tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67689537336027816382024-03-18T22:02:30.917-05:00Discovering My HeartVickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-80860591637069346452016-10-17T12:17:00.002-05:002016-10-17T12:17:55.272-05:00Strong<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2_tOIfqOIrCRY01vhlCNCxu4R8BMImC4woP8B-XFUp7U5jCqXAaxamlOcWxrKIqKV302e9Pfl8c5V_OY_W9kA3M0pqDDyEE3kN4I65KSJDQkmQLBwZ2gNUpucUjVdPoyyM9oIE5581Nq/s1600/Stronger-Than-You-Think.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2_tOIfqOIrCRY01vhlCNCxu4R8BMImC4woP8B-XFUp7U5jCqXAaxamlOcWxrKIqKV302e9Pfl8c5V_OY_W9kA3M0pqDDyEE3kN4I65KSJDQkmQLBwZ2gNUpucUjVdPoyyM9oIE5581Nq/s320/Stronger-Than-You-Think.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I want to tell you a story that I hope will encourage you to see how strong you truly are. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week during my training session at the gym, we were doing "leg day." Now, let me start by telling you that my trainer is an Army guy. He's tough. I'd already done a ton of squats and lunges and all those fun leg exercises. We were running out of time and he gave me the option of doing one more exercise to "burnout" or finishing the last couple of exercises on my own. I'd never done an exercise to failure before so I chose that option. We went over to the leg extension machine and I got on. As I sat down, he told me I was going to do 100 reps. Continuously. Then he said that if I let the plates touch (meaning I stopped) he was going to raise the weight. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just for a little background... I do this exercise every so often, usually in 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps. I've never done more than 12 reps without resting. Also....I pretty much hate this machine. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I started and got to about 20 before my quads started burning too badly. I thought at that moment that there was no way I was going to get to 100. I kept pushing. 30, 40, half way there! My legs were on fire and my trainer was urging me on...60, 70, 80. I couldn't believe my legs were still going! 90! At this point, literally my whole body was shaking from exertion. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
97, 98, 99, 100!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I did all 100 reps without quitting. The first thing my trainer said to me was "WOW! You really didn't want me to raise that weight did you?!?" Then he told me something that absolutely floored me. He said that I was his first client to EVER do that on the first try. I was blown away. It made my whole day!<br />
<br />
The next morning, I was thinking about it and I asked God what lesson there was in that experience. He's been teaching me a lot about myself and Him this way lately. What He said was "You can do so much more than you think."<br />
<br />
Here's the thing. I used to doubt myself all the time. I didn't think I could do anything, so I didn't even try. When I started writing this sentence, I originally started with "Maybe you're like me and you doubt yourself all the time." Then it hit me, that's not who I am anymore! I don't doubt myself like I used to!<br />
<br />
When I look back over the last 7 months, I am amazed at all the ways that I have been transformed. Yes, there are the parts that everyone can see, I've lost over 40 pounds. I run races that I never imagined possible. But the bigger transformation is in my mind and my spirit. I dream of doing things I never imagined and they all seem possible now! I'm excited for new things instead of afraid of failing. I want to try!<br />
<br />
Through it all, God has been showing me who I really am. Who He made me to be. How strong and capable I am. The plans He has had for me from the beginning.<br />
<br />
So if you doubt yourself, I'd like to encourage you to ask God to change your mind. Ask Him to show you who you really are.<br />
<br />
Then.....go do that hard thing! You are so much stronger than you think!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Corinthians 5:17</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Revelation 21:5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-18205884836476374222016-08-25T15:52:00.002-05:002016-08-25T15:52:24.633-05:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Crossroads</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Robert Frost's <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/resources/learning/core-poems/detail/44272" target="_blank">The Road Not Taken</a> has always been one of my favorite poems. I think because it can speak to so many situations in our lives. We are never going to stop having to make big choices or even little choices that feel big. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I feel like I'm at a crossroads in my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can see myself standing right where Frost describes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Off to one side is the well-worn path. It's comfortable. Safe. Easy to travel. Probably not too many surprises, maybe just a couple of small hills. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then there is the other path. It almost seems unrecognizable as a road. You have to trust you won't get lost. There are probably a lot of thorns and roots to avoid. It might even feel as if it is always uphill. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know which path to choose. Knowing isn't the actual dilemma. The doing. Taking that first step toward the unknown road, that's the hard part. Worried about where it will take me. Will I be alone? Will I know where to go next? What if I get off the path? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But then....I think about all the wonderful things that only I will get to see on that path. All the beautiful gifts, planted there just for me because it is my path. Rays of sun breaking through the thick of the trees, tiny wildflowers, birds chirping and flitting here and there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It feels like an adventure now. And I know if I keep my eyes fixed on the maker of the stars I'll never be lost. I know He will never lead me astray. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>So I'm choosing the road less traveled, knowing it will make all the difference.</i></span>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-46848528721000965162014-05-09T15:51:00.001-05:002014-05-09T18:36:49.288-05:00FMF-GratefulThere are so many things I am grateful for. But grateful is more than I how I feel about the things I have or the blessings in my life.<br />
<br />
Grateful is a heart posture that I am learning to live by.<br />
<br />
In the hard times I am grateful for the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father who is always there for me and sees my pain.<br />
<br />
On the hard days, I am grateful for the roof over my head.<br />
<br />
On the days that we are struggling to get homework done, I am grateful for the education that my son is receiving.<br />
<br />
On the cold winter days that seem never-ending, I am grateful that spring always follows.<br />
<br />
On the days I miss my husband, I am grateful for the memories.<br />
<br />
On the days I get caught up in guilt and shame, I am grateful for His Son who took what I deserve.<br />
<br />
I am grateful that no matter what the world throws my way, I know that my future is secure.<br />
<br />
I am grateful that no matter how I feel about myself or perceive the world to see me, I am loved by the Creator of the universe and that is enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> ~Habakkuk 3:18</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
*********************************************************************************<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I am linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo</a> for Five Minute Friday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Join in and be blessed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-69039272510208216672014-04-25T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-25T11:43:51.135-05:00Rhinestone Jesus-A Giveaway<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBsYyj6T_ad9b7h5SKAUe3D-cUCWJL47_Ol5N9r6MQHzh2traSbNp1mkvqnW3h1xWinSpDHt7QGlaxcSITmqrLUXsgT63jb4_UiFJKf_VNbm5LSxkLwsMLEyNqA1JPOSh-Zrsa3b675GJ/s1600/RhinestoneJesus.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">because of the word of their testimony</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ~Revelation 12:11</span></b></div>
</div>
<br />
Walking through a slum in Kenya, tears streaming down her face, Kristen asked God<i> "How can you allow so much suffering?"</i> He answered her,<i> "Kristen, How can you allow this?"</i> Kristen told this story on her blog <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We Are THAT Family</a> and those words have stuck with me. They always linger in the back of my mind when I am faced with injustice in the world.<br />
<br />
Kristen and her family founded <a href="http://www.mercyhousekenya.org/" target="_blank">The Mercy House</a> a few years ago after she traveled to Kenya with Compassion International to visit her sponsored children and learned about the reality that young unwed mothers face in Kenya. This book, <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/rhinestone-jesus/" target="_blank">Rhinestone Jesus</a>, is the story of her (and her family's) "Yes" to God after she returned from Africa.<br />
<br />
She starts at the beginning and tells of wearing her sparkly rhinestone JESUS pin all throughout high school as a statement of her faith. She honestly tells about the struggles in her marriage and as a parent as well. Kristen and her family are regular people, just like you and me. They just chose to say "YES" in the middle of their mess. When that small YES was given God took them right out of sparkly, safe faith and led them into an amazing adventure.<br />
<br />
One of Kristen's main themes is saying "Yes in your mess". So many of us are waiting for the "right time" to do God's work, for the finances to be right, for our kids to be grown, for the timing to right, to be "better" Christians, or maybe for God to send us a written invitation with explicit instructions (or maybe that's just me!?!)<br />
<br />
<i><b>But, you see, all that waiting for the "right" time and perfect conditions, that isn't faith. </b></i><i><b>That isn't a real yes.</b></i><br />
<br />
A real Yes is scary, it is following Jesus into the unknown and trusting He has the best for you. A real Yes is believing that God is in control and that He will finish the work He calls us to. A real Yes is hard. It is demanding, but it is so worth it. Just ask Kristen.<br />
<br />
I really cannot recommend this book enough! Rhinestone Jesus is an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness. It is a heartfelt, honest, real life story of one family's "Yes" to God. It will certainly bring tears and some belly laughs too. There is at least a part of Kristen's story that we can all identify with. You cannot read this book and NOT be inspired!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am so excited to be giving away 2 copies of Rhinestone Jesus!!! Enter on the form below and I will choose the winners on </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Friday May 2nd. </span></b></div>
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e508452/" id="rc-e508452" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A portion of the proceeds of <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/rhinestone-jesus/" target="_blank">Rhinestone Jesus</a> benefit The Mercy House Kenya.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>If you would like to learn more or donate to The Mercy House Kenya click <a href="http://www.mercyhousekenya.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{I was given a copy of this book to review but all opinions are my own.}</div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-87392872519811368852014-04-23T21:52:00.000-05:002014-04-23T21:52:02.290-05:00Rhinestone Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />In her new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rhinestone-Jesus-Saying-Sparkly-Longer/dp/1414389426/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398307450&sr=1-1&keywords=rhinestone+jesus" target="_blank">Rhinestone Jesus</a>, Kristen Welch of <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We Are THAT Family</a> tells her story of moving from artificial "sparkly" faith to the real thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you feel a longing for more, if you feel deep inside that there is more to life, then this is the book for you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It will inspire you to say YES to God, right in the middle of your mess! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am honored and excited to be hosting my very first giveaway on Friday! I will be giving away 2 copies of Rhinestone Jesus!</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(The official release date is May 1st, but some retailers are shipping it out now!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/RhinestoneJesus_Redemption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/RhinestoneJesus_Redemption.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Come back on Friday for my review and your chance to win your own copy!</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-22656030092522453392014-04-04T11:39:00.000-05:002014-04-04T11:39:25.913-05:00FMF-Writer<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo Baker</a> for Five Minute Friday. We all writer for 5 minutes on the same prompt. No editing, no fixing, no fear! Then go back and encourage the writer before you! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Come</a>, join in and be blessed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This weeks prompt is <b>Writer</b>:</i></div>
<br />
The first time I remember words really moving me was in the 4th grade.<br />
<br />
We had a student teacher reading us Where the Red Fern Grows. Thankfully, her assignment with us was done before she finished the book. (Crying in class isn't cool when you are 10.) I had to know how the story ended though so I checked the book out from the library and I didn't put it down until I finished. And I cried and I cried.<br />
<br />
That was the beginning for me of a love affair with words that has never ended.<br />
<br />
It also was the beginnings of a dream deep inside of me to be a writer.<br />
<br />
When I was younger, I wrote short stories, poetry and filled journal pages. I never showed them to anyone and eventually tucked that dream away somewhere under some fear.<br />
<br />
It's been rising in me again lately, that long ago dream. It's funny how when God plants a dream in our heart He doesn't let it fade away.<br />
<br />
This time I won't hide under fear. I will dare to dream my dream. I love words and I have a story to tell.<br />
<br />
I am a writer.<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-82862365863810035702014-03-27T15:55:00.000-05:002014-03-27T15:55:19.097-05:00Hello again (aka "Oh yeah...I have a blog")<br />
Hello again!<br />
<br />
I have missed this place.<br />
<br />
I write posts in my head all of the time, usually on my drive home, but by the time dinner is served, homework is done, showers and bedtime are (finally!) done, those ideas have long escaped my mind and I feel blessed if I can get a few minutes of reading in before I fall into bed.<br />
<br />
But, I've been dreaming some dreams and some of them involve writing. So, I figured I should probably get back to writing again. Seems like a good place to start. :)<br />
<br />
It seems like this winter has been never-ending here in Minnesota, but it is raining outside now and that is a sure sign of spring! (I'm pretending I don't know about the snow coming later tonight.)<br />
<br />
Spring is my favorite of all my favorites! This spring has some especially big things happening! For one, my birthday, but not just any birthday, my 40th birthday!! I'm not sure where all the time went, but I'm looking forward to even better things to come in the next decade! I am also really looking forward to the <a href="http://www.incourage.me/" target="_blank">InRL</a> life event at the end of April! What a blessing this group of ladies and this community has been to me!<br />
<br />
In other big news, my son has decided he likes to read books. (Can you hear the angels singing their Hallelujah chorus?) This has been something I have dreamed of happening! He loved "reading" books when he was little but then after struggles with school and such he decided reading wasn't for him. But in the last couple of weeks he has been asking to read together, carrying books around with him....and <b>actually reading them</b>!!!!<br />
<br />
The other night I caught him trying to sneak books into bed!!! Joy, unspeakable joy!!!<br />
<br />
Well, there you go, it's not much, but it's a start! It is good to be back here!!<br />
<br />
Blessings to you and so much love!<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to seeing you here again soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-26499950919998331442013-09-05T21:36:00.000-05:002013-09-05T21:36:03.390-05:00Red<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></div>
<br />
It was your favorite color when you were a tiny boy. You loved all things red. Your favorite shirt was red shirt with a ball on it, you wanted to wear it every. single. day. until it was way too small.<br />
<br />
You always wanted the red balloon and the red hot wheel car and the red candy and the red kool-aid and the red everything.<br />
<br />
Then you found out your dad's favorite color was blue. Your love and admiration for him changed your mind about your favorite color. Now it's all about the blue, just like daddy.<br />
<br />
You have blue walls in your room and you always choose the blue shirts and even the blue candy. It's like a tribute. It helps you feel close to him and not forget him.<br />
<br />
It makes me smile and helps me remember too.<br />
<br />
The blue always compliments your eyes., just like it did his eyes.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eIIj3wiXKzO59vm40n6b0PpmQqg-yXJan_kdgNJm2zEGxrI0fbGPkjs-AjX2m2ucgPIEiYv4ERlynN4UfcEjEkCaZd0JukhsigeWCY7I00htUIgthCbFQJpa3HFO3IUaoFRuBKrY-AJt/s1600/Red+Shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eIIj3wiXKzO59vm40n6b0PpmQqg-yXJan_kdgNJm2zEGxrI0fbGPkjs-AjX2m2ucgPIEiYv4ERlynN4UfcEjEkCaZd0JukhsigeWCY7I00htUIgthCbFQJpa3HFO3IUaoFRuBKrY-AJt/s320/Red+Shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-02aVdto3HnupoB1V2vukpX4nO40uxhkXau9a8Zmh_tNJdCcMwqrlxipv11qWgqNNo3iQpaTF1KQbo-9uzFG1MPOVbbt9kabWrTe0LRfbEfLdyLrGiZv6Ix-0rbv2H9yLTVt74sG4yBG/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-02aVdto3HnupoB1V2vukpX4nO40uxhkXau9a8Zmh_tNJdCcMwqrlxipv11qWgqNNo3iQpaTF1KQbo-9uzFG1MPOVbbt9kabWrTe0LRfbEfLdyLrGiZv6Ix-0rbv2H9yLTVt74sG4yBG/s320/blue.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZepDb5gmNGxaK0_f2kmjUPBEaOtCY3jpSUxHq530TWmr4zlumBBz2Du-MFci9JtZtVJYNE2YVncepL04Q2koOdgWqHZiiM8GUh777CmwHToiTh3u7Q2qRjY8bcv9lo9KAnnUtqZfhNPjb/s1600/Jerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZepDb5gmNGxaK0_f2kmjUPBEaOtCY3jpSUxHq530TWmr4zlumBBz2Du-MFci9JtZtVJYNE2YVncepL04Q2koOdgWqHZiiM8GUh777CmwHToiTh3u7Q2qRjY8bcv9lo9KAnnUtqZfhNPjb/s1600/Jerry.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Joining in with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo Baker</a> for Five Minute Fridays! 5 minutes of unedited writing! Join in and be blessed!<div>
To find out more, click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br /><br /></div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-77820779581222000052013-08-16T22:13:00.003-05:002013-08-16T22:13:38.072-05:00On Friendship {FMF-Small}<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When God Answers Prayers </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You Didn't Know You Were Praying</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am reflecting on the past six months and realizing the joy that has come to my life through some new friendships.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes you don't know what you were missing until it is right in front of you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes you meet someone and instantly you know that they belong in your life. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes you meet them online first!!!!<br />
<br />
Then you meet them in real life at inRL and your life is changed for the better.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes God knows what and who you need before you do. (<span style="font-size: x-small;">OK, so he knows ALL the time.</span>)<br />
<br />
It is no small thing to step out of your comfort zone and into someone else's life or to let them into yours.<br />
And the impact is anything but small.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for friendships that are developing in my life.<br />
<br />
God knew what I needed and His timing is perfect.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="200" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" width="198" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
Joining in with Five Minute Friday with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo Baker</a> and friends for five minutes of unedited writing fun! Join in and be blessed! To learn more or to join the fun, click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-55504286075296391572013-08-02T10:08:00.000-05:002013-08-02T10:08:21.396-05:00Story<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /> </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Joining <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo</a> for 5 Minute Friday! This weeks word is STORY. Click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more and join the fun!</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><u>STORY</u></i></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Story of my life. We all have one. I've spent a lot of time trying to write my own. I wanted it to look a certain way, I only wanted people to see the good parts, the happy parts. The beautiful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But that isn't true life, that is a story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to share my life with people, all of my life, not just the pretty parts. You don't truly get to know someone, to trust them, to have relationship and community until you share your whole life, even the ugly parts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So now, I am writing a new story for myself, one where there are no hidden chapters, where fear isn't hidden behind a smile, where grief has its place. No edits and re-writes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want my life to be an open book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is life and love in our stories and I want to share mine with you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(And I want to be a part of yours!)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-57981075632181196382013-07-12T17:10:00.000-05:002013-07-12T17:10:03.754-05:00Present<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm joining in with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo</a> for Five Minute Friday! Learn more about it and join the fun <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">
2. Link back here and invite others to join in. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been blessed beyond belief the last couple of weeks. To the point that I can't believe it. On one hand I want to yell from the rooftops the wonderful ways that God has provided for me. The way He continues to take care of me and Tanner. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the other hand, I feel like it's so extravagant that it's almost like bragging. I certainly don't deserve all of these blessings. Why me? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then I had a conversation with a dear friend of mine. I was telling her of these blessings and she was rejoicing with me! When I was told her how I was feeling conflicted about it, this is what she said to me:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"You are a daughter of the King of kings! Why wouldn't He give you all these blessings? He loves you!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Something in my heart changed right in that moment as those words penetrated not just my ears, but my heart. God, my father, He loves me. He wants to take care of me. He wants to give me good gifts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">(Oh ya, and the devil, the one who says I don't deserve it, the one who whispers "why you?" in my ear, he is a liar.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I am here to shout from the rooftops how good God is! What a wonderful provider He is! How He loves me! And I accept the gifts from Him as that, a present because He loves me and wants to take care of me, not because I'm "good enough" or because I "deserve" it, but because He loves me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the next few weeks I will be having my furnace, water heater, central air conditioning, and my refrigerator all replaced at essentially no cost to me. As each appliance is replaced I will be thanking God knowing in my heart how much He loves me and I'll be sharing His love with anyone who will listen! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And in the fall, when I am able to send my son to the christian school I've been praying about, I'll be telling everyone that the only way we could do it is because God provided. I had to spend all of my savings for his tuition on a major car repair, but I was informed last week that we would be getting a bonus in a couple of months! According to my manager, it should be double what I had to spend on my car repair. God is good and He loves His children.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">"Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> Matthew 7:9-11</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-54307441104722419992013-07-02T21:31:00.001-05:002013-07-02T21:31:32.400-05:00In BetweenI don't even know how this happened, that you are so big already. You are just a few months shy of double digits! Yet in my mind you are still my baby, always will be I suppose. But, in reality, you are not a baby. You aren't grown yet either, though. You are in between.<br />
<br />
The other day you found some clothes you wore as a tiny newborn baby. Oh, how looking at them just grabbed my heart and squeezed til I could hardly breathe. Where did all the time go? It's hard to believe you were ever that itty bitty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HOYr6kmBBHZVS4_bTUIvPqQjlS6Nz2C1rqFDUzLTyLB1eA_B802WkBDnxzR8rgxIm_gnFr2WAMWVKcyNNXteecTW7p0VgeUyuMyNdxoHeeYk45eivqhP1bL5z-VlaZ2Twx6V8VPWwksY/s1600/Baby+Clothes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HOYr6kmBBHZVS4_bTUIvPqQjlS6Nz2C1rqFDUzLTyLB1eA_B802WkBDnxzR8rgxIm_gnFr2WAMWVKcyNNXteecTW7p0VgeUyuMyNdxoHeeYk45eivqhP1bL5z-VlaZ2Twx6V8VPWwksY/s320/Baby+Clothes.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, as I remember how you fell asleep sprawled over the recliner, legs long and hair messy, I ache for how quickly you are growing. So smart, so funny, so loving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmkFnm3jYlZAcRBbwOyYs7nfUc7anl4IU4UcgcTKVzqAZz8XqmrD2ZsVdRO4e19N0-SacSlKzo3w-e5ngxfZbCIF8o4LeK429ZPkUcaAiGuBCUXh29zBT57JLi0A2fcDl7lJbe6Br-dCY/s1600/Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmkFnm3jYlZAcRBbwOyYs7nfUc7anl4IU4UcgcTKVzqAZz8XqmrD2ZsVdRO4e19N0-SacSlKzo3w-e5ngxfZbCIF8o4LeK429ZPkUcaAiGuBCUXh29zBT57JLi0A2fcDl7lJbe6Br-dCY/s320/Chair.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I am loving this in between time with you. We have hilarious conversations and sometimes I wonder how you got so smart! Other times you are still my little boy and hold my hand and want to cuddle with me. My heart bursts in those moments.<br />
<br />
Son, you are my greatest gift. You are a treasure to me and I don't want to miss a single minute of this wonderful time with you.<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo Baker</a> for Five Minute Fridays! Join in and be blessed <span id="goog_893391994"></span><span id="goog_893391995"></span><a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-12153895839235429102013-06-21T15:44:00.000-05:002013-06-21T15:44:15.158-05:00Rhythm<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<b>Rhythm. </b><br />
<br />
The first thing that comes to mind about this word is that I cannot spell it. Ever. I always have to look it up. In fact, when I went to start this I had to refer back to <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo's</a> post to make sure I was spelling it right.<br />
<br />
Yet, this hard to spell word seems to be a constant in my life.<br />
<br />
I am always moved by the rhythm of things.<br />
<br />
I'm comforted by the even back and forth of the rocking chair.<br />
<br />
I'm soothed by the steady tapping of my foot.<br />
<br />
The breathing of a sleeping baby is the sweetest rhythm of all.<br />
<br />
The sound of waves beating against the shore.<br />
<br />
The continual beating of a heart, the pounding rain on a rooftop.<br />
<br />
<i>I find God in the rhythm, a reminder that He is constant, like a rhythm.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker today for Five Minute Friday! To learn more and join in, click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-79524087008316015922013-05-31T15:59:00.002-05:002013-05-31T15:59:53.622-05:00Hello Mornings - BelieveHe says it over and over and over again.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Believe.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: red;">"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." </span>John 5:24</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And not only that. <b><i>Once we believe we have eternal life.</i></b> It is done. There is <b>nothing </b>we can do to earn our salvation.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not...once you change your ways and stop sinning. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not....once you do enough good deeds</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not....if you read your Bible enough</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not....if you pray hard enough and attend church regularly</div>
<br />
Now.....we HAVE eternal life, from the moment we first believe we <b>"have already passed from death into life."</b> (John 5:24b)<br />
<br />
<b>This verse says it all:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus told them, <span style="color: red;">"This is the only work God wants from you; Believe in the one He has sent."</span> </span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">John 6:29</span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
All we are required to do is <b><i>BELIEVE</i></b>. Everything else will fall into place. He will change our hearts and guide our actions. Our belief will lead us into prayer and worship and good deeds and out of sin. Our belief will cause us to follow Him. It becomes the desire of our hearts to do His will. </div>
<div>
<br />
I'm doing the <i>Meet Jesus</i> study with the Hello Mornings group HMCPsalm1438 and this is what He has been impressing on me. <b>Just believe</b>. Quit trying so hard to earn my way, <b><i>just believe</i></b>. It's where everything starts.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
So, although our study is from John, my prayer today is from the book of Mark: </div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Mark 9:24</i></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><i>"For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>John 6:40</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-89696708179125589302013-05-29T12:51:00.001-05:002013-05-29T12:52:35.986-05:00View<br />
I think about you a lot.<br />
Missing you every day.<br />
It's the little things that remind me of you......<br />
A song that was your favorite,<br />
A bike tire that needs fixing,<br />
The sound of a lawnmower and the smell of fresh cut grass,<br />
Our boy wearing your cologne to remind himself of you.....<br />
<br />
It helps knowing where you are<br />
Who you are with......<br />
Sometimes I try to imagine the view.....<br />
The golden streets,<br />
The pearl gates,<br />
The angels,<br />
The room that Jesus made just for you.<br />
And the one He is preparing for me.<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo Baker</a> for Five Minute Fridays. Join in and be blessed!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-1765278340442894962013-05-16T12:31:00.001-05:002013-05-16T12:31:52.948-05:00ComfortI know it's Thursday and we are just hours away from a new prompt for <b>5 Minute Fridays</b> with <b><a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo</a>, </b>but I've had this word on my mind all week. Since I had to do a tiny bit of "research" --does looking up words count as research?!?----I suppose I'm not following the rules, but here goes anyway! Just under the wire....<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>COMFORT</b><br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few months back, during a sermon on Sunday morning, the pastor speaking was talking about the Holy Spirit and how He is our comforter. He then went on to explain that in Hebrew the word comfort actually means <b>strengthen</b>. I wanted to know more so I looked it up for myself......it not only means strengthen, it also means <b>sustain, support </b>.....<b><i>comfort</i></b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is so much more than my version of comfort which was to soothe and console. And those are an important part of comfort, but to be <i>strengthened, supported, sustained</i>......it is so much more powerful!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It also made me look back on my hardest of times and be able to see His presence with me. Holding me up, supporting me, sustaining me, strengthening me.....<i>comforting me.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Linking up (a little late!) with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo Baker</a> for Five Minute Fridays! To join in click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-43448255327322478882013-05-03T15:21:00.000-05:002013-05-03T15:21:03.895-05:00Brave<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></div>
Brave. It has been a topic of conversation around our house lately.<br />
<br />
My 3rd grade son has been having trouble with a boy in his class bullying him. It is really hard to take, my momma bear really rises up. My son is a people-pleaser, conflict-avoider, super-sensitive, follow-alonger. I would like to say I have no idea where he got that from, but I can't. He totally got it from me.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to teach him differently though. I'm praying he can learn from my experiences and be brave way before I was. I'm learning it won't take him as long to trust Jesus as it did me. See I used to think that "brave" meant having no fear. I was totally wrong, brave is having fear and doing it anyway.....that's what makes it brave. The other side to that is learning to trust Jesus in our fear. Knowing that Jesus is with us can make us brave in spite of our fear.<br />
<br />
So, we've been praying and my son has been brave. He's gone to school and has been having a great week. (And the other boy has left him alone.)<br />
<br />
Soon, I'll be taking lessons on bravery from him.<br />
<br />
*********************************************************************************<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo</a> today for Five Minute Friday! Join in and be blessed! To find out more, click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-45532046088236813942013-04-30T22:38:00.000-05:002013-04-30T22:38:01.278-05:00inRL<br />
<br />
About this time last year I happened upon a couple of blogs. Up until then, I didn't know a lot about blogs, bloggers and the online community that surrounds them. But once you read <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo Baker</a>, <a href="http://we%20are%20that%20family/" target="_blank">Kristen Welch</a> and <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank">Ann Voskamp</a> you want to know more. You want to be a part of what is happening there. They are all bloggers for<a href="http://www.incourage.me/" target="_blank"> (in)Courage</a>, a daily devotional website for women.<br />
<br />
Last Saturday, (in)Courage sponsored an international "meetup" called inRL (in real life). There was a webcast on Friday night and then local meet-ups on Saturday. When registration opened a few months back, I signed up right away, and sat at my desk in tears feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit leading me. Signing up for this conference broke something in me. I have lived a life of fear for way too long but Jesus has been calling me to be brave and has held my hand as I took baby steps.<br />
<br />
I subscribed to all the blogs of the local women and followed them on Twitter. Over the last few months I have gotten to know a few of the ladies through their blogs and conversations on Twitter. I've felt a connection to a few of them that is indescribable considering we had never heard each other's voices or seen each others faces. <br />
<br />
But God has His plans and one of the ladies invited me to coffee with another friend. Crazily, I said yes and the three of us met for lunch and it was so amazing. The strangest thing happened though, I wasn't really scared. A little nervous, yes, but not worried about the outcome. We had a beautiful time, marveled at our bravery, and promised to do it again soon.<br />
<br />
Skip forward to last weekend. The ladies I had met were unable to attend inRL so I was headed to a church an hour away and I didn't know a soul except through the internet. I have always been a nervous person and always fearful that no one will like me, that I won't fit in. This is not something I do, yet there was no hesitation. There was no trying to talk myself out of going. In fact, I was excited! During the whole drive my mind was occupied with the beauty of the day and anticipation of what would happen at the event. My palms didn't get sweaty until I was about 6 blocks away! Like I said, this was so unlike me I was actually surprised.<br />
<br />
I wound my way through the hallways of the church, following the scripture signs leading the way. When I reached my destination, I was welcomed by the lovely buzz of ladies talking and getting to know each other and a familiar face from Twitter greeting me. The room was filled with beautiful women, delicious treats, gorgeous beach themed decorations and love. I could feel it from the moment I walked in.<br />
<br />
I learned a lot that afternoon. I listened to some amazing women speak truth right into our hearts. But the biggest lesson that I learned was that when Jesus is present, we do not need to be afraid. And He was there, in the warm smiles and welcoming hugs. He was there, teaching us that if we follow Him, there is nothing to fear.<br />
<br />
I am hopeful for the relationships that will come about from inRL. God really ordained the whole afternoon and it was so evident in the way that everything worked out. Even the next day when I went to my own church, my "regular" community, it felt different, better. I was so much more thankful for them all and felt the urge to reach out and extend myself farther, be a little braver, follow Him a little closer.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-39204077219427348542013-04-26T14:15:00.000-05:002013-04-26T14:15:35.945-05:00Friend<br />
<br />
Friend. It is such a powerful word. Such an important word. For the longest time I was hurt, betrayed and withdrawn from friendship. I convinced myself I didn't need friends. I had my husband and my son and my family. What else did I need?<br />
<br />
But it was lonely if I was honest. With no girls to giggle with, no one to turn to when things were hard. No one to tell the things I didn't really want to talk to my mom about.<br /><br />
Then I started to rely more on Jesus. Trusting him with my fears and my feelings. Through that, He opened my heart to real friendship. He made my heart brave(er) and I opened my door to one girl. One invitation, one dinner, has opened my heart to so much more. Through this one friend He has shown me how He loves me, how I can trust Him and the friends He leads me to. She has taught me the true meaning of friendship.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
#Love #Honesty #Support #Prayer #Hugs #Truth #Friends #Love </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uGgmLXeK30XfG4gJKlvqwlgSKkcjOO7wMDJK22BYHwgzqedg7EB2fqUp6UtSYrLaC_EaYyeWCAXNtcYwNXuiHTM2B9Pe-i_g7seSUv5sLVoT9qDbu-eEwC885tdUdO8c_UPWXNQZONuA/s1600/Praveena.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uGgmLXeK30XfG4gJKlvqwlgSKkcjOO7wMDJK22BYHwgzqedg7EB2fqUp6UtSYrLaC_EaYyeWCAXNtcYwNXuiHTM2B9Pe-i_g7seSUv5sLVoT9qDbu-eEwC885tdUdO8c_UPWXNQZONuA/s320/Praveena.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Today I am linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo</a> for 5 Minute Friday! Join in and be blessed! Click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> for the details!Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-49489352080654571622013-04-19T14:39:00.000-05:002013-04-19T14:39:09.396-05:00Jump<br />
<br />
My son is constantly jumping...on everything. He is a boy and he is 9, I suppose it comes with the territory but it drives me completely batty!!! He jumps on his bed and I fell like he will come through the ceiling when I am in the room below. So I make him stop. He jumps from the recliner to the couch to the other recliner and back again. He is pretending to be some jungle animal. But "we don't jump on the furniture" so I make him stop. Yesterday, we got a ton of April snow here in Minnesota so he went out to play. He didn't wear his snow pants but he was jumping and rolling in the snow. My instinct was to march right out there and tell him to stop. But I didn't. Instead I went out and played with him. We built a snowman, complete with easter egg eyes, an angry birds hat, a highlighter for a nose and my bright red scarf. We had a blast! Sometimes I just need to remember to take a deep breath and just jump, have fun, enjoy this gift of life we've been given. And my boy is the best one to remind me of this!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln1UUq3hE3U0kQJbh3gLn_xP-W9zIWTe3oFYbMZWAzhOCNZwqXmlYlGo6x4PIMjSr_z1jSOs-QGTpXvukO6WrWD1Lyj2DMWjkd8czrT_FYbN81SNND-qlUzsAg9sCERpoft8FEEO7utr1/s1600/Snowman+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln1UUq3hE3U0kQJbh3gLn_xP-W9zIWTe3oFYbMZWAzhOCNZwqXmlYlGo6x4PIMjSr_z1jSOs-QGTpXvukO6WrWD1Lyj2DMWjkd8czrT_FYbN81SNND-qlUzsAg9sCERpoft8FEEO7utr1/s320/Snowman+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLixw-cFobEAdOuPcrle8zxGIOi5t50iKSBHvs7cheEGHJZ3WT3EHnVTeMaLnJrDmG2uIb11RCoSYKZnlThyOd7qUMgCeeATQ903EYCYqEEGWHW4cVgNmebFIl6_ESBx28LicPWWBQWjCP/s1600/Snowman+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLixw-cFobEAdOuPcrle8zxGIOi5t50iKSBHvs7cheEGHJZ3WT3EHnVTeMaLnJrDmG2uIb11RCoSYKZnlThyOd7qUMgCeeATQ903EYCYqEEGWHW4cVgNmebFIl6_ESBx28LicPWWBQWjCP/s320/Snowman+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Today I am linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo</a> for Five Minute Friday! Click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to find out what it's all about! Join in and be blessed!Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-81296402804911095552013-03-29T14:18:00.000-05:002013-03-29T14:23:25.155-05:00Broken<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night we remembered Passover and the Last Supper while we had our own dinner. It was the first time we've done this, but it felt important to do it this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we told the story of Passover, I was so impressed with what my son remembered and how he was able to connect the history to the symbolism and how it relates to us today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then we talked about the Last Supper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We read the scriptures in Luke. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We talked about sin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We talked about sacrifice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We talked about Jesus on the cross. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His body broken for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To save us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then we had communion together as family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remembering Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember His sacrifice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remembering His broken body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remembering His love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Luke 22:14-20</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">15 and he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">19 And he took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Today I am linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo</a> for 5 Minute Fridays. To find out more, click <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Join in and be blessed! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-27455007657140303412013-03-15T14:51:00.000-05:002013-03-15T14:52:31.388-05:00RESTRest. It makes me think of the supernatural rest we can experience in Jesus when we just remember to go to Him with our weary bones.<br />
<br />
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer almost 3 years ago to the day I was wrought with anxiety and fear. When you are faced with this awful knowing, the facts are not your friends. Google became my worst enemy telling me everything I didn't want to hear about my husbands chances. Rushing to tests, surgeries, chemo, all of it was so tiring and had my edges worn and frayed, I was only holding together by the slimmest of threads. <br />
<br />
Then I came to the point where I didn't want to hear anymore of it, no website, no brochure, no one knew what was going to happen to my husband except God. He is the one who numbers our days, no one else. I turned to God, I trusted Him for the outcome. That was His will would be done. I soaked in His word and prayed countless prayers. I breathed Romans 8:28.<br />
<br />
In that, I found rest that cannot be explained with human terms. During the most difficult time of my life, I had rest. The rest that comes with turning everything over to Him. The rest that only He can provide. <br />
<br />
He is tried and true. His love is never-ending and the comfort He provides is like none other.<br />
<br />
*********************************************************************************<br />
<br />
Today, I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo Baker</a> for 5 Minute Friday. Join in and be blessed! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="" class="alignleft" height="180" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" title="5 minute friday (1)" width="179" /></div>
<br />
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.<br />
<br />
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-11805276174982534522013-03-08T19:32:00.000-06:002013-03-08T19:32:08.858-06:00Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Home. I'm sitting home. Alone.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This never happens. It is so quiet I can hear the ringing in my ears. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My son is having a sleepover at a friends house tonight. Thus my reprieve. It seems blissful at first. Heavenly silence. I long for it all the time. But now that I've got it, it seems a bit lonely. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Home is made up of all the wonderful sounds of childhood. Running up and down steps, giggling over tickles. Cuddles and pleas to stay up "just 5 more minutes". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The sounds of home are so precious. I hope to never take them for granted and to enjoy each minute of noisy boy racket, remote control engines revving at my feet, requests for cookies and string cheese....... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">************************************************************************************************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I'm joining <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo</a> for 5 Minute Friday......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">2. Link back here and invite others to join in.</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><em><br />3. <strong><em>And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.</em></strong>.</em></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><em><br /></em></strong>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 25px;"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Join in and be blessed!!!!!</b></span></em></span></div>
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-63273812895077512032013-03-01T12:41:00.001-06:002013-03-01T12:43:33.892-06:00Ordinary<br />
<div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="" class="yiv1368117991alignleft" height="180" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1362157904416_4089" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" title="5 minute friday (1)" width="179" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The beauty of an ordinary day</span></strong></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was recovering from a week of being sick and slept a good 2 hours longer than on a normal Saturday. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When he finally roused, we cuddled on the couch and watched old Godzilla cartoons from the '90's that I didn't even know existed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is still winter, but the sun was shining and it was exceptionally warm for a February in Minnesota so we took a walk, splashing in the puddles and crunching the crusty, frozen snow.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ate peanut butter sandwiches and yogurt for lunch washing it all down with pink lemonade.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We searched Pinterest for a project that we actually had the supplies for. The upside of never emptying the bathroom garbage is an abundance of toilet paper rolls. We settled on a toilet-paper tube snake!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We talked and laughed and even did a little housework. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ended the day with dinner at mom's (all the way across the street) a blessing for sure.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ended the day where we started, cuddling on the couch watching more episodes of Godzilla.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was an ordinary day that was anything but. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish that all Saturdays could be this "ordinary".</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDYFU3OMtn73S1x95IcO6QYJXlaVEPYrF51hmxOHx7jl3zlEpI7UGvCdFQHp9dw6N64xqpVj2jtY8LGpCJH0mviBkk89WGWIBy0b6GxRp1XVk1VX_COFFc4rEdwE4eK09amZi_Mbuo0Fh/s1600/Snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDYFU3OMtn73S1x95IcO6QYJXlaVEPYrF51hmxOHx7jl3zlEpI7UGvCdFQHp9dw6N64xqpVj2jtY8LGpCJH0mviBkk89WGWIBy0b6GxRp1XVk1VX_COFFc4rEdwE4eK09amZi_Mbuo0Fh/s320/Snake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
**********************************************************************************<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">LisaJo</a> today for 5 Minute Fridays!<br />
<br />
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.<br />
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.<br />
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6768953733602781638.post-61168323075936829402013-02-28T15:02:00.000-06:002013-02-28T15:02:01.500-06:00It was bound to happenI heard him crunching the ice on the sidewalk as he walked in. He bounded in the door, his usual energetic self, happy with his new haircut. <br />
<br />
He said he wanted to talk to me about something and he went over the couch and sat down. He patted the seat next to him and summoned me to sit with him. I couldn't resist the invitation. I knew he must be serious since that is what I always do when I want to have a serious talk with him. So, even though it was nearly bedtime and he still needed a shower to get rid of all the "tickly hair" around his neck, I sat.<br />
<br />
He said "I want to know about my dad. Not my dad who died, but my first dad." Panic struck my insides. Why didn't he want to talk about sex or something?!?!? <br />
<br />
It's not like the topic of "Old Dad", as we refer to him, never comes up. But, usually, it is just a brief question here and there. <br />
<br />
That night he wanted the details......"<em><strong>Start at the beginning mom, where did you and my first dad meet</strong></em>?" <br />
<br />
Here is the thing.....Old Dad was a drug dealer, I was addicted, we were a complete and total mess. My life was everything I pray his will not be. Things didn't end well with Old Dad. We went to court, got restraining orders, finally moved away and haven't had any contact since. That was 6 1/2 years ago. <br />
<br />
Questions about him were always asked about why we didn't see him anymore. The answers have been a little more detailed as he gets older. He knows a little about the drugs, but mostly that he was "mean" to me. This is an understatement. He stalked me and terrorized me to no end when I decided to leave him. But, he doesn't need the details.<br />
<br />
I gave him a few details of how we met and ushered him to the shower with promises that I would tell him more later. <br />
<br />
As he showered, I paced my room. Praying quickly "Lord, what should I say to him?" <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Then it happened</em></strong>. I remembered some good things about Old Dad. I remembered how kind he was to people. How he was always the first to help. I told Tanner about these things, from behind the shower curtain. I told him how much he liked to ride bicycles, one of Tanner's very favorite things to do. I told him how Old Dad protected me when I needed it. <br />
<br />
He got out of the shower and into bed. As I tucked him in, I told him how Old Dad wasn't a bad person but that he had a lot of problems. That drugs make us make super bad choices. That sometimes, our problems are so big that the only way out is Jesus. <br />
<br />
I told him how much I loved him and that is why we had to stop being around Old Dad. That I couldn't risk him being taken away from me. That he was more important to me than anything or anyone else.<br />
<br />
I think he needed to hear that he was born out of love. He needed to know that there was good in old dad. That he wasn't destined to be "bad", that he had a chance. <br />
<br />
It would have been easy to ignore the prompting to tell him the good about his Old Dad. It was scary to tell him some of the truth that I'd rather keep hidden. <br />
<br />
My heart was softened that night. I think both of our hearts were healed a bit. <br />
<br />
God is so good at knowing what we need and when we need it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15262332968121331112noreply@blogger.com2