Give Me 5 - (pt. 1) "WORDS"

So, we started something new at our house..."Give Me 5" -- It's a way for our kids to remember a few things about attitudes, behaviors and other stuff. Last night was lesson #1: Words. Here's how it went...

Each person traced their hand onto a piece of paper and wrote Give Me 5 in the middle. Then we wrote WORDS on the thumb with the scripture reference Ephesians 4:29. We'll all be memorizing that this week together. We taped them to the refrigerator and will add more things on each finger as we go.

Next we each took a trial sized tube of toothpaste and wax paper. We went around the table telling things we've heard in our house that are hurtful, mean and unnecessary. Each time someone gave an answer, they squirted [violently] toothpaste onto their wax paper. "I hate my brother!" [squirt.] "I'm going to punch you!" [squirt.] "You're sooooo stupid!" [squirt.] Once the toothpaste was all out, I offered $20 to the first person who could get ALL the toothpaste back into the tube, and I do mean ALL of it. No winners. Why? Because it's impossible to get it all back in...and likewise, it's impossible to take back all the hurtful words you say, no matter how hard you try.

We took turns reading the following scriptures and talking about each one. Our objective was to see God's plan for how we use our words: nothing unwholesome, only stuff that builds others up -- good, clean conversation, comments that are not harsh or quarrelsome.

Eph 4:29, Prov. 17:4, Prov. 10:19, and Prov. 15:1

This was the first of 5 things we'll put on our "hands." Hopefully with a quick "Give me 5" we can begin to remind the boys of a few of God's expectations for us as believers. Stay tuned for pt. 2 coming in a week or so!

(I actually heard this on the way to school today. "Nick, dude, you're squirtin' toothpaste on me, be nice." Does that mean it has a chance of "sticking?" I hope so.)

Blessed Assurance

Our Life Group is doing a marriage study (think I mentioned that before...). On the way home last night Chad and I were having a nice discussion about our future together and the ups and downs that will most likely come with it. Then he said one of the nicest things I've heard him say to me. "I'll tell you this, if this thing [our marriage] falls apart, it won't be because of me."

I knew exactly what he meant. To others that comment may sound a little arrogant and prideful but that couldn't be further from his heart. He was telling me [in the "Men-only-use-a few-words" way] that he was in it for the long haul, that no matter what he would fight for our marriage and submit his will to the Lord. He was assuring me he was going no where...even when it gets tough. He was promising me he will fight with me and for me in the heavenly realm. He was laying down his life for me. I knew my resolve was the same and I loved him more for that one little comment.

This morning I was reflecting on how marriages are designed to make us holy more than make us happy. And then I was thanking God that as we grow in holiness, he certainly generously gives the "happy" part! Gary Thomas in Sacred Marriage says "Everything about your marriage -- everything--is filled with prophetic potential, with the capacity for discovering and revealing Christ's character." True. Jesus will never leave me. He will fight for me. He laid down his life for me. I love how often Jesus offers me that assurance. And I love that Chad is the priest of our home -- and loves me enough to model Godly character for me and our boys.

What is the nicest thing you've heard your spouse say this week? How did it "build you up according to your needs, to benefit those who listen?" (Eph 4:29) Better yet, what have YOU said to your spouse to encourage him/her this week?

This is "amazing"

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now, I'm found! Was blind but now I see. My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God, my Savior, has ransomed ME. And like a flood, his mercy reigns. Unending love. Amazing grace.

-Chris Tomlin song with familiar words to us all

This morning when I got up to feed baby Jack I was quietly singing this to him. My eyes wellked up with tears yet I've recited these words hundreds of time. I was overwhemed with trying to accept grace so true. I heard the Father speak to my heart, "Even as much as you love this little one, it doesn't compare to how I love you." (And I do LOVE this little sugar!) Ever have those back-to-basics moments?

The Father's grace is so amazing. I am saved from the clenches of the enemy. I am known by him. I can see because I've been redeemed. Amazing. Amazing! His grace is more unconditional than I offer to strangers, more consistent than I extend to friends, and deeper than I give to my sweet family. Amazing!

And you? Are there familiar songs that lead you to the throne room of our Beloved? What are the old hymns that offer you to a fresh dose of His amazing love for us?

[I bagged the Quirky People post for now - just wasn't feeling it today.]

Time Alone

At Life Group this week, we were talking through our marriage study and the conversation went to love languages. We all know them... Physical touch, gifts, acts of service, words of affirmation and quality time. Someone in the group jokingly said his love language is "Quality time to myself." We laughed. Then the invisible me jumped up and gave him a high five...

I have to admit I totally agree with him on many days. I love "alone" time. Some of my friends [okay, not many] have a need to always be with people and have something to do or somewhere to go with others. I personally love those few hours each day when Jack is sleeping, Chad is at work, the boys are at school and I can be ALONE to do whatever I want...or get busy on my "to do" list." Sometimes I sing out loud. Once I even skipped back from the mailbox (yes, I really did that.) And sometimes I love being with people.

Things I am willing (or prefer) to do alone:

Grocery store

Most shopping experiences

Bookstore

Clean house (unless everyone is helping)

Work

Prepare for a dinner party ('cause I want it done my way...)

Eat chocolate cake (then the piece is bigger!)

Things I don't want to do alone:

See a movie (I want you there, but not talking to me.)

A restaurant (fast food is okay to do alone)

Go to the gym or any exercise

Go to church

Watch tv

Work in the yard

What about your quality time to yourself? What things do you prefer to do alone? With other people?

Invisible Friends

I'm short on time today but here's a quick one from yesterday's life events.

I went to eat lunch at school with my son and while walking past the boys bathroom, I saw a little guy emerge with a mischievious grin. He told the other boy next to him, "My invisible friend washed my hands for me in there."

I laughed out loud. I wonder if his invisible friend used invisible soap and water?...kids...

Drama Queen

Let's go to 1 Kings 17:7-16...I'll wait while you get there...(www.biblegateway.com) Read it quickly before we go on.

For those of you who refused to read it for yourself, here's the short version...There was a drought. God told Elijah to go to a town to see a widow who would give him something to eat. God had already commanded this widow to help him. He goes. She says she has nothing to feed him. He tells her to use what she has and God ends up providing for her and she never runs out. (Seriously, reading it yourself is better.)

ALL THAT TO SAY...I've spent some time on this story for several reasons. (save for different day) I think we've got a real Drama Queen on our hands here, and I think we can all benefit from reflecting on her attitude...

When Elijah first meets her, she is out gathering sticks - most likely to make a fire. Now keep in mind she is a widow, which means she's killing her own bugs, taking out her own trash and there's a slight possibility she is a bit envious of all those other "normal" families out there. All that considered, she just may be a tad bitter at times. (okay, so I projected my own past experiences there...!) Enter Elijah.

"Would you bring me a little water in a jar?" I'm sure she's thinking, "Can't you see I'm busy?...Men...It's not like I don't have ENOUGH to do already!" And then as she turns to do it (after all, God DID command her to do this) he throws out, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."

I'm no expert here, but it's possible she even rolled her eyes at this request, thinking "bring me water...bring me bread...what else? rub your feet?!" Why do I think she may have had an attitude? Read on...

"As surely as the Lord your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread -- only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug..." (WHAT?!) That's like saying, "I don't have any salad. Just a head of lettuce and a cup of dressing." Her response to him sounds a little sarcastic and dramatic to me. And then she continues, "I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it - and die." Oh seriously, I can almost see the facial expression now. Her eyes squinted and head cocked to the side as she sensationalizes her story. And can you hear her tone of voice? Drama Queen. Behind all the drama, he must have seen into her heart because he then says, "Don't be afraid..."

Long story short (too late) - She goes and does as he asked, and God provided for her needs. She didn't run out of food. The story continues and concludes with the widow embracing the Lord herself - not just holding onto Elijah's faith...(go read it.)

But here's the thought... Are there situations and circumstances in your life that instead of trusting God to provide and come through for you, you get caught up in the emotional drama of it? (Me? yes.) Is it possible you have all you need in front of you and you simply need to surrender it to God instead of giving in to your fear and getting suckered into emotional hooey? (Me? yes.) Go read this story in the Word...and reflect on your own attitude when asked to be obedient, or asked to do something that just doesn't make a whole lot of sense, or when you pay bills, or when you set boundaries for your kids, or when...

Say no to drama.

Motherload of all inventions

This week I was skimming the SkyMall magazine and stumbled across the motherload of all inventions. For only $129.99 (+s/h) I can get my VERY OWN donut maker! Oh sweet Georgia Brown, that really made me salivate to just look at that machine. I know, I KNOW donuts are NOT good for you (physically, anyway - emotionally they're like vitamins) but can you imagine the possibilities?...you wake up in the morning, start the coffee, start the donut maker, jump in the shower and emerge all squeaky clean, ready to sit down with your Bible, a cup of Joe and DONUTS. Hot, fresh, secret, mini-share-em-with-no-one DONUTS! (Hold on, I've got to get something to wipe the drool from my lips...)

The Dough-Nu-Matic machine specs boast a dozen donuts in under six minutes. That's actually a little slow for me but perhaps I can journal between batches. It also says "Great for large parties or fundraisers"...riiiiighttttt... how about a large party of ONE?!

I realize a personal donut maker is not the best choice for a 37 year old trying to get back in shape after just having a baby...but know this, if they come out with a machine to make those little chocolate waxy donuts I'm buying TWO. (Right, Nat?!)

Doing What Seems Impossible: My Yesterday

Baby Jack decided to be hungry at 1am and again at 5am. No big deal except I really didn't sleep in between because I had too much on my mind. I put baby back to bed at 5:45 and jumped in the shower, knowing if I didn't do it then, I wouldn't get one today! Now, generally in the shower is where I have a lot of "deep thoughts" - and if I'm feeling particularly overwhelmed, that's where I cry too. (no one can really see me there).

"Help me Lord, I can't do it today!" I cried, thinking of all the things on my "list" and feeling so exhausted. And in case he didn't hear me over the shower water, I said it out loud, "I mean it! This isn't going to work today." And then I cried as I shampoed and conditioned.

Shortly after that I sat down to read my Bible, knowing that may be my only chance for quiet time today. Recently I "started over" in Matthew. I read accounts of Jesus healing people and telling them to do things like "Get up and walk." ...so I chewed on that for a while. That must have seemed impossible, but he dutifully got up...and it worked. I dried my eyes, put on my big girl pants and "got up" to tackle my day with the help of Jesus.

Surprisingly the day went smoother than I expected. I just kept reflecting on how with Christ, we can do things that seem impossible and before I knew it, my "list" was complete.

Thank you Jesus for getting me through that day!

(Ignore my misspellings and typos. I blog w/ one hand while i nurse a baby each day. good time management...)

My baby can beat up your baby

Okay...I mean this most respectfully, of course.

Let's face it. The boy was big at birth - 9 pounds, 1 oz. Obviously as cute as he can be! and every bit a "Heinecke." But he wasn't your small, pettite, "wear-newborn-diapers-for-a-month" kind of kid...and that's how I actually prefer boys anyway!

I took Jack to the doctor this week for his 2 month well-child check up. As it turns out, our "little" guy is in the 95th percentile for his weight, 75th for his height and 60th for his head circumference. What that really means is he can whip 95 kids out of 100 just by applying the weight of his turkey drumsticks... well, maybe not.

The point is, we know he's on the "well-fed" side and we love it. He's adorable and an easy baby by most comparisons. Please refrain from wrinkling your face and emphasizing HOW when you ask, "He's HOW old?" Just state the obvious when you meet little Jack..."He's the most handsome baby boy I've seen in a LONG time." ...cause chances are, my baby can beat up your baby!

...all in fun, new moms...all in fun.

Things I Love - the 2007 Reader's Digest version

The King's grace, my foxy & smart husband, 3 great kids

(and the rest in random order...)

Cheetoes, facial hair on men, hot baths, spinal blocks to have a baby, the sense of humor among the women in my family, ice on the pond behind our house, junkmail (really!), biscuits and gravy, sweeper marks in the carpet, wireless internet, worship music, fancy gift wrap, overpriced coffee, dates with Chad, LOST!, baby coos, watching kid sports, board games, fall, cemetaries, taking pictures, short hair cuts for boys, free babysitters, my Monday girls, Garmin, mom's brisket, good hair days, laughing, clean socks, Target, good books

There... that's a good start.

Ski Trip to Beaver Creek

My sister-in-law had the hook up on a great condo in Beaver Creek so we loaded the family and rang in the new year on the slopes. Tate was still unable to ski because of the foot injury at Thanksgiving and Jack can't hold his head up (but I'm sure he would have been a superstar!) so I stayed back with the physically dependent... :)


It was COLD!!! Windchills in the single digits and even colder on the mountain. Here are a few pictures from our trip. It was great. (More to come when I get the snowmobiling photos from Uncle Justin!)

The men get ready to hit the slopes!

Nick enjoys a s'more at the bottom of the ski run.



Cousins in Beaver Creek!

Big Papa makes Grace a s'more too!


Back at the condo, Tate helps give Jack a bath. "Does this sink make me look fat?"

Things Gotta Change Around Here

So, I'm really tired of looking at my friends' blogs and seeing fun, new layouts. I'm experimenting with a couple. This particular one (lighthouse) looks like I should live in Maine or at least own a full-sized raincoat. Not sure this is the winner, but I'm really bored of the other. Maybe by the end of the week I'll settle on one...