Thankful Thursdays – The Basics

Join with me and others at Grace Alone to be reminded of the many ways that God chooses to bless us with the very basics of our lives.

I live in an area where poverty is close to home, yet hidden from daily view. I don't have to go far to see homelessness, soup kitchens, drugs on the corner, and boarded up homes. The news is riddled with violence and thievery. I choose to live in a comfortable home carefully separated from "that world". Or am I separated from caring?

I am reminded today to thank God for the things I take for granted routinely.

• A soft bed and warm covers
  
• Heat that I can trust to go on and off on schedule
  
• A grocery store close to home and finances to get what we need when we need it
  
• Gas in a car that runs
  
• A husband with a job
  

The list goes on. I am challenged to keep this list before me today and be reminded of how God chooses to bless me in many ways.

Fabulous

Just thought I would share two of the fabulous things in my life.

I Did It

Or at least tried . . . to ski that is. My sweetie has wanted to take me skiing for the last few years. A few weeks ago we took advantage of a deal that included overnight accommodations, ski school, an all day lift ticket, and rentals. We loaded up the kids to take them to Nana's, packed up our own stuff, and headed to Bear Creek Resort in PA.

We arrived at 4:00 which was as early as we could check in. By 5:00 we were lined up for ski school. This was really for me as I have never in my life been on snow skis. My hubby was just there for my moral support (and an occasional hand to lift me up.) After three hours I had run into a child (unfortunately I knew his parents), tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to "lean forward" in my skis, attempted to ski down the bunny hill, and was sent back down to the corral of ski school to have one on one attention by the head instructor. By 8:00 I was done and unsure what the next day would bring.

Aside from the disconcerting beginning, I enjoyed the resort as a whole. The rooms were beautiful. The lobby sitting areas were comfortable, inviting and beautifully decorated. Honestly it wouldn't take much for me to enjoy an evening away with my hubby.

The sun rose the next day introducing a gorgeous day. For someone who is always cold, it was perfect weather.

My day also began at ski school . . . again.

I spent the next three hours trying again to manage these insane things strapped to the end of my legs. Only five minutes into it tears were no longer held in check. My instructor didn't know quite what to do. I sent my sweetie up on the slopes himself (he had gone on his own before – because he knew what he was doing.) I on the other hand decided that maybe a new pair of boots might, just might help.

They did. At least a little – who am I kidding?

Shortly after lunch, things started to click. I and some other clueless moms hung out together and made it down the bunny slope safely. The next task was the ski lift.

When all was said and done, the smallest hill with a lift was as far as I dared to go. Even on that, I fell every time. By the last trip down, the warmer weather slush had turned icy in the cooler afternoon. I managed to fall not once, but three times. Remember the Wild World of Sports advertisements? Think that kind of fall with skis and poles flying. Once I determined that nothing was broken, I stood with determination that that was my very last run. My husband agreed.

I enjoyed sitting and watching. My sweetie enjoyed the slopes on his own.

Maybe it's because I am a mom. Maybe I am anxious about getting hurt. Maybe I am just not a good skier at all. In any case, I tried. I may never try again. I can enjoy hot chocolate in the lodge and be the designated photographer. I will be back I think, just don't look for me on the slopes.

Thankful Thursday

God continually reminds me of much I have to be thankful for. Today I am compelled to share again the blessing of having a husband who loves God and adores me. I know that sounds mushy, but too often I see the opposite in families – laziness, selfishness, and refusal to take the leadership in homes. God has worked in our lives in amazing ways. Almost nineteen years into it, we have been through many ups and downs in our marriage. I am thankful for a husband who is willing to sometimes make the hard decisions. I am thankful for his attentiveness in the midst of craziness. I am thankful for our continuing love for each other and growing dependence on our Lord who determines our paths.

Celebrate Mom

My precious mom had a birthday today. I thank God for the multitude of memories we have shared. She chose to stay at home with us instead of working out of the home. Sacrifice is an understatement. We had little, but that was ok and we didn't mind. She makes things work. If God is in it, it is always a good thing.

My mom loves God and enjoys being a wife and mother to her family. There are ten grandkids now who call her Nana. My family has the blessing of visiting with her every day. During those moments they share silly stuff, life lessons, and of course pretzels. And, if we stay for lunch anytime, that is the best in my kids' minds.

I am still finding out more about my mom even as an adult with four children of my own. I enjoy times to sit with a cup of tea and chat about most anything: church, family, politics, education, food, whatever.

My mom is beautiful - even in a flannel coat and slippers. We talk about wrinkles and sags, yet in the scheme of things, those have no importance. They show years of life lived: laughter, tears, adventure, crisis, and love.

Many say that I look like my mom. I hope so. We are different women, but the similarities are a blessing.

Birthdays come and go. As we get older, they seem to come even more frequently. My mom never really minds the birthdays as they are simply another chance to celebrate the life that God has given her. I like that perspective.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Flying Time

My oldest celebrated her 15^th birthday in January. She is a blessing in my life. There is something about your firstborn that is both intriguing and scary. Fifteen years ago seem as a flash of time, yet so much has changed. I remember our first moments together, seeing her tiny body, watching her wrap her little hand around her daddy's finger. Now I view a young woman who is maturing not only physically, but also spiritually and relationally. Writing a list seems like something I would do, so here goes my attempt at grasping a glimpse of her life.

1. I call her angel.
   
2. She loves God with a passion.
   
3. Missions is planted in her heart.
   
4. School is hard for her, yet she works hard to do her best.
   
5. A friend was overheard stating that the science fair day at school was the day Laura looks forward to all year.
   
6. Large gatherings in general do not appeal to her, but give her a large family and she is comfortable.
   
7. Soccer is her game, and she is awesome at it.
   
8. She is a good writer.
   
9. Homeschooling fits her well.
   
10. My guess is her favorite vacations have something to do with getting dirty and being able to explore.
    
11. Although she avoids eating most vegetables, she harvested a mean vegetable garden last year and plans on expanding it this year.
    
12. Her favorite color is anything that is not pink or purple.
    
13. At the moment she is the only one in the family with a valid passport.
    
14. She learned how to play the guitar and is trying to find places to share her talent in worship.
    
15. She shared her room with a Korean friend from school. That took guts and vulnerability. Her friend is leaving on Sat. and we are all sad.

Happy Birthday, Angel!

On a similar note, my only son turned eight today. It was a big day, for here in NJ, you have to stay in a car seat until you are eight years old or eighty pounds (somehow, I think if you are eighty pounds before you are eight, there is a problem). Needless to say, he had to wait until today to say goodbye to the booster. It was a big day for him. He commented in his new found freedom that he even felt different.

He is such a little man – our only son. My husband jokes that there is way too much estrogen built up in our home. Joking aside, my little man has developed a strong sensitivity towards others. That is a gift from God.

Again I will make an attempt at a list of some things that make up my little guy.

1. He is often called Bud never is his given named shortened to a nickname (at least by those in our family).
   
2. God has given him a mind to learn.
   
3. He talks about wanting to be an OB doctor one day.
   
4. He is really good at any sport he attempts, but soccer is the one he is best at. His favorite sport depends on what season we are in.
   
5. He plays the piano and wants to learn how to play the guitar.
   
6. Family is very important to him, but keeping his room neat is not anywhere in his thought process.
   
7. He loves God and is learning how to serve others.
   
8. He is a good reader, but really doesn't enjoy reading. He can, however, play Wii for hours.
   

I look forward to many more fun days with you, Buddy. Happy Birthday!

Thankful Thursdays - Changes

The theme made me smile a bit. Change seems like all we have lately: weather changes, daily schedule changes, birthday changes, attitude changes, and the list goes on.

My son's birthday is today. He is changing all the time: physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. God is working in him to be the young man of God that He desires. I am thankful that at a tender age, God changed my son's heart to receive His precious gift of salvation. I am thankful for the many changes that have occurred in his life since that time and look forward to seeing God's continued work in action.

Change does not thrill me, mind you. It challenges the deepest part of my being. I like the feeling of control. Change opposes that control.

However, change is good for me. Even the wrinkles on my face show change and remind me of the years of growing and blessing that God has chosen to bring into my life.

Our family is changing yet again this week as a Korean student who has become part of our family over the last few months will be returning home. It has been a quick change that no one has liked. In any case, God is allowing this change in her life and ours to perform an even greater purpose.

Change will continue to occur and I am thankful. I don't want to be the same tomorrow as I was today. Thank the Lord: He is the same yesterday, today and forever. That I can count on!

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