tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13711036312355587372024-03-13T14:09:07.984-07:00Anna's NotesI have been writing notes on Facebook for a little while and it was suggested that I start a blog so that everyone could access them. So here it is. I write about my family, what God teaches me, my thoughts, and sometimes all of those things at once.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-47315439334844591362012-05-14T10:35:00.001-07:002012-05-14T10:35:46.262-07:00Tanzania! Here we come!Yes,<br />
<br />
<div>
It has been a while. I haven't forgotten about you. I've got a post about it. It's not for today though.</div>
<br />
<div>
I am going on a trip. I have been so busy getting prepared for it and living life too, that I failed to let anyone know about it!</div>
<br />
<div>
On Thursday, Dr. Max Hutchinson and I will board a plane to head to Tanzania! The dates of the trip are May 17-29.</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<img height="252" id="il_fi" src="http://www.gatewayim.org/Tanzania.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="728" /><br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
We will be going Musoma.<br />
Look at the middle map.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's right up there at the top.Beneath Lake Victoria.</span><br />
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<div>
</div>
Dr. Hutchinson and I will meet with a group from McLean Presbyterian Church of McLean, Virginia in London, on our way to Tanzania. Deacons and Elders from McLean will be teaching and preaching at a pastor's conference sponsored by the African Inland Church-Tanzania in Musoma. Read about African Inland Church-Tanzania at <a href="http://mcleanonamission.org/african-inland-church-tanzania/"><strong>McLean Presbyterian Church</strong></a>'s web page.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
McLean's website also offers this information about the country.<br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
<em><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tanzania<br />
<br />
<div>
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north. It is relatively stable politically and is a country of considerable resources that has leveraged tourism, mining, trade and communications to fuel notable economic growth since 2000. Nonetheless, poverty is still widespread and acute, especially in rural areas where few households have access to safe drinking water, primary education and medical treatment. Life expectancy in Tanzania is just 48 years due to HIV/AIDS, the leading cause of death, and malaria, the number one killer of children.</div>
<br />
<div>
It is estimated that approximately 40% of the population is Christian with Muslims being 35% and indigenous beliefs 25%, but all estimates on religious affiliation are at best guesswork as the national census has not asked for religious affiliation since 1967 in an attempt to avoid rivalries between the various religious groups. </div>
</blockquote>
</em><br />
The group went this same time last year and one of the members, a young woman from McLean who interpreted for them made this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs9PWgokJ8I"><strong>slideshow</strong></a> and posted it on YouTube. Please watch. Also read the description under the video to learn about how the church is helping to provide clean water to the people of Tanzania.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Would you please pray for us?<br />
<br />
A few of the requests that I can think of right now are for:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Health-the stomach is a particular area of concern :)</li>
<li>Safety-planes, buses, vans, wild animals, etc....</li>
<li>Wisdom/Discernment</li>
<li>Supplies and equipment to get through customs</li>
<li>Rest-That we would be able to sleep when its time to sleep</li>
<li>Energy-That we would have energy when it is time to work</li>
<li>My dear husband, Eric, and our children at home, Ty, Tess, Amelia and Dinah, the other team members' families, and those that will help care for my family while I'm gone-( I will miss a birthday and several school and church events that my children are involved in while I'm gone. And if you read my Mother's day cards you'd know they like me A LOT. I'm fond of them also and don't want us to be too homesick for each other.) </li>
<li>the people who will be speaking, teaching, and preaching-clarity of thought and supernatural ability to convey God's word to the people</li>
<li>The native people who will be traveling to Musoma for the conference</li>
<li>Creativity and ingenuity for Dr. Hutchinson and I as we practice medicine with limited resources</li>
<li>That our medicines will last and last like loaves and fishes.</li>
<li>That we would be rays of light as we seek to represent our Loving Lord</li>
<li>Customs and Manners-that we don't offend the people by our actions</li>
<li>Adaptability</li>
<li>That we pack what we need-nothing more, nothing less</li>
</ul>
<br />
Did I say a few things? I meant many. :)<br />
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Blessings and gratitude to you for your prayers, <br />
<br />
Love, <br />
<br />
<br />
Anna<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-23645417611345956662011-11-10T14:14:00.000-08:002011-11-10T14:16:09.736-08:00I'm Pregnant (Reposted)<strong>PREGNANT</strong>: adjective <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>1.having a child or other offspring developing in the body; with child or young, as a woman or female mammal.</strong><br />
<br />
No, I am not pregnant with child. I hear some of your sighs of relief.<br />
<br />
For those of you who got a little excited thinking that Eric and I may be having another child. Thank you. But we will keep you posted on further developments. :)<br />
<br />
<strong>2.fraught, filled, or abounding (usually followed by with) </strong><br />
<br />
I am pregnant with joy. <br />
<br />
Over the past few months, I have listened, read, and conversed with people from this great state and others that care about life. It didn't matter what side of the aisle of proposition 26 that the idividuals stood on, I heard over and over that people cared about life. That makes me happy. <br />
<br />
I am pregnant with expectation. <br />
<br />
Like I said in my post <a href="http://annabecoming.blogspot.com/2011/11/when-i-vote-yes.html"><strong>When I vote yes....,</strong></a> I think a lot is expected from us. If we value life, our words need to be followed with actions. Don't just talk about it! Do something! I have spent the morning praying and asking God to show me ways that I can show others that I value life and love others like He does. He put in my mind so many ways. <br />
<br />
<strong>3.teeming or fertile; rich (often followed by in): a mind pregnant in</strong> <strong>ideas.</strong> <br />
<br />
At first, I thought of big things, like starting new ministries, adopting children, mission trips, changing jobs, or moving to another neighborhood, city, state or country. God may be calling you to one of these things. But then, I began to think of all the small ways that I needed to be obedient to now. I could value the lives of the neighbors I live by now, by getting to know them better, being their friend and helping meet their needs. I can drive someone who doesn't have a car to their appointments. <strong><a href="http://bobbycapps.blogspot.com/2011/05/missionary-moms-can-really-make-impact.html">Like a friend of mine suggested</a></strong>, I could provide childcare for someone who can't afford it. I can make food, or take clothing or home items to <strong><a href="http://www.living-free-ministries.org/">ministries</a></strong> already established. I can <strong><a href="http://www.supportrcfwcorinth.org/">volunteer</a></strong> an hour to pray, counsel, clean, or do office work for them too. <br />
<br />
<strong>4.full of meaning; highly significant: a pregnant utterance. 5.of great importance or potential; momentous: <em>a pregnant moment in the history of the world</em>.</strong> <br />
<br />
I am pregnant with hope.<br />
<br />
For those of you who are excited and relieved that proposition 26 didn't pass but said you care about life, show the world you do care. Those of you who are sad or heavy hearted because of election results from yesterday: chin up! You have work to do. What if one group emerged from this election? What if we were all Mississippians for Life? What if we all walked the talk and respected each life to come and those that are already here?<br />
<br />
This could be "a pregnant moment in the history of the world".<br />
<br />
So lets all get pregnant! Let's all grow in expectation and joy as we work until the Lord's return. Let's all love like He does. Let's stop pointing fingers and talking and get the ministry started. Spend some time on your knees and in God's word and run to the place He is sending you. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Romans 8:24-28<br />
The Message (MSG)<br />
<br />
22-25All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. <br />
<br />
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. <br />
<br />
<br />
Definitions courtesy of dictionary.comAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-83557458993418267302011-11-07T20:16:00.000-08:002011-11-07T20:16:15.023-08:00When I vote yes...Okay, I have more to say. <br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted to add to what I wrote previously. I told you that I would vote yes on 26.There is a responsibility that comes with voting yes. Because I choose to vote yes, I also choose the following things:<br />
<br />
1. I choose to pray daily and fervently about foster care and adoption. I choose to be open to either in our future. <br />
<br />
2. I choose to be open to, prayerful about, and looking for opportunities to help those that are in crisis pregnancy situations. No matter how small I think my contribution might be, I want to be avaliable to help. My heart, my home, my pocketbook, and my heart are prayerfully open to them. <br />
<br />
3. I choose to support mothers and fathers who struggle to provide for their family. <br />
<br />
4. I choose to spend time with children who need love and leadership because their parents are absent either by choice or by necessity.<br />
<br />
5. I choose not to abandon the babies I fight for after they leave the womb. <br />
<br />
6. I choose to withhold judgement and give out love instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
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I can't do everything but I can do somethingAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-45919740441107403532011-11-07T15:25:00.000-08:002011-11-07T15:25:29.289-08:00What Can I SayI've found myself at my keyboard, staring at a blank screen so often this past month. Every attempt to put my heart into words has failed. What can I say that hasn't been said by someone else?What if the person reading it takes my words in a different way than I mean? My vote is my own personal decision. I don't have to share what I think. But, maybe you want to hear it anyway. So, because the election is TOMORROW, I will try now.<br />
<br />
<br />
I know you have probably seen this question over and over but I will include it here again:<br />
<br />
<em>"Should the term 'person' be defined to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof?"</em><br />
<br />
When I read those words for the first time, I knew what they meant to me. My question was, "what will this mean to those that interpret and defend our laws as they apply this proposition to our lives?". Frankly, I got a little scared. <br />
<br />
You know what I didn't do after that? I didn't panic. I didn't poll my friends about the issue. I didn't believe everything that I read on Facebook. <br />
<br />
You know what I did do? I prayed. I asked God to take away the fear and give me a sound mind. I poured out my concerns to Him. I listened for His answer. I read His word to see what He says about personhood, fertilization, cloning and the functional equivalent thereof. I sought wise council from my husband and a few others whom I trust, whom I know prayferfully consider issues, whom I know seek God's will through application of Scripture. I weighed the information against what I know to be true.<br />
<br />
This is the conclusion I came to:<br />
<br />
I believe that a fertilized embryo is a person. This proposition protects those persons.<br />
<br />
If this amendment takes away some or all birth control, I trust that God can handle that. <br />
If this amendment limits IVF or takes it away, I trust God can handle that.<br />
If this amendment limits healthcare in any way, I trust God can handle that.<br />
<br />
I have never been raped. I have never conceived a child by an abuser. I am so grieved that this happens. But the fact that the child is conceived in those situations does not make the child any less of a person. I believe that child has a right to life too. I trust God to heal in these situations.<br />
<br />
I do believe that the life of the mother will be considered in light of non-viable pregnancies, i.e. ectopic and molar pregnancies. I trust God has the lives of those mothers in His hands too.<br />
<br />
I don't know what "unintended consequences" that the words "cloning or the funtional equivalent thereof" will have in the distant future, but I trust God can handle that.<br />
<br />
For those of you who will read this and say that God doesn't have anything to do with this, I beg to differ. The Creator of the universe has everything to do with everything. <br />
<br />
All life is precious. I believe that this proposition adds to that and doesn't make any other life less valuable.<br />
<br />
So I thank God in advance for the outcome tomorrow and know that God already knows what it is and can handle it. <br />
<br />
I will vote yes tomorrow on Initiative 26.<br />
<br />
So pray, pray, pray. On your face in the floor if you have to. But get peace about your vote tomorrow and go cast it however God leads you.<br />
<br />
<br />
Philippians 4:5-7<br />
New King James Version (NKJV)<br />
<br />
"Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-36180012381590887292011-07-28T22:55:00.000-07:002011-07-28T22:55:03.135-07:00The Lancaster SpaMy co-worker and friend, Terry, generously brought some of his garden vegetables to work so that we could take some home. I was very excited about the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. I proudly presented them to Eric when I arrived home in the morning after a night at work. Since I had to work that evening as well, I went to bed and didn't eat the veggies until after a nice rest.<br />
<br />
I sat at the table eating sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, when Amelia saw my plate from across the kitchen. She smiled and ran to me. "Momma, I need you to cut me a cucumber."<br />
<br />
"Why don't you just have some of mine? Do you want me to get you a plate?" I responded to her request.<br />
<br />
"No, Momma. I don't need a plate. I just need two cucumbers," as she pointed to them on my plate. (She meant slices.)<br />
<br />
"What do you need them for? Aren't you going to eat them?" I inquired.<br />
<br />
"No, Momma. We need them for our spa!" She covered her eyes with her hands to indicated where the cucumbers would go.<br />
<br />
I laughed and gave her two of my largest slices and continued to enjoy the fruit of Terry's labor.<br />
<br />
In a few minutes, Amelia ran into the kitchen asking, "Where is the guacamole?" <br />
<br />
I replied, "We don't have any guacamole. Are you hungry?" <br />
<br />
She frowned and said, "Awww. I need to for our faces." <br />
<br />
I smiled again and explained that it was just avocados instead of guacamole that they spread on the their faces. As I explained, I heard Tess call Ms. Amelia Lancaster back for her massage. She ran back into the living room where they had set up.<br />
<br />
I finished my meal and walked in to see their spa station. Amelia lay on her back on the ottoman with the cucumbers on her eyes. Tess was rubbing lotion on her arms. I exclaimed over their ingenuity. Dinah was toddling around them absorbing all that was going on around her. I watched as she walked slowly up to Amelia. Dinah looked at her, then up at Tess, and back to Amelia again. I asked Dinah, "Doesn't that look like fun?" She stared at Amelia's face and surprised us as she grabbed a cucumber from Amelia's eye and put it in her mouth in a flash. <br />
<br />
We all laughed as Amelia sat straight up and said, "Dinah!"<br />
___________________________________________________________<br />
I asked Amelia why they used cucumbers on one's eyes when they were at the spa. She replied matter of factly, "They put them there so you can't see them massashing you."<br />
<br />
There isn't anything quite so exciting as a cucumber. Thanks Terry!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-74058312779113197192011-06-23T07:34:00.000-07:002011-06-23T07:34:33.743-07:00Family FunniesAmelia earned some money for helping her daddy the other day. I had that money in my purse on our way to town. She asked if she could hold the money. I suggested that I might need to hold on to the money so that she wouldn't lose it. I assured her that I would let her have it when she wanted to buy something. She didn't like that idea. <br />
<br />
"Momma, I can put it in my pocket." She reached down to put her hand in her pocket to demonstrate. She looked up confused. She moved the fabric of her shorts around and felt with her hand but couldn't find the opening. She began to cry. "These are lying pants!"<br />
<br />
I asked, "What? Lying pants?"<br />
<br />
"Momma, these pants made me lie!" she exclaimed with tears rolling down her face. "These pockets aren't real! They made me tell you I had pockets and I don't."<br />
<br />
I tried to supress my smile. Amelia gets really upset if she thinks someone is laughing at her and I didn't want to upset her any more. I reassured her that she didn't lie. I explained that she didn't realize her pockets weren't real. <br />
<br />
The tears slowed but she crossed her arms over her chest with a huff. "I guess you can hold my money, "she resigned softly.<br />
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_________________________________________________________________<br />
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<br />
Ty and I made a late night trip to Wal-Mart the other evening to get some cream for a small patch of poison ivy on his leg. After I had submitted him to the torture of waiting as I tried on bathing suits, (We leave for the beach in 2 days and the dreaded task had to be done.) we stood in line waiting for check out. The cooler beside the counter held several types of beverages including the cold Starbuck's drinks. He pointed to the mocha version and said, "I drank those at camp last summer."<br />
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I said, "You did?" I didn't think he liked coffee flavored anything and I was concerned about the caffiene and sugar content.<br />
<br />
He smiled a half smile and said, "Yes. I drank one every day." He continued drolly, "That is, until my cabin mates got together and voted that I wasn't allowed to anymore."<br />
<br />
Apparently, his intake affected everyone in the cabin.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-69751984711026886242011-03-04T18:48:00.000-08:002011-03-04T19:53:53.410-08:00Warrior Cry (Well Sort-of)Amelia, Dinah and I were at home on Thursday afternoon. I negotiated with Amelia and convinced her that watching the Corinth/Booneville game would be the thing to do. The prospect of seeing some of her family members on television sealed the deal and we tuned in. The map of Mississippi at the beginning of the broadcast impressed her. "That is where I live, Mississippi." she informed me. (I am still a little sad she doesn't call it Mr. Sippy anymore.)<br />
<br />
We talked about the two teams that were playing. Jose', her new cousin, plays for Corinth. Nana works for Corinth school. Her cousin Jaycee goes to school at Booneville. We talked about who we would cheer for. I told her that we live in Corinth. She said, "No, I live in Mississippi." This is a recurring conversation and I am hoping that maybe after the 50th atlas presentation and slide show, this concept may be realized in her mind. I went over it again and she decided that it didn't matter who liked Corinth or Booneville, she was only going to cheer for Mississippi State. I let the topic drop as the game was in progress at this point. <br />
<br />
Her attention waned and swelled at intervals. Thank goodness for DVR because we were able to pause live T.V. and scan the crowds for people we knew. We were able to see her cousins Avery and Jose really well. Dinah fell asleep in spite of the action. In the fourth quarter, Amelia began to tire of basketball and wanted to watch a movie. I convinced her to continue to watch the game by cheerleading with her. Without pom poms I was unable to show her what I really could do but we made do. <br />
<br />
I thought that the cheering could be a great spelling lesson. She learned to spell "Lions" from the cheerleaders, so I thought that I would help her with the word "Warriors". I spelled it several times, <br />
"W-A-R-R-I-O-R-S" She would repeat the letters after me. Finally, after spelling it together one last time, I yelled, "WHAT'S THAT SPELL??!!"<br />
<br />
She smiled broadly, raised her arms high in the air and shouted, "NINJAS!!"Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-16385394007480577142011-02-22T18:17:00.000-08:002011-02-22T18:17:52.273-08:00AmeliaismsAmelia singing to herself, "Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh, HEY!" then turns to me as if to explain "We just say the 'HEY!' because its hard not to."<br />
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<br />
Tess was picking out her clothes one morning before school. She showed me a tunic she wanted to wear and asked what pants would go best with it. I said, "Tess, your straight leg jeans would look really good with that."<br />
<br />
Amelia was sitting on the bed watching. After I said that to Tess, she cocked her head to the side and her brow wrinkled in confusion. She picked up her legs and lined them up in front of her. She looked down at them and asked, "Why are those pants for straight legs? Aren't my legs straight?"<br />
<br />
I answered her smiling, "Yes, Amelia, your legs are very straight." Then we had a fashion lesson as I explained the difference between, bootcut, straight leg and skinny jeans.<br />
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<br />
I love old movies. One of my most favorite channels is the Turner Classic Movie channel. We don't have that channel right now because it wasn't included in the very ESPN package that was way more necessary. However, we have the FOX movie channel on preview. I have been able to record some of my favorite movies. I lay in bed watching one of them one evening on a small television in our room when Amelia came in an plopped down beside me. She snuggled up next to me and lay quietly watching the movie for a few minutes. Never quiet for long she spoke, "Momma, did you know that the color came out of your T.V.?"<br />
<br />
I explained how that was the way most films were made long ago. She didn't seem very impressed, kissed me and soon left me to watch the large, colored programming downstairs.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-34235704761393535082011-02-02T19:49:00.000-08:002011-02-02T19:49:52.255-08:00Somewhere we can keep an eye on you....Papa, Eric's dad, shared this story with me and I wanted to pass it along to you.<br />
<br />
Amelia, my 5 year old, was visiting with her Papa the other day and they had a conversation that went like this:<br />
<br />
<em>Amelia</em>: Papa, we have got to get you in a nursery home.<br />
<br />
<em>Papa</em>: A nursery home?<br />
<br />
<em>Amelia</em>: Yeah. A nursery home. That is where old people go. Where they can keep an eye on you.<br />
<br />
<em>Papa</em>: Why do I need to go there?<br />
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<em>Amelia</em>: My class went to sing a nursery home and Jay's grandpa was there. He got to hear us sing. I didn't get to sing to you because you weren't there.<br />
<br />
<em>Papa</em>: Well, you can sing to me here.<br />
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<em>Amelia</em>: It isn't the same. They will take care of you there.<br />
<br />
<em>Papa</em>: Would they feed me?<br />
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<em>Amelia</em>: I'm not sure about that. You sure do need to go to a nursery home.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-52093118075322934972010-09-03T20:08:00.000-07:002010-09-03T20:08:46.074-07:00The Kids Are At It Again.....I was folding clothes when I heard this conversation:<br />
<br />
Tess: Ty! What are you doing?<br />
<br />
Ty: My leg is bleeding. I fell.<br />
<br />
Tess: That's a lot of blood!<br />
<br />
Ty: I know. I need a band-aid.<br />
<br />
Tess: Well, Ty, you are going to have to go bleed somewhere else. I have to get over there.<br />
<br />
We may have to review the Good Samaritan.<br />
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________________________________________________<br />
We took Cole, my nephew, out with us for Ty's birthday. I always enjoy having him around. He just blends in and is like one of my own. He must have been given some good sports information this week. He wanted to share with us.<br />
<br />
Cole: I love the 39er's.<br />
<br />
Me: The 39er's?<br />
<br />
Cole: Yeah, they have that great running back, umm "What's-his-name".<br />
<br />
Me: "What's-his-name"?<br />
<br />
Ty: Yeah, "What's-his-name" is AWESOME!<br />
<br />
After we clarified the fact that he was talking about the 49er's and that the NFL didn't have a new team, Eric filled us in and told us that the running back's name is Anthony Dixon.<br />
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<br />
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-39865497973651169972010-08-08T16:54:00.000-07:002010-08-08T16:54:01.445-07:00IntroductionI want to let you know about my new blog <a href="http://www.annabecoming.blogspot.com/">"Anna Becoming"</a> (Click here or use this address: <a href="http://www.annabecoming.blogspot.com/">http://www.annabecoming.blogspot.com/</a> ) Its first entry will explain why I started a new one. I will keep you posted if I decide to close Anna's Notes.<br />
<br />
At the risk of sounding like the old Bartles and James commercial, <br />
<br />
"Thank you for your support."<br />
<br />
Yes, I remember that commercial. Two old guys, one never spoke. No, I have never purchased Bartles and James products. <br />
<br />
AnnaAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-89514139983040113332010-07-27T18:41:00.000-07:002010-07-27T18:41:57.135-07:00Travel StoriesToday we had the privilege of picking my mom up at the Memphis airport after her flight home from New York. She has been traveling a lot lately. She recently went on a trip to Italy. Sometimes it is hard for the kids to keep up with where she is going to and coming from. <br />
<br />
Tess was in the bathroom with me this morning while we were doing our hair. She said, "Where has Nana been? Paris or France?" <br />
<br />
I am glad school is starting. Maybe there will be a geography class.<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
I took all of the girls with me to pick Mom up. Ty was with his granddad and Eric was mowing. I thought it would be good to have another "girl day" before they start school again. It would be fun.<br />
<br />
Before we left Corinth this morning, Amelia was already asking, "Are we there yet?" I tried to explain to her that it would take a long time. I encouraged her to play with the toys she brought along. It didn't help. Almost every 15 minutes she needed to know, "How much longer?"<br />
When we were almost at the airport, I told her we were getting really close. <br />
<br />
She grabbed her arm rests, threw her head back and said, "AAHHHHH! I wish I had stayed with Papa. This is taking for-ev-er!"<br />
<br />
I said, "Oh, but we are having such a good time!"<br />
<br />
She said, "No we're not! WE ARE TRAPPED IN THIS CAR!!!!"<br />
<br />
Well that made Tess and I laugh. That made Mimi laugh. We made it out of the car. We weren't trapped and she is okay.<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
When we get close to the airport, I try to watch out for planes so I can point them out to the kids. I spotted one and said, "Look at the airplane!", and pointed it out to Tess. <br />
<br />
She looked up, smiled and said, "OOOOOOOHHHHH".<br />
<br />
A few seconds passed and she turned to me and said, "I really don't see it." <br />
<br />
She was faking wonder for her mother. She is a kind kid.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-81756393723628722802010-07-20T12:01:00.000-07:002010-07-20T12:01:35.511-07:00Bonus PointsLast evening my kids participated in a Challenger soccer camp (plug for my step-dad's company). They had a great time. We were a little anxious about having so many ages (4-12 year-olds) on the same field at the same time. Nikki(sp?), their coach did a great job though of managing all of them. The kids looked engaged and happy the whole time. <br />
<br />
I was really impressed to see the older kids looking after the younger ones. As a parent of one of the smallest players, I was particularly touched to see big old boys stop play to let my Mimi kick the ball during the practice game. Big sister, Tess, always grabbed Mimi's hand to run to where the coach directed them. I saw another player, reach down and help a little one stand after they had fallen.<br />
<br />
When the kids got home, I made a point to praise Ty and Tess for being so thoughtful and taking care of their little sis and her friends. Tess said, "Oh, Momma, Nikki said we get extra points if we are nice to the little ones." This deflated some of the pride I was feeling about how good my children were. But, all in all, I am glad they were nice, even if it was for points. (Still not for certain about what the points are for...)<br />
<br />
Nikki made it seem so easy. Just give them bonus points. They got rewarded for doing what they should have done anyway. But this way, the big kids felt good about the points, Nikki felt good because they minded, and the little kids felt good because they didn't get run over by a faster-than-lightning 12 year-old. The whole team wins.<br />
<br />
Nikki taught them more about the team effort when they were playing a practice game. In soccer the kids have a tendency to clump around the ball during a game. Everyone wants to be a part of the action. It is hard for them to learn to stay in their position. When they learn that, there are players all over the field and that helps the team. Nikki helped them with this by yelling , "Banana!" every time they crowded together. This was their signal to yell, "Split!" and break up over the field. That way every spot is covered.<br />
<br />
This got me to thinking about how great the world would be if we acted like those kids did last night. What great things might happen if we stepped back and let someone else take a good shot at success every once in a while instead of pushing and shoving to get our chance? How much better the world would be if the older, wiser ones grabbed a younger one's hand and helped them navigate rough terrain? What if we all stopped running and slowed down to help someone who had fallen and was down in life? Further still, what if we split up so the whole field is covered? You do your part with your talents and I'll do mine and we will work until the job is done.<br />
<br />
So...Ready! Set! GO! Banana! Split! Bonus Points!!!!!<br />
<br />
_____________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
"Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy." Matt 5:7<br />
<br />
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust detroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21<br />
<br />
For more of my sports analogy, how to play fair, and bonus points, have a gander at these:<br />
<br />
Matthew 28:19-20<br />
Matthew 25:34-40<br />
I Corinthians 9:24-27<br />
Romans 12:9-21<br />
II Timothy 4:8<br />
Revelation 4:9-11.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-9001203465308635342010-06-29T22:43:00.001-07:002010-06-29T23:07:47.497-07:00A Dozen Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1hJLhCST-d5ItlUpuds_xh5AKC6TF_pIf85nqKq-FIoTh7O0ovnyDZmyegL08IHFDgTZBE3x5a9Yis1v0kAioIriCdMrL_SmNwgKXNm5wp8zks0FSUUTyemXf2WzDKOwHEI-2cQftcVx/s1600/anniversary+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1hJLhCST-d5ItlUpuds_xh5AKC6TF_pIf85nqKq-FIoTh7O0ovnyDZmyegL08IHFDgTZBE3x5a9Yis1v0kAioIriCdMrL_SmNwgKXNm5wp8zks0FSUUTyemXf2WzDKOwHEI-2cQftcVx/s320/anniversary+020.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It is now after midnight so my 12th anniversary was yesterday. We had a great day and were able to, thanks to some very special people, able to go out ALONE to Florence. We ate at Dale's, one of our favorites, went shopping at Target, and the mall. We finished up the evening at Krispy Kreme getting donuts and coffee. It was a lovely evening spent with a dear man. We even got to hold hands without someone behind us saying, "Ewww! Stop that!" <br />
<br />
I spent the whole day thinking more than usual about how blessed I am and how thankful I am to have Eric in my life. We weren't always so happy and had to struggle for a long time. The joy is greater now, I think, because we can compare it to those difficult times. Our marriage is a testimony of how God can turn a man-made mess around into something beautiful. What we would have missed if we had given up!<br />
<br />
A thank you to the Jefcoats for loving on our older children and to the Lewises for holding our small one. It is much easier to have a good time when you know that your dear ones are taken care of so well and you know that they are happy.<br />
<br />
A little dizzy with love,<br />
AnnaAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-84424500244043856972010-06-28T14:13:00.000-07:002010-06-28T14:13:04.667-07:00New BeginningsI have been tardy in saying my thank you for all of the gifts of thoughts, prayer, and messages surrounding our sweet Dinah’s birth. They all meant so much to us and helped us through a difficult situation. I feel as if I have been on a journey, One that began when I started praying for another child a couple of years ago and came to an end when I held her in my arms. Now is a new beginning.<br />
<br />
With each of my infant children, as I have held their tiny bodies in the middle of the night, there was a time when I became overcome with a feeling of sheer panic. This is the usual pattern of my racing thoughts:<br />
<br />
<i>“This small thing depends on us. For EVERYTHING! They are going to learn how to act from me! I need time to change! I am not good enough to be in charge of a life! There are so many horrible things in this world. How are we going to protect them from them all? If I think it is bad now, what is it going to be like when they grow up? I can’t get them to brush their teeth twice a day. How am I going to get them to be good citizens? ”</i> <br />
<br />
Usually, after I give God an earful of mental ranting, He sends pieces of His word to my mind, calming me and assuring me that He has it covered. I don’t have to be perfect to have a baby or raise children. If we did, we would be extinct. He says like, “I love them too,” and “You don’t have to do this by yourself. I need you to ask me” and simply, “trust me”. <br />
<br />
If we all thought about it a whole lot, why would anyone want to bring a child into a world that has nuclear weapons, Jihad, and people like James Van der Sloot? A world where God is slowly being inched out? Fear could keep us from enjoying one of God’s greatest blessings. But, I think that this overwhelming sense of urgency has its purpose. I do not think God wants me to be afraid. I think He wants this feeling to inspire action.<br />
<br />
I guess people looking at our family from the outside would say that if we didn’t have a great Christian home, we would at least have a pretty good one compared to the next family. But no matter if what they observe is true, if I compare our lives to the one outlined for me in God’s word, we fall desperately short.<br />
<br />
How did this happen? I have good intentions, but sadly, I am pretty lazy. It is easy to skip the Bible lesson at home because I took them to church that morning. We are pretty tired and need to get the kids to bed as soon as possible for us to get some quiet time, so let’s skip family prayer tonight. Then, it just slides away all together. I get so caught up in trying to get them to quit fighting with one another, I just tell them to do it because I told them so. I neglect to show them the scripture about why they shouldn’t do it. They yell at one another because I yell at them. I haven’t practiced love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and least of all self-control. How will they ever learn these precepts if I can’t learn them?<br />
<br />
So, I see the problems. I realize where we fall short. Now, we resolve to begin again. Hopefully and prayerfully, we’ll do better this time than the last. I love church and bible class, but they are not solely responsible for our children’s biblical education, that’s our job. Outside the church, in our home, at school and at play, is where we can show them where what we say we believe is true. God is relevant. His word is true and applicable to us. Prayer is necessary. Without Him we are nothing. <br />
<br />
I don’t want my children to grow up thinking God was an optional, recreational activity. I want them to love Him, need Him, serve Him, and honor Him all the days of their lives. If He is woven in their fabric they can shed Him off as if He was a covering. He will be a part of them, never to be torn away.<br />
<br />
My favorite moment in the book, <i>Little Women</i>, is where Jo asks Marmee if she has plans for her daughters like other mothers do. Marmee says, <br />
<br />
“I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send.” <br />
<br />
She goes on to say, <br />
<br />
“My dear girls, I <i>am</i> ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world—marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing—and, when well used, a noble thing—but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I’d rather see you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.”<br />
<br />
I have always loved it because even though those around them sought wealth and prominence, Marmee was teaching them that it was worthless without love and peace. <br />
<br />
I have hopes for my children too. So, in a world that values profit above people, self above others, what feels good over what is right, I earnestly want to teach my children differently. I want Jesus to be their hero. <br />
<br />
Thank you, God, for new beginnings.<br />
<br />
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6<br />
<br />
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them….” Psalm 127:3-5aAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-66029687079233287562010-06-15T21:19:00.000-07:002010-06-15T21:19:34.733-07:00Sibling StoriesThe kids are enjoying their new sister. Our lives have changed but it is for the better. The kids are having to take on new roles and are learning to be great helpers. As always, they have had some funny reactions to life. Here are a few of them:<br />
<br />
Amelia has done really well adjusting to Dinah's arrival. She has only known being the baby for the past 4 years and has a few moments when she feels like she isn't as special anymore. We try to give her extra time and let her know how important she is. Most of the time though she is kissing and hugging her sister and learning all about babies. She has had some interesting questions and observations.<br />
<br />
The day after we brought Dinah home, Amelia went with me to get Dinah because she was crying. Amelia asked me why she was crying. I told her that she was hungry. Amelia asked, "Is this her lunch?"<br />
<br />
I replied, "Yes."<br />
<br />
"What is she going to eat?" Amelia inquired further.<br />
<br />
"She is going to drink milk," I answered.<br />
<br />
Amelia wrinkled her nose and forehead and exclaimed, "But that's what she had for breakfast!"<br />
<br />
When I explained that she would only drink milk for a long time, she understood but she thought that was pretty boring.<br />
<br />
______________________________________________________<br />
<br />
One evening after one of our kind friends brought us supper, Ty<br />
came into the kitchen to eat. Ty asked, "Momma, why are people bringing us stuff to eat?"<br />
<br />
I explained that having a new baby makes the momma very busy and sometimes she is tired, so if she is fortunate, her friends and family try to help her out.<br />
<br />
Ty smiled and shouted, "Yes! This is going to be a great summmer, Momma!"<br />
<br />
He was a little upset when I explained that the food would only come for a week or so.<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Tess is a little momma at heart and she has loved having a baby to love on.<br />
She helps me get things, changes diapers, and sings to the baby. The thing she loves best is holding Dinah.<br />
<br />
Whenever I need to do something, I set her up with the baby propped up with lots of pillows. One morning, she held the baby on my bed while I was getting ready in the bathroom. She and Amelia sat on the bed talking while I put my make-up on. After a few moments, this is what I over heard:<br />
<br />
Tess said, "Okay, Amelia, when I say, 'Dinah!', you say, 'Awesome!'"<br />
<br />
Tess, "DINAH!"<br />
<br />
Amelia, "AWESOME!"<br />
<br />
Tess, "DINAH!"<br />
<br />
Amelia, "AWESOME!"<br />
<br />
They sat there on the bed, holding their sister, and cheering for her for a few minutes like she was a basketball team. I want to record all of this so that when Dinah is eight and they are twelve and sixteen, and she is getting on their nerves, that they can remember how much they loved her and fought over her time.<br />
<br />
_______________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Dinah is a trooper and has been very tolerant of her loving brother and sisters. It will be exciting to see her in a few months when she can love them back.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-81670188597519170822010-05-16T13:28:00.000-07:002011-09-22T21:04:34.301-07:00Lancaster Prayer RequestI am coming once again to ask you to pray for me. I am so grateful to have you dear people in my life, people who do not mind listening to me and going to God on my behalf. If you would, could you take a minute and read what has poured from my heart and mind to this page and then give the time you feel led to give?<br />
<br />
I am still here waiting on Dinah to arrive. Dr. Young will induce labor on Friday, May 21st, if I do not go into labor on my own before that day. Because that is less than a week away, I guess I finally realize that I will not be pregnant forever. As most of you know because I shared in the beginning, this pregnancy has been like none other of mine, filled with questions, uncertainties, and difficulties. When I asked God for another baby, I had no idea how He would use it to heal hurts I didn’t know I had, how He would lead me to a deeper level of trust, and teach me things I don’t think I would have learned any other way. We have now made it to the home stretch and she gives us no sign of being anything other than a strong, healthy, little girl. I praise God for carrying me this far because I could not have walked or crawled here on my own.<br />
<br />
With nothing other than good news, why would I need to ask you to pray in any other way than praise? A few days ago, I began to cry. It came from nowhere. I was alone in my room and had begun to think about going to the hospital to deliver. Sobs racked my body and I began to shake. Fear seemed to consume my being. My mind was a series of flashes, with mental pictures of our last delivery lined up against visions of what might come. How can we do this? We have to go back to the same place and be in a room that will probably look just like the one we delivered in last time. I don’t want her delivery to be plagued by my sadness. I want only joy in that room and I don’t know how that can happen.<br />
<br />
I would say that I don’t fear that anything is wrong or that she might die too, but as I looked back over the previous days, I think that it is there despite evidence to the contrary. I have not begun to prepare for her arrival like I normally would. After my kind friends at work gave us a baby shower, I took the clothes home and left them in their bags. I had to make myself take the tags off and wash them. As I folded them I remembered sitting in a chair in the living room folding Jack’s things and ooh-ing and ahh-ing over them with the children. I folded Dinah’s clothes with trembling fingers and tears in my eyes. <br />
<br />
And there, in my room, as I cried as I only had a few times in my life, I did as I always do and had an argument with myself. I tried to reason what I knew against what I felt. The God, who sent His Holy Spirit to the room where I delivered my stillborn son, can certainly send Him to this delivery room. He, who gave me peace instead of hysteria, can give me the same this time. He, who would send the song “How Great is Our God” to my lips as we held his lifeless body, would give me a new song for this baby. As I asked, “How?”, He replied, “in ME.”<br />
<br />
So after I could get myself together and spent the next twelve hours struggling with this, I have calmed and am feeling better. Even as I write, Dinah kicks so hard against me, my whole body moves. But even though I do not doubt God, I do doubt myself. So I am asking that you would pray that this new calm would stay with me. I ask that you pray that I my actions and feelings would reflect the trust that I say I have. <br />
<br />
Would you pray for my doctor, Dr. Young, and the nurses that have me when we deliver? As a healthcare worker, I know that it is sometimes difficult to care for special situations. Would you pray for Eric as he stands by my side? Would you pray for Ty, Tess, and Amelia? Would you pray for Dinah? <br />
<br />
Would you pray against the fear that has no place in my heart or in that room? Would you tell the Evil One that he is not welcome here?<br />
<br />
I don’t want false reassurances that “everything will be alright”, because it might not be. Eric and I have met no quota on pain. But I do need to have the assurance that whatever happens, God will bring us through it as He has before. Thank you in advance for spending time lifting our family up to Him. When this time has passed, we will be able to praise Him together and give Him the glory for what He has done.<br />
<br />
Again God has given me a song for this walk and it is one I didn’t expect. I have not sung it in church since my teen years, but I sang it so much in my childhood, its words are forever on my heart. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Trust and Obey</b><br />
<br />
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,<br />
What a glory He sheds on our way!<br />
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,<br />
And with all who will trust and obey. <br />
<br />
Refrain:<br />
<br />
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way<br />
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.<br />
<br />
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,<br />
But His smile quickly drives it away;<br />
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,<br />
Can abide while we trust and obey.<br />
<br />
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,<br />
But our toil He doth richly repay;<br />
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,<br />
But is blessed if we trust and obey.<br />
<br />
But we never can prove the delights of His love<br />
Until all on the altar we lay;<br />
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,<br />
Are for them who will trust and obey.<br />
<br />
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,<br />
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;<br />
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;<br />
Never fear, only trust and obey.<br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
<b>Psalm 91</b><br />
<br />
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High <br />
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a] <br />
2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, <br />
my God, in whom I trust." <br />
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare <br />
and from the deadly pestilence. <br />
4 He will cover you with his feathers, <br />
and under his wings you will find refuge; <br />
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. <br />
5 You will not fear the terror of night, <br />
nor the arrow that flies by day, <br />
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, <br />
nor the plague that destroys at midday. <br />
7 A thousand may fall at your side, <br />
ten thousand at your right hand, <br />
but it will not come near you. <br />
8 You will only observe with your eyes <br />
and see the punishment of the wicked. <br />
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— <br />
even the LORD, who is my refuge- <br />
10 then no harm will befall you, <br />
no disaster will come near your tent. <br />
11 For he will command his angels concerning you <br />
to guard you in all your ways; <br />
12 they will lift you up in their hands, <br />
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. <br />
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; <br />
you will trample the great lion and the serpent. <br />
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; <br />
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. <br />
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; <br />
I will be with him in trouble, <br />
I will deliver him and honor him. <br />
16 With long life will I satisfy him <br />
and show him my salvation."<br />
<br />
New International Version (NIV) <br />
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by BiblicaAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-23686867124105438012010-05-06T19:40:00.000-07:002010-05-06T19:43:36.688-07:00The Lancaster Comedy ClubOur house is a regular laugh factory and I wanted to share.<br />
_____________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
I came in late this evening because I had to go to town. When I arrived home I was pleased that Eric had already started the kids on their baths. Amelia was upstairs and was putting on her pajamas. I went up with Tess to get her started and to blow dry Amelia's hair. I began to comb her hair and noticed that the ends weren't dry but that her roots were. <br />
<br />
I asked, "Amelia, did you wash your hair?"<br />
<br />
She just stared at me (I believe pondering whether or not she should tell the truth because she might get in trouble). "I took a bubble bath, Momma!"<br />
<br />
So, I asked again, "Amelia did you forget to wash your hair?"<br />
<br />
She nodded her head. I told her that I would wash it in the morning.<br />
<br />
She seemed relieved that I didn't get upset. She began to confess. <br />
<br />
"I forgot to wash a lot of things. (Pause) I forgot to wash my whole body. (Pause) BUT, I washed my feet!"<br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Tess has been really concerned lately with making money. She is constantly dreaming up new ways to earn a buck or two. She has been offering her cleaning services to anyone who will have her for $5. All I have to do is to drive her around the county to the jobs. I guess I am the one paying for the gas. <br />
<br />
She was sitting at the table over a notebook the other day. I asked her what she was up to. She said, "I am designing things to sell in Aunt Emmy's store."<br />
<br />
I pondered this. After Emily started knitting, Tess thinks that whatever she needs clothing-wise that Aunt Emmy can knit-up with a few clicks of the needle. Because of this, I assumed that she was referring to Emily selling some of her knitting. I said, "Aunt Emmy doesn't have a store, she just takes orders and makes what she needs to from home."<br />
<br />
Tess replied, "I know, but they are building a store. Uncle Jason said so."<br />
<br />
"Where?" I queried.<br />
<br />
"At their house." she replied matter of factly.<br />
<br />
It then dawned on me. "Tess, are you talking about Uncle Jason's shop?"<br />
<br />
She nodded. "I can't wait to sell stuff." She grinned and she started working on her designs again.<br />
<br />
I was sorry that I had to explain to her that the shop would be a place for Uncle Jason to keep his tools and the boat so that it wasn't outside.<br />
<br />
She understood and wasn't too disappointed. She just said, "OOHHHH." and begain to work again.<br />
<br />
_____________________________________________________________<br />
Just in case you missed my status post...<br />
<br />
Ty came home from church holding a marigold planted in a styrofoam cup. <br />
<br />
I said, "Is that for me?" <br />
<br />
He hid it quickly behind his back and said, "No." He started rocking on his feet and looking skyward with his big brown eyes.<br />
<br />
I asked, "Why does it say 'Mom' on the side of the cup?" <br />
<br />
He grinned at me and said, "That's my nickname at church." And ran into the house.<br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Last weekend, Eric's nephew got married. Both of the girls were in the wedding. Eric had a ballgame in Tupelo so Ty had to endure the wedding rehearsal even though he wasn't in the wedding party.<br />
<br />
After rehearsal began, Ty leaned up and asked where the bathroom was. I asked him if something was wrong because I knew that he had just gone to the bathroom. He grinned and said, "I've got to get some tissue. I am an emotional wreck," making fun of the mommas who were running around crazy.<br />
<br />
_____________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Amelia was so excited about be in the wedding. She felt like a princess in her new white dress. As we were getting ready to go to the church for rehearsal, she asked, "Are we going to the wedding try-outs? I hope I do good, Momma."<br />
<br />
I was glad to explain that she didn't have to try out, just practice, because she had already made the cut. <br />
<br />
_____________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Amelia has been really helpful to me lately. She has so much energy and I have so little, I just try to harness hers. I send her upstairs for things and have her pick things up for me.<br />
<br />
At her school, her work from the day is always on the floor underneath her name. One afternoon when I was picking her up I said, "Amelia will you please pick those up for Momma? You are such a big help to me."<br />
<br />
She said, "Yeah, Momma, I have to help you because if you get down there you may never get up!"<br />
<br />
______________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Thanks for humoring me by listening to my kid stories.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-55360456961795804992010-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:002010-05-04T12:23:23.778-07:00Dr. Pepper SmilesThis morning I braved Wal-Mart for much needed groceries. After I filled my cart to the brim and checked out, I stepped out into the sunshine and prepared to go to the car. As I exited the doors, I had to stop before I could venture across the crosswalk. In front of me stood 5 pleasantly plump, perfectly coiffed grey-haired ladies. With carts full of giant cases of Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper (not another thing--just Dr. Peppers), they were in an animated conversation about where they had parked their vehicle. <br />
<br />
I never heard any names but I am sure at least one of them was Rose and another named Betty. (They just looked like ladies that would be named Rose or Betty.) <br />
<br />
One was pointing into the distance and said, "I thought we parked over there."<br />
<br />
Another stated, "No, I am sure it was row number 7."<br />
<br />
One piped up, "Isn't that it over there?"<br />
<br />
Because they looked like very smart women and there weren't that many cars in the parking lot, I felt confident they probably could find it without my help, so I smiled and went around them and went to my van. <br />
<br />
I opened the back and began to unload. I looked up and here the ladies came. It was row number 7. They pushed their Dr. Peppers in front of them and smiled at me. One of them stopped and asked me, "Ma'am, do you need any help?" <br />
<br />
I smiled back and said, "Thank you so much but I can do it. It is sweet of you to offer."<br />
<br />
Her gaze fell to my large, pregnant belly, then rose again to my face. She smiled a doubtful smile and said, "O-Kay" as if she still wasn't sure I would be able to handle it but was resigned to it anyway.<br />
<br />
I stopped loading the car and watched the group take stiff steps in their Easy Spirits up the hill to their car. I wondered who would unload all of their cases of soda for them. <br />
<br />
As I finished, and took my buggy to the cart corral, I thought about how many able bodied young folks have passed me lately while I was loading groceries, flats of flowers, cans of paint or tile. I wonder if it occured to them to ask me if I needed help and they just didn't or if it didn't even cross their mind. Or how many times, I might not have noticed someone who needed my help. <br />
<br />
There have been so many times this pregnancy that I have become frustrated about what my body couldn't do. I would almost curse it for not being able to climb those extra steps, or load that mulch, or carry bins of clothes to the attic. I have had a glimpse of what it might be like when I get a little older and have to concede to my limitations and ask for help even when I don't want to.<br />
<br />
I hope that when I age a score of years or two, that I will still feel like helping pregnant ladies load up their groceries. I hope I will have 4 friends who will help me find my car. I wonder if I will develop a need for large amounts of Dr. Pepper?<br />
<br />
But for now, I will be on the look out for people who need me. Despite my lack of muscle power, they probably have some other need I can fill. Maybe you could keep an eye open too.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-42883265495041311482010-04-29T20:13:00.000-07:002010-04-29T20:23:42.715-07:00Dinah UpdateFor those of you thinking, "Hasn't she had that kid yet?" No, I haven't. Most random strangers I meet are thinking and SAYING the same thing. Apparently, there are a great deal of amateur OB specialists in the area. For example, just today, I have been notified by 5 of these kind people in places like: the AT&T store, the Wonder Bread store, and Rib Shack that I am "never gonna make it another month". I was asked by a group of EMT's to please eat across the street because they needed to be able to eat their lunch without worrying I would go into labor.<br />
<br />
Well, today I took it better than most days, and laughed along with them. I am rather large but my due date is still May 30th. I did have a sonogram yesterday that said that Dinah was measuring a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. She has a big head like her daddy and a big thigh like her momma. It was reassuring to know that if she did come early (as so many have predicted) low birth weight will probably not be an issue.<br />
<br />
I am feeling pretty good these days. I am so glad for all the prayers that were lifted up on my behalf a few weeks ago when I was feeling AWFUL all of the time. I still tire easily and can't wait for that "nesting" thing to kick in. It will be so great to WANT to do all of the things I HAVE to do.<br />
<br />
We are in the middle of redoing our house so little Dinah will not have to sleep in a dresser drawer so my pregnancy has been at the bottom of my trouble list. I have lately survived a few minor disasters and will have to save those stories for another blog post. Future titles include, "What It Is Like for a Family of Five to Sleep on the Living Room Floor for a Week" and "How I Avoided a Divorce on the Grounds of Irreconcilable Differences i.e. House Remodel". <br />
<br />
I just wanted to let those of you who have kindly asked that she is doing well and hopefully we will have a delivery in the next month. For now, until I can walk on my kitchen floor, I have asked her to stay put. Maybe she will be like her mother and be a loving, compliant child.<br />
<br />
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-37134197424714463232010-03-12T08:39:00.000-08:002011-09-22T21:09:13.830-07:00When Spring Comes AgainI love to see the daffodils blooming. It seems to be the first sign that spring will make its appearance. As a girl, we were allowed to pick all of the daffodils we wanted because there were so many of them in the fields around where we lived. We would fill any container we could find with the flowers and decorate our home. Their bright yellow would light up any room. Now that I am older, I don’t pick them as much, I just enjoy the fact that they bring color to the bleak, brown landscape from the long winter months.<br />
<br />
<br />
This year the blooms have emerged in March. A couple of years ago, due to an unusual warm spell they were out in February. The day of my son’s funeral was overcast, cold, and misty. As we drove to the cemetery, I noticed the daffodils lined the roadway. It felt good to see them, but I wondered at them being out on a day like that.<br />
<br />
In the coming months, one of songs I listened to the most was “Worship in the Waiting” by FFH. The chorus to the song is this:<br />
<br />
<br />
I WILL WORSHIP IN THE WAITING <br />
I WILL WALK WITH THIS SAND BENEATH MY FEET <br />
THOUGH THE WINTER WIND IS BLOWING <br />
THE GROUND IS NOT FROZEN UNDERNEATH <br />
I WILL WORSHIP AND NOT GROW BITTER <br />
CAUSE I KNOW YOU SEE THE END OF IT ALL <br />
AND WITH THE SPRING WILL COME THE RAIN <br />
AND I'LL SEE WHAT WAS GAINED <br />
IN THE WAITING <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Those days I walked a lot outside and listened to music. I was able to watch spring come into its full glory. The dead leaves and broken branches were replaced with bits of green and dogwood blooms. Wisteria, tulips, azaleas and daffodils graced the scenery beautifully. God used His gorgeous earth to show me He loved me. Each blossom whispered comfort. Even though I was walking through a winter in my life, spring would come again. The ground, so frozen and hard, was not dead. It held life beneath it and with time and God’s help; I would bloom again as well. <br />
<br />
So daffodils have become my own personal rainbow and I don’t mind sharing it with you. No matter what difficulty you are enduring in the present, nothing on this earth lasts forever. It will pass. He may not change your circumstance but He can change you in it. So even when you feel you can’t, worship Him and don’t grow bitter. Lean on Him and grow in wisdom. Then someday, when spring has come again, you will be able to look back and see how far He has brought you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>I’ve seen the red sea part, I’ve seen the mountains move <br />
But now it seems so dark, I can’t even feel you <br />
If you chose to be silent I’ll be silent too <br />
I will worship in the waiting, quiet before you <br />
Until your voice like manna from the sky falls <br />
<br />
I WILL WORSHIP IN THE WAITING <br />
I WILL WALK WITH THIS SAND BENEATH MY FEET <br />
THOUGH THE WINTER WIND IS BLOWING <br />
THE GROUND IS NOT FROZEN UNDERNEATH <br />
I WILL WORSHIP AND NOT GROW BITTER <br />
CAUSE I KNOW YOU SEE THE END OF IT ALL <br />
AND WITH THE SPRING WILL COME THE RAIN <br />
AND I'LL SEE WHAT WAS GAINED <br />
IN THE WAITING <br />
<br />
I’ve seen the blooms of spring, new life in everything <br />
But now it seems so grey, bright colors fade away <br />
This winter seems much longer and colder than before <br />
But I will worship in the waiting, expecting something more <br />
Until the sun shines warm upon my face again <br />
<br />
He Leadeth me He leadeth me <br />
By his own hand He leadeth me <br />
His faithful follower I would be <br />
For by his hand He leadeth me</i>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-79454294226232074792010-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:002010-02-22T08:02:35.411-08:00Love FestI’ve been thinking a lot about love lately. All different kinds, but mostly the kind of love Jesus commanded us to have for one another. Over a year ago, I was really burdened by the “Love Chapter”. Yes, the verses I grew up seeing in cross-stitch on the wall, the verses I had heard so many times and thought were beautiful, made me sad. I knew I had not been living those words. <br />
<br />
<br />
Not just in that chapter, but in many, many verses, God commands us to love one another.<br />
<br />
“Love your enemies…” Matthew 5:44<br />
<br />
“Love your neighbor as yourself”- Matthew 22:39<br />
<br />
“You yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” I Thessalonians 4:9<br />
<br />
“Above all things have fervent love for one another” I Peter 4:1-8<br />
<br />
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I go around hating people. I generally get along with people. I like to do things for people who need things. I try to be kind to others even when they aren’t so nice to me. But I had to ask myself, “Do you love others like He wants you to?” The answer was plainly no. It is awful to see flaws so clearly. And as I read in I Corinthians 13, it doesn’t matter what good I do, even with the best intentions, if I don’t love the ones I am doing it for. <br />
<br />
I began to pray and ask God to help me love people. Even the ones that don’t deserve it, the ones I don’t want to love, the ones that need it. I put I Corinthians 13:1-3 on my refrigerator and told God “Send the Love!” Did a love fest ensue? No, not really. I became aware of what I needed to be feeling and thought about it a lot. I kept on loving the people it was easy to love, but with the awareness, brought more prayer and conscious effort. I didn’t want to have to TRY to love people though; I wanted it to flow out of me.<br />
<br />
Recently, Bro. Dennis Smith has been talking about love too and teaching about what God has to say about it through His Word. One night he was teaching from the “Love Chapter” and told us to take I Corinthians 13:4-8, the portion of the chapter where God explains what love is, and to replace the word “Love” with “Jesus”. Jesus is love.<br />
<br />
JESUS is patient, JESUS is kind. JESUS does not envy….<br />
<br />
Then, because our goal should be to emulate Jesus in every way, Bro. Dennis told us to put our own name in the place of “Jesus”.<br />
<br />
….Anna does not boast, Anna is not proud, Anna is not rude, Anna is not self-seeking…<br />
<br />
Then at the beginning and end of each day we were to think of being what LOVE is and then evaluate the outcome. <br />
<br />
Okay, basically, I STINK at loving. <br />
<br />
Even though my actions might be right some of the time, my heart is often far behind. I am not even loving my family and friends properly. I thought they were the easy ones! But, instead of giving up, I am trying to see my mistakes, ask forgiveness, and am seeking to do better next time. <br />
<br />
Most of you know I am a nurse. Nearly all of the patients I take care of are a joy to be with. But…sometimes…those challenging situations come along. I usually start with a good attitude but by the end of my shift, my good intentions have gone down the drain. While I feel I am never rude to my patients, I don’t always think the nicest thoughts. <br />
<br />
Last night, I helped a fellow nurse and friend deal with a difficult situation. Her patient became very confused at bedtime. She did know who she was, where she was, or what day it was. She began to pick and pull at all of the lines and tubes that were in place to make her better. No amount of reorientation, explanation, or instruction did any good. My friend was exhausted from trying to keep the patient from harming herself. I was able to assist my friend in caring for her. After we had completed the necessary procedures at the time, I told my friend that I would stay with the patient while she took a much needed break. The patient had a one sided weakness, so I only had to take care of one hand to keep her from undoing her lines. We dimmed the lights, I held that hand, and sat with her. At first she pulled away, then, she began to squeeze my hand like it gave her comfort to have it there. After a few minutes of quiet, she dozed off to sleep. <br />
<br />
For about 30 minutes, I held her hand, prayed for her, her nurse, and her doctors. At times my other hand rested on her chest to help me count her shallow breaths. But mostly, during that interval, I just loved her. <br />
<br />
God allowed me, for a short while, to experience what I want to become all the time. That woman had done nothing to deserve my love. She had not endeared anyone by her actions or attitudes. I did not just care for her because it was my job, or because I felt sorry for her. I cared for her because I loved her, not just as myself, as but more than myself. <br />
<br />
By God’s grace and power, this work in progress, has made a little progress. My plan is to keep at it, and maybe one day before I go to meet my Maker, I might one of the main participants in His love fest. Oh, that I might one day become so filled with His love, that it oozes from my pores for all to see and give honor to Him!<br />
<br />
But until that day, I will be repeating over and over,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Love is patient, love is kind. <br />
<br />
It does not envy, it does not boast,<br />
<br />
It is not proud. It is not rude, <br />
<br />
It is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered, <br />
<br />
It keeps no record of wrongs. <br />
<br />
Love does not delight in evil; <br />
<br />
But rejoices with the truth. <br />
<br />
It always protects, always trusts, <br />
<br />
Always hopes, always preserves.<br />
<br />
Love never fails.”<br />
<br />
I Corinthians 13:4-8aAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-65228828540554621452010-02-04T06:18:00.000-08:002011-09-22T21:08:35.797-07:00Hankerchiefs and TearsThis morning I put on a jacket and put my hands in the pockets and <br />
pulled out a wrinkled ball of white linen. It was one of the hankerchiefs <br />
I am forever misplacing. I know that it is a bit old-fashioned but I<br />
like to use handerchiefs instead of tissues (unless I have a cold). I have<br />
always been one easily moved to tears, so it is almost necessary to<br />
keep one on hand unless I want to be dripping all over my sleeves.<br />
<br />
This morning as I smoothed and refolded the cloth, I thought of my<br />
second son, Jack. I realized I had not worn this jacket since a few <br />
months after his birth. It isn't quite maternity but it is larger than I <br />
usually wear so that is why I was wearing it then and why I am<br />
wearing it today. I was still crying quite a lot those days. A thought,<br />
a kind word, or a mother and child, would trigger a flood. <br />
<br />
This month, on the 19th, my Jack would have been 2 years old.<br />
The first year moved by so slowly but this second year has flown by.<br />
Today, as I reflect on where I was then and the place I am in now, I <br />
am so thankful. It took me a good 6 months to be able to even walk <br />
by the baby department at the store, much less go into that section <br />
and buy something. But, by and by, when it was required, as with <br />
each step I had to take, God supplied the strength to do it. <br />
<br />
Today, I go to visit my OB to check on the little one growing inside me.<br />
She likes to move around a lot. Which is such a blessing because I<br />
can not help each time she somersaults inside me but think of the one<br />
who was perfectly still. Each kick and turn reminds me she is okay.<br />
<br />
Lots of people who talk to me ask me, "How many is this now?", <br />
referring to how many children we have. I always say five. Then, <br />
"When is this one due?" I reply, "May." The next question is <br />
almost inevitably, "How old are they?" I then go down the <br />
line: Ty (10), Tess (8), Amelia (4), and Jack who would have<br />
been two this month. The reactions I receive vary. The ones I <br />
have a hard time with are the ones who say, "So this will be the <br />
4th, then", as if they need to correct my math. Or, the ones that are<br />
so uncomfortable with me talking about him, that they change the <br />
subject or end our conversation abruptly.<br />
<br />
I understand there are people who don't want to talk about the <br />
children they don't have here on earth anymore. I wouldn't<br />
judge what is private or painful enough that they don't<br />
or can't speak of it. But I am okay with it. I think of Jack daily <br />
and he isn't less my child, just because he isn't with me here on <br />
earth. The child I carry is my 5th child and I <br />
will continue to refer to her as such. I hope that you won't be <br />
made to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable with me. I hope that<br />
you will feel the joy I have about being blessed with 5 children,<br />
living here or in heaven. And if I cry a little, and have to pull out<br />
my hankerchief, don't feel bad, just know that you were a part of <br />
an intimate moment of memory for me. This is not a reproach, just <br />
a gentle reminder to take the cue of the one you are speaking with. <br />
<br />
God is using my openness to help others who have been in <br />
similar circumstances. I won't ever be ashamed of sharing my <br />
feelings if it assists others as they wade through their pain.<br />
I am so grateful that as his birthday approaches that I am not in <br />
the depths of despair, but I am also thankful that I am able to think <br />
of him, remember, and have a heart tender enough to shed a few tears.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-36811512103932664822010-02-03T05:44:00.000-08:002010-02-03T07:13:47.524-08:00Are You Getting Excited?THE OLYMPICS WILL BE HERE IN ONLY 9 MORE DAYS!!!<br />
<br />
For as long as I can remember, I've loved the Olympics. Winter or <br />
Summer, I don't care. It is all fabulous. But since it is winter, lets talk <br />
about those.<br />
<br />
I remember sitting cross-legged in front of the TV in awe of how <br />
beautiful the ice skaters were. Despite never seeing any ice except <br />
in the freezer, and on the rare occasion the pond in the backyard <br />
froze over in an ice storm, this Mississippi girl dreamed of gliding, <br />
smiling, jumping, and spinning someday for these United States <br />
of America. It was difficult practicing my routines in my tennis shoes on<br />
grass but that didn't stop me. You should have seen how well the Janzen <br />
kids could bobsled in a laundry basket on the the living room floor. <br />
Four of us-just the right number. What a team!<br />
<br />
Speed skating, skiing, curling, luge--I watch them all with wonder. To not<br />
be much of a sportswoman myself, I sure do appreciate their athleticism.<br />
If I only had one tenth their drive and discipline, oh, what I would achieve!<br />
<br />
I think another reason I like the Olympics is that I associate it with family. <br />
We always watched it together. There weren't any other TVs, gaming <br />
systems, or iPods to call us away. There were hardly any other channels<br />
for that matter. They were an event to look forward to together. So <br />
now, even though my children have plenty of other options, I force them<br />
to enjoy the events with me. Maybe they will look back and have a <br />
few fond memories also.<br />
<br />
I have been a weekend nurse for almost 5 years now so I have missed <br />
the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics the last two times. <br />
This year it will all be different. We have a DVR!!! I will be able to <br />
record every moment! <br />
<br />
So, gather up your red, white, and blue and get ready to cheer.<br />
<br />
USA! USA! USA!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1371103631235558737.post-78262049058674909402010-01-29T00:36:00.000-08:002010-01-29T02:17:04.794-08:00Big AnnouncementThis evening we announced to the children that the new baby's <br />
name would be Dinah. <br />
<br />
These are the statements I received in reply:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"D-I-N-A-H?!?! Are you serious?"<br />
<br />
"Is that even a real name?"<br />
<br />
"Is that a boy's name?"<br />
<br />
"I thought the baby's name was Georgia Sparkles!"<br />
<br />
"At school we have a soup named Dyna." To this I replied, <br />
"What?" Tess said, "Yeah, its so hot. Like dynamite. We call <br />
it Dyna. Do you really want to name the baby after a soup?"<br />
<br />
"DINAH! I'm just not so sure about this mom."<br />
<br />
"I think I'm going to throw up."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I really like the name. Eric does too. This is a milestone in our <br />
baby naming. We usually name our babies in the hospital because <br />
we can never agree on a name until then. I was so proud of it until <br />
I was shot down by 3 well-meaning children. I just don't feel <br />
God leading us to"Georgia Sparkes". <br />
<br />
I think that, despite the bad feedback in the polls, we are going to <br />
stick to that name. We are working on the baby's second name. <br />
That may end up being a hospital thing. <br />
<br />
The baby is thriving. She is an active little girl. All of her sonogram <br />
pictures looked great. Thanks for praying for us. Please continue <br />
to do so. <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Anna<br />
<br />
P.S. I hope her name doesn't make you want to throw up.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804872448663897393noreply@blogger.com0