This is Phillip here, chiming in on Jacquelyns blog to give the wisdom teeth update.
She had all four removed and is doing fine. She's hungry and sleepy, which means she probably won't run out on me this weekend.
Meanwhile, here is the child report:
Youngest: Seems to be made out of half crustacean (crab) and half honey. I'd leave her out for the wolves to raise, but I don't think they'd take her right now. Besides, two hours of fussing and screaming get erased with one smile from that sweet girl.
Middlest: Has had a cough for a month and a half. Steroids and Albuterol turn even the sweetest puppy into a tasmanian devil. Please pray that we can get his lungs cleared up and his coughing to go away.
Oldest: Threw up last night (3:00am and the last of the three to do this in the last two weeks). He just finished having diarrhea (TMI?) and is on the couch holding a puke-bowl. One or both of the following will happen soon: vomit or sleep. I am just curious which will happen first.
It is days like this - when one spouse is completely down for the count - that I wonder how single parents do it.
All day I have been having to seek wisdom and strength from the Lord to just keep my cool and keep my smile on. I'm so glad the gospel covers me when "my cool" is nowhere to be found.
I am so thankful that we have a God whose Strength is made perfect in our weakness.
We appreciate your prayers, and I'm excited about tomorrow. I might get my wife back from la-la land.
Stay tuned... I might take a picture of Jacquelyn and our hamster. Both of their cheeks are stuffed to the gills (one with gauze, the other with food). The resemblance is hilarious.
Phillip
Friday, July 27, 2007
wisdom teeth
all four nasty "wisdom" teeth came out o.k., however I think I will try to get as much mileage out of this as I can!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Disapointment
My heart is breaking right now for Michelle and Deborah who have been comming to visit me for the past 7 months. They are JW missionaries that I have been "gently disagreeing" with on almost every topic possibly. About 2 months ago I decided to try and read through Romans with them to compare our Bibles and discuss the differences. It was good to be able to agree on some things together and it was good to deepen our relationship and build a tentative friendship with them. I know they enjoyed the tea and cookies I served them every week but ...
This week I was extra bold, I felt the need to convince them that Jesus Christ is God. We had been through Phillipians 2, Hebrews 1, John 1 and many other passages. Today we looked at O.T. passages about God that were applied to Jesus in the N.T., somehow there was always a reason why these passages didn't count. Somehow despite my best efforts I was no more than a thunderstorm hurling raindrops on their windshield only to be swept away by their windshield wipers.
I can tell I offended them, I can tell that Michelle (who is excellent about keeping her cool) was very upset, but was most upsetting is that I didn't say all that I could have and I don't think I said anything that made a difference. I have prayed for them, I have studied the word, I have asked advice and everyone I have talked to has told me that it is a waste of time.
A waste of time to share the gospel with the lost? I know that I have learned a lot, I know that I have been challenged in my faith and grown in so many ways. I know that God has given me more of a heart for the lost and I am convinced that Salvation is of God alone and that I can only hope to be used by God to that end and not expect that my best efforts will change anyone.
Today, just as they were leaving the question came up about whether or not they should continue their visits (I brought it up.) I asked them to come back next week but I don't know what to say to them. I know that Zak listens in to our conversations and that concerns me. I feel like I haven't gotten anywhere though but I can't imagine giving up. Any advice?
This week I was extra bold, I felt the need to convince them that Jesus Christ is God. We had been through Phillipians 2, Hebrews 1, John 1 and many other passages. Today we looked at O.T. passages about God that were applied to Jesus in the N.T., somehow there was always a reason why these passages didn't count. Somehow despite my best efforts I was no more than a thunderstorm hurling raindrops on their windshield only to be swept away by their windshield wipers.
I can tell I offended them, I can tell that Michelle (who is excellent about keeping her cool) was very upset, but was most upsetting is that I didn't say all that I could have and I don't think I said anything that made a difference. I have prayed for them, I have studied the word, I have asked advice and everyone I have talked to has told me that it is a waste of time.
A waste of time to share the gospel with the lost? I know that I have learned a lot, I know that I have been challenged in my faith and grown in so many ways. I know that God has given me more of a heart for the lost and I am convinced that Salvation is of God alone and that I can only hope to be used by God to that end and not expect that my best efforts will change anyone.
Today, just as they were leaving the question came up about whether or not they should continue their visits (I brought it up.) I asked them to come back next week but I don't know what to say to them. I know that Zak listens in to our conversations and that concerns me. I feel like I haven't gotten anywhere though but I can't imagine giving up. Any advice?
I've been hit!
Last night I was catching up on my reading for 2:42 in "Disciplines of Grace". In one of the points Jerry Bridges was trying to make he threw out a reminder that we have been commanded to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart". Of course this is something I've heard since childhood, read hundreds of times and heard countless sermons about but last night it really struck me.
I'm not sure that I do actually "love" God. I try to obey Him, I try to live like I know He wants me to live, I'm greatful to Him for all that He has done ... but as far as love ... I don't know if in my heart of hearts I actually feel love.
I guess there is a difference between knowing that you are saved, trying to "walk by the Spirit" and "put to death sinful desires" but what does it look like to love? I prayed about it last night and read through I John (especially chapter 3) and was amazed as if for the first time at God's great love for us and our need to abide in him.
"Children of God" is a phrase I've heard all my life but I guess I never realized how far God had to reach to adopt me out of my culture and heritage of sin. I think these are things that adoptive parents understand much better than I do, especially if they had to travel to a third world country to adopt their children. I never thought of adoption as being one of those spiritual pictures that we see so often in the bible (like the shepherd, father, husband/wife pictures) but there it is, not only in I john but in so many other places (I'm too lazy to look up a ton of references besides Romans 8:23 and Eph 1:5). Thank you Heldt family for being such a great picture of grace, love and mercy.
Thank you Lord for continuing to teach me, perfect me and bless me with your word. Please teach me to love you!
I'm not sure that I do actually "love" God. I try to obey Him, I try to live like I know He wants me to live, I'm greatful to Him for all that He has done ... but as far as love ... I don't know if in my heart of hearts I actually feel love.
I guess there is a difference between knowing that you are saved, trying to "walk by the Spirit" and "put to death sinful desires" but what does it look like to love? I prayed about it last night and read through I John (especially chapter 3) and was amazed as if for the first time at God's great love for us and our need to abide in him.
"Children of God" is a phrase I've heard all my life but I guess I never realized how far God had to reach to adopt me out of my culture and heritage of sin. I think these are things that adoptive parents understand much better than I do, especially if they had to travel to a third world country to adopt their children. I never thought of adoption as being one of those spiritual pictures that we see so often in the bible (like the shepherd, father, husband/wife pictures) but there it is, not only in I john but in so many other places (I'm too lazy to look up a ton of references besides Romans 8:23 and Eph 1:5). Thank you Heldt family for being such a great picture of grace, love and mercy.
Thank you Lord for continuing to teach me, perfect me and bless me with your word. Please teach me to love you!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
I'm not a crafter
Wow, I don't know how you other artistic people find the time and creativity to do the little things you do. After 6 hours of laboring over a simple purse (the painting took most of the time, the construction was easy) this is the best I could come up with. Maybe we need to hold a "how to" crafters convention at grace and everyone can share their tips.
Zak helped me make it (he insisted on having a horse picture on it) and gave me "direction" since it is for his friend's birthday party. Happy Birthday Sage!
(if you double click on the picture you can see some of Zak's influence, he insisted that I do eyelashes since the purse was for a girl.)
Zak helped me make it (he insisted on having a horse picture on it) and gave me "direction" since it is for his friend's birthday party. Happy Birthday Sage!
(if you double click on the picture you can see some of Zak's influence, he insisted that I do eyelashes since the purse was for a girl.)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
What is my job?
I've been pondering this post for weeks now, not sure if I'm ready for the hate mail...
Last year, while in the RV, when Eliannah was still pretty little I had a change of heart. I stopped nagging, I stopped whining, I stopped moping and and lowered my expectations. Why should my husband work all day, come home and do my work too? I know that Biblically it is my role to work at home:
Titus 2:3ff Older women likewise are to ... teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
I joke with Phillip all the time that being a SAHM means that the commute is great and the boss is handsome but the pay sucks, the hours are horrible and there is no such thing as a sick day. That said, I love my job and in my attempt to be kind and submissive to my husband I have stopped asking him to help around the house. He has no jobs other than to lead our family spiritually and provide for our physical needs.
I can't tell you what this has done for our marriage. Instead of always setting myself up for disapointment or nagging and manipulating my husband to help me he has the freedom to amaze me and bless me when he helps out. I think he does the exact same amount of housework as before but he does it out of love. In my heart I have way more respect for him, I feel more loved when he does things because he wants too and feel like I have finally come to accept my role as designed by God. I am at peace and content (most of the time) and I know that my husband feels loved and respected when he can come home to a clean house and a good dinner (which needs to happen more often - I'm still working on it).
The only time I start to get crabby is when he tries to helpfully make suggestion on how I can do my job better. Maybe it's time to start working on humility next since I've got contentment covered ..... :)
(In case you are wondering, he usually gets home after 8pm so I have plenty of time to get things done and no excuse for a messy house)
Last year, while in the RV, when Eliannah was still pretty little I had a change of heart. I stopped nagging, I stopped whining, I stopped moping and and lowered my expectations. Why should my husband work all day, come home and do my work too? I know that Biblically it is my role to work at home:
Titus 2:3ff Older women likewise are to ... teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
I joke with Phillip all the time that being a SAHM means that the commute is great and the boss is handsome but the pay sucks, the hours are horrible and there is no such thing as a sick day. That said, I love my job and in my attempt to be kind and submissive to my husband I have stopped asking him to help around the house. He has no jobs other than to lead our family spiritually and provide for our physical needs.
I can't tell you what this has done for our marriage. Instead of always setting myself up for disapointment or nagging and manipulating my husband to help me he has the freedom to amaze me and bless me when he helps out. I think he does the exact same amount of housework as before but he does it out of love. In my heart I have way more respect for him, I feel more loved when he does things because he wants too and feel like I have finally come to accept my role as designed by God. I am at peace and content (most of the time) and I know that my husband feels loved and respected when he can come home to a clean house and a good dinner (which needs to happen more often - I'm still working on it).
The only time I start to get crabby is when he tries to helpfully make suggestion on how I can do my job better. Maybe it's time to start working on humility next since I've got contentment covered ..... :)
(In case you are wondering, he usually gets home after 8pm so I have plenty of time to get things done and no excuse for a messy house)
My sweet husband
Yesterday Phillip wrote me the sweetest poem. I have a folder in my inbox for all the love letters he has written to me. It's labeled "Love Letter", guess I'm going to have to change that. Anyway ... here's what he wrote
A sad little wife is not so easy to spot.
They don't soil the carpets or trip while they trot.
But rather the spark of joy faintly fades
In sometimes the most subtle of shades.
I think I know a cure for this disease
Just the right thing to set her heart at ease.
You might think that a trinket or toy will do,
But I know better (she's my wife, so I ought to).
What this melancholy bride needs the most
Is not a bed-tray of hashbrowns, eggs or toast.
Rather something more precious and fine
That comes from her husband: and that is his time.
A sad little wife is not so easy to spot.
They don't soil the carpets or trip while they trot.
But rather the spark of joy faintly fades
In sometimes the most subtle of shades.
I think I know a cure for this disease
Just the right thing to set her heart at ease.
You might think that a trinket or toy will do,
But I know better (she's my wife, so I ought to).
What this melancholy bride needs the most
Is not a bed-tray of hashbrowns, eggs or toast.
Rather something more precious and fine
That comes from her husband: and that is his time.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Chef Zak
This week Eliot is staying with my mom so I get to focus all my attention on Zak and Eliannah. During lunch Zak and I flipped through a cookbook that had a ton of pictures. This made it easy for Zak to choose what he wanted to make for dinner although I can't figure out why he picked Tuscan Stew. After choosing a recipe, we made a shopping list, went to the store, cleaned the kitchen and made dinner. It was so much fun!!! Incidentally it actually tasted very good and was super cheap, easy to make and healthy (an almost unheard of combination.)
After dinner Zak asked to help me with the dishes and as I was working on something else he did them all by himself!! What a blessing!
After dinner Zak asked to help me with the dishes and as I was working on something else he did them all by himself!! What a blessing!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Zak: a self portrait
Just for fun I asked Zak to draw a picture of himself. He took himself into the bathroom in front of the mirror and this is how I found him.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Positive re-enforcement
So yesterday I texted Phillip and asked him to bring me a donut on the way home from work. What I got instead was
1.) Sushi from my favorite restaurant
2.) A margarita made from the finest ingredients (I helped juice the limes)
3.) A candle lit dinner for two (we ate around10:00)
4.) That donut I had been wanting
5.) Game night with my husband (Boggle)
6.) The satisfaction of knowing that my husband still loves me, enjoys my company and has the ability to surprise me every once in a while.
Thank you sweetie!
1.) Sushi from my favorite restaurant
2.) A margarita made from the finest ingredients (I helped juice the limes)
3.) A candle lit dinner for two (we ate around10:00)
4.) That donut I had been wanting
5.) Game night with my husband (Boggle)
6.) The satisfaction of knowing that my husband still loves me, enjoys my company and has the ability to surprise me every once in a while.
Thank you sweetie!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
HALLELUJAH!!
And I do mean PRAISE THE LORD!!! After months of praying, scheming, pleeding, whining and manipulating my husband graciously put together a piano moving team, borrowed a truck and got me a console piano (the kind that I like best). The outside isn't perfect but the guts are good and with a tuning it will be everything I need it to be. I'm so happy!! I haven't ever had my own piano!!!
Oh and I don't mean I tried to manipulate my husband in to anything, I tried to weasle a piano out of anyone and everyone I knew that didn't use theirs.
Oh and I don't mean I tried to manipulate my husband in to anything, I tried to weasle a piano out of anyone and everyone I knew that didn't use theirs.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Evangelism
So I was very encouraged to make more of an effort to spread the gospel after reading Pastor Tim's blog. If you haven't read it, you have to read the comments to get the full discussion. Missy had a good suggestion that we should bring dinner to our neighbors and invite them to church. Great idea! I'll let her bring them dinner and I'll bring them dessert! This Tuesday if at all possible I am going to take cookies to a neighbor and invite them to Grace Summer nights. I'm saying this publicly so that I know I will be held accountable and to encourage everyone out there to do something similar. One of my favorite quotes is "The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention". I don't want to live a life of regrets ...
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Happy Fourth!
fourth of July is like Christmas .. except your burn your presents.
Phillip really got into the spirit of things with the gunny sack race
It was a long day ...
And if you are wondering why there are no pictures of Zak and Eliot it is because they were off playing in the creek all day and I didn't see much of them.
Phillip really got into the spirit of things with the gunny sack race
It was a long day ...
And if you are wondering why there are no pictures of Zak and Eliot it is because they were off playing in the creek all day and I didn't see much of them.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
My little tomboy
We went to the park on Saturday and Eliannah carried around the football ("buttball" as she called it) almost the whole time. I blame it all on her daddy
we are still working on her hiking stance ...
she's looking to make the pass ...
we are still working on her hiking stance ...
she's looking to make the pass ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)