The 2007 "Come to the Table" Highlights

Here is one of my favorite posts from each month in 2007. It was good to look back over the past year and read what I had been thinking and experiencing. I am so thankful to the Lord for His goodness and grace in my life.

January Too often I find myself relating to the mother in this cute yet smelly story:...

February I have felt a bit weepy this past week. It is both a physical weariness and a heaviness I have on my heart over many things. Some of the heaviness is for others and what they are facing and the rest is my mother's heart...

March As a young bride at twenty two, married to the man who had prayed for me at the tender age of fifteen, I had a very limited understanding of what God's design for marriage was. I knew I was to "leave" and "cleave" and that we were "one flesh", but beyond this, I began a life hoping to find joy and fulfilment only to discover that I struggled deeply within myself....

April As I gaze at my husband’s face, I see the reflection of my mother in law in his life, her gentle touch, her warm embrace and her love for God and His word. But I also see the smile of another woman who laid her hands on her belly and thanked God for her unborn child...

May As a newly married twenty two year old young woman never did I imagine those two things happening at the same time in my life or better yet on the same day. Never!...


June It was a wonderfully overcast Southern California June morning in 1986 when we took our vows to love and cherish each other....


July A dear friend sent me an email yesterday and this was the final paragraph. It was like she was standing in my home watching. Her words described the scene so well....


August The first day of school is slowly ticking away and I am trying real hard to think about what our new routine will look like since I admitted that I was sooo ready for one. But even though, I must say that first day of school good-byes always leave a lump in my throat. They did eleven years ago when my oldest started school and this morning was no different....


September I give thanks to the Lord when life is a bit uneventful. Today in the midst of my laundry folding, dust bunny chasing, and bathroom scrubbing, I pause to praise God for redemption....


October For six or seven years, this was entirely true of me. Then one day, when I found myself on the couch in the middle of the day (for the second week in a row) and I wasn't sick, just exhausted, it was time to take inventory...


November This morning I woke up early. Earlier than I would have liked. I couldn't sleep any longer....


December We have lots of snow!! It makes this Christmas season so sweet. This is a picture taken from my back door. The kids have been out playing in it almost everyday after school. My favorite is the untouched snow. I did not grow up with snow, so it is still very fun for me....


Happy New Year!

From Our House to Yours

Merry Christmas!

Joy to the World

Please stop by over at the cafe today and shout with me "JOY TO THE WORLD!" We have a great reason to celebrate!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

Monday morning we were greeted with "frosted" trees. They are so beautiful. I couldn't help myself but go out and take some photos in my neighborhood.

Snow

We have lots of snow!! It makes this Christmas season so sweet. This is a picture taken from my back door. The kids have been out playing in it almost everyday after school. My favorite is the untouched snow. I did not grow up with snow, so it is still very fun for me.

Snow reminds me of forgiveness. Christmas time is one of those places or seasons in our life where expectations can literally drive us from thing to thing or place to place. Often times how we approach this time of year and what we do is based on what others expect rather than on what we know we should be doing or shouldn't be doing. We place unnecessary demands on ourselves!! Maybe even our good intentions are a bit unrealistic and ideal. Because in the midst of planning and making Christmas memories, we still have everyday life happening all around us.

I am doing a little self-talk to myself this morning. I have had some good intentions and great ideas, but have yet to accomplish everything. The last couple of nights there have been interruptions, others who have needed things, kids not feeling 100 percent etc.. But what message do I want to communicate to others and especially my children. The message is that God became flesh, left his heavenly throne to become a living sacrifice for our sins. There is so much about the Christmas message that I desire for my kids to understand. Not the pretty decorations, gifts, baking, parties and so on. The message of love is what I want them to see. God loved them so much that He was was willing to give up so much in order for us to be reconciled unto Himself.

My kids won't remember in a few years whether or not the cookies were decorated just so or even if there were bows on their gifts, but they will remember if mom was a little uptight and short with them in the midst of the Christmas season. Like yesterday!! I was trying to finish something and all (it couldn't of been just one) of my children were in the room and I used a tone that I was not proud of to express my frustration. It wasn't just the tone but the body language and everything that comes with it. And the worse part was that the offense did not deserve it or even come close to this type of reaction. Immediately, the Lord convicted me and as I looked about the room filled with Christmas decorations and the sight of Christmas planning all around me, it made me want to take back my tone and everything that went with it, in lieu of everything around me. No amount of physical beauty in the home can replace the atmosphere that a mother or father brings.

Last night I asked for forgiveness and then I went to bed. I knew I was tired! Today, I am looking at the beauty of the untouched snow and the picture of God 's love and forgiveness it reflects for my own life and I am more and more thankful for Christmas.

Join me at the Cafe today....

This morning as I sat quietly in my favorite chair with only the light from a lamp on the table and a little bit of sunrise peering in through the window, I read Luke Chapter One from beginning to end and as usual I always have to stop at verse 38 and think about Mary's amazing response to the angel of the Lord, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." .......To hear my thoughts about this amazing verse, please join me at CWO's Internet Cafe today.

Soup's On!

I love soup. No, I really LOOOOVE soup! My all time favorite is a really good Clam Chowder. I have yet to find a good recipe for one, so if you have one please let me know. Another favorite is TORTILLA SOUP This is a favorite with my family and friends.

Tortilla Soup

1 Tbs. butter
1 yellow onion chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small can green chilies
1 can diced tomatoes
(I puree the tomatoes in the blender since my husband doesn't care for pieces of tomatoes in his soup)
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups shredded chicken
2 Tbs. Taco seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:
sour cream
shredeed jack and or mild cheddar cheese
sour cream

Saute onions and garlic in butter in a large pot over medium heat until onions are translucent. Add chilies, tomatoes, beans, corn, chicken stock, chicken, and taco seasoning. Stir through on high heat until soup boils. Reduce to low. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer one hour.

Serve with sour cream, a handful of cheese, and place broken pieces of tortilla strips on top. Makes eight servings.

Three!

Today you are three! You brighten my day each and every day. Two wasn't so bad. I have to admit, I wish it wasn't over. Between legos and cars, you are forever by my side. Somewhere within my mother's heart I want to keep you little and snuggle you in my arms for many days to come. That is probably why I am accepting of your babbling and simple vocabulary. You have given me a complete lecture in some unknown language. I am not worried in the least. I know once the words start flowing they usually don't stop.

So, today I look forward to your smile when we sing, the bounce in your step, the moment when we sit down to pray and you insist that you pray (every time, every meal, every night) and the big "amen" at the end. It is a good thing that your sisters and brothers are so understanding.

Some things I don't want to forget. The joy in your voice and body when daddy walks through the door. Eee-o! The name you so affectionately call your brother (Theo). The way you walk and the wiggle when you run.

Happy 3rd Birthday Coleman!

Open House

Next week I am hosting a Christmas Coffee Open House at my home for the ladies in our church. My hope is that ladies who are new to our church or who have been attending for awhile and may not have had a chance to meet other ladies will come and make some new friends. Or that some of the ladies who work and care for their families might be able to take a few minutes and stop by for some much needed fellowship. I am offering two different time slots one in the morning and one in the evening in hopes that everyone would be able to join us. Yes, I know we could of set up a huge coffee at the church and planned a two hour event in which everyone showed up at the same time, (nothing wrong with this idea) but I felt strangely impressed this year to make it simple, unassuming, and inviting. My only prayer is that no one will stay away in fear of coming to a strange home.

As I have been busily preparing my home in the midst of our day to day lives and routine I have been thinking alot about the idea of opening up my home. My first thought is that it could give the impression that the only reason I am doing this is to "showcase" my home. Which is the opposite of my whole reason for doing this...simplicity. I even felt compelled at one moment while setting out some of my snowmen I have had for years to run out and buy some new things. And then I thought if this was the reason for someone stopping by they would be greatly disappointed. Yes, my home is decorated, and some may consider it elaborate depending on your taste and style, while others may consider it plain and simple. My point is that it really does not matter. My hope is that no one comes to just see my home, but rather to see those who will be in attendance.

A couple of ladies came up to me this past weekend and told me that they were looking forward to coming. One lady told me I was so brave for doing this. Another lady thanked me for doing this. I have given some thought to these comments. I am fully aware as women we put alot of pressure on ourselves to perform. We would never call it that, but most of the time the expectations we have are those we have inflicted on ourselves. My home is just that, "my home". It is a dwelling place for my family. We live here. I would NEVER ever want it to be a place for show. Yes, I like my home to look nice...we all do. Our homes should be comfortable and a place that is warm and welcoming first to our husbands and children, never to what others think or expect. Oh, if I had only understood this when I was first married. The many opportunities I missed out on to invite others into my home out of fear that they would think differently of me.

Things have changed alot. Children have a way of keeping us very humble. Yes, I promise the bathroom will be clean, the coffee will be warm and the treats will be plenty, but I can't promise that you won't see something like this...

(Christmas tree ornaments being dragged across the table by a lego)

This morning while I was putting our dinner in the crock pot, Coleman had several tree ornaments set up across the table and was using them as part of his train. I have to admit initially upon seeing all those things off of the tree, I wanted to immediately scold him and remind him not to touch, but then I reminded myself that his sisters and brothers had been given this exact freedom during their toddler years and that the tree has always been decorated by the kids and most of the ornaments were things they could touch and look at. And guess what, it is my home and I wouldn't have it any other way!

And it is only nine in the morning...

• I woke up late this morning and missed my morning quiet time.
• The house was cold so I was tempted to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep.
• I made cinnamon rolls and burnt my thumb on a hot roll complete with a blister and all. ouch!
• Each of my children needed me to write a check (1 for milk, 2 for lunch, and 1 for a SAT testing fee) so that equals four checks all before 8am.
• While getting my two year old (who is working on potty training)dressed this morning he had an accident while sitting on our bed. So, today I am washing all our bedding even though I had no plans too.
• There are four other loads of laundry waiting to be washed.
• I am out of coffee
• My thumb still hurts alot!

I need to go and start over from the beginning. Yesterday our kids had a two hour delay in starting school due to the snow and ice we received over the weekend. Maybe I'll take one of those today.

Some reflecting...

I am stopping for a few moments from a morning of just putting things away. I am amazed at how quickly things pile up, build up, and grow if they are not dealt with immediately.

Here are a few examples:

• The toy cars lined up all along the kitchen floor where my two year old son has been playing all week while I am in the kitchen. We've just left them parked there.
• The enormous amount of school papers piled 6 inches higher than the basket they sit in.
• Shoes...I think my children have a secret game they are playing on me and trying to leave as many pair of shoes piled just inside the door of the mudroom as they possibly can. (and why when it is something like 26 degrees outside right now are there still flip-flops sitting there when I know I had put those away?)
• And I won't even begin to go into the gloves, mittens, and hat dilemma. I am determined this year to come up with a better system for locating these items upon arriving and leaving the house.
• Hooks...are the answer to all the coats, hoodies, backpacks, and multitude of other things that come into this home. I need to go here again soon!

I know I spend half my time keeping everyone and everything organized and the other half actually cleaning something.

I can remember back to my very idealistic views when I first became a mother. I remember having high hopes of always having the laundry folded and put away or never leaving dishes in the sink once I had a dishwasher and always having dinner ready when my husband walked in the door. Who was that girl?

These were not bad goals or even totally unrealistic, the problem was with my heart. I wanted to look good in the eyes of others more than I wanted to please the Lord and my husband. And I haven't even mentioned the new mommy ideals that I held. But the Lord in His most gracious and loving way humbled me. First, after the birth of my first child it was necessary for me to continue to work full-time. This was very hard on me and my husband. So, right from the beginning many of my idealism went right out the window. Next, when I stopped working outside the home full-time and became a full-time homemaker, I was waist deep into laundry, dishes, and the early phases of home schooling, in addition to whatever ways I was serving in the church at the time. I knew how to run an accounting office, but manage two little ones, while expecting my third and taking care of a home sent me crying out for help. (another deeply humbling experience) I could write a book about the difficulties of those early days. The Lord has taught me so much. But mostly that over the last ten years of working at home full-time has by far been the most challenging and rewarding work even when my days are full of picking up and putting away.

The Cafe - He has not forgotten you

I am over here today! Do you ever feel forgotten...ok lately I have

Just some thoughts...

This morning I woke up early. Earlier than I would have liked. I couldn't sleep any longer. Yesterday was my mom's birthday and I wasn't able to get a hold of her. My parents are in route right now on their way to be with my brother whose wife is expecting their first child any day now. I am not sure if her cell phone was out of range or she just didn't hear it in her purse, but we left several messages including some singing for her enjoyment! I spoke with her on Thanksgiving and I told her I would be calling on Monday. I am not worried, just a wee bit sad that we didn't connect.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day with a family from our church, but no matter how difficult or even dysfunctional a family can be, nothing can replace family. The realization that our family may never or rarely be able to join together for a Thanksgiving Dinner or any family dinner for that matter, hit me hard this year. My family (parents and three brothers) which used to all live within the same city (or county) just a few years back is now all over the world. Literally! My husband's family is all in the same state, but not the same as us. I know it is just as hard for them as it is for us. We knew as God directed our steps that it included living many miles away from our extended family. My husband and I have prayed about this and accepted God's portion and plan for our lives, but I still miss my mom's cooking. And I don't think that will ever change. The meal was simple and very traditional, her table was simply decorated with her favorite tablecloth, we used the everyday dishes, but the smells, their laughter , and the joy of being with one another was how we spent the holiday. This wasn't the first year we have been apart, it has been many by now, but somehow this year was just harder.



I often think about the saying, "bloom where you are planted!" That is my prayer. God has planted me where I am. It may not look like others. I am often told, "I could never live away from my family ." Well guess what, "neither can I!" I don't do it because I want to or because I am cold hearted and don't care, I do it because I believe with all my heart that this is where God has planted me. And I am choosing to bloom! I know the bud is small, but be patient I need watering, fertilizer, and some sonshine. And someday I hope to be a beautiful rose that reflects the Glory of God.

Just some thoughts...

Weekly Menu Plan

Here is my menu plan for the week. And I also thought I would share a biblical reason for planning ahead....

She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.

Proverbs 31:15

I have been studying Proverbs 31 and reviewing the virtues or the character qualities of this Godly Woman. There are twenty one qualities listed in this passage of scripture. I have been working on these for over twenty years and I am sure I will be in the next twenty as well. I once read verse fifteen as, "oh yea, I am the one who needs to do all the cooking," but after careful study, I have learned that this verse is about the virtue of discipline and not cooking. Meals and other needs in the home don't just happen. And certainly will not happen well if we do not plan. Planning takes discipline. Truly this Godly woman rose early to take care of the planning for the day for herself and those who would help her. I like to cook but I don't want to spend all my time in the kitchen. Planning and discipline allows me to best use my time and provide food for my family.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,

But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5

Monday: Tostadas with beans and rice

Tuesday: Harvest Stew

Wednesday: Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches

Thursday: Baked Potato Cheese Soup

Friday: Pizza for the kids

For more menu plans go here

Walk Slowly

Today I actually ventured out to shop on the day after Thanksgiving. I don't know if I have ever done this before. I may do it again only because so much was on sale! But in the midst of so many people I walked slowly, looking, waiting, and I was reminded of this little piece I wrote last year at this time.

Christmas is coming...hopefully snow will be falling.
The decorations, the smells, the gifts are all because of a loving God who chose to give the greatest gift of all, His own son!

Walk slowly and enjoy each moment! No matter what our circumstances we already have the greatest gift of all.

Walk slowly through your home. The hands that touch all the pretty decorations will not be the same next year.

Walk slowly through the stores. It is not about what we
give, but what has been given to us.

Walk slowly through the parties and family traditions. People matter most to God. He died for them.

Walk slowly and look at the beautiful lights, savor the smells, and worship the King who came for us.

Walk Slowly!

(originally posted
November 2006)

Wordless Wednesday - Working Hard

Christmas Music

Michael W. Smith has a new Christmas Album and if you go here you may have an opportunity to get one for free.
I have enjoyed his music for many years. I remember after my first child was born picking up a copy of Today's Christian Women with Michael & Debbie Smith on the cover. The article was about her and the wonderful support she was to her husband. But I think what really grabbed the heart of this young mom at the time was she had five children. At this time in my life, I never dreamed I would someday have five children. It just seemed huge! I still have the magazine as a result of the article.

Gratitude

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I am sure it has something to do with the season, but really it has to do more with where it forces me to focus. Too often I focus on what I need, or what I would like to see changed in my life, or what I still don't have, or what I am still struggling with instead of on what He has shown me, mercy. As Thanksgiving approaches this year, I am conscious of the benefit I have received (the meaning of being thankful). I am grateful to God and His great mercy towards me. Take a moment and meditate on the words of Charles Spurgeon:

"The fear of a man who really knows the love and goodness of God, will be somewhat of this kind: He will fear lest he should really be, or should seem to be, ungrateful. 'What' he asks, 'can I do? I am drowned in mercy. It is not as though my ship were sailing in a sea of mercy; I have been so loaded with the favour of the Lord that my vessel has gone right down, and the ocean of God’s love and mercy has rolled right over the masthead. What can I do O Lord? If thou had given me only a little mercy, I might have done something, in return, to express my gratitude. But oh! Thy great mercy in electing me, in redeeming me, in converting me, and in preserving me, and in all the goodness of thy providence toward me;--what can I do in return for all these favour? I feel struck dumb; and I am afraid, lest I should have a dumb heart as well as a dumb tongue; I fear lest I should grieve Thee by anything that looks like ingratitude.”

The Cafe

It seems the days and weeks are just rolling by. Today the air outside was a bit more brisk. The wind was blowing which made it feel colder than the actual temperature. What leaves may have been left on the trees for my pure enjoyment are all but gone. Piles of leaves are slowly building up on lawns throughout my neighborhood. Which brings me to my post at CWO's Internet Cafe, "I want to be like those trees!" Join me!

ELEVEN!

Happy Birthday Theo! I remember this day eleven years ago like it was yesterday. From the moment they placed you in my arms I knew that God had placed a tender heart within this little man. As the younger brother to two sisters and the older brother to two younger brothers, you hold your position well. The girls look up to you and admire your strengths, and the little guys lean on you for help.

Someday you may ask me what you were like when you were ten. I would say you were compassionate and caring. I would say when I needed help with something, you were there. I would say that you loved school, did very well in school, had a gift for writing and it was the year you learned to play the trumpet. I would remind you that it was your first year in football. Number 52 to be exact and do you remember those blocks and the first time you recovered a fumble?

I would remind you of our family camping trip and the wild summer thunder storm we endured. But it is all the fishing you did in those three days that I won't forget. I would remind you of playing baseball, swimming at the pool, and all the snow days and that "Clue" was one of your new favorite board games.

I will remind you that I witnessed you pray each night on the bottom step of the ladder to your bunk and the many entries you have made in your journal. And someday if you ever ask me about when you were ten, I will say, "it was wonderful!"

Happy 11th Birthday Theo!