For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal

I've been having a lot of conversations with God over the past couple of weeks that have gone something like this .... "I'm suppose to be able to find all direction in your word, but why are you making it so difficult to find guidance for leading my children? Can't I have in plain sight how to handle E when she withdraws from me? What am I suppose to do about _______? How do I handle _______? You're not making this very easy!"

At a stressful point yesterday, I realized I wasn't having conversations with Him at all. A conversation is an exchange of dialogue. A two-way communication. I've been doing all the talking and becoming frustrated when I come up empty. More stressed out than when I first acknowledged any problem at all. I haven't been listening ... sitting still and listening to what God is trying to tell me. See, He isn't pushy. He's constant and patient. Yet, He's also purposeful and the more I acknowledge my weakness and insecurities in mothering my children, He gives me glimpses of answers ... waiting on me to stop and surrender to Him completely.

I'm reminded more and more each day my children are a product of me. We make silly comments about it all the time. Things like, "she gets that from you" or "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree", etc. Both are true, but their attitudes are a direct result of mine as well. I'll admit they are seeing me in the Word more than they ever have because all I want to do is study. The only problem is, I'm failing at applying what I'm learning to my life. I close my bible and snap at them no doubt leaving them confused. Shouldn't they see me finding strength in what I've read?

It's no mistake, I wrote this verse last week on the plate in our kitchen.


I thought it would be a great 'teaching verse' to my children and I've been so arrogant as to explain it to them in detail. I've walked past that plate hundreds of times since then and felt conviction every time. I've heard the Lord softly say, "Deidre, would you do that for me?" I shook it off and made a mental note to never write anything on that plate about taming the tongue - ha!

Yesterday was particularly hard because I lost my patience with E. Eric and I both went to bed last night feeling defeated and wondering how on earth we were going to make anything right. It's so frustrating when you love someone so much, but feel as if you have no idea what to do. Before I fell asleep, I prayed and asked God to show me what to do. "Lord, I'm studying your word, I'm talking with you daily. Have I learned anything that will equip me to lead my children in Truth? Where am I failing?"

I woke early and while everyone was sleeping I quietly made my way to my spot in the living room to read God's word. I needed a pen, so I went to the kitchen and passed the plate with Colossians 3:12. (I made a mental note to throw the plate out after breakfast - conviction makes you want to do crazy things, am I right?)

As I sat with my Bible, I asked God to open my eyes this morning. I prayed and then waited almost desperately on an answer. I kept thinking of my memory verses and thought surely I wasn't to sit there and recite them to myself. That's not what this time is for. But, I felt strongly God was wanting me to. So, I started. When I got to my 2nd verse, I stopped .... pondering on what it truly meant.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.

Casting down imaginations and every high thing

that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity every thought

to the obedience of Christ."

(2 Cor 10:4-5)

I say this verse to myself so many times throughout the day - more often than any other verse I know. But, I recall it mainly because of verse 5 asking God to push out any lies I'm entertaining to believe and instead replace it with His word.

This morning, I thought a lot about verse 4: "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but are mighty through God to the pulling down on strongholds".

Warfare.

Surrendering my family to the Lord does endure a certain amount of warfare. Okay, A LOT of warfare. Surely that's what we're in most of the time. The enemy wants nothing more to attack my family unit even creeping in through myself and my children.

"For of this sort are they which creep into houses,

and lead captive silly women laden with sins,

(2 Timothy 3:6)

If the weapons of this warfare aren't carnal, it means there's nothing I can come up with myself. I don't have anything in me that's strong enough to fight. My flesh is too weak and will fail me and my family every single time. But, what weapons of God will help me fight for my family and our attitudes?

Then, God spoke loudly to me and His answer came flooding and if He was saying, "My weapons are compassion, Humility, patience, kindness and tenderness, the HOLY SPIRIT dwelling in you , a holy attitude, a submissive spirit, a yielding to my ways .... a complete surrender to me!"

He spoke to me about our relationship and reminded me that my relationship with Him is suppose to be changing me .... so I will look, talk and walk more like Him. Our relationship is suppose to draw my children to Him. I can have all the head knowledge I want, but my children will never be impressed with any of it and even be turned off by it if they can't see the fruits and see that it's real.

So the plate stays and Colossians 3:12 will stay written on it a little longer than any other verse. I'm certain it will take me longer to grasp it than my children. But, I'm thankful for the hope Christ has given me this morning. Hope that He will fight any battle for me and with me .... and I will be victorious when I surrender to Him.

It All Belongs To God

It's been a looooooooong day ..... good, but long.

O's room is almost complete with the new flooring. She should be able to sleep in her bed tomorrow night - praise you, Lord! She is NOT a fan of sleeping anywhere besides her bed, so this had been especially hard on her.

After running errands all day in the pouring rain, we were fortunate enough to enjoy a wonderful night of praise with Shaun Groves. I love to hear him sing and his humility is so refreshing.

But, as I said it's been a long day. We're winding down and preparing for bed. The conversation going on right now in my living room .....

E: "Move over, O. You're taking up too much room on God's sofa."

O: "This is not God's sofa. It's our family's sofa. What's wrong with you?"

E: "Everything is the Lord's! Even this sofa!"

O: (keep in mind, she's 3) "E, look around you! Do you see God in here? Don't be crazy, this is our sofa!"

O sighs with disgust and grabs a magazine. She says, "Leave me alone anyway. I'm about to plan our family beach trip."

I cannot think of a single reason why I stay so worn out. Can you?

Sorry to leave you hanging

I haven't forgotten about posting what's on my nightstand. I knew I was being overly-ambitious when I said I would post it today.

We're knee deep ripping out carpet and carpet padding and cleaning ..... oh my word, the cleaning! Real quick, I'll tell you that the beloved balcony is getting the carpet removed also and guess where all the dust, sawdust and pet hair went? That would be on the sofa below on the first floor. Joy, joy!

Also, because we are crazy and can't do anything normal ..... we are in the middle of a small Master bathroom renovation and have men working in there as well.

All that to say, as soon as I can I'll post about what I'm reading. But, it's important to note that reading would be an extreme luxury on a day like today.

Until then.....

Think Happy Thoughts

Can't really put cohesive thoughts together tonight. O isn't feeling well (had to go to the doctor this morning for a breathing treatment). We were slightly misled by the people who owned this house and told their pet never went upstairs where my girls' rooms are. I specifically asked since O is very allergic (as am I). I'm really fighting the urge to be angry at them. I was especially fighting the urge as I was clearing out her room today so we can rip out the carpet tomorrow morning. I've watched her struggle to breathe enough and she won't be going back in there.

Good times ... good times.

Anyway, how about we focus on some happy things? Here are some things that make me happy at the moment....

**Diet Coke with Vanilla from Sonic. Yum! We don't have a Sonic near our home, but I find myself making the 20 minute (one way) trip more often to enjoy the goodness. Of course, also for the best.ice.ever.

**This mascara from Maybelline. It's brilliant, I tell ya. Love. It! I won't go into all my issues with mascara, but I'm really picky. I've been known to wear more than one at a time. This one is great! Check it out.

**Mandisa came out with a new CD yesterday! I love me some Mandisa. I think she's great.

**Kari Jobe came out with a new CD as well. I bought her first one online a couple of years ago (it wasn't available in stores). She's included some of the same songs on this CD like My Beloved and Revelation Song ... however, I am really enjoying You are For Me! I've listened to it a million times in a week. I certainly need the reminder that indeed He is.

*Also, for some Travis Cottrell news (is this turning into a music post?). Travis is coming out with a new worship CD soon (I know some of you were able to attend the worship service in Woodstock, GA where it was taped and I heard it was wonderful ..... although I wasn't there ..... I couldn't go ..... I really wanted to ..... I may have cried ..... and, I may still be bitter ..... anyhoo ....), you can pre-order it here. You're welcome.

**I know some of you did this bible study by Kelly Minter last summer. I'm just now getting around to reading it and it's certainly God's timing for me to read it now. Wow, it's very convicting about all the things I place before the Lord and didn't realize. Great stuff and an easy read.

Which brings me to the subject of my next post. When I posted a picture of my nightstand the other day, I got some comments and emails about what I'm reading. Tomorrow, I'll post a list of books I'm currently reading and what I have on my nightstand waiting. I would love to hear about your lists....

Just watching her ride made me want to .... but, then I came to my senses

Man, I hated for this weekend to end. It was so nice to be outside, working in the yard, watching the girls play and just enjoying the sunshine.

First things first ..... I cracked up at some of the last comments and emails suggesting I had hand-painted the flowers on O's toes. Are you kidding? I could never do that! Not only do I lack the patience and skills, but a three year old sitting still for such an intricate task would be nothing short of a miracle. So, let me give you a little insight on what we used.

Go to any drugstore, Walmart or Target and in the nail polish aisle there will be nail sticker decal thingys (have no clue what they're called and I've tried finding a link to them and am having no luck - probably because I don't know what they're actually called). You can buy flat stickers such as flowers, leaves, etc. or jewels (although the jewels don't stay on active little girls' toes for long, so we choose flowers). Then, once you paint the color on, use tweezers to place the flower decal onto the nail. Then, brush over the top with a clear coat and let dry. Wallah! Instant art! My girls LOVE it.

Moving on ...

E was out of school on Friday. Lately she's been feeling a little left out because she thinks O and I get to do so much together while she's in school all day. So, I had a surprise planned for her on Friday while O was at Mothers Morning Out.

Her first professional pedicure ....



She had so much fun and told me this would be the first of many for her. (I reminded her that in my LONG life, I've had only 3 pedicures but I don't think she was concerned.) She told many people since then that she'll go often. Ha! We shall see.

It was neat to see her enjoy herself so much though. When we left her only complaint was there were no flowers on her toes. Ofcourse, I politely reminded her that flowers are a 'perk' for having Mommy do your toes and a professional just can't beat what I can do (because that's how I roll - wanting my girls to always think I'm best - ha!).

Saturday, we worked outside all day - planting bushes and painting the front door. I should have taken a before/after shot because it looks so much better. The faded red brick color is now glossy black. I love it!

Yesterday after church marked another milestone for E. She learned to ride her bicycle with no training wheels!!!!

I was so proud of her. I have been trying to teach her for a couple of years, but E is very fearful of things and trying anything new usually brings a lot of tears and discussions of 'what ifs' (she really needs to complete the Esther study :) Saturday afternoon, one of the boys in the neighborhood rode his bicycle by our house and made a rude comment about E being 7 years old and still using training wheels. I just watched and secretly knew it would be the motivation E needed to learn to ride without them. Sure enough, she woke Sunday morning begging her Daddy to teach her.

The coolest thing happened. Eric took her to the backyard, removed the training wheels and started teaching her. Once a few girls in the neighborhood saw what she was doing, they ran over and helped her learn. Seriously, it melted my heart to see those girls running alongside her and cheering her on. They were so encouraging to her and as a result, she learned after only a short time. She still lacks a little confidence without her Daddy right beside her, but that will come with practice (huge teachable moment right there about our heavenly Father, but I'll pass on the opportunity - I'll bet you all know what I'm thinking, right?).

I wanted so badly to ride my bike beside of her. I even went to dig it out of the garage. Fortunately, there were 2 flat tires which is completely understandable since I haven't been on it since .... umm .... well, since the summer of '97. Should I ride to the end of my driveway and back, I fear my thighs would burst into flames!!

So, maybe later ....

Anyway ...... Congratulations, E! I'm so proud of your determination! A whole new world just opened up for you :)

First Signs of Spring

We had a little spa-day this morning, which was a great diversion from our 96th game of Candyland. One more trip around Gumdrop Mountain and I would have gone into a sugar-coma.

O insisted on having her toes painted since she would be wearing her new princess flip-flops to gymnastics. She went crazy over the flowers and wanted one on each toe. Fortunately, I talked her into just one.

Aside from the ocassional "I said don't move" and "Hold still", it was a relaxing experience - kind of like a real spa.

Except, not really.

Not at all, actually.

Live blogging from the backyard because anything else would be sinful

It's sunny and warm here today - give the Lord some praise!

I have laundry and housework to do, but instead decided to wash my car.

I know ... out of character for me, but I just wanted to be outside and I can't plant flowers yet. I don't trust the weather here. I'm not convinced we won't have anymore cold weather.

Right now, I'm on the back porch (slab? tiny square of concrete? - this house doesn't really have a back anything) watching the girls play with the neighbors. I'm noticing a few things that prove their differences even more.

E (my 7 year old) is such a sensitive child, always wanting to please. Al though really intelligent and outgoing, she backs off and lets other children have their way - even when she knows they are wrong. She's the peacemaker and talks in 'scripture' most of the time which makes the other kids look at her as if she's from another planet. (Side note: If 'neighbor girl' doesn't chill out just a little, I may have to make my way to the swingset.) I want to scream, "E stand up for yourself!" But, I sit here acting like I'm not paying attention. Count to ten ......

Someone just asked E if they could all go inside to play. (Come on, E - you know what to do!) She answers, "No way! To play inside today would be sinful. It's glorious and marvelous out here". (She really does speak in King James - ha!)

O, on the other hand (my 3 year old) .... well, she could really care less if you like her or not. She's not one to please and actually, if she senses your approval, she may just do the oppposite to make a point. Right now, she's hanging out with the boys. She can't be bothered with playing 'house' or fairies. Instead, she's running with a giant stick with intentions to stab neighbor girl's brother. She's laughing hysterically and he's running like ..... well, like a girl. Yep ... I'm not paying attention. "O, put that stick down right now!"

This picture captures her personality. Taken on our last trip,she's sitting back inside the suitcase talking to her grandmother on the phone. Never a worry.

They are each so different, and so precious. I just love watching them play.

Wait ... I have to sign off. Neighbor girl is in E's face and I have to step in.

Looks like I won't have to. O is taking control and showing who's boss!

Have I mentioned she's 3?

Neighbor girl is 9.

A force to be reckoned with!

The End of GOOD Thing

I'm in a fog this morning. You know the kind of fog where you've thought about something for SO long and then it's over and now you don't know what to do with yourself? That kind of fog.

Last night was our final night of bible study. Before I left the house, Eric asked me if I was excited because it was ending or if my excitement was over the last night's discussion. "Yes!", I answered ... to both reasons.

We had a great time together and I wish I could share personal stories with you. God did some wonderful things in the lives of a few women that only HE could have done. Over the past 10 weeks, I have enjoyed hearing/reading the testimonies of women allowing God to deliver them from things they have been in captivity to for years. I've read testimonies of marriages restored and women learning for the FIRST TIME how great it is to study God's word. Praise His Name! I don't know many more things greater than organized bible study.

Oh, I want to show you what one woman made for me. Check it out .....

Isn't that cool? She made this entirely out of chocolate! This picture doesn't do it justice (because I'm a bad photographer), but each piece looks exactly like the cover of the book. She did this all by hand - no molds. It's fantastic.

We finished up the study with crowns, noisemakers and Haman's Ears just like a real Feast of Purim. So neat.

I admit I was a little giddy when I got home last night. Worn out and giddy. I'm looking forward to some rest. I told Eric aside from my devotions, I was going to take a week off from any in-depth bible study. At least a week.

Then, I crawled into bed and took a look at my nightstand.

Which reminded me of the upcoming youth girls retreat. Our first ever and I can't wait to get it all together. Maybe a week is a stretch.

Scripture Memory #6

It's time to sign in for the Scripture Memory Challenge. I love this accountability! It's forcing me to learn the verses and I have needed each and every one I've memorized since January 1st.

My last verses were:

"He sent from above, he took me,

he drew me out of many waters;

He delivered me from my strong enemy,

and from them which hated me:

for they were too strong for me.

They prevented me in the day of my calamity:

but THE LORD WAS MY STAY.

He brought me forth and also into a large place;

He delivered me because HE DELIGHTED in me."

Psalm 18:16-19

Amen!

I knew then what my next verse would be to memorize. I've already started 'quoting it', but now can focus on memorizing entirely....

"There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit."

Romans 8:1

To join in, click here. Please consider it. There's going to be a big celebration at the end.

Spoiled

I got ready in such a hurry this morning. Actually I have every morning this week because I've had to be ready by 8:15 (I don't always get my shower that early - I know, shocker!). We've had someone working on our master bathroom on a renovation all week and this man never arrives a minute past 8:15!

O and I were rushing to get out the door this morning. As soon as I pulled out of my neighborhood, the traffic was backed up. Great. It took 15 minutes to see what the problem was. There was a wreck and the truck involved was EXACTLY like my dad's. I saw first responders helping a man out of the truck. I couldn't get a clear picture of who it was. I pulled over and ran (in the pouring rain) to the truck, but was met by two men who told me to get back in my van. I was unusually calm, but very worried. I dialed my dad's cell phone and as soon as he answered I said, "Daddy, where are you?!" He answered, "I'm at work, where are you?"

Then, I broke down and cried.

By, the time I got to O's school I had to sit down and take a minute to get myself together. I don't usually panic about situations like that, but lately I've been dealing with a fear of something happening to my dad. This fear has snuck up on me - maybe since he has been sick lately, I don't know.

Anyway, once O was safe in her classroom I drove across the street to the library. I couldn't wait to sit in my usual spot - in the corner with a wall of windows to look out. That is my corner. We have become friends - familiar friends - and I love working on my lessons or studying there.

As I walk closer to my corner, a man is sitting there.

What on earth?

MOVE!

My attitude was so poor by this point, I almost walked back to my car and headed to Chick-fil-A for an IV of sweet tea. But, I didn't. Instead I sat RIGHT NEXT to the man - praying he was uncomfortable with all the togetherness and want to move. (See why I'm a head case? I'm a spoiled child!) Besides, I am emotional from my morning and I need to have a meltdown in my spot.

He didn't budge. Turns out, I'm the one uncomfortable with all the togetherness, but my stubbornness is greater so I stayed as well. Then, God being God brought in a college girl to sit RIGHT NEXT TO ME on the other side. Here I am - sandwiched in between two people that I'm sure I don't like. And, I still need to have a meltdown.

I closed my eyes and prayed. "God, can you hear me? What's that? I know, I know. I'm spoiled. Forgive me."

I open my bible to the book of Haggai. I taught on this book years ago, but keep thinking about it and thought I may need to go back there. The children of Israel are discouraged. They have ceased rebuilding the Temple because they let enemies convince them to stop and lost all motivation. They turned away from God and were only concerned with building their own houses instead of God's house. Haggai is sent to encourage them .... tell them to 'Consider their ways' and finish what God told them to do.

This hits right at home because I have been overwhelmed a little lately with all God has put on my heart to do. Could He be right? He has to have the wrong person! There are so many other women who are FAR more qualified to do what He's asking. Where are they, Lord? Why isn't anyone stepping up to do these tasks? For the millionth time, He tells me "I asked you, Deidre".

Dern.

I started to feel lighter ... maybe a little less spoiled ... motivated to keep going on.

Just then, I got a text from a girl in my SS class asking for prayer about a college decision. As I was answering her, I get a text from another girl asking for prayer about a health concern. Oh, how much I love these girls!! But, how much more the King of Kings loves them.

As I need encouragement from my Savior to continue - even when things get heavy, they need encouragement as well. This life is tough and is filled with fear, sin, poor attitudes and lack of motivation to keep going. But, as my brother said SO WELL on Wednesday night "We're not home yet", so we have to keep going ..... keep repenting ..... to build the house of God and his kingdom.

I just keep praying He'll forgive me when I'm fearful, when I act like a spoiled child and help me get out of His way! There are lives watching me. I'm always sandwiched in between those looking to see if serving Him is worth it.

Yes! So worth it!

What happened to my posts ...

Ugh .... why do you come back to read this crazy blog? I have had a terrible time updating in the past month. I just can't get it together. Here's a little of what we've been up to ...

I do have a legitimate excuse for not posting this week. Something is seriously 'up' with my blog. I've had a few people tell me when they clicked on my blog, my posts were missing. I thought it was taking a little longer to load and didn't think much of it. BUT, today I signed on several times and couldn't get my posts to show at all (Paula, you weren't imagining things). It freaked me out. I found them when I clicked around on my dashboard. Does anyone know what's going on? Do I need to change my background?

Also, you know when I casually mentioned last week that my girls were passing a virus back and forth? Yes, well ... turns out that little virus was STREP THROAT AND THE FLU!! Can you believe I was so clueless? I'll spare you all the details, but they are now doing great. We have all had flu shots so I never dreamed that's what they had. Our sunny-day Saturday we were looking so forward to last week was actually spent at Urgent Care. I may have cried. I was so bummed.

On a positive note, we have had a few really warm days this week and we've spent every possible moment OUTSIDE - praise His name!! I believe our weekend will be much cooler, but it was so nice to have a few days of reprieve from winter.

Okay, I will hopefully be back tomorrow. That is, if my blog still exists. I panicked when I couldn't see my posts ... only because I have so many stories on here about my girls that I want to remember and haven't recorded them in their journals yet (another thing to do!). Is there a way to 'backup' your blog? I need to check into that.

Hope you're all having a great week!

Take off those masks

Good grief, what a busy week. Am I coming or going? I don't know.

I still have a sick child ... O, this time. I knew she would catch whatever virus E had so I prepared myself. Not much keeps her down, though, so she really doesn't act sick.

We're heading into a beautiful weekend here .... temps in the 70s! .....give the Lord some praise!!! Oh, how much we need some sunshine here (I know, I talk like we live in a dark cave, don't I?) We just have a bad case of cabin fever and need to get outside!

God is doing some great things and I cannot wait to share some of those things here on this blog, but I'm waiting for the green light. I have had a wonderful week just watching Him do His thing.
Is there anything greater than serving the Lord? I think not!

You know, He's even worthy of our praise when He exposes our crummy attitudes and sinful natures? He's still God and still so concerned with every detail of our lives, He won't allow us to walk around downcast and defeated for long.

Maybe this will help explain what I'm feeling ....

This picture caught my eye today. Two years ago, Eric had a job that took him to Toronto often. He traveled A LOT, so a couple of times, we joined him. O wasn't even walking the first time we went. During one of our trips, we were able to visit Niagara Falls. That was great, but honestly when I look at pictures from our trip I still get a bitter feeling in my stomach.

On that trip, my precious E was .... ummmm .... well, horrible. Whew! She wore me out and didn't listen to a cotton-pickin' thing I said. I can't look at pictures of us at the top of the CN Tower without remembering I spent most of it in the restroom giving her a lecture. I can see the expressions on her face in all the pictures we took that you wouldn't be able to pick up. I was convinced she had it out for me. Stress, I tell you.

Anyway, this picture caught my attention because on the surface it looks pleasant enough. Wonderful family enjoying the beautiful scenery and time together. Look at them? Don't they look happy?

POSERS!!!!!!!

See my left hand tucked sweetly behind E? I'll confess that I was pinching her leg ... trying to force her into submission ... for a picture! How's that for more reality? (Of course, here her face does say it all :)

Oh, how much I love my children, but I admit there are days I am irritable, impatient and stressed. I was so stressed on this day (it was rainy and cold so I had to splurge for a Niagara Falls hoodie - I don't normally dress in mismatched pastels - ha!). It was the last day of our long trip and I had spent a week dealing with her attitude.

This picture reminds me of the many masks we wear ... hoping to portray we have it all together. Just look at me? Why on earth was I smiling?

I've been thinking a lot lately about the perception we give each other - that we have it all together. We don't let others see the real person for fear of rejection or condemnation. It makes me nervous when people look at me and think I am some superwoman, ever-patient Mom. It makes me nervous because I know I am only going to let them down with the truth. I'm not at all that!

Could we not find a safe place in our relationships with one another to expose our true selves? We're all hanging on by a thread .... onto the garment of Jesus Christ ... pleading with Him to sustain us. Without His mercy and power, we are consumed! (Lam 3:22)

Take off those masks! I am learning that is when the Father shows up and proclaims victory to our broken hearts. Anybody game?

DRAMATIC and SHOCKING

I now take this time for a series of updates .... riveting updates because I know there are 3 of you signing on today to see what I'm up to.

As it turns out, the snow that fell Sunday night decided to stick around and we accumulated 4 inches or so ... enough to constitute a snow day from school where we live (you girls in Colorado are cracking up - don't laugh at us - we know it's ridiculous). What you don't know is we were experiencing Winter Blast '09 according to our local news. You northerners do NOT want to mess with our Winter Blasts! Dangerous times, I tell you.

But, what added to the drama was that we lost power. Eric and I were watching a movie Sunday night when the power goes out. We decide to sleep upstairs because .... hello! .... we live in the coldest house in the world already. We may not survive sleeping downstairs without heat.

I crawl into bed with E only to find she is burning up with a fever. A very high fever. So, I spend the entire night giving meds, taking her temperature, watching her sleep because I'm obsessive and possibly cursing because it's getting colder and colder in the house. At 3:30 am, I glance outside E's bedroom window to see the neighborhood beside us is glowing with streetlights. Seems we were the only neighborhood without power. Of course, we are.

O wakes Monday morning in awe of all the snow and cannot wait to get outside to play. Yes, I have pictures, but my camera is all the way over on the other side of the room and I'm too lazy to get it. Trust me, I was feeling so comatose from not sleeping the night before, I was only out long enough to say I was there, snap a few pictures, say a few words like "Spring, where are you? Winter, you are so on my nerves!", and run back inside to warm by the fire. I am a cold weather scrooge right now.

But, not all was lost. Eric worked from home which gave him the perfect opportunity to mop the entire downstairs (he rushed back to work today - not really sure why). We ate dinner, put the girls to bed and settled in to watch the finale of a certain reality show that I refuse to name on this blog.

I will say here that I do not like above mentioned reality show and boycotted it years ago. I only watched 3 episodes this season and that was because a couple of times I came home from Monday night bible study and Eric had it on (that's right - totally his fault). We rarely watch anything other than HGTV, The Office or the Food Network, but I thought I would watch the finale and see what poor girl thought she had found her soul mate in only 6 weeks and was headed for the most.amazing.life.ever!

As it turns out .... a big shocker was in store .... and THE MOST AMAZING AND DRAMATIC AND SHOCKING episode ever was aired for our viewing pleasure.

At the end of all the DRAMA, I look at Eric and said, "Are we stupid? We just gave up 2 hours of our lives that WE WILL NEVER GET BACK!"

Too bad the power didn't go out to save us from our miserable selves.

Snowday

March 1st is finally here and with it comes a day of snow.

Snow?

Wishing for an early spring seems to be a long shot. The snow has been falling since noon. We've had a very lazy day ... napping on and off, watching movies and reading. I love how God has a way of forcing us to slow down. We certainly needed this time of rest.

Thank you for your comments on my previous post. I almost deleted it today. I'm not good at talking about the 'ugly stuff' and being the private person I am makes it all the more difficult to share things on this blog, but I know that other women struggle with the same kind of things. That's what blogging is all about, isn't it? So I pray it helps to know that we're never in this alone. I know that brought me comfort. Oh, and to 'anonymous' that posted the words to the song sung in church this morning? Thank you! I read that comment and felt this weird feeling that someone was looking over my shoulder knowing exactly what I would need to read. I have no idea who you are, but know that I SO appreciate your prayers. I feel them!

Switching subjects ....

I have known since I posted my last scripture on the LPM blog what my next one would be. I, of course didn't know how much I would need it, but I guess that's the point of hiding God's word in our hearts, isn't it? If we're praying and seeking the Lord on what He wants us to memorize, He'll usually give us something we're going to need for battle. I've chosen Psalm 18:16-19:

"He sent from above, he took me,

he drew me out of many waters.

He delivered me from my strong enemy,

and from them which hated me:

for they were too strong for me.

They prevented me in the day of my calamity:

but THE LORD WAS MY STAY.

He brought me forth into a large place;

He delivered me because

HE DELIGHTED IN ME."

I often refer to this verse, but have never committed it to memory.

Switching subjects again ....

This is my 400th post! Can you believe that? Who would've thought? Not me, I can assure you. Honestly, I never thought I would make it past the first post when I wrote about my then, 4 year old E (who is now 7!!). And, now I will give you 400 facts about myself ....

Ha! Just kidding. Wouldn't that be boring? If you are having trouble sleeping, you can check out my 100th post. It's riveting, I tell you and without a doubt, more than you ever wanted to know about me.

Thanks for sticking around for 400!