Thanksgiving Countdown... Day 10

Last night while we were headed to church, it suddenly got super dark. That's because we left the lit streets when we entered Farmington Hills, which happened to have a power outage from the powerful winds. It was eerily dark (not to mention the normal dark that DST has brought), since most businesses didn't have back up generators. The only lights were the brake lights of vehicles, as it took a half hour to get to church instead of fifteen minutes from the traffic backup. Anyways, I commented to Liam (who does not like the dark), that it was very dark outside. He said, "Yeah. Sky needs moon and stars." ... Yup, that would have helped, as they were covered by clouds last night. Something about the way he said it though made me smile. He was so innocent, and so matter of fact. And it made me thankful for...

the light God's given to us, in technology, creation and His Son. 

I think Liam doesn't like the dark, because I don't really care for it. I prefer to have even the smallest bit of light at night, and so does he (Len made him a glass dog nightlight that he loves to turn on each night). He doesn't like to have the light off until he is in bed, and would prefer for me to drive with the light on inside the car (though I won't usually do that for him). His fear of the dark has only been in the past couple months, but he will cry terribly if it becomes pitch black where he is- we've slept with the lights on because of this before! So I'm thankful for Len's nightlight, and the battery operated ones for those times when there is no outlet available. I'm thankful for lights that make the street clearly visible in the evening, and that light up our home at night. But I'm also thankful for the lights God created on Day 4- yes, I know He created light on Day 1, but I'm thankful for the sun, moon and stars that brighten up the outside! Although I love the city, it is a fun (and beautiful) change of pace to sometimes be able to gaze into a city-light-less night where you can truly truly see the millions of stars out there. It's breathtaking.

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." Genesis 1:3-4 (emphasis mine)

And most of all, I'm thankful for the light given to us by His Son. :)

 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12

First step- "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"... Next step- "In the Light" by DC Talk ;)

Thanksgiving Countdown... Day 9

Today, I'm thankful for...

Moms Connection.

Although I've never been to MOPS (my plate is already too full!), I think it is a similar concept, but without the babysitter! The young mothers in our church get together every month for breakfast and either a talk or an activity- sometimes both. If it is a talk, we usually have an older woman sharing with us some of her knowledge (e.g- card writing, hosting, prayer, etc), thereby exemplifying the Titus 2 concept. Activities also vary... sometimes it's decorating Christmas cookies to celebrate Jesus' birthday, or making Valentine's cards to hand out to residents at Woodhaven. Today, we wrapped 30 Christmas boxes for inner city Detroit children. We filled them with food, drinks, clothing, toys and toiletries. The kids colored cards.

I'm so thankful for this group, as it has just been one more way to help me become plugged-in up here in Michigan, and a great way to get to know some wonderful, godly women!

Thanksgiving Countdown... Day 8

Today I'm gonna cheat a little bit. I'm not just going to be thankful for one thing. I'm going to be thankful for three, as three different things stood out to me today! But isn't that how life should be? Shouldn't we recognize God's blessings in our life more then just once a day?!

So today, I'm thankful that...

God blesses us multiple times each day!

So what were the things that stood out to me?

First, it had been a torture to get my son to go to bed last night. He would just NOT do it. He was hysterically crying, and no amount of discipline or commanding or anything would get him to hop in bed. I was at my wits end as he continued to sob uncontrollably. Meanwhile, my baby had been screaming on the floor, because he had gone through his diaper. Needless to say, I was a sole parent that night with no backup, and had become a monster mommy because of it. Does life ever feel that way to any of you?! Well, I remembered I DO have backup. So I told Liam I was going to go to change Aiden's diaper and we'd finish this later. And then I went simmering (or more likely bubbling over like jalapeno jelly) back to our bedroom to change his diaper, where I prayed to God for patience, and maybe some help too! Not a minute later it got extremely quiet. And then Liam popped his head in our bedroom... without a tear on his face, nor the usual post-fullout-crying quick breaths of trying to compose himself. And he said to me, "Mommy, Liam going to bed now. Blanket please on Liam. Thank you".

Wow. Thank you God. Now why don't we come to him in the beginning of our problems?! (Kudos to those of you that do!)


Next, I just want to thank God for the BEAUTIFUL weather we had today. Actually, beautiful is an understatement. In a way that only God can, he brightened my day (quite literally!) with a 64 degree day. Yes, that's right... a mid 60s day in November!!! Yay!!!! It was a little reminder that as the cold days approach (it's supposed to drop down to the 40s on Thursday), He is still thinking of me and loves me!


Finally, as I finished the day, I want to to say that I'm thankful to God for the Hitz family. Don't get me wrong, the whole Livonia church has adopted us into their family fold (I could truly name off different families and what they've done for us!), but the Hitz family has been so precious to us since we moved here. Some of Liam's favorite buddies are Len, Tom, Cindy and Kristen (not to mention his love for Tommy who he rarely sees!). They've invited us to join in with their family on holidays, and Liam loves his breakfast outings with Len. Today I spent most of the day with Cindy. She graciously offered to watch both(!) boys while I went to a seminar and so I could relax in general. We ended up spending the afternoon and evening over there since we were both without husbands that day... and to top it off, it was Kristen's birthday :)

 Our normal place to eat... The Breakfast Club

Thanksgiving Countdown... Day 7

Thinking about our spiritual adoption and orphans all week/weekend had me thinking of those who put aside their own desires, comforts, insecurities, etc etc in order to sow, plant and water the seeds in this world. Only God can yield an increase, but these people sacrifice much for His kingdom. Some work at home in their community (Judea), some have relocated to other parts of the US (Samaria) and some have gone to the ends of the earth.

So today, I'm thankful for those that daily strive to reap a harvest...

missionaries.

Many of us know missionaries all around the world. Here are a couple of friends that are dear to my heart.

 Uncle B and Tashi, serving the Lord in Jamaica

Jesse and Uab (and their boys), serving the Lord in Thailand

How often do you pray for those you know (or don't) that are spreading the Gospel? And how often are you witnessing and sharing your faith to those around you? You don't have to be called to go to Mexico, China or Africa to be a missionary. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify God and be an ambassador for His kingdom, and sometimes that begins in your own home with your family.

Orphan Sunday

I was reading our World magazine (highly recommend it too!) and it mentioned that today was orphan Sunday. I believe our anniversary, November 19th is National Adoption Day too. 

Here are some facts on orphans (found from a study in 2008 by the US Government)...

Total estimated number of orphans in the US: 2.1 million

Total estimated number of orphans worldwide: over 163 million

Estimated number without a father: 126 million

Estimated number without a mother: 55.3 million

Estimated number living in extreme poverty in 2005 (less then $1.25/day in developing countries): 428 million

Estimated number living as child laborers in 2004: 217.7 million

Estimated number of girls who have experienced sexual abuse in 2002: 150 million

It is estimated that every 18 seconds, another child becomes an orphan.

Guess how many people it takes to make a difference?     

1

Think about that.

Our women's Bible study is currently doing the NavPress study on James.

James 1:27

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

How are you doing in response to this verse? Are you advocating for orphans (and all the other helpless, needy people in this fallen world)? Could you be doing more?? Have you been praying how God could use you in this area?

Could you help in the little ways???

Perhaps your coffee stash is running low...

Perhaps your wardrobe has room for another tshirt...

(If you do go with this, I know our elder's daughter is raising money for their adoption fund,
so you may want to put their name down so they can get credit... :)

Perhaps you are in need of being inspired with new recipes...

(lifesong does sell shirts and music too...)

Perhaps you just want to give some money before the year ends, and you want to be involved in a redemptive project of some kind...

(If you feel led, please put the money
towards the funds my cousin is raising for the Cancer Redemption Project)

These are just a FEW of the ways you could help. There are many, many other ways, that include US adoption, foster care, etc... I'm just trying to list a few different ways you can get your feet wet :)

Maybe you just need to think about it a little longer. 

Why not listen to some music at the same time?

Or maybe you want a future date night movie?

Remember that we have all been adopted, and are children of the most High if we choose to accept Him.

So just think about it today
... and really, everyday...

how can YOU help?

Thanksgiving Countdown... Day 6

I'm going to jump on my soapbox in a later post today, but I just want to say that today I'm thankful that...

I've been adopted.

This may have thrown some of you off, but let me ask you an important question... have you been adopted yet? I truly hope you have. According to good ol' Webster 1828 (I love that dictionary), to adopt is

1. To take a stranger into one's family, as son and heir; to take one who is not a child, and treat him as one, giving him a title to the privileges and rights of a child.
   
2. In a spiritual sense, to receive the sinful children of men into the invisible church, and into God's favor and protection, by which they become heirs of salvation by Christ. 

Don't you love how the dictionary written by one of the earliest Americans actually talks of our adoption by God?! I do!

In Greek, it is the word huiothesia and can be found five times within New Testament Scripture. In Romans 9:4, it is used by Paul to describe the filial relationship between Israel and God. But with Christ's sacrifice, God allows us to become children of Him (John 1:12, Galatians 4:3-7), and thus belong to Him. What a beautiful and perfect example of God's divine love, that He gave His Son for us, so that we sinners might become His adopted children!

So as the little 2WordStory banners all over Detroit go... 

Adopted? Adopted.

Thanksgiving Countdown... Day 5

Today, I'm thankful for...

the little moments in life spent as a family.
 

Those that know us (or ever read our blog!) know how few and far between those moments can be- especially during the past year. Thankfully, this year it has gotten much better, as my husband is less prone to come home at 10pm and more likely to make it home for dinner... yay! And I can truly feel God smiling down on us when He surprises us with a bit more then "the little moments". Those bring me great joy, as I don't even have to count the fingers on one hand, how many minutes I was able to "divert daily" with my husband that day!

Take yesterday for example. It truly felt like a Saturday (so I don't know what today feels like, as Joel's on call). Joel was able to spend 2 hours with us this afternoon, and it was such a blessing! We went to Parmenter's, which if you know anything about SE Michigan, they LOVE their cider mills... and this one of the best! Cider mills are known for two things (besides inflated prices)- cider donuts and non-pasteurized apple cider. YUM! So after feeding the ducks a huge grocery sack of bread (the results of my freezer finally biting the dust- sigh), we were able to enjoy some cider, cider slushies and spice donuts, while Liam played on their little playground. Such fun! Not to waste the opportunity, my husband even made some new friends (he walked upto an Asian woman and said "Konnichiwa") that were FOB (but more American-cultured then most) :)

The ingredients for their yummy cider...
and another blessing of cooler weather- the bees are gone!

 

Never too cold for a cider slushie! :)

Parmenter's has the best donuts I've ever had. Hands down.

Aiden wasn't too thrilled about us staying so long to talk to Kayo

It's days like these though, that refuels my tank so that I can survive the days when I feel like our family is practically non-existent. These moments, like cider mills... dinners together around the table... watching Liam play tiger with his Daddy... seeing Aiden giggle when he sees Joel's face... these are the moments I'm thankful for... because no matter how little they may be time-wise, they are huge investments in the lives of our children and family as a whole.

Thanksgiving Countdown... Day 4

So the background to today's countdown might seem silly, but it really did get me thinking. You see, I was finishing up the harvest of our garden this year by making jalapeno jelly this morning with my overabundance of jalapenos and red bell peppers (they were they only things that really produced this year besides tomatoes). Needless to say, I ought to have waited until naptime to do it. All it took was me to turn my back for 2 seconds (yes, I know, "2 seconds is too long"!) and voila... I had sugary jalapeno mixture bubbling over onto my stove. Well, I quick whisked up the pot... and...

my stove caught on fire. 

Yes, that's right. I didn't think it was possible for your stove to catch on fire if you don't have a gas stove. I was mistaken. I'm only sorry that I don't have a picture to prove it. But ask Liam, he will tell you. At least I know that both smoke alarms in our house are functioning. :)

 (The nice orange-hued ring around scalded black sugar after I put out the flames... Ring of Fire takes on a whole new meaning for me now :)

So instead of blogging about my first canning success... I'm blogging about my first canning failure. I told Joel that there goes my canning abilities, and we better get another freezer for next year's produce. He just smiled.

But back to my Thanksgiving Countdown...

I'm thankful for lessons learned in the safety of God's hands.

You see, even though my batch of jalapeno jelly went down the drain (quite literally!), I was able to use this as an example to my toddler of fire drills, and understanding what it means when Mommy says hot! Even though I knew our house wasn't going to burn down (thank God!), I was able to get him to understand that if he ever sees a fire in our house, or hears the "beep beep" of the fire alarm, he is supposed to find me and we are supposed to go outside together. We walked through it together and hopefully he'll remember if the time would come for us to practice something like that in real life.

Sometimes life's lessons can be a lot more brutal, especially if we are ignoring God's warnings along the way, but I'm grateful for the little ones that still get the message across without any real negative side effects. And even in the big ones, we can still rejoice.

So I'm thankful for today's stove fire and what it taught my son. It even made me joyful as I scrubbed my stove for over an hour (quite literally!) as I tried to clean off the burnt sugar. :)

Counting Down to Thanksgiving

Many of you that know me know that my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, I love Easter and Christmas, but it seems like Satan has gone out of his way to commercialize those holidays a little bit too much, trying to distract us from it's true meaning. Thanksgiving on the other hand has all the blessings of those other holidays (if we choose to remember and be thankful for Christ's birth and resurrection) and yet, you can't commercialize it more then the turkey and maybe a pilgrim and Indian (both which are debatable in secular society, so they don't like to include them anyways!)... besides, if you were to dwell on them, they just go back to some of the first settlers thanking God for all that He had given to them. I think that's why people have focused so much on Halloween, and then the stores automatically switch over and gear towards Christmas (some before Halloween has even taken place)!!

Anyways, I've always wanted to focus more upon Thanksgiving, and indeed, I've tried to incorporate it more in my older son's life in little forms or another (I'll get more to that later). So just as I've tried to put a greater emphasis on it in my family's life, I thought it would be great to do it on my blog (my Advocate friend, Faye reminded me of this when she mentioned she was doing it). So here it goes... 
  

My countdown to Thanksgiving! 

Please note that they are in no specific order! Since October kind of flew by and November skipped in far too quickly this year, I will go back to the previous posts (since I just happened to post each day thus far), and just add a little blip that kind of correlated with that day's post. :)

I encourage you all, even if you don't do a Thanksgiving countdown, to try to remember all that God has blessed you with each and every day!

My Little Guy...

... only got up ONCE !!!

Yes, you read that correct! 

Unless you count when he cried until I put his pacifier back in at 1030pm, he only woke up one time from 930pm until 745am this morning. Yay! Praise the Lord!!

For all that know my struggles as of late with my child, this is such a huge blessing! I tell you, His mercies are indeed new every morning :) And even if tonight, he wakes up every hour like he did a couple nights ago... well, I'll still know that God is good, all the time... and He knows that every once in a while, even Mommies need a little bit of a break or two, just as Paul and Barnabus did when the Lord spared them persecution when they went and witnessed in Derbe after previous persecution in the last few towns (Acts 14).

These Boots were Made for Walking...

Nancy Sinatra's famous song (I learned this from playing games with "the group" this past weekend :) came to mind this morning as I thought about how excited my son was to receive a package yesterday.

Like I've mentioned in the past... my son loves his boots! And he was super disappointed that both his cowboy boots and his snow boots were too small. He has been lamenting for the past couple months since we stayed with Craig & Rachel and he saw Patrick in his boots. Well, my mom had already been planning on surprising him with a new pair of boots to replace his John Deere ones from last Christmas... so they just came a wee bit early! Here's a picture documentary for her benefit of him as he opened his box and discovered his boots.

 Oh no! I can't open this box. "Mommy, box stuck! Need knife"

 Play knives aren't quite sharp enough to cut through tape...

 Persistence (and Mommy's scissors) is key to opening a box!

 What is up with all this packaging advertisements? Let's get to the goods!

 Make sure we empty out the entire box...

 Time to put on my boot!

 What in the world? What is this inside of the boot?

 Sheesh. One more step. Let's empty the boot of all this paper stuff.

 Finally, one boot on! Let's go for the other one now!

 Ugh! More packaging stuff!

 Let's try for a horizontal fit...

 ... sticking out the tongue might help give me leverage to put my foot in completely!

 Finally, all that hard work has paid off!
"Mommy, cowboy boots like Patrick. Thank you Nana!"

Telling his brother all about his new boots. 

Since baby brother didn't get boots, he gave Aiden a toy instead. :)

Double Yikes, Halloween and the Thanksgiving Countdown

I really am going to try to keep up with this blog more. And I really am going to go private. And hopefully I will do better on those, then the commitments I told myself to exercise more faithfully, pray more constantly, eat sugar less frequently and capture sleep more abundantly.

Hopefully... :)

At least you will all hold me accountable, right?!

Anyhow, Joel and I just came home from a weekend in South Haven, MI, where we got to know some really cool people, and spend time with others we've known for a while. It was such a blessing to connect with other couples that are passionate about the Lord! And it was nice to be (mostly) free of the responsibilities of being a mother, as Liam spent the weekend with his Grandpa. We are already looking forward to next May/June when we all get together again!

Can you believe I didn't get a single picture of our weekend though? Yikes and double yikes.

(HINT HINT, all you people that may have gotten a shapshot... please email it my way :)

We returned home Sunday night, and when I checked my email, I saw that Cherise was organizing a group to go to Woodhaven Monday morning to Redeem Halloween. What a fun idea! Those that know me know I'm not the biggest Halloween fan. Too scary for this Mom, and so I even avoid taking my son to certain grocery stores (praise the Lord for Trader Joe's and staying in the front section of Target!!), as my first couple experiences resulted with him having a staring contest with wart-y, hackling witches and asking me what a "witch" was... a naughty woman, who didn't want to sweep the floor with her broom, in case you were wondering. I think he truly felt sorry for her, because he likes to sweep our floors :)

But back to Woodhaven... I instructed my son the whole drive over that we were going to the retirement home to GIVE the elderly people candy. By the time we got there, my son was repeating this mantra "candy [is] for the old people, not Liam"... and he was actually excited to start handing it out. And then he saw his friend's snitching pieces. And well, his excitement to give it away ended. That selfishness that is so ingrained in all of us came out. But he still gave out suckers to the elderly... as long as he had one in his mouth, and two in his hands ("one for Liam, one for old people" as he put it).

But it was fun and at the end, Debbie gave them all a little bag of goodies... which this Mommy has hidden (moderation is key, right?!), until he recovers from the sugar overload that he's had the past couple days. Shhhhh... :)

So I said I'd go back and put a little blip of what I was thankful for for these first two days that I forgot to post. 

Corresponding to this post, I'm thankful for...

the church we attend and
"the Group" we will be meeting with each year.

I will be the first to admit that not every church is perfect, but Joel and I have felt so blessed to be a part of our church. We've visited many different congregations, and we have always felt so welcome and at home. As the joke goes- where else would people greet, kiss, and then ask who you are and where you live? We love our current church in Livonia, but are so thankful for the fellowship that exists between the congregations. "The Group" is just one of many fine examples of this (Joel's gunning for a residency spot for 4 months is another!). ...And thanks to the Schlipfs for a picture of our group :)