21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Anger (Day 18)

"So much of the Christian life is a choice. Every day (multiple times a day) we're presented with a choice to choose God or choose ourselves. Anger is a perfect example."(from the Leader's Guide by Brook Mcglothlin) This is so true. I often have to "counsel" my children to choose not to get angry with their siblings, or at least not act in anger. How often do we all get in trouble by acting out in anger? Wouldn't things be smoother if we chose to turn the other cheek, forgive and move on? 
Yesterday afternoon, shortly after we got home from VBS, the kids were supposed to be getting themselves sandwiches for lunch and I went upstairs to the bathroom. During the following 5 minutes, I heard yelling, scuffling, the front door slamming shut, and then a little knock at the door and Luca's plaintive voice. When I opened the bathroom door, there was Luca, in tears, telling me about Rocky and Antonio's fight. "Are you okay, are you hurt?" I asked him. "No, it's Rocky, my buddy. He's bleeding." "You weren't in the fight?" "No, it's Rocky my buddy."
I was moved by his concern for his big brother and buddy. I've never seen him like that. In a fleeting moment, I rejoiced that he was showing maturity in his feelings of concern for someone else.
Anyway, there was Rocky on my bed: upset, still angry, tears in his eyes. The whole story tumbled out. He was in the kitchen making a sandwich for Luca and himself and Sabina was trying to open the dishwasher to get a plate. "The dishes are dirty." "I need a plate," Sabina said. "They're dirty." "I need a plate!" "These plates are dirty. Cecelia! Get a plate for your buddy!" Sabina, enraged, yelled,"AAH! Stupid Rocky!" So, yes, already the anger had begun. Out of frustration with the rising level of noise and craziness, Rocky vented, "Everybody SHUT UP!" Then, Antonio felt that he had to step in and control the situation AKA put his hand on Rocky and control HIM. This turned into one of the epic physical fights that they've been getting into since they were 1 and 2. Nobody was hurt, but Antonio stormed out of the house and took off on his bike. I didn't even get a chance to talk to him. Luca and Sabina were watching Rocky as he told me the story. I looked at the three of them, my own anger rising up that I couldn't even go to the bathroom without this happening. I noticed Luca still had tears next to his eyes and pointed it out to Rocky that he was so concerned for him. Rocky didn't actually have any blood, but a scab on his shoulder had partially ripped off earlier in the day and I told Luca that's what it was. Then, I turned to Sabina because I saw how it all had stemmed from her fit of anger. She is little (only 3) and angelically cute; she needed to know how her anger affected her brother. I told her that she needs to listen to what Rocky says to her and told her she needed to apologize for the mean words she said to him. Now, as God's child (we dubbed her thus while I was pregnant with her), she seems unnaturally capable of understanding when she needs to apologize and go all the way with it. She sweetly said sorry to Rocky for the way she treated him and they hugged. Then I wanted Rocky to comfort Luca and the other way around. I tried to explain how when we show love toward one another it can diffuse anger. They ended up hugging too. 
I spoke to Rocky, "I know you feel upset when things are noisy and crazy sometimes, but you have to use your self-control and calm down. Remove yourself from the situation so you don't get angry." He agreed and then left to find Antonio. At the park nearby, he found him to apologize. It took another half-hour for Antonio to come home. The anger was still all over him. Some of the kids had said to him, "It's better when you're gone." (He'd spent the night at a friend's house the night before.) His feelings were hurt and he was in the middle of a "poor me. No one understands or likes me anymore because I'm a teen now, but I'm the same kid." adolescent mood swing. I had to choose to step away from my own anger at him for treating his brother badly and then taking off. I saw how hurt he was, and took a moment to pray and hug him after cracking through his anger shell. This motherhood business is a constant challenge.
I had the other kids apologize to him for saying that. I think they understood that it was pretty mean. I also think Antonio grew to understand that they only said it to hurt him, just like he sometimes says mean things out of anger. This was a pretty big lesson for me in how one little seed of temper/anger can grow into a storm of junk for the whole family. We have a choice in how to react to others' anger. Do we let them affect us? Do we let them control our emotions and actions? No, we use our fruits to love, to be patient, to use self-control, to be kind. We let God, and sometimes Mom, handle the situation.
 

Anger

May all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from __________, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31)

May__________ put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from his mouth (Colossians 3:8)

May__________ give a soft answer, which turns away wrath, and avoid harsh words which stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1)

May__________ not be quick in his spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

May__________ never avenge himself, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Romans 12:19) 

May__________ know that God himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14) 

May__________ make peace, and so have a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18) 

And let the peace of Christ rule in __________ heart, to which indeed he was called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15)

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard __________ heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)

May__________turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11)

Proud Momma Moments...

On Sunday, big changes were announced for the Children's Equipping Center at OHOP. Of course, I already knew about them because I was almost finished with the CEC newsletter coming out this week. ;)  There was a great moment when the talking was over and they showed a quick promo video put together during the week. Jessica, CEC's interim director, really wanted to show what we're growing here. The fastest way to show that is by letting the kid's do what they do best - PRAY! Friday mornings Nick teaches a group of kids 9 and up music and the Harp and Bowl model of the prayer room, after class they do a full intercession watch in the prayer room. Recently, a friend and I began a short class to equip the younger kids to participate as well. The older kids have done a great job and have grown immensely over the past 2 years; they are patient and kind to the little ones too. The "newbies" are so excited to participate in the prayer room. They are blossoming with the Joy of the Lord! Many of these kids got together for the filming of a short version of what we do on Fridays. This is the resulting video – props to Luke Schepler who did an amazing job with this!

Back Online ~ after 3 months!

What have you all been up to? I feel so lost! I've been playing catch-up for the past couple days because we are finally online again. The short version of the story of why it's been so long is that we moved and didn't want to get cable internet access again. We looked into alternatives, really liked one, but they don't service our area yet! So, we broke down and called the cable guy again. I'm so glad. I got to read A LOT of sweet and lovable birthday wishes from October on my Facebook page and got to send out Christmas blessings to friends who wished me merry last month. I'm only a little late in the New Years hoopla, and got to laugh, cry and groan while catching up on my blog buddies' posts.
I'm so happy to be back on here and have lots to share. One sad note is that my camera is missing. Either I lost it (how, where, I don't go anywhere!?!) or it was stolen out of my van. Seems unlikely, but I don't keep it locked and I may have left it in there. So, for now, no current pictures unless you can all stand my cell phone photos. Not pretty.
Fun time of my day is that I took all 3 of my daughters for a girls' time out to Downtown Disney. We just meant to go to the 3D showing of Tangled, but arrived late due to rain and had to hangout till the next showing. What's a girl to do in Downtown Disney for 2 hours? Shop & snack! We hit the Lego store, the princess end of the Disney emporium (that's what I call it), and shared a big Rocky Road sundae at the Ghirardelli soda fountain. Fun! I have to say it was pretty cute looking at Sabina sitting pretty in her 3D shades and licking a long unicorn lollipop. Plus, Cecelia & Keliah were in their sparkly cool outfits and dancing their Hannah Montana hearts out along the wet walkway of Pleasure Island. Singing in the Rain style. Moments to treasure.

The Time is Counting Down!

We are almost there. I can taste it. I can imagine it. I just don't see how it's all going to come together yet. Can you say freaking out? I have a full day to pack tomorrow. A garage sale for part of Saturday because Nick is determined that we have one so he doesn't have to move all the stuff we don't need anymore. Church (where we are leading worship!) and staff meeting Sunday. Then, at 4 or so, more time to pack and hopefully start moving some stuff. MONDAY!!!! Moving day. Probably all day.
We're moving 10 minutes away, it shouldn't be this big a deal. But, with the extensive work that had to (and still does) be done on the house that will soon be home, it's been a VERY BIG DEAL! As it is, we're probably going to live without flooring in our bedrooms and stairs for a while. I'm tough, I'll deal. The trick will be convincing the kids to wear shoes. I'm absolutely loving the look of the house with new paint going up and clean cabinets and bathrooms. It's truly going to be a place to feel at home, at peace.
In the meantime, though, there's very little PEACE to go around. The kids, the pets, the parents (yes, that includes me) are very wound up with all the craziness. Nick and I both had dreams with our mothers last night (both mothers in both dreams), how I wish they were here. My mom is the most awesome, no-nonsense packer ever. A veteran of Air Force moves, she knows how to buckle down, focus, and GET IT DONE! My mother-in-law is great at organizing and creating a lovely space with limited resources. I'm hoping to channel them both in the next week or two to get through this.
Plus, Sabina my baby is turning 3 on Tuesday. How can we celebrate, make it special, in the midst of chaos? I'm not sure yet, but somehow we will. Thankfully, present shopping was done months ago!
Please, keep us in your prayers during this tumultuous time. Thank you!
I'll end with a favorite quote: "Can we do it? YES WE CAN! (uh, yeah, I think so...)" Thanks Bob!

Baby Picture Sunday- BOOM!

4th of July, this year, the 2-year-old Sabina and her same-age 2nd cousin making their own fireworks. I guess that dry pasture grass is just as good as the roman candles when you're a toddler. They did it over and over, with appropriate sound effects. BOOM!
(And, dontcha just love the red dirt stained jeans and strawberry pop mustaches? Too precious.)

More Birthday Props! Rocky's 11th

It's a crazy busy month in August. Ryan "Rocky" James turned 11 on Aug. 9th. We had invitations created and given out about a week before the big day, however the party didn't really come together. 2 of his good friends moved THAT DAY, so we had them over to play hang out a few days earlier. The other friend he invited is a girl, and I think her parents are just not cool with her coming over for a boy's party. Not sure why, but we decided to do something else to make up for the disappointment. Since Rocky had decided on a Lego Beach Party as the theme, we thought it would be appropriate to go to Downtown Disney to the big Lego store. We got there kind of late in the day, but managed to cram in the maximum amount of fun (with Nick on crutches.) Then, after losing and finding Luca in the meandering Disney store, we came home for cake and presents.

Rocky, Luca, Carlo & Sabina greet the Lego family & dogs.

Non-edible Lego cake with Lego flies! Ew.

Keliah with Lego Woody

Sabina & Luca checking out the Lego water serpent.

Rocky creating a car (Luca watching) to race outside of Lego store

We shared the super mega sundae at Ghirardelli soda fountain. YUM

Rocky had a high-concept for his cake. He loves Legos and likes baking, so I provided the goodies, created the water/beach cake and he decorated with the Legos he'd picked out for this purpose. It came out really awesome & showed what a great, creative kid he is. I can still call him a kid for at least the next year, can't I?

Finishing touches by Rocky.

Make a wish! He looks so proud!

Only a small part of the Lego-heavy presents

Happy 11th, Rocky! I love you!

Baby Picture Sunday- too funny!

Well, I don't know if Debi has decided not to do BPS anymore or if she's just taking a break. I know she's got her hands full. I just had to post this pic, though!

Sabina eating Rocky's birthday cake.

I just had to capture a picture of Sabina with her blue frosting mustache! It's too funny.
Last Monday was Rocky's 11th birthday and with everything else going on that day, we didn't have cake and presents till after 8:00! Sabina was already dressed for bed in her oversized T, but had fun with us as we celebrated Rocky. She's going to be 3 in October, so I may not be able to post current pics of her on "Baby" Picture Sunday much longer. I guess it's time to start scanning in those old pics of my big kids!
Blessings, Dixie

Baby Picture Sunday - Father & Child

In honor of almost Father's Day (okay it's still 2 weeks away), I posted some of my favorite pictures of Nick with some of the kids. As you can see, he is a great Daddy full of fun and love. I'm so blessed!

First, from a recent trip to the Orlando Science Center - the big boys figured out how to make that tricky cube! (Antonio, Rocky, Nick)

Nick & Cecelia snacking on the Russian Tea Cakes they made together (last year) 

Nick shadowing Sabina this Easter. So cute!

 

This is the closest I got to a "Baby Picture": Nick returning to the car while Sabina was "driving." I think she's almost 1 here.

Nothin' But Love for Ya, Baby...

Sabina's a tough one. Sometimes she's so loving, giving out hugs and kisses to her family. At other times, when asked for a kiss, she'll refuse - shaking her head - she'll say in her husky little voice, "No kiss."
So, consider yourself a lucky one. A kiss from Princess Sabina, for you!

Baby Picture Sunday - sometimes there's tears

I know Debi is on break from BPS for her huge road trip, but I wanted to do one today anyway.

A couple posts ago, I wrote on Cecelia's birthday. Sabina immediately fell in love with her sister's new white poodle Webkinz. (As I've mentioned before, Sabina LOVES puppies and dogs of any kind.) Since Cecelia had JUST opened it, we reproved her gently and told her to give it back. She did, but this was the result: tears and the need of mommy comfort. I thought that I should capture some of the sad moments of growing up as well as the toothy smiles. As we all know, in life there are tribulations. The secret in God's word is that "those who sow in tears shall reap in joy." (The trick is the sowing!) Sabina, you will be happy to know, has gotten lots of play time with the white puppy. Her sister has a loving and sharing heart.

Birthday Girl!

 

My oldest daughter, Cecelia turned 9 on Sunday. She was a good sport about not having a big party this year. She'd wanted a Hannah Montana party, and I had some cute, fun ideas on that front, but it was not to be. Nick and I were extremely busy all weekend with OHOP's monthly Awaken the Bride conference. Nick led worship on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning (I sing on his team.) He also taught classes on Sat. afternoon and Sun. afternoon. It was a crazy time to think about poor Cecelia's birthday. She was thankful, though, that her birthday was on Sunday and glorified and worshiped God with excellence! Fortunately, Grandma always remembers to send birthday gifts early, so she had a gift to open first thing after church. (Thank you Grandma & Grandpa; you are awesome!) Her sister, Keliah, couldn't wait to give her gift of a pink Princess Disney hat, either. That evening, she and I got to go out (just the 2 of us!) to see Alice in Wonderland - sharing the tub of popcorn and large Cherry Coke for supper. We had fun together and planned to have our family cake party to celebrate on Monday evening.

After much speculation and looking at other guitar cakes online, I just made up my own ideas with what I had on hand to create her pink guitar cake. (Notice the C.C. initials!) Nothing too fancy, but perfect for our little gathering with 2 kinds of ice cream. The remains were breakfast this morning. Anyway, I'm so proud of my little girl, getting so grown up (but not too grown up.) She is truly a gift from God and I'm so humbled to be her mom.

The gifts from us were pretty simple this year. Books, a couple toys, candy and clothes. As you can see below, Sabina was certain that the cute puppy was hers!  Today, she even got to stretch that birthday joy for another day with the arrival of a package from my parents - Granny & Papa. Woo-hoo! I'm determined to enjoy letting her be a little girl for these next couple of years. I don't want her rushing in to growing up too fast. These years are precious. Besides, once you are grown up it lasts for the rest of your life! That's not so fun. Even though I try to impress a sense of responsibility and contribution upon all my children, I also want them to have lots of time to just be KIDS. This is the time for the games, books, songs, artwork, and dances that will truly make up the woman Cecelia will be. And, please God, help me be the mother that Cecelia needs.

3 New "Babies"

I better start this story at the beginning.

Pretty girl Fina hanging out at home.

About 3 years ago, Nick got a parakeet. He'd wanted a bird for a long time, and after researching, he decided that a parakeet would make a good intro bird. It was his 32nd birthday present. He named it Forte, fed him, held him, carried him around on his shoulder, even taught him how to fly. Then Forte thought it was hilarious to fly and dive into my hair while I was busy in the kitchen. Everyone loved him. About half a year later, there was an accident and Forte died in Nick's hands. It was very sad and Nick was devastated. The kids put together their Christmas money and got Daddy a new parakeet a few months later. His name was Solo, we think he was too old when we got him, because he would not leave his cage unless forced and never bonded to any of us. He just died about 6 months ago. I think only Carlo missed him. Sad, but true. But, Nick was still longing for a bird friend. He took to visiting the sun conures at the local PetSmart. One of them is pretty snotty and jealous, the other more friendly and fun, but under the "thumb" of his partner. Nick wanted to bring him home, but the bird and large cage we would need were about $1000. YIKES!
After we got our tax return a couple months ago, Nick started looking at craigslist ads for a feathered friend and ended up taking our 4 oldest kids to the Bird Hut, a local pet store with every kind of bird. They had the opportunity to play with several kinds of parrots there, they even had a sun conure, but it was a little scarlet lady who stole Nick's heart. She snuggled right up to Nick and was gentle with the excited fingers of our children. I was recruited for a visit, and after talking about finances and other concerns, we brought her home at the end of the week. Fina is a female eclectus, still quite young, and has totally bonded to Nick - even enjoying outings to Starbucks and the outside tables at OHOP. She is just starting to chatter and likes to whistle when she hears music or the vacuum. We picked the name "Fina" because it means "the Lord provides" - and there were several prophetic references to birds in the week we got her and in weeks following.

 Keliah with Skittles

Now, we have a friend at OHOP, Charlotte, who has an amazing ministry of provision in Africa http://www.possibilitiesministries.com/ - and it looks like God is sending her there personally in the coming months. She made the decision to come on staff full-time at OHOP until she is sent to Burundi to minister. That meant she wanted to live closer to the missions base and needed to cut living costs, to opportunity to move in with another OHOP family fulfilled her needs, but she couldn't bring her 2 birds. She approached us about taking in her African Grey Parrot, Storm, and her Macaw, Skittles. Nick was ready to say yes and kind of asked me as a formality. In fairness, when she asked us months ago about the possibility of taking them when she went to Africa and we'd agreed. That was before we'd adopted Fina, of course. Anyway, we have 3 birdy babies in the house.
Now, Storm and Macaw are, I think, about 3 years old so they have more boldness than Fina right now. Storm is super smart, as an African Grey, and a pretty vast vocabulary already not to mention all the other noises he makes. He has different whistles, imitates a knock at the door and the barking of a dog following (Charlotte's dog), the whines at the door of our own dog Indy, and has already perfected the high-pitched screams of Sabina in a temper. YAY. However, he had acquired a bad parrot habit of over-preening. Whether out of nerves, boredom, or other causes we're not sure, but he was pretty plucked-over when we got him. Through the advice of a vet, and our own attention, his pretty feathers are starting to fill out again. I'll be so happy when he has a proper tail and wings again! Skittles is a rainbow colored Macaw with all the loud squawking of his breed which can be trying at times - but he loves the kids! I think he's really just a kid himself and wants to play all the time. He can say "Hello" and dance, he kind of says "step up." He likes to be ticked under the wings and ride around on our shoulders.

 Sabina and Luca with Storm "kissing"

It's been a little crazy around here getting into the flow of caring for so many little ones, but the kids have stepped up to help with the responsibility - especially Cecelia. I tell ya, there is never a dull moment around here.

The Fancy Nancy Birthday!

Yes, last Saturday (over a week ago) we had the long-awaited and sadly postponed Fancy Nancy birthday party to celebrate Keliah's 7th birthday.

Fancy Girls: Madi, Cecelia, Keliah, and Mia

We were so happy to have the lovely Madi and Mia join us in our finery. (See their wonderful Mom's blog here) We were very girly and silly for about half an hour until Antonio got out his huge Nerf gun and started a 30-minute-run-around-the-house-and-scream fiesta. Gotta love big brothers.

We had a fashion show, with the girls doing their best "Runway" strut.

Then, because the little ones were ready for treats, we sat down at the table to make our own candy necklaces (with cute kits I got at Target.)

That blended pretty seamlessly into the birthday candle blow-out, singing time. Everyone got to make their own "fancy" cupcake. I had frosted them all pink and set out edible decorations for them to choose from. We had sprinkles, princess toppings, chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, marachino cherries, colored sugar, pastel mints, as well as any candy left over when they finished their necklaces. Every cupcake was different, and they were all fancy!

I also served ice cream and sparkling apple juice. After this, Keliah opened presents and then the sugar rush kicked in! The squealing/screaming was pretty funny, especially when my ears throbbed with the noise. We managed to get them calm enough for me to read "Bonjour Butterfly" the Fancy Nancy book we got her as they sat beneath the pink gauze canopy put up especially for the party. That only managed to last a little bit longer than the pink crepe paper streamers Rocky festooned the rooms with. We were sad to say good-bye to our friends, promising to get together soon at the park, and sent them home with Fancy Nancy coloring sheets and new sparkle glue. I was a tiny bit glad to take off my fancy clothes and get comfortable, but was sad the girliness was over. I think I need more opportunities to get loverly.

Baby Picture Sunday - My Reason for Breathing is You

I am lucky to have many reasons to breathe.
Namely: Nick and Antonio (in silent contemplation of cupcake goodness.)


Rocky, sweet & funny





Cecelia with her cupcake art.





Keliah and her lovely, gappy smile.



Carlo in joy and passion.


Luca of hilarity.


And the "baby" Sabina who manages to pull off the whole frosting mustache and still be gorgeous.



All my babies. My cup runneth over.

Still here... although Slightly Bruised.

I know it's been forever and a hundred, if not a thousand, things have happened.

But, that's the holidays, right?

Sabina - the big meanie!

Tonight, I was beaten up by Sabina, my 2-year-old baby girl. It's true! Well, beaten up is a slight exaggeration, but still. I am bruised and swollen. It's amazing the pain I go through with these little ones.
She was freshly in her ballerina princess blanket pajamas - because HELLO it's COLD here! - and she climbed up on my lap and immediately slammed her head back as hard as she possibly could. I screamed a bad word (sorry to admit) and shoved her off my lap over to the other side of the couch. She cried, and I tried not to. She's lucky I didn't reflexively smack her. Everyone ran in to see what happened to find me holding both hands over my right eye, breathing hard with tears seeping out. I'm ashamed to admit there were a couple sobs that escaped. I felt like a pre-schooler myself at that point.
It felt like my brow bone was possibly cracked. Her head hit my right brow, just missing my eye, and the cheekbone, and hit my ear as she bounced. Antonio brought me ice as Nick griped at everyone about using all the ziplock bags. Keliah sweetly asked if I wanted her to pray for me, and I couldn't even answer. I was still trying not to break down and was not feeling charitably toward the kids at the moment.
Do you know how many "war" injuries I've sustained in the mommy business? Usually it's minor bruises or, at the worst, a fat lip. More than once. More than twice. I've actually lost track of the trauma. Nick says, "they're always beating you up!"
Keliah prayed, everyone went to bed, and I held ice on my face while watching Julie and Julia and took some Tylenol. The swelling and bruising is minimal at this point, so Nick's not too worried about someone thinking he smacked me around. We'll see how it looks tomorrow.
Anyone out there have a parenting war story to tell? Injuries or scars to compare? I'd love some company to go with this misery.

Coleman's (prayerfully) Last Treatment & BPS

Today is Coleman's last chemo treatment for Lymphoma. Please keep him and the medical team lifted up in prayer! Soon he'll have another scan and I'm believing for a clean result, in the name of Jesus!

I taught the 4 & 5-year-olds at children's church this morning and we learned about the authority we have to ask for anything in Jesus' name. I am claiming it (although I lost my little cardboard police shield with JESUS written on it)! I encourage you all to do the same in your lives. "Headache go away, in the name of Jesus!" "Car, start in the name of Jesus!" "Luca, go to bed in the name of Jesus!"

Baby Picture Sunday - why I'm thankful:

Yes, I've used this pic of Sabina before, but it makes me feel happy!

Baby Picture Sunday - Pretty as a Picture

Luca - April 2006 - about a week old

Keliah - fall 2005 - 2 years

Sabina - spring 2008 - about 5 months

I have really pretty babies. I have to get all my old pictures put on digital, it's getting ridiculous! Maybe that's a good gift idea for me from my family! (Hint, hint...)

Sorry I haven't been around much this past week. It's been extra busy because of an amazing conference at OHOP where Corey Russell was teaching on the Eternal Glory of an Intercessor, and his lovely and anointed wife Dana led worship. It was a glorious wading into the shallows of the ocean that is our Lord. You should definitely check out their teachings at www.coreyrussell.org.

Since we've been going non-stop without much down time, Nick and I are thinking about taking the kids on a "field trip" to the beach tomorrow. Doesn't that sound great? Built-in lessons on science, geography, reading and math, right? Well... that last one is a stretch unless I make a word problem out of miles/time driven. Anyway, if the weather cooperates, we'll be by the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea...

6 Word Saturday

We can make a cake too!

Baby Picture Sunday - It's a Video Age

This is Sabina at 5 months dancing to the amazingly anointed worship singer Misty Edwards from the International House of Prayer - Kansas City. She loved to dance even before she could sit up. And, obviously, Keliah loves to be on camera. It's been about a year since I looked at this, so it was a fun trip down memory lane for me! Check out those dimples...

Miracle of God's Provision

Bear with me guys, this is more of a short story than a traditional blog post.

This past weekend I was making preparations for Sabina's 2nd birthday. Now, money's so tight that I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to afford the candy decorations for her Puppy Cake, but I wanted to get her one good gift. My other daughters made her a headband and necklace, I had a couple small things on reserve in the emergency gift stash for times like this, but I wanted her to have something she would love. I had a limited budget and garage sales were fruitless, so I brought my oldest son for some one-on-one time and headed out for the secondhand children's store. Sabina didn't need clothes, they've been provided in abundance; I had in mind a rocking horse, but knew we couldn't afford a new one. I wandered through the crowded labyrinth of clothes, toys, shoes and books, a rack of costumes momentarily distracted me. I searched along the tops of the clothing racks where large toys are displayed. Too little for a trike, and already using her brother's like-new ride-on toy, Sabina's gift should be a rocker.

There were cute plush ponies on plastic bases that made (shudder) noises and music. I saw a couple expensive wooden rocking horses that were probably too big for her to get on without help. The two plush Disney rockers looked too small. The three Fisher-Price spring rockers were somewhat pricey and would take up too much room at home. The one I kept coming back to was perfectly fun - a purple stuffed elephant on a wooden rocking base; low enough for her to negotiate by herself and sturdy enough for her 3-year-old brother to take a ride. $25 price tag. I looked around. I wanted to get that elephant. With a little groan, I decided to leave and take my chances at Goodwill. I took note of the store hours for the following day; if I didn't have any luck I still had a chance to come back.

Antonio and I got back in the car and traveled to Goodwill where I'd seen a cute, if worn, rocking horse a couple weeks before. I quickly scanned the toy area there, no rocking anything. Then, I started the thrift store hunt; this is when you walk, sort, and sift through junk hoping to find a treasure. I discovered a brand new, in the box, child's hair care set with brightly painted hand mirror, brush, and clips. I picked out 2 Blues Clues and Baby Einstein video tapes. At 69 cents each, they didn't have to last long to live up to their value. I discovered 2 great gifts for the small Christmas stash I've begun. Then, I dug to the bottom of the toy bin. Antonio had already bought an eagle Webkinz for less than 50 cents. He was ready to go. "What are you doing, Mom?" I think there was a rolling of eyes in there, but I was distracted. That's when I hit paydirt. I found a c-u-t-e "Boo" doll (from Monster's Inc.) Her hair still looked like it was in the original pigtails, a little smooshed from the toy bin but fixable. She laughed, talked and sang. She had a few stickers on her nightshirt. So what? I knew Sabina would love her. I was ready to go. While I was paying $8 (for all that good stuff!) I found a tiny white, new-with-tags, girly purse AND white sunglasses just Sabina's size to put inside. Now she wouldn't have to steal my sunglasses out of my purse! Another dollar plus tax and I happily went home.

As I was showing Nick the gifts I'd picked out for Sabina, he was pleased with them, but frustrated that we couldn't get the rocking elephant I'd loved. With a grumble, he said, "Well, God's her Daddy and if He wants her to have it, He'll provide it. Maybe someone will give you some money tomorrow at church and you can go back to get it." (A short word: As intercessory missionaries, we live by faith. We have monthly pledged supporters, and are blessed by others unexpectedly.) The next morning, Nick was guest leading worship at another church. As it was a Spanish church, I figured the kids wouldn't get much out of it so we went to the Sunday celebration service at OHOP as usual. After the service, I had a few people ask where Nick was and how were we doing, as the kids swirled around me and I picked up the little ones from the nursery. One of these kind souls put folded up cash in my hand. I thanked and hugged him, and put it in my purse without looking.

When the dust had settled at home, after lunch and getting the 3 youngest down for naps, Nick called on his way home. "How was church?" "It was good. Oh, J--- blessed us with money." "Really?! How much?" "I don't know, there was a 20 and a 5, I think." "You think?!" "I'm checking." There was actually 2 $20 bills and 2 $5 bills. Doubly blessed! My eyes filled with tears because I knew without a doubt that God had provided this for Sabina's $25 purple rocking elephant. He is a good Daddy.

It was the hit of the party. Sabina wouldn't even stop rocking long enough to talk on the phone to her grandparents; I put it on speaker. She had to be coaxed off to have cake and ice cream. She love, love, loves it. She liked all her gifts, but that purple elephant will always have a special place in her room, her memories, and my heart.

Verse for the day:
"Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it." Jeremiah 33:9