Stained Glass Hearts ~ A Book Review

I have enjoyed Patsy Clairmont since I attended my first Women of Faith Conference many moons ago. She is a funny lady with a quick wit and I just enjoy listening to her and reading her books. 

Stained Glass Hearts, Seeing Life From A Broken Perspective was an honest look into Clairmont's life and some of the struggles she has had and her road to healing. The book is divided into 13 chapters, each on their own topic, yet strung together by the stained-glass or mosaic theme. I felt like I was sitting with a dear friend as I read. Clairmont says it well when she says "All God's people have glass hearts," reminding us that we all are broken in some way and we all are in need of healing. I liked the recommendations at the end of each chapter for art, music, etc. I would recommend this book to women of all ages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255



This Is The Stuff

A horrible, nasty stomach bug came to visit our house just in time for the weekend.  Late in the night Friday night, Prince got sick in bed.  Hubby slept through most of it, although he did wake up just in time for me to finish getting everything cleaned up.  (How convenient for him ~ he honestly did sleep through it though)  Poor Prince, I can't tell you when the last time he had a stomach bug was, but I'm pretty sure it's been a couple of years.  He just doesn't get that kind of sick very often.  Prince and I were up most of the night together.  I think the only hour on the clock I didn't see was 4 and believe me, I thanked God for that small blessing of getting at least an hour and a half of straight sleep.  Saturday night was uneventful and we thought we were out of the woods until Sunday morning early when Prince was again sick.  Princess got it Sunday night and Hubby got it Monday morning.  I've had a grand time spraying Lysol on everything, keeping up with dirty laundry and dishes, and doing it all myself.  Let's just say that this Mama is tired. 

This morning I may or may not have snapped back at Hubby when he grumped at me.  I also may or may not have started feeling a bit resentful that I've been single-handedly taking care of all of this sickness while everyone else was getting the rest they needed and being waited on hand and foot.  I may have gotten a bit agitated when Princess said she couldn't find socks this morning that were right in her drawer, matched up and ready to go.  Yes, it was one of those mornings.  Yet as I was rushing to get myself ready after making sure everyone had what they needed, the Holy Spirit spoke to me.  I'm not sure where it came from, except for His prompting, but I started to sing "Change my heart oh God, make it ever true.  Change my heart oh God, may I be like you."  As I sang, I started to calm down a little, but felt this small voice inside of me saying, "You aren't really feeling it, keep singing."  So I did, again and again.  I sang it as I drove the kids to school and on my way to work.  

I began to think about how this is the life I always wanted ~ the life I chose.  I always wanted to be a wife and a mommy and to take care of my family.  In sickness and in health isn't always easy.  In fact, I think that one is harder than for richer or poorer.  The point is, when you think and dream about having a family of your own, it seems wonderful and magical and everything will be like the Cleavers.  But life is messy and reality sets in and I realize that this is exactly what I signed up for.  I also realize that the change must come from my own heart.  I am grateful that my Hubby is involved and helps me with the kids when he gets home from work.  On these difficult days, it seems even more difficult because I am used to having help.  I am thankful for the help he does offer because doing this alone day in and day out would get really old.  I am thankful that Hubby comes home to me at night and that he likes being with us, thankful that I can create a home environment where he's comfortable.  I am thankful for those snuggles on the couch when the Prince and Princess are feeling bad, thankful that I am the one they want and that I can be their mommy.  That is what makes it worth it all.   

You've probably figured out by now that God uses music to speak to me ~ a lot.  When I hear a song I remember it and can usually retrieve its message in my brain for years to come.  Here's a good one that also came to mind this morning.

Homesick

Picture Source

When I was a little girl I used to get homesick when I would spend the night away from home.  I was fine right up until bedtime and then I would start to miss my bed and my room and my parents and all of those familiar things that made me feel comfortable and secure.

Lately I've been reminded of that feeling of homesickness by my sweet Prince.  It started last Sunday when church was just about to begin and he leaned over to me and asked, "Mom, when is Jesus coming back to earth?"  Of course my response was, "I don't know."  To which Prince responded, "But Mom, I really miss him and I want to see him.  I haven't seen Jesus in a very long time and he promised he would come back!"  I love the timing of all of this because by this time worship has begun and I am trying to deal with this very important topic with my sweet Prince, yet still not disturb everyone around us.  "I know darlin' but the Bible says that no one knows the day or the hour that Jesus will come back except for God.  He's coming back some day, we just don't know when.  That's why we have to be ready." 
We've had this same discussion several times this past week.  Prince is anxious to see Jesus face to face and as he has already told me, he hasn't "seen Jesus since he was a baby in heaven before he was born."  OK, can I just say "Wow" to that? 

This whole discussion has me thinking about how homesick I am as well.  I used to hear other people say that and I didn't understand what that really meant but as I look around and see all that is going on in our world, I too, find myself feeling a bit homesick.  I can't wait for that day when I can sit at Jesus' feet and ask him all of the questions I've been pondering for so long.  Until then, I know that Jesus walks beside me every day, my constant companion and friend.  I'm reminded of the song I sang to Prince from the time he was struggling to live in the NICU:
Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion,
My constand friend is he
For his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watched me. 

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.

So until that day comes, I will watch and pray and remember Jesus words:
"In my Father's house are many mansions. if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."        John 14:2-3

The Christmas Potato ~ A Must Read

Charlie is looking forward to Christmas vacation and he has big plans.  The chores his mom asks him to do are not exactly what he had in mind.  However, as Charlie does what is asked of him he begins to realize what is important to him: spending time with family and helping to do his share around the house. 
I can't wait to read this story to my children this Christmas season. 

Paula Schlegel is a talented storyteller and I love the way she incorporates Jesus and Santa in the same story...it doesn't have to be either/or.  Finally a story that includes our Christmas traditions along with Jesus' birthday. 

The Christmas Potato would be an excellent addition to your Christmas story repertoire at bedtime or as a stocking stuffer gift.  I highly recommend you order your copy of The Christmas Potato now before the Christmas season...it will be here before you know it!  You can buy your copy of The Christmas Potato at http://www.amazon.com/ or email Paula at paula.schlegel@yahoo.com .  Also, don't forget to "Like" The Christmas Potato on facebook ~ you can also see view a trailer of the book https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Christmas-Potato/115004548561758?v=app_6009294086&ref=sgm#!/pages/The-Christmas-Potato/115004548561758?sk=wall

Where We've Been and What We've Been Doing

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post!  It's been a busy time and while I have thought a lot about blogging and posts I would like to write, I have been thinking a lot about these two little people:

More specifically, I've been thinking about how these little people are growing up really fast and I want to enjoy each moment I have nurturing them, getting to know what is inside their little heads and hearts, snuggling up on the couch with a book with them...these are the things I remember about my own childhood.  I remember that my parents took time with me.  A few of the things we have been doing ~

~Reading.  Lots and lots of reading.  Now that they have learned to read, they want to read everything they can get their hands on.  Because I love books so much, I am thrilled to snuggle up with a book and take turns reading with them. 

~Learning to ride without training wheels.  This time last year I took the training wheels off of their bikes.  I thought this would provide motivation for them to learn to ride without them.  They begged me to put the training wheels back on and I wouldn't do it.  I told them they were big enough to learn to ride without them.  They staged a revolt and refused to pick up their bicycles, instead opting for their scooters or some other outside activity.  Finally they decided they wanted to learn to ride their bicycles.  They have skinned up knees and elbows and Princess has bruises all over her legs from falling, but they can ride!  It was a glorious week last week when they both found their confidence.  It also took a bit of motivation from Grandma and Grandaddy.  Somehow if Grandma and Grandaddy tell them they can do it, it's more believable.  Whatever it takes...I'm glad of two things: 1.  They can now ride their bikes and  2. That they have such a great relationship with their grandparents.

Here is a sweet picture of Prince trying to help Princess ride her bike.  He was running behind her, holding onto the seat, trying to help her stay on her bike.  They are so sweet with each other, helping one another in whatever they need. 
~ We went to the zoo.  I got a great deal on annual zoo passes on Groupon.  This was a great way to spend some family time together.

Princess is such an animal lover!  She thought this was really cool.

I was surprised at how much Prince enjoyed this, but he did. 

~ Last weekend we took the kids camping for the first time.  We were invited by some friends to go tent camping, which Hubby and I haven't done since before the kids were born. Hubby and I were a little unsure of how this would go because it has been so long since we've camped, but our wonderful friends took the lead and brought things we had forgotten to bring and we really enjoyed it.  One of the things we did on our camping trip was to go canoeing.  Hubby nor I had been in a canoe in over 15 years.  It was an adventure to say the least and we made an important discovery about our marriage in the process.  When our friend suggested getting canoes, Hubby was very unsure.  He didn't think this was going to be a good thing with trying to manage the kids and all.  I was very excited and told him how great it would be and the kids would love it and yes we should definitely do this.  So Hubby decided that it was OK and he paid for the canoe rental.  As we are getting into the canoes, I am in the front, Prince behind me, then Princess and Hubby in the back.  Suddenly, I'm not so sure that we made a wise choice.  As the canoe is rocking back and forth because Prince won't sit still, I am thinking more and more I that used bad judgement and this wasn't going to be a good experience.  Hubby, on the other hand had been convinced (by me no less!) that this was a great idea and we would have a fun time.  It was his turn to talk me into it now.  I'm great with the anticipation of new experiences and have to talk him into things and then when the rubber meets the road we switch and he has to talk me up.  It all ended fine and we had a good time overall, but allow me to share with you some of the conversations in the canoe.

Me: Prince, be still!  You are rocking the boat and I don't want to tip over.

Prince: But Mom, I just want to see in the water. 

Me: Be still!

Princess (wailing): I'm afraid an alligator is going to get me.  Let's go back! I'm not having fun!

Hubby: Honey, you've got to put the paddle deeper into the water than that.  No, on the other side of the boat.

Me: Prince, if you tip this boat over, so help me...

Prince: But I'm trying to be still!  I can't help it!

Princess: Where are the alligators?  They're going to eat us!  Can we go back now?

Hubby: Honey, don't hit the side of the boat with the paddle.  No, paddle on the other side, we're going to go into the weeds if you keep on.

Prince: What happens if all God's children fall out of the boat and sink?  Will they die?  Will we die?  Hey, why did God make our bodies where we'll die?  How come we don't live forever?  When we die and go to heaven, then what?  If everyone on earth dies will God make a new planet with people on it?  How come our souls last forever but our bodies don't?

Me: Prince, just look at the pretty water and plants that God made for us.  Let's enjoy what God gave us now and talk about the other later. 

Princess: So, how about we go back now?  Don't you think that's a good idea?  Do you see any alligators?

Hubby: No, paddle closer to the boat than that.

Me: But you told me not to hit the side of the boat.

Hubby: Yeah, but now you aren't paddling close enough.  Watch me (as if I can turn myself around in the canoe to see how he's paddling.  I'm too scared we'll tip over!)

In spite of it all, we did finally all relax and we were able to enjoy working together as a team and seeing the beautiful springs and the animals.  Thankfully we didn't see any alligators or Princess would have come unglued, but we did see two otters fighting over a branch, turtles, fish, and lots of pretty birds. 

This picture was taken after we got back.

So there you have it.  That's where we've been and what we've been doing.  God has been working on my heart about a few things and I'll share those in later posts.  Be blessed!

Heaven's Newest Alto

Today my heart is sad and a little bit heavy.  A friend from church who has been in declining health went to be with Jesus last night.  While I am happy for her and I know that her body is now whole, I am sad for what we lost here on this earth.  Carole was involved in the children's music ministry, playing piano for our children's choir when I was in it and we played handbells together.  She was also in the adult choir and when I was invited to come sing with them as a teenager, she took me under her wing and she taught be how to sing alto.  I was by far the youngest in the choir and I was a bit intimidated when I first joined, but she took care of me.  I wasn't sure I could sing alto, but she told me I could and would turn and sing extra loud toward my ear so I could hear the part.  In fact, she sat be between herself and her good friend, splitting the two of them up so that I could sit between the two strongest voices and learn.  Before long, I did learn and it was such a joy to sing with them.  She couldn't stand still when she sang and I loved that about her.  She always sang with such enthusiasm.  As we sat together, we developed a special bond that lasted for many years.  I began to talk to her about things going on in my world.  I told her about boys I liked, what was going on in school, and the like.  She never treated me like I was some silly kid or acted like my teenage drama was insignificant.  She always really listened to me and I loved that about her.  She listened to the on again, off again high school drama with Hubby and offered advice.  Years later when I told her we were going to be married she wasn't surprised.  I'm pretty sure I got an "I told you so."  As I sit here and I cry, I know these are selfish tears.  I know that heaven has a new choir member and she's singin' alto.  I can see her foot tapping and her body just a dancing as she sings.  I just miss those special times we had together and I am so blessed that she has been such a special part of my life.

Fall Hodgepodge

It's Hodgepodge Wednesday!  If it weren't for Joyce and the hodgepodge lately I wouldn't even have a blog.  I've really fallen down on the posting lately.  Anyway, go see Joyce and link up with your own answers.  But first, read mine!

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?

Yes, in fact I have been craving chili lately.  I like both red and white, but prefer red with beans and a little bit of spice, but not over the top hot.  I like to put shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on mine.  Sometimes I like to eat chili over rice.  It makes me hungry just thinking about it. 

2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color?

It hasn't always been this way, but I think orange is my favorite fall color.  I really like all of the colors of fall, but Hubby's favorite color is orange and it has definitely grown on me. 

When we were first married,  I decorated our home for each of the holidays.  That first fall came around and I put silk fall leaves around the house and leaf garland on the mantle of the fireplace.  Hubby did not understand this at all.  He went to work one day and told his boss, the university president, what I had been doing.  The President had an early childhood background and he said just said, "She's a teacher.  That's what they do."

3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up?
I really looked up to my pastors.  When I was really small, we had a lady pastor, Patty, and I really looked up to her.  When she would pronounce the benedication she let me go stand with her.  Then when I went home I used to pretend to be her, with my own benedictions, baptizing my sister, and singing the Doxology while holding "offering plates."  Other pastors who came along were also among my favorite people.

4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and craftsy'? Share please.
I'm trying to work on decorating doors for my kids' first grade classes.  Each class has a theme for their fundraiser that is coming up and I am working on getting both classes' doors ready to go up.  Pictures will come later, I'm sure.

5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?
Going to the doctor or dentist.  I've spent enough time in doctor offices and hospitals over the past several years, that I really don't like to go there.  The smell makes me nauseous.  I think the worst part of it though is when they call you back into the little room and you have to wait for what seems like an eternity for the doctor to come in.

6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?)
Never been so I don't really know. 

7. What is your favorite cliche?
There are so many that I use... I find myself telling my kids that I feel like a broken record just like my parents told me when I was a kid.  The difference is that I knew what a record was.  My kids have no clue.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
It has finally happened.  I knew it would happen sooner or later and it did.  We've been in school for 6 weeks and I have caught some kind of virus from the kiddos.  Praying that I feel better soon, because it's the pits!