Like a Fire in My Bones video

Taking Note(s)

I take a lot of notes. Someone recently asked me if it's for songwriting. Yes, but no. I've been writing songs for less than 10 yrs, and I've been scribbling in my Bible as long as I can remember. It goes way, way back to when I was a little girl.

One time my friend and I accidentally switched Bibles. Remember the one? The Living Bible. It was a Children's Church giveaway, if you memorized Psalm 23. Or was it the Lord's prayer? Hmmm...I can't recite either one very well. But the Bible was green and had a picture of a shepherd and some sheep on it. Easy to mix up.

A few weeks passed before I saw HER name engraved on it. Boy, was I was going to be in big trouble. She didn't even keep a bookmark in her Bible, much less WRITE in it! And I'd written all kinds of stuff in there.

In the back, across from the maps: Let God's word be your map. Next to Psalm 23: think about the Shepherd, not the other sheep! In the margin, next to Romans 3:23: "This means YOU!" I was so embarrassed when I had to trade Bibles back, knowing I'd ruined hers. I wish she'd written "You're a stinker" or some other truth in my copy!

Anyways, this blog isn't about whether we should take notes or not. It's not to try to convince you that you should. A person who carries a notepad and pen is no better than a person who can absorb life without writing one word. And vice versa. This is about a sermon I heard, probably when I was 10 or 11.

It was a sermon of all sermons. I've gotta admit that I remember too few sermons. That's exactly why I take notes...so I don't forget. My pastor at Friendly Baptist had some doozies. I wish I'd paid attention to more of Brother Milton Gardner's life and teaching. But what I can remember, well, even if it's only because I'd written it down in that Bible, it was still life-changing. Stay with me.

This one sentence is etched into my memory: "Some people get all they can, can all they get, and sit on the can."

Ouch! I'm pretty sure Brother Gardner was preaching on stewardship. Ouch.

But it could also apply to other areas of life. This is extreme, but stay with me. Fill in the blank. "Some people get all the _____ they can, can all they get, and sit on the can."

Do you get all the attention you can, tuck it away (as if you can store that up!), and then rest on your laurels?

When something is on sale, do you buy all of it so no one else can have that same deal? Can't bear to leave any on the shelf as a provision for other families? Do you belong on TLC's Extreme Couponing, or more appropriately, Hoarders? I'm not accusing you, or attacking you...I'm asking you to reconsider your motivations...

Do you take wrong thoughts, perhaps even false guilts, and tuck them away, accepting them as truth, and then dwell on them?

Do you get in all the entertainment that you possibly can, squeeze it into your "things I did last weekend" aka bragging list, and think that pursuing the things of the world will serve you well? Stay with me.

Do you have a skill or talent that you have developed, but either keep it to yourself, or for some reason or another, you've buried it? - and now you're sitting on it, thinking no one cares? God cares. If it's cooking, cook for the Lord. Feed the poor. Could be music. Or wisdom with finances. Or a strong back. Or a giftedness with words. Or the ability to sit with someone who is in pain. Or availability. It could be so many different things. You see what I mean? Why are you hiding that?

Do you get all the bitterness and resentment you can, stuff it away, and then guard it with your very life?

Do you get all the Bible knowledge you can, store it away (not applying it to your life), then sit down, at ease?

For your life, today, fill in the blank: "Some people get all the _____ they can, can all they get, and sit on the can."

"Some people get all they can, can all they get, and sit on the can." - Milton F. Gardner. In a sermon that still preaches loud and clear, 35 years later.

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years - for me, too!

WEBSITE COUNTDOWN CLOCK

Letter I wrote Sept 17, after Stephen's birth on 9/11/01

Juno e-mail for wilsonarkatjunodotcom printed on Monday, September 17, 2001, 9:22AM

Dear Friends and Family,

Thanks for remembering us before the Lord this week! "And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8.

Stephen Barry Wilson was born on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, at 2:50 p.m., weighing in at 10 lbs., 3 oz., measuring 21 3/4 inches long. He looks like a Wilson (yes, he's gorgeous!), and we're thankful to the Lord for his safe arrival.

As I was admitted to the hospital, I was able to spend about an hour in quiet time, with no nurses, TV, etc. I must confess, that even though this was my 9th baby to be delivering, I could not for a moment take it lightly. More than ever before, I was determined to depend on the Lord for His help, for life itself.

Then, right at 8 am I clicked the button to watch the morning show or something. I was shocked to see a WTC tower on fire, and suddenly saw the other tower being hit by the next plane. The first thought I had was how many people were in those strong towers and powerful jets and how they exercised faith in the structures and planes when they entered the doors that morning, not knowing what the day held. In devastation, I began to cry out for God's mercy for the souls and lives of those involved.

The first thought God brought to mind was "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to Him and are safe." And then. I remembered that the name "Stephen" means "crown of victory"! As we trust in the name of the Lord, we'll experience safety and victory. "Barry" means "bold, strong, of one mind"!

As the buildings collapsed, and so many rescue workers were perishing, I committed Stephen to the Lord in a new way. Realizing the brevity of life, I asked God to use our baby to rescue the perishing and care for the dying. In a way, the day passed quickly, as I struggled to remain focused on delivering. a baby, as life ended for so many.

Just before Stephen's birth, his heart rate dropped. The nurse put an oxygen mask on me, and it partially covered my eyes. Moments seemed like hours to me as she coached me to "breathe deeper, for the baby"...I could not see the concern in her eyes. Barry's eyes told the story, and I suddenly heard that she was saying "for the baby", and realized the baby's distress. I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me. With only three pushes, Stephen was born. The cord was wrapped around his neck, but had suffered no setback. We praise the Lord for His deliverance, once again. It was no accident that Stephen was born a week "late", as the Lord wanted to offer a future and a hope, on a very tragic day. 

In closing, I'd like to give a reminder that 2 Corinthians 3: 17 says "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

Serving the Lord with gladness,

Eva Wilson, for us all

There's no telIing how old Barry and Eva are, but the children's ages are as follows: Daniel. 15; Elizabeth, 13; Ruth, 11; David, 9; Michael. 7; Jonathan, 5; Lydia. 3; Hannah. 17 mos; Stephen. 5 days.

The Countdown!

COUNTINGDOWNTO.COM

from one big event to another :)

It sure seems like we go from one big event to another on our calendar...the tweets, fb updates, calendar reminders, the alarms never end!

But with all the huge things happening, only one of them is truly amazing...hint hint it's the one squeezed in between the Happy Home conference & Write About Jesus :)

Sept 8 ACSA Houston Chapter Meeting 9-11
Sept 22 United in Him music festival, Lake Jackson, TX
Sept 28-30 Happy Home Conference at our church
Oct 7 Liz comes home, after 2 yrs in India!
Oct 11-13 Write About Jesus workshop for songwriters in St Louis area
Oct 13 ACSA Houston Chapter Meeting 9-11am
Oct 20 Glenn Green Concert 7:15p at Second Baptist North Campus

PS mark your calendars for all that other great stuff :)

Calico Meringues (cookies)

Calico Meringues 

(Barry's mom's recipe - can easily be cut in half)


2 egg whites
1/2 c sugar
pinch of cream of tartar (if you have it)

can add 3/4 c plain m&m's if you want. or choc chips. or crushed peppermints. andes choc chips are great at Christmas

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar to make a stiff meringue. Fold in candy or choc chips, if desired.

Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto greased & floured cookie sheet. (I don't flour it...I think it's weird haha). Garnish each with an m&m, if desired.

Bake in 250 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cookie should be firm to the touch, but not browned. Cool on cookie shirt or wire rack. Store tightly covered.

For fun, you can drizzle a little melted choc or even white almond bark.

*don't call them Calico Meringues unless you have m&m's in them...haha...people won't trust you...I call them Peppermint Meringues or Cocoa Meringues, etc, depending on what I added. They're perfect without any flavoring. Fun

Previously Unpublished Blog

I recently found quite a few unpublished blogs...a whole lot of nothing, mostly. But this one...I feel like I should share this one, because of the Scripture in it...so please bear with me as I offer you my Previously Unpublished Blog. Sounds like a pre-owned car, no? That's what I thought when I read this...it's definitely still got some miles left in it.

___

As I've prayed for the people who survived the earthquakes and tsunamis this week, I've been reminded that I take so much for granted. I believe I'll wake up tomorrow morning. I think I'll talk with my husband and kids. And friends. That there will be groceries on the shelves at the store. Gas for the car. And the list goes on.

I can not begin to imagine what it's like to lose those closest to me. Or for the very earth beneath me to shake. Or waters to sweep away life as I've known it. Losing electricity for 10 days after Hurricane Ike doesn't begin to compare.

I want to find words, but there are no words to
___
blog ended mid-sentence, then I had added this:

Next day, I thought of this blog as I turned on my lamp and opened my Bible to this passage. Some years ago, I'd written in the margin "memorize this, Eva. Learn it."

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

1 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

__

Now, May 29, 2012. Looking back, I still haven't memorized that passage. Nor have I learned it.

But I want to, because I need it tucked away, deep in my heart. I don't want to take you for granted, people. I want to live out those verses. Every one of them. All the way from not receiving God's grace in vain, to having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

I don't know about you, but it's not easy for me to learn. And it's just as hard to memorize. But I know I need to.

Maybe you have photographic memory. Not me. But I'm going to try to memorize this. And I feel like I should share it...partly for accountability, but also to challenge and encourage you to hide God's Word in your heart.

You don't have to choose the same Scriptures as me. But choose something that means something to you.

The best way for me is repetition. I start at the beginning, and read down, looking for what might be the first favorite (or most challenging) part of the verse. And then I try to memorize from the beginning to that place. In this chapter,  "Now is the time of God's favor" is that place where I feel like my heart lands.

So, as I try to memorize, I'd start out with a phrase, then build on it, repeating what I'd already said, then tagging on another phrase or two (out loud if possible). It would look something like this:

*As God’s co-workers
*As God’s co-workers we urge you
*As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

*As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.  For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,

*As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.  For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."

*As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.  For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Sometimes it might take a few minutes, or it might take days. I'll write it. Speak it. Type it. Whatever it takes, until I know it. Then start tagging on the next parts.

Before long, we'll all be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

Join me.

My Liz list.

My Liz list. In honor of her birthday, because she's so awesome. And she likes randomness. And because she likes lists.

*She came 2 weeks early!
*I didn't get to hold her for the first 48 hours, because I had fever. We still bonded :)
*She had her days & nights mixed up as an infant. Good preparation for now.
*When she was about 5, she was holding the baby while I did the dishes. He got cranky and I said "I'm coming." But I didn't come, until she asked, "Mommy, do you love the dishes more than you love your baby?"
*Liz likes to help others. I have a picture of Liz standing in the washer. She was too young to reach in and get the clothes out, but she found a way to help. I also have a picture of her ironing. I think she was 6.
*Liz refused to admit that she knew how to read, until she was about 7. I think she knew sooner, but didn't want to make anyone else feel bad. A sad day for me was when she was reading a novel and didn't even look up as I walked by with a huge load of laundry. Up until then, I hadn't folded clothes alone. She was always up to it, as long as they were fresh out of the dryer!
*When she was about 8 or 9, someone asked Liz what her favorite verse was. We expected to hear John 3:16 or something familiar to kids. Her answer: Well, that changes. But right now, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9" (Thank you, Awanas.)
*As a teen, Liz was extremely tolerant of my dad's dementia and failing health. I saw a strength in her that I needed in my own life. Around this same time, I saw that she valued the wisdom of older people, like her grandmas & grandpas. But others, too. For that I'm thankful.
*She sings when it's least expected. And loudly. And somehow makes the rest of the people around her join in!
*She got a passport before I did. And she used it before I used mine!
*Liz studies. That's how she learns. It doesn't come easy, even though it might look easy, it's not.
*Liz & her sister Ruth are best friends. OK, I'm choking up now.
*Other things. Journaling. Thrift shops. Photography. Chocolate. Milk. Letters, handwritten. Coffee. Mugs. Teas. Straws. A good ol' Mason jar suits her just fine.

There's so much more I want to say, but I'll save it for another day. And at that time, I might add pictures, because she does love pictures!

Brave Heart

I wrote after Liz left for a semester in Niger...I turn to it often...

Brave Heart
©2008 Eva Wilson

v1
The gift God gave me years ago is walking away
A strong arrow of my quiver is flying today
Spreading your wings ~ feeling the breeze beneath you
Knowing the Almighty One will carry you through

chorus
Brave heart, following God’s call
Whole heart, offering your all
Kind heart, eyes of mercy, go and share your smile
Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

V2
A tiny seed God planted is deep in my heart
A faith in Him to watch over you, wherever you are
Getting on my knees ~ down there I’m never alone
Knowing the Almighty One will help me to become

Chorus 2
A brave heart, following God’s call
A whole heart, offering my all
Your kind heart, eyes of mercy, I can almost see your smile
Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

10 Things That Make Me Think You're Going to Be OK :)

As I reflect on the last few months, as David prepared to leave for his year in India, there were a few "aha" moments that made me think/know he'd be ok...there are so many more things than what I will say here, but this is a start.

I dedicate this blog to my amazing son, David :)

10)You are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes. Faith.
9)You surrounded yourself with awesome friends/mentors/mentorees. All of them have built you - into who you are. You checked in with the grandparents, without being asked to! Wisdom.
8)You listened to everyone's spiritual and practical counsel during your going away party. And didn't argue, or offer a better idea. You just nodded and said "I'll do my best to remember that." I've heard it put like this: "Recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life." Humility.
7)You woke up before me this morning. That's a first haha ok, yes, you know it's true! Initiative.
6)You packed a 49.5 lb bag, filled for people who asked you to bring them stuff. And paid about $1/lb for it without complaining! Generosity.
5)You weren't afraid to tell facebook about how you fell down the stairs on one of the most important days of your life. Enthusiasm at its best!
4)You didn't blink when the strap on your new duffel bag broke before you even left home. Flexibility.
3)You insisted that you hadn't seen your passport today. Combo comedy/freakinoutedy.
2)You wanted a Chick-fil-A sandwich & a large sweet tea on the way to the airport! That's my boy! And you limited it to only 1 meal. Self-control.
1)You didn't look back once you got to the security point at the airport. You can be sure that your dad & I stood there until those nice people at security asked us to leave! That's security. Structuring your life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away. Security.

I want to be like you, David. And if I can, I will in turn, become more like Christ. Thank you for pointing the way, all along the way.

You are loved! You are sealed!

John 6:27
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."

Honk if ya love Jesus

Confession, yes, that was me, sitting on Woodland Hills Dr, honking at a car whose driver stopped right there in front of the middle school to pick up her child & her child wasn't anywhere in sight. That's a lane, woman. Not a parking lot. Please don't smile and wave me on around. I can't see when I'm honking :)

(For the record, I don't know where I learned to honk. It certainly wasn't Barry. I don't remember my folks ever honking. I guess I've ridden in the car with my kids just once too many) :)

And Jonathan was with me. He starts drivers' ed classes tomorrow night. This should be fun. I can see him now, honking at cars instead of graciously making a detour, like his mom taught him :)

Favorites...

After I lovingly HURRIED the husband & kids out the door, I sat down & read LOVE in the Bible. Here's some of my favorites:

Notice the first mention of "love" is when God required Abram to give his only son!

Genesis 22:2
He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."

Deuteronomy 7:9
"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments."

Psalm 146:8
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous."

Proverbs 15:17
"Better is a dish of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred."

Mark 12:29-31
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD;

AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.'

"The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

John 15:8-10 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 13:8 "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law."

Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Ephesians 4:15
"But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ."

1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."

Hebrews 13:5
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU."

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

1 John 3:16
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Jude 1:21
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."

Revelation 12:11
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death."

2010.

I love numbers (ya know!!) and I thought it was funny that some of 2010 came in groups of 2.

2 of our kids accepted Christ, and were baptized…Hannah & Stephen (and we’re thankful that all the other kids were able to attend)

2 graduates…David graduated from Kingwood Park High School. Liz graduated from SFASU.

2 kidney sonograms (but all’s well…it was just really weird)

2 kids DIDN'T change rooms. All the rest did! What a mess...

2 ER visits (glad that’s behind us!)

2 “Getaways” – Barry & I celebrated our 25 anniversary in Gatlinburg, TN, and also spent a few days in Richmond, VA

2 Songwriting trips – "Write About Jesus" in St. Louis, MO & "You Can Write a Song" in Nashville, TN

2 girls working overseas!!!

2 girls taken off our auto insurance (ok, so, yes, I HAD to mention this!!!)

And last, but not least, 2 grandbabies! Not born, but HUGGED!!! We welcomed Jacob’s little brother, Levi, into our lives…what a precious gift LIFE is! Thank You, Lord!!! The boys are such a joy!!! Barry and I love being grandparents!

Then there’s the number 1. The number of cars added to the fleet. The number of vans we retired (I understand Old Blue is in Oldsmobile Heaven). The number of fender-benders in 2010. The number of teen drivers added to our insurance...oh, I should’ve quit while I was ahead…

From where I stand...

From where I stand, I can't see very far. I want to, but I can't. I want to see what God sees. I want to see how He sees. Not to be "like God." Only to gain mercy & compassion for souls. 

I want the heart for God that I see in my girls. That relentlessness. The ground-breaking faith. Mountain-moving.  The trust in God that only comes by waiting. And obeying.

As I was praying this morning, I recalled these words I wrote last year for a friend. Today I need it. Maybe you do, too. 

Only a Seed

©2009 Gloria Smith/Eva Wilson

v1
Rising out of the hardened ground

With no parade, without a sound

Only a seed, but it will grow

Waiting for the end of the night

Longing for the morning light

A tender seedling, but, oh so strong

chorus
It already moves a mountain
Can already change the world
In the corner of the garden
Planted by the Lord
Only a seed today
Only a seed that's all it takes
Only a seed
Of faith

v2

Pushing doubt and all fear away

Where once the smallest seed was placed

Now stands a tree, the tallest tree

Offering shelter from the sun

Safe in the shade are all who come

Come if you're weary, oh, bring your seed

chorus
It already moves a mountain
Can already change the world
In the corner of the garden
Planted by the Lord
Only a seed today
Only a seed that's all it takes
Only a seed
Of faith 

From where I stand, it's pretty dark sometimes. But only because I'm in His shadow. And in the shadow of others who have lived a life of abandon. 

I pray you can find rest in Him today.  Come if you're weary, oh, bring your seed. 

Brave Heart (for Liz)

Brave Heart

©2008 Eva Wilson

v1

The gift God gave me years ago is walking away

A strong arrow of my quiver is flying today

Spreading your wings ~ feeling the breeze beneath you

Knowing the Almighty One will carry you through

chorus

Brave heart, following God’s call

Whole heart, offering your all

Kind heart, eyes of mercy, go and share your smile

Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

V2

A tiny seed God planted is deep in my heart

A faith in Him to watch over you, wherever you are

Getting on my knees ~ down there I’m never alone

Knowing the Almighty One will help me to become

Chorus 2

A Brave heart, following God’s call

A Whole heart, offering my all

Your kind heart, eyes of mercy, I can almost see your smile

Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

Brave Heart

So this is how it feels...

So this is what it feels like when your daughter marries &
moves away. You have to love the son-in-law in new ways. Those
"no-matter-what's" become such a clear reality. Not that I'm God's
mother-in-law, but, um, yeah, I'm nagging Him like I am!!!

I love God in a new way. Fresh encounters. Aware & alert.

My old, stale, tired, used faith is renewed in God's great faithfulness. Mercy!!!

a day in the life

It was on a Tuesday.

6am Wake up 3 teens.
6:01 Wake up 3 teens.
6:02 Wake up 3 teens.

Each time I walk into their rooms, I pass 3 trunks, 3 suitcases, and a very special backpack. As if I need a reminder that Liz is leaving Monday, to work in Southeast Asia for 2 years. I wish we had more time together. Then there's Ruth. In 3 months, she will trek out on the World Race. Serving in 11 countries in 11 months. She jokes that someday she'll adopt 11 children. Or maybe she's not joking.

Soon I hear in one ear: "Mom, can you pick me up early?"

And in the other: "Mom, can you pick me up late?"

At 7am, I received a text from a 12 yr old that started out, "I have a friend who needs a place to stay, and you came to mind..." Lord, I haven't even had coffee yet! It ended up being a text about inviting Jesus into our lives. :) Who needs coffee, when you have friends. And family!!!

I got all the kids delivered, then I started on my bookkeeping job (work from home, hired twice this year...don't ask me for a job, y'all :) But as I started printing out the bank statements, I discovered that the new printer was malfunctioning. Our last printer went out, under warranty, and it sounded like a jack hammer was trapped inside of it, trying to get out. Maybe I'll get to talk to the nice gentleman who helped me before. Chances. Are. Not. Not. A. Chance.

I worked on the cash receipts, hoping the printer would repair itself. Then Barry called & asked if I had time for lunch. We went to Fuddruckers. I think I ate. I think it was really delicious. I hardly remember. But I remember the phone calls.

I saw a call coming in on my cell, and answered, only because it was a 641 number. That normally means the nurse is calling. Or one of the kids left their lunch or athletic uniform at home. But this time, it was one of the kids, telling me they got caught texting in class. And he had to put the teacher on the phone. Joy. Joy. At least she has a teen, and knows how I feel. Not that my feelings are all that important. It's not like that. Child will pay the fee to get the phone released. I'm fining Child, too, for the hassle of going to the principal's office. I have my standards!!

Next, a friend called, screaming "There's a bird in my house!" She obviously just wanted to share the moment with me. She didn't appreciate my advice that if she left the doors & windows open, something that likes to eat birds would soon find its way into her house, and the problem would be solved. I thought that's what my Moma would tell her. I even offered to give her Moma's phone number. Oh, well. I tried!

When I got home from lunch, it was back to the books. Still, the printer didn't work. I troubleshooted online. Then the internet went out. So I worked on the cash receipts. Ha. Soon it was time to pick up the kids.

I then received a call from my friend who also has 9 kids. It's been too long since we've seen each other, or even talked! We played phone tag until one of the kids came in, throwing up.

In one ear, I heard "Mom, I'm going to throw up."

In the other, I heard "Mom, why is the internet running so slow?"

I left, to pick up kids from the 3 schools.

I heard the sick child singing in the shower, and knew he was ok :)

Dinner. Um, can we just fend for ourselves tonight?

A little while later, it was "Mom, how do you spell sopapilla?" (that's the nickname for one of our cars!!)

"Mom, I need to go to the store. I have my list from my teacher."

And the list goes on.

I frequently get phone calls asking "Mom, where are you?"

I'm not sure where I am. But I'm smiling.

free parental advice...more to come

I don't like being the grown-up. It's not in my personality. But at some point in parenting, I had to become the grown-up. It's nothing new. My parents grew up. And their parents. And theirs. And the list goes on. Now it's our turn, right?

As much as you hate to hear it, the challenges of parenting have changed since you became a parent. And chances are, your child is more technologically savvy than you. This is when you have to rely on your gut feelings. And listen to those who are walking a step or two ahead of you. I'm trying to learn & grow from others, and in turn, I'd like to pass on some counsel I've heard from other parents, and a few things I had to learn the hard way. Still learning!

Here's a list (an incomplete list) of things you may or may not have thought of:

1. Begin your parenting early in your child's life :)
2. Remember you are not alone. There's nothing you face that surprises God, and He is by your side, to wipe that stupefied look at your face. Time and again!
3. Children may cry out for boundaries.
4. Children may ignore boundaries.
5. Children may cry out for mercy.
6. Children may ignore mercy.
7. Boundaries change, depending on the age of the child. A preschooler can not go near the road. An elementary-aged child might be allowed in the road. Then you're back to square one with your teens as you confiscate the keys to the car. Do not go near the road. :)
8. Parenting requires courage. That's not something you can buy at the store. It's available in two places. Only two places. In the Word of God, and on your knees before the Lord.
9. You need wisdom. Not "as seen on TV" wisdom. Available only where courage is found. See #8 for locations near you.
10. If your child has a cell phone, ck the call & text records. You might find out why your child sleeps all day.
11. With your child, establish a cut-off time for social networking, gaming, TV, movies, etc. And unplug. That means the internet modem, TV cable boxes, cordless house phones, anything that a child can connect to instead of sleeping. (Reserve the right to take away all of the above if you have to leave during the day. It's your responsibility to protect your child on the internet and phone, the best you can.)
12. Hide all those things you just unplugged. Take a key and lock it up if you have to, so you can sleep!
13. If a laptop is accessible in your home, remember that your kid might be capable of finding a neighbor's internet network. So, taking the modem might not be enough.
14. Your child is capable of lying. That means he/she may say something that's not true. Or might leave out details that are actually important.
15. You are capable of believing lies. That means you accept that sweet, innocent look on a face...while it's trying to cover a guilty heart.
16. If you think you hear something, you probably do.
17. If you think you know something, you probably do.
18. If you think you smell something, you probably do.
19. If you think you saw something, you probably did.
20. If you think you felt something, guess what, you probably did. It was your child, growing up.

Are you going to grow up with him or her? It's your choice.

i've been....

"I've been lied on, cheated
Talked about, mistreated
I've been used, scorned
Talked about sore as bone
I've been up, down
Almost to the ground"

And that was before I even got all the kids in the car for school!!!!

"But long as I got king Jesus
Long as got King Jesus
Long long long as i got King Jesus 
I don't need nobody else"*

and now, off to the rest of my day....

*Lyric from a Vicki Winans' song "Long As I've Got King Jesus"