In Need Of Encouragement

My brother and his wife just got word that my niece may need to return to Omaha indefinitely as her health is not progressing enough right now at home. If you will, please leave them some encouragement at http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com Thank you - with all sincerity.

National Day of Prayer

I have been so blessed to read the writings of a woman who speaks her heart and fills it with the love of God. Heather is having her surgery today to remove her brain tumor. What an appropriate day for God to plan it. Today is the NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER.


This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

These are my other heart felt prayers:

For Christians to keep strong testimonies, which is the only way to boost our national morality.

For our leaders. The ones we support and ESPECIALLY the ones we do not. I pray for them to have the opportunities they need to receive Truth.

For my children and all children. They face so many lies on a daily basis in our society.

For our troops and missionaries overseas in harms way - they serve for OUR protections and freedoms and for the love of those who don't always love us or God in return.

For our schools. All of them. If you GET to home or private school, please pray with me for the parents who do not and for their children. Pray for the teachers.

For myself. I need to look for my own beam before praying for the motes of others.

For people who need Him, especially when they mean so much to me.

That Jesus Christ will be glorified in EVERY thing.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chron. 7:14

For my salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Unfortunatley I Can't THINK Of A Very Catchy Title

Recently I was surprised and really uplifted to receive a comment from Robin at Robinznest saying she had chosen me as one of the five top blogs that "make me think." WOW!! I have seen the button on other blogs, but quite honestly had not thought about receiving it because I figured any "wisdom" I have to impute is really just a collection of lessons learned the really hard way. Stuff like "take extra clothes everywhere you go." I learned that because my daughter's clothes have a metaphysical NEED for mustard stains before re-entry to the laundry room. Or, "don't try calling Mom anytime in the afternoon because she won't be able to talk." No matter when I call between the hours of 12:00 - 5:00, it will inevitably be the exact time she was able to squeeze in lunch that day. (See, maybe if I really were a deep thinker, I would realize she's probably just trying to avoid my drama with a lunch time excuse- hee hee.)

Really, though, I am thrilled that Robin evidently found something thoughtful in my silly stories. What a sweet sentiment. I was especially touched that the award came from her. I have loved visiting her site ever since I went there the first time. That this came from someone whose wisdom I have admired from the beginning was a real, genuine encouragement to me. Robin is so laid back. So tender toward her girls. So simultaneously wise and humble in sharing her own parenting triumphs and faux paus. So hopeful that with a good effort and a lot of prayer, they do end up loving Jesus like we hope they will. I just love all that I learn from her stories of raising her own little ones into the young women they are today. She makes me want to pick up and go on when I've blown it. And waste no time on all the guilt. THANK YOU Robin, for the encouragement you've given by your nomination. You've been a real blessing to me today. (And the reason it took me a week to get around to this was trying to figure out the button! Now that took some deep thought for me! :) )

Now it's my turn to pick five blogs that make me think. Many I would choose have already earned the award, so I want to point you to some new ones. I figure the point of this is to introduce you to other blogs who have something to offer in the way of changing your perspective for the better. And I'm adding one just because I can. So here they are, six bloggers who make me think:

A Pink Carnation In Bloom
Blessed Assurances
In The Midst Of This Season
Renovating This Heart
The Journey to Sky
Tirzah's Wanderings

So ladies, here is what you need to do, if you want to participate:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme

3. Optional: Proudly display the “Thinking Blogger Award” with a link to the post that you wrote. (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).

A Chance To Be A Blessing and Clearing Up A Misunderstanding

I do not have e-mail or the ability to retrieve a code for the pretty button, but please know that Boomama is hosting a fundraiser today for Heather at Especially Heather to pay for expenses for a trip to the Mayo clinic for consultation on a newly discovered brain tumor. This dear lady is an absolutely amazing GEM of a human being with a lot on her plate even before the diagnoses. I have donated through Boomama before and she does everything with full integrity. If God has blessed you with good health and a few extra dollars, please consider helping out this dear Sister. You do not have to have a blog to participate and any amount is appreciated.

__________

After a comment made IRL yesterday in response to my last post, I felt the need to better explain certain details. I originally omitted these details in an effort to shorten an already very long post, but I do want to explain.

This person implied that perhaps I was taking too many liberties in referring to the lake property as "ours." (And this was not someone in our family; in fact, it is someone with which I am only a casual acquaintance.) But I realized if one person had that thought, then others might as well.

Let me assure you that even as I wrote yesterday's post, I questioned whether this very misunderstanding might occur. But to include all I wanted about the story, I had to choose to write more than was likely to hold interest in the story (so that someone might be distracted from reading all the way down and miss all the details anyway) or to assume that by the very nature that my MIL introduced her property to us IN DIRECT RESPONSE to our desire for such a property, people could assume not only that we have her blessing, but that SHE indeed instigated this whole process. Using the term "ours" was simply shorter than explaining each time what was a monetary reference and what was a family project reference. Because that is foremost what this has been to us - all of us - a fun family adventure.

Let me explain that when I claim to have a wonderful MIL, those are not just words spoken for brownie points. And she knows that. She knows my heart and my gratitude for the person that she is. I entered my husband's family at an extremely personal time for them and that lent to an opportunity for right definitions in our relationships that not all families necessarily work out so easily. She has never treated me as anyone other than the wife of her son. She has never made me feel the pressure that being treated equal to her blood born daughter would bring, nor has she treated me like I am merely an appendage to an already established family. She treats me as an individual added to bring a new unique aspect to a great group of people. And I love her for it.

That said, what I wrote yesterday, I would have no problem having my MIL read. I do not walk on eggshells with her. If I say something stupid, she just assumes I had a momentary lapse in judgement as she admits to her own at times. (Yes, I DO KNOW how blessed I am.) She knows that when Greg and I speak in terms of "ours", that our focus is on the use and responsibility aspects of this venture, and not the financial. My husband and I have always been of the assumption that we are owed nothing from our parents. We are grateful when they choose to share with us. Whether it's property, advice, or babysitting. None of this needed to be explained within our own family. These sorts of issues have long gone back and forth between us - helping one another financially and otherwise in both directions. And though it's not really the business of anyone outside of our family, I will explain that those more mundane issues were already being loosely discussed. My MIL knew our family (my hubby and I) would likely use such a piece of property the most (assuming our uncle didn't also have other plans for the property if he indeed does own half), but we would also do the most maintenance and improvement on it because we have the equipment available to us to potentially add value to the property. Because of further details we have discovered but not yet been able to put into context (until our actual visit to view the property), it probably isn't worth a whole lot monetarily. My MIL WANTS this to be first and foremost a place for family gatherings (perhaps including her BIL's family), if it even pans out that way. We want to do the improvements for her (and potentially for our uncle - see how irritating and difficult this makes the reading?) that would make it worth more, whether or not we choose to make use of it. No one in our family questions that the property belongs to my MIL (and perhaps her BIL). I spoke in terms of "our" (reluctantly, at that) because she had ASKED me to do the research on it. So by saying "our," I was refering to my part in the "project" she had given me. She already has a full plate of responsibilites and I actually enjoy that sort of research. And our whole extended family's emphasis is on it being OURS in the sense of sharing it in order to share in each other.

I also might mention that my ending line of the afore mentioned post was purely intended for humor. I would NEVER go through my MIL's (or even MY OWN parents') stuff! It was intended purely as a humorous wrap-up to neatly end the story. (And to gently tease my MIL in her ongoing pattern of forgetting about key land ownership. : 0) ) File this one under "Obviously, Not As Funny As I Thought."

One last point: I don't believe there is any sort of dwelling on the property. I tried to read where I might have unintentionally implied such, but I'm pretty sure the property is just land. However, a BLOGCK party with tents sounds like lots of fun! Sorry if I confused anyone.

I originally wrestled with whether to post about this at all while details were still so sketchy for this very reason - that the lack of detail might prompt someone to make false assumptions. But I think most people did understand it for what it was - an adventure too fun not to blurt about! And I thought by posting as we went through the process, anyone reading could sort of participate in our little adventure right along with us. To my MIL, my SIL and BIL and to us, this has never been such a serious issue. Two weeks ago, we weren't even aware of this property. We lived without it before, so we wouldn't' miss a thing by not having it now if it doesn't work out. Our focus is entirely on the fun we are having together because of it. We are thankful to God for giving us this unique reason to spend more time together.

Now, back to the really important stuff.....if you can, please go bless Heather! Make a donation

Like A Kick To The Stomach

Though you wouldn't know it from reading her blog. Maybe she's in shock. Or maybe her faith in our Savior really is that secure and automatic and could serve as my example to strengthen my own. Heather is a talented web designer to many of the more beautiful blogs out here in these circles of believers that so often cross each others' paths. She is also a strong committed mom to three children including Emma Grace, the sweet girl with a myriad of health issues such as a heart transplant and autism, whose prayer button graces the side bar of many a blog I read. (And will be found on mine when I EVER get back access to e-mail to retrieve the code.)

Today Heather posted that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She goes in at 8:30 am Thursday to find out if it is cancerous. I would be faulty in trying to explain any more of it. It seemed complicated and scary and I don't want to relay incorrect details so I'll just refer you to her site if you want to read more about their situation. I truly can not imagine the stress this family must be under. Her first prayer request is to pray for her that she will not become bitter. She is a wise woman.

Hope Snows Eternal

Easter is in two days, the children are out of school for Good Friday, and I am all excited about preparing the suits my husband and boys will be wearing. Without even trying, we found them matching violet shirts to wear - sizes 5T, 10/12, and a 20 neck (no, not kidding; we have a great tailor.) Very spring-like.

I am spending this morning catching up on blogs, relaxing after sleeping in, before I run errands for an impromptu, outdoor, cookout-baby shower we're hosting tomorrow for a new neighbor who is due in 10 days, but knows nobody and needs to be fussed over (my opinion - not hers).

And my daughter just announced to me "It's snowing outside."

"April Fools Day is over" I told her. The kids have found great delight in dragging out that silly custom since last Sunday. Anything for the fun privilege of completely annoying one another.

But I looked. And it's true. The flakes weren't exactly big enough for the camera to catch (we tried), but it is in fact snowing here in the Midwest this Easter weekend.

And it's still beautiful. Like one last chance to see that particular miracle that we thought had passed for this year.

And so it reminds me of Easter after all. One last chance. Thank you God for those every single day of my life. And particularly right now, help me extend those repeated last chances to others. To follow your lead. To do what is right, and not what's fair. Like You did for me. Like You DO for me. Over and over and over. Thank You God for Easter and for snow and THE CROSS. Amen.

P.S. For those of you who sometimes follow the story of my niece Ashley, 20 months old and battling cancer while recuperating from a triple organ transplant in September, she is in need of urgent prayer at this time. There is the possibility of rejection, though we're praying God has other plans not revealed to us yet. You can encourage my brother's family at www.AshleysStory.org Thank you.

I Know The Plans That I Have For You

Something amazing and wonderful happened yesterday in Blogworld that was just too exciting not to share. New friends were made through this incredible set of events and God was glorified through it all. It's long and detailed but worth the read if you like to hear of yet another of God's moment to moment miracles in people's lives. How thankful I was to be a small part of this one.

Years ago, I read in a magazine somewhere that Lisa Welchel, a kid actor on Facts of Life, had quit show business to become a wife and homeschooling mother of three. At the time, I was heavily exploring homeschooling and went to her website to find out more. She kept an online journal of her family's slice-of-life activities, similar to a blog, but without the ability to comment back. Her honest portrayals of daily life kept me coming back to read weekly for years.

Then last summer, Lisa's life got crazy. She was still homeschooling, but also had added book writing and inspirational speaking to her long list of things to do. On a particular week she was too busy to be able to write her journal, she directed her readers to a guest writer, Sarah, at In The Midst Of It. Sarah's site was funny and poignant and reminded me A LOT of my own life. And it introduced me to the world of blogging I had only vaguely heard about before. Through Sarah's blog, I found my way to several other blogs, including my sweet dear friend Calissa at Renovating This Heart. Calissa and I hit it off instantly through small discussions held in her "comments" section. I was enjoying our exchanges so much, I was inspired to start my own blog. About the same time, my brother started a blog to keep family informed of the progress of my sweet little niece, Ashley, who was then waiting for a triple organ transplant in order to live.

Through Ashley's blog, I met Krista at New Beginnings. Krista was following Ashley's progress as a former patient of my chiropractor brother. She is a fairly new Christian and I just love being reminded of the excitement I should keep from those first years of knowing Him. I can't wait to meet her IRL when I visit my parents and brother and Ashley hopefully sometime pretty soon.

O.K. Now here's where it gets really cool. Through the past few months of blogging, I have "met" certain bloggers who "know" other certain bloggers that I "know", because we are, of course, visiting the same sites. So it was rather exciting a few weeks ago when Five Minutes For Mom hosted a "Blog Party" for bloggers to get to know new sites outside of the little circles they had already naturally formed. Anyone who wanted could sign up under a list on their site and likewise cruise the list for anyone whose blog name sounded particularly interesting to go pay them a visit. Some souls were even diligent enough to visit all nine hundred something sites and leave a short comment on each one. Me, not so much. I chose about 10 new ones to try and ended up keeping maybe two or three to visit regularly - namely Big Blueberry Eyes, An Ordinary Mom and Crazy Bloggin Canuck. You've got to visit these for tender observations, wisdom and laughter consecutively.

O.K. So, somewhere in all of this blog hopping around, I saw a comment under one of the blogs I decided I would NOT have time to visit again and again. The comment was astute in it's observation and the blog had a beautiful name, Blessed Assurances. And this is how her writing feels. Peaceful, inspiring and real. So we have been reading each other's little daily recountings from time to time and I don't even know her real name or age, but she's great.

Meanwhile, I went over to visit Krista's blog recently and she asked for prayer for a sweet little set of baby twins born extremely prematurely and fighting for life in the Pediatric ICU. This, of course, touched my heart with the knowledge of all my own sweet niece has been through. So I began to pray for these tiny fragile babies. Sadly, the little girl, Jayde, went to be with Jesus last week. Kanyon, her brother, is steadily improving but still much in need of continued prayer. And after not hearing an update for a while, I asked Krista about Kanyon in her comments section. She answered my question by leaving a comment back. Then I got the neatest comment of my own.

Blessed Assurances commented on my blog to ask, "Who is Krista? How do you know her?
The twins you are talking about are my cousin's children!" Wow!!! Krista, Blessed Assurances, and I - none of us knows each other except through blogging. But it turns out Krista's aunt is a secretary at the school where the twins' mother teaches. Blessed Assurances is the twins' mother's cousin and my brother was at one time Krista's chiropractor! I just LOVE how God revealed all this in His perfect time! Why is any of this a big deal you ask? For exactly the reason Blessed Assurances said.

"I can't believe how God is bringing all these people together to pray for my family."

(Go read how just TODAY, Mommy got to hold Kanyon for the first time!!!)

My family has said the same thing about all the people who have had their (extremely important) part in praying for my brother's baby Ashley! And if you have come by here today and you love to pray for the "little children" Jesus commanded to let come unto Him, please take time to join the prayer chain for all of these amazing children, plus the nephew of one of my most encouraging commenters Toni (whose blog is sweet and insightful and wise and sunny, by the way.) Connor is three and bravely battling Leukemia. He doesn't have a public website, but he does have a hopeful family and a need of prayer.

God is SO WONDERFULLY AMAZING!!!

"And a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6b

These are the babies God has provided a blog family to pray for:

Ashley

Kanyon

Addie (Sarah, the first blog I ever read)

Ivey (Sarah's long time IRL friend)

Connor

Ethan (introduced to me today through all this, but I'm praying for him now)

If you feel so led, please visit my sidebar for other sweet children also in need of prayer. I was just struck by how God has brought together these particular children through such an incredible set of "coincidences," or as I like to refer to them, His plans He is just now letting us know about!

And if you want to be reminded to be thankful for your awesome children today, watch this, about a marvelous little boy named Eliot who now resides in the bosom of Jesus, told by his dad whose love and wisdom absolutely astounds me.

P.S. Please forgive me for the links that do not work. Blogger seems to only be accepting links that are found on Blogspot. If a link you would like to visit does not work, you can find most of them in my sidebar. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Please Pray for Baby Addison

Bev at Blessed Beyond Measure has asked for prayer for her grandaughter, sweet baby Addison, daughter to Sarah at In The Midst Of It. Earlier today, Addison was taken to the doctor by ambulance for breathing complications due to RSV and possible pneumonia. Last summer, Addison had open heart surgery and has remained small due to a possible genetic defect, so "typical" emergencies like RSV are potentially more serious for her. I have loved getting to know Sarah online. She is a sweet mommy and I know she would appreciate your prayers.

A Father With Empty Arms And A Reason To Smile Anyway

You absolutely must - MUST - go read this! There is nothing more insightful, more poignent or more reassuring that I could offer today than what this father has written. He is so talented at describing in the most palpable detail, God's changing of his heart through the death of his only child - a perfect little boy named Eliot.

Cute Blog Party Humor

I have received such friendly comments for the Ultimate Blog Party and I am looking forward to visiting your sites soon. Today, though, I'm taking care of my very favorite little lady, who is feeling yucky and bored and in need of company.

In the mean time, I'll share a cute joke my grandmother told me that my nephew told her (or vice-versa; I'm not sure, but I want to give them due credit):

Three couples were at a dinner party one evening enjoying a time of fellowship together. One was a newly married young couple, one was middle-aged empty-nesters, and one was a sweet older couple married almost fifty years. As dinner was presented and the couples passed around serving dishes, the starry-eyed newlywed groom leaned in closely to his wife and whispered cleverly, "Would you please pass me the chicken, DUMPLING?" She blushed with a grin and passed him the chicken. Now the empty-nest husband saw the other lady's pleased reaction and decided a little flirtation with his own wife might impress her. So he said, "Would you please pass the me the honey, MUFFIN?" She sighed wistfully at her hubby for being so romantic after all their years together. Now the elderly man had witnessed both of the other couples enjoying this little game and decided he would take his turn at wooing his wife, also. He looked her in the eyes and smiled lovingly with his polished dentures. "Would you please pass the tea, BAG?"

Now isn't that just too cute?

I'm going to go in with my sweet sick daughter now to watch Little People, Big World and Home Makeover - Extreme Edition (I have NEVER made it through an episode without crying) while painting our nails. We hardly ever watch TV and these are two of the few that are appropriate anymore. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to say "Hello" and just know I will swing by your place as soon as I can.

Have a great evening!