Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Unquestionable

So really, sometimes there is a need for a sounding board for questions running through my brain.  It won't stop or shut off, but there's this urge to get it out there...wherever "there" may be.  Questions of the day since I walked in the door at 5:32 pm....

Why does clutter reproduce?

Grocery store?  Really?  Can't they just deliver already?!?

WHY isn't there some relief in site for the stubborn man in my life?  Thank God for his stubborness.  It's probably what keeps him here.  But please, God, a little respite for his sake? 

All three kids talking at the same time.  I have two ears, children.  I love you dearly and want to hear what you have to say.  Now will you please wait patiently?

Footloose.  Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.  Hound Dog.  Magic.  All of these songs my sweet seven year old knows now by heart, and she cannot wait to dress up as an "80s girl" for her muscial.  Wow.  I picture Debbie Gibson.  How do you make me laugh and smile even when you are supposed to be in bed? 

Yes, dear, sweet, compassionate child, when you leave your homework at home, you have to sign the conduct book.  It bothers me more than it does you, which bothers me more.  And when your friend offers you a waffle fry from ChickfilA at lunch in trade for a pretzel stick?  Hmmm...he's probably counting the days until you are 13 to ask you to the after-football dance.

Seth, I am so glad you are playing French horn now, and that you love it.  Your dad loves it, too, but wishes you'd practice in your room.  I'm so glad you are enjoying and are talented at playing basketball.  Now please, shower, and use soap.  And the daily question...did you put on deodorant?

Questions to my family and to myself.   But I always end with this...

End of the day question...did I let my light shine? 
I sure hope so.  Thank you, God, for today, and for your unquestionable love.


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Can I get an "Amen"?

It's natural.  It's the way it's supposed to happen.  He's not hurting and he's in a better place.

You can say all of those things, but to sum up, I still miss my Daddy.

Now, I had my Daddy 32 years!  He was in his late 60s when he went home.  Friends of mine are walking much different roads of grief and loss.  Roads that my heart cannot fathom or even comprehend.  When I consider these friends, awe and wonder fill my heart.  But I'm still going to write about the things I miss most about my Dad.  Cause he's been on my mind and in my heart a great deal lately, that's why.

1.  Dad was positive.  Positive about life, his salvation, his love for his wife and family.

2.  Encouragement.  Whether you wanted to hear it or not, he had an encouraging word to say, or an encouraging way to get something done.

3.  Dad and mom.  Mom and dad.  A teenage marriage that "would never last" lasted 53 years together!  And he loved to call mom "St. Carolyn."   :)

4.  Hands.  Dad had HUGE hands.  They disciplined.  But they hugged more.

5.  Constant.  Dad was the same at home, at work, at church, at Lion's club...wherever he went, he didn't act any different.  Even, at WalMart.

6.  Music.  Dad loved music...Bach, Handel, anything with big trumpet and organ together.  One Christmas he gave each child their own copy of Handel's "Messiah."   And many of my friends remember his "Good Morning" song he taught them all on school and church trips.  Oh, I'm sorry...he didn't really teach them...rather, he used it as their alarm clock.

7.  Mealtime.  Dad loved to eat good food.  :)  But what he loved even more was sitting together, sharing life along with the meal. 

8.  Patience.  Listening, waiting, and then responding.  "We cannot control people's actions toward us, just our reaction toward them."  And that man practiced what he preached.  Can I get an "Amen"?

9.  Humor.  He loved to laugh.
10.  Peacemaker.  Dad always wanted everyone to get along, and desired harmony in every relationship.

11.  Humility.  Genuine humility.

12.  Faith.  His unwavering faith in God.  Written in his day planner were Bible scripture and creeds...his own and some more familiar to others.  Patients at the hospital remember him praying with them.  Daddy sang "Jesus Loves Me" to us, and prayed with us at bedtime.

Blessed.  So grateful that I was born, seventh of the "Lucky 7", to an incredible mom and dad.  Loving the time I get to spend with my precious momma, and missing my Dad along the way, knowing without a doubt where he is...can you imagine the glorious music he's hearing as he's right there worshiping his Lord and Savior?

So, to leave you on a light note, either 1) go listen to a rendition of "Who's on first?" by Abbott and Costello,  2) pull up "The Trumpet Shall Sound" by Handel on your ipod and turn up the volume,  3) remember!  "Every day is a good day!  Some are just better than others!"

Dad with two of his grandsons...Seth and Nathan...late 2000.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

II Pause II

Been writing this post for a few weeks now, but always seem to get interrupted or get too sleepy to finish. 

A wonderful holiday season was had by all at our house, celebrating the birth of our Saviour!  We've come up with some traditions in our little family, that include things like decorating homemade sugar cookies, picking out a new Santa decoration, and making and sharing peppermint bark.  The kids were full of excitement, and yes, Santa still comes to our house.  Five of my mom and dad's 7 kids were here to celebrate with mom, and we were able to celebrate with Chad's family, as well.

And now, a new year.  Yay!  A fresh new start.  But wait.  It's already January 10th?  Already?  The kids are back in a routine that includes homework and projects and schedules.  Work hasn't slowed down...just the opposite.  Seth is STILL growing taller than me.  The girls look bigger and more grown up every day.  Laundry is still piling, the house needs attention, and let's not forget...those Christmas trees still need to be taken down and put away. 

And what about the pounds that are to be lost, the gym class that's supposed to be scheduled, and the orthodontist appointment that needs to be made?  The groceries get eaten, the doctor and lab appointments are on the calendar, and Dixie needs to get to the vet...has anyone walked her...this week?

I'd like a pause button, please.  Thank you.  A chance to take a minute...or a hundred thousand...to catch up.  To get ahead of the game.  To organize, exercise, clean!  To make this the best year ever. To be at each destination on time, each thank you note written.  To mop the floors and clean out from under the sinks.

I think the DVR that changed my life also put a snag into it...everyone thinks we can just hit pause during any program at any time and come back to it whenever we'd like.  Oh, if that were the case.

The past few years we've been taught the hard way to live life in the moment.  To quote the brother of a sweet friend,  "Love God, embrace beauty, live life to the fullest." (Kyle Lake, former minister at University Baptist Church in Waco, TX)

Taking it a day at a time, prioritizing tasks along the way, and resting in God's peace.
"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to really rest." Matt. 11:28, the Message version.

This WILL be the best year ever!  (But the Christmas trees MUST be down by Seth's birthday.  :)