Saturday, October 30, 2010

A Love Story

This is a love story. Not like yours I know, but it is mine, individual to me and my beloved.
Years ago(more than I'd like to admit!) I was introduced someone. In my girlish curiosity I wanted to learn more. Girlish fascination followed by an equally girlish crush :) My pursuer was patient, kind and always willing to be there for me. Unfortunately, as in most crushes, I didn't recognize the greatness of this love right away and went on to develop other crushes. Through time and circumstance I did come to want to know this person who loved greatly, gave selflessly and fully, thankfully while I was still young!
Time goes on, as with most relationships work is required. My beloved loved me completely, giving me special moments meant just for me. How many times did I turn away or not recognize His gifts, His reminders of what I meant to Him. A flower, a kind word, a free meal(food is a big deal for me :) ), a person to call helpmate, a house of our own....the list goes on and on.
Last night, my beloved gave me a gift(several actually) again...this time with a B I G note attached: From the One who love you completely. He knows I have been in a struggle with myself. He knows I doubt my worth. He knows my hearts cry!
First, the man He gave as my husband bought me tickets to "A Night with the Chapmans" for my birthday AND he bought the gold tickets(even though I told him not to).
Second, He placed in my heart the desire to take my middle child who wants to be in a band and sing for Jesus one day.
Now, I could continue to list second, third, fourth but it will be a long list of gifts so I will just list them and give their significance to me!
We left early for the concert, only stopping to go through the drive through for a drink and a bite to eat(said middle child wasn't hungry, unusual to say the least). Got downtown, a little turned around and found a good parking space. Walked in, no big lines around yet. This is one of those things just for me. He knows I worry unnecessarily about being close to the front, getting stuck in the back, etc. We looked around at the stuff. I told Jared we had $15 to spend on what he wanted. After browsing he said, "I can't decide between the SCC new CD, the band Caleb CD's for $5 each or a t-shirt for $15" Please remember these words.
We were let in 5 minutes early. The gentleman escorting to the front noted that we can sit anywhere in the front area we wanted. It was empty so far!!! My boy chose the front row. Friends soon joined us up front. This is another gift. To share a concert for the first time with my boy was great, to share it with others who loved this family as I did even better!! Front row seats- of course my beloved was letting me know He wanted me to have the best seats in the house!
The concert was amazing! The friends blessed my child with the Caleb CDs he was interested in. Again, my Beloved whispering "I love you, you are important to Me" not only to me this time but to my boy. All too soon it was time for intermission. Shirts were thrown as freebie souvenirs....you can guess what my Love did for me! A shirt was thrown our way and my boy still has it on! And then.........a bundle was to be given, you can't throw a bundle, you can only hand it out. He handed it to me!! A book, new SCC CD and Caleb CD- given to me. I can see my Love gently but loudly saying "I want you to know YOU are loved, cared for, and I know you, see you, love you!"
The music spoke to me, moved me to tears, laughter and pure enjoyment at times. Being that close it was strange when they looked our way they were actually looking at us....we were the only ones on that row! That's just a little tidbit extra :)
After it was all over Will Franklin came out (to help breakdown I think). Jared got an autograph on one of the CD covers AND a picture with him. This is another moment meant for me really. All through the concert Jared had been trying to get a good picture with him(he played the drums) and we weren't very successful. Can you just see His face as He watches my eyes grow as big as saucers as my boy's favorite band member comes out and gives a few autographs and pictures(I know he was supposed to be elsewhere as he kept nodding to the people on stage that he would be right there)? Will Franklin was gracious and kind to my sweet boy. My Love again letting me know He is more than I can imagine!
Now, please go up and read my son's "wish list" that I could not fulfill. T-shirt, check- Caleb CD- double check- book(not that he will be reading it, but it counts), check- Newest SCC CD, check. Anything left on that list? Nope. He knows I can't provide, but He can. But what even better is that the list we had was more than just filled, it was overfilled! The Lover of MY soul told me He can provide much more than I even believe imaginable, more than I even know to think.
I heard Him loud and clear(no not actually audibly) saying to me "Jennifer- you are loved, your worth is in Me and I want you to know you are my princess." *sigh*
On the way home my child said thank you several times over for the experience. But as we were getting out of the car he said one last thing. "Mom, I don't know how to say thank you enough."
To my Creator, Lover of my soul, Beloved all I can say is "I don't know how to say thank You enough!"

Monday, October 18, 2010

What I have learned about life, family and of course myself

We took a trip. We rode together. We spent time with each other. Here are some of the things I learned, may not all be new but relearning is just as important:

I am supremely thankful for my family.
I love my hubby.
My kids are amusing and annoying, sometimes at the same time!
Arguing is easier to do if we are all stuck in the same car for more than 2 hours.
Being a light for Jesus to my kids is the hardest thing to do, they see all sides of me.
Teaching them to allow Jesus to be first in their lives is a constant thing.
People are willing to stand in line for hours.....for a small plate of food and small glass of wine.
I am not one of those people!
You can not take a boat from Port Orleans to Magic Kingdom.
You can take a boat from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney and then take a bus to Magic Kingdom.
Such a trip will take an hour out of your life.
If you take such a trip, watch for where God is working.....He already knows you can't get to where you think you want to go and has a better plan than you think you do! :)
God is sovereign and for this I am forever thankful!
He cares about every little and big detail in my life and the life of each of my family members.
Magic hours are only magical if you actually use them.
I want to grow plants without soil....maybe then I could have a productive garden.
My son asked if I asked a woman I talked with if she was a Christian, I had to say no....but I did talk about Him, some.......I am still humbled by this and slightly embarrassed to write it.
By writing this I am wanting to hold myself accountable for the next time I have an opportunity to share His love....with more than just actions.
The Disney hotels have strollers you can borrow!
Yes, I said borrow, not purchase or rent.....just borrow!
My family can indeed eat chocolate peanut butter sandwiches and yogurt for lunch and be filled.
I am willing to stop and pray a prayer of thanksgiving in the middle of the French Quarter area.
A found purse that couldn't be found is something to be thankful for.
My kids will never tire of Aladdin's Magic carpet ride or Dumbo.....
I will never understand the allure of either of these! :)
I love Chevy's!!
Jordan loves their salsa!
After a wonderful meal, wonderful chatter with the kids and hubby and wonderful rest.....we are all better people!
My children do not listen when it does not suit them.
This makes me sad.
When the kids are around, Eddie and I have to be in parent mode at all times.
Being consistent can be exhausting.
I am sure my heavenly Father agrees that I also do not listen if I think it doesn't apply to me......
This also makes Him sad, I am sure.
My children always teach me about how my Savior sees me.....even when I really don't want to be taught!
My oldest has outgrown the Buzz Lightyear ride.
He still loves the people mover :)
Picking out a souvenir is still difficult....especially for my middle child.
Even though I know exactly what he needs to do.....he will still make his own choice and regret it.
Isn't that what I do with Jesus?!?!
Again, my children will always teach me about my walk with Christ, especially in their mistakes.
My middle is super excited when he can read signs......though some are still difficult.
I am proud and sad for him all at the same time.
A young child can impress her grandparents by spelling "Tinkerbell" when they don't realize she is reading it off a sign!
The best way to enjoy the refrigerated food you pack for the trip is to actually bring such packed bag.
My younger two children enjoy making up songs....and singing them........over and over and over and over again.
While slightly annoying, I love the creativity and joy they get from this.
I do not like crowded, small spaces.
I do not like that I do not like small, crowded spaces.
I do not like big, crowded spaces either.
I have claustrophobia issues.....I don't want this issue.
Riding roller coasters with my youngest is so very fun.
Memories made together make my heart sing.
My youngest does not sleep through the night if she is on a trundle bed.
My oldest is going to amaze the world some day with his art, creations and engineering ability. He is amazing.
My youngest really wants to go to Paris, France.......for real, not the one in Epcot.
If you take her to the one in Epcot she will simply look at you like you are crazy and no she will not pose for a picture in front of a fake Eiffel Tower.
She loves Marie, the cat.
My middle is willing to get up early so he can ride Soarin.
He loves rides, but not really roller coasters.
He has compassion for those around him. He is willing to give what he has and what you have if it will help someone else.
He may or may not ask if he can give your stuff away. His heart is very much in the right place.... :)
I learned more than this but must begin our school day now. I think I may even be ready to share this blog with more than just myself......

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Day Two

Ha, so I am doing it again! Another post the day after I finally started the blog! I had an experience last night that doesn't happen nearly as often as I would like. A friend was doubting whether or not she had Christ in her life and I was able to share my testimony with her, pray with her and encourage her.....all over facebook chat! For all the things facebook is not good for, for all the things people complain about....last night was an example as to how my mighty Lord can and will use ALL things to bring glory to Himself!
One of the things we talked about was feeling alone, with no one to walk these roads with. There are times, of course, when He does have us walk with just Him(never truly alone, though) to help us focus, rely on Him or just so we can enjoy Him. However, He also provides friends to share in the joys, sorrow, burdens and trials of our lives. I know I am guilty of becoming too busy to remember to connect with others at times or just too busy to make the time. When that happens I will tell you(all of no one reading this) it is a lonely road. That is when I am super thankful Jesus reminds me to spend time with friends, even if it is painting shutters or chatting on facebook, we women were made to share life! So as you go through this day the question is...........who will you share your experiences with? Who will you glorify Christ with? Who will you talk to today? It may seem trite and silly, but we are made to connect so get out there and build some friendships!
Hee hee, that's my rant for today! One day I may even let people know I have a blog......one day........

Monday, October 4, 2010

New Day

So this is my first blog post thing :) I have long wanted to write a blog, but what do I have to say that others might want to read? I am not sure I have a good answer to that one, but I have the desire to share my experiences with homeschooling three kids, working at church and trying to keep my house running relatively smoothly! So join me on this trip and we will see where it leads!
I am so unsure of myself I won't be broadcasting to anyone that I even started this blog! Ha, I know it's bravery at it's finest. There is something so permanent about telling everyone to come here and read my musings, something that makes me uncomfortable with people reading my mixed up thoughts. I know it makes no sense at all, I want to write but am unsure I want people to read! hee hee, it should keep things interesting!