Happy Thanksgiving...in February?

This past Saturday, February 18, 2012 we celebrated Thanksgiving! Several people asked..."Why?" Our response was, "We have so much to be thankful for...why not?" So having a small turkey in our freezer and being blessed beyond words served as good enough reason to celebrate. Here are some of our 1000 Gifts. #290-299...

We started our morning with the white board ready for us to fill up as the day went on. Such precious words penned by precious people..who know full well that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above. When you see the very hand of God work miracles day in and day out..providing food for our table, money to pay our bills and provision in many ways...there is NO doubt in your mind...who is taking care of us.

My man and our quiver!

Even though our Pop has been in a different home since August, he lived with us for 8 years and he will always be apart of our family unit - I love that my children feel that way about him! If he didn't get so confused when he is away from his norm, we would have loved to have him eat with us.

Even though it is February one cannot think of Thanksgiving without thanking the Lord for that special relationship between the Pilgrims and the Indians...this put a smile on this homeschooler's face!

My son Kyle, ever the creative artist...had to write his list inside the leg of a turkey and yes, he is the one who drew the turkey...with the fork and spoon in the first picture!

Ahhh...this superhero was so excited to "fancy it up". That would be my table. I'm not a fancy kind of girl. I don't own china, or center pieces, a table cloth or glassware (I don't own a set of glasses..sad right?...lol!)...but I'm resourceful, and my best friend Lorrie had all the goods I needed to "fancy it up".

Love that man of mine! Mr. Incredible! The one above and the two below were his contribution to our 1000 Gifts (gratitude).

Admitted our children can drive us insane...yet we are thankful for that type of insanity!

 As we sat down we bowed our heads and prayed. We camped out on Adoration and Thanksgiving! Thanking Him for his many blessings.

 I was able to make dessert...lightened up a little. Sugar free pudding with light whipped cream. It looks delicious right?

 It was scrumptious...and less than 2 points per slice. Very few calories in this!

 So...I'm thankful for our family time, our special Thanksgiving and hearts that are being grown up in faith...yes just like George Mueller.

 Oh and my favorite picture of all...

framed in a priceless frame of little fingers. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Pray Until It Melts

Yes, the ice cube, but our hearts as well. We are devoting a few days a week to concentrate our prayer and devotion time on Missions. I've mentioned our Mission Possible 2012 in my last post. Today we spent 15+  minutes (must have been chilly in my house) praying for local missions, including our neighbors (whom we "loved" on yesterday..by bringing them treats), our homeless friends that join us when we help feed the hungry (we've established amazing relationships with people we deeply love by doing this) and our family. "Lord help us be a light, wherever we go!"

The goal was to pray as long as it took for that ice cube to melt. After we went around the table the first time I saw my children starting to peek to see if it had melted. So we continued in prayer. Such a great opportunity to stretch ourselves. I taught them how to pray in agreement. As one boy prayed we all agreed, just by quietly talking to the Lord...you could hear heartfelt whispers like..."Yes Lord, we praise you Jesus, hallelujah..." I explained to them that lots of time when I pray, I praise Him and soon He gives me more to lift up. I watched and listened as my children felt the confidence to go on and as they heard the Holy Spirit speak to their hearts. I was undone by some of the prayers! WOW!

The ice cube did finally melt. We were amazed as we lifted our heads to see that it was gone and we wondered if in fact we prayed even though it had melted. The Holy Spirit was most definitely present. We didn't want to move on. So as we talked about what it was like to praise Him with our words, one of my boys mentioned that it was awesome to do that...they thought praise only meant worship. It does mean that as well...we worship by our words, actions and in song.. So we decided we weren't done. It was time to turn on some music!

We sang our hearts out!! We were jumping and clapping and woohooing the Lord!! It was awesome!

We were laying it all down for the joy of the Lord. Then I taught them the song "Shine Jesus Shine!" Perfectly fitting for our focus. I told the boys that Mr. Incredible and I used to serve in Chi Alpha at Montclair State University in campus ministry! We would sing this all the time..we wanted to be a light on a dark campus! We still want that...our campus has just changed.

Yes Lord set our hearts on fire!!  Flood the nations with grace and mercy and send forth your Word, Lord and let there be light!

It was a sight to behold in my bedroom! My boys..singing, and worshiping God! Praising Him...and praying for the Light!!!

Apparently Shane got my camera too. Not the best picture, but it is only fair that they stole a moment when I wasn't looking. I love those boys!!

At Shane's request we ended our time of prayer and praise with Come Thou Fount. The song sung by Fernando Ortega that he has gone to sleep to every single night since he was born (and still does!).

Today was a such a glorious day. We didn't want to move on to the rest of our school day. However, we did, but there was this air about the house...it was full of humming and words like..."Praise God!" and ideas like...lets write a note to the other neighbor that didn't answer their door yesterday. Let's keep watch out the window to see if she smiles. Love your neighbors as your self! "I can't wait to pray again tonight..with Dad!" We'll pray until our hearts melt! We'll pray until the light penetrates the World enough to change the hearts of men, women and children! Be intentional with your children. Teach them to pray, to be a light, to worship and to praise. Teach them to use words, songs and actions. Be a light in their life...so that long after you are gone...He continues to shine in and through your lineage!

Love - Praying For Light

We are embarking on a mission. That's right. Mission Possible 2012. It is the hope of our children's ministry that this Mission Possible project will ignite a flame within our children, our community, our country and yes even our world. Our church's children's ministry have put together some very clever tools to help families do this. Spreading the light and love of Jesus has always been a passion of my family. Mike and I served in Chi Alpha for years, strategically spreading the Light of Jesus on a dark campus in NJ. More recently my boys and I have been able to serve right here in our community.  I've written about it in several other posts like here or here.

In my curriculum we read a book called Window on the World every week. This allows us to become familiar with about 92 largely unevangelized countries and peoples of the world. It gives us ways to pray for them and what to thank the Lord for already. So along with this our church has provided information about Mali (the country that our church is currently partnering with) as well as Detroit (our youth have invested their hearts by serving there) and then of course local opportunities. Its about spreading light in a dark world. This past Sunday I sat with a precious man in his 80s who held my hand close to his chest and asked me why I love him more than his own children. As I served him a hot meal and listened to him talk...he told me about why he comes to this place to be fed. It is not always about the food (although indeed he is hungry and in need), but I think it is because he feels loved. He has stolen a piece of my heart. He told my boys that they are like little angels to him. It makes his heart feel happy when he sees them loving people. "It is a gift to be treasured!" he whispered to my boys.

So when while we cannot be in Detroit or Mali, we pray for Light. We have missionary friends in Japan, Budapest, South Africa, Nigeria...we pray for them. We sit around our table after morning devotions and pray. We pray for Light. A few years back, my 8 year old, then maybe at 5 years old..went up to everyone he would see and asked if they knew Jesus. We were surprised by some of the responses. People know about Him, but most don't really know him..and admittingly so. We need to spread the Light of this world.

Interestingly enough, we did a science experiment today. It was on light. Light travels in a straight line and it travels very very fast. The only way to stop light from traveling is...to block it with something. This led to a great discussion about the things in our lives that may block the light of Jesus shining through us. The words we say, the choices we make, the way we live our daily lives. We are supposed to be different. We are supposed to be set apart. We are in the world not of it. It is not always easy..I know.  What happens when we turn on a light after being in the dark? It hurts our eyes. It is not comfortable for those in darkness to be around the light..it is not supposed to be comfortable. How grateful are we when our eyes adjust to the light and we can finally see? Oh yes. Shine through me Lord.

If you are concerned with spreading the love of Jesus...shining his Light in a dark world..start by praying. There is certain power in prayer. Prayer does great things in the Heavenlies. Then remember to be careful not to allow things in our lives that may block the Light. Create in my a clean heart oh God...search me and know me...let me be a light in a dark world.

Living Manna

"Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions." Exodus 16:4

My children have been reading 1 Kings about the story of Elijah. I just said to them yesterday, imagine pouring out our milk onto your cereal every day and the carton never goes empty. (We go through about a gallon every two days...3 superheros go through a lot of milk.)

We have been praying for Mr. Incredible to get a job. He has been applying everywhere. Still only closed doors. Then two days ago my 8 year old reads these words in his Bible in Matthew chapter 18:20...

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” He leans over to me and says..."Does this mean that if you and I pray right now and agree and believe that the Lord will answer?" Yes! If it is God's will...absolutely! My 8 year old superhero bows his heads, folds his hands and prays...

"Please Lord, help my Dad to get a job, so we can have food to eat and money to pay bills and Dodger can get his checkup. Please help my Dad be the best nurse ever so he can get a great job as a nurse someday and make be feel better."

I prayed after him that the Lord would indeed provide for our every need. We were standing on holy ground. My boy looked up and wanted to call his Dad, right then and there. Instead he called my friend and when he told her what he had read in his Bible she responded by saying that he certainly found a golden nugget in God's Word and that she too would agree in prayer. He hung up the phone and immediately said..."Well, Mom...that's three. God's totally going to answer our prayers!"

I've been reading through the Bible chronologically. I'm in Exodus now...the Israelites are in the wilderness. God has rescued his people and they have already started to grumble. I know this story. I am aware that in our humanity we could easily grumble. I am conscious of how I respond to God in times of need. We are in times of need right now, and I continue to praise Him. I've done the grumbling thing in the past..that only serves to make me feel horrible. I've learned that lesson..so I approach the throne in love with my Rescuer! Longing for His presence!

This is hard for me to write about. He has provided in miraculous ways for my husband to go to school. We do not have any debt..praise God. We have had incredible expenses come up and while my husband's school is completely paid for...we are struggling to figure how we will make it for the next few months. I have two part time jobs and am so thankful! We are faithful to give back to the Lord a good portion of what He has so graciously given to us. It is all His! We try always, to live by the Word and walk in obedience.

In the quiet of the night last night I thought to myself that I would begin to ration our food. Only 2 cups of milk a day for each child. Only one for Mike and I. PB&J every day for lunch for all of us...we have beans and that can go a long way. One serving of food is all anyone really needs per meal. My children and friends do not need homemade cookies or cookies at all. We need to make this stretch..if in fact we are going to be able to pay our bills this month and next and next.

This morning I thanked the Lord for His provision. I read that verse I have above and know in my heart that He is indeed my Manna..He is exactly what I need. I wasn't hungry, or in need. He is my supply. My mind did wander to George Mueller and thought about when he had nothing for those orphans to eat, he prayed and thanked God for his provision. His provision of Himself. I shared with my boys at breakfast about how I think we will be eating hot meals for dinner and sandwiches for lunch. No more "leftovers" for lunch..lets save that for dinner..it will feel more like dinner and get us through the night. They were fine with that and the limit of the milk with two meals a day...water can be with lunch.

We were joyfully starting our morning with devotions when we hear a car in the drive way. Jesus stopped by today. He brought us Manna! "Food to eat!" as my 8 year old prayed. My children ran out to the van and said..."We have been praying that God would give us food...and you answered our prayer." No boys, the Lord answered our prayer...through this saint. He is our Provider, our Supply, our Manna!

I think this covers...#280-289 of my gratitude list, my 1000 Gifts.
 

Perspective

Why is trust so difficult?  My friend Denise posted something on Facebook that I just had to share. I'm not sure who wrote the piece..but I thought how perfect.

After just watching Soul Surfer for the second time, I was able to really hear some of the great truth that she spoke, both in her raw moments and in her confident moments. There was a point when she wondered why did God allow her to be bitten by that shark and to lose her arm, her dream, her "life as she knew it would be."

When I think about tomorrow I have to remember not to worry about it. This certainly isn't what I would have chosen for my family...the more difficult road. The road in which we must struggle to get by, the one that to the human eye seems impossible. NO! But with Him..all things are possible!  Every morning I have to lay it down. Lord, you have my steps, my open doors, my closed doors. You have a plan and it is good. PERIOD! I must trust! He has never failed me..NEVER not once! TRUST.

Then today, a couple of my boys were just having a rough day. I reminded them that life is not easy sometimes. In fact sometimes life is down right hard. So what do we do I asked my boys.."What do we do when life is tough?" "We pray! I guess we should pray Mom!" Yes, we sat at that table today and we prayed. We gave it all to the Lord. It is no good giving if we don't TRUST!

Sometimes things happen and we think...Wow! Really?! Meanwhile, if only we could tear back and look through to the heavenlies....what is going on behind the scenes..how exactly is God working this out for us..his children. Because I can guarantee you this...He is working it out - and it is for our good!

Enjoy the rest of this post...I did not write it..I'm "reposting" it from my friend on Facebook. I thought it was a clever way for us to get perspective!

Me: God, can I ask You a question? 


God: Sure 


Me: Promise You won't get mad ... 


God: I promise ... ... ... 


Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today? ... ... 


God: What do u mean? 


Me: Well, I woke up late 


God: Yes 


Me: My car took forever to start 


God: Okay 


Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait 


God: Huummm 


Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call 


God: All right 


Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. 
BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that? 


God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that 


Me (humbled): OH 


GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road. 


Me: (ashamed) 


God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work. 


Me (embarrassed):Okay 


God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered. 


Me (softly): I see God 


God: Oh and that foot massage, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark. 


Me: I'm Sorry God 


God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the bad. 


Me: I will trust You. 


God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan. 


Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today. 


God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...  

It Is Better To Have Loved

In 1850 Alfred Lord Tennyson penned these words in his poem, In Memoriam 27 and even if you don't love poetry you probably have heard a portion of this piece:

"I hold it true, whate're befall;

I feel it, when I sorrow most;

'Tis better to have love and lost

Than never to have loved at all."

As my children buried their pet toads this week, I read this very poem to them and tried to explain that what they were feeling is beautiful. It was because they loved that they feel pain. Although I spent most of my afternoon comforting mourning boys who wear their hearts on their sleeves, it was precious to see the love in their hearts...for all things...life!

He checked the tank and gave the grave report...."I think Brendan's toad is...frozen." Brendan looked over to me with his sad eyes...as if to say..."he doesn't mean frozen does he Mom?" Then my youngest came back and said with tears.."Mine is frozen too Mom!"

A flood of memories hit me. I was a freshman in high school, had come home from school and found my great Aunt had died on her bedroom floor. I was in shock. Called my parents at work and said that she had fallen out of bed and wouldn't move. I couldn't say the words I knew to be true. Death was hard to speak about.

My sweet Shane had gone to feed the toads and noticed that Toto was "frozen" so he went back to pick up Hopper and he was still alive. Shane held him, placed him on the table and Hopper hopped once. Thinking all was well, Shane looked at Hopper's belly to watch him breathe...and right there in his hand..Hopper took his last breath. Oh there was heart ache!

Then Kyle frantically searched the tank for Darky. It has been a little chilly in the mornings so the toads tend to bury themselves in the dirt to keep warm. We couldn't find the toad. I suggested we take the tank outside and bury the other toads. We went outside, the boys made crosses for the grave sites. Shane dug Hopper's grave. All the while crying. I'm sure wondering why this had to happen. What a sad day. Then as he went to get his "frozen" toad out of the tank he saw movement...it was Darky..Kyle's toad.

What mixed emotions. This from a boy who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this from a boy who has an enormous heart and who knows how to express his feelings and emotions. Who loves deeply! He didn't know how to act. What he knew to be true, that Darky was "frozen" like the rest of them, was no longer truth. I watched everything transpire in Kyle's mind and heart. Elated that his toad had survived (God knew what he was doing), but sorrowful for his brothers...Kyle quietly pick up his toad...cried mixed tears...and decided to let him go.

He placed Darky by our neighbor's Oak tree with his homemade cross. Said his goodbyes as the other boys looked on. What a beautiful sight. The other two boys were happy for Kyle and happy for Darky...LOVE in the purest fashion. Kyle was cautious about his reaction...LOVE...displayed through the purity of compassion. We all wished Darky well as he hopped away...alive. Kyle placed his cross at the base of the tree and told Darky to stop by and "remember to thank Jesus every day for what He did...He saved you Darky."  Wow...this from my boy who has been diagnosed with ASD. He is indeed...special.

We went back to mourning...the loss. As I watched my 8 year old dig the hole that he would place his "friend" in...it hit me...this is a moment of growth. I saw a little man out there with that shovel. As he ever so gently placed Hopper in that grave, letting one of his own tears drop on Hopper's belly (LOVE physically displayed),  he instinctively said some of the most beautiful sentiments. "I love you Hopper. I remember when we played in the backyard and you hopped in the grass, and when I set up the obstacle course for you with all of the containers...you were so happy. I hope I see you again...in Heaven...I think you knew about Jesus...he did right Mom, how could he not know? I will never forget you Hopper."

We prayed for Shane and we thanked God for Hopper. What a joy it was to know him and we are thankful we showed him love. I looked at my son..tears flowing down his face. So many questions, so many memories. Memories of deaths past...his Pa and his Meme. Then the questions..."Mommy what if Dodger dies? Mommy please tell me you won't die?" I know he knows that death is a part of life...we've had this conversation before. I just let him ask questions, answered each one the best I knew how and held him close..all the while knowing that this is a lesson in life and LOVE.

It was hard for all three boys. They were broken for each other. I watched my little superheros come to the rescue of each other. It was one of the highlights of my Mommy life. The words of comfort that they gave to one another. "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

I could see Jesus in all of my boys that day. I could feel His presence and was thankful for the wisdom he granted me for that moment. I knew that this was a big deal...LOVE is a big deal!

My sweet Brendan. Most tender of all hearts, most selfless of all three. He took this so hard. As he took one last look...he says to me. "Mom, I'm thinking of all the things I didn't do. I didn't feed him like I should, I didn't play with him as often as Kyle & Shane, I don't think he knew how much I loved him. Is it my fault he is dead?" Looking at me, longing for me to rescue him with my words. I did the best I could. He whispers in my ear so his brother could not hear..."I don't know if I believe toads go to Heaven Mom...they do not have a soul...they really don't have a Savior."

No my son, but they do have a Maker.

As Brendan tries to take my advice and think about the good things about having his pet, I know this child is totally thinking of the most recent death that he had to experience...his grandmother. He cried so hard at the funeral. He is also very aware that his Pop is going to be 94 this month. One of the questions he asked was how I think the toads died. I have no idea...we talked about the toads' age and life expectancy.

He prepared the grave...so much harder for Brendan...my boy who wears his heart on his sleeve. My deep thinker. He had to give Toto some comfort, even in his death...he had to wrap him up..it was the only decent way.....LOVE...respectful. "Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices in strips of linen." John 19:40

Questions were asked, fears were relieved, hearts were in pain. Pain, because we love so deeply. As one boy mentioned..."I wish I didn't love my pets! It wouldn't hurt then if they die."

Ahhh...but it is better to have the memories of the love you have shared, then to have never loved before. Imagine NOT having those memories at all! Imagine not LOVING at all!!  How very sad that would be. Those very memories will soon turn to joy. I promise. For now, it hurts...I know.

Tomorrow it will get a little easier, and we will think about LOVE a lot. We will be conscious about how we demonstrate love, how we spread love and how we don't. We might be more mindful of making memories...memories made out of LOVE that live on...after the grave. Oh boys, it really is better that you have LOVED and loved deeply.