I used to be really confused about this Family Worship stuff. What should it look like? Should we go through a devotional book together? Should we do it every day, every week, two or three times a day? I think we found a solution that works for us right now. We know our kids do best and listen well when they are eating. But John and I like to enjoy our meal and not necessarily be reading or teaching while eating our dinner. So we decided to get a special dessert each week--one that I don't have to cook--and try to do a family devotion while everyone munches on their treat. Because our schedule is so irregular, we don't have a set day or time. At this phase of our lives, I don't think set days or times for almost anything are very good.
During dinner, we asked each other questions like, "What is the Lord doing in your life this week?" And, "How can we pray for you this week?" Maryn has the cutest answers. I asked her, "What is the Lord doing in your life this week?" And she said, "Jesus puts happiness in my heart."
This past week John read right from Scripture, but I don't think that's always necessary. We could use a Children's Bible or use Cubbies stuff from church, whatever. One of the things John read was Psalm 150.
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
So naturally after we ate our dessert (Maryn chose "Big Wheels" which are like huge round ice cream sandwiches), we had a nice loud praise and worship session with all the instruments we could find in the house.
It was such a fun time. We didn't have a plan, or any big ideas. Just us and the Lord, having fun and showing love to Him and each other.
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Monday, March 05, 2012
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Oh mon Dieu, aidez moi.
"Daughter of Liberty! whose knife
So busy chops the threads of life,
And frees from cumbrous clay the spirit..."
-Hymn to the Guillotine
If you are having a difficult time with your three year old, a great remedy is to volunteer to teach a whole class of 3 year olds for at least two hours each week, late in the evening.
Yes, John and I have now been teaching a small class of three year olds for two weeks and I am feeling very, very blessed with my two children.
My blog has one main purpose and that is to record my life's happenings, mostly for the benefit of our own family. I try not to complain about my children or embarrass them too much, so I know that to many of you, it may seem like I brag on them a lot. Well, let me tell you that it's not always daisies and roses around here. Just the other day I considered placing an ad for a full time babysitter. Full time meaning 6:30 am until 9:30 pm. And about once a day I feel like placing my head in a guillotine.
Our AWANA Cubbies class is complete chaos. I have prided myself in my great classroom management skills for many years. But in Cubbies, there's just far too much to do and far too little time to do it. All 11 children are newly potty trained and either obsessed with going potty every 5 minutes and washing their hands for 5 minutes each time afterward, or afraid to go when they need to go, or just can't go because the aforementioned children are on the potty all the time... Add 6 little boys who want to do nothing but launch crayons across the room, and you've got yourself a mess. That's our Cubbies class. Sit in a chair? No. Sit on the carpet? No. Color? No. Glue? No. Walk in a line? No.
They dump, they spit, they pee everywhere but in the potty, they spin, they jump, they throw, they whine, and they have one speed: RUN.
What a blessing it was to bring home our sweet, precious children. Two of them. Two sweetlings I don't know how I ever complain about. ;-)
I've been trying to run errands, kids in tow, by myself. This is kind of a new concept for us, because of our one car deal. We usually kind of traded off or did it all together or John did errand type stuff on his way home from work. Well, John needs to study and I need to get out more, so here we are...running errands...every mom's joy in life.
I am seriously amazed at how well my children function on these errands. Today, we went grocery shopping, to the library and to the mall. Not one fit or meltdown. Friday, we went to the playground, the library and Target. Again, not a single fit, accident, or any issues at all.
I was really starting to feel hopeless, worthless and terrible about Maryn's behavior around friends. It's no news to me that sharing, for two and three year olds, is next to impossible. Well, we are surrounded by lots and lots of children. We can't get Maryn's bike out for five minutes without some kid wanting to ride it or stealing off with it. And of course, it works in reverse. Maryn wants to play with every kid's toy, ride every other kids' scooters and tricycles, eat everyone's snacks, etc. I'm not complaining...it's great for all of us! But some days, you know, I feel like I have a demon-possessed child. Who will never learn to share. Who will always covet, envy, steal, hate, hurt, etc.
I was just studying James the other day and felt so convicted by his words about envy, jealousy, and covetousness, which are throughout the chapter. I see these sins in my daughter and I hate them, probably because I know how powerful they are in my own life.
I could try to wrap up this post very nicely, but that is all I will say for now. I am tired.
Peace be with you :) Truly.
So busy chops the threads of life,
And frees from cumbrous clay the spirit..."
-Hymn to the Guillotine
If you are having a difficult time with your three year old, a great remedy is to volunteer to teach a whole class of 3 year olds for at least two hours each week, late in the evening.
Yes, John and I have now been teaching a small class of three year olds for two weeks and I am feeling very, very blessed with my two children.
My blog has one main purpose and that is to record my life's happenings, mostly for the benefit of our own family. I try not to complain about my children or embarrass them too much, so I know that to many of you, it may seem like I brag on them a lot. Well, let me tell you that it's not always daisies and roses around here. Just the other day I considered placing an ad for a full time babysitter. Full time meaning 6:30 am until 9:30 pm. And about once a day I feel like placing my head in a guillotine.
Our AWANA Cubbies class is complete chaos. I have prided myself in my great classroom management skills for many years. But in Cubbies, there's just far too much to do and far too little time to do it. All 11 children are newly potty trained and either obsessed with going potty every 5 minutes and washing their hands for 5 minutes each time afterward, or afraid to go when they need to go, or just can't go because the aforementioned children are on the potty all the time... Add 6 little boys who want to do nothing but launch crayons across the room, and you've got yourself a mess. That's our Cubbies class. Sit in a chair? No. Sit on the carpet? No. Color? No. Glue? No. Walk in a line? No.
They dump, they spit, they pee everywhere but in the potty, they spin, they jump, they throw, they whine, and they have one speed: RUN.
What a blessing it was to bring home our sweet, precious children. Two of them. Two sweetlings I don't know how I ever complain about. ;-)
I've been trying to run errands, kids in tow, by myself. This is kind of a new concept for us, because of our one car deal. We usually kind of traded off or did it all together or John did errand type stuff on his way home from work. Well, John needs to study and I need to get out more, so here we are...running errands...every mom's joy in life.
I am seriously amazed at how well my children function on these errands. Today, we went grocery shopping, to the library and to the mall. Not one fit or meltdown. Friday, we went to the playground, the library and Target. Again, not a single fit, accident, or any issues at all.
I was really starting to feel hopeless, worthless and terrible about Maryn's behavior around friends. It's no news to me that sharing, for two and three year olds, is next to impossible. Well, we are surrounded by lots and lots of children. We can't get Maryn's bike out for five minutes without some kid wanting to ride it or stealing off with it. And of course, it works in reverse. Maryn wants to play with every kid's toy, ride every other kids' scooters and tricycles, eat everyone's snacks, etc. I'm not complaining...it's great for all of us! But some days, you know, I feel like I have a demon-possessed child. Who will never learn to share. Who will always covet, envy, steal, hate, hurt, etc.
I was just studying James the other day and felt so convicted by his words about envy, jealousy, and covetousness, which are throughout the chapter. I see these sins in my daughter and I hate them, probably because I know how powerful they are in my own life.
I could try to wrap up this post very nicely, but that is all I will say for now. I am tired.
Peace be with you :) Truly.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Good Times
We went to our friends' house last night and had a great, fun time with our Sunday School class.
Here's Eva and Elisa, Maryn's friends. We met them and their parents first because of AWANA Cubbies. I helped in their mom and dad's (Junior and Adrian) room. They are Maryn's best buddies from Honeybees.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Huge, Huge Update
And here are the two most handsome guys I know:
Sick: Maryn was sick with another stomach virus. John had some sort of cold or allergy. Josiah definitely has an outdoor allergy. And I have been in pure misery with yet another sinus infection. I finally just got my sense of taste back yesterday (I had not tasted or smelled single thing since Monday) and as soon as I realized it was semi-working, I dove into a bag of Oreos and smelled them for about 120 seconds straight. It's not 100% yet, but I'm enjoying having some flavor in my life.
God: God is incredible. He made so many foods with so many tastes and gave us this amazing gift of taste and smell. I am in awe. I feel really pathetic begging God to give it back to me, but it's a serious handicap.
However, I have learned how diverse textures in food are. And you know, some of the yummiest foods also have the best textures. I find myself eating a lot of crunchy things lately. Buttered popcorn still "tastes" better than unbuttered. So I think many foods yumminess factor has to do as much with texture as it does with taste.
Motherhood: I never realized how much I use my senses of taste and smell as a mom. Does anyone have a poopy diaper? Is that poop on the couch or chocolate? Is that vomit or pizza rubbed into the carpet? Is this milk bad? Does your sippy cup smell funny? Does our trash stink? Does our house smell okay? Is this taco meat too spicy? Does the spaghetti sauce need more garlic? Oy. I have had a rough week.
Visitors! My in-laws visited Monday through Wednesday and we had a lot of fun. We ate good food, too. I think it was good. It probably was. They took good care of us and Donna even babysat while I worked in Food Line on Tuesday.
My Children: I am noticing so many differences in my kids as Josiah grows. I remember when Maryn was his age. She would sit and read books with me. She could sit through a whole MOPS meeting and be mostly cooperative. Josiah....um...he is a handful. Sometimes people say to me about Maryn, "She is a handful." I'm not sure what that means since to me, she's just my Maryn. But Josiah. He is so different than her. He will not sit. He will not look at books. He wants to eat. He wants up. He wants down. He wants Mommy. He wants to play. He loves to be held by anyone and will willingly stretch out his arms to jump into anyone's, with a big fat grin on his face. But he will soon want you to jump on a trampoline or go skydiving with him.
And now I know, since I have two, never judge another parent. I used to kind of pat myself on the back. Maryn is strong willed, yes, but she is mostly compliant. She is smart and intuitive, helpful and hard working. How ignorant I was to actually think I made her who she is.
Josiah. When Maryn would turn and strain against me, I could say NO very firm, grip her hand, give her a stern look, and she would fall to pieces. Usually she'd learn so quickly. If I do the same thing to Josiah, he laughs. He full out belly laughs in my "stern" face. Sigh. It's going to be fun.
Maryn is such a good girl when other kids are not around. :) Sometimes I really get fed up with it.
Josiah: Josiah is definitely saying Mama a lot now but his other words, car and ball, he hasn't been saying as much. But he is really trying to clap his hands and he was even waving bye-bye tonight. I'm not sure if he was meaning to wave, but he had his hand right in front of his face and just kept waving at himself, you know how babies do. He just did that off and on for about two hours. So funny.
Church: We've really been enjoying our new class. Our church staff gave all of us children's ministry volunteers a date night, so we dropped Maryn and Josiah off from 6:00-9:00 pm on Friday and went to Olive Garden with members of our new class. So one new friend works in Maryn's AWANA Honeybees class and she and her husband (who teaches the class) have five children, two who attend Dorothy Sayers Classical School (that's a two day a week school and the other days are spent at home). Our other new friends who work in AWANA Cubbies with me have twin girls who are Maryn's friends. Their dad is a police officer and might like Moe's as much as John does. Another couple has adopted their two children, ages 7 and 5. And another couple has three children, ages 8 months (Josiah's girl-friend), 3 and 5. Their mom is a pharmacist! I'm trying to resist the urge to call her and ask if it's okay if I take all the meds I want to take to relieve this sinus pressure...
So I think that about sums it up. I should have gone to bed rather than write this long blog, but that's how I roll. Hopefully I'll get a good sleep. Actually, I think I have to write another blog because I just realized I missed some pictures.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It's My Birthday!
It's not really my birthday, but it feels like it. Because I got seven hours of sleep last night, including FIVE beautiful hours of totally uninterrupted sleep. Maryn did great in her Awana Honeybees class last night. Josiah did GREAT in the nursery, and I got to serve in the Awana Cubbies three year olds class. I have two favorite ages when it comes to kids. Three and six. So it was just a lot of fun to be with those three year olds. The lead teachers are the parents of Eva and Elisa, Maryn's favorite friends at church. They are twins and adorable as can be.
We have been so busy. But I finally feel like our house is (almost) back in order. I'm caught up on laundry. The only thing that needs a lot of work is our bedroom. And now that I'm sleeping in our bed more often, I really want to get it clean. It's starting to look like a man room and it's crying out for some femininity!
We've been busy with neighborhood stuff too. The biggest event of the year is next weekend--the Chili Cook Off. It's way more than a cook-off though. There will be a bonfire, s'mores, a popcorn machine, a cotton candy machine, caramel apples, games, a pumpkin decorating contest, and more. Oh boy. Plus we had Food Line on Tuesday. A local food pantry (Dare to Care) donates food to our neighborhood once every month and everyone in the neighborhood can come through and pick out food. It's actually kind of a complex system, and I am in charge of set up. It's a job that is totally out of my comfort zone. I have to make decisions, remember to do a bunch of little things, be in charge of a group of adults, make several phone calls, and do some math. Those are five of my very least favorite things to do. But it's part of my job as an RA here in our neighborhood and...I'm learning...and being humbled, for sure.
When we moved here last summer/fall, we were so blessed by these two programs. I know these types of things are providing far beyond the physical. And now that I have the opportunity to serve in these programs (including Awana), I am being doubly blessed.
I should tell you a little about Awana. It is really neat. Children as young as two memorize scripture in this program. It is very structured (well, within reason, appropriate for the ages). The kids say the Pledge of Allegiance beforehand, there's a snack time, a craft time, story time, free play, and an outdoor games time. I haven't served in Maryn's room, but I know she comes out talking about Jesus, saying her verse, and she just LOVES it. The three year olds have a little book that includes stories and some ideas for home, including some voluntary homework. It's great to get these resources from our church and be part of a team in teaching our children God's Word.
I sort of wish I had volunteered with little kids more often when I was young. I feel now that I am not on top of my game. If you're a mom, you probably know what I mean. I am so grateful to the college girls that serve in Maryn's room EVERY Sunday morning. What a blessing! I bet they are a breath of fresh air for Maryn--a break from tired, stressed, and frustrated mommies is always welcome.
All right, Dinosaur Train is over and it's time to make lunch. I'll be trying to do a picture post later. Thanks for reading my rambling.
We have been so busy. But I finally feel like our house is (almost) back in order. I'm caught up on laundry. The only thing that needs a lot of work is our bedroom. And now that I'm sleeping in our bed more often, I really want to get it clean. It's starting to look like a man room and it's crying out for some femininity!
We've been busy with neighborhood stuff too. The biggest event of the year is next weekend--the Chili Cook Off. It's way more than a cook-off though. There will be a bonfire, s'mores, a popcorn machine, a cotton candy machine, caramel apples, games, a pumpkin decorating contest, and more. Oh boy. Plus we had Food Line on Tuesday. A local food pantry (Dare to Care) donates food to our neighborhood once every month and everyone in the neighborhood can come through and pick out food. It's actually kind of a complex system, and I am in charge of set up. It's a job that is totally out of my comfort zone. I have to make decisions, remember to do a bunch of little things, be in charge of a group of adults, make several phone calls, and do some math. Those are five of my very least favorite things to do. But it's part of my job as an RA here in our neighborhood and...I'm learning...and being humbled, for sure.
When we moved here last summer/fall, we were so blessed by these two programs. I know these types of things are providing far beyond the physical. And now that I have the opportunity to serve in these programs (including Awana), I am being doubly blessed.
I should tell you a little about Awana. It is really neat. Children as young as two memorize scripture in this program. It is very structured (well, within reason, appropriate for the ages). The kids say the Pledge of Allegiance beforehand, there's a snack time, a craft time, story time, free play, and an outdoor games time. I haven't served in Maryn's room, but I know she comes out talking about Jesus, saying her verse, and she just LOVES it. The three year olds have a little book that includes stories and some ideas for home, including some voluntary homework. It's great to get these resources from our church and be part of a team in teaching our children God's Word.
I sort of wish I had volunteered with little kids more often when I was young. I feel now that I am not on top of my game. If you're a mom, you probably know what I mean. I am so grateful to the college girls that serve in Maryn's room EVERY Sunday morning. What a blessing! I bet they are a breath of fresh air for Maryn--a break from tired, stressed, and frustrated mommies is always welcome.
All right, Dinosaur Train is over and it's time to make lunch. I'll be trying to do a picture post later. Thanks for reading my rambling.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Oh, they are so cute.
One neat thing that's happening since Josiah was born is some major Daddy-Maryn bonding. She is turning this guy into mush. Look, she even has him doing her pigtails.
She loves getting her hair done, believe it or not.
I love my little man's profile. He is so, so, so cute. I can't believe my babies can look so different and still be so adorable.
Look at his little overbite. It's so stinkin cute. And his perfectly round head. Gotta love c-section babies.
Today was Josiah's first day at church, and he was a big hit. Our pastor/teacher almost brought me to tears as he prayed for the Lord's protection over our sweet little boy who will one day be a grown man (*tear, tear*).
It was also moving up weekend, meaning the kids all moved up to their new "grades" or classes. Maryn isn't even in the "baby hallway" anymore! She goes into a big kid classroom with new big kid toys. The classroom even has a little door she enters and exits through just for kids. Maryn has two new teachers, Miss Lauren and Miss Sarah, who taught her about Elisha today. And Maryn really did remember parts of the story when I asked her, and she could even sing the song they sang in class ("Thank you God for my toys!" lol).
I am so grateful for these young women that teach in her class every single Sunday. They take the time to teach little 2 year olds big truths that a lot of people don't think little ones can understand. But these teachers help John and I build up a strong foundation in her little mind so that someday, hopefully, when Jesus presses on her heart, she will come to a full understanding and knowledge of His love.
She loves getting her hair done, believe it or not. 
I love my little man's profile. He is so, so, so cute. I can't believe my babies can look so different and still be so adorable.
Look at his little overbite. It's so stinkin cute. And his perfectly round head. Gotta love c-section babies.
Today was Josiah's first day at church, and he was a big hit. Our pastor/teacher almost brought me to tears as he prayed for the Lord's protection over our sweet little boy who will one day be a grown man (*tear, tear*).It was also moving up weekend, meaning the kids all moved up to their new "grades" or classes. Maryn isn't even in the "baby hallway" anymore! She goes into a big kid classroom with new big kid toys. The classroom even has a little door she enters and exits through just for kids. Maryn has two new teachers, Miss Lauren and Miss Sarah, who taught her about Elisha today. And Maryn really did remember parts of the story when I asked her, and she could even sing the song they sang in class ("Thank you God for my toys!" lol).
I am so grateful for these young women that teach in her class every single Sunday. They take the time to teach little 2 year olds big truths that a lot of people don't think little ones can understand. But these teachers help John and I build up a strong foundation in her little mind so that someday, hopefully, when Jesus presses on her heart, she will come to a full understanding and knowledge of His love.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Expanding Our Horizons
Tonight we visited a different church. Sometimes John has to work Sunday mornings, and a church nearby that is popular among seminary students has a 5 pm Sunday service. So this will probably be our back up plan when our morning plans fall through, which as you know if you work or have children, can happen a lot.
It's pretty easy as seminary students to compare churches based on minute, hardly important details. After all, seminary students are themselves thinking of what "kind" of church they'd like to minister with, lead or begin. This church, called Sojourn Community Church reminded me of many of you--some of you would have loved it and some of you would have probably felt a bit out of place. I was one of the ones that felt a bit out of place, but I liked it as well. So I will tell you a bit about it and I'm curious to know if you think you'd like it or not.
First, I noticed a ton of original, modern artwork everywhere and a whole lot of young, white, hip looking people everywhere. So I was thinking to myself, "emergent, emergent, emergent..." But I was well aware that this church, though they do use a lot of the emergent ideas, has sound doctrine and reformed theology, so I did have an open mind. Well, my mind is only willing to open so far.
Second, I really didn't like the nursery set-up. I had to just leave Maryn at a plain, boring check-in desk without a single other little kid or toy in sight! Needless to say, there were tears, but they said she did superbly, even staring at other babies like they were crazy crybabies when they cried. And I know they weren't lying because they told the lady behind us her son was "a bit fussy." I got to see the room when we picked her up, and it was really nice. But I still like our church's nursery 100% better.
Third, I know it may not be that important, but I personally think the diversity of a church says a lot. One of the things I love about our home church is that it is pretty diverse. Of course it does attract mostly white middle class people (it's in their neighborhood), but there's been a ton of adoption--international, domestic, special needs, etc., and there are other races and nationalities present, as well as a huuuge range of ages. John insists he saw someone at Sojourn that was in their 50s but I saw no one over the age of 35. There was lots of leather, black spiky hair, stripes and plaid. I kind of felt like I was in the youth group again--feeling totally out of place in my cable knit sweater. What a dork.
Fourth, like every other guy at Sojourn has a beard. Not only is this kind of gross and something I do not want John to even think about, but all those beards make me a little nervous, you know? I mean, what's the deal? Maybe they're fasting from shaving for someone that has a terminal illness. I don't know. But they should tell us because it's freaking me out. I saw a guy a few weeks ago that had a beard and was wearing plaid. I knew he went to Sojourn. I didn't even have to ask (and yes, I found out later, he does go to Sojourn).
Fifth, the music was amazing. Not only was it very cool (jazzy, blues-y) and performed by extremely talented musicians, but the songs had deep, meaningful words based on Scripture, beyond the Hillsong-type repeat and repeat and repeat sorts of phrases. They helped "set the mood" by dimming the lights so dark that, although I really had to pee during the last song, I didn't have the courage to walk to the door. I would have needed a flashlight!
Sixth, the service included a lot of traditional qualities, including liturgies, a formal benediction, communion with actual breaking of bread and dipping in a communal cup of--GASP--wine. These are two qualities I really like and learned to appreciate during our time at BCH, which is an Episcopal camp. I also experienced these traditions at Presbyterian churches, but at that time did not fully appreciate them as I do now.
Also, Sojourn takes communion every single week. That time is also offering time, where people stand around with baskets so that you can get up and take your communion and/or give. The preaching was excellent, which I fully expected knowing who the pastors are.
Seventh, I didn't find Sojourn as child friendly as our church, where children are more welcome in the service and the classes seem like SO much fun. This may be true of Sojourn as well, but in our particular service I hardly saw any children at all. Half of the congregation probably isn't married or old enough to have children. Though this may not be the case during other services, I feel it's fair to say a multi-service church is a multi-congregation church, and this congregation was very young and not as child friendly as our home church.
So, all in all I did like it, but I'm assured we chose the right home church. I love the diversity, the missions focus, and how many families are involved in adoption. I love the teaching, the preaching, and our friendships that are starting to build there. I love that we sit next to 22 year olds in our class as well as 75 year olds. I love that Mr. Tyler, a retired African-American Baptist preacher stands up and teaches every once in a while in his deep, soothing Kentucky accent. Maybe if I was truly color blind these things wouldn't matter, but they do matter to me, a mom who wants her babies to know lots of little elderly ladies and lots of children that look a little different than they do. Maybe she'll learn that we really do have a lot in common and that we really all can be family.
It's pretty easy as seminary students to compare churches based on minute, hardly important details. After all, seminary students are themselves thinking of what "kind" of church they'd like to minister with, lead or begin. This church, called Sojourn Community Church reminded me of many of you--some of you would have loved it and some of you would have probably felt a bit out of place. I was one of the ones that felt a bit out of place, but I liked it as well. So I will tell you a bit about it and I'm curious to know if you think you'd like it or not.
First, I noticed a ton of original, modern artwork everywhere and a whole lot of young, white, hip looking people everywhere. So I was thinking to myself, "emergent, emergent, emergent..." But I was well aware that this church, though they do use a lot of the emergent ideas, has sound doctrine and reformed theology, so I did have an open mind. Well, my mind is only willing to open so far.
Second, I really didn't like the nursery set-up. I had to just leave Maryn at a plain, boring check-in desk without a single other little kid or toy in sight! Needless to say, there were tears, but they said she did superbly, even staring at other babies like they were crazy crybabies when they cried. And I know they weren't lying because they told the lady behind us her son was "a bit fussy." I got to see the room when we picked her up, and it was really nice. But I still like our church's nursery 100% better.
Third, I know it may not be that important, but I personally think the diversity of a church says a lot. One of the things I love about our home church is that it is pretty diverse. Of course it does attract mostly white middle class people (it's in their neighborhood), but there's been a ton of adoption--international, domestic, special needs, etc., and there are other races and nationalities present, as well as a huuuge range of ages. John insists he saw someone at Sojourn that was in their 50s but I saw no one over the age of 35. There was lots of leather, black spiky hair, stripes and plaid. I kind of felt like I was in the youth group again--feeling totally out of place in my cable knit sweater. What a dork.
Fourth, like every other guy at Sojourn has a beard. Not only is this kind of gross and something I do not want John to even think about, but all those beards make me a little nervous, you know? I mean, what's the deal? Maybe they're fasting from shaving for someone that has a terminal illness. I don't know. But they should tell us because it's freaking me out. I saw a guy a few weeks ago that had a beard and was wearing plaid. I knew he went to Sojourn. I didn't even have to ask (and yes, I found out later, he does go to Sojourn).
Fifth, the music was amazing. Not only was it very cool (jazzy, blues-y) and performed by extremely talented musicians, but the songs had deep, meaningful words based on Scripture, beyond the Hillsong-type repeat and repeat and repeat sorts of phrases. They helped "set the mood" by dimming the lights so dark that, although I really had to pee during the last song, I didn't have the courage to walk to the door. I would have needed a flashlight!
Sixth, the service included a lot of traditional qualities, including liturgies, a formal benediction, communion with actual breaking of bread and dipping in a communal cup of--GASP--wine. These are two qualities I really like and learned to appreciate during our time at BCH, which is an Episcopal camp. I also experienced these traditions at Presbyterian churches, but at that time did not fully appreciate them as I do now.
Also, Sojourn takes communion every single week. That time is also offering time, where people stand around with baskets so that you can get up and take your communion and/or give. The preaching was excellent, which I fully expected knowing who the pastors are.
Seventh, I didn't find Sojourn as child friendly as our church, where children are more welcome in the service and the classes seem like SO much fun. This may be true of Sojourn as well, but in our particular service I hardly saw any children at all. Half of the congregation probably isn't married or old enough to have children. Though this may not be the case during other services, I feel it's fair to say a multi-service church is a multi-congregation church, and this congregation was very young and not as child friendly as our home church.
So, all in all I did like it, but I'm assured we chose the right home church. I love the diversity, the missions focus, and how many families are involved in adoption. I love the teaching, the preaching, and our friendships that are starting to build there. I love that we sit next to 22 year olds in our class as well as 75 year olds. I love that Mr. Tyler, a retired African-American Baptist preacher stands up and teaches every once in a while in his deep, soothing Kentucky accent. Maybe if I was truly color blind these things wouldn't matter, but they do matter to me, a mom who wants her babies to know lots of little elderly ladies and lots of children that look a little different than they do. Maybe she'll learn that we really do have a lot in common and that we really all can be family.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Good News!
We bought a new memory card for our camera today, so we will have pictures for you soon. We also bought new CDs for our camcorder, so some videos may be on their way shortly.
We had a pretty busy today. Since it takes so long to get anywhere, we try to take advantage while we're in town as much as we can. That means Maryn was awake from 9:15 am until almost 3 pm. It was a bit miserable. And she had a hard time falling asleep tonight. It's funny how the more tired babies are, the harder it is for them to fall asleep.
From 9:15 until almost 3, we were at church, then Panera, then Babies R Us, then Best Buy. Then John and I had a date to the EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) store, and then Donna and I went to a cute little store to pick out my (very early) birthday present--a new Vera Bradley purse. It's gorgeous and I love it. AND Maryn has been loving all her new baby food. Yesterday she ate spinach for the first time and loved it. It makes my heart glad.
And...church was great. It was a group of about 50 people meeting in a Boys' and Girls' Club in the cutest little town. The people were--how do I put this--different than Naples people! They're certainly what you might call "country folk." And that's perfectly fine with me. I'm glad I'm no longer in a little fashion competition amongst all the ladies. I kind of feel that way sometimes around Naples. I like being in a place where people can be themselves, whether it's with a side-pony, a mullet, or some MC Hammer pants. Whatever. :)
And...I'm still loving the Thomas a Kempis book. It is really helping me to put what I read in the Bible to practice, because the book itself is so biblical, and so applicable, and so convicting. I'd love to put some quotations from the book here, but I know how it is. I think that, when we read quotes on people's blogs, we don't quite get it as if we're reading the book. So please, please someday read the book Imitations of Christ by Thomas a Kempis...after you read Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. Now that I'm reading the Kempis book, I kind of have a better understanding of why "Katy" was the way she was, made the mistakes she made, and became the Godly woman she did. Because I too can take the things God says and turn it into something legalistic, cold, or terrifying. It's an easy line to cross. But maybe, for some people, it's something we must go through on our journey heavenward.
We had a pretty busy today. Since it takes so long to get anywhere, we try to take advantage while we're in town as much as we can. That means Maryn was awake from 9:15 am until almost 3 pm. It was a bit miserable. And she had a hard time falling asleep tonight. It's funny how the more tired babies are, the harder it is for them to fall asleep.
From 9:15 until almost 3, we were at church, then Panera, then Babies R Us, then Best Buy. Then John and I had a date to the EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) store, and then Donna and I went to a cute little store to pick out my (very early) birthday present--a new Vera Bradley purse. It's gorgeous and I love it. AND Maryn has been loving all her new baby food. Yesterday she ate spinach for the first time and loved it. It makes my heart glad.
And...church was great. It was a group of about 50 people meeting in a Boys' and Girls' Club in the cutest little town. The people were--how do I put this--different than Naples people! They're certainly what you might call "country folk." And that's perfectly fine with me. I'm glad I'm no longer in a little fashion competition amongst all the ladies. I kind of feel that way sometimes around Naples. I like being in a place where people can be themselves, whether it's with a side-pony, a mullet, or some MC Hammer pants. Whatever. :)
And...I'm still loving the Thomas a Kempis book. It is really helping me to put what I read in the Bible to practice, because the book itself is so biblical, and so applicable, and so convicting. I'd love to put some quotations from the book here, but I know how it is. I think that, when we read quotes on people's blogs, we don't quite get it as if we're reading the book. So please, please someday read the book Imitations of Christ by Thomas a Kempis...after you read Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. Now that I'm reading the Kempis book, I kind of have a better understanding of why "Katy" was the way she was, made the mistakes she made, and became the Godly woman she did. Because I too can take the things God says and turn it into something legalistic, cold, or terrifying. It's an easy line to cross. But maybe, for some people, it's something we must go through on our journey heavenward.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Beautiful
This is where I went today!
John (John's dad), Donna (John's stepmom), Maryn and I drove to Boston this morning to sign up some middle schoolers for camp. It was about a two hour drive. First, we ate at this seriously cool German-style restaurant that was built in the 1800s, Jacob Wirth Restaurant. Then we walked to Trinity Church, where we met lots of kids and parents for camp. This church was incredible. Too bad I didn't have a new camera memory card yet (that's on the list of things to do tomorrow). Above are some pictures from the church's website.
Maybe it takes 5 years in sparkling new sunshiny Florida to really fall head over heels for an older-than-Methuselah church. Or maybe that's just me. I loved it. And, even cooler, there is this great program going on for the inner city kids in the area. It's called TEEP, and I highly suggest clicking here to find out more about it.
Now, I have never really wanted to live in the city. Except for the times I've walked around D.C., Chicago, and now, Boston, and I feel kind of envious of the people just climbing on the bus, the subway, or the train. And the cute little apartment building fronts, like on You've Got Mail. I know I have a really romanticized view of the city, but I always kind of wonder what it would be like to live there. And ever since that D.C. trip a few years ago (okay, so it was 8 years ago. Sheesh!), I really have wanted to get back and do some service in the city. But I've been very reluctant. I'd much prefer my husband to be a pastor in a little white church out in the mountains. Okay...maybe not. Eh, I really don't know what I want. And I guess it doesn't really matter. Take me where you want me, God!
Speaking of God, I did start reading that Thomas a Kempis book and am looooving it. Whew-ee. I think we all do need to get back into reading the classics. I am really, really finding that our Biblical Worldview today is a lot different than the Biblical Worldview of the 1400s.
Of course, things probably should change from the 1400s until the 2000s. But the Bible doesn't change...so what does that mean? Oh, read the book. You'll see what I mean.
Maryn is doing lots of new things every day, and she has been adjusting rather nicely. She loved the city. She is kind of clapping her hands and saying "Yay!" and she has a few new games. One new game is dropping everything on the floor and saying, "Uh-oh!" Which of course, keeps us picking it all up just to hear her cute "Uh-ohs" over and over again. Her other game is peek-a-boo. She doesn't need a blanket to play peek-a-boo. She will hide her face in the side of her car seat, in the crook of my elbow, behind a book, anything. Then she pops up, smiles, and sometimes laughs. I love, love, loooooove it.
AND she has really gotten the hang of standing up (pulling herself up) and sitting down. It's a lot of fun. She's keeping us on our toes.
I hope you'll all keep reading my blog. We are visiting a church tomorrow. We won't be able to get very involved because we will be busy every day, all day, except Sunday mornings. But keep reading and I will keep you updated, and I'll start posting pictures soon. You'll want to see pictures of the camp, our little house here, and of course, Maryn.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Today I am Thankful
1. I am thankful that Maryn now projects herself forward as she is spewing sour yogurt and oatmeal, so that it lands on my feet, and not on my shirt. Thanks, sweetie!
2. I am thankful that John has had lots of practice putting together furniture this week at Target, so that he can put together all of our furniture when we arrive in Louisville within a couple hours (a couple hours, right John?). Let's hope he doesn't lose all the screws.
3. I am thankful that John can cook. Because I have burnt two meals in the past two days. Rice-A-Roni and instant chicken noodle soup. The MSG must be burning away my brain cells.
4. I am thankful for my MOPS mommy friends who admit to cooking microwave popcorn for dinner and eating Cheerios out of their pockets.
5. I am thankful for Pastor Wicker and his sweet family. Yes, I will soak up all the parenting advice I can get from the Wickers. He spoke at MOPS today.
6. I am thankful for Maryn's two 2 hour naps yesterday plus 13 hours of nighttime sleep.
7. I am thankful that John and I packed up the garage yesterday. Partially thanks to Maryn's amazing sleep schedule.
8. I am thankful that Maryn can stare at the door when I say "Daddy's Home!" And that she jumps for joy saying, "Da-da!" when he comes in.
9. I am thankful that I get to see my husband's pride and joy as he hears his little girl say his name.
10. But more than all these things, I am thankful that God has blessed me with a husband who loves me, is patient, affirming, and motivating.
2. I am thankful that John has had lots of practice putting together furniture this week at Target, so that he can put together all of our furniture when we arrive in Louisville within a couple hours (a couple hours, right John?). Let's hope he doesn't lose all the screws.
3. I am thankful that John can cook. Because I have burnt two meals in the past two days. Rice-A-Roni and instant chicken noodle soup. The MSG must be burning away my brain cells.
4. I am thankful for my MOPS mommy friends who admit to cooking microwave popcorn for dinner and eating Cheerios out of their pockets.
5. I am thankful for Pastor Wicker and his sweet family. Yes, I will soak up all the parenting advice I can get from the Wickers. He spoke at MOPS today.
6. I am thankful for Maryn's two 2 hour naps yesterday plus 13 hours of nighttime sleep.
7. I am thankful that John and I packed up the garage yesterday. Partially thanks to Maryn's amazing sleep schedule.
8. I am thankful that Maryn can stare at the door when I say "Daddy's Home!" And that she jumps for joy saying, "Da-da!" when he comes in.
9. I am thankful that I get to see my husband's pride and joy as he hears his little girl say his name.
10. But more than all these things, I am thankful that God has blessed me with a husband who loves me, is patient, affirming, and motivating.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Cute Little Bully
Um, Maryn, I think this play gym was meant for tummy time!
Maryn loves to sit and play.
Yesterday and today I actually felt a bit sad about my baby growing. She's still so small and perfect cuddle-size. In fact, if I were to manufacture the perfect cuddle baby, it would be the exact size and weight that Maryn is right now. She hugs me back, she clings to me, and reaches for me. I've been wanting to hold her as much as possible before she grows up. Or at least until she reaches the not-so-cuddly size/age.
Maryn just started waving bye-bye. She does it all day except when we want her to. I'm not sure if she actually gets what she's doing, but if she happens to do it at the right time, we laugh and say she's a genius.
I worked in the nursery last night and found out that Maryn is a bully! It was actually pretty funny. To me. The other ladies in the nursery weren't quite as entertained. Maryn was very quickly snatching other kids' name tags (stickers) off of their backs. She was also stealing every toy that London (also 7 months) was playing with. But she did share a lot of Puffs with Hannah (who's almost 1). I really wanted to take pictures but I thought that might be frowned upon.
John was "commissioned" last night at church. So exciting! Some of our friends bought him a new Bible. He got a new Bible not too long ago, but it was falling apart. Really, really falling apart. His new one is beautiful, and it's the same kind as his other one (John MacArthur Study Bible, NASB), just new and a lot nicer. It will last a long time. Thank you, Lee and Cara! He was really excited.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Praise Baby!
I tried to take a day off today because I wasn't going to have kids all day tomorrow, but it now turns out that the kids will be coming afterall. So now I'm a little freaked out that I didn't do any laundry and all that stuff I was planning to do tomorrow.
Today was nice. We all went grocery shopping together. I actually found time to read a book. I went to a friend's house for a Shaklee party by MYSELF. I've gone out by myself about three times since Maryn was born. Then John and I watched a movie, John made dinner, and Maryn took an almost 3-hour nap. It was a pleasant, rainy, lazy day. Boy, did I need it.
Maryn has figured out how to do that blowing-blubbery thing with her lips and tongue. She isn't very good at it yet and mostly just spits a lot when she does it, but it's adorable.
We took Maryn into the worship service with us last night, and it actually went very well. We were in the overflow section in the chapel, which seemed more relaxed and I felt less pressured to keep her absolutely silent. I couldn't put her in the nursery because of the thrush thing, but I enjoyed having an excuse to keep her with us.
It's funny because I remember telling Alicia when I was pregnant, "Never let me bring my baby into worship with me!" Because I found babies to be annoying in worship and thought it would be impossible to pay attention. Oh boy, have my views changed! I had the most wonderful worship experience last night with Maryn in my arms. And I didn't have to miss half the service because of being "buzzed" to pick her up in the nursery (which happens every time after about 30 minutes).
What do you all think? Should babies and children be allowed in the worship services? I have some more thoughts on this, and a few articles and blogs we've found about it as well. I may share them with you all soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)