"Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them..." This song, by Michael W. Smith, is truly a special song to me. Our family moved 6 years ago from San Antonio to Rockwall. This was THE big move for our family. Our San Antonio friends have been as close as family; We raised our children together, grew spiritually, laughed and cried together. Then we had to leave. Church, school and work as we knew it all came to a halt.
Fast forward to 2015: We have made some new friends. am working again. Tim is settled in his department and has good work relationships. We are beginning to find our place at church. Yet, I still miss San Antonio, our Texas "home" and our San Antonio "family".
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls down and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
What a blessing to know that my true friends are forever friends, whether we are in San Antonio, Rockwall, Llano or Timbuktu! So, when the calendar reads 2020, will Rockwall feel more like home? I don't know, but I do know that whatever comes in the next few weeks, months or years, God has placed people in our path to share the journey; we must only reach out and be willing to share.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Disappointments
Disappointments are not what you want to read about. We have enough disappointments in life to desire to read about them, but right now we are in the midst of dealing with disappointment and it is heavy on my heart.
Everyone who knows me understands that I am an easy 'crier'. It seems to be a part of my make up so much so that Sydnie doesn't worry when I have tears in my eyes, Tim knows they will stop eventually, and friends just accept them and move on. Today, however, my tears are spurred by another's and I can rarely prevent them when I see pain in some one dear to me. Especially Sydnie. This weekend she was asked to dog sit for a family at church. She was beyond excited about having a dog with which she could play!! She was great with Dash, even getting up with him at night when he barked to calm him. While she had to stop doing her activities to take care of him at times, she did it. And then the inevitable occurred-Dash went home. Yes, the family returned from their camping trip and actually wanted their pet at home with them. While their son was jumping up and down to have Dash home, Sydnie was in tears as they left. Hence, I was fighting tears as well.
I know I am the mom and should be strong and be the example, however, I have my weaknesses. I was wondering how the transition would develop but did not anticipate the outcome correctly. I expected either: Mom, Dad that was great! I want a dog!! Or, that was great but I don't like the extra work (waking up in the middle of the night, mopping up after muddy paws, etc) not tears streaming down her face saying, "it felt to right to have him here".
Then, of course, the comparisons began: "You and dad had a pet when you were my age."
"R and B get a dog and they are both younger than me."
"It's not fair; I have been trying harder."
As I said: disappointments. We are not promised an easy life, in fact we are promised hardships if we are living a Christian life. The Bible speaks of trials that WILL come, not that MAYcome.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Isaiah 43:2 ...When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.
As parents, we want to protect our children from harm, physically and emotionally. Allowing them to breeze through daily activities with no problems, saving them from tears and heartache. But would we really be helping them if we did? If a child does not have a safe place to experience pain and heartache with someone to guide them through it in a Godly manner, what will they do as adults when they are faced with trials on their own, with Satan's arrows of discouragement and hopelessness hitting them on all fronts?
Our charge as Godly parents is to "train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:12. Training children is a huge responsibility God has given us; we must see every celebration, every mundane task, every disappointment as an opening from God to teach, model and instruct in His ways. Will there be tears? Most definitely, but the victory is in sight. " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I look forward to that time when all disappointments are removed, but for now I am thankful we are able to lean on God's presence to get through them. With regard to our immediate disappointment, I have no doubt there will be a dog in our home one day, when I can't say, but until then we'll model how to handle the good and the bad, however they come.
Everyone who knows me understands that I am an easy 'crier'. It seems to be a part of my make up so much so that Sydnie doesn't worry when I have tears in my eyes, Tim knows they will stop eventually, and friends just accept them and move on. Today, however, my tears are spurred by another's and I can rarely prevent them when I see pain in some one dear to me. Especially Sydnie. This weekend she was asked to dog sit for a family at church. She was beyond excited about having a dog with which she could play!! She was great with Dash, even getting up with him at night when he barked to calm him. While she had to stop doing her activities to take care of him at times, she did it. And then the inevitable occurred-Dash went home. Yes, the family returned from their camping trip and actually wanted their pet at home with them. While their son was jumping up and down to have Dash home, Sydnie was in tears as they left. Hence, I was fighting tears as well.
I know I am the mom and should be strong and be the example, however, I have my weaknesses. I was wondering how the transition would develop but did not anticipate the outcome correctly. I expected either: Mom, Dad that was great! I want a dog!! Or, that was great but I don't like the extra work (waking up in the middle of the night, mopping up after muddy paws, etc) not tears streaming down her face saying, "it felt to right to have him here".
Then, of course, the comparisons began: "You and dad had a pet when you were my age."
"R and B get a dog and they are both younger than me."
"It's not fair; I have been trying harder."
As I said: disappointments. We are not promised an easy life, in fact we are promised hardships if we are living a Christian life. The Bible speaks of trials that WILL come, not that MAYcome.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Isaiah 43:2 ...When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.
As parents, we want to protect our children from harm, physically and emotionally. Allowing them to breeze through daily activities with no problems, saving them from tears and heartache. But would we really be helping them if we did? If a child does not have a safe place to experience pain and heartache with someone to guide them through it in a Godly manner, what will they do as adults when they are faced with trials on their own, with Satan's arrows of discouragement and hopelessness hitting them on all fronts?
Our charge as Godly parents is to "train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:12. Training children is a huge responsibility God has given us; we must see every celebration, every mundane task, every disappointment as an opening from God to teach, model and instruct in His ways. Will there be tears? Most definitely, but the victory is in sight. " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I look forward to that time when all disappointments are removed, but for now I am thankful we are able to lean on God's presence to get through them. With regard to our immediate disappointment, I have no doubt there will be a dog in our home one day, when I can't say, but until then we'll model how to handle the good and the bad, however they come.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
The Little Bleasings
Saturday. A regular kind of weekend day: waking up late (relatively late considering work days are 5:00), cleaning the house laundry, errands. Nothing special today, really, just different errands. Today we have a little Christmas shopping to do after Sydnie's haircut. That alone has Syd on edge and I am bracing for the aftermath. She can't stand the Ouidad haircuts because she says it always pulls and hurts. But here, as we wait for our turn and I reflect on our day so far, I can't help but see God's goodness. When it's a haircut day Sydnie picks where we have lunch (always Wendy's) and today was no different, however the stylist was running behind and asked us to come later, so on a rare occasion, we had extra time. The simple act of eating together was such a delight when I chose to see God in the day. Laughing with my daughter is truly a blessing some families may not be able to experience right now, due to so many possible situations, yet I fear, too often we take these little blessings for granted. It is easy to see the ugly, or wrong. With just a little more thought and inspection, the blessings and goodness are clear: we must look for them and not allow Satan to cloud our perspectives.
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. ~Psalm 127:3-4
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. ~Psalm 127:3-4
Saturday, November 1, 2014
The First Race!
The O'Reilley Challenge
Today was the day Sydnie has been anticipating for a long time: her first NASCAR race! Every year she asks to go with Daddy and friends, but unfortunately, has been allowed that rite of passage.
Knowing her dislike of large crowds and loud noises, it was a decision we made very purposefully, waiting until we thought she would actually be able to enjoy the experience. Am I glad we waited. The smile on her face was truly priceless!
Donned in her M&M's race shirt and National Guard jacket, she was so excited on the drive to the race track I thought she might explode! Wiggling, counting down every few minutes, worried we wouldn't be allowed in the gates if we were late to arrive- the anticipation was palpable. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes late. We watched the drive over from the parking lot and were just outside the track when we heard the call for engines to start and the rumble of motors began. "Wow! You can hear them out here. It's so loud!" Grinning even larger, it was looking like a great day unfolding.
Our dear friends the Fikes joined us in celebrating "the first race". We missed the Hatchers, but they were with us in thoughts. Without writing a play-by-play, let's just say it was a success and Sydnie wants to return! She bounced in her seat watching the race; looked at most of the haulers to "get the full experience" but was anxious to get back to the race so she didn't "miss anything" on the track; saw a car catch on fire; and a really good burn-out. 200 laps was a good length of time for her first race and she couldn't believe how short it felt. What's the saying? Leave them wanting more? I think we did. There were no complaints of the noise, the crowd was not bad-I think Tim has a new race buddy!
"It was even cooler than I expected!" We were right to wait. If only all parenting decisions were so clear and easy. We just have to be grateful for those moments and keep them close.
Happy Racing
Today was the day Sydnie has been anticipating for a long time: her first NASCAR race! Every year she asks to go with Daddy and friends, but unfortunately, has been allowed that rite of passage.
Knowing her dislike of large crowds and loud noises, it was a decision we made very purposefully, waiting until we thought she would actually be able to enjoy the experience. Am I glad we waited. The smile on her face was truly priceless!
Donned in her M&M's race shirt and National Guard jacket, she was so excited on the drive to the race track I thought she might explode! Wiggling, counting down every few minutes, worried we wouldn't be allowed in the gates if we were late to arrive- the anticipation was palpable. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes late. We watched the drive over from the parking lot and were just outside the track when we heard the call for engines to start and the rumble of motors began. "Wow! You can hear them out here. It's so loud!" Grinning even larger, it was looking like a great day unfolding.
Our dear friends the Fikes joined us in celebrating "the first race". We missed the Hatchers, but they were with us in thoughts. Without writing a play-by-play, let's just say it was a success and Sydnie wants to return! She bounced in her seat watching the race; looked at most of the haulers to "get the full experience" but was anxious to get back to the race so she didn't "miss anything" on the track; saw a car catch on fire; and a really good burn-out. 200 laps was a good length of time for her first race and she couldn't believe how short it felt. What's the saying? Leave them wanting more? I think we did. There were no complaints of the noise, the crowd was not bad-I think Tim has a new race buddy!
"It was even cooler than I expected!" We were right to wait. If only all parenting decisions were so clear and easy. We just have to be grateful for those moments and keep them close.
Happy Racing
Friday, April 15, 2011
My Knight in Shining Armor!
This afternoon while scooting on her scooter with a couple of girls in on our street, Sydnie bought the pavement. The first growing up accident...not including falling off the slide in preschool when she was 2 years old. While she had to have stitches after the slide, this time only required a good cleaning, band-aids and lots of extra love. But is it ever really that simple???
I pulled out the first-aid kit and began cleaning her knees, through her tears, she was insistent I continue very carefully. She took a quick shower, dressed and cried from the pain in her knees. I sprayed her knees, with the pain-stopping spray, and she begins screaming it stings so badly!!! So much for no pain...then Daddy stepped in and saved the day. He gave her another shower to wash off her knees and put neosporine and band-aids on her. For the rest of the evening, she clung closely to Daddy, her "knight in shining armor".
What would we do without a Daddy to rescue us? I don't think it matters if we are 6 or 66, Daddies are special men in our lives and we should tell them often. However, too often, we leave our true feelings unsaid, whether we're embarrassed, uncertain, or have some other hidden reason. Take advantage of today and the opportunity to say "Thanks" to that special Dad, before it's too late.
I love you, Dad. You were a great dad and I am thankful Syd can know her "Pa". It's a real blessing.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
We are still here
Well, it's been 6 months since my last post. Don't worry, I won't bore you trying to fill you in on 6 months. I'll just give the highlights:
- We went to Florida for our first official family vacation. We met Tim's family there and rented a house with them for a week. It was a beautiful time to go, but the ocean was VERY rough and Sydnie only ventured in twice. It was a little scary and she worried about anyone who went in. We were actually able to get in the water before the oil spill reached the area.
- Sydnie started Kindergarten. Yes, Mommy cried while Sydnie took off ready to go. Tim was a great Dad and husband: he took off the day for Syd and myself :)
- Sydnie has lost 5 teeth and has 2 loose now. She leaves notes for the Tooth Fairy (and Santa) with very clear expectations. The Tooth Fairy is nice enough to write back regarding Syd's concerns and thoughts. Like, a mini-trampoline really is toooooo big for a Fairy to bring for a lost tooth.
- Sydnie and I went to Tennessee after Christmas. We rode back with my mom and dad to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday celebration. We surprised her when we showed up on her door step. I must say, it was one of the best surprises I've been involved with in a long time.
- Sydnie is planning a redesign for her bedroom. She has some very clear ideas; we'll see how it all comes out. Right now, we are looking at colors, accessories, and budget. It will be a couple of months before it's finished, I expect.
- We have been out of school for 3 days now with icy weather and rolling blackouts. Today to break things up a bit, we had orange muffins for the Chinese New Year (good luck for the new year) and some friends braved the roads to visit. Cabin fever was averted for one more day. We'll see what happens tomorrow with snow predicted tonight.
- Sydnie is in Daisies (Girl Scouts) and is selling cookies. Yeah! She gets to sell cookies she really shouldn't eat - no gluten free options with these yummies. Her troop is also researching Egypt for World Thinking Day They are also planning for a day camp this month. A busy month for Girl Scouts!
I am sure much has happened in our little circle, but you get the idea...never a dull moment! But, we are blessed to have the opportunities we have and look forward to many more!
Blessings to you all.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Zoo Fun
Sydnie LOVES going to the zoo and the last time we went, she was very bummed the new exhibit, The African Savannah, wasn't open. So, we went today. Even better, we went with Nana and Pa! It was HOT. It was fun :) We finally saw the cheetahs and elephants. Of course, we saw the lions, warthogs, and giraffes, which only received a passing glance. "Ok, I've seen it, what else can we see?"
After the zoo, we went to eat and yes we were so hot, we enjoyed a little bit of Frosty to cool us down :)
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