Thanksgiving...tradition?

Motherhood journal

What truly makes a house a home is tradition. I have four littles and they like the routine of tradition. I was one of three growing up and we had a home that was filled with love and good food and conversation at the dinner table. We enjoyed lighting the candlelight in the window every winter to ward off the cold Vermont winter nights. There was always an open invitation to friends or family to stop in and say hello- a friend newly engaged, a friend struggling with addiction or just a hello from a loved one visiting from out of town. These are the traditions that help create the memories that have lasted most of my adult life. There wasn’t typically an exorbitant amount of income for a typical family of five, but we received blessing upon blessing from those around us and typically shared whatever we had. 

Happy Thanksgiving. Make a tradition with family or friends and enjoy the gift of time together. 

Testimony for Mother’s of Preschoolers

Motherhood journal March 31st 2019
Testimony for MOPS April 4th.

“I dusted myself off from the wet, cold pavement of Fellowship Bible Church’s driveway on an early Thursday February morning. Looking around I could only see gray covered clouds encompassing the vast spanse of sky with the church in the foreground. It occurred to me that no one saw me fall, tumbling over my toddler while I carried my new born baby in the carseat on my arm, a weight too heavy for me a month after giving birth. Sure enough, though, I hurt my knee and wrist and was shaken up over the thought of hurting either of my young children. My kids were both fine so I decided I would continue into the church for my first day at MOPS. Little did I realize that this was a start to a journey of learning, leading and living biblical motherhood.”

My MOPS testimony spans 3 years. In the past three years, I have had the priveledge of learning from mentor moms, new found friends, and short acquaintances. Learning from them what it looks like to embrace motherhood head on. I say “head on” because sometimes it feels as though there is a battle against us and if we so choose, we can conquer it, or let it conquer us. There was always a time in those three years when upon showing up for MOPS I was completely and utterly overwhelmed by motherhood and I longed for times less stressed and more thin and for simply “me time”. However, leaning on the women I met at MOPS helped me learn to deal with and help my children thrive to become mature healthy adults, rather than just praying I would survive through the day. Needless to say, MOPS is for Learning.

MOPS is for leading. Leading women through the bible and it’s teachings to become better more well equipt mommy’s of our children. Leading women toward’s Christ’s love and all that He has promised us. MOPS leads people to Christ.

MOPS is for living. Mops is Living with other moms who are doing the exact same thing as you are- striving to be the best mom to our children. Living with “MOPS moms” looks like this: going to Mom’s Night Out and laughing your butt off, or attending bi monthly meetings here, crying to a friend, service projects, swapping clothes and toys, or praying for each other and making meals for mom’s of newborns. We support each other in the roles of motherhood and all that it encompasses.

You might ask:
Was attending my first MOPS meeting something I will always remember? Yes! Mainly because I fell… (Laugh)

Seriously though,
Do I remember what they spoke about at the first mops meeting? No. But I remember how it made me feel to be a part of a large movement of moms learning, leading, and living.
Thank you.

Mundane

One day when I was in the thick of it, something bothered me that all I seemed to be doing with my three kiddos in the home was picking up toys, folding laundry and changing diapers. I would turn and sob every once in a while thinking that my life was so mundane. I felt overtired, underappreciated and overwhelmed.
I stopped at my sink, where apparently a lot of my thinking happens, and I thought,

 “My mundane is somebody’s heaven.”

To think for a moment that there were many women in the world who wanted to bear children who can’t. And for moms who don’t have food to make dirty dishes.  Or people without  any clothes to make dirty laundry.

Next time I want to complain I’ll look at my quote I wrote above my sink.

Perfectly Not Perfect

I stood in my kitchen for the billionth time that day pondering the messy mess that seemed to get to my nerves every day at some point in the day. As a mom of three kids, four years and under, for a whole year long, there were days I felt like I was falling apart when it really was only my home that needed repair... but maybe my heart too. So, I coined this phrase on a sticky note to help remind me what I’m doing as a mom is really not only helping my kids, but they are helping ME. Therefore I wrote on that yellow sticky note, 

“My kids ruined my life to save me from ruining it on my own.”  

The Rime of the Ancient Mommy

The Rime of the Ancient Mommy

“Socks socks everywhere but not a pair to wear.”

The Day 9/11 Came

The Day 9/11 Came
Poem by Valerie Sereday

When I think of 9/11 I think I can never forget.
Can one imagine a world where the need was not met-
Where those who served and those who died with honor and courage by their side?
The men and women who gave all,
who would not let their nation fall.
I think of the newborn son and dad who never met.
I think of the mommy who in someone's arms wept.
I think of the warrior a world away
fighting to keep our freedoms safe to this day.
America the free and the brave
On 9/11 was tested, all their strength they gave.
Liberty and justice to name a few
defines us as a people it's True.
Whatever it takes to make a stand
Against any evil man
Because on 9/11/2001, our beloved country under attack,
Stood the test of human dignity, strength, in fact-
I think of people like you and me.
Neighbor's, friends and family
I think of how I love this freedom we name
And how freedom's cost showed a great price The Day 9/11 Came.

Mother’s Day 2018

Mother's Day Poem 2018

Upon the month of May
We remember a special day.
A mom is thought of-
Taken time to show our love.
Showing her gratitude
For her years of great attitude.
Her joy, laughing, giving,
For her hope, faith and living.
Her legacy in us lives on
While traces of her smile shone
Through deep recesses of our heart
It is how we know she did her part
In growing us, loving us, too-
Only now we want to say thank you.

Rest

With so many things vying for my attention, I find I can sit a rest in the One who Sees me. El Roi. The God who sees. He is my comfort in suffering and despair. He can pick me up out of the dessert places and set my feet over Jordan. God alone can rescue me. He is a blessed savior.

Wonder in Winter

This month: WONDER IN WINTER

Slow down
Stop and be still
Give yourself a mental break
Be starry eyed by stopping and looking at the stars
Find the wonder!
Look at the world through your kids' eyes.
Put before yourself things that are beautiful and put it before your kids  and have conversations about it. One thing!!
Listen to:
Every season Nicole Nordeman

Mother’s Day 2016

Mother's Day 2016

As a mother you wear many hats.  You may be giving a boo-boo a kiss and have to nurse someone back to health. You have to be a mother, a listening ear, a friend, a beauty queen, CEO,  manager, an artist, a chef, a financial planner, a resident advisor, a Singer, a housekeeper, wet nurse, party planner, personal consultant, avid reader, judge, entertainer, sports manager, teacher, banker mechanic, taxi driver. If this is not enough there's also responsibilities as a friend and as a wife. And then, when your children are all grown and out of the house, you may be feeling a little like you are out of a job. However, you are not.

Each one of these hats has their importance. One of the most important that I see it would be a bible teacher/spiritual adviser. God says in his word to honor your father and mother and it will go well with you. Scripture says that when Jesus went to the cross, His mother was there. Jesus gave an important task to one of his disciples- to take care of his mother.   Jesus cared deeply about his mother. Jesus cares deeply about you. You were not just any person. You are a mother. And what you do matters. Maybe you've been a mother to many, maybe a few, but the significance doesn't  go up or down...the significance is the same. It is eternally significant.  What you do with and for your children today has an impact on their future forever. Knowing the involvement of my mother in my life, I know that many things that I do now, have been or were affected by my mother.
Perhaps at the movies, you see a war Film and you may see a young man dying on the battlefield. Who does he ask for? His mother.

Proverbs 31 says that a wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies and that her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

Elisa Morgan wrote from mother's of preschoolers international:

Mom's Nurture hope, build dreams, plant seeds of faith that yield unending blooms, and leave footprints of love on her children's heart that never fade.

Singer songwriter Carrie Underwood wrote a song called "Mama" saying:
"Mama, you taught me to do the right things. Now you have to let your baby fly. You've given me everything I will need, to make it through this crazy thing called life."

After the deviation of 9/11 terrorist attack, First Lady Laura Bush said: "I called my own children immediately to reassure them," she said, "and then I called my own mother, just for the comfort of her voice." (WashingonPost.com, 21 September 2001)

So, on behalf of all the children of you beautiful mothers, I would like to thank you for having given yourself, your time and your heart tirelessly and unceasing. Thank you.

God’s presence

 God's presence in the craziness of life

Just the other day I decided to look for God's presence in a very stressful environment. You might think this environment was something to do with a job, or a broken down car, or some failure of mine the put me in a bind. However, it occurred while sitting on my couch at home comfortable...while both of my little ones were crying. One had gas and needs my attention holding her and the other was throwing a tantrum because he wanted attention too.  It came to my mind the song we sang at church some Sunday before.
The lyrics go- "Holy Spirit you are welcome here. Come flood your presence in the atmosphere."
 "Why did I start thinking of the song? " well, mainly because I wasn't feeling God's Spirit. All I was feeling was frustration. My toddler wanted to cry when my infant was crying, and I only have two hands and one lap.  It was one of those days where sleep deprivation got the best of me. Whether you're dealing with an acting out teenager or a sick child who keeps you up at night or even, like me, in the starting of infancy, there is always God's presence... Even if you don't feel it. It is there because we are made in the image of God. Image bearers. I can see it in the hugs, I can see it in the kisses, and I can even see it in the infant cries when I look hard enough. There is a way about us that points us to God.
It's not easy to do the day-to-day routine, but God gives us that routine to use it for His glory to influence our children. I am so thankful for that moment with God in His presence, even amidst the chaos.

September 2017

The Valley

"Hang in there, you're doing great." Just breathe deep.
'Yea tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Your rod and staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me...'"

"We are here for you."

I hear a baby cry. So small a voice.

A baby less than 2
Days old is too young to be dying. His mother beside me is laying in her hospital bed.

God is good? God is loving? So many question of the mother whose infant is dying. Soon he will not be able to breathe to support his own little body. It rocks the faith of any believer.

I read scripture and it helped calm down the mother who was beyond tears. Wailing for the loss of a life that hasn't yet been lost.

Edward's syndrome. That's the name of the disability the baby boy has. He will never live to smile or laugh. When his eyes open, they see his father hovering over him using one hand to rub the infant's tiny foot.
When the alarm sounds, swarms of nurses enter to help the dying child.

All their attempts are utterly useless because the baby is said to die anyway. The only prayer is to cherish the time the family has with the baby now, before he is taken from them.

We pray for a sudden healing. We pray for a miracle. We ask God to intervene and bring this child to life full life to use him Lord for Your Glory.

Going through times like this hurt or help our faith.
Can we be strengthened by the hardship or can we crumble underneath the pressure. We can decide to follow Jesus no matter what the cost no matter how hard.  Trusting this little life in His hands. Praying for a miracle and leaving it to Him because God is sovereign and He is in control. We can rest assured that our Father will not give is more than we can handle. He will give us a way out that we can stand up under it.

Luke 11:9-13
““So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:9-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/luk.11.9-13.niv

Happy Birthday Mommy Dear!

If the rose could know her own scent,

She would know just how much she meant.

If my mother could only step back and clearly see,

She would observe how wonderful that she is to me.

She is a believer, strong in the Lord,

And she uses the bible as a sword.

With it, she writes guitar songs,

Knowing Christ's power can make right our wrongs.

When singing, she exudes much gratitude,

While influencing others with her good attitude.

Not only in homeschool would she teach me,

But also when we'd talk over coffee or peach tea.

Reminding me of our reasons to be thankful and live,

She contributes all thanks to our Maker, for our breath He gives.

Our lives, she says, are to be "holy, not happy" or glad,

And sending us off to school she said, "Go M.A.D.!"

Making a difference is a challenge she rises above,

Yet she knows it is only through God's power, strength and love.

If my mother could only step back and know for sure,

Then she would learn that I would not be who I am without her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!

To my Dear Brother,

You're so very special to me. Wish I could spend time with you on your birthday. May God bless you in a unique way today so that your birthday is very memorable.

Love always,

Your sister

IMIPORTANT TO WATCH!

YouTube - Congressman Mike Rogers' opening statement on Health Care reform in Washington D.C.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=G44NCvNDLfc

How He loves us...

David Crowder band totally inspired me this week.
I thank God for people who proclaim simple truths in profound ways.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJyW55AXJAk


Also, I was completely blown away with our small group's study on Sunday night.
Quick summary: Speaking of Jeremiah 17:5-8. In comparison to desert lands, a tree planted near THIS spring is all that more enticing. Trust and hope in the LORD.

Forget the snow...

IS IT TYPICAL TO CREATE AN AVALANCHE OF CLOTHES WHEN ONE GRABS FOR THE LAUNDRY BASKET?

It's been a long time coming. ;-)

I am praying about Westminster Choir College. I should be working more on the application rather than writing a blog, but after watching Julie and Julia somehow I am inspired to blog again. Thanks for listening... I mean reading.

Home Sweet Home

I had the absolute blessing of returning to Vermont for Christmas. Times with family skiing, bowling and drinking coffee in the mornings.

Christ be in our hearts, in our minds, and in our love this year and the years to come.

Next Performance

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

DECEMBER 20TH
SUNDAY 6:00 PM

St. Paul's Reformed Episcopal Church

800 Church Rd

Oreland, Pa. 19075

215-836-5432

A CHRISTMAS GIFT

What I can I give Him, give Him my heart.

Luke 2
According to the Law of the LORD written in Leviticus 12:21-40, Joseph and Mary were to provide a lamb for the sacrifice at the temple. If one was poor, they could offer a pair of doves of two pigeons. Since they were poor, Joseph and Mary offered a pair of doves or two pigeons. Interestingly enough, they were HOLDING the LAMB of God. The LAMB who would die as a sacrifice for their sins. Though Joseph and Mary were poor, they were so very RICH.