Wake up America...

Baby Joey- surgery is on- prayers please.

I just got the call that the Doctors at Boston Children's Hospital don't feel they can safely wait any longer. Our great nephew, Joey will be having his open heart surgery this afternoon. It is expected to take 5-6 hours. The biggest concern, besides the obvious delicacy of the surgery, is how he does with the heart/lung bypass machine. There is a risk of neurological damage due to his age. There is also a risk that his newborn heart won't "remember" to restart. Please pray for a good outcome, and a successful surgery. Also pray for his parents, Tricia and Mike, and my brother and sister-in-law, Laurie and Michael. Thanks!

I'm Breaking Free

I've tried to avoid this one for a while. I had the book, read a few chapters, decided it was going to hurt, and sold it on Ebay. But alas, God had other plans for me, and now I find myself in Beth Moore's study, Breaking Free. And I still think it's gonna hurt. Let's face it, we all have our issues, right? What am I breaking free from, you ask? Well, that's between God and myself. But I have had a worrisome thought. What happens if someone gets their hands on this book, after I've written down all my "stuff"? I remember the last time I saw Beth Moore speak she told about a friend who had died. The friend's husband gave all the women's completed studies to Beth! Good thing his wife was already dead, or she'd have to kill him. Even in death, I'd prefer to keep my stuff just between Him and I. So, here's what I'm thinking: I'd like to buried with all my Bible studies. I know "you can't take it with you", but I'd prefer if no one else got their curious little hands on it either. So, if you hear of my sudden demise, please let my husband know about my dying wish. And if I'm already in the ground when these books turn up: burn them please! Thanks.

On witnessing...

God has really been working with me in this area. He's been making clear to me things that I knew in my head, but for some reason I was having a hard time putting into action. How am I, as a Christian, to share that hope that is within me? With words? With actions? If He's called me to be His witness, how does that play out in everyday life? You know what? This might not be a shocker to you, but it's not about me. It's not even really about the people I'm trying to witness to about Christ. It's all about HIM! He doesn't need me. He allows me to be a part of His plan thankfully, but I can't save anyone. I couldn't even save myself, so what in the world makes me think I can save others?? Now, I'll readily admit that God has given some the gift of evangelism. But even then, it's God doing all the work, He's just using someone to speak the words of life. God does the drawing in, not us mere humans. So then, what are those of us without that gift to do? Am I off the hook, so to speak? I don't think so. God has convicted me of two things I'm to do. The first is to radiate Christ. Here's the kicker, though: If I'm trying to radiate Christ, then it once again becomes about me. If I have to try, it's not really Christ I'm showing. It's how kind I can be, or how supportive I can be. Where's God in that?? So I've stopped trying. Instead I'm getting out of His way. Amazing things happen when I get out of the way! By learning to abide in Him daily, I've found that Christ radiates through me. I don't have to do anything! Isn't that cool? The second point God has made over and over, is that I need to be ready to give an account for the hope that is within me. This is very much connected to point 1, because when Christ shines through you, people notice, and they ask questions. Again, by abiding in Him, He shines through, and gives me the words. It's all Him, really it has little to do with me. I have noticed a trend lately, though. The more time I spend in prayer, and in His word, the more often I'm asked questions about my faith. I don't even have to bring up the topic. I remember one time recently when I was with someone I had been praying for. Out of the blue, he asked me, "So what was up with the resurrection, anyway?" I was a little shocked to be honest. But I shouldn't be. When I abide in Him, I should expect such questions. So I guess the moral of this story is that it's not about me, or you, or even the lost world out there. It's all about Him, our glorious King and Savior. Don't you feel better now?

Baby Joey Update

Joey's surgery has been moved to Monday morning. I'm not sure why, but I assume he's doing OK if they're going to wait. (I got my information third hand from my 13 year old niece- so no details) Please continue to pray for him. Thanks!
Julie

Editted: Ok, it looks like my niece didn't know what she was talking about. Joey had a procedure today where they went in through an artery in his leg. They were hoping to open up an artery that was malformed, and too small for blood to flow through. They'll know by late tonight or early tomorrow how successful the surgery was. If things look good, they will be able to hold off on the open heart surgery until he is 5 months old. If not he'll have the surgery on Monday to close the hole in his heart.

IT'S NOT FAIR!!

I think it's clear to all of us that things in the country are just not fair! (Can you hear me stomping my feet?) Why should someone who has a college education make more than a high school dropout? So what if they studied hard, worked several jobs while in school, and took out big loans. Just because they have specialized skills that they worked diligently to acquire, they get to make more money? Doesn't sound fair to me. And what about all those people saving for their future? Just because they live within their means and save and invest their money, is it really fair that they have bigger bank accounts?? We must punish these people. They should spend every penny, and take out loans they don't intend to pay back like the rest of America. We should make those responsible people pay big-time, so the rest of America can have what they want. It's only fair. And don't get me started on homeowners. Why do the people who bought houses they could afford get to keep theirs, when others are losing their homes? Just because they pay their mortgage every month?? Doesn't sound fair to me. I mean this is America. If someone wants something, they should have it. Why should they have to work hard, and save their money? It's just not fair, at all. But fear not, America, fear not. It look like within months we will complete our transition to a socialist nation. Then every thing will be great again. Hmmm...I wonder what will happen to all those hard working, living -within -their -means types.

Baby Joey update

It looks like Joey will be operated on tomorrow (Thursday) morning. He's doing well at Boston Children's Hospital. The outlook is much better today. There's even a chance they won't have to open his chest. Please keep him in your prayers.
Thanks!

Prayers please

My niece, Tricia, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Sunday. Last night I went to see him at the hospital. He's a peanut! And cute as can be. Later in the evening, my niece took a shower and brought the baby to the nursery. When she came back, they were intubating her son! A nurse noticed his poor color, and thankfully checked his oxygen levels. He was brought to the NICU at the best hospital in the state. There they discovered he has a serious heart defect. There's a problem with his valves, and he also has a hole in his heart. They tranferred him to Boston today, with 6 doctors in the ambulance with him! He will be having open heart surgery within the next day or two. Please pray for little Joseph, and his parents, Tricia and Mike.
Thanks!

He calls me Fred...

Don't you love how kids often "hear" the lyrics to songs differently then the rest of us? Today we were driving listening to KLOVE, when my son starts laughing.
"That song is so funny!" he says.
The song was Friend of God by Phillips Craig and Dean.
Well, I didn't think it was that funny..... until Alex started singing along.
"I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me FRED!!!

I'm back...

not sure where I went, or why...but I'm back...I think. I really don't know what happened! Summer flew by, while I obsessed about curriculum. The kids had a fun filled week at day camp, while I obsessed about decluttering. We started back at school in late August. After all that obsessing about curriculum, I couldn't wait to start. We're off to a great start. The calendar is quickly filling up. Who says homeschoolers don't get out enough? Are you kidding! Take a look at my calendar. I think we actually get out too much! But that's life with three kids. Ballet, soccer, theater, iceskating, girl scouts...you get the picture...and that doesn't count all the homeschool get togethers we enjoy. Somehow I'm managing to be out and about, and still educate the kids. I've had to let go of some things. Like my deep desire to be done with school everyday by noon. Some (most) days that's just not possible. I thought we'd just get an early start, but I forgot we're not morning people. So I just let it go...somedays we're still doing school when the buses roll by...but that's ok. It usually means we spent the better part of the day having fun!
Well, I hope to be more consistent with posting. I realized I was talking to myself way too much...time to start blogging again. At least here I can delude myself into thinking I'm not just talking to myself!

This is a test...

It has come to my attention that my BFF, of 25 years mind you, does not read my blog. Now I know, I haven't been too consistent in posting lately. But we're talking about months and months. In fact, I believe she's only read it once. She then bookmarked the page and never returned!!! She claims she doesn't have time! Time to click on a favorites..what's that 3 seconds? I don't expect her to check everyday, but is every 2 or 3 weeks too much to ask? I think not! She claims to have repented of this grievous oversight. I guess we'll see. So BFF, (you know who you are) if you're reading this, say 3 months from now, please leave a comment to prove you still exist! Love you!

Love this song...and the next one too!

I Know You're There

On being 40...

On June 9th, it happened. I reached the milestone of being alive for 40 full years. In other words, I'm now working on my 5th decade of life. As much as I should be depressed by this fact, for some odd reason, I find it quite empowering. 20 is so overrated. Sure, I miss my cute butt, and I've gained 20 pounds in the last 2 decades, but 40 really is so much better than 20. And here are a few reasons why: (humor me, here)
- When I was 20, I knew very little, and thought I knew everything. At 40, I know a lot more, yet realize I still have a lot to learn.
- I didn't have a house when I was 20. Heck, I didn't even have a car when I was 20. So what I'm getting at is I have a lot more stuff now. (Thus the constant need to declutter)
- At 20, I was just beginning to realize how much my parents had done for me. Now at 40, I totally appreciate them.
- At 20, I dreamed of a family and children. Of course in my dream, it was a lot less work. Today at 40, I'm living the dream. Despite the work, I know how blessed I am.
- When I was 20, I didn't even know what a church family was...now, I know, and thank God everyday for mine.
- At 20, I knew about Jesus...but I didn't know Him. At 40, I'm getting to know Him more and more everyday, and He never ceases to amaze me.

Yes, 40 is definitely better than 20...except for those funny, little hairs that keep popping up on my chin. (What's up with that???) I honestly think I'd rather be forty than twenty, despite the chin hair. Now if I could only find a way to freeze the hands of time and stay 40 forever.

The last three weeks

I would apologize for my poor blogging record, but I know you've heard that song before...so I'll just try to quickly recap the past few weeks.

- The last weekend in May was girl's weekend in Boston. I got together with 9 ladies- no husbands, no kids. It was a reunion of my friends from our college days. Freshman year we all ended up on the same floor in BU's Towers. We called it Seventh Heaven- everyone else just called it 7 west. We had a great time! Amazing that 10 moms could manage to get away for a weekend. We must have awesome husbands...poor guys...we had so much fun we decided to do it every year, instead of every 18 years!

- When I got home, I got to packing. We left on a vacation/field trip on the first Tuesday in June. We spent 3 nights in Williamsburg, VA. Then we headed up to DC for 4 more nights. We had a great time, except for the ridiculous heat. Pictures to follow- at some point.

- While in DC, I turned 40!!! Wow, am I old, or what? I guess it's official- I'm a grown-up! More on the wonders of being 40 in a future post.

- Returned to battle my nemesis- laundry. Yeah, I know, you've heard that song before too. But I really, really hate laundry!

- While on the road to Virginia, I once again reworked next year's curriculum...for the millionth time. This time I'm sticking with it. (Although the new Rainbow Resource catalog just came in the mail- I'm trying to resist the urge to go at it with a highlighter!)

- On Thursday we hit day 180! You know what that means- School's out for summer!! Yay!

- We visited my dad on Friday. He was leaving for vacation on Father's Day, so we celebrated it a little early.

- On Sunday it was so great to be back with my church family. I had missed two Sundays teaching Sunday School, and believe it or not, I really missed it! The kids assured me that they wept and lamented my absence- or not...Then we headed to my in-laws for more Father's Day celebrating.

Well, I guess that about does it. I'll try to have something witty to post about in the future. If not have mercy on me. I am old, after all.

How Great is our God?

Pretty amazing. He literally blows my mind, on a regular basis. As I've mentioned in my last post, I've been writing to a lost teen, who I love very much. God first convicted me to write to him about two months ago. Being me, I had to discuss the point with God. I mean, it seemed kind of weird to write a letter to someone I see on a regular basis. What was I supposed to do, sneak in his house and stick a letter under his pillow? At the same time, I saw his life spiraling out of control. Within days of God telling me to write to him, I discovered he would be away, and my only means of communicating would be via writing. (See how smart God is.) So I set pen to paper and started writing. I felt very convicted to share "God Stories" with him. I wrote about the many ways I've seen God work in both my life and his. Over the course of the last 6 weeks I've told him many stories about God's intervention in his life, and the life of his family. Things he would be aware of, but not necessarily see the God connection. During that period I've received a very positive response from him. He even wrote that he didn't think I was crazy, and it's all starting to make more and more sense. Over the course of the weeks, I've shared the Gospel, and his need for forgiveness, but not in the conventional way. I just told him the stories God put on my heart. So about a week ago, I felt it was time to lay it all out as clearly as possible. I wrote him a letter that spelled out the Gospel. I even included cute little drawings to demonstrate his separation from God. I worried a little that I may have gone too far. I certainly didn't want to overwhelm him, and push him away. But God had it all in His hand! So the other day I got a letter from him. Talk about God's perfect timing. He wrote that right before he got my letter "with the drawings", he had read a little book that a "priest" had given him. He told me the book said that he had a sin problem, and he needed to turn away from his sin, ask Jesus to come into his life, and forgive him. He then wrote that right after he did "it", he received my letter. He was amazed that my letter said he needed to do what he had just done! I'm assuming the "it" he's referring to is receiving Christ as his Savior. So, how wild is that? He told me to write to this boy before I even knew what his circumstance would be. He then lays on my heart stories of His faithfulness and trustworthiness, all to prepare his heart for the best news ever. Coincidence that he received my letter immediately after praying for Jesus to come into his life? Or a "God thing", to confirm to him that he made the right choice? Now that, my friends, is a Great God. What a blessing to serve Him!

Blogger break

Well, it appears I've disappeared from bloggityville. It was not a planned break, just a lot going on. Between sports and the play the girls are in, I've been going non-stop. Also my Grandmother is in the hospital, Mother's Day etc... I've been expending most of my writing energy to correspond with a troubled teen I know and love. Let's just say he's "away", courtesy of the State of RI and his own poor choices. But he's responding well to my letters, so if you can send up a prayer for him, I'd appreciate it. Hopefully I'll be back next week when things slow down.

On assignment for God

This Sunday my church began an adventure called Kingdom Assignments. 30 people or teams of people were given $100 to use to bless people, and further God's Kingdom. In 90 days we report back to the church. This is our second year doing Kingdom Assignments. Last year people did an assortment of tasks from a coffeehouse, to collecting used shoes for disaster relief. I had an idea of a fun assignment, but I was worried that it was my idea, not God's idea. During the service the pastor was teaching about Elijah from 1Kings. Two of the points seemed to confirm that my idea was a God- thing. The first was the truth that God can engineer circumstances and make divine arrangements. The question is whether we trust Him to do so. This seemed to answer one of my concerns. The second point was that God can miraculously multiply limited resources. That pretty much wiped out my second concern. So when the time came, I went forward to recieve the hundred dollar bill, and signed on for a "Kingdom Assignment." So here's what I'm going to do: When going through the drive thru at Dunkin Donuts, I'm going to pay for the customer behind me, and leave a note and a small gift explaining my assignment. The gift will be a small book by Max Lucado. I hope to bless 20 people, but I guess that's up to God. Depending on who He puts behind me, and how much they order, I should be able to meet that goal. I've already ordered the booklets, and can't wait to start blessing people! How fun is that?

I'm back..still dizzy

Well, after two weeks of vertigo, I'm back. I'm not sure if the vertigo is really better, or if I'm just getting used to it and adapting. Anyway, life has been very boring at my house. The kids are climbing the walls, and so am I. We've had two weeks of very light schooling, as I haven't been up to much depth. It's been interesting to watch the kids during these two weeks. Rachel has been spending more and more time on the computer on various writing projects. She finished one chapter book she wrote, and is working on another. She also has 2 plays in the works. It's ironic that's she's doing all this writing on her own. If I assigned her these writing tasks, there'd be all sorts of whining involved. Alex, my reluctant reader, has been spending lots of time reading Spiderman books to himself. Maybe there is something to be said for unschooling. Rachel, who struggles with spelling, has grown by leaps and bounds since she started her own writing projects. She finally has a reason to spell properly. We're planning on trying IEW next year to help her grow in her writing skills. She writes with a strong voice, and her writing is very interesting. She has decided to become a writer when she grows up, so she can work from home, and homeschool her own kids. Alex, on the other hand, has decided to be a "hobo". This decision came about when he was lamenting the need to learn Math. He finally saw the light about the usefulness of reading. "It's like watching a movie in your mind." Yes, it's all about entertainment for my little guy. I tried to explain how important Math is in real life...paying bills, buying a house, shopping...etc. Well, he decided he doesn't need to learn these things because he plans on being a hobo. In his mind that means wandering around in the wilderness with a sack of his stuff. He'll bring books for entertainment purposes. Ironically, he is very gifted in Math, he's just not a fan. He can do math quite well, by walking around in circles while he calculates in his mind. Sitting down and doing math the "right way", is not his style. I just need to learn how to channel his bright mind into a productive citizen. He is not your typical learner. Olivia on the other hand is my star student. She is very bright, and is learning to read and write with ease. She's needs to be homeschooled for totally different reasons. At the ripe, old age of 5, I can already see her attraction to worldliness. We are very concerned about the teen years with this one. She's managed to wrap around her fingers anyone over the age of 13. EVERYONE loves Olivia. They also think I'm nuts when I express concerns about her. In the words of my BFF "Oh no, not Olivia, I don't believe it." Yes, she knows how to work it, and has pretty much snowed everyone with her sweet, innocent act. But, we're on to her, and are going to do everything in our power to mold her strongwilled nature for good. As you can imagine, that will involve a lot of prayer. I guess that's all my ramblings for today. Have a great weekend.

Tricia got the call!!

I've been so out of it the past 12 days, that I haven't kept up on my blog reading. Apparently, Tricia got the call for her new lungs a few days ago. It turned out to be a dry run, meaning upon further examination, it was decided that the lungs were not a good match for her. This morning they found out a new set of lungs might be a fit for her. The team is flying out to check out the situation. They hope to hear soon, and she may be on her way to surgery tonight! Please pray for Tricia and Nate, as well as the donor's family. Check here for an update, since I've been too dizzy to be reliable about posting. If you have no idea what I'm talking about click here to get a quick overview of this incredible family. Best wishes, Tricia! I'm praying for you!

Update: It's a go!! Tricia is being prepped for surgery right now! Please pray. By the way, today is Nate's birthday! What a gift!