Momzilla

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

I'm sure there are actual reasons for my crankiness that *a-hem* probably have something to do with matters that are not for mixed company but which rhyme with framps, and tormones, and thattimeofthezonth, if you know what I mean. But really, my behavior has been abysmal the last few days, and I am here to confess: I am cranky. There. confession over. shut up.

kidding. kind of.

One of my friends has a night shirt that says, "Just because I am moody doesn't mean you aren't irritating" to that I say, Amen, sistah. My children have been unusually bickery lately, fighting over nothing at one minute and then ganging up together to see who can make the most annoying noise in the world and make Mom's head explode. So far, the boy is winning.

There is junk everywhere, and the kids keep spreading their stuff from one end of the house to the other. We just had the first child who had the GUTS to come to me and say, "I'm bored." WHAT? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Let the record show that particular child shall never use that phrase that close to Christmas again without ducking.

My husband, bless his heart, is trying so hard to just do something right. But he just can't. For example, I asked him to bring in one empty tub to put Christmas away, and he had the unmitigated GALL to bring in all the empty tubs. This caused wrath, of course. I mean really! Did I ask for all the tubs? Doesn't he love me? Doesn't he caaaarrrrrreeee?

Finally, he pushed me out the door with money and instructions to do what I had to do to "feel better"- I think that's good husbandese for "find my real wife."

I took an appointment at a local massage chain and got the crud rubbed out of me, quite literally. Before I went, I told S4J that I wondered if I should reward my awful behavior with a treat like that. I shouldn't have worried. Marlene, my tiny little adorable masseuse had to use all her powers to rub the tension out of my shoulders and neck- and it HURT! She used deep tissue massage- a technique which I think possibly is Hungarian for death by squeezing. Though amazingly relaxing, apparently I had some serious issues that could only be resolved by force. Marlene was serious about this, and determined to prevail against the toxins or whatever that were hidden in my body. She kept telling me to relax and breathe, and honestly, after awhile, it really started to work.

I came back, mostly better, resolving to behave like a regular mom instead of the creature from the black lagoon, but if you must know the truth, I'm faking it. Sometimes, as parents, I think we just have to. It's okay to let the children know that we have bad moods, and to require them to behave better to us when we are in the midst of one... it's a good life lesson. However, I think it's equally important that my children don't get the impression that one's irritability is a problem for everyone to deal with.

Oh, good. The pizza I ordered just arrived (you know, 'cause I'm mom of the year). I guess the deep spiritual lesson that's hidden in here about joy from the Lord, and Him working out the toxins, and all that jazz, are going to have to be do-it-yourself today. Let me know what you find. Maybe I need to learn them too. Just maybe.

Catching Up

So, I just spent >no lie< three hours reading blogs. My eyes are tired, my cheeks are sore from smiling, and the worst part is, I still have SEVENTY EIGHT more posts to read. That's what I get for taking a holiday, I suppose. I have a full, entire day off today and I intend to get those all read and enjoyed before midnight, for sure!

Today shall be a two posting day. Once I regain my eyesight, I shall return with something with a little more substance. First, I'm thinking the last bits of Christmas baking need to be consumed before the new year hits and the calories start counting again.

MIRL

So, I just got home from a long day that started with a MIRL (meet in real life) with Jenster & Frumpmama. I have now decided I am going to be called HisFrumpGirlster.

I want to blather on and on about how cool these chicks are, what a great time we had, and how we filled 3 hours with giggles and honesty and encouragement and fun. I want to confess how I am pretty sure I totally monopolized the conversation (and felt guilty) and how I can't post most of the pics I took with me in them because my hair looks like it has never been brushed. I want to show you the adorable and creative comment boards FrumpMama made, tell you how I had to speed home and dress and then fly off to work with our children's ministry for Christmas Eve Eve services, and then I want to tie up this post with some sort of poignant moral of the story...

but right now I must collapse in a heap and sleep before I die of tired. More to come.

Blessings!

As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

such a tease.

I can't wait to tell ya'll about my MIRL today! Jenster AND Frumpmama!!! Headed out the door in a few minutes! WHEEEE!

more to come

Celebrating Christmas

Christmas 2006

Saturday, my family and I headed out of town to my inlaw's house. Although being around a big pile of people and their noisy children (yes, I am in children's ministry- what?) is not exactly my cup of tea, I have to say that I always feel so blessed that I actually love my husband's family.

This year, there were um... (counting on fingers) FIFTEEN children- ages 16 and under- running around playing rubber band wars, a kitchen full of delicious food, 9 adults and a home filled to the brim with people I actually like.

When I started dating my husband back in 1990, I had no idea what a treat it was to be joining this family. My mother-in-law is an amazing lady. She cooks and sews like you could not believe. She embodies the spirit of a selfless heart. I love watching her attend to the needs of her children and grandchildren. She is beautiful and independent and loving. She treats me as one of her own, and I just adore her.

My father-in-law is actually my husband's step-dad. This man loves his wife so much, it's a wonderful thing to see. He constantly is praising her, complimenting her, helping her with whatever she's working on. He is supportive and kind and so good to her. He's also fun with the grandkids. They just love their Papa.

My husband has a brother with a wife and two children, a sister with a husband and three kids, a stepbrother with a wife and three kids, and a stepsister with three kids. All of these children get along so well, they cluster up in groups of boys and girls, then they rearrange by age, intermingling all along the way. We adults seem to do the same. The girls congregate, then it's all the sibs and married-in's, then combinations. We are always free to bring guests, so there's inevitably a family or two that we don't know, but they are embraced like they've always belonged.

This family is so vastly different than mine. While their celebration is wild and loud, with children everywhere, ripping open presents and running around with a cookie in one hand and a toy gun in the other, my family celebrates a quieter, quirkier way. My mom, my grandpa, my brothers, my new sister-in law (and maybe her sister too) will come to my home on Christmas morning, and we will carry on in our traditional fashion.

We're a smaller, tighter group, unrecognizable in comparison to my husband's, but the time is no less incredible. I look forward to our little traditions, Uncle Mike falling asleep on the couch while we take pictures of him, the thoughtful little gifts we exchange, the reading of the scriptures, the possibility of one of my brothers bringing out a guitar and *sigh* Christmas carols. My mom has always worked so hard to make Christmas special for us, and so we gather together each year so glad to see each other, filled with delicious memories of Christmases past. We laugh an awful lot in our family- my brothers are both hysterical- and I can't wait to open the door to see them there!

We have our own little family celebration, too- when it's just the five of us, we work hard to make our time less about presents and more about Jesus. Many of our old traditions are getting outgrown, but some I imagine we'll do anyway. We'll still hide the baby Jesus from the nativity for the kids to seek before they sit to open presents. The kids will still open their traditional Christmas Eve gift of pajamas. I imagine we'll still run outside with silly string from the stockings and make a spectacle of ourselves. We'll wake too early, take a million pictures, and cuddle on the couch. We'll pray this year for Thomas (our Compassion International Child) and for for our friends and family, and we'll take time to be truly grateful for the blessings we know came only from Him.

I wonder what my children will remember about Christmas, which of our traditions they will embrace when they have families of their own, and which new ones they will take up. When they marry, will they celebrate differently, will they hold on to anything we've done?

I pray that no matter what happens, they'll never forget the heart behind the celebrations, the desire of our family to love one another like our God did, by giving gifts and sacrificing. Our ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ, has never been forgotten in all the hubub, and I hope that that is the one thing tradition they will fiercely protect.

that and the silly string.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 4:9

the blobs on the couch.

This morning, it's just me and the boy, my enjoyable 13 year old son. We are kickin' it on the sofa, trying to gather up the motivation to dress ourselves and DO something before we have to pick up the twins from school.

It's not going well for productivity, if you must know.

Sample conversation:

Hey, Spence, we need to get up.
uuunngh.
We need to get groceries before the girls get out of school
or?
Or we have to take them with us and go after they get out.
but then we could take a nap right now? (our third for the day and it's only 10 am)
yeah. good point. *pulls covers up tighter*

I told him I was going to blog this, and he graciously offered his camera phone so we don't have to get up off the couch... that's what accounts for this lovely shot: Truth is, it's not flattering of either of us, but it's 29 degrees Fahrenheit here (that's more than 1 below to ya'll Celsius types) and we can't want to uncuddle.

I mean- we're staying a big distance apart, because thirteen year olds don't cuddle. That's for the record.

I am actually soaking in this time with my son, who is growing bigger, smarter, funnier than me by the minute. I see that look in his eye, the one that says, "I'm growing up, you know" and I know that, though there will always be a need for groceries and clean laundry, there won't always be moments like these.

So I think we're just going to skip the store for a little longer... and soak up the wonderfulness of blatant laziness and togetherness. Until we get hungry.... unless someone wants to bring us lunch?

Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.
Proverbs 19:15

strategy

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23

I have always been a schemer. If I ever try to pretend I was a good and sweet girl, someone pull out this story, pretty please:

Anyone remember Heads Up 7Up?

I totally had a blast to the past while volunteering in my daughters' 4th grade classroom this Wonderful Wet Wednesday. The teacher called out that they were staying inside for recess and I was instantly taken back to 1982 at Chapman Elementary School in Gardena, CA. Though I can barely remember my own children's names these days, I can somehow recall every single detail of playing that marvelous game in my own 4th grade classroom.

I can hear the sound of the teacher saying "Let's play Heads Up, 7up!" and the cheers as the whole class celebrated. I can even hear the teacher's tone as she'd say, "Okay, who are going to be my first choosers?"

I can almost replicate the exact sound of start of the game... "Alright, boys and girls, heads down, thumbs up!"

I can feel that feeling of my breath on the desk as I leaned my head on my arms to hide my eyes and put my thumb up for the choosing.

I can hear the sound of kids quietly walking around the classroom on the wood floor of our old school building. I can even hear my own heart beat as I silently hoped to be picked.

I can see the shoes of my classmates as I cleverly peeked through my arms when they paused behind me to press my thumb down.

~ahem~ I mean to say, I can feel the sweaty fingers of my classmates as they stealthily touched my thumb and tiptoed away, leaving me to somehow figure out who chose me.

I can hear the teacher call out "Okay, Heads Up! Seven Up!" and the scrape of the chairs as seven children stand up to guess who pressed their thumbs down.

I can taste the sweet victory as I amazingly win the game again! Oh, what a wonderful, delightful activity for children! Pure joy!

Sadly, my daughters' class wasn't playing Heads Up 7up today, or I might have had to stay and see if I still have those mad guessing skillz. Instead, they were playing 4 Corners. I hate to admit it, but since I've never played before, I never developed a strategy for play. And, since I didn't have that all important strategy, I excused myself and walked away full of warm memories of the days of yore, my undefeated status still intact.

How about you? Do you remember any favorite Rainy Day Games?
Did you cheat have a strategy for winning?

the integrity of the wolf.

Are you a text-er?
Have you ever made a bigGIANTtypo because of predictive text?
I have a doozy.

Yesterday, one of my dearest, funniest friends in the wholewideworld (who also happens to be my boss) sent out a text to our little team, joking: "Why can't I just yell "Work called off today on account of raaaain?"

Of course, (because ya'll know how I felt yesterday) I whipped out my cell phone and texted back right away... "You're the boss! Do it! Do it! Do it!"

the quick response from Wen: "Isn't that an abuse of power?"

at this point I had already showered and was on my way to the office. Still, I sent her one last silly text. I fully thought that I said, "I don't think it's an abuse of power. It's out of the respect for the integrity of the workplace or something like that."

I was typing fast, trying to scuttle to work, so you can imagine my surprise when the message that came back was:

"Hahahaha! Did u see how many typos u had in that txt?"

without looking, I answered, "I guess I have to call in stupid then. That's what I get for txting on the go."

At the stop sign, I took a minute to read the text I actually sent:

i don't viol it is an cause of power. it's out of respect for the integrity of the wolf or something like that.

Apparently, a few typos coupled with predictive text and plain ol' fashioned being too hurried to proofread made all the difference in the world.

I was dying laughing, tears streaming down my face, just imagining Wen reading this text with the phrase "integrity of the wolf" and trying to figure that out. All day, if I would even think of it, I would just burst into laughter.

Later, I was picking my friend Julie's son up from school at the same time as my own teenager. I sent her a quick text, asking her to tell James I was there and ready for him.

She sent back: "Honey, I think you need to check your editing again. Or did 'Lands' finally show up?"

hahahaa.... I did it AGAIN!

I giggled about this all day yesterday, and then this morning I was chatting with God about the integrity of the words that fall out of my mouth. I was realizing how little I think about what I am going to say from the perspective of the fact that God is listening.

Are the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart pleasing to Him? Do I even consider this, or am I letting the things I say come out like predictive text, not even taking the time to listen and make sure I'm making sense, that I'm saying what I mean to say? Am I guarding my lips so the wrong message doesn't slip out?

Honestly? I'm not. I am not thinking about the fact that the things I say, the things I talk about, the words that come out of my mouth are a reflection of not only who I am, but who God is. I've become lazy in my speech, just like I was lazy in my txts, and it's only a matter of time before I make a really huge mistake... an epic typo of "viol it is an cause of power" proportions. If I let my words be on autopilot, instead of purposely choosing what I say, I open myself up to a world of regret and hurt.


Today, I thanked God that He's willing to teach me lessons like this in such a enjoyable fashion, through fun and laughter, instead of the hard way, as long as I'm willing to listen & learn. I prayed that He would help me speak edifying words, that I would say kind things about others, that He would purify my heart and my lips so that I'm not embarrassing myself, others, or my Lord.

We're talking about the integrity of the wolf, people.

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord,
my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Pause Button.

but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts
Acts 14:17

It's raining this morning. *sigh* I love the sound of rain on the roof, I love the coziness of listening to it fall as I am cozified here on my sofa, morning devotion time finished, bundled in my big fluffy robe and warmie socks, candle burning, dog snoring, chai tea steaming, cat napping near me... book beckoning, kids on their way out the door for school.

It's days like today that I wish I could hit the pause button and pretend nothing else needs to be accomplished. Instead, I'm heading up now to hop in the shower, and to pray that I'll find joy in this day despite the fact that I'm not at home with this:

Letting it Go

Here are some of my favorites from our Christmas Card Photo Session. Lots of editing to do, but I am satisfied. (If I can just make myself take my eyes off of my fat rolls and the fact that I don't have curtains up still) I'm sending out e-cards this year, have made a collage and am just about to send them out. Pretty sure my extended family is going to hang me, but I am loving the idea of not freaking out about cards this year. On several occasions, I have ordered them, and never sent them for one reason or another, so this year I am just not making myself crazy. I'm letting it go.

Also, I shortened our Christmas list of who we buy for. Not buying for friends, only those ornaments we made for kids, and very small gifts for our immediate family. Most are homemade. We got only a couple of presents for our own children- they have enough junk anyway. We're praying about who we can bless that really needs it instead. This feels especially wonderful, much more right than spending hundreds of dollars buying things people don't need, and probably don't even want. I have not had one moment of panic shopping this year, and I am happy to report I am completely finished shopping, and halfway finished wrapping.

Today the kids spent the entire day setting up the nativity sets (we have a huganic collection) and talking about Jesus. I overheard the girls wondering aloud together what Caesar must have thought when he heard the wisemen talking about finding the newborn King, and what the shepherds must have been saying to each other as they followed the star. *sigh* muuuuch better.

I'm starting to think 'minimal Christmas' is going to be the norm. I feel so relaxed and happy today. I'm hoping all of these cutbacks will help us to focus on Jesus, and to love our family in ways that money can't buy. It's good to let it go a little bit, instead of holding onto things that are unnecessary so tightly we can't hold onto what's important.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you
Matthew 6:33

edited to add: Hey friends, does this post sound self-righteous? I really hope not. I just reread and am thinking it may appear that I think this is the only way this should be done, or that I judge anyone who is not doing it this way. For the record: it's not that I think buying and baking and decorating and shopping and Christmas carding are evil, I'm saying doing those things make ME nutso. I actually envy those of you who are able to do all those things and still keep a focus on Jesus. The purpose of this post is to share that if you are like me, and you just can't do it, that you don't have to. That's all. Please go about your Christmas the way that works for you.

What thing are you doing/not doing this year that is lightening the load
and helping you focus?

The Year We Ruined Christmas

See those twin girls up there? Don't they look sweet and innocent and ready for kindergarten? Do not be deceived. Those little five year olds once ruined Christmas for DOZENS of children. Dozens, I tell you.

Picture the scene, Target- December 2004. We are walking through the store, me and my big girl twin daughters who have questions. QUESTIONS. Lots and lots of questions. As often happened when we would see a Santa, the interrogation questioning intensified:

"Mommy?"
"yes?"
"Santa Claus is not real, right?"

Okay, let's push pause here for a moment, shall we? We made the decision when my son was about the same age to "out" the whole Santa thing. I had fully intended to pretend Santa forever, but my son blew the lid off the whole thing by asking me "Is Santa real?" and "Is God real?" one after the other, in practically the same breath. I had no choice, people! I had no choice!
So, naturally, he was happy to share this info with the girls basically from the time they were in the womb. Because of this, my children have always known Santa is a great pretend story- but we still leave out cookies and stockings. It works well for our family to this very day. Well, unless you count 2004..........

"Right. We like to pretend he is real, but he is not."
"Was Santa ever real?" Those big blue eyes peered at me, blinking, and waiting for the information....
"Well, yes, I believe he was. I think that once there was a real man whose name was Nicholas, who loved Jesus so much that he wanted to give children presents on His birthday. Later, he was known as Saint Nicholas, and then Santa."
"So he was once alive?" big, giant blue eyes again...
"Yes, I am pretty sure"
"And he's not alive any more?"
"No, that was a long time ago"
The big blue eyes kept staring at me. I couldn't see where they were going with this, until, in unison, at the top of their lungs, they asked me at full volume..........

SO SANTA CLAUS IS DEAD????

Cue the screeching needle across the record player, as the entire store went silent, and mothers far and wide covered their children's ears and glared at me.

"Sshshshshshshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" I said, darting down the sympathy card aisle in an attempt to escape the encroaching mob. "Yes, probably, but remember that people really love to pretend he is real, so let's keep this information to ourselves, okay?" I whispered this desperately, pleading with the little angels.

The little blondie heads nodded, in unison. Of course, they agreed, and zipped their little innocent twin lips to seal the deal. Their halos practically shone.

Fast forward to the following Monday. I am sprinting across the school to get the girls from kindergarten, when I am greeted by a redfaced teacher, three very disgruntled parents, and a handful of sobbing children.

It seems as though none of them appreciated that my darling girlies decided to educate the entire kindergarten class that their beloved Jolly Ol' Elf was DEAD.

And upon further inspection, I discovered the shunning one gets when one tells her children this horrid information, because really, what kind of monster tells her children that SANTA CLAUS DIED?

apparently, this kind.

*hangs head in shame*

I originally was reminded about this story when reading this blog. How about y'all? Any of you have Santa blood on your hands? Just me?

oh, rats.


Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.
Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.
Isaiah 54:4a

Wednesday

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Is it strange to have a favorite day of the week? 'Cause I do. I loooove Wednesdays. Let me count the ways:

1. I get to go volunteer in my daughters' class- where the teacher has me doing the MOST delicious thing: helping the kids with their creative writing! I mean, really! Is there anything more satisfying than walking around a fourth grade classroom with a red pen, listening to the ideas of superexcited kids, and helping them put those ideas on paper? oh, be still my beating heart. The red pen gives me a high anyway, but encouraging kids to write? bliss, I tell you. Plus, he really only needs me there about 45 minutes... then I am free to leave guilt-free.
2. Then, I go to the grocery store. Not THAT exciting, but I should probably confess that there is a Starbucks right next to the store! It's my reward for sticking to my grocery budget.
3. Those are all the scheduled tasks until I have to pick the children up from school, then go to supervise the Wednesday night church services. I am free to go shopping (today), do crafting (also today), read (oh, maybe today), run errands (I don't think I have any today), and maybe.... take a nap! (oh, do I dare dream?) If I make myself stay off the computer, I can get a bajillion things done! Ahhhh the sweet release of accomplishment!

I've been taking the time in the morning to pray about my tasks, especially on Wednesdays. It seems like an odd thing to do, but I've even been asking the Lord about my grocery list. I want to be wise with the money God's provided to feed the people God's blessed me with. I'd love to show God I am thankful for what He's given by taking care of my family in a way that blesses Him and them. Also, I want to use every moment of my wonderful Wednesdays to not only recharge for the second half of the week, but to give Him glory.

So, I've updated my Ipod with Christmas music (about 17 versions of my favorite song, O Holy Night, and the complete works of John Denver & The Muppets are now installed, thankyouverymuch) and am ready to toss on some yoga pants and go take on my favorite day of the week.....

What's your favorite day of the week, why?

offended.

I once read a quote (in a book I was editing, coincidentally) that totally shook my foundation. In essence, it said this:

If you are personally offended, it's usually because you think you deserve more than you actually do.

The idea is that, If I get all wound up, righteously indignant on my own behalf, 99 times out of 100, I've forgotten that what I actually deserve is death, as a punishment for my sin. I have neglected to remember that any kindness, grace and mercy is a undeserved bonus that has been graciously given to me by Christ. I do not deserve it, He does. I did not purchase it, He did. I do not deserve respect, service, courtesy, forgiveness, honor, He does. That He lovingly shares these things with me should be treasured around every bend.

This concept changed the way I looked at everything, even customer service. I do not have the inalienable right to be waited on quickly, politely, and properly. God does. I am allowed to hope for it, I am allowed to have it, I am even allowed to request it, but I cannot at any time pretend to think I have it coming to me. Because do I really want to start playing the "Give me what I have coming to me" game? That could get uuuuuuuugggggggglllllllllyyyyyyy quick.

Yesterday, I had amnesia in this area again. I got my heart all riled up wanting someone to "give me the common courtesy of the benefit of the doubt." As I was stewing on this, I got madder and madder. I am trustworthy! I silently roared, as I pounded my fist on the table mentally. My character should speak for itself! I internally shouted. Then a whisper.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

What? Grace? Are we going to talk about grace, Lord? Well, that's good. 'Cause I think that someone is lacking in the grace department, 'cause I don't see that person handing out a drop of grace, and clearly some is expected."

MY grace is sufficient for you.

Wow. I uh, never thought of that scripture that way. So, I don't need to be stomping around demanding grace from others? I should be satisfied with the grace You have given? What if his person doesn't recognize the truth? Do I educate them? About how trustworthy I am, how my charact... (thinking to my self now: do I really want to tell God how trustworthy I am? Do I really think I can fool Him into thinking my character is so impeccable it is pure sin for others to question it? Do I really want to pull on that thread?)

...Nevermind, Lord. I remember now how You responded when others questioned your character in the final events leading up to your crucifixion. That amazing sacrifice You made for me. You had every right to defend Yourself. You had every right to blast them for daring to insinuate You are anything but the Almighty. Yet, You were silent.

I hear You, sweet Jesus. Your grace is enough for me. I'll let you do the work that needs to be done. I'll extend that grace. Without limitations. Without a struggle. I know I can trust that You will take it from there.

Because You are the One who is worthy of trust. You are the One whose character speaks for itself.

Your grace is enough for me.

Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Online Shopping

Thomas (blurred for privacy)

Okay, roll call... are you done shopping yet?

I'm in the home stretch over here, though I'll confess something: I did 99% of my shopping online this year. I skipped the crowds and impulse buying and let my fingers do the grunt work. I hit lots of sites, getting great deals and saving gas and sanity. It's been lovely.

This week, I discovered a new site that some college kids from my church are starting. It's caliberchristian.com - a place where you can find great gifts for your kids with a Christian twist. There are games, toys, a Christian Guitar Hero computer game for a great price, and more. I love the idea of not just shopping online, but helping out some fantastic kids (how is it that I've become so old I'm now calling college-aged people kids? when did that happen?) work their way through school. Swing on over if you're so inclined.

---<><---

Also, last week we took the plunge and finally decided to sponsor our first child through Compassion International. It was a quick, easy signup online, and I tell you what, the minute we clicked the final button, I felt this amazing feeling of joy. I've been hearing from every direction unrelated reminders that God takes very seriously his commission to us to care for the poor, the widows, and the orphans. I've been praying about what He would have us do about it, as a family. My children are so dern spoiled, I wanted to make sure they were involved in whatever God lead us to do. So, when I visited CC Salt Lake last month, I got to hear and see the children that my friend Kim sponsors. Kim's also an area representative or coordinator or something like that, and she spent some time working with Compassion in Africa this year. I couldn't get it out of my mind. I wondered if this was my sign.

When I came back home, some of my favorite bloggers/twitter-ers were chatting about their Compassion kids, and I decided it was time to chat to my husband about it. Like everyone we know, money is not really flowing like milk and honey around the HisGirl house these days, so it wasn't a decision I wanted to make alone. We took it to prayer.

So, making a long story short (er), we (kids included) decided to let Compassion randomly choose a child for us. Today we found out we are the sponsors of Thomas, a little 4 year old boy from Kenya. When I saw his sweet little face I just teared up. I instantly fell in love with him, with his sweet little cheeks and innocent little boy scowl. It wasn't long before I started to weep. Such a relief... the perfect antidote to this selfish struggle I've been having lately with my finances. It felt so good, so.... right, hearing a whisper from God and then finding exactly what it was He was asking me to do. So gratifying.

There are so many other little guys out there just waiting to be sponsored, to have a guaranteed meal a day, some basic Bible instruction, and some bare necessities. At the risk of sounding like an infomercial, I'd like to take this time to encourage you to discover what it is God's been whispering to you... then go, do it. Don't use any excuses... God will provide the time, resources, and details. Trust and Go! If don't already have something on your heart, consider goin' on over to Compassion International and seeing if there is a child whose face calls your name.

I know one thing for sure... finding Thomas was pretty much the best much the best thing that's happened to me online in... well, ever. *sniffle* Who knew?

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Matthew 25:37-40

ps:
One more little bit of information before I press on, push "publish" and go back to my online shopping... many of you asked about the soy "ice cream" sandwiches... they were delicious, of course. You think God's gonna send me yukky treats?

He hears me...

He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
Psalm 145:19

Last month, in my crazy, crazy, crazy can't-even-blog-cause-there-is-just-so-much-to-think-about-and-do craziness, I had a teensy but mighty little encounter with God that was just incredible to me, and I wanted to take a minute to share with you...

I was doing my normal Wednesday morning trip to the grocery store, checking out things to pack in lunchboxes (my finicky girls still won't brave up to buy food in the cafeteria!) and cruising the aisles when I happened upon the pudding cups. I spied a flavor called "Ice Cream Sandwich." I'm sure if you were standing there, watching me see this, you would have seen me gaze off into space with this tiny little nostalgic smile on my face like in a character in a sitcom who's about to have a flashback sequence.

And if you could have read my mind, you would have heard me say something like, "Oh, ice cream sandwiches... mmmmmmm. I think perhaps the thing I miss most of all is ice cream sandwiches." You see, I had to give up ice cream and milk about two years ago due to the UNBELIEVABLE PAIN consuming them brings. One of those old age things, I guess. Rather unpleasant to say the very least. Anyhoo, dream sequence over, I continued on my merry way without giving it another thought.

That day, I was scheduled to go speak at preschool in a local town. It's not that far away, but the traffic is horrid. About halfway between the preschool and my home is my son's school. When I finished speaking, I decided that it would be better to kill a half hour in town rather than drive all the way home, then turn around and retrace my route back to my son's school.

That's how I ended up at Trader Joe's. Ugh. Now, before you throw your organic vegetables at me, you need to know the reason I absolutely hate going to that store. It's nothing against the chain, really, it's just that this particular location is undesirable on many, many levels. First, and the biggie, is the parking lot. It is the worst parking lot in all of the world. It's like playing a giant slide puzzle. There is only room for one car to be moving at any given time. In the entire lot. Meaning, if you want to back out, you have to wait until everyone is settled- people need to back up and pull forward to make room for you. Then you have to make a 99 point turn to get out of the space, then you have to make room for 77 others to get out of their spaces. Getting in and out is nothing if not thrilling and death defying.

Also, the people who shop at this particular location are not your real health foodies. These are the fakies. They wear their high heels & minis or velour pink jogging suits with body parts exposed all over the place- as if they were at some sort of single's meet and greet. They pull up in their Escalades and Hummers and then ask if something is 'eco friendly'- and they shop aggressively. They push and snarl and are generally cranky. Oh, that last part might be me when some lady with clawlike acrylic nails shows me all her business as she bends over in front of me to grab the last box of whatever I was reaching for. It's a real treat in there, I tell you. That's why I only go like once a year when I forget how much I hate it.

Okay, back to the story...

SO, although I detest this store, there is a pumpkin bread mix there that is super simple and my husband loves. I was thinking how cool it would be to jump in there and get it to bless him just because, so I decided to risk it.

The parking lot and the people were exactly as usual, but I kept a stiff upper lip and forged in. I found the last box of the mix and was turning around slowly to make my way to the door when I caught something amazing out of the corner of my eye...

SOY ICE CREAM SANDWICHES!!!!

My eyes just teared up. The chances of me just thinking about how much I miss those bits of yumminess, then winding up at the store I never go to, and finding ice cream sandwiches that I can actually eat on the same day? It was undeniably, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my loving, omniscient God saying to me... "I hear your every thought......"

I felt so loved, so blessed. I know, it's a small unnecessary thing, ice cream sandwiches, but that He would care enough to bless me with something so tiny, but so BIG was just amazing to me. God hears me! He's real! He listens! This was good information, 'cause the next day was my terrible horrible no good very bad day, and I was going to need it. It was so wonderful to have this story on my heart while I went about the craziness of that day, and these ice cream sandwiches in my freezer to serve as therapy when I got home. Divine. Just Divine.

He hears my every thought!

*gulp*

... He hears my EVERY thought!

Lord, purify my heart, forgive me for my unkind thoughts and mumblings. Help me to remember that I should honor you on the outside as well as in my thought life. Thank You that You hear the details, and that You love me so much You notice even the little things, like ice cream Sandwiches.

oh, and thank You for soy. mmmmmmmm.

Routine

People's Exhibit A: freshly made mini donuts, piping hot and DELICIOUS from the festival of lights...that I actually consumed, like, 8 of with little shame. See? That's what happens when I am left to my own devices.

What is it about returning to routine that is so hard to do, but so wonderful? It's true, I do enjoy having the kids out of school for holiday breaks (in theory) and getting up on the first Monday back is t.o.r.t.u.r.e., but overall, it feels so good to know that I can predict how this day will go... at least a little. Because the only thing I like more than routine is lists, here is a list of the things that fell apart whilst I was traveling/being sick/having kids out of school/hubby out of work:

1. Daily devotion time: Hard when my husband's home. When he's up and home, it feels like I'm ignoring him when I'm wanting to be alone with God. I understand that's a wrong perspective, it just feels wrong. I realize that if I would just get up before him, instead of sleeping in, it could be avoided, but I don't do a great job at this.
2. Eating well: Again, I hate to blame my husband, but I forget how much this man EATS. And he's such a great guy, he always brings something yummy for me when he hits the kitchen. Again, not doing a great job at refusing.
3. Exercising: what? I used to exercise every morning? are you sure?
4. Laundry: otherwise known as Mount Everest. How on earth did we dirty so many clothes?
5. Sleep Schedules: Up too late at night, up too late in the morning, naps in the middle. I seem to have specialized my own brand of lazy. Yes, some of it was fever- induced, but still!

Apparently, I can't be trusted with my time. I need a schedule to dictate that everything gets done. I'm a bit routine dependent, I suppose. Speaking of schedules, it's time to get my peeps off to school *sigh* Then, I'm going to sneak back and light a yummy candle, drink my hot chai tea, pull my cozy blanket up, and do a proper devotion time before heading back to work. I'm so excited! How about you? Are you a routine addict? Or can you keep yourselves disciplined no matter how the wind blows?

O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1