New Places!!

Our family moved to Memphis about eight years ago. At the time we had 3 kids with the youngest being one. Then within a couple of years we had our 4th child. I remember people would ask us if we were going to do this or that and I would think...no way!! The thought of taking 4 kids anywhere new caused me to break out into hives. Shoot, the thought of taking 4 kids out to dinner caused my blood pressure to rise.

So, for a season my world got really small. My life was oriented around my home and my family and the area of town where we lived and the area of town where I worked. The past 6 years truly have been wonderful. Time spent with my family and in relationship with friends has been sweet. And I would not trade those years for anything.

However, today I'm realizing that my world is expanding...and I'm pretty pumped. By nature I like to try new things and go new places and explore.

Recently I've started working for a ministry in Memphis called Habitat for Hope. Little did I know when I started working with these folks just how much fun I would have. Here are some of my new hang outs.

Le Bonheur - (This is a post by a friend) I'll be here on a regular basis hanging out with families. Recently I was able to take Clara with me when we served lunch to the staff of one of the floors. We had a blast serving together.

Habitat for Hope Apartments - The first week of summer vacation my daughter Hannah and her friend Erin went with me to clean the apartments to prep for new families moving into the apartment. These apartments are provided to families at no cost.

Habitat for Hope - Last week I had a meeting with Mylissa on the front porch of the 48 acre property. It was lovely and relaxing. The boys were able to go with me and had a blast playing with several boys. They started by playing Legos and then they moved outside for a duel under a canopy of trees. Working while hanging out with my boys is pretty sweet.

We've also had staff meetings at a couple of local places Republic Coffee and Cheffies Cafe.

Little did I know that I would be able to take my family along with me while I worked. For that I'm very grateful. Next week I'm going to treat my kids to a Paleta just because well I think they are awesome!!

But I want...

This image is great!! It was a picture taken by my friend Lana. She took a picture of my daughter Clara writing the word love. I LOVE it!! So cool and creative. Lately I've been thinking about love, what it really means. I say the word all the time and yet how often do I mean it and live it.

I'm taking the time to think about the famous love chapter. So far I've looked at two phrases, Love never gives up and Love cares more for others than self. Truthfully I could probably camp out on the "Love cares more for others than self" for the rest of the year, maybe even the rest of my life.

The next phrase is
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Well crud...another phrase that I will be working on for the rest of my life. The reality is that in our culture this is tough to live out. Watch one set of commercials and you realize that advertising strives to get you to want what you do not have.

And, I'm thinking that wanting what we don't have just might come quite naturally. If you've ever been around small children, you will notice fairly quickly that a toy does not hold much allure unless someone else has it.

All too often we are green with envy.
All too often we are bitten by the green-eyed monster.
All too often we want what we do not have.

IF it is natural for us to want what we don't have. IF culture screams at us to want what we don't have. Then, we must replace that with something else.

For this week I'm going to watch my words and thoughts. I'm going to notice how many times I say I wish. I wish I had ____. I wish I was more like_____ I wish I could _____. Because really when I say or think those words I'm wanting what I don't have.

What would my life look like if instead I choose to be thankful for who I am and what I have. There is a great book that I have started reading called One Thousand Gifts. This book asserts that when we give thanks, we find ourselves wildly loved by God. In expressing gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted---a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others

I want to live fully right where I am in this moment!!!

Still I will Praise Him!!

In this post last week I reflected on how Christ is hope in the midst of darkness. The image was taken in Joplin, MO. Many lives were lost in Joplin. Many people were injured. Many homes were destroyed.

Within just a few days several of my friends went to help. Our pastor and his wife, Scott and Suzanne, have family in Joplin and were the first to go. Shortly after them a group of guys from our church went.

Within minutes of finding out about needs, people generously responded. Personally I posted a need for 4 car seats on Facebook. Within 20 minutes that need was met. Donations flooded into our church and were delivered to The Bridge. in Joplin.

Here's a note from Suzanne's Facebook.

"Sunday in Joplin, one week after the storm, I stood crying in church as people sang "there will be an end to these troubles but until that day comes, still I will PRAISE YOU!" with hands raised to God, tears streaming down their faces! These same people met each other in the halls, hugging and exclaiming things like, "You lived! I'm so glad you're okay!" And many of them were exhausted from working hard all week, helping their neighbors and strangers. After church I watched the amazing New Hope guys doing an awesome job, clearing fallen trees under a hot sun. They were sunburned, sweating, and I love their servant hearts. Singing to God, sweating for Jesus, both of these are worship -- and my eyes are filling again"

Devastation. Loss. Heartache. Hurt. Pain.
Hope. Love. Praise. Service. Worship.

Troubles will come.
We see the devastation on the news.
We feel compassion.

This week the devastation moved closer to home.
My heart hurts.
Tears well up in my eyes just to think it.

This week...
A wife lost her husband in a tragic accident.
A couple lost their son a month before he is born.
A couple learned that the chemo won't cure the cancer in their baby, it will simply slow it down until she is old enough for radiation.

For these friends, these aren't stories.
This is reality.
This is life.
Their hearts are broken.

Yet they Still Praise Jesus.
He is their Hope.
They choose to put their faith in Him.

Please pray for these families this week and in the weeks to come.

What Does Love Really Mean?

Lately I've been pondering what love really means. Let's face it, we all want to be loved. Period.

A song released by the Beatles right after I was born sums it up in the chorus. According to Wikipedia "The Beatles were asked to come up with a song containing a simple message to be understood by all nationalitites." This song was first performed by The Beatles on Our World, the first live global television link.

All you need is love.
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

What was true in 1967 is still true today. We all need and want love. That I can agree with. But...I am wondering what the world would look like if we shifted our focus. I wonder what would happen in this world if we stopped needing love and started giving love.

It's easy to receive love, but harder to give love.
It's easy to say the words "I love you", but it is much harder to live the words "I love you".

Love cares more for others than self!!
These words from 1 Cor. 13 sum up what I am trying to say. Today....let's care for others more than we care for ourselves. Now that would make the world a better place.

Okay so that wasn't intentional...but leads to some lyrics from Michael Jackson.

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change

or from "Heal The World"

Heal the World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

If You Want To Know Why
There's A Love That
Cannot Lie
Love Is Strong
It Only Cares For
Joyful Giving

What if today I really loved my neighbor as myself?
What if today I really considered others better than myself?

Hope in the Midst of Pain!!

This photo speaks volumes to me this morning!!

The devastation
The darkness
The loss
The barrenness
The storm clouds gathering overhead

And yet the cross stands.
Jesus
Hope in the midst of pain.
Light in the midst of darkness.
Life in the midst of death

It's easy to see this visually when a tornado comes and rips apart a town.
It's more difficult to see when tragedy comes and rips apart a heart.

Oh that God would give us eyes to see
Hearts to feel
Ears to listen
Hands to serve
and feet to go

Love Never Gives Up!!

In my post yesterday I came to a tough realization. So many times I say the words "I Love You" without truly living out the words. What does it really mean to love someone? The first phrase mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13 (The Message) is "Love never gives up"!!! What does it mean to give up? Well I did a handy, dandy search on the internet and found this answer

"To give up means to simply stop trying at something."

Ouch!!!

How many times relationally do I simply stop trying? More times than I would care to admit. Why do I do that? Busyness, Apathy, Hurt, Anger, Frustration, Boredom, Selfishness and a myriad of other reasons.

So, LOVE ALWAYS TRIES!! When I say "I love you" to someone that means I will try. That means I will put in the effort, even when I don't want to or I don't feel like it.

What would my relationships look like if I actually put this into practice?

Do I love or do I lie?

How many times have I said "I love you" to the people in my life? To use a phrase my oldest daughter says....a gazillion. This morning I read 1 Corinthians 13 in the Message. Even if you don't read the Bible much, you may have heard these verses spoken at a wedding. Shoot, these verses may have been spoken at your own wedding. My wedding was so long ago, I can't honestly remember.

Here's the words I read this morning...

Love never gives up
Love cares more for others than self
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have
Love doesn't strut
Doesn't have a swelled head
Doesn't force itself on others
Isn't always me first
Doesn't fly off the handle
Doesn't keep score of sins of others
Doesn't revel when others grovel
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth
Puts up with anything
Trusts God always
Always looks for the best
Never looks back
But keeps going to the end
Love never dies

Truth is when I read these words I realize that I often lie when I say I love you!!

22 x 2

This past week was my birthday. I turned 44. It seems like just yesterday I was 22 and about to marry my prince charming, full of dreams, full of ideals, full of excitement, and full of energy.

Fast forward 22 more years and here I am, still married to my prince charming, though he often leaves the toilet lid up which is less than charming. Many of my dreams have come true, though from time to time they might have felt nightmarish. Most of my ideals turned out to be a tad bit unrealistic. I am still full of excitement, but sometimes my greatest excitement of the day is when my head hits the pillow. And somewhere along the way I seemed to have misplaced my energy. That could have something to do with the four rambunctious children who have been added to the mix.

Only God knows what the next 22 years will hold. My hope is to follow Christ with reckless abandon wherever He leads day by day. My desire is to serve Him wholeheartedly hour by hour. My passion is to be who God made me to be moment by moment. I’ve spent many of the past 22 years comparing myself to others and trying to be someone I am not. I’m done with that. If only it were that easy!!!

I want to be who God made to be and do what He made me to do. (Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do).

Van vs. Wind - Part 2

Recently our van door had a battle with the wind and it really looked like the wind won. However, I am happy to report that the van came back and won the battle. Of course the van had some help from the insurance company and a friend from church.

Today David went pick-up the van. Our friend repaired the door AND repaired a couple of broken door handles, fixed a window that we couldn't roll down because if we did it wouldn't roll back up. He also completely and I mean completely detailed the car, including dying the carpet and cleaning the van inside and out. The van is beautiful (well as beautiful as a van with 209,000 miles on it can be). If you have ever ridden in our van you know this is truly a feat.

And the cost was less than the insurance estimate. So this evening I went out and splurged and bought a cushy, squishy steering wheel cover. I've been looking at this cover for almost a year but was too cheap to buy it. It's amazing what a difference a $12.00 steering wheel cover makes.

My take away from this whole experience is "God cares about the details of our life". And, "He uses His people to help others". So, go the extra mile today and bless the socks off someone!! Make someone's day!!!!

Oh and on a humorous note...on the way home from picking up the van my husband was about two minutes in front of a significant storm that included hail. He made it home with no hail damage, WHEW!!

son-shine on a sunny day!!

One of Elijah's assignments for school is to write in his story folder. He actually dictates the story and I write it. Otherwise it might take us four hours. I liked his story for today. It made me smile. There has been absolutely no editing in this story. It is written just as he told it.

"Once upon a time there was a little boy. The little boy forgot to help clean the house with everyone. He got distracted because he had a favorite ball. He played with it. His mom told him to stop playing with his favorite ball and his room was very messy. So his mom told him to clean his whole room by himself. He cleaned up his whole room by using his feet. It was very, very hard. But he did it. "

The End

Van vs. Wind

Two Sundays ago we had a lovely morning in church and got in the van to come home. It was such a beautiful day..... an all is right with the world day!! We drove home, parked the van and went to open the door. All of a sudden the wind gusted and pulled the door out of my hands. I thought the door was going to fly through the yard and land in the woods behind our house.

The door was still intact, but it wouldn't close at all. And of course all six of us had somewhere to be in 30 minutes. And the door just wouldn't close. Needless to say we didn't all make it to the party since our other vehicle seats four people.

You will notice the door is closed in the picture. Our awesome neighbor, Jimmy, came over while we were gone that evening and fixed it. We're not really sure what he did. We're not really sure we WANT to know what he did. But we have the best neighbors on the planet!!!

What I remember most about that day is my girls sitting in the car and laughing hysterically. For some reason they thought it was funny. And quite frankly I did too. It felt like I was living in a cartoon world. Although David's memory of that day might be different.

One of my favorite TV shows growing up was Little House on the Prairie. Their pa always said "alls well that ends well". to be continued....

Glimpses of Glory!!

Yesterday the phrase "glimpses of glory" kept running through my mind. So many times I live frustrated by the difficulties of life. It's easy to do. Daily frustrations seem to pile up. And yet God opens the window to heaven on a daily basis. When we see "glimpses of glory" the frustrations, difficulties, trials fade away. That was what was on my brain yesterday morning.

Last night my kids ran inside to get me and tell me to come outside quickly. Usually that means someone has blood gushing from some part of their body. Or, someone has done something they shouldn't have done. So I ran outside.

And I ran right smack into a glimpse of glory!! The sky looked like it had exploded. It was spectacular!! It was one of those moments where you think your heart is going to explode into a million pieces. And to make it even more amazing my kids ran to get me because they wanted to share it with me...and my heart explodes with joy even more!!

So I am on a treasure hunt today.....looking for a glimpses of glory!!

"For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

I'm Ready!!!

In my January 4th post, I made the following statement...

I'm excited about 2011.

I'm ready for what's next, the next rushing stream that requires risk.

I'm ready to cross the tightrope.

I'm ready to see what God has in store.

I'm ready to take the hand of Jesus and follow where He leads.

Little did I know at that time what the future would hold. Just a couple of weeks after that post I began to talk with Habitat for Hope about becoming a part of their team. Habitat for Hope is a local non-profit organization that is a committed group of volunteers and staff who work to form community around families who have traveled to the mid-south to receive medical care for their children. The ministry of Habitat for Hope touched my heart from the moment I first heard Mylissa share her story at a local womens group last spring.

Through a seemingly random course of events (read that with a bit of a sarcastic tone) I became aware that Habitat for Hope was looking for someone to coordinate volunteers. Those who know me well know I love helping people see a need and working together to meet that need. I love it when people understand that God made them just the way they are and He wants to use them for His glory as they serve others....love, love, love it. At the time I was also reading this book which tied in perfectly to this seemingly random course of events. The truth is that there are so many things that worked together to bring me to where I am today.

Today I am crossing the rushing stream. As of today it's out there for the whole world to know that I am committed to the mission and ministry of Habitat for Hope. I am committed to use my experiences, skills, abilities and talents to serve others. I am committed to build relationships with patient families and find ways to serve them. I am committed to build relationships with volunteers. Volunteers are vital to the ministry of Habitat for Hope.

You may be wondering why this is a bit scary. It's a bit scary because all staff at Habitat for Hope raise their own support. Each staff person serves as a missionary to a specific population of people. No, it's not Africa, but it is a Christian ministry whose primary goal is to work as the hands and feet of Jesus for families who are facing the serious or long-term illness of a child.

I'm ready!!!

Are you ready? Would you consider joining me in this adventure? Would you consider becoming a prayer partner? Would you consider becoming a financial partner? Would you consider becoming a volunteer for Habitat for Hope? My prayer is that you would join me in this journey seeking to follow Jesus wherever He leads!!!

Please email me at diane@habitatforhope.org if you would like more information.

Scariest Dream Ever!!

This morning Little E whose 3+3 crawled into our bed at 5:00 am. As he crawled in, he told me he had the scariest dream ever. He didn't want to go into details. Who can blame him for not wanting to re-live the scariest dream ever?

I lay there for a few moments and let my sweet little boy fall back into a deep sleep. I tried to go back to sleep (which is impossible because I naturally wake up at 5:00 am on a daily basis. I know, I know that is sick and wrong!!). In those moments I was thankful that my little boy sought us for comfort. As soon as he was in our presence he settled down and fell fast asleep despite having the scariest dream ever.

It struck me that God must be pleased when we, his children, come to him. He wants to comfort us when we are scared. He wants to soothe our frazzled nerves with His presence. He wants to celebrate with us when we are happy. He wants to listen to us when we are mad. He wants us to hang out with Him because He loves us.

Happy New Year!!

Here's a picture of my kids crossing a tightrope across a stream on a recent hike. I will refrain from posting the picture of me crossing...trust me it wasn't so pretty.

When I went across this tightrope, it was VERY shaky. My balance left alot to be desired. The kids thought my screaming and the shaking of the tightrope was hysterical!! I seriously thought they might all pee in their pants because they were laughing so hard.

Why do I share this story on this blog after months of silence? As I reflect on this past year, I feel like I have been walking on a tightrope. God has put me in some new situations. God has put me in some tough situations. I have had to simply put one foot in front of another. It's been a little shaky from time to time. I have felt like I was going to fall. And yet with the help of Jesus, I've made it through 2010.

After my kids went across this tightrope...the crazy thing is that they kept wanting to cross again and again. It was fun to them. THEY ARE NUTS!!

And yet in my life....I'm excited about 2011. I'm ready for what's next, the next rushing stream that requires risk. I'm ready to cross the tightrope. I'm ready for the adventure. I'm ready to see what God has in store.

I'm ready to take the hand of Jesus and follow where He leads!!!

LOST!!

What happened to the past three months? How in the world can it be three months since I posted on my blog. Really it feels like yesterday. The saying is "time flies when you are having fun". I must be having a blast.

School starts on Monday....we've actually been doing school around here for two weeks. Now that we are settling back into a routine, maybe I will start blogging again. Or, maybe not. The reality of having a high school student living in my home is slapping me in the face. A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT!!!!

Forget the past three months passing quickly...the past decade and a half is a blur. I'm thankful for the friendships we've made. I'm thankful for these four wonderful kids who crack me up and drive me crazy. I'm thankful for my steady man whose living his dream. I'm thankful that God continues to teach me and grow me even when I am not sure whether I am coming or going!!

April Posts Complete!!!

Pictures from April are now posted!!!

I realize that it is much easier to do the 365 project on a daily basis rather than by the month. Sometimes life is not ideal and we get behind, but the important thing is to get in there and do the work....even if it takes a while.

It really would be much easier to quit!! Hopefully my kids can learn from my mistakes so that procrastination will not be their close companion for life!!

365-120

Hannah's end of year Symphony performance!!

365=119

Clara modeling her bathing suit (tags and all) that she got for her birthday. Elijah wanted to put his bathing suit on. The problem is that we may never let Clara leave the house in her bathing suit!!!!!

365-118

Happy Birthday Clara!! To celebrate Clara's birthday we went to Pei Wei...one of our absolute favorite places to eat!! It was a lovely lunch!!