I began riding the buses when I was in the 4th grade. Some friends of mine had ridden the week before and said they would get a prize (and I would too) if they brought a visitor. So I agreed to go. I had no idea how that bus trip would affect the rest of my life.
From week to week, we continued to ride the Sunday morning bus to church. I still remember my first Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Diane Meeks. She was always so sweet and kind. After Sunday School we got to go to children's church. We sat on the bleachers in the gym and sang songs and had our Bible lesson taught by Bro. Jett. He was so much fun and I couldn't get enough. I wanted to come back every week for more!
James Hanson is the one who kept bringing me back. Every Saturday he would knock on my door to be sure I was coming. I looked forward to his visits every Saturday, without fail. I could always count on him to be there.
Before long, I got to start helping on the bus by taking roll or helping to lead the singing. One Sunday I had my first opportunity to lead someone to the Lord on the bus. Bro. Hanson told me to tell a little boy named Josh how to be saved. I did the best I knew how and Josh was saved that morning on the bus. I don't know what happened to him after that day. He never rode the bus again. I had given him my little new testament from my grandmother to take home with him to read. I can only hope he read it and perhaps shared it with someone else. As I think of it, I am reminded to pray for him. I will never forget him.
The experiences, and even more, the love felt on that bus from week to week is why I am saved and still in church today.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Season's of Motherhood
These are the notes from speaking at our ladies "Season's of Life" Mother's Day Banquet.
I had a 6 page speech written out that covered my infertility battle, Lane's genetic disorder, the tornado, and how all those situations affected motherhood in my life. Well, 2 days before I was to give my talk the Lord had me toss the entire thing. I had been so busy trying to get stuff done, I didn't wait on the lord to guide my speech. I tried to get something down on paper in the very limited time I had with at least 1 child asleep. So there I was, Thursday morning and I had no idea what I would say in front of the ladies at the banquet Saturday morning.
At the same time, a friend of mine reminded me that I was supposed to decorate a table for the banquet and not to forget to make food as well. I had completely forgotten! Just one of the many things I've agreed to do and have completely forgotten. I've done that a lot lately!
I also received an e-mail that reminded me that I was scheduled Sunday for the nursery and another e-mail asking if I could fill in for the 3 yr. old class on Wednesday night. Of course I spent last Sunday and Wednesday in those same rooms, but that's ok. I'll probably end up down there anyway to feed Michael. To top the whole morning off, God also decided it was time for Michael to become very fussy and begin running a fever and cut his first tooth! How was I supposed to get my thoughts together for Saturday? These were all just a few of the situations of my Thursday morning and we hadn't even had lunch yet.
Speaking of lunch...can we talk about my kitchen? My kitchen was once used to make gourmet meals with tastes and flavors from around the globe. Now I have a 4yr. old who has decided he doesn't like to eat anything anymore! It doesn't matter how kid friendly we get. Chicken, burgers, pizza, spaghetti, macaroni, even McDonald's - He doesn't want it and dinner time is a constant battle. On the rare occasions that I actually have the baby fed and I've been able to get a nice hot meal on the table when daddy finally gets home around 6:15, I'm met with words like "gross" or "I really don't like that mommy".
Oh, and speaking of my kitchen, can I tell you how much I hate this person called the Fly Lady? I've BANNED her from my computer! If the Fly Lady came to my house, she would SMACK me because she wouldn't be able to FIND my sink much less shine it! She'd probably also have plenty to say about the lack of counter space due to an assorted array of piles. And I'm sorry, but NO, my bed is not made, there are piles of clothing everywhere that only I know which are clean and which are dirty, and I most definitely did not get fully dressed down to the shoes. Is she kidding?!! I haven't had a shower in 2 days and I don't want to add to the pile of laundry because I'm obviously not going anywhere without a shower!
Shall I mention the marriage relationship? I keep hearing people talking about a "date night". I'm just wondering when my husband and I would even feel up to going out on a date. We would have to do that on the spur of the moment whenever all the planets have aligned just right and head out the door quickly! A date takes forethought, preparation and a babysitter. All of that is not available on the spur of the moment. Besides, if we had all of that, we'd really just rather stay home and take a nap! Right now its pretty much just church and the grocery store for us.
You know I often forget that he is tired too. He also has not had a full nights rest in over 6 months and has had to deal with not only the demands of both a preschooler and a newborn, but also an exhausted wife. Part of me understands he is very tired as he leaves for work at 7am and doesn't get home until around 6:15 at night, but the other part of me just knows that I'm alone with the kids all day, every day, and wishes he could just be home to help.
I haven't even begun to tell you how we battle with little Michael's lack of appetite and his consistent downward fall off the growth charts. The many, many times a day I attempt to feed him whether by me, a bottle, or baby food, only for him to refuse everything! As I was typing this, it has been nearly 14 hours since he has eaten. The doctors question me constantly to make sure I'm a fit mother who is doing all she can and my emotions are often all over the place as I question myself as well.
All of this is why it is so incredibly important that I take the time to remember that I am not alone. I have a Heavenly Father who is acquainted with my grief. Who will provide rest to my weary soul. Who reminds me that I actually have a life better than most women around the world, with supportive friends and family. I have a wonderfully patient husband and 2 beautiful children who have literally changed the way I view the world! I enjoy the beautiful site of a baby's smile every morning and a preschooler who runs to the door to be picked up from Sunday School just because mommy has arrived. God has given me all that I could ever need and so much more. In the midst of this crazy season of life I can still find Joy. JOY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF TRIALS. JOY COMES FROM BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. So here in this season of life, I cling to God! I try to recognize His many blessings in my life. God is always with me. He is always faithful and He has a plan to accomplish in and through me. I am so thankful that I can experience this special and unforgettable season of life.
I had a 6 page speech written out that covered my infertility battle, Lane's genetic disorder, the tornado, and how all those situations affected motherhood in my life. Well, 2 days before I was to give my talk the Lord had me toss the entire thing. I had been so busy trying to get stuff done, I didn't wait on the lord to guide my speech. I tried to get something down on paper in the very limited time I had with at least 1 child asleep. So there I was, Thursday morning and I had no idea what I would say in front of the ladies at the banquet Saturday morning.
At the same time, a friend of mine reminded me that I was supposed to decorate a table for the banquet and not to forget to make food as well. I had completely forgotten! Just one of the many things I've agreed to do and have completely forgotten. I've done that a lot lately!
I also received an e-mail that reminded me that I was scheduled Sunday for the nursery and another e-mail asking if I could fill in for the 3 yr. old class on Wednesday night. Of course I spent last Sunday and Wednesday in those same rooms, but that's ok. I'll probably end up down there anyway to feed Michael. To top the whole morning off, God also decided it was time for Michael to become very fussy and begin running a fever and cut his first tooth! How was I supposed to get my thoughts together for Saturday? These were all just a few of the situations of my Thursday morning and we hadn't even had lunch yet.
Speaking of lunch...can we talk about my kitchen? My kitchen was once used to make gourmet meals with tastes and flavors from around the globe. Now I have a 4yr. old who has decided he doesn't like to eat anything anymore! It doesn't matter how kid friendly we get. Chicken, burgers, pizza, spaghetti, macaroni, even McDonald's - He doesn't want it and dinner time is a constant battle. On the rare occasions that I actually have the baby fed and I've been able to get a nice hot meal on the table when daddy finally gets home around 6:15, I'm met with words like "gross" or "I really don't like that mommy".
Oh, and speaking of my kitchen, can I tell you how much I hate this person called the Fly Lady? I've BANNED her from my computer! If the Fly Lady came to my house, she would SMACK me because she wouldn't be able to FIND my sink much less shine it! She'd probably also have plenty to say about the lack of counter space due to an assorted array of piles. And I'm sorry, but NO, my bed is not made, there are piles of clothing everywhere that only I know which are clean and which are dirty, and I most definitely did not get fully dressed down to the shoes. Is she kidding?!! I haven't had a shower in 2 days and I don't want to add to the pile of laundry because I'm obviously not going anywhere without a shower!
Shall I mention the marriage relationship? I keep hearing people talking about a "date night". I'm just wondering when my husband and I would even feel up to going out on a date. We would have to do that on the spur of the moment whenever all the planets have aligned just right and head out the door quickly! A date takes forethought, preparation and a babysitter. All of that is not available on the spur of the moment. Besides, if we had all of that, we'd really just rather stay home and take a nap! Right now its pretty much just church and the grocery store for us.
You know I often forget that he is tired too. He also has not had a full nights rest in over 6 months and has had to deal with not only the demands of both a preschooler and a newborn, but also an exhausted wife. Part of me understands he is very tired as he leaves for work at 7am and doesn't get home until around 6:15 at night, but the other part of me just knows that I'm alone with the kids all day, every day, and wishes he could just be home to help.
I haven't even begun to tell you how we battle with little Michael's lack of appetite and his consistent downward fall off the growth charts. The many, many times a day I attempt to feed him whether by me, a bottle, or baby food, only for him to refuse everything! As I was typing this, it has been nearly 14 hours since he has eaten. The doctors question me constantly to make sure I'm a fit mother who is doing all she can and my emotions are often all over the place as I question myself as well.
All of this is why it is so incredibly important that I take the time to remember that I am not alone. I have a Heavenly Father who is acquainted with my grief. Who will provide rest to my weary soul. Who reminds me that I actually have a life better than most women around the world, with supportive friends and family. I have a wonderfully patient husband and 2 beautiful children who have literally changed the way I view the world! I enjoy the beautiful site of a baby's smile every morning and a preschooler who runs to the door to be picked up from Sunday School just because mommy has arrived. God has given me all that I could ever need and so much more. In the midst of this crazy season of life I can still find Joy. JOY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF TRIALS. JOY COMES FROM BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. So here in this season of life, I cling to God! I try to recognize His many blessings in my life. God is always with me. He is always faithful and He has a plan to accomplish in and through me. I am so thankful that I can experience this special and unforgettable season of life.
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