Weaknesses

We all have them ~ weaknesses.  Some are more identifiable than others.  Some do a fabulous job at hiding theirs.  But we all struggle with weaknesses.

It is so natural to want everyone to think we have it all together; for others to think we are strong.  It is easier to pretend like it's all good, rather than to be transparent and vulnerable by admitting weakness. 

We have thorns in our lives.  It would be ideal if God would remove them, but instead He makes available His grace.  I am a weakling; I've got thorns.  But thankfully I also have a God who extends His grace to me and in turn His grace can be evident in my life.

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.       2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I can't say that I boast about my weaknesses and feel content with insults and difficulties, but Paul sure does encourage me in these verses.  He reminds me to remain aware of my weaknesses and rely on God as I battle them.  Then, and only then, will I be able to experience His amazing grace and put His power on display.

Mother's Day

I don't think I will ever forget this Mother's Day. 

Sure, we were in Lake Arrowhead, enjoying the beauty of God's creation and time with my mom and Ted, but not for those reasons.  And not because I had two, yes two, dates with my husband (no kids)!!  Not even for the fact that half the time it was freezing, rainy and windy...my favorite weather.

I will never forget this Mother's Day because of the card given to me by my son.  It read this way:

Mom,
the older I get, the more I realize how much it means to me to be your son...
You've given me values to live by and the responsibility to make decisions on my own.
You've shown me in many ways what makes a truly rewarding life -
like earning the respect of others and putting family first.
I'm glad that I'm you son...
and I'll always be proud that you're my mom.
Have a very Happy Mother's Day.


Words cannot begin to express the emotions I felt as I read this card from Jaylon.  Of course I cried...I actually had to force myself to stay somewhat composed and not break down and sob.  Many of you know the struggles Jaylon and I have had over the years.  Many of you have prayed for me, for him, for our relationship.  Thank you.

By God's grace, and His grace alone, Jaylon had the desire to pick his own card out for me and chose this exact one with a message that touched my heart more than he will ever know. 

Thank you Lord for being faithful.  Thank you Lord for softening my heart towards Jaylon and for carrying me through many difficult days and years.  Thank you Lord for the grace and mercy You have shown me as I navigated through the past 13 years trying to be a mother to Jaylon.  All the glory goes to God.  Anything I ever did right was because of Him.  And there was so much wrong that He has graciously righted and used for good.

God is good, so very good.  I am truly blessed.  I will never forget this Mother's Day...this card.

Times Have Changed

Back in the day, I was very particular about certain things.  When I had my first baby, I made everyone wash their hands before they held him.  My bed had to be made every single day.  Dishes were never left in the sink over night.  My childrens' outfits always matched.  Their hands and faces were clean.  The five second rule kind of grossed me out (so many germs on the floor).  The laundry was always put away neatly.  My children were bathed every night, with fresh PJ's on and brushed teeth.  The babies always sat in a high chair and most certainly had a bib on. 

Times sure have changed! 

 Some days they stay in their PJ's until after lunch and watch a lot of TV. 

Some days they wear the exact same thing as the day before, which was also what they slept in!

Sometimes he'll just wear his rain coat inside for hours on end and I don't have the energy to "argue" about it.

Typically, every room in the house looks like this...crap everywhere, toys spread out - nothing picked up.

And most nights, the kitchen counter is covered with dirty dishes.  And it is a rare sight to see my bed made.

With the fifth child, there are nights when you might catch him in the backyard, all alone, in only his diaper, riding a scooter ~ well past his bed time!!

Or days when he may be caught playing in rain puddles or mud in his PJ's...and not get a bath until later.

And more often than not, the outfits may or may not match.  It is highly likely that one or more children may leave the house with plaid shorts and a striped t-shirt...or looking like Punky Brewster.

There is no use of the bib for this kid, although it does drape nicely over the back of his high chair. 

His face does get cleaned after a meal, but other than that I can't guarantee anything.  And the five second rule has turned into the 30 second rule - wouldn't want to waste anything, would we?

I have five children now...who has time to be anal?!?!