Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Some things are tough...


Gary Thomas in his book, "Sacred Marriage"
"Because we have hope for eternity, we do not become nearsighted demanding short-term ease that would short-circuit long-term gain. Our demands for comfort and ease show us what we truly value. It is the definitive demonstration of whether we are living for God's kingdom and service or for our own comfort and reputation."

Hmmm...I've been thinking. When it comes down to it, life is really hard. It makes me tired. It makes me sad. I have a number of friends that are going through divorces, are split up, and some who are dealing with the consequences of nasty divorces from their past. It is discouraging. Something that God set up for us as Christians to display in a right manner is being destroyed by 'Christians' every day. The picture of marriage is set up as an example to show us (and to display to unbelievers) how Christ loves His Church. How will the world ever look at Christians and see that we are different if we won't live our lives differently then they do?!?!
Marriage and divorce is just one example of the many ways that Christians have a chance to show the world that we can be different and are called to be different...but yet we are failing miserably at. How will I deal when I am faced with suffering? Will I react in anger and selfishness? Or will I turn to God and let Him provide me with His peace and perserverance?

This all started because of my thoughts on how things can be hard. Really, when I get to thinking about it. I can always find something that is hard, something that makes me sad, something that I could cry myself to sleep over. But that is because I am living on this earth, that is full of sin...this is the closest I will ever be to experiencing Hell. I guess what I am trying to say is just to follow up on my last post. I am SO SO SO blessed. I sat on the back porch of a dear friend this evening, listening to stories from her life, hearing her pray, watching her shed tears for pain that wasn't even her pain to bear; then hearing her say to me, "It doesn't matter what happens in your life Heidi, just stay focused on Jesus, just keep your focus on Him." She wasn't promising me that I am going to have an easy road for the rest of my life...she was telling me to keep my focus on Christ despite all the other stuff that will try to get in the way.

So I end with this. I am even more blessed today then I was yesterday. How privilaged I am to have a godly woman sit next to me and push me closer to Christ. For the rest of my life, when things get hard and the world's sadness presses in...I only hope that her words(as well as so many other's) will come back to me and encourage me enough to get through another hard day. To remind me of how gracious God has been in givng me so much in my life. So much good that I could have never dreamed up or imagined.

Heaps of blessing on you all...

Monday, September 24, 2007

How privileged...


I have been thinking recently on how privileged I am. My first thought actually used the word 'lucky' but being that I don't believe in luck I needed to change it to privileged. The thing is, there are SO many things in my life that are more wonderful than I have words to express. My family is amazing, loving, full of little people that are full of energy and sweetness! I have the best family ever...having said that I realize that my family just so happens to be the best family for me...maybe not for everyone but I love them just the same. My parents are incredible, they have given their lives to missions and I, in return, have already had the chance to experience a unique and full life. Not to mention they are generous and loving and godly and fun and so cool and well I will move on as I risk becoming ridiculous. My sisters are spread all around the world right now but for Christmas this year MY ENTIRE family will be together. I think I speak for the whole family when I say, we are SO SO SO excited! Family time is fun time. We play games, we make fun of each other, we remember funny things about when we were together last...we just have a really good time. The kind of good time that you can't have with anybody but your siblings and parents and nieces and nephews.
I could go on and on because I am also blessed with an amazing church family and great friends all around me...but for now I will sign off. I hope all you (I am sure millions) readers can take from this post something great...appreciate your family, spend time with them when you can...MAKE time for them. And as the great James Taylor sang...Shower the People you love with love!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

I need to go to Japan...

Another fun conversation with the kids...

Nikki informed me today that she needed to take a trip to Japan. I asked her why and she went on to explain that she could get pearls there...real ones, from the water. I said that going to Japan for some pearls was a great idea but to keep in mind that she could get pearls from other places too. For example, I have pearls that my parents got me when they visited my sister in India. In fact, I said, if you want I could get them to bring back some pearls when they come to visit and that could be your Christmas present from me. She said that is a wonderful idea and thanks for saving me a trip to Japan!
I asked Taylor if he wanted anything from India, he said no. I asked him, was he sure? He said, well, an arrow head would be nice. (Umm...hello!?!?) So embarking into a lesson on the difference between the American Indians and Indian people who are actually in India was a fun and thought provoking conversation for all of us.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

So what you're saying is...

This is a conversation I had with Nikki and Taylor today...

Taylor: Eli walked by me at school today and flicked me.
Me: What did you do?
Taylor: Nothing, I don't know!
Nikki: Eli and Taylor had a fight yesterday.
Me: Oh? What was it about?
Nikki: Alex (Eli's older brother) made Taylor mad by riding his bike then throwing it on the ground. So Taylor called him a name, then Eli called Taylor a name and they pushed each other. I don't think they are really friends any more.
Taylor: I don't see why Eli got so mad at me. I didn't say anything mean to him!
Me: Well, brothers stick up for their brothers usually over their friends.
Nikki: Ya, Taylor. If my friend was mean to you I would take your side.
Taylor: So what you're saying is, deep deep deep down I really love Nikki even though I tell her I hate her a lot?
Me and Nikki: Yep.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Anna is home...

Anna is home from another long stay at the hospital...please please please keep praying!

Saturday, September 8, 2007 5:39 PM CDT

Last night was terrible. Anna was moaning and gagging off and on all night so none of us got any sleep. This morning I pulled the NG tube myself since it seemed to be the source of her agony. (The home health nurse was going to come and do it, but Anna chose me instead. She has more faith in me than I do in myself.) She has been a lot more talkative today and has stopped throwing up. She is trying to eat, but so far it's not much. Her eyes are bigger than her stomach so she asks for everything (mexican stack, pizza, macaroni and cheese, wheat thins, cheez whiz, chocolate covered cherries, carrots and ranch dressing.......just to name a few we've heard today). Pray that she will be able to eat and we won't have to consider replacing the tube. Pray that she will not get dehydrated. Pray that she will be able to sleep tonight.
Love,
Marlo