Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Shabby (but chic, of course)

worn  

/wôrn/

Adjective
  1. Damaged and shabby as a result of much use.
  2. Very tired.
Synonyms
worn-out - used - shabby - threadbare - well-worn

Here are things that are worn at our house.  Perhaps you have some of these in your house.
"Favorites" of the following: shoes, jeans, soccer balls, baseball gloves, games, playing cards, spatulas, cookie sheets, the carpet on the stairs, blankets-held-since-they-could-hold, the old coffee pot.  Not to forget: some tupperware, my favorite towel (only 17 years old...a wedding gift), socks, flip flops, my toothbrush.
And let's please remember some of the people in this house are worn as well, if you go with the second definition.  Physically, emotionally, mentally worn.  Even on summer break...I look in the mirror and see a worn out person.

Perhaps that's what comes to mind first when you hear the word.  Ready for a break.  Ready for some mercy.  For some relief or respite.

When perhaps, God's mercy is being thrust upon us by the very life that's wearing us out?

The following is a song that hits many people in many different areas of the heart.  Wherever you find yourself worn, I hope this reaches you there and lends a little of God's mercy, as a cold glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day or a cup of coffee on, well, any kind of day.

http://youtu.be/J9UfRQUf64U



 

Saturday, July 13, 2013

My one defense


A lot of life has happened. 

I could tell you of the end of school.  The crazy schedules, the activities, programs.  The amazing achievements my kids were recognized for in school, the goal Ella Grace made in her soccer tourney, and the solo Sarah sang beautifully at her school talent show.  The way moms juggle all of that busy-ness makes all of us eligible for "mom of the year" awards!

I could tell you of the Berg family vacation of the summer, full of fun memories with family in Minnesota.  Shopping, Legos, American Girl, food, baseball, theater, rest, cooler weather, amusement parks, and an amazing camp experience for Seth.  Everyone passed through the TSA without a pat-down, although we had to convince one worker that Seth was really 13.

Could tell you of church camp...amazing experiences for Seth and Sarah.  And Ella Grace got a week at home as an only child.  She tearfully cried out for her siblings every single day.  (haha)

One of the best parts of the summer, I could tell you about the amazing baseball we've seen this season.  Rangers, Twins'(Joe Mauer, ahem), and especially the team Seth has been a part of this season.  The team full of boys a year older than him...where he's learned so much...from skills to camaraderie to spending a little more time on the bench than he's used to, because the team is SO FULL of good players.  (and they are on their way to state!)  Great people and great coaches.

I could tell you of the health struggles Chad continues to deal with...adding  more and more to our every day normal.  I could tell you how his heart and head want so much for his body to act differently though it continues not listen and to fight itself.  The future of health care has already hit our pocketbook which has caused anxiety and concern.

I could tell you that even though it's been almost 5 years, there are days I still miss my Daddy so much it physically hurts.

Instead, I choose to tell you this:
Through all of these ups and downs and sideways, the constant provision and strength and peace and reason I can get up and go every day is because I know my Redeemer.  My God has been right here with me every single second of every bit of life, and He's promised to never leave.  No matter if I'm shuttling kids around, washing stinky camp laundry, or staying awake listening to my husband breathe at night, He's there.

"Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
"Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You"~ M.Maher