13Jul
I am somewhat transparent with my emotions. As hard as I try to mask or hide them from others, I just can’t do it. Why do I even try to hide my true feelings? I think it’s because I don’t always feel safe to be real—to admit that I am annoyed by something I should have patience with, or show confusion by something I should be able to understand without further explanation.
I wish more people would be real! I mean, everyone gets frustrated sometimes, don’t they? Everyone needs a reminder now and then about how to do something, right? And please tell me that everyone experiences a neighbor dropping in when the house couldn’t look any worse!
Aghhhh . . . tell me it’s okay to have laundry all over the floor when you are sorting it.
It is okay, isn’t it?
11Jul
For many people, yesterday was just another day in the month of July. For our family, it was cause to celebrate! July 10th is Steve’s birthday. We enjoyed showering him with cards and gifts to show him how special he is to us. But as the day progressed, I couldn’t help but feel as though it was I who had received a gift on his birthday.The longer I know him, the more thankful I am for the gift of Steven Dwain Greenwood. I have been blessed with a man who loves the Lord and loves our children and me as Christ loved the church. He gives selflessly to so many and makes life fun for everyone around him.I began to think about his many wonderful qualities, and I could not ignore the fact that his parents have played a significant role in helping to shape him into the man we celebrated all day. Of course they played a role in his being created, but it didn’t stop there. Read more »
09Jul
Sometimes I think we are the busiest people on the planet. I know that’s not the case, but indulge me as I wallow in exhaustion from our week. I just returned a DVD to the shelf (Why was it under the dining room table?) and I saw a reminder of one of my favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz.
Now, don’t get too critical of me. I know good and well there are wizards, witches, and flying monkeys in that movie. Get over that and get to the good part. “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!”
I realize there are necessary errands to run and good reasons to be away from home, but I have to agree with Dorothy. The joy I find when my family is together at home is one of the greatest blessings in life.
What do you love most about being home?
06Jul
There are fresh baked cookies on the counter, and my home is filled with laughter as we anticipate the homecoming of Steve—super Daddy and my best friend. He’s been in Kansas this past week, speaking to students at a youth camp. I am thankful for his opportunities to minister to others and grateful for his heart that yearns to serve our Lord and others. But I have to admit that I am glad he’s coming home. His being here matters! Our lives are more full, and our fun is certainly greater when he is around. He adds a certain spark or energy to our home.
I am reminded of the Scripture that tells me I am to be salt and light to those around me. I am to bring a godly energy and love to others. Do I do that? Do I look for ways to energize or be an encouragement to others? Ouch, SMACK—right in the face.
I don’t do it nearly as often as I should. I guess I am sometimes so selfishly aware of my own situation that I neglect to see the needs and reality of others’ lives.
What difference would it make if more of us tried to matter in the lives of those around us? I can’t help but wonder . . .
05Jul
A few years ago, I was knocked in the head and heart with a Scripture that was very familiar to me. I could even quote it! But I didn’t fully understand its implications to me personally. It’s found in chapter 6 of Deuteronomy.4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.This passage is clearly commanding parents to take the lead—not a supporting role—in the spiritual education of their children. I have a teaching degree AND a Bible degree.That should have been obvious to me. Sadly, it wasn’t. Read more »
