Inspired by this post over at one of my favorite blog and book authors, Ann Voskamp, I take the last tray of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven and write straight from my journal, straight from my heart, to you, few readers, these few Spirit-inspired (I trust) words.
What are you thinking?
Through what lens are you interpreting life's circumstances?
Philippians 4:8, 9 tells me to think on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
But life's throwing us some curve balls lately. Life does that, though. We know that by now.
I hit a parked car last Friday at the post office while backing up..a new Dodge Charger. History tells me that parking lots and I don't get along; it also tells me that I need to find the beater cars to park near from now on.
But, Phil 4:8 instructs me to focus on the fact that we have insurance to cover the damages on that lovely red car and give thanks. Yes, Lord...I will do that.
LA's car overheated on his way to work yesterday, and he needed me to drive to the city with a jug of water and coolant mix in order to turn around and drive home with him driving in front of me to ensure he made it home at all. It was raining. Driving in the rain on the highway in the middle of the afternoon=sleepy me. Not my favorite.
But Phil. 4:8,9 instructs me to focus on the fact that I did have the afternoon available to serve my husband this way, and that we have a mechanic who could look at it right away.
LA needed to use my van today to drive to DC leaving me and the kids home bound, something we don't do terribly well.
But, I didn't have any appointments scheduled for today, and it has turned out to be a relaxing day of sleeping in, painting, playing with legos, reading and baking.
The kids are fighting allergies/colds.
But, Bella slept in until 10 a.m. (NEVER happens). Judah felt better after a nebulizer treatment. We have really good vitamins (I know because they taste horrible), and the kids are taking them.
Our offer on a home wasn't accepted.
But, we have a 60, possibly 90 day, rent back to stay in our current home even after this Friday's settlement. And, home inventory is only increasing.
LA and I are having a challenging time working through marriage and church issues.
But God has been faithful, and we continue to draw near to Him and each other---amazing grace!
The insurance company continues to deny coverage of growth hormone for Judah claiming it's medically unnecessary despite the hours of testing he's endured to show clearly that it is indeed medically necessary.
But God has given peace in my heart that He is my son's physician, and I can trust His provision for Judah. Several people have commented recently that he is looking taller, so maybe his body is continuing to grow even if not optimally. I will trust you, Father, for the plan you have for Judah, which your Word says is to prosper him and not to harm him.
Friendships feel strained at times.
But Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
You are faithful, Father.
You are true.
You have always been with me.
You always will be with me.
Proverbs 12:20 says, "...those who plan peace have joy." and verse 25 says, " Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."
By your grace, I will "plan peace", Father, and I will look for and declare the "good word" in regard to all the curve balls of life. And there I will find joy and my heart will be glad.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Could it be true?
For God so
loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Could it be true?
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day... I Corinthians 15:3
Could it be true?
The above passages are what Easter is all about for Christians. On Good Friday, we remember the death of Jesus. On Easter Sunday we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, conquering sin and death and accessing eternal life for all who confess their need for a Savior.
Could this all be true? Or is it just some religious mythology helping some of us assuage a guilty conscience?
I've wondered this many times in my life. Belief has not and does not come easy to me.
A passage in Romans 4 recently helped me in my ongoing battle for belief.
It is a section of scripture that reminds the New Testament reader of Old Testament Abraham.
Abraham was given a promise from God that he would become the father of many nations, but he was old. really old. Romans 4 says that his body was "as good as dead." Umm, I'm no biblical scholar, but I'm thinking that is hinting at a really old Abraham, past the child bearing stage of life kind of old.
And, Romans 4 tells us that he wasn't in denial about this. One version says Abraham "faced the facts"; another version tells us that he "considered his own body."
And, it's this phrase that caught me recently, "considered his own body."
When I consider--not the state of my physical body but rather the state of my soul--all I've done to incur God's wrath: the hatred I've had in my heart toward others, the selfishness I've had that has put others in harm's way at times, my pride that has refused to love others like Jesus has loved me, my disrespect toward others, my disregard for God's authority in my life, my disdain of the way God has allowed the circumstances of my life to play out at times, my foul mouth, anger, bitterness, rage, ingratitude...and then consider that God knows deeper still how black and vile my heart is, it leaves me wonder often, "Could it be true?"
Could it be true that God's perfectly Holy Son would come to earth, take on human flesh, make Himself subject to earthly authorities, and follow His Father's plan which led Him to a bloody cross? For me?
Could it be true that Jesus incurred the full wrath of God that MY sins deserved, not His? He was sinless. He didn't deserve to be abandoned by God. I do, though.
Could it be true that this same Jesus, after being dead for 3 days, conquered death and rose again?
Could it be true that he then appeared as a risen Jesus to more than 500 people before He ascended into Heaven where He is NOW preparing an eternal home for me?
Could it be true that I will one day spend all eternity with Jesus in this eternal home the Bible calls Heaven, where there will be no more tears, no more death, no mourning, no crying, no pain?
Could it all really be true?
Romans 4 encourages me to believe that it could be true.
You see Abraham was "as good as dead" but
GOD told him he'd be the father of many nations. Romans 4 tells us Abraham
"believed against all hope", "did not weaken in faith",
"did not waver", "grew strong in faith", was "fully
convinced that God was able to do what He had promised."
And Romans 4 tells me that I am to benefit from Abraham's example.
Romans 4 was written for me and for others who wonder, "Could it really be true?" Romans 4 tells us that Abraham's faith was counted to him as righteousness and that my belief will be counted to me as such, too.
And, I begin to hope, "Oh perhaps this is true. Wouldn't it be amazing if it were true?"
So, with that mustard seed of faith, I confess, "IT IS TRUE!"
I face the facts of who I am and yet without
wavering, grow more fully convinced that God is able to do what He has
promised.
And, I read beyond Romans 4 to Romans 5 where it tells me that this hope will NOT disappoint.
Psalm 25 confirms this as well, telling me that
I, one who puts her hope in these truths, will not be put to shame.
I will one day die. I will stand face to face with my Creator. I will be called to account for all my sins. I will be able to say, "Jesus has taken the punishment that I deserved for all my sins." I will hear, "Enter into my rest, good and faithful servant." I will spend eternity in a Heavenly paradise, worshiping the One who saved me.
I will then know that not only COULD it be true; it IS true!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Vulcan Quarry
Our homeschool co-op, Classical Conversations, took a field trip today to a local quarry, Volcan Materials Co. in Havre de Grace, MD. It proved to be a timely field trip as we are memorizing geological science facts this half of the year.
It was free to all, buses included, which, for homeschoolers, is quite a big deal. I coordinated the trip with Pat Pieton, the assistant plant manager at Vulcan. He was super friendly and a delight with whom to work. He led our tour today which began with a classroom portion, followed by a bus tour of the quarry.
At one point during the bus tour, we were able to exit the bus at the top of the quarry and look out over the vast "hole in the ground". The following are some photos of our time.
It was free to all, buses included, which, for homeschoolers, is quite a big deal. I coordinated the trip with Pat Pieton, the assistant plant manager at Vulcan. He was super friendly and a delight with whom to work. He led our tour today which began with a classroom portion, followed by a bus tour of the quarry.
At one point during the bus tour, we were able to exit the bus at the top of the quarry and look out over the vast "hole in the ground". The following are some photos of our time.
What are the three types of rocks?
Miner Jessie
Is it a rock or a mineral?
It's petrified dinosaur poop!!!
Preparing for a blast!
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Happy New Year's Day Hike
We participated in something called, "First Day Hikes" this a.m. to kick off 2013 as a family. We love taking hikes and thought it would be a great way to get some fresh air, step away from the cookies and fudge for a bit and enjoy time as a family. We had more fun than we anticipated.
When we arrived, we were the only family with children present. I cringed thinking we might prevent the rest of the group from advancing down the trail at their desired pace. But, thankfully, another family with three young children showed up, and our kids proved to demonstrate themselves as experienced hikers, keeping up with the crowd with little prodding or help from mom and dad.
The hardest part for them was not being able to stop and explore as much as they're accustomed to when we go by ourselves. Nevertheless, it allowed me to step back and observe how different life experiences are through the eyes of a child. My kids love to observe and explore. And, I love to let them. Hiking is a fantastic way to foster this childlike pleasure.
With the exception of one root-filled, semi-rocky incline, the trail was rather simple to traverse. We wore rain or snow boots anticipating mud and muck, which indeed was plentiful. But, mud means moderate temperatures and therefore a welcomed obstacle. Truth be told, mud makes hiking all that more fun for kids even though mommy has more laundry to do as a result this afternoon.
Mud to muck in, sticks to turn into staffs, felled trees to climb over and under, and streams to cross all make for an enjoyable, memorable hike. It doesn't get much better than that as far as hiking goes, unless, of course, mommy manages to slip and fall into icy rapids and become soaked from hip to toe.
Our furthest destination on the hike today was a spot called "The Pot Rocks", a conglomeration of large boulders with holes in the tops of them resembling pots. I love bouldering, but not on January 1st and not with my kids in tow. LA had a different idea. Most of the other hikers were keeping their distance from the water's edge, simply and safely admiring the view. But, not so my husband or children.
They tipped their toes as close to the edge of the rocks without slipping into the rushing water, making me a nervous momma and wife. My concerns were heard and considered, I think, but the other dad in our group must have sent out some sort of "man must conquer" vibe, and there was no turning back for Lawrence. He decided he would cross the rapids to reach the rocks.
My husband and children successfully to the other side, I breathed a brief sigh of relief knowing they would still have to cross back. After a few minutes of exploration, the ranger kindly let me know that we were welcome to hang out at the rocks for a while and head back to the trail head on our own, but that he would be leading the rest of the group back to the cars.
We decided to stick with the group; LA and the kids made their way back to the crossing. Being the conscientious (read nervous) momma, I stood on the other side of the watery gap waiting to grab my kids' hands to ensure their safe and dry return. Tucker was first up.
LA held on to him on one side while I reached for Tucker's hand on the other. The grip on my boots failed me; Tucker's reach sent me off-kilter, and into the icy water I fell. In trying to avoid getting wet at all, I ended up falling right on my butt soaking myself from hip to toe. Laughs abounded from everyone but me. I have to say, though, my heart was cheered knowing that though I was cold and wet, that was likely to be the most memorable moment of our hike.
And, on that concluding note, some pictures. Click on the slideshow images to see larger versions:
When we arrived, we were the only family with children present. I cringed thinking we might prevent the rest of the group from advancing down the trail at their desired pace. But, thankfully, another family with three young children showed up, and our kids proved to demonstrate themselves as experienced hikers, keeping up with the crowd with little prodding or help from mom and dad.
The hardest part for them was not being able to stop and explore as much as they're accustomed to when we go by ourselves. Nevertheless, it allowed me to step back and observe how different life experiences are through the eyes of a child. My kids love to observe and explore. And, I love to let them. Hiking is a fantastic way to foster this childlike pleasure.
With the exception of one root-filled, semi-rocky incline, the trail was rather simple to traverse. We wore rain or snow boots anticipating mud and muck, which indeed was plentiful. But, mud means moderate temperatures and therefore a welcomed obstacle. Truth be told, mud makes hiking all that more fun for kids even though mommy has more laundry to do as a result this afternoon.
Mud to muck in, sticks to turn into staffs, felled trees to climb over and under, and streams to cross all make for an enjoyable, memorable hike. It doesn't get much better than that as far as hiking goes, unless, of course, mommy manages to slip and fall into icy rapids and become soaked from hip to toe.
Our furthest destination on the hike today was a spot called "The Pot Rocks", a conglomeration of large boulders with holes in the tops of them resembling pots. I love bouldering, but not on January 1st and not with my kids in tow. LA had a different idea. Most of the other hikers were keeping their distance from the water's edge, simply and safely admiring the view. But, not so my husband or children.
They tipped their toes as close to the edge of the rocks without slipping into the rushing water, making me a nervous momma and wife. My concerns were heard and considered, I think, but the other dad in our group must have sent out some sort of "man must conquer" vibe, and there was no turning back for Lawrence. He decided he would cross the rapids to reach the rocks.
My husband and children successfully to the other side, I breathed a brief sigh of relief knowing they would still have to cross back. After a few minutes of exploration, the ranger kindly let me know that we were welcome to hang out at the rocks for a while and head back to the trail head on our own, but that he would be leading the rest of the group back to the cars.
We decided to stick with the group; LA and the kids made their way back to the crossing. Being the conscientious (read nervous) momma, I stood on the other side of the watery gap waiting to grab my kids' hands to ensure their safe and dry return. Tucker was first up.
LA held on to him on one side while I reached for Tucker's hand on the other. The grip on my boots failed me; Tucker's reach sent me off-kilter, and into the icy water I fell. In trying to avoid getting wet at all, I ended up falling right on my butt soaking myself from hip to toe. Laughs abounded from everyone but me. I have to say, though, my heart was cheered knowing that though I was cold and wet, that was likely to be the most memorable moment of our hike.
And, on that concluding note, some pictures. Click on the slideshow images to see larger versions:
Monday, December 24, 2012
Going "Home" for Christmas?
I've been thinking about the concept of "home" lately. Especially at Christmas, the idea is emphasized that we all have a home, not just in the physical sense, but emotionally. We have a place and people around whom we feel we can be ourselves, we are loved and accepted, known and embraced with all our quirks and shortcomings. We don't have to walk on proverbial egg shells or unduly weigh our words. We are at ease, experiencing peace and comfort and all those warm fuzzies everyone talks about.
But, going home for the holidays isn't always like that, is it? Having family and even people we call friends in our home isn't always like that. Sometimes, there's tension, emotional distance, difficulty in communication, offenses, bitterness, and maybe even hatred toward those with whom we share a home or to whom we open our home at this time of year.
And, then there are those who can't be home this time of year. They can't be with the ones they love and cherish. I think of my friends, the Goerlings, whose dad/husband is in Afghanistan. I'm sure they'd all love for him to be home with them this Christmas, but he can't. Or, my friends, Joel and Cindy Rishel, who expected to have 4 boys from Brazil home with them for Christmas this year. They're in the process of adopting these little men, and we all thought they'd be together by now. But, they're not.
Even going home to my own family in PA, I can't help but to think of both the beauty and the brokenness my family represents. My family exists because two people died. My dad died of cancer when I was twelve. My stepdad's late wife died when she was hit by a car while she walked along the side of a country road with a dear, family friend.
And, what about 26 families in Newton, Connecticut, who have presents wrapped under their trees ready for their children and loved ones who will never open them, who will never come home again?
This afternoon, I learned about other families in upstate New York who will be making funeral plans for their loved ones, firefighters, who responded to a 911 call gone awry. Those brave, dutiful firefighters will never return home.
The word "home" carries with it so much meaning, expectation, potential joy and pain.
So the words to the well known Christmas song, "I'll be Home for Christmas" don't really ring true for many of us sometimes, at least probably not in the sentiment they're sung.
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me...
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams...
We can't count on others all the time, can we? And, those we do count on sometimes leave us. Or they can't be there when we need them. Christmas remains, nevertheless, an invitation home. But, perhaps not in the way we conventionally think about home.
Matthew 1:23 says, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel--which means GOD WITH US".
John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh (this is Jesus' birth) and DWELT AMONG US", literally pitched his tent with ours.
At Christmas we remember when God made His HOME among men.
For Christians, Christmas is not just the memory of God with us; it is the REALITY of God with us that we celebrate. God is WITH us.
God was with my dad when he took his last breath. He was with me as I stood by his bedside holding his hand one last time. God was with my stepdad's wife, Eunice, as she received that death blow from a reckless driver. God is with Tom Goerling in Afghanistan and also with his family here in Maryland who long for him to be with them, too.
The God who created the heavens and the earth, who gave us our life and sustains us is WITH us; He has made His home in us.
John 14:23 says, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him, and will come to him and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM".
As a Christian, Christmas is a place to call home. It is a place where Christ has intersected our real world with its real muck and mess to be WITH us, to make His home with us. Knowing and remembering this can supply all the comfort, peace and joy one wants or needs.
When you're in that living room, sitting around the tree, cordially opening gifts you really don't want or need, thanking people with whom there is relational discord, remember GOD is WITH you. And, He has come not just to comfort you in that moment but also to empower you, strengthen and grace you to be a reflection of HIS grace to those people around you whom you call family or friend.
When you skype with the one who can't physically be with you this Christmas or pray over their pictures, remember God is WITH you. He is there to hold you together, to help you wait, to strengthen you for the hardship of being apart.
When you visit that gravesite, weeping that your loved one will never be home again for Christmas, remember that God is WITH you. He is there to comfort, to heal your broken heart, to give peace and joy. He is WITH you.
If you are not a Christian, Christmas is an invitation to come home. It's an invitation to know Immanuel, God with us. It's an invitation to know His forgiveness, love and grace! It's an invitation home.
But, going home for the holidays isn't always like that, is it? Having family and even people we call friends in our home isn't always like that. Sometimes, there's tension, emotional distance, difficulty in communication, offenses, bitterness, and maybe even hatred toward those with whom we share a home or to whom we open our home at this time of year.
And, then there are those who can't be home this time of year. They can't be with the ones they love and cherish. I think of my friends, the Goerlings, whose dad/husband is in Afghanistan. I'm sure they'd all love for him to be home with them this Christmas, but he can't. Or, my friends, Joel and Cindy Rishel, who expected to have 4 boys from Brazil home with them for Christmas this year. They're in the process of adopting these little men, and we all thought they'd be together by now. But, they're not.
Even going home to my own family in PA, I can't help but to think of both the beauty and the brokenness my family represents. My family exists because two people died. My dad died of cancer when I was twelve. My stepdad's late wife died when she was hit by a car while she walked along the side of a country road with a dear, family friend.
And, what about 26 families in Newton, Connecticut, who have presents wrapped under their trees ready for their children and loved ones who will never open them, who will never come home again?
This afternoon, I learned about other families in upstate New York who will be making funeral plans for their loved ones, firefighters, who responded to a 911 call gone awry. Those brave, dutiful firefighters will never return home.
The word "home" carries with it so much meaning, expectation, potential joy and pain.
So the words to the well known Christmas song, "I'll be Home for Christmas" don't really ring true for many of us sometimes, at least probably not in the sentiment they're sung.
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me...
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams...
We can't count on others all the time, can we? And, those we do count on sometimes leave us. Or they can't be there when we need them. Christmas remains, nevertheless, an invitation home. But, perhaps not in the way we conventionally think about home.
Matthew 1:23 says, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel--which means GOD WITH US".
John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh (this is Jesus' birth) and DWELT AMONG US", literally pitched his tent with ours.
At Christmas we remember when God made His HOME among men.
For Christians, Christmas is not just the memory of God with us; it is the REALITY of God with us that we celebrate. God is WITH us.
God was with my dad when he took his last breath. He was with me as I stood by his bedside holding his hand one last time. God was with my stepdad's wife, Eunice, as she received that death blow from a reckless driver. God is with Tom Goerling in Afghanistan and also with his family here in Maryland who long for him to be with them, too.
The God who created the heavens and the earth, who gave us our life and sustains us is WITH us; He has made His home in us.
John 14:23 says, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him, and will come to him and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM".
As a Christian, Christmas is a place to call home. It is a place where Christ has intersected our real world with its real muck and mess to be WITH us, to make His home with us. Knowing and remembering this can supply all the comfort, peace and joy one wants or needs.
When you're in that living room, sitting around the tree, cordially opening gifts you really don't want or need, thanking people with whom there is relational discord, remember GOD is WITH you. And, He has come not just to comfort you in that moment but also to empower you, strengthen and grace you to be a reflection of HIS grace to those people around you whom you call family or friend.
When you skype with the one who can't physically be with you this Christmas or pray over their pictures, remember God is WITH you. He is there to hold you together, to help you wait, to strengthen you for the hardship of being apart.
When you visit that gravesite, weeping that your loved one will never be home again for Christmas, remember that God is WITH you. He is there to comfort, to heal your broken heart, to give peace and joy. He is WITH you.
If you are not a Christian, Christmas is an invitation to come home. It's an invitation to know Immanuel, God with us. It's an invitation to know His forgiveness, love and grace! It's an invitation home.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
End of 2012 reflections
With 2012 drawing to a close and 2013 awaiting, I have enjoyed taking time to reflect on all God’s faithfully brought us through and anticipating all He might still want to do in and through us in this upcoming year, pending the end of the world, of course. ;)
This year, like most, ushered in the new and unexpected, but it also held the constancy of tradition and rhythms of routines. For both I’m grateful and recognize it is God’s loving kindness, mercy and grace that carries us through them all in a way that keeps us drawing nearer to Himself, genuinely desperate for Him and finding Him trustworthy and dependable.
Both new and unexpected events from 2012 included:
· Bella’s special princess tea party with a handful of her closest friends for her 5th birthday in February
· Joining a local farm’s CSA (community supported agriculture) and eating lots and lots of greens
· Lawrence leaving public accounting after 8 *long* years and taking a position as Director of Finance and IT with MedChi, an association that promotes the needs and well being of physicians in Maryland
· A reunion with some of Bri’s closest buds from her college days at IUP
· Beginning in earnest renovations to our townhome to prepare it for a spring, 2013, listing on the market
· Bella beginning Kindergarten and the boys, 3rd grade. Bri has especially enjoyed watching and helping Bella learn to read. What an amazing and special privilege, one she doesn’t take for granted
· Bri and the kids joining a new homeschool co op called Classical Conversations which has been a huge blessing to all of us. Learning has never been more meaningful and fun!
· Lawrence and Bri attending a marriage conference with speaker, Paul Tripp.
· Buying, building and learning more than we ever wanted to about Legos, the boys’ (and now Bella’s) current obsession. Guess what they’re getting for Christmas?! J
In the midst of transitions and new beginnings, however, we were able to maintain the familiarity of traditions and comfort of routines through the following:
- Hikes at some of our favorite local parks
- Trips to Grandma/pa’s in PA
- Time with cousins, building memories and having fun
- Eating out—especially at Dunkin Donuts for special occasions like birthdays and the start of school
- Weekly date night for Lawrence and Bri at TGIFriday’s or just a cup of coffee at Starbucks
- Outings to our favorite local gardens, Ladew and Longwood
- Once a-month family dinners with the Almengor’s
- Regular playdates and dinner with good friends who have stayed the course with us through many seasons of life
Seems much of our life revolves around food!
Looking forward to 2013, we cannot possibly anticipate all that God has in store, but we are nevertheless praying about or eagerly expecting the following:
· Our local Y opening up a pool!! It may sound trite, but we have long been looking forward to this along with many other members of our Y, and I know it’ll be such a blessing to our family
· Selling our townhome and purchasing a new home which would serve some, specific needs and desires of our family
· Beginning growth hormone treatments for Judah which will involve a daily injection
Would you give thanks with us as well as pray for our little family regarding the changes 2013 holds for us, both known and unknown?
We are so grateful for the friends and family with which God has surrounded us. You all are a demonstration of God’s merciful kindness to us. Your encouragement, love and prayers are wonderful gifts from God that we do not take for granted. Thank you for loving us!
If you want to keep up with us on a more consistent basis, you can visit us online at judahupdate.blogspot.com or friend us on Facebook, profile name “Briana Almengor”. We’re always up for your spontaneous or planned visit as well. As long as we’re at our current townhome, our address is 224 Ferring Court Abingdon, MD 21009. Or give us a call: 410.688.7553
With gratitude to the Giver of every good gift, which includes YOU,
Lawrence, Briana, Judah, Tucker and Bella
Friday, December 21, 2012
Tell me I'm not alone
Parenting has undeniably been the most difficult thing I've ever attempted to do well. Marriage is tied with parenting. And, while I don't feel like I'm doing an exemplary job at either, I am gratefully stunned that God has given me the gifts of both.
That said, I wanted to relay the following "scene" from a moment in my day today, a less than glorious parenting moment but a rather common one unfortunately. It turns a bit comical toward the end which I know is just the grace of God at work in my life helping me not take myself so seriously, not be so easily angered, and learn to make light of things that do provoke.
It's 4 days before Christmas, and inevitably there are food items to buy. Instead of taking time away from being all together as a family when LA is home in order to go by myself as any other sane momma would do, I decide to take my three crazy kids to the grocery store with me. That's how I "take one for the team" here in our family. I've always had an inclination toward martyrdom. :)
Wegmans is where we'll be picking up those few last items on the list, including gruyere and organic pie shells because after all, where else am I going to get organic pie shells besides Wegmans? And, no I'm not making my own; that's not one I take for the team.
Weaving our way in and through the aisles is as challenging as driving on I-95 during rush hour. Wegmans really should have traffic lights.
We make it to check out without breaking anything or anyone. Success. The self checkout at Wegmans, however, is a bit sensitive. My children like to call it "stupid", but then again they call everything stupid. We're in that phase of childhood development.
It's actually quite sophisticated and stupid all at the same time. If a child sits on the bagging area, for instance, it gets quite confused. Apparently, it knows the weight of the grocery item one scans and expects that weight to then be placed into a bag on the bagging wheel. So, when Bella plops herself on top of the bagging wheel, it gets a little upset and starts beeping. And then the checkout girl has to come over and shut it up. And, when I use the $5 Wegmans coupon, it gets upset and the check out girl has to come over and shut it up. And, when I try to scan another $1 off Wegman's coupon, it gets upset again, and the check out girl has to come over and shut it up. again.
And, now I'm upset and someone's going to have to come and shut me up pretty darn soon.
But, I keep it together. Well, that's not completely true. After Bella sat on the bagging wheel for the 3rd time, I did turn on her a bit, harshly telling her to not sit on the bagging wheel. ever. like never, Bella. Got it? ah, grace filled parenting at its finest. NOT.
Deep breaths, Bri. Just get the kids to the car.
After finding the car (that took a while because I didn't park where I normally do. Rude for someone to take my spot, don't ya think?), I start to hit the keyless remote to open the car doors. But, the kids are pulling on the door handle at the same time. Our van is a bit sensitive (hmm....seems like I experienced touchy electronics once already today. Isn't there a limit to how much one can endure of this kind of torture? oh, first world problems).
After too many tugs on the door handle and one too many clicks on the keyless to no avail, I lost it on the kids, "STOP TOUCHING THE DOOR"! But, they didn't. So, again I yelled and again, and I'm sure my kids thought my head was going to start spinning.
I was able to stand outside myself at that moment and realize I was so out of control. Guess that's called the Holy Spirit. :) I'm so grateful He faithfully does His job well! At that point I began talking about myself in third person, "Mommy needs help from Jesus right now to be patient..." and then broke out in song pleading with the children through some kind of made up melody that they please not touch the door. "Oh, for the love of my sanity, please don't touch the door", I sang.
I don't think my kids knew what to do. But they didn't touch the door. And, because I am a glutton for punishment, I went from Wegmans to BJ's.
That said, I wanted to relay the following "scene" from a moment in my day today, a less than glorious parenting moment but a rather common one unfortunately. It turns a bit comical toward the end which I know is just the grace of God at work in my life helping me not take myself so seriously, not be so easily angered, and learn to make light of things that do provoke.
It's 4 days before Christmas, and inevitably there are food items to buy. Instead of taking time away from being all together as a family when LA is home in order to go by myself as any other sane momma would do, I decide to take my three crazy kids to the grocery store with me. That's how I "take one for the team" here in our family. I've always had an inclination toward martyrdom. :)
Wegmans is where we'll be picking up those few last items on the list, including gruyere and organic pie shells because after all, where else am I going to get organic pie shells besides Wegmans? And, no I'm not making my own; that's not one I take for the team.
Weaving our way in and through the aisles is as challenging as driving on I-95 during rush hour. Wegmans really should have traffic lights.
We make it to check out without breaking anything or anyone. Success. The self checkout at Wegmans, however, is a bit sensitive. My children like to call it "stupid", but then again they call everything stupid. We're in that phase of childhood development.
It's actually quite sophisticated and stupid all at the same time. If a child sits on the bagging area, for instance, it gets quite confused. Apparently, it knows the weight of the grocery item one scans and expects that weight to then be placed into a bag on the bagging wheel. So, when Bella plops herself on top of the bagging wheel, it gets a little upset and starts beeping. And then the checkout girl has to come over and shut it up. And, when I use the $5 Wegmans coupon, it gets upset and the check out girl has to come over and shut it up. And, when I try to scan another $1 off Wegman's coupon, it gets upset again, and the check out girl has to come over and shut it up. again.
And, now I'm upset and someone's going to have to come and shut me up pretty darn soon.
But, I keep it together. Well, that's not completely true. After Bella sat on the bagging wheel for the 3rd time, I did turn on her a bit, harshly telling her to not sit on the bagging wheel. ever. like never, Bella. Got it? ah, grace filled parenting at its finest. NOT.
Deep breaths, Bri. Just get the kids to the car.
After finding the car (that took a while because I didn't park where I normally do. Rude for someone to take my spot, don't ya think?), I start to hit the keyless remote to open the car doors. But, the kids are pulling on the door handle at the same time. Our van is a bit sensitive (hmm....seems like I experienced touchy electronics once already today. Isn't there a limit to how much one can endure of this kind of torture? oh, first world problems).
After too many tugs on the door handle and one too many clicks on the keyless to no avail, I lost it on the kids, "STOP TOUCHING THE DOOR"! But, they didn't. So, again I yelled and again, and I'm sure my kids thought my head was going to start spinning.
I was able to stand outside myself at that moment and realize I was so out of control. Guess that's called the Holy Spirit. :) I'm so grateful He faithfully does His job well! At that point I began talking about myself in third person, "Mommy needs help from Jesus right now to be patient..." and then broke out in song pleading with the children through some kind of made up melody that they please not touch the door. "Oh, for the love of my sanity, please don't touch the door", I sang.
I don't think my kids knew what to do. But they didn't touch the door. And, because I am a glutton for punishment, I went from Wegmans to BJ's.
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