't have time to work on it-- and he said he'd pay me!! :)
I have also been trying to finalize our family trip to Philadelphia to see Nancy, David, and the kids. I think sometime in September is looking good. I have never been to Philly outside of the airport or driving through, so I am looking forward to seeing all the history. They live in the heart of the historic district, too, so it should be a ton of fun to tour around with them. Dad and Mom already got to spend a little time doing that when they went up to help them move. They had a great time and are looking forward to returning.
Had a great workout this morning in SPIN. What a cardio session! I have to admit that I am pretty proud of myself for getting to the Y 5 days a week, especially with a 5 month-old baby! I have been back to working out now for three months-- I started back when he was 8 weeks. It has been nice to get my muscles back and I am really getting stronger-- I moved up to 15 lb weights in sculpt class this week. I still have some work to do-- and I will never be back to the way I was in college-- But then again, who is?! I am also happy that I have never really struggled with body issues, although I have never been overweight either. I guess I have tried very hard not to become to fixated on it because of all I have seen working with teenage girls in the past. Easting disorders are nothing to mess with-- very sad. I refused to get fanatical about what I eat. I just want to be healthy and strong enough to lug a growing boy around!
Speaking of my growing boy-- he is sound asleep. He has gone down for his naps like a perfect angel this week. I can lay him in bed and he knows it's nap time and drifts off without a whimper. I am really trying to enjoy these times of him being so easy to handle and so much fun to be with-- because it surely must get harder and more stressful as he continues to age-- but still fun, I'm sure-- just in a different way.
We are headed to St. Louis next weekend for a ZOE conference, and I hope he continues to be so flexible. I bet that will be the weekend he decides to have a major meltdown!!! :) Oh well-- such is life!
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Happy 5 month Birthday
Luke turned 5 months old on Saturday... We were up at my parents house in Paris. He still continues to amaze us at just how easy-going and fun he is. Daddy kept saying that he was such a good baby-- and he really is... We are blessed.
We spent half the fourth with my parents and half with Scott's Dad's side. It was nice. Luke is not too thrilled with the noise of firecrackers yet! He continued to keep a happy face as he was passed around all afternoon-- smiling at everyone. What a great kid!
Sunday morning I was blessed to be a part of a panel of women at church. Each of us represented a different stage of life-- I was the "young mother" stage, I guess-- although I'm not that young anymore! It was so interesting to listen as each of us talked about the changes and challenges that come with each new stage. I am so desperate to make the most of each second I have with Luke because I know he will grow up so fast-- but it was neat to hear from moms who have already raised their children and to listen to how wonderful it still is for them to be involved in their children's lives. I am at a real spiritual crossroad as well... just trying to figure out how and where God can use a stay-at-home mom. I truly believe that He is going to present me with an amazing opportunity when He is ready. Until then, Scott and I are staying active in two small group Bible studies. I will probably start another Bible study for the stay-at-home set this fall, too.
Another thing that has been pulling at me is to establish a better relationship between the girls my age at church and the women who are farther down the road-- whether that is just a life stage or many life stages ahead. I think that is so important. It is so easy to devote all your time and energy to your own peer group-- and that is important-- but having mentors is vital on the spiritual journey-- Otherwise it can be like the blind leading the blind at times.
Yesterday was nice-- Scott was off. We piddled around the house and watched Spiderman-- Yes we are movie losers. We never see anything when it comes out anymore. We are proud Netflix members-- meaning we get the movies in and then still have them 5 months later! We just aren't big movie people in general.
Our next big projects are revamping the office and tackling the design and decorating of the Bonus Room. We don't even use it now, but we realize it is prime space-- especially for entertaining or as a play room for Luke.
Last night we put Luke down at 6:30 and he didn't wake until 7:30 this morning-- 13 hours later! He must be going through a growth spurt! He is such a good sleeper!
Thank you, Lord for my sweet, sleeping, smiling baby boy!
We spent half the fourth with my parents and half with Scott's Dad's side. It was nice. Luke is not too thrilled with the noise of firecrackers yet! He continued to keep a happy face as he was passed around all afternoon-- smiling at everyone. What a great kid!
Sunday morning I was blessed to be a part of a panel of women at church. Each of us represented a different stage of life-- I was the "young mother" stage, I guess-- although I'm not that young anymore! It was so interesting to listen as each of us talked about the changes and challenges that come with each new stage. I am so desperate to make the most of each second I have with Luke because I know he will grow up so fast-- but it was neat to hear from moms who have already raised their children and to listen to how wonderful it still is for them to be involved in their children's lives. I am at a real spiritual crossroad as well... just trying to figure out how and where God can use a stay-at-home mom. I truly believe that He is going to present me with an amazing opportunity when He is ready. Until then, Scott and I are staying active in two small group Bible studies. I will probably start another Bible study for the stay-at-home set this fall, too.
Another thing that has been pulling at me is to establish a better relationship between the girls my age at church and the women who are farther down the road-- whether that is just a life stage or many life stages ahead. I think that is so important. It is so easy to devote all your time and energy to your own peer group-- and that is important-- but having mentors is vital on the spiritual journey-- Otherwise it can be like the blind leading the blind at times.
Yesterday was nice-- Scott was off. We piddled around the house and watched Spiderman-- Yes we are movie losers. We never see anything when it comes out anymore. We are proud Netflix members-- meaning we get the movies in and then still have them 5 months later! We just aren't big movie people in general.
Our next big projects are revamping the office and tackling the design and decorating of the Bonus Room. We don't even use it now, but we realize it is prime space-- especially for entertaining or as a play room for Luke.
Last night we put Luke down at 6:30 and he didn't wake until 7:30 this morning-- 13 hours later! He must be going through a growth spurt! He is such a good sleeper!
Thank you, Lord for my sweet, sleeping, smiling baby boy!
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Real Relationships
Tuesday night Scott installed a new car seat for Luke. It was an early Christmas present from his Grandmother Janice (Scott's mom). This means he is no longer in the "infant" seat, but now he is in a big seat which he can use until he is 65 pounds! He outgrew his infant seat because he was too long. The height requirement for his seat was 26 inches, and he is 27 inches now at least.
His new seat has to stay in the car, which means we now have to carry him into places. This will be a little more inconvenient especially when he falls asleep or when we go out to eat in a restaurant. When he learns to sit alone, things will probably get much easier, but he has adjusted well so far to being taken out of the seat and carried instead.
It is a little sad that he has already "graduated" to a bigger car seat so soon. He seems so big now sitting in that seat, even though he has plenty of room to grow. Part of me wishes he could stay little forever-- it is all going by too quickly-- But it sure is fun!
He is such a wonderful baby! He has adapted so well! Today coming back from the Y he fell asleep. I unstrapped him, carried him in, and put him down-- He went right back to sleep for two hours. He is wonderfully flexible and easy!
Last night we had small group. This is such a good group of people. We talked about the post-modern view of Christianity for a while-- from the book we are reading by Brian McLaren, A New Kind of Christian,-- Then we shared what was going on in our lives.... There are some pretty big things happening-- good and bad. We discussed how important it is for us to be honest and not have to act like we have it all together.
I am sure that we all have many acquaintances in life but very few friendships. It is so easy to get busy and not invest the time and energy it takes to form a real and meaningful relationship with someone. It is just too easy to keep everyone at arm's length and be content with surface level interaction.
Scott and I have been EXTREMELY blessed to have true friends so far in life. I pray that we will be worthy friends and that we will devote more time to those relationships.
His new seat has to stay in the car, which means we now have to carry him into places. This will be a little more inconvenient especially when he falls asleep or when we go out to eat in a restaurant. When he learns to sit alone, things will probably get much easier, but he has adjusted well so far to being taken out of the seat and carried instead.
It is a little sad that he has already "graduated" to a bigger car seat so soon. He seems so big now sitting in that seat, even though he has plenty of room to grow. Part of me wishes he could stay little forever-- it is all going by too quickly-- But it sure is fun!
He is such a wonderful baby! He has adapted so well! Today coming back from the Y he fell asleep. I unstrapped him, carried him in, and put him down-- He went right back to sleep for two hours. He is wonderfully flexible and easy!
Last night we had small group. This is such a good group of people. We talked about the post-modern view of Christianity for a while-- from the book we are reading by Brian McLaren, A New Kind of Christian,-- Then we shared what was going on in our lives.... There are some pretty big things happening-- good and bad. We discussed how important it is for us to be honest and not have to act like we have it all together.
I am sure that we all have many acquaintances in life but very few friendships. It is so easy to get busy and not invest the time and energy it takes to form a real and meaningful relationship with someone. It is just too easy to keep everyone at arm's length and be content with surface level interaction.
Scott and I have been EXTREMELY blessed to have true friends so far in life. I pray that we will be worthy friends and that we will devote more time to those relationships.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
