Ahhhh . . . isn't it funny how sitting down to have some quiet time with the Lord can be like taking a nice deep breath of fresh air.

Just moments ago, I finished blogging about illness & potty training & tiredness . . . & just being, in general, tapped out. I put the girls down for their naps & picked up my Bible (the 1st chance I had had all day) & there it was. It wasn't that the devotional itself was particularly apropos, but the passage of Scripture was awesome.

Why to you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my
God"?

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can
fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the
weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and
fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like
eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:27-31

Yea, God!!!

Tahiti -- One Way Please!!

It's been 3 weeks . . . 3 long, arduous weeks . . . 21 seems-like-an-eternity days . . . since I've been outside this house for any reason other than church or errands!! And I think I'm starting to lose my mind!

It began as colds (5 days), which grew into ear infections (5 more days), which grew into ear infections that were not responding to antibiotics (7 more days) . . . okay, Christine -- you say -- check your math because that's only 17 days . . . oh, did I mention we're potty training (4 more days) -- I now spend the better part of my day chained to a plastic potty.

Then add to the mix that I'm exercising. Yes, you read that sentence correctly . . . I, Christine (aka "please pass the chocolate") am exercising. I now look back fondly on the days when I could eat whatever I wanted without a second thought. A blissful, guilt-free existence. But those were the pre-children days. Not only does one's body not go back to what it used to be, but apparently one's metabolism also goes on hiatus. No one told me that. I used to be able to eat an Oreo (or 2 . . . or 10) & not feel it, see it, or even remember it. Now all I have to do is sniff the Oreo & my thighs begin to swell.

So I've foolishly been brainwashed by the theory that the more one exercises, the more energy one has. And I have to be honest with you . . . I'M NOT FEELING IT!!! Although there is a great satisfaction after I'm finished my stint on the treadmill, I'm not so sure that "satisfaction" is converting itself into "energy."

So not only am I housebound, but now I'm tired (read "cranky"). But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Valentine's Day is right around the corner & I'm sure we won't be celebrating the entire holiday at home . . . will we?!?!

Amazing God

Growing up in the church, you better believe I learned those 3 famous attributes of God: omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient. So why am I surprised, as I sit down to do my devotions, that He gives me exactly what I need to hear. Here is what I read today:

Matthew 6:25-34


Right on Time


Sometimes you're sure about what God wants you to do, but movements seems slow & hard.


When we were called into the senior pastorate from youth ministry, there were about 6 months when Bill ran his own business. We didn't have a large savings account, & when clients were late paying their bills, we were between a rock & a hard place. I put a list of "needs" on the refrigerator: grocery items, electric bill, gas for the car, etc. Each day I'd pray, "Give us each day our daily bread." I realized that I expected God to provide ahead of time, instead of day by day. I was secure only if I could see money in the bank.


While I believe the Proverbs clearly teaches that the wise save for a rainy day, sometimes life's storms last longer than the savings. I began to pray, "Lord, help me not feel the need, until it is a need." And "God, give me faith to believe You will provide right on time." Some days I prayed, "Just let me go one more day & trust Your provision." I prayed verses like Ps. 37:25: "I was young & now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread." And if things felt really tight, "Lord, help me make it one more hour, with my focus on You, not the need!"


I kept a journal of God's provision. The unexpected job that paid cash, the diaper rebate check that bought milk the day we ran out, etc. God provided what I needed right on time.

Amazing!!! Amazing!!! Amazing!!! A devotional tailor-made just for me!! For those of you who have been keeping in step with the "Great Adventure," you know that what the author wrote is especially close to my heart. Being a woman, I LOVE security! That's just the way we women are wired. It's not a bad thing . . . it just means that letting go & letting God is a bit more of a challenge. I completely identify with wanting the need met BEFORE it becomes a need. But sometimes it doesn't work that way . . . & that's okay. Because while I'm holding one small vague puzzle piece, God -- the Author & Perfecter of my faith -- sees the whole puzzle. He knows how every piece fits together. I may think I'm looking at a dark, ominous rain cloud; when, in reality, it is the center of a beautiful flower!

Potty Training & Answered Prayer

Before you get too disgusted with the title of this post, rest assured that for me, today, the two did not go hand-in-hand. Although we were able to keep a pair of Elmo panties dry for almost 2 hours, the next 2 pairs were wet within less than 20 minutes . . . (sigh) . . . we'll try again tomorrow.

A heartfelt thank you to those who have been praying for us as we continue on our "Great Adventure." Please continue to pray as we have had some specific needs arise. We will not be taking our waterbed with us (most apartments do not allow you to have a waterbed due to the weight -- not to mention that it's just too big). Although we have the frame for a full-size bed, we are in need of a box spring or mattress. Also, Jason will be trying to CLEP out of his freshman English comp. class. I have been tutoring him & we will let you all know when the date of the test is.

Please know that your prayers are making a difference. We've seen 2 answers to prayer in the past 2 weeks. For those who have been praying that the Lord will help us (ME!!) loosen our grip on our "stuff" -- last week, we cleaned out the playroom (one pile for yard sale, one pile for Goodwill) & we were able to wittle things down by about half. My sister has graciously agreed to provide a home for my piano while we are away (thanks, babe) & my mom will be providing a home for our recliner, as well as some storage space in her attic for various odds & ends (thanks, Mom). It's hard to see those things go (even if temporarily), but as a very wise woman (Sharon) once told me, "It's not your stuff, it's God's." For those who have been praying about our finances -- a wonderful opportunity has presented itself. I will be watching a beautiful 20 month old little girl for 3 months this spring. I am a firm believer that God always provides for ALL of our needs . . . but sometimes we are expecting the check to be in the mail . . . & although I've seen that happen before (to me, in fact), sometimes He expects us to get off of our duff & do our part!!! So Caleigh will have a little playmate & Jason & I will have a little extra income. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills -- 2nd cow . . . SOLD!!!

We have TEETH!!!

They are finally here! After months of waiting & checking & fussing & crying . . . 2 little white buds (okay, so I practically had to get my magnifying glass out to see them) have finally poked through!! I've been keeping an eye out for them, suspecting they were on their way. You fellow moms know the signs . . . cough, runny nose, itchy ears, irritability, sleeplessness -- even though 9 out of 10 pediatricians will swear to you that there are no side affects to cutting teeth! {Either they don't have any children of their own or their kids came out of the womb with a full set of pearly whites!} Anyway . . . this morning, I was offering Pey-Pey bits of banana on the tip of my finger when I suddenly scraped something sharp. Upon further investigation, there they were -- in all their glory!! Ahh, she's growing up so fast!! Next thing I know, she's been donning a cap & gown or a wedding dress or a maternity shirt . . . why, oh why, can't they stay like this forever!?!

Me & My Honey

Just wanted to post a pic of me & my honey. This is the picture that we took to put on our prayer card that we're going to be sending out by the end of the month. So, friends & family . . . be watching your mail!!!

Here to Stay!

The germs, that is. Caleigh finished 10 days worth of antibiotics on Saturday. This morning the runny nose, cough, & fever were worse than ever!! She spent the majority of the day on the couch watching about 97 episodes of "Dora the Explorer." We got in to see Dr. K. late this afternoon. And lo & behold -- 3 RAGING EAR INFECTIONS!!! One for Peyton & two for Caleigh!! Caleigh's been put on a stronger antibiotic & now we have a consult with an ENT specialist so we can have tubes put in her ears.

I know, I know -- simple procedure, out-patient basis, routine. Not when it's your 2-year-old!!!!! Just the thought of her in the hospital, having something stuck in her ear that God did not put there Himself makes me nervous!!!! But if this will help my little angel from going through more painful infections with high fevers . . . and if it saves me from 97 more episodes of Dora . . . it will be worth it!

Zest for Life

You know, I was just saying to someone yesterday that it's such a shame my girls don't love life just a little bit more!!!! As you can see, Peyton's a real ham! Those girls are happy the minute their feet hit the floor in the morning! They are truly a joy to be with.

Caleigh is now at the age where she will repeat things that I say to her back to me at the most opportune moment. For example, in moments of disobedience (or selective hearing . . . whichever you prefer), I will often say to her, "What did Mommy just say?" The other day, while tidying up around the house, I was singing to myself, which apparently is NOT what Caleigh wanted to hear. So she told me to stop. Without thinking, I continued singing. She looked at me as serious as death & said, "What my just say?" (She still mixes up her pronouns.) It was so cute!!!!

PBU Update

For family & friends, or perhaps the curious passerby, here is the latest update on the Dickinson "Great Adventure." In Saturday's mail was Jason's 1st scholarship from PBU . . . $5000 per year for all 4 years. Jason will be required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average, as well as "commuter" status. Praise the Lord!!! He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (as my father always says), there's our 1st cow -- SOLD!!

Please continue to pray for our housing situation. We still do not know if we will be able to secure an apartment in the building owned by PBU. And even if we do, we are still unsure how it will be paid for. Jason has a gut-feeling that we will not be living in those apartments . . . that God has something else in mind. I'm not sure where we'll be living, but I know God will take care of it. We just need LOADS of wisdom because it's a little tough to sell a house when you don't know where you're going or when you need to be there :)

There is a passage of Scripture in Joshua that Jason & I have often referred to during this "Great Adventure":

Joshua 3:7-8 -- And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.'"

Joshua 3:15-17 -- Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away . . . the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."

WOW!!! What we have always found fascinating about this passage is that the Lord did not stop the river first and then ask the priests to step in. The priests had to have the faith to step into a raging river first.

So here we are, standing at the river's edge. Where did I put those flippers?? Oh, wait, that's right . . . I'm not going to need them.

The Germs Have Invaded . . .

. . . and are taking up residence in my home!!! And the biggest victim of their nastiness -- poor, adorable, PITIFUL Caleigh!

Wednesday's night's ni-ni time proved most difficult. Starting at 9 o'clock, Caleigh woke up every 15 minutes crying for Daddy or Mommy. By 12:30 am, sleep was becoming a most precious commodity in our home. So, I spent the night with a feverish 2-year old flailing about in my waterbed.

We greeted the morning with a fever of 99 . . . by 11 o'clock we were up to 101.5 and so exhausted she was falling asleep in the middle of the livingroom floor . . . by 4 o'clock (& after a very restless nap) we were up to 103.1. I always wondered what age marked the I'm-sick-so-I'm-staying-in-bed era. And now I know. Caleigh is normally like clockwork -- up no later than 8 am, resistant to 2 pm naptime, in bed by 9 pm. But on Thursday, I took a phonecall from a friend around 10:30 am, and I noticed Caleigh was being unusually quiet -- there she was, curled up in Daddy's chair, fast asleep.

So, needless to say, we made a phonecall to the doctor's office & then got a second opinion from Aunt Sharon. And now, we are up to our eyeballs in Tylenol, Motrin, Benedryl, & Amoxicillan. Fortunately for me, she takes medicine like it's candy.

She seems to be back to her old self today. Her fever is down, her appetite is back, & she's insisting that every stuffed animal she owns needs a diaper. Ahh, good ol' Caleigh.

Resolutions

The new year is upon us. It seems like just yesterday I was making & breaking my 2006 resolutions. But, alas, hope springs eternal, so here goes . . .

This 2007 year, I resolve . . .

*to be more patient with my children
*to work on some household project 3 afternoons a week
*to read through the entire Bible chronologically
*to eat healthier (notice it does not say "healthy," just "healthier")
*to devote more time & energy to Morgan Marie Designs
*to remind myself everyday that life is more than just checkmarks on a To-Do list . . . that one day I'll blink & my girls will be all grown up & I'll wonder why I didn't laugh more, get down & play on the floor more, dance more, snuggle more, love more, be Mommy more . . .

So far things are going well . . . okay, so I've had to whisper, "Calm down, Christine. It's just Play-Doh" a few times . . . but yesterday some toys found their way into a bag marked for Goodwill (1 project), I pre-cooked all my meals for the month (2 projects), I did 4 loads of laundry (3 projects) . . . I'm up to Genesis 11 . . . I'm munching on honey wheat pretzels . . . I have 3 pages formatted for my new Morgan Marie Designs catalog coming out this spring . . . & I laughed until I almost cried when Caleigh made up a song pledging her eternal devotion to egg salad . . . I rolled on the floor while playing "This Is the Way the Ladies Ride" with Peyton . . . I danced at least 6 times to the theme song for "Dora the Explorer" . . . I nuzzled Pey-Pey's neck as she fell asleep . . . I diapered a stuffed monkey because he needed it to go to Rest Time . . . & as I sit here typing this blog I count my blessings: 1) Caleigh 2) Peyton 3) they belong to me.

Happy New Year!