Politics...Not As Usual: The Only Time I've Ever Written About Politics

Character, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is:  “the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves.”  It reflects a person’s personality; it’s a thing capable of setting apart one person from another.  I think it’s fair to say that we, as humans, appreciate and are drawn to positive character traits.  We seek to nurture and emulate those traits, and we realize they have the power to bring people together for the good of all people.  Negative character traits have adverse effects.  They stir up harsh feelings and words.  They cause division and selfishness reigns.   

Positive character matters. 

Less than thirty seconds on Pinterest, and I found multiple, leadership quality pins.  Look up leadership characteristics and you’ll often find a strong connection to positive character traits.   One pin named traits relating to communication, confidence, positivity, honesty, commitment, humility, fairness, and the ability to inspire others.  We don’t develop these traits to only deal with ourselves.  Instead, we hope to grow so that we can best relate with others in a POSITIVE way.

Positive character matters. 

Parents, guardians, teachers…all caring adults…attempt to share and cultivate these positive traits in little ones, as soon as children can grasp what is/isn’t acceptable.  We model and encourage the benefits of choosing positive traits over negative traits, even before a child can use words to express thoughts and feelings.  Chad and I (with a whole lot of Jesus) hope and pray we parent our boys well.  We want to use the time they’re under our roof and loving authority, to help them become the men God created them to be.  We hope to help them practice now and see the benefits of loving, serving, and standing up for others.  We desire for them to launch, from our home, prepared to love, serve and stand up others.  Spoiler alert:  None of this training includes accepting/nurturing ways to lie, demean, and bully.  Ah-ha!  Positive character traits for the win, again!!  J 

Positive character matters.

The Leader in Me qualities are taught in my boys’ school district.  You can look that up, as well, and find beneficial leadership traits/positive character traits.  As a collective whole, the district sees fit to demonstrate and help kids grow in these positive character traits.  Again, lovingly teaching and helping kids practice traits that matter now and in the future.  If these traits are important to share with young lives, it stands to reason that the traits would prove meaningful for adults.

Positive character matters. 

I cannot judge what another person truly believes in his/her heart; that’s up to Jesus.  Last I checked, he didn’t bring me or anyone else on as a “judging what’s in another’s heart” assistant.  We’re just not qualified, as humans to do that.  It’s, thankfully, a God-sized job. J  So what can I do?  As someone who follows Jesus, I can choose to read what’s in the Bible...not looking for ways to manipulate God’s words to fit my beliefs, but patiently asking/waiting for Him to show me what He believes/His character.  Scripture is refreshingly relevant, as it speaks to every part of life.  I can choose to hold everything up to it and decide if what I’m seeing/hearing/reading in the world matches the Bible’s truth.  I can choose to seek wise counsel, from trusted sources.  I can choose to take note of consistent patterns of positive and negative character traits in a person’s life and have discernment.  I can look for the good in others.  I can give grace, because I need grace.  However, I don’t need to be spineless, uninformed, or excuse away consistent negative traits…in myself or in others.  No, I believe there’s a higher, healthier standard:  Replacing the negative with the positive.  

Positive character matters.

I can appreciate that Donald Trump isn’t a career politician.  I like that he’s not afraid to speak his mind, but I truly wish it was with any consistent degree of clarity, humility, respect and kindness.  I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt…hoping he could develop some of those areas, in a consistent way.  However, I haven’t observed improvement.  There are people who claim that he accepted Jesus, over the summer…that he’s a “baby Christian”.  That may be so.  Again, I can’t judge what is actually in his heart.  However, I struggle to see change or anything that indicates publically that he’s made that decision.  So, with grace, I say that time will tell.  Eventually, there should be fruit.  For me, a sudden declaration of salvation doesn’t automatically qualify one for President of the United States.  I struggle to trust that he’ll represent me and others well, without having witnessed true fruit of the Spirit.  I guess that’s why I’m not personally sold on the Supreme Court reasoning, for voting for him.  Currently, I can’t overlook the consistent negative traits…the words hastily spewed, the air of superiority, the poor use of power over people, the lack of humility, the easily hurt ego, etc.  If he were to win, and if he did truly know Jesus, I would hope to see that reflected in his words and actions. 

Positive character matters.

As for Hillary Clinton, I can appreciate that she’s the first woman that could become President.  How thrilling is it, for young girls, to see that they really could hold that office?!  I would champion her beyond that accolade, if I sincerely felt I could trust her well-rehearsed words/actions.  Looking and sounding “more presidential,” isn’t winning my vote.  Additionally, she and I differ on many opinions…one being that I’m not thrilled with how she’s handled the deleted email scandal.  There just hasn’t been a satisfying, humble, clear answer for the disappearance of something that big.  With her, I often have the sense that I’m hearing one thing, but something else is happening behind the scenes.  Lying isn't leading; it's hurtful.  There are claims that she is a Christian, as well.  If she were to win, and if she truly did know Jesus, I would hope to see that reflected in her words and actions.

Positive character matters.

So, where does this leave me?  I’ve done some research on how each candidate personally communicates on the issues (vs. news stations/website links to all manner of headlines).  I’ve watched with my own eyes/listened with my own ears to the debates (wow.), I’ve read Scripture, and I’ve spent some time praying…a few times on my knees.  I know God doesn’t hear us more on our knees. J  It was a posture I felt personally called to, in those moments, as I prepared to hear from Him on this election.  And, I really DO want stay connected to Him and hear from Him.  God has a character worthy of emulating and aspiring to; no human can ever attain His perfection and wisdom.   

Positive character matters.

I’ll most likely vote third party.  I get it…they don’t have the best chance of winning and no candidate is perfect.  But hey…anything can happen, and I’m not looking for perfection.  I am looking for a consistent degree of decency, trustworthiness, honesty, kindness, & confidence.  I’m looking for a candidate with a repentant heart, when he/she messes up.  Trump and Clinton, in my opinion, don’t embody the positive character traits I’m looking for, at this time.  I’m looking for consistent words and actions that match what one says are in his/her heart.  I can’t help but think of Luke 6:45 (NLT):  “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.  What you say flows from what is in your heart.” 

Positive character matters.

In my heart, God has given me a peace for voting for who best aligns with my beliefs, morals, and views.  My vote is just as well-thought out as someone choosing to vote for a Trump or Clinton.  I’m fully aware that Trump or Clinton may very well become the President.  I don’t fear the outcome, and I’m not going to fret.  God is God.  He’s PRESENT…not just watching from a far off distance, as we all consider who will win our vote and run our country.  November 9^th, God will still be in charge.  He never ever changes.  His character is reliable and consistent with who He says he is, in the Word.  Check out Psalm 146:3-5:  “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.  When they breathe their last, they will return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.  But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.”  I’m going to vote, all while cherishing that God is sovereign.

Positive character matters.

If we disagree on points I’ve mentioned, can we respectfully agree to disagree?  We’re all adult enough to vote our conscience, and mean words don’t change/convince hearts.  Nobody is going to win a prize for best Christian, best voter…best anything.  J  I hope we can believe the best about each other.  My relationship with others is worth far more than whom we all vote for in this election.  If you vote for Trump, my relationship with you is cool.  If you vote for Clinton, my relationship with you is cool.  If you vote third party, my relationship with you is cool.      

Positive character matters. 

 

   

It's Been Awhile...

You may notice my last post was Christmas 2013.  So, um...yeah.  Yada, yada, yada...2014 happened.  And, as Forrest Gump once said, "That's all I have to say about that."  ;)

I'd like warm up the ol' blog post writing, for 2015, with a little public service announcement of sorts:   

Your body MIGHT be trying to tell you something, if you dream that you've involuntarily swallowed a swarm of knat-sized bees...all stinging repeatedly...and you experience the sensation of your throat swelling shut.  

Escaping the haze of the bizarre dream nightmare, I opened my eyes.  In real life, it was weirdly difficult to swallow.  I recalled always being able to previously swallow, without reserve.  Now, I felt each muscular effort, trying to do what's always been accomplished without thought, but to no avail.  And my mouth.  It felt impossibly dry!  Desert dry!!  Warning:  This can all cause one to feel a bit alarmed.

Alerted to my new inability and the possibility that I was growing cacti on my tongue, I slid out of bed to locate water.  It felt like the answer would be to drink copious amounts of water, but I soon understood that small sips were best. 

Lord knows I can be a hypochondriac (and He loves me anyway), but since I could sip water and breathe, I took my glass of water back to bed with me...you know, instead of wildly shaking Chad awake and dramatically mouthing for him to call 911.  I was kind of proud of myself.  I mean, I know it's not cool to have your throat almost swollen shut, but it's best if my hypochondriac tendency self thinks things through & sees reality.

Thinking things through looked like the propping of pillows, the getting situated sitting up, & the careful sipping of my beloved water.  It looked like praying.  And the practicing of swallowing, which still wasn't going the best, but it was going enough.  I was uncomfortable, but it didn't seem emergent. 

It had taken me forever to fall asleep, BEFORE the bees, so I was tired.  Clutching my security blanket-like glass of water, I eventually drifted off to sleep, though not super sound.  When Chad woke up that morning, he made some confused-sounding comment about me holding my "little glass of water."  I can't remember if I drank all the water, before falling asleep or if I'm just talented and didn't spill ANY.  Spilling water would've really added to the fun. 

Waking up, like breaking up, was hard to do.  I still had trouble swallowing, and I decided that I'd never had a sore throat this bad.  Not in a dramatic way.  Just in a wow-I've-never-dealt-with-sore-throats-before way.  I've never had strep throat or tonsil issues.  My sinuses are the ones usually under attack.  I know sinuses.  Yet, there I was...with no swallowing prowess & with my voice almost kind of muffled if I tried to lie on back.  

Up out of bed.  I couldn't find the tiny flashlight that usually resides in our closet.  When I couldn't find it, I settled for Chad's camping headlamp.  To help you with visuals, I didn't wear it.  Sorry if that disappoints.  Instead, I used it to shed some light on the back of my throat.  I'm not a doctor, so I was doing my best to investigate and discern whether I needed to see one, on a Saturday morning.

Yeah, the back of my throat didn't look good.  My tonsils looked like small grapes.  The infamous hangy ball didn't look so hot, either.  So, I called at 8a.m...which was sadly too early!  **Sigh**...they weren't going to take calls until dreaded 8:30a.m.  I pulled the covers back over myself, while still holding my cell.  Then, I remembered I wanted to at least shower & be ready in case they had an 8:35 appointment available.  So, I made myself presentable & called at 8:30.  Boom...scored a 9:40 appointment!!  Inside, I felt like I had won something, even though I was going to go pay for an appointment.  If my throat could have done a happy dance, it would have.

It took less than a minute for the doctor to look at my throat, tell me it looked pretty irritated, & prescribe a steroid.  He wanted to address the swelling in my throat, since...you know...it's not best for one's throat be in a swollen state.  No antibiotic needed, because he suspected it started as a virus; he said it didn't look like strep.  It very well could be virus.  Before the throat swelling, I had some sinus pressure, a slightly scratchy throat & a few chills.  Still...

I can't help but wonder if sniffing nearly every B&B scent for men, right before Valentine's Day, contributed to the problem.  My sinuses felt assaulted shortly after that journey in gift buying.  Love is sacrifice.  ;)  And, I did find a scent I liked for Chad.  And Chad loved it.  Except then I asked him NOT to wear the scent anywhere near me, because all scents made my throat burn.  Poor guy.

Anyway, Saturday Morning Doc cleared me to be around people.  Shortly after the first dose of the steroid, I was sitting at my son's basketball tournament...tired, but the swelling had started to ease.  I know this, because I was capable of cheering on my boy & enjoying a chat with a friend.  Yay, steroids (used appropriately, and with the permission of a physician)!  Take that bees! 





   

      

  
 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Our biggest news, from 2013, is that we moved.  J  We loved the twelve years spent in our first house.  Many memories were made there, especially since it was our boys’ first home.  We treasure those memories & we are grateful for the friendly neighbors met while living there.  We feel doubly blessed that, since day one in our new place, we’ve also felt completely at home.  It’s a new, perfect fit!  We’re thankful, because moving is exhausting.  Basically, we don’t ever plan to move again.  J      

The boys have adjusted well, & they’re doing great!  I’m not sure how it’s possible, but Levi is already ten & Jared is seven.  Chad & I are keenly aware that the baby, toddler, preschool, & early elementary years are behind us.  We are in the midst of days with massive chapter books & sports played with the real rules.  (Did you see Parental Guidance, when Billy Chrystal’s character went crazy over kids not being out after three strikes?)  Now, the boys write in paragraphs, & they watch shows that no longer include Sesame Street characters.  At the same time, we are past the days of diapers, eh hem…“wiping,” & stuffing a diaper bag with fourteen jars of baby food (while probably forgetting a spoon).  There are many delights about their current ages/stages.  Still, we’d REALLY be ok with time slowing down a bit, because did I mention Levi was ten???    

Well, time for the obligatory paragraph or two about the grown-ups in this house.  Relatives appreciate that sort of information…I think.  If you keep up on Facebook or face to face, you can just skip to the end.  Otherwise, I’ll make it as painless, as possible.  Here goes… 

Chad has continued with Cessna, as a processing engineering manager.  He still loves hunting, which means we still have discussions about whether or not we have room to display more game.  God has been good to Chad, though.  He’s given him two boys who couldn’t be happier about eating deer burgers.  They also share his love of camping, & it really is a joy to see them all bond…even if it’s while they sleep outside…on the hard ground…in 83% Kansas humidity.  It’s so cool to see my husband teach our little guys about becoming men of adventure, faith & character.         

Last year, I stepped back into the classroom as an elementary substitute teacher.  I honestly couldn’t love it more.  I get my teaching fix & there’s still plenty of time to help in the boys’ classrooms, get in a workout or run errands.  Now, there isn’t a title for this, but I’m also the official “What’s for breakfast/lunch/dinner” answerer.  It would be heavenly to ask my own personal chef those questions, so that I’d really know.  Something tells me he/she wouldn’t feel the urge to scream into a pillow whenever pressed with meal questions.  Did I just say that out loud?  Maybe one day I’ll miss being asked & I’ll want to softly cry into that pillow.  Pretty sure I just cracked the code on why grandmas spoil their grandkids with lavish amounts of treats.

I’m thankful that when I want to scream or when I mess up in life (which is frequent), it’s not up to me to keep my place in Heaven secure.  It’s already done, because I follow Jesus.  Doing a bunch of “good things” to hopefully offset the “bad things” isn’t necessary, because Jesus already paid the price.  It’s so simple, yet so profound. 

Majesty, Majesty.  Your grace has found me just as I am, Empty handed but alive in your hands.  We sang those   words, during church.  Leaning against Chad (for warmth & because I just plain love the guy), the lyrics stood out to me.  So beautiful, & unlike the icy, cold weather that was just beyond the building doors, the words warmed me.  They reminded me that I’m a blessed girl, I have a Savior, and it all comes back to grace. 

As you celebrate this season, consider grace…how it’s been extended to you & how you can extend it to others.    

                                                                                          Love from Chad, Katie, Levi & Jared

 

 

Handed my brother my fancy camera.  He took a picture.  Boom...family picture!  This was taken out on the Kansas farmland where my maternal grandma was raised.

 

New House

Where to begin, after not writing since March?  I've had so much on my heart to share, but it just seems like a lot.  So, I've put it off...time & time again deciding to wait until later.  Unfortunately, accompanying "later" are usually a few more things to add to my list of ideas.  So, here I sit...wondering where on earth to start.     

I guess I'll start a couple of days after my last post.

March 17th...St. Patrick's Day!  I had found a house listing online, admired the pictures and talked Chad into stopping by the open house that day. 

We had always been thankful for our first house, but we knew in our hearts it wasn't our last home...not out of lack of contentment.  We just knew we would eventually move. 

For years, we've researched various properties online, attended open houses for both new and existing homes, strolled through the local Parade of Homes, and even thought about building a house.  Most times, we'd see a lot of things we liked...but in different houses.  A piece of wonderfulness here...a gem of happiness over there.  Ultimately, we'd return home, look around & not feel as if it was time to move.  Content with our home, we knew it was going to take something special to make it worth moving. 

While waiting, it was fun to dream together.  Where did God want us?  Would we live in the country?  A different, nearby city?  Would we own wide open spaces...complete with horses and a dog?  Would we continue life in the suburbs?  How were the surrounding schools?  We admired nice woodwork, loved houses with character, found French doors charming, desired lots of natural light, and main floor laundry seemed like a plus.

Fast forward to finding our current home on online.    

Our first visit probably took an hour, as we opened every cabinet door & explored every nook & cranny.  That visit turned into four more visits, each one lasting maybe forty-five minutes or more.  It was getting serious up in here, Friends.  We took family & trusted friends through showings, we prayed & we sought counsel on if we should put an offer on the home.  Buying a house isn't a small deal.  We wanted to be certain & be within God's will.  We wanted to communicate well & reach compromises.  We wanted to decide together. 

Ultimately, we moved forward and put a contract on the house!  After negotiating, we came to acceptable terms and purchased the house.  Chad and I were both thrilled & at peace.  It had all gone so smoothly.  Our friend and buyer's agent, Carman, had advised all along that if it's God's will, it will run smoothly...if we encountered problems, it was God's protection. 

Most things with the house moved along with tremendous ease.  No glitches with paperwork, finances, etc.  We were often told that it was amazing how easily it all came together. 

God did allow some growing opportunities in our marriage, prior to our complete peace.  One evening, we had a pretty sizable argument.  I'm sure the fact that we had a real life argument shocks all you married couples, being marriage is usually so easy and all.  ;)  Anyway, in an effort to not say things I would regret, I may or may not have left and gone to a movie by myself...texting only after I was in my movie theater seat...and not really extending an invitation to join me.  I'm not saying this is mature.  I'm just being honest about where I was, at that moment. 

After the movie, I arrived home & I was stubbornly still harboring frustration...feeling my thoughts were unvalued.  Then, God spoke to my heart...while I was all busy thinking of how Chad should hurry up and change his...lol!  Gee, selfish much, Kate??  I remember praying that I didn't want a house to be a source of division in our marriage...that no matter how much we loved the house, we need to love each other a million times more.  If that meant letting go of what seemed like our dream house, so be it.  Light bulb moment, for me, People.

I practiced holding my tongue when Chad needed space to process vs. attempting to control with my words to encourage him to process faster.  The man likes to research, and honestly he is stellar at it.  He may be unsure about how to move forward for awhile, but once he knows, HE KNOWS & has unwavering confidence that really comforts me.  I'm not foolish in my processing; I just usually come to a quicker decision.  I practiced (again) trusting Him with this big decision & letting Him work in Chad's & my heart.   

Chad practiced valuing my ideas & realizing there are flaws in every house (new or existing).  There isn't a perfect house, in a way.  We knew that even if we tried to build this same house from scratch that it would be more expensive & a huge time investment that would trying on our marriage.   

I'm still in awe that God has seen fit to bless us so abundantly with our new house...and that He sold our other house in ten days (one day before I started another long-term subbing position)!!  We had an incredible seller's agent & our dear, wise friend was our buyer's agent.  They both held unmatched expertise in their jobs, if you ask us.     

Even though our new home is in a neighborhood we've visited many times, it has a unique charm about it.  It is a "story and a half" versus the familiar, local ranch-style home.  Natural light abounds, which is soothing to my often vitamin D deficient body.  I thank God all the time for that light!!!  

French doors lead to an office...the one where two bucks stare down at me, as I write this post.  Plantation shutters are stunningly placed throughout the main level.  A loft area houses a bathroom, the boys' bedrooms and a extra area for them to play/work on homework.  The white cabinetry in the kitchen is gorgeous (one of the photos that first attracted me to the house). White woodwork is throughout the house, further adding to the light.  We hardly ever have to flip on a light switch or a lamp...even on cloudy days.   

An amazing deck welcomes sunrises and a quaint porch is home to the setting sun. 

A wooden play set sits at an angle in the the backyard; I almost cried upon seeing it.  The boys' regular, metal swing set had been "loved" so well, it had fallen apart.  Considering their ages, we knew they could use something bigger, but we didn't plan to purchase a new one...especially a wooden play set.  Could they have lived without the one that was here?  Sure.  However, it was a sweet treat from Jesus. 

Just beyond the porch is a peach tree...another gift.  We had a peach tree at our other house & Chad had loved it!  It lived its life & died a year or so ago; he was disappointed to see it no longer produce fruit.  To discover a new peach tree was a huge joy for him, and he recently froze a bounty of peaches.  He makes a mean cobbler.  Don't get any ideas, Ladies.  He's taken.  :)   

I only list out all of these things, because I want to praise Him & remember His good gifts...things we could live without, but they're sweet blessings that remind us He hears our hearts...even in the little things/unnecessary things in life.  Does that make sense?   

We've prayed about using our home to host events & to reach out to others through meals & get-togethers.  It is fun to consider how God will help us use this place to serve & love others.  After we had the keys to the house, we stood as a family in the empty, dining area & Chad prayed we'd use this house for God's glory.  It was a sweet moment.

We're grateful to our moms for cleaning the thunder out of this place.  They wiped down every surface, every piece of woodwork...you name it.  We're thankful for everyone who helped us move and for the meal provided by a friend, as we settled in to our new home.  We've already had the joy of hosting a friend's 30th birthday (wad up, Des) & soon, a Ladie's brunch for church.

It's honestly felt like home, since moving day.  We miss previous neighbors, but have enjoyed slowly getting to know our new ones.  We're fortunate to have friends living in the neighborhood.  Their kids have eased our boys' concerns of having kids to play with, here.  They're riding bikes and scooters to friends' houses & friends often stop by to play in our home.  They even saw friends at the neighborhood pool.  So good for our hearts to witness!

Yes...new memories are being made.  Wiggly teeth lost, games played, snuggles on the couch, meals shared, stories read, and various celebrations all happen here.  The relationships, the interactions, & the sharing of things as a family creates the heart of our home...no matter its location.  It's with gratitude in our hearts that we say thank for the fun, little surprises, but especially for the meaningful moments that inspire us to love well & grow.  As we live out our days, in this season of living here, I pray we'll do it all for His glory.  




  



  

A Season for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. 

~Ecclesiastes 3:1~

In my thirties, I'm learning there really does seem to be a season for everything.  For me, there is a season of depression & anxiety that greets me in late fall & hangs out through the winter.

Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Low vitamin D.  Wacky hormones.  Call it whatever you like.  Welcome to the not-so-pretty side of my life.  It's still part of my story, nonetheless.  So, instead of pretending like it doesn't exist, I'm going to do the unthinkable (lol):  I'm going to be authentic & share about it.  ;)   

Gonna be honest...the winter months/gray days can be HARD & some days it makes me want to say bad words.  I consider myself a happy, joyful, positive person.  So, it really irks me when I don't FEEL happy.  It bothers me when I feel a sudden rush of anxiety and can't even explain WHY I'm anxious.  I've often struggled with feelings of guilt & shame.  Guilt, because, in those moments, it "feels" like I'm not a good wife, not a good mom, not a good friend, etc.  Ashamed, because what would everyone really think if they knew that some days I've cried/slept the day away & not wanted to be responsible for anything or anybody??     

Good news!  There is HOPE!  I can't control every aspect of those "feelings," but I've learned a lot about how NOT to let those feelings control my every reaction.  Disclaimer:  Some days I do well; other days I fail.  However, I've learned to seek a right perspective, make small goals & work to accomplish them (baby steps), and seek sound, medical advice. 

First, three cheers for Jesus!  Seriously, folks.  His TRUTH goes a loooonnnngg way in battling negative thoughts.  My feelings may say one thing, but ultimately I know TRUTH.  My feelings may say that I'm failing, but I know that God has great plans for my life.  I know that He loves me.  I know that I have a great family & that He chose Chad & me to parent my two boys.  There are verses filled with God's truth that I just read over & over again.  His truth gives me a right perspective & peace...even when I may "feel" the opposite.  

I probably don't have to tell you that you can't trust feelings or circumstances.  On March 10, 2009, I wrote this in my Bible, as I was looking out the window:

It's a cloudy, windy, chilly day.  When I looked outside, among all the heavy, gray clouds, I noticed a small line of baby blue (bright) sky...just between areas of gray.  As I write, literally in a matter of seconds, the blue sky is expanding & sunlight is suddenly filling my front room.  The gray clouds suddenly gone!  So cool! :)

Made me think about how that blue sky is like God...always there.  Always bright.  Even when there are layers of deep, gray, thick, heavy clouds--beyond them is blue sky.  Just because we cannot always see the blue doesn't mean it's not there.

And so, too, with Jesus.  We may have layers of hurt, sadness, etc. around us...making it difficult (maybe close to impossible) to see God.  Sometimes, we may even wonder if He's really there (depending on how long the "darkness" persists).  But, He is!  He never leaves us.  He is the light...the true light & brightness.  Always present.  

We cannot let "clouds" dictate how we live our lives; we HAVE to think beyond them...they are momentary.

On what I call "down days," I basically wake up with an immediate awareness that I have to overcome something.  (I wish I could remember which friend worded it that way; it really described how I felt.  Thank you, Friend!)  Anyway, by the grace of God, I do my best to get up & get moving...even if it's slowly & kind of just going through the motions.  I do a few routine things, while listening to some upbeat, inspirational music:  Tidy up the kitchen, wipe down bathroom sinks, & make my bed.  Sounds like a chore list for a child, but it works for me.  It's also helpful for me to make a "to do"list, so that I can accomplish other goals & not just wander aimlessly around the house.  Often, once I'm out & about, I don't feel as bluesy.       

Also, I have an awesome doc who, over the years, has patiently listened to me, encouraged me & prayed with me.  She loving advised me to take a small dose of meds to curb that chemical thing going on in the brain.  Also, my vitamin D dips pretty low, in the winter months, so I take a multi-vitamin & a mega supplement of vitamin D.  Low vitamin D can mess with you & make you tired/depressed.  It's so easy to get that level tested & to fix the problem.  Now that I'm realizing this is a pattern, for me, I have a plan for making sure I get enough vitamin D before it becomes a problem next fall.  :) 

Because I have a sense of humor and can laugh at myself, I share this lovely saying I found on Pinterest:   

 

 

 

Yeah.  I wasn't even offended, when I found it.  I laughed outloud, because I am honestly grateful for modern medicine.  :)  For me, I'm comfortable knowing that I can love Jesus & I can take any medications necessary to keep me healthy & well...for myself & to be in the best shape I can be in to love/serve others. 

 

So, there you have it:  A summed up version of my current "season".  With Jesus, little goals & my doctor's advice, I can often see the blue beyond the clouds.  :)  And, spring & summer are just around the corner!     

 



 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Well, I'm officially one of "those" people.  You know...the ones.  The ones who send electronic, holiday greetings.  Honestly, though, it's what works best for our family this year...and it is hopefully one step above my next option:  A Christmas/Happy New Year text message.  :)

Christmas Eve service

The rest of the family is fast asleep.  Our living room is warm & festive, which makes it the perfect place to reflect upon this past year.  Many events are already recorded in previous 2012 blog posts (see blog archive to the right), with the exception of happenings this past fall.  

I'd describe this past year as a NEW & WELCOME season. 

After last year's string of random health issues, I'm happy to report that we rarely visited the doctor's office in 2012.  Thankful!   

The boys are growing like crazy; I can't keep them in pants/shirts that FIT to save my life.  Just when I clean out their closets/dresser & update their clothes, I discover they're nearly in Capri pants & their shirt sleeves stop about an inch above their wrists.  The pants that do fit quickly acquire holes in the knees.  However, that's fashionable, right?!  So, I try not to sweat it.  ;)

He's nine!  In place of cake, he asked for pumpkin pie.  Thanks, Grandma Eck!

Happy Halloween!

Not too big for new, Christmas jammies

The boys are both in school all day. 3rd & 1st in the house!! Baseball, soccer, basketball, reading books, playing video games, creating artwork, doing experiments, building with small, colorful bricks, & playing with friends fill their days. Typical boys. I'm a little sad that the days of watching Sesame Street & Super Why are behind them. Pointing out lazy cows in a pasture or spotting a racing, red fire engine on a city street doesn't have the same wonder and appeal that it did when they were little guys. However, Chad & I don't miss toddler tantrums, five-point booster seat harnesses, or changing diapers. Each stage, while you may miss a few things from the past, definitely has it's perks. :) 

Our new church plant launched, the first weekend in September! While we miss seeing our River friends on a regular basis, we've come to feel at home at West Ridge.  Both churches have grown & have proven to really fit the needs of many searching for a church home and an authentic relationship with Jesus.  It's been an exciting and blessed adventure! 

First Sunday at West Ridge

After nine years of staying at home, I decided to occasionally return to the elementary school classroom...as a substitute.  It may sound funny, but I think I've found my "sweet spot" with subbing.  It works great with my kids' schedule; it's flexible.   I get to teach & encourage kids, which I do love...without the extras of lesson planning, tons of grading, staff meetings, paperwork, etc.  See?  Sweet spot.  :) 

I didn't exactly ease back into to teaching with a few sub jobs here & there.  About five minutes after returning home from the once-a-year, district sub meeting, I received an offer for a long-term sub position.   It was for a third grade class; their teacher was expected to go on maternity leave in mid September. 

I asked for a couple of days to think about it & to talk about with Chad.  In the end, he & I decided that it would be a great opportunity.  So, if I seemed MIA for eight weeks this fall, this is why.  I apologize. 

I was excited, scared, nervous...you name it.  The teacher & I planned to meet ahead of me taking over full-time.  However, she experienced some false labor & boom...I was teaching.  It was a  Monday & I only had her lesson plans & pages of notes I tried to madly scribble in a spiral notebook the previous evening...all info. she had given me, from a hospital bed at the birth care center.   

That first day was tough.  I wanted to cry over my lunch break, but there honestly wasn't time.  Thankfully, it ended up not quite being baby time.  The teacher & I had all the time in the world to get acquainted & cover classroom stuff in greater depth, because her little guy ultimately arrived a couple of days past his due date. 

Mid-September, it was go time!  After a week of teaching under my belt, I started to settle into a routine.  Those eight weeks weren't always easy (ask my friends & husband who witnessed a few tears) & some days I wondered what I had gotten myself into.  However, God just kept reminding me that I was there to love & encourage the students.  I was also there to love & serve the staff.  I learned a lot about the newer technology & the updated curriculum.  The staff members welcomed me, & they were always ready to help.

All in all, it was an experience I wouldn't trade.  If I hadn't ever tried it, I wouldn't have discovered how much I really like subbing.  Working once or twice a week, after those eight weeks, has been perfect.  Part-time is more my speed, at this time.   

What I really wore to work, for Fall Party day. 

   

My view for eight weeks

 

Chad still has a job with Cessna.  That hasn't changed.  What changes is his role.  Every so often, he's asked to step up & oversee a different group/line, etc.  What I can say about Chad, after being married to him for thirteen years, is that I've seen him develop great leadership skills.  While he doesn't exactly embrace change with a huge bear hug, he has learned to handle change well & learn through it.  He's gained a humble confidence, and he continues to work with integrity.

Chad & I really can't complain, as we feel blessed to keep sharing our lives together with our two boys.  Jesus is real in our lives.  We aren't perfect & life is hard.  It's easy to grow weary.  However, He is our hope...and that is exactly what we want to share with others.   

"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!"  -lyrics from O Holy Night. 

What a relief.  What a promise.  Sweet Family & Friends, THAT is the Christmas.  We pray you find peace, hope & joy, in your own hearts, because of His great love for you...whether it's a happy season or a season of struggle.  Blessings in 2013! 

Oh, and GO CATS! 

Hubler Family Day at BSFS:  My grandma's 1st college football game  :)

 

Love our Wildcats!  Hoping for a Fiesta Bowl win!
Please excuse my silvery gray, "I'm gonna make a great grandma, someday" hair.
Color was restored, shortly after that day.  :)
 
 

 

 

Love,
The Eck family       





 

Praying

Friday, December 14th.  I just don't have words for that day.  My heart was breaking & I just felt sick, as news coverage unfolded the horrific events happening in Newtown, CT.   

I cannot understand the tragedy in Newtown, CT.  I can't understand a lot of struggles/hurt, especially ones involving innocent children.  Ultimately, I can only turn to God, consider what's true of His character, & pray for those whose lives suddenly turn upside down. 

In light of December 14th and of the Christmas season, a song came to mind:  Welcome to Our World, by Chris Rice.  God certainly created the world, so it seems odd to welcome Him to it.  I don't think that was the songwriter's intention.  Seems more like an opportunity to recognize Him as our much-needed Savior & an invitation for Him be a part of our lives, in a real way.  An invitation to help us & give us perspective, in joyful times & in times when tragedy intersects with our lives.  An interest in remembering He loves us unconditionally, but He will not force his love on us.  That wouldn't really be love, would it?

I came across this quote, while processing the tragedy: 

God created things which had free will. That means creatures which can go wrong or right. Some people think they can imagine a creature which was free but had no possibility of going wrong, but I can't. If a thing is free to be good it's also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. -C.S. Lewis

Praying for Newtown, CT.  I'm praying for restoration.  Let there be peace, love, hope, goodness & joy in their hearts that far outweighs the evil they experienced that day.  Emmanuel, God with us. 


Welcome To Our World (Chris Rice)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9zIxSZ4xiA

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at Home
Please make yourself at home

Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world