Persevering In Praise

"Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever." Psalm 145:2

I drove to meet an old friend for lunch today and found myself thinking, praying, asking and seeking how I could work on living out this verse, particularly the EVERYDAY part. It takes little effort for me, and praise seems to flow quickly from my lips in the good times;when it is easy. I am quick to acknowledge His work when He brings all things together and life seems "good". But this verse tells me that it is also very important for me to praise him when it is difficult. To praise Him when I don't know what is going on. To praise Him when it seems like things will just not work out. To praise Him because that is what I am to do..... for ever and ever! There is a song by Matt Redman that says:

"Every step we are breathing in Your grace Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise."

It wasn't that I was questioning the Lord in unbelief today as I was praying. But I asked Him to help me to breath out His praise NOW when I am unsure, anxious and uncertain about my future... and to do it everyday! As I prayed He visibly brought to my mind, like a movie trailer, just how faithful He has been to me. With each event of my life that the Lord conjured up into my thoughts I was reminded of His presence every time and He spoke softly to me and said.... "That was Me!" I was overwhelmed and a peace invaded my car. I was able to reflect as these scenes passed through my mind and it reminded me that I DO have reason to praise His name for ever and ever.... everyday! He has never taken me anywhere without purpose or reason. I am confident as I focus on giving praise... EVERYDAY that I will continue to see His work in my life. He is so faithful to care for us like none other, to love us unconditionally, and to never leave us to ourselves. As I grow in my love for Him I want to also grow in praising and extolling His name for ever and ever. As my friend and I had lunch together I was encouraged and we were recounting God's goodness in both of our lives. At one point with tears she enthusiastically said... "I just love how God works!" Indeed.

Nutty Buddies, Blessings and A Lesson on Contentment

I think the older I get the more nostalic I become. I was thinking recently of a special memory that I had of my grandmother, Claire Solberg, who we affectionately referred to as Nana Solberg. She would come to our house for extended stays twice a year. Once was always around Christmas and then she would return again during the summer. I always looked forward to her coming to our house because, looking back, I realize this was the only time that I really got to see her. Well ok, I also looked forward to her coming because I always had to give up my room when she came. Which in the end was a sweet deal for me because (unknown to my brothers) she paid me everytime she came for, as she would put it, "letting her use my boudoir"- which she taught me was a fancy word for bedroom! She always made me feel like the giving up of my bedroom was such a sacrifice and that it was only proper for her to pay me. Of course, it was always some outrageous amount too.

Another special memory with my Nana was that whenever she was with us around Christmas she always came to our school concerts and then treated us to ice-cream on the way home. Of course we had to go to the local creamery for the very best made onsite ice-cream around. However,I didn't look forward to the fresh churned homemade ice-cream. No, I looked forward to being able to get a Nutty Buddy from the freezer that contained the frozen ice-cream novelties - like you can get from an ice-cream truck. Crazy, but it was a highlight for me. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that after every concert we would head to the ice cream place in town, and that I was going to be able to get a nutty buddy from the freezer that sat right inside the door of the ice cream shop. Recently I was thinking about the predictability of that Nutty Buddy and how much I loved going there after each concert or school function. It was something I anticipated, looked forward to, could count on. I really do not remember a concert that Nana Solberg went to with us that was not followed by this very routine.

It is so easy for me to wish for simpler days. It is even easier for me to wish that everything would be carefree, safe, and well.... predictable. If I dwell on that I become discontent when things seem anything but carefree, safe.... or predictable. It is then that I find myself trying to convince my heart that I want my life to be easier to figure out, I want my life to be like going to the ice-cream store with my Nana.... the Nutty Buddy is always there!

I was kind of spiraling down that road last week, not wanting a Nutty Buddy:), but I was allowing myself to be so frustrated with life's current circumstances. I was allowing discontentment to brew inspite of the promises that I have already been given. Promises that far outweigh simple problem-free days or a life of predictability. These promises bring true contentment to last through all of my days... whether they are predictable or not! I could try to list them all but I most surely would fail, there are so many. In Ephesians 1:3 Paul tells us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ".

It doesn't say some of the spiritual blessings,or a few of them but rather EVERY single one of them. I have access to the heavenly father who will meet every single need I have. Such a simple lesson, and yet it seems to be one I must learn over and over again. I don't need to long to be problem free or have my days filled with predictability. My heavenly father is capable of meeting my every need and He allows me to see it is not an easy life that I should desire because those just bring temporary satisfaction. But rather contentment in my life is what I should seek. That can only come through my relationship with Jesus Christ. It will never come from the events or people in my life. It can only come from Him. His work in my life creates the contentment I need.

Ephesians 3:20 "Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes"

...and yet I am the one who's changed.

One of the many things I considered to be a part of God's plan for moving me the "whole way out to Missouri" was the possibility of reconnecting with and restoring a relationship with my estranged brother. The last time we had spoken was in 2005 and to say that we parted on bad terms would be putting it lightly. But I was sure that somehow being 8 hours closer to him would afford me the opportunity to at least re-establish contact. At first I mostly just prayed about it. But weeks turned into months and months into a couple of years and I remember thinking (after hearing that he wasn't doing too great) that maybe Eric and I could possibly help him in some way. Of course praying that seemed cuh-razy! How would I be able to do anything? What, did God want me to high-tail it up to the city and bring him back with me? But none the less, I believe a seed was planted as I prayed, ""Lord if you want him to come here, make a way!" There have been times over the last year where the Lord has brought my brother to my mind. He has directly made me think of him, had my kids ask about him, had someone preach about our "lost" brothers and sisters, etc. On a Thanksgiving in 2011 I remember specifically sharing with my church family of my burden that I had for my brother and that I knew that God would provide a way for me to reconnect and that somehow he would see his need for the Lord. Again, weeks turned into months and months into a year and once again hearing about my brother's deep peril I inadvertantly shot him a text. Now, I will tell you, I had up until this time attempted on many occassions to contact him, but never heard anything back from him. So, I really didn't expect anything but followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to text him. Within minutes my phone rang, not because he was wanting to "talk to me" but because he didn't know who the text was from. It was a great way, however, to break the ice and catch up on our lives. I soon found out that indeed he was experiencing great peril and it was a time of crisis. About a month after this conversation our church encouraged members to select something to place on a prayer card that we would commit to praying for along with the prayer team at church. We all agreed that we would place my brother's name on the card. Over the next three months the contact I had with my brother increased. We texted and talked on the phone quite often. He told me that he had a "job" in Missouri and thought that he would try and come see us or maybe we could come see him. His job ended up being about 5 hours from where we lived so we began planning a weekend trip to go and see him. As the time grew nearer and our conversations increased it was clear to me that this "job" he had was just a temporary thing and that when it was done (2 weeks) he really didn't know what he was going to do and he asked if he could just come see us. My anxiety level increased. My plan... you know the one I so carefully and quickly had calculated in my mind of how things would work out... just crumbled before my eyes. He texted me on a Monday evening to let me know he would be coming that Friday. I was paralyzed with many different emotions. I really felt like I was in over my head. I remembered that cuh-razy prayer I prayed three years ago...."If you want him to come here, provide a way!" What was I thinking! I couldn't sleep so I sat in my living room and began to pray. I gave my anxiety over to the Lord and asked him to please, please, please tell me what I was supposed to do. Suddenly, my phone alert went off. I looked at my phone and saw that my daily verse had come through. Here is what it said: "He who loves his brother remains in the light." I John 2:10. Of course my fears melted away and I knew this was what I was to do; Not judge, Not criticize, Not vent, Not accuse.... BUT JUST LOVE! Who knew that God actually texted! I had no idea that this time of loving my brohter would last for 9 weeks. But as the Lord orchestrated each and every detail it amazed me at how omniscient and powerful God really is as His plan unfolds. Of course I already knew all of this, but I will say that this experience has deepened my understanding of the character and awesomeoness of God. My attempt here to capture all of the ways God worked most likely will not do Him justice but I will try. I was first humbled by the reaction of my children to their uncle. LOVE oozed from their very being. No judging, no questions, nothing but genuine LOVE! It challenged my walk with the Lord as I saw their concern for the salvation of this family member and had NO RESERVATIONS about our decision for him to be with us. As the days turned into weeks I knew that there would have to be serious conversations about what he was going to do next. I was amazed at how the timing and the calmness that pervaded my spirit each time these conversations occurred. Some were heated, but were always productive. The prayers of my youngest each night as we prayed around the table always included that "everyone would come to know You, Lord." and you would invariably see her stare at her uncle as she uttered these prayers. His visit changed our family in ways that words can not express. Many know the testimony of my husband and how the Lord brought him from a very reckless lifestyle. The Lord used his testimony in so many powerful ways. He spent many nights talking with my brother and giving of his time and was so very patient. He included him in various projects around the house, etc. He was every bit of what you would hope your husband would be when your brother comes to live with you for what seems an indefinate period of time. He went out of his way to accomodate and make my brother feel welcome and accepted. I was blessed by his testimony of LOVE. With each week that passed I saw that the Lord was softening my brother. He seemed less defensive and actually open to looking at his own life and decisions he has made. One of his regrets was "missing out" on family things. During his stay here he was able to witness 3 concerts,an art show, a play, 6 volleyball practices and 6 volleyball games, 5 softball games, and even an 8th grade graduation. I was so grateful for our active schedule that allowed him to see the girls perform, play and compete. He was their biggest fan! After one night of a very exhausting conversation I laid in bed and talked with Eric about needing to find some place for him to go. We prayed specifically that "we could find out about a place like Teen Challenge". It is really the only kind of rehab place I knew about. I went to work the next morning and in casual conversation a lady that I work with started to tell me that in a few days she was going to a graduation at TEEN CHALLENGE. She was wondering if I had ever heard of it. Well, of course I almost started crying as she talked because I knew that this was a direct answer. While her husband secured an application for me it ended up being a place for younger individuals but this encounter led to a discussion with my brother about whether or not he would be interested in going to a place like this, if it accomodated someone his age. He was so open to it instead of going to bed I spent the next three hours combing the internet looking for some place that we could afford and that seemed like a good fit. We narrowed it down to three and as we talked to him it seemed like "Heartland's Men Recovery" in LaBelle, Missouri was a perfect opportunity to shed some things in his life. At first we thought that the process would be quick, fast and simple. Not that it was hard, but it didn't go as quickly as "my plans" suggested. (Are you catching on that every time I had a plan it didn't work.... then God's plan did.. Yeah.. me too!) However, months prior to my brother's arrival my mom had purchased plane tickets to come out to see us. As you guessed it, she arrived just in time to be here before he left. We both had the opportunity to take him to the recovery center, see where he will be, and most importantly pray for him before we left. That moment was extremely emotional as I sensed his thankfulness and brokeness like never before. The nine weeks melted away and I knew this was the answer to my prayer three years ago, "Lord if you want him to come here, make a way!" I do not want to lead you to believe that this whole process was rosy and perfect. There were plenty of times I wanted to scream, pull my hair out, judge, criticize and then I was reminded of that verse and was prompted to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I still can't believe it all happened. I know there will stil be more to the story. The program he entered is 18 months so only time will tell. But I rest assured and with the hope that can only be found in Christ that God's got it all under control. I took my brother to rehab, and yet I'm the one who's changed... sounds like a God thing to me!

A God Moment .... in a nutshell!

Today I had a God moment and seriously if I could I would try and explain it in a nutshell. It was so powerful it may end up being more like a handfull of nuts... but alas.... I will try. For about the last 2 months my life has been incredibly busy and full of transitions and challenges. This post is not going to outline all of those but just suffice it to say that I was struggling with a bit of anxiety. I attributed it mostly to the transition of selling our home, and moving into our cozy little town home. But recently I knew it was more than just another move. It just seemed like I was spinning my wheels, burning the wick at both ends, and sleep seemed to be evading me at every corner. My joint pain from RA seemed to magnify as each day progressed. When the school year began all of it seemed to just intensify as I added to my life more demands to my schedule. So, that brings me to my God moment that happened today. For the last few days my heart had been weary. I was allowing myself to be consumed. My days seemed to go from sun up to way past sun down. Well, my daughter was going to be playing with the worship team for one song this morning which meant I needed to be at the church at 7:00 AM. Usually Sunday is my day to sleep in because church does not begin until 9:30. So, getting up this morning was a real struggle. But, I had to do it. I had been encouraging her to do this so I had to back up my words and drive her to practice. I got up at 5:45 and was ready with plenty of time to spare. So as I sat on the couch waiting for my girls to get ready and I began to pray. It was the beginning of my God moment. I actually contemplated bringing some papers to grade while my daughter practiced. After all I was going to have a whole HOUR with NOTHING to do!. But I was prompted, as I sat there on the couch, to just go, read my bible and listen to the worship team practice. I sat there in silence and uttered a sincere prayer. "Lord, show me what I need to do. I can't stand to be this way. Is there some action I need to take, something I need to release, something I need to change... please show me." We drove to church and I sat in the back pew and opened my bible to Psalm 9 while I listened to them sing. The first part of that chapter spoke to me directly. "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." It quickly hit me that the first answer to my prayer was to give thanks. I sat there thanking the Lord for whatever I could think of at that moment and decided that maybe I just needed to be more thankful. It seemed kind of simple and to be honest... "the same old.. same old" I agreed to the Lord that I am sure everyone could be more thankful. I then closed my bible... well actually signed out of it on my kindle... and began to listen to the worship songs and just sang my heart out right there in the back row of the sanctuary. Interestingly, as they practiced their worship set the worship leader interjected a reading from....that's right....Psalm 9! As I sang, I will admit, my spirits were lifted but still in the back of my mind was the burden of "all that I still had to do today and in the next few weeks" and I was experiencing the heaviness of burdens that I was carrying of friends and family who need the Lord or are facing great struggles and tragedy in their lives. Our church has two services and so because my daughter was playing for the first time I had planned to go to first service and then stay for the worship in the second service. Enter the moment where the God moment seemed to just take over. Now remember, I had already sung all the songs several times as the worship team practiced so it is not like I didn't know what we were about to sing. But as we began to sing I heard the voice inside my heart. Are you ready for the answer to your question? Because, here it comes! Over the course of the next 20 minutes the Holy Spirit used the words and music of the songs to gently give me the answer to my prayer uttered earlier that morning. What was I supposed to do? The first answer was what He tried to tell me earlier. It was to just be thankful in a deeper sense and try to Bless and Praise the Lord in all things. The line that said...."For all your goodness I will keep on singing... Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find." made me realize that that was the same message from the verse I had just read. And of course, the worship leader read again from Psalm 9! Ok, Ok, I get it I need to be thankful! But how is that going to help me, Lord. just change my attitude and it becomes fine? I realized that I was to listen more because the Lord had some more to say. We began singing more and it seemed like... no it actually was that every line of every song seemed to remind me that the Lord was in control and that He was the creator and maker of the earth and that what I needed to do was acknowledge that. It seemed so very simple, yet it was so very powerful. The last song we sang was an old hymn, Near to the Heart of God. There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God. A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. Refrain O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee Near to the heart of God. There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God. A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God. Refrain There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God. As I sang this I got the exact answer that the Lord was preparing me for the entire time of worship. What was I to do? DRAW NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD It wasn't really what I was expecting. I really was expecting some kind of direction that I was to take or something I was to tangibly do. But the Lord softly spoke to my heart and said, I've got all you need, draw near to me. Ok, so you would think that the moment would stop right there. But no... I still had the worship time during the second service! We went through the same songs but this time I sang them not with a heavy heart, but a heart of rejoicing and release. As we came to the last song we were on the last verse and our worship leader, Noel shared that he and his wife talked about how this hymn is often sung at funerals but he (and this is where the GOD MOMENT EXPLODED) said (and I paraphrase) "you know we don't have to be in heaven to be close to the Lord. We can do it right here, right now. What is it that you need? What have you asked the Lord for today? Draw near to Him and your life will have the joy and peace; you find what you need." At that moment I realized that the Lord had fully answered my prayer and that was my answer to "What am I supposed to do?" DRAW NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD How simple, but so beautiful. It was like the Lord said... now I have been trying to tell you this each of the three times you've sang these songs... but did you hear what Noel said? That is what you need to do... just DRAW NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD Got it? Are we good now? I love you and I've got all the rest taken care of!

On the other side of empty......

While it is hard for me to admit it, I found myself in a precarious situation. I had made my third trip into town that day and each time intended on completing a certain errand. Each trip came with distractions and thus the errand was rendered undone. I realize I can't be too hard on myself for forgetting a simple errand. However, when the errand is getting gas...yeah it is kind of important.

I sat first in line at a red light at a busy intersection 100 feet from the Quick Trip, finally intending to complete this mundane task when my van sputtered and then stopped just as the light turned green. There I sat with the answer to my dilemma right in front of me. But, I couldn't do a thing about it. I was in the front of the line with cars behind me wondering why I was still sitting there at a green light. As I turned on my hazard lights I began to wonder what it was exactly that I was going to do to fix this precarious situation. Not only would I need to have some help, but I was not going to be able to do it without the gawking eyes of others.

I made the painful decision to call my husband and explain my situation. I call it a painful decision because this is not the first time I have had to call him for this very reason. Yes, over the past few months I have actually (please don't judge me) run out of gas at least 3 or 4 times. Each of the other times I have had a pretty good "excuse" (yeah right) but this time was different. I had been in town THREE times that day and just "forgot" to get gas. How do you forget to get gas? Seriously? Well, by the time I was just about finished processing this I look back to see a policeman running my plates, lights a blaring,and making this experience something that what seemed like all of Harrisonville could now enjoy. As the officer approached my vehicle I sheepishly rolled down my window and squeaked out, "I'm out of gas!"

I went on to explain that my husband was enroute and he agreed that the best thing was just to wait. Now, up until this time it was just strangers who passed me, stared at me, and drove on. Now that the situation was "under control" I looked over to my right at the traffic that was about to turn down and go right by me. You guessed it, it was someone I knew. While I wanted to shrink down and hide, I pasted on a grin and gave a thumbs up to let them know they did not need to put their life in jeopardy by trying to help me in what was now a clogged intersection because "some woman's van was for some reason stalled at an intersection." As the cars from that lane continued to drive by me I counted 4 or 5 people that I knew...mortifying!

Of course it seemed like ages before I saw my husband's truck pull up close to us. With gas can in hand he weaved his way to our van and without any words of harassment or criticism, he added enough gas to get across the street to the Quick Trip (where I had intended to fill up each time I came to town that day).

I am glad to report that the tank is full and I plan to work a little bit harder to keep an eye on the needle! But, of course while waiting I heard a still small voice remind me of other things that I am trying to run on empty! This whole scenario was a reminder of my need to take time for renewal and refreshment not just when my tank is empty, but every day. Our church is going through a 6 week study that emphasizes getting into God's Word and the importance of being in daily communion and fellowship with God to avoid being caught in life's busy intersections on empty. The last time Eric came to my rescue I was just a few miles down the road and the situation unfolded without the entire population of Harrisonville looking on. At that moment I was gently reminded that when I neglect my time with the Lord and don't seek to "fill my tank" I can find myself caught in some sticky situations unprepared, sitting with the world watching, with all that I need in sight, but unable to tap into any resources because I am sitting on empty.

This week we have had our Spring Break, so I have been refreshed and renewed in many ways. I have been refreshed physically with some extra sleep, my house has been renewed with 5 bags to Good Will, and my times of devotion and just being QUIET have also been renewed. So, with this small escapade behind me, I am thankful (in more ways than one) to be sitting on the “other side of empty”. It blesses me oh so very much!

Miriam, the woman with no middle name.

Our hearts have recently mourned the loss of Eric's Mom affectionately known to all as Mim. Our family will miss the weekly visits and cherish the memories we made with this most special woman. As I have been pondering and reminicising about her life I have been thinking about an unusual fact that many may not know. Miriam Yoder was the woman with NO middle name.

I remember the evening when I found out that she had no middle name. I spent a great deal of time trying to convince her that certainly she had to have a middle name. It just seemed unusual, almost not fair. I have decided that, in her honor, I shall bestow to her some most fitting middle names.

Miriam "The Mother" Yoder: It didn't take anyone very much time to determine that this woman LOVED LOVED LOVED her boys. I don't think I can ever remember ONCE a negative word uttered from her mouth about these guys. Each one of them had captured her heart in a special way and she rejoiced in their triumphs and gladly bore their sorrows.

Miriam "The Cook" Yoder: While in her last decade she was not able to display her culinary wonders it is widely known that this woman could put on a spread. I remember enjoying some fabulous Sunday dinners. As I look through her old cookbook it is plain to see that cooking was certainly a passion. She always made her food look so beautiful and when you dined with her it wasn't a rushed event. A meal was something to be shared, relished, and enjoyed.

Miriam "The Grandma" Yoder: If you think Mim loved her boys you should have seen/heard her talk about her grandkids. This was one proud Grandma. She was never rushed, always willing to listen, or have an on the spot tea party. She would sit with enduring patience as my girls would "do" her hair and make-up or paint her nails. She was their biggest cheerleader. With each, "Hey Grandma, look at this..." she watched with the raptured attention and made it seem like each performance was Broadway worthy.

Miriam "The Compassionate" Yoder: Mom, Mim, Grandma Mim.... however you knew her; you were aware of her compassion and love of people. She was the kind of person who cheered for the underdog and helped the hurting. Her first response when seeing a need was to figure out WHAT she could do to help. She prayed diligently for those she loved and carried the burdens for so many. It was her delight to help without expecting in return.

Miriam "The Strong One" Yoder: It is no mystery that her life had some bumps along the way. Whenever she would reference these setbacks it was usually couched with a promise of God and a reminder of that despite her circumstances she stood on the grounds that God was indeed still in control. Some of these setbacks seemed to be harder than others but her resolve to trust would emerge and, though heavy hearted, she would still offer up praise to her Creator and Sustainer.

Miriam "The Prayer" Yoder: Mim prayed for so many, many people. Most significantly I know the prayers she offered on behalf of her wayward son have forever changed my life. I am grateful that she never gave up on Eric. A few years ago I found a letter that she wrote to Eric. It reiterated what I already knew; She prayed without ceasing.

Miriam "The Sister" Yoder: It was always a JOY to see Miriam around her sisters. Intense joy filled the room when they were together and laughter was never far from their lips. Sometimes it would be laughter over a story shared or a memory cherished. And sometimes it was just laughter because they loved to laugh. Being in the presence of her sisters brought Mim great comfort.

As time passed in Mim's life her health declined and some of her traits and characteristics began to change somewhat. She still loved a good laugh and her eyes lit up with joy at the presence of family. However, over time, it was difficult for her to let go of some of her independence. At times it was a challenge for us to see her slowly fade. But it is through these years that emerged a new phase for us and an opportunity that allowed us to LOVE her back.To love her the way she loved us, without expecting anything in return.

Miriam "The Loved" Yoder: Gathering around her hospital bed last week it was obvious that this woman was loved. Her life was one of unconditional love and it was a blessing to hear her communicate she was ready to go home. Peace fills our hearts as we ponder that she is finally released to no more pain or sorrow and her life has been renewed. She loved so very much to listen to and sing praise and worship music. I can only imagine how wonderful and content her smile must be as she sits and worships at the feet of her Lord and Savior.

I feel this song expresses how she must feel.( I tried to make it a link, but it wasn't working)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfHSXZJX_E



You are loved dear Miriam, the woman without a middle name; the mother, the sister, the Grandma.....my friend.

Celebrating Our Ju-Ju Bear!

Ju-Ju Bear, JuCY Box, JU-G! We love our Julia Claire Yoder! I still can't believe that I am embarking on a week where I will begin to say that Julia is 13!
Saying where does the time go seems so trite. But seriously, WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? It seems like just yesterday she was convincing me that she did not want to grow up, and I was convincing her that she would indeed survive Kindergarten. Wow, those were 12 trying weeks of tears every morning. But I look at her now, amazed at how she has overcome her bent towards being shy and has (seemingly overnight) emerged into a beautiful, young lady. I am so proud of my teen and so thankful that I get to be her Mom. I don't ever want to imply that our lives are perfect. Believe me, we have our share of struggles and "growing pains". But, I am so THANKFUL that I can honestly say I enjoy my teenager! I am proud of her and so thankful for her unique gifts and talents!

We had a great night with 5 families joining us to celebrate Julia. We started this tradition with our girls when Kathryn turned 13. We came together with the intent of showering Julia with encouragement and affirmation as she enters this exciting time of her life. We spent the evening reminding her of, not only our love and committment to her, but of God's promises and plan for her life. Eric and I sang "I Bless You!' and even had some great guitar accompaniment as well....thanks Noel!

Each family brought words of encouragment that were shared. We were also excited to have had some family and East Coast friends send some special words (and video) as well. It was a great time of (as someone this evening put it) reminding Julia of "who she is as well as WHOSE she is!"

TOP TEN THINGS I APPRECIATE ABOUT MY JULIA!

...not in any particular order..

1) There is never a dull moment when Julia is around. She is the funny one of the family with a quick wit and timing that is impeccable.

2) CREATIVE with a capital C! This girl can create and invent the greatest skits, dance routines, correography, poems, etc. Her recent rendition of "Christmas Is Coming!" had us ALL in stitches and I was laughing so hard I was crying. She is always taking time to include her younger sister in her "shows" as well. I think her creativity is one of her greatest strengths.

3) She is a servant. Her willingness to help and ability to see when help is needed makes her wise beyond her years. Her sensitivity to others has been evident to me since she was a young child. She always seemed to be able to perceive what someone was feeling, thinking, or needing.

4) She is generous. I love to watch her as she sees a need. She immediately seeks ways to meet it. Her commitment to tithing and giving back to the Lord convicts me, encourages me, and humbles me. It is always the first question she asks when she gets money "How much should I tithe?" I have seen the Lord bless her because of this.

5) Julia is a hard worker. I actually was going to type PERFECTIONIST. But I know she gets that honestly. I see her diligence come through in so many different ways....school, sports, ....really anything! She is not one to slack, but rather embraces the respsonsibility life brings her way.

6) Julia is growing in her faith. I am delighted with the conversations we have about spiritual things, so thankful for her sincere desire to honor the Lord, and am grateful for the priority she places in her pursuing her relationship with the Lord.

7) Over the past 3 to 5 years there have been times when our family has faced some uncertainties. I have always been so amazed at how Julia has trusted us (without question) and seemed so willing to "go without" or "sacrifice" without complaining. She has a common sense about her of what is truly important, what matters, and of what lasts. It is refreshing.

8) She is my cleaner and organizer. Can I just say it is AWESOME to not have to go behind this girl and check to see if something is done "right".I can always count on her!

9) She is perceptive. She has a keen sense to know the intentions and needs of others. Being in a Junior High setting, she comes across many situations where she sees someone who has been mistreated or others who act in duplicity. It AMAZES me how perceptive she is in regards to this. I am so thankful for her desire to stay out of the DRAMA!

10) One of the things I am most proud of is how Julia has grown in the area of accepting change. My most favorite quote of Julia as we prepared to move is "I hate change. Why do we need change? If you want change so bad...go rearrange the living room. Don't try and change how my life is" It is true that JULIA NEVER liked change...even little changes bothered her. But I have seen her really grow in this area and have been so proud of her.


Julia, I love you more each day and am so thankful to be called your Mom. I love you bunches and am so thankful that you are in our family. I can't wait to celebrate your life this week.

Love you,
Mom