Ending on a Better Note

I spent most of the day wanting a do-over.  “Please God, let’s just rewind and start again.  With new circumstances.  Including life without diabetes.  And alarm clocks.  This isn’t fun.” 

It started early this morning (2 am) with Philip’s numbers spiking.  We didn’t know if he needed a new injection site, or if he was starting to get sick.  Despite doses of insulin at 2 and 4, he was still high this morning, so we decided to change everything out.  Every once in a while Philip doesn’t do well with the change.  Like the first time we had to do it by ourselves….this past Tuesday…and this morning.  It took forever.  Both of us in tears.  A faulty needle.  Start over.  Shaking.  Missed the bus.  Finally got it in.  Still wiping tears.  Not a great way to start the day.  I went up to the school at 9 and he was still high.  I thought he must be getting sick.  We checked his temp – it was 99.  I started to panic.  H1N1 has hit our area really hard and the cases have been much more severe than expected.  And that’s just in “normal” kids.  Philip assured the school nurse (and me) that he felt fine and was just hot because the heater was running.  Thankfully, his numbers (both temp and blood sugar) dropped as the day went on.  Regardless, the whole ordeal spurred me on to spend all afternoon searching high and low for someone, somewhere to give my son the H1N1 vaccine.  Our county received their shipment of the vaccine this week and sent out all its supply to “Pediatric and Obgyn clinics in the area.”  Funny thing is, our pediatrician didn’t get any.  I even called our prior pediatrician to see if they got any.  No such luck.  I called the county and state health departments to see how they decided to pass out the supply.  The way I understand what the CDC has been saying is those who are “high risk” get the vaccine first.  Philip qualifies.  Times two.  I finally got the name of two clinics that received the vaccine in our county and when I called and explained the situation Philip was in, they basically told me “too bad.”  Only their patients could receive the shot.  Regardless of risk.  I began to call surrounding counties looking for the vaccine (by this time I felt so desperate you would have thought I was some kind of junkie looking for a fix).  The health departments agreed that my son definitely needed the shot  like yesterday, but were unwilling to oblige us as we did not reside in the correct county.  My frustration level hit an all time high, and I finally had to walk away and cry myself into a little ball on the couch.  Wayland told me not to put more hope and trust in the vaccine than I was putting in Jesus.  I needed to hear that. 

Today just topped off a week that was already crazy.  Nate had a game on Tuesday night - a GREAT game if I do say so myself.  (They are now one game away from an undefeated season – really cool).  He was tackling like a madman, his snaps looked just right…I mean, what else could we ask for?  Not another broken bone, that’s what.  When he wouldn’t make eye contact with me after the game, I knew something was wrong.  When the trainer started looking for me, I thought I was going to toss my cookies.  Remember the last broken bone?  Yep.  Same exact place.  Swollen.  Bruised.  Needed x-rays.  (Of course when Wayland was in Michigan, and the clinic was full of flu infested people so I had to keep my three little ones in the car for two hours as I scuttled between Nate in the waiting room and them bundled up in the suburban watching Ice Age 2: The Meltdown) (I’m aware that was a really bad run on sentence.  Sorry).  The PA that read the x-rays told me she was pretty certain there was not a break, but she would send them to the radiologist to read and we would receive the report the next day.  As of today, still no report.  It is starting to look better, and I couldn’t keep him away from practice this afternoon.  He’s determined to play in that last game on Monday regardless. 

All that being said, tonight really ended on a good note.  We were blessed twice in one day with unexpected drop-offs of good will.  Anna Elizabeth received two big bags of beautiful clothes on the doorstep from a very generous family, and Luke was showered with a plethora of cool costumes from some great friends.  Despite the fact that he acted completely UNinterested when they dropped them off (he was playing Star Wars on the computer, what do you expect?), once I pried him away from the keyboard, he found a treasure of fun.  He went from “Mr. Incredible” to “NASA astronaut” to “Peyton Manning” so fast my head was spinning.  When the boys pulled out his  Cowboys  football gear to remind him it was better than the Colts gear our friends had brought over, he picked up the blue and white horseshoe helmet and told them, “This one is awesomer!”  Visible shudders were present, and I think someone may have shed a tear.  I told them he can’t help it…he was born a Hoosier, you know. 

While Wayland and Nathanael headed off to North Beach, the rest of us loaded up to run some errands.  Luke decided to put on the “Luke Skywalker suit” (which is really a bright orange NASA Astronaut costume), then he grabbed his lightsaber and informed me he was ready to go.  There’s no way I would have allowed Nathanael or Philip to run errands like that when they were little, but by now I just make sure feet and bottoms are covered, and we’re good to go.  Several people stopped and stared.  You could almost read their minds – “Is it already Halloween?  Did I miss it?  Where’s the candy???”  A couple of them bent down and asked, “Are you an astronaut?”  Luke would just stare at them like they were speaking Russian, then he’d pull out his lightsaber.  He even did the sound effects to make it more menacing.  They’d slowly back away, chuckling nervously.  A couple of people looked to me for an explanation.  I knew better.  After a day week like mine, they’d probably get more than they bargained for.

Ready to Shop!!!

He's about to use the force...watch out!

Wow.  That red eye is super freaky.  Picturing me backing away slowly…and chuckling nervously.

Truly Scrumptious (You’re going to be singing it all day long…)

Last week a friend took me to brunch and I had the best breakfast I’ve ever had in a restaurant.  A perfectly cooked omelet, complete with monterey jack cheese, ham, onions, and red and green peppers.  Simply scrumptious!  It was paired with a delicious cup of fresh fruit and the best cinnamon toast I’ve put into my mouth since I left my home and my mama’s good cooking.  I’m usually a little paranoid about eating in front of other women (I can eat, y’all), but the tantalizing taste outweighed my vanity, and I ’bout scraped my plate clean.  I had eaten my cinnamon toast all around the edges and left the buttery, sweet, cinnamony middle to savor with my refill of hot, near perfect coffee.  Being distracted for a moment by little Luker, our waitress pounced on the opportunity to snatch my plate away.  I did something that is really embarrassing.  I instinctively grabbed for it!  I know, it’s bad…I couldn’t help it.  She asked if I was done, and I chuckled nonchalantly telling her, “yes I’m all done” with my lips, but banging my fists on the table crying “outrage!!!” on the inside.   I admitted what I had done to my friend and she told me, “Girl, you should’ve taken it back…you’re going crave that for days and look for all sorts of things to fill it.”  She was right.  I finally broke down and tried to make my own cinnamon toast this weekend.  It smelled like the home of my childhood and I had high hopes that I was about to taste a masterpiece.  In the end I burned it!  Dad gum it! 

I think it’s a perfect example of what I tend to do in my relationship with God.  If I don’t allow the all-consuming holy spirit of God to fill me daily, I try and try to fill that craving with something else.  I look for approval and fulfillment in other relationships; I try to busy myself with daily tasks to deafen the sweet, simple whispers of His spirit.  Or, when I have true fulfillment within my grasp, I sometimes allow it to be whisked away by fear, worry or doubt. 

The same friend that took me to lunch recently shared one of her heart’s desires, and I’ve taken it as one of mine as well.  She said she doesn’t want to be the same person three years from now, or one year from now, or even tomorrow for that matter.  God, change us.  Mold us.  Make us more and more into a reflection of the image of Your perfect Son.  Help us to feast on Your satisfying word and drink of Your living water, so we never thirst again.

We Are Family

When we moved to Indiana almost five years ago, I had no idea what God had in store for us.  He was, as He tends to be, full of surprises.  A few months in, we found ourselves dealing with faulty plumbing, extended family crises, and the exciting yet terrifying news of another little bambino on the way.  God so graciously placed us in a church that is big on “connecting people with God” and “connecting people with people.”  The people He has connected us with have been more than Christian brothers and sisters, more than friends…they have been family.  From planning surprise baby showers to being on stand by when I went into labor – we were lavished with love and support from our first small group right from the get go.  God has now extended this circle and again knit our hearts with others who continue to be the epitome of spiritual family.  I am overwhelmed by their willingness to allow God to use them to share His love, His wisdom, and His faithfulness with our family.  We are truly, truly blessed. 

I had to say all of that so you would understand the tiny little praise I am going to share with you now.  Yesterday, I allowed a fear to become a stronghold in my mind, and for a while there, wondered if I might go certifiably loony!  This seemingly little worry, took me tight in its grip and threatened to wreak havoc in my heart and physical body.  I wish I could tell you I went straight to the word of God and begin to dig for His truths that could set me free, but that would be a lie.  I did, however, go straight to the computer and reply to an email from our small group asking for prayer requests.  (I sent out an extra one to a friend in Texas who should  be in our small group.  The distance just keeps her from making the meetings regularly ).   I could just say a good nights sleep did the trick; allowing me to awake this morning with a fresh outlook and lightened heart, but that would be selling God way short (and would also be a lie since I did not get a good nights sleep).  Even so, I met the dawn with an amazing sense of peace and reassurance.  I read over words of encouragement and wisdom from my friends, listened to songs to build my faith and turn my heart toward worship, and smiled when I was reminded that I had been prayed for.  All of this from one silly little fear.  A fear God is so much bigger than; so much more capable of handling than me.  God is working on me about surrendering.  Surrendering control.  Trusting Him.  In all things.  It’s not always easy, but I know in the end it’s going to be good.

You Were Wrong

For all of you saying, “She never blogs anymore” - you were wrong.  Look at me go.

I really don’t know where to start.  Things have been like things tend to be in our big, busy family.  Run, run, run.  Go, go, go.  Someone gets sick.  It spreads.  On and on.  Philip is adjusting well to the pump.  Wayland and I are coming along.  Two weeks ago I was worried that we might not have done the right thing.  Not now.  I feel sure that this is all in Philip’s best interest.  Big congratulations are in order for Philip, by the way.  He tried out and made the All Star team, and it looks like he will be playing QB a bit longer this Fall.  His house league team ended the regular season 5-2.  The playoffs start Saturday and Wayland has been pouring over his playbook the past few days.  Our goal is to get to the Rose Bowl.  We’ll keep you updated. 

Nathanael, who is pretty much solely known as Nate  now, is also having a great season.  His team is 4-0 and he continues to melt my heart each time I watch him as team captain on the 50 yard line with helmet in hand.  He is such a cutie! (He is also playing GREAT – I just decided to focus on the one time he is on the field and not encountering opportunities to walk away black and blue).   Last night at his game, there were a few girls sitting near us who kept giggling as different players ran on and off the field.  I kept hearing, “There’s Nate!” followed by a squeal and a laugh.  I never  acted like that I’m sure, but if I did – I’m sorry to any mom who had to endure it.  It seems to make Wayland’s chest puff up and mine deflate. 

Anna E. stole the show last night at the football game.  Sporting her precious hot pink fleece ruffle car coat with matching hat (thanks Granny and Granddad), she made sure every spectator got at least one good look at her.  She has made that big transition into putting much more thought into the fashion end of her wardrobe.  Some dear friends of ours in Albuquerque generously save and send Anna things they outgrow, and when we switched over her closet the other day, Anna actually wanted to try on every single piece of clothing.  Over and over she kept saying, “I just look so cute in this.”  Poor girl; doesn’t have a bit of confidence. 

For our friends and family down south reading this blog, you did read that previous paragraph correctly.  Anna E. was wearing a coat.  And hat.  It’s cold here, y’all.  Plum cold.  (I think just typing the words “down south” made my vernacular change…Yee-haw!)  It was perfect football weather, and made me love Fall in Indiana even more.  Luke came home and put on his fleece snowman pj’s and immediately told me he needed some new slippers because his toes were “vewy, vewy, cold!!!”  I worried a bit about having him out in the cold after him being sick last week, but it didn’t seem to faze him a bit.  He ran around playing Star Wars and pretend lightsaber fighting onlooking fans.  He thinks he is Luke Skywalker and I know he has a crush on Princess Leia.  I don’t have the heart to tell him she’s old enough to be his grandma.  Every day at 2:40 Luke runs to the window to see if the bus is here.  As much as he loves going to the library, Bible study, and Costco with me, I just don’t play “car family” as well as Anna Elizabeth.  Really, “car family” is an enigma to me.  He is probably the only three year old boy who separates the boy cars from the girls.  Today I had to be the grandma car.  Quite the ego booster. 

Well, between all the interruptions and a lunch break, it has taken me far too long to type this post.  (I’m better at 1:00am when the house is quiet).  We’re off to gymnastics.  Guess what Anna E. is wearing? 

Football Update and Deep Dark Secrets Revealed

I know many of you are wondering how Philip is doing.  In many ways, things have gone smoother than I thought they would.  In some ways, however, it has been much more difficult than I could have imagined.  I’m actually blogging today to find some release from the stress and hurt of it all, so I’m not going to say much.  For those of you praying for Philip (and us), please keep it up.  I know each day is going to get easier.

First off, Wayland and Philip were invited to watch the season opener of the Indianapolis Colts as they take on their opponents, the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium.  I know they are going to have a blast, and although it really should be me going to this game (since I truly am a Colts fan), I am not harboring ill will toward my two guys, and will be looking for them on TV in a few short hours.  I gave them strict orders to not root against the Colts (which Wayland sometimes does) for fear that they will burn all our bridges with Colts season ticket holders and I will never see them play in person.  I also forbade Philip from wearing Dallas Cowboys gear to the game.  I just didn’t think it seemed particularly gracious to his hosts. 

Speaking of football, Nathanael played on Thursday night and his team came away with another win.  They played their cross-town middle school rivals (which really means some of his best buds) – a team Nathanael’s middle school has not beaten in seven years.  It was a great game, full of hard tackles followed by sincere back slaps or “knuckles” between the guys on the field.   The parents were playfully jesting with one another about the opposing teams, but cheered for each boy’s individual achievement – regardless of the colors they were wearing.  It was a blast!   He plays again on Tuesday and we are looking forward to it!

Philip’s team played yesterday morning at 8am.  (That means we had to be at the field at 7:15, which means we had to get up at a pretty indecent hour for a Saturday morning.  We might as well have been playing hockey, for Pete’s sake!)  If you remember, the Fighting Irish were 4-0, having given up only 12 points to their opponents during the season.  Yesterday, that changed.  We lost 20-14.  Philip scored one TD (a QB sneak) and had some great passes, but our defense (which also included Philip) really fell short.  Wayland feels like it might not be such a bad thing to go into playoffs in a few weeks with a loss under our belts.  With the game over so early, we still had our entire Saturday ahead of us, which was a nice consolation considering the circumstances.

 Little Miss invited a friend over for a play-date yesterday afternoon.  It was a little girl who was in her class last year, and goes to a different school this year.  They had fun catching up over tea-parties, house, horses, and playing outside in the backyard.  Last night, Anna came to me visibly upset – her face, a pale green hue.  She proceeded to tell me that she and her friend “had a secret and that I could never know or I would be really upset and she would get in lots of trouble.”  Immediately, my imagination went wild and my anxiety level shot up.  I tried to remain calm and reassure Anna that there wasn’t anything she could do that would make me stop loving her, or a situation where she wouldn’t receive forgiveness from her parents, or more importantly from God.  She cried and toiled for quite a while until she worked up the nerve to tell me her deepest, darkest secret. 

“Mama, _______ and I found something in the creek.  We picked it up, well really, she picked it up.  And it was a dead mouse.  And it had a hole in it’s tummy and we could see it’s bones.  And I think it’s toe was bleeding.  And it made me so sad, because I love animals.  And don’t worry, there weren’t flies on it or anything.  So _______ and I decided to bury it.  So we dug it a grave and we put rocks and a leaf on it.  And an “L.”  For love.  And I said those words that preachers say when people die.  And Mama, I’m so sorry.  Please don’t be mad at me.” 

To say I was a bit dumbfounded would be an understatement.  I don’t know if she thought I was going to be mad at her because just a week ago (the morning after the boys had their sleepover and left the door open to the kitchen from the garage) we saw a mouse run across the floor.  After squealing and hoisting myself atop of the kitchen counter, Wayland proceeded to be my knight in shining armour and rescue me from my arch nemesis.  He chased that little rodent across the kitchen, hitting it with a broom (and evidently injuring it).  It took refuge behind our washing machine, so Wayland brought out the big guns (literally) and finished it off with one of the boy’s BB guns.  Our guests (the boy’s three friends who had spent the night) got quite a show that morning.  Poor them.  It’s a wonder they are allowed to associate with us.  Anyway, I made Wayland set up traps and put out D-con all over and around the house. Every day since then I’ve been asking, “Did we catch any mice?  Oh, I hate mice!  Hate ‘em!”   I guess Anna Elizabeth thought I was going to be mad at her for giving my hated enemy a decent burial.  Regardless of how many questions I had racing through my mind like, “DID YOU TOUCH IT WITH YOUR BARE HANDS???”  (which I found out she did not) I simply told her I thought she was very sweet and thoughtful to be so caring to one of God’s creatures.

"L" is for Love

They also gathered walnuts for the squirrels and chipmunks. "They shouldn't have to work too hard, because winter is coming soon!"

And look who just lost another tooth! She's making that tooth fairy work pretty hard!

As for Luke, he does his best to keep up with all the craziness going on.  Sometimes, it’s just too much though. 

Sleeping Luker

Poor Baby!

Thought I’d Share

For all of you who have helped support JDRF in honor of Philip, I thought I’d share an exciting new development that they are working on.  All of the $1,600+  that was raised for “Philip’s Future” went toward the Artificial Pancreas Project that JDRF funds.   Here is a link to an interesting update on the project:

 http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=104576

This other link is totally random and simply made me smile so I thought I’d share it.  You may have already seen it (it’s had 11,000,000+ hits) but if not…I hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&feature=player_embedded

Back in the Saddle

Why is it that once you step away from something, it is so hard to get back on track?  The gym and blogging have been my neglected areas lately.  I did put on my Pilates DVD yesterday because I could feel my hips expanding as I walked back to the kitchen for one more handful of blueberry pomegranate trail mix crunch.  Ms. Windsor and her routine of torture did something, because today I feel like the muscles in my legs are wound up so tight I am sure they would snap if I attempted to stretch my legs out into a fully extended position.  That is why I am currently sitting here at the computer with the bag of blueberry pomegranate trail mix crunch right next to me, so there is no need to get up and walk anywhere that might lead me to think of the gym, or Pilates, or the likes. 

Since Pilates didn’t sound like any fun at all, I decided to make myself sit down at this computer and blog.  I really have wanted to, I’ve just needed about five or six more hours in my day to fit that in.  It’s one of those nights  mornings that I am waiting up ’til 2am to check Philip’s blood sugar, so I thought I’d fill my time catching everyone up on the completely insignificant happenings of our lives the past week or so. 

 First off, something not so insignificant.  Luke has been pooping on the potty for one week now.  No accidents.  Every time.  Hallelujah.  We have a ways to go on the tinkling.  (The boys hate that word – tinkling.  It’s what a bell does, they say).  Regardless, I am praising God that I haven’t changed one dirty diaper in over a week.  Do you know how many years it has been since this has happened to me?  Over six years, four months, and five days.  That’s a long time.  That’s why Wayland and I signed up to start working in the nursery at church.  I just can’t let it go.

Also, something seemingly insignificant, but not.  I can do laundry whenever I want.  I can shower two times a day if I feel like it, and I no longer have to spray my children down with a hose in the front yard to replace their bath time.  Such is life with city sewer services.  I am using thick, plush toilet paper and sometimes I just walk by a bathroom and flush the toilet for the fun of it.  It has honestly been life changing.  I mean that in the most non-dramatic way possible.  Really, it has revolutionized my life as a SAHM with four children.  I don’t care that it cost us more than 1/4 of what we paid for our first home.  This feeling of wasteful water use is pure bliss.  (Please don’t judge me.  I’ve been rationing water for the past 18 months, so I should be able to enjoy a week or two of being a tad irresponsible). 

Philip started his football training camp this past Monday.  It has made his numbers crazy, but what would we do if we didn’t have a new hurdle to overcome in dealing with diabetes?  We just met another family, who goes to our church, with a daughter a year older than Philip that was just diagnosed.  She is a gymnast and tennis player.  We took over some of Philip’s favorite snacks and shared the littletiny bit of wisdom we have acquired in the past seven months.  When I got in the car to leave, I cried.  They are two weeks in.  At two weeks in, you feel like you’ve been thrown enough information to last you a lifetime.  You feel like you can’t turn your back for a moment, or allow sleep to fully take you in it’s grasp.  You are tired of counting carbs, checking blood sugars, and adjusting insulin.  You’d like things to go back to normal.  At two weeks in, you are just beginning to realize that normal will never be the same.  

Philip is totally pumped about football season and the team his dad will be coaching for his 5th grade year.  NotreDame Fighting Irish.  (The draft was last night and Wayland walked away with a great group of boys – not just athletically, but character wise as well).  First team practice is Tuesday and the first scrimmage is one week from today.  Nathanael would be heartbroken since his football season hasn’t yet started, but he has been named the honorary “line” coach for Philip’s team.  He will relish this role like you couldn’t imagine. 

Speaking of Nathanael…and football…and coaching…you’d find it interesting to note that he appeared in full drag last night for the youth group’s annual talent show.  He and a group of friends did a little number to Journey’s, “Don’t Stop Believing.”  He was the small town girl.  What a scary girl he was.  They did win the contest, though.  Ended up just being bragging rights and high fives, but he walked away happy with the win.  That’s Nate for you.

And this is also Nate for you

We also have video that we will try to upload.  It’s quite a riot.   

Guess that covers everyone except my sweet baby girl.  She has been quite the girly girl this week.  Today we took a walk to the school with our babies in their strollers.  She is constantly changing her doll’s clothes, and taking them with her everywhere she goes.  We’ve played Barbie’s, Strawberry Shortcake, and My Little Ponies (just the two of us – NO BOYS ALLOWED).  We did a makeover the other night before Philip’s football practice.  I walked away with tons of glitter (she did the same thing to my sister when she was here a couple of weeks ago), purple eyeshadow, and pink and purple painted fingernails (I’ve only peeled off half of mine so far, so right now it is quite a sight).  She is so funny.  Last week all she wanted to do was climb trees and catch fireflies.  This week, she keeps calling herself “the little mommy.”  When I grow lighten up, I want to be just like her.

School starts in a little over two weeks.  I just can’t believe it.  We are going to have to make the most of the next few days before the chaos ensues.  Anna is already complaining that she will have homework everyday.  (Thank you Philip for being so excited to point that out!)  She’s never even had homework, and she is already acting like it’s the plague or something.  Granny will be here next week to help us close out our summer with a bang.  Everyone is excited to have more family back to visit.  The good news is, she’ll be able to bathe whenever she wants.  My poor sister and brother weren’t so lucky.  I’m not sure they’ll ever let me live that down.

All That I Can Say…

As you can see, Wayland was able to revive our computer.  Thank goodness. 

First off, update on Nathanael:  MRI came back.  Good news.  No ligament damage…just a “substantial bone contusion.”  Two more weeks in a splint and we should be all ready for football season.  Praising God that no surgery is in our future.

Second, looks like our insurance will approve an insulin pump for Philip.  Waiting to speak with our doctor on getting him all set up.

Third, we are finally hooked up to city sewer services.  Our faulty septic system is a thing of the past.  Almost two weeks of no laundry, minimal bathing, and infrequent flushing is enough to make a woman like me crazy.  It almost did.

Finally, these words from David Crowder’s song,  All That I Can Say  sum up all my feelings right now:

Lord I’m tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I’m so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I’ll stop
Rest here a while

And didn’t You see me cry’n?
And didn’t You hear me call Your name?
Wasn’t it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You’d remember
Where you sat it down

Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give

Bridge:
I didn’t notice You were standing here
I didn’t know that
That was You holding me
I didn’t notice You were cry’n too
I didn’t know that
That was You washing my feet

I’m fighting some kind of funk right now.  I’m not sure why.  I’ve seen God’s faithfulness displayed through acts of amazing kindness from our outstanding neighbors this week.  They allowed me to bring over obscene amounts of laundry and went the extra mile to help me fold them. On top of that, they opened up their home so we could all shower and bathe on Wednesday.  If that wasn’t enough, we got two homemade sugar cream pies out of the deal.  Best cream pie I’ve ever tasted.  (Best neighbors in the world!)  We also got a rebate check from our escrow account at “just the right time.” (His hand of providence at work?!?) Put a dent in the plumbing bill if nothing else.  Still, in the midst of all the ways God is showing me He is right here “in the thick of it” with me, I feel like I can’t take another step.  Ever feel that way?  I hope I’m not the only one.  Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be cool (almost COLD!) and I think the six of us are heading over to do some hiking at a lake with some waterfalls about an hour west of here.  I think the change of pace might do me some good.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for our family this week…I guarantee you, they were definitely needed.

The Cure for a Complacent Life…

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.       Romans 12:1

And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.       Hebrews 13:16

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself  unstained by the world.        James 1:27

With good will render service,  as to the Lord, and not to men.       Ephesians 6:7

Allow me to share a few things that God has shown me this week.

1. I have come away from this past week with the conviction that we are never closer to our Heavenly Father than when we are serving people for His name’s sake.   The phrase that resonated with me most powerfully was “practically living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.  God moved so powerfully in both my and Nate’s life this week.  We had the privilege to serve people who need to be served – people who are precious in God’s sight.  With full disclosure, I’ll admit that I have always been of the opinion that people who are needy – are in most cases there because they choose to be.  What God has shown me this week is that even though that may be true – to think that way is to lose the point of why Jesus died for us in the first place.  Thank you Jesus that you did not state as a pre-requisite that you would only help, much less save, those who have never refused your help.  If so, I would have died in my sins because I have lived most of my life refusing God’s best plan for me.  Thank you that you keep knocking on the door to our hearts and you never give up on us. 

2. I have come away from this weekend with total confirmation that God does not call us to live safe lives.  Lord forgive me for chasing comfort and for striving to attain things that have no eternal significance.  In my favorite book, The Barbarian Way, Pastor Erwin McManus says this:

We created a religion using the name of Jesus Christ and convinced ourselves that God’s optimal desire for our lives was to insulate us in a spiritual bubble where we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, lose nothing, worry about nothing.  Yet Jesus’ death wasn’t to free us from dying, but to free us from the fear of death.  Jesus came to liberate us so that we could die up front and then live.  Jesus Christ wants to take us to places where only dead men and women can go.

The orginal call of Jesus was so simple, so clean, so clear: “Follow Me”.  He wants us to surrender our lives to him and follow him into the unknown.  and if it means a life of suffering, hardship, and disappointment, it will be worth it because following Jesus Christ is more powerful and more fulfilling than living with everything in the world minus Him. 

God would never choose for us safety at the cost of significance.  

I hold steadfast to the realization that God has revealed just a glimpse of these truths to me.  I want my life to be eternally focused rather that looking on things that are temporal.  God started showing me this when I was in junior high (it has only taken me 18 or so years to allow Him to advance this revelation).  I remember my youth pastor, Darrell, sharing with us that our lives are not even a blink of time on the scale of eternity – so what will we do with our lives?  I have often shared with Nate and Phil that if salvation was God’s ultimate plan for our lives, we would be taken to heaven immediately when we accept Christ.  Instead, we are left on this earth to impact others.  Lord, forgive me for wasting so much time chasing things that have no significance.

3. God has shown me that anyone with a willing heart can do mighty things for the His Kingdom.  The SOS (Service over Self) ministry started with one church that felt the call to do something about the hurt, shame and poverty in the Binghampton neighborhood of Memphis.  To date, more than 10,000 volunteers (mostly middle and senior high students) have repaired over 500 homes in this neighborhood.  More importantly, they have played a part in repairing broken lives by ”practically living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.  In my group, and in the reports I heard from others - this group of middle school students powerfully ministered the love of our Savior to people who were in need of a Savior’s love.  In my group, 6 students ranging in age from 12-15 worked tirelessly on Mrs. Mary’s house while sitting at her feet and fellow-shipping with her. 

Mrs. Mary is 90 years old, grew up in Mississippi the daughter of cotton-pickers, marched in the Civil-rights movement in Memphis, and is a true southern lady.  She also loves her savior and was quick to add in during our devotionals at lunch a spirited “Amen” or “Thank you Jesus” – even though I am convinced that she did not hear most of what was being said.  Occasionally, she would scold one of her “children” for not drinking enough water, or me for putting her “children” in harm’s way on her roof.  It is very powerful to minister by providing the basic, but taken for granted, essentials of a home that is drier, warmer and safer.  Although Mrs. Mary lives on one of the nicer streets in Binghampton, the needs for her house were a new roof, new ventilation (she has a real safety issue with carbon monoxide),  new steps and railing for her front and back porch, and a new water heater – all of which will be provided by SOS over the next 8 weeks by 8 different teams of students. 

I was so proud of my young men and women.  I never heard a complaint – even in 90 degree, high humidity weather.  By the way, these were not jobs created for middle school students – these were dangerous, grown men types of jobs that you and I would pay professionals to do.  I have included some pictures of my crew: the 3 Morgans, David, Brandon, and Alex.

 

 

 

 

 

While we were on a relatively nice street, most of the teams were smack dab in the middle of the hood.  One team had a drug bust right across the street from them and every morning we passed by so many people that had no jobs to go to and were turning to all sorts of things to get by.   One of the houses below was on fire our first morning and we were told later arson was expected tied to a drug deal.  I left out some pictures of the gang graffiti that was everywhere you went. 

 

 

 

 

Nate was on another team that was fixing up Mr. Charles Richards’ home.  Mr. Richards was a WWII veteran, played QB for Penn in college and is 95 years old.  He is also deaf – but that did not stop Nate and his crew from communicating God’s love in abundance. 

I will wrap this post up by saying that my heart’s cry is to serve God in a significant way.  There are a thousand ways I can start doing that immediately – and I am praying that God reveal his long-term plans for our family concerning His work.  I am so encouraged that there are young people (including the college staff members at SOS that are the future leaders of our church) that not only gave up a week of their summer to invest in people’s lives, but did so with excellence and vigor.  I am so thankful that our Father gives us the opportunity to do something significant with our lives if we will just ask Him to show us what His plan is for us.  I am so thankful for a son that gets it – he is truly a follower of Christ!  I am so thankful for the rest of my crew (TEAMThompson) and especially my supportive wife that held down the fort while I was off playing with power tools and teenagers.  Most of all, I am thankful for a Savior that never gives up on me - and is calling us to fight with Him using the weapons of Faith, Hope and Love.

I want to challenge everyone to read Romans 12 about this service He calls us to.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.  Here are a few more pictures to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baseball Comebacks, Heavy Hitters and Pertinent Pleas

Although Nathanael’s baseball team is 6-0, he played his very first game tonight.  When he got his cast off a week ago Tuesday, he expected to play in a baseball game that night.  The doctor told him to hold off at least one more week, as his arm was only 90% healed.  He was completely bummed.  You know when you’re not quite twelve, a week can seem like an eternity.  He knew his next opportunity would be tonight, and he was plain determined to be in the lineup for this game.  He has been doing all the stretches the doctor gave him, and he has been working at throwing the baseball and swinging the bat to regain some strength in his right arm.  For the past two days, his uniform has been laid out on his bed – socks, jockstrap and all.  If he asked me once, he asked me a dozen times what time it was today.  He was ready for 6:30 pm and his season opener.  Nathanael’s favorite position is catcher, with 1st base being a close second.  The coach decided to put him in left field the first few innings, to ease him back into things.  Last year, when Nathanael was still in 5th grade, he got called up to play in a 6th grade team during their playoff season.  He dropped a crucial pop fly that was hit into left field, and the team ended up losing.  To say he was as nervous as he was excited tonight, would be an understatement.  In the second inning, as Nathanael was playing left field, he not only caught a pop fly to get the first out, he quickly turned it into a double play by throwing the runner out on second base.  In the midst of all my whooping and hollering, a mom yelled out, “Welcome back Nate!!!”  I yelled a little louder, got covered in goosebumps and started tearing up.  Sports will do that to you, you know?  His batting looked good as well.  He made great contact with the ball, and although he was tagged out at first, he advanced a couple of runners on his at bats.  He had a great game; along with the rest of the team.  They remain undefeated, and Nathanael will get to finish the season with a great group of teammates, and some exceptional coaches.  (His dad included).

Spittin' Seeds

In other news, I think I may be developing an ulcer.  My two oldest sons leave for their mission trip and camp respectively on Sunday morning.  Please, please, please pray for me them.  Okay, pray for me too.  I’m not quite as worried about Nathanael, because he will have his daddy with him.  His daddy will also have his cell phone, and I will be able to hear both their sweet voices if push comes to shove.  Philip, on the other hand, will be completely out of contact with me (and all other family members) for a week.  Excuse me a moment while I go swallow another handful of Tums. 

Okay, I’m back.  I spent the afternoon writing some scriptures on note cards for Philip and taping them inside his journal.  (The journal that he darn better write in so I can have some idea of how his week has gone when I pick him up on Saturday).  Looking back over the scriptures I wrote down for him, I should probably make copies of each of them for myself;  I’m going to need them.  I also wrote him a letter for each day he’ll be gone.  I asked Anna E. if she wanted to make him a card as well, and she delightfully agreed.  In it, she wrote, “ I hop you hav a grat vacatshon.  I do not wut you to hav a low blud shrgr oor hi.”  (I hope you have a great vacation.  I do not want you to have a low blood sugar or high).  It made me cry.  That’s really all he knows.  Lows and highs.  Today he asked me why God didn’t take this away from him when He could.  It’s hard to have your ten year old ask you a question like that.  I told him there are things we are never going to understand this side of heaven.  That we just needed to trust that God loves him, and has his very best interest in mind – even if that means that Philip has to deal with diabetes for right now.  I told him that one day, I did believe he would be healed.  Whether God does that through a miracle, through doctors and researchers eventually finding a cure, or ultimately in heaven where he will deal with sickness no more -  I told him that one day God would take this from him. 

Since I’ve opened this can of worms, and I now have both the box of Kleenex and the bottle of antacids sitting beside me, I’ll go ahead and post something else I wanted to share when I found it in Philip’s folder of endless end of school papers last week.  In preparation for the writing part of the ISTEP test, Philip and his classmates were given a number of different prompts to write about in the spring.  The question on one particular prompt was “What would you wish for if you could have one wish?  Why would you wish it?”  Here’s Philip’s answer:

All I would wish for is that Diabetes would disappear from the face of the Earth.  I wish that because I can’t remember what it was like to not have Diabetes.  I would wish it because my fingers have red dots on the tips of them, and I wouldn’t have to get 4 shots a day, 28 shots a week, and so people wouldn’t have to spend so much money on the supplies.  It is not fair what the babies (with Diabetes) have to do every day.  I hate having a low blood sugar before I eat or I have to eat 15 grams of sugar and wait 15 – 20 minutes, then check again.  I hate doing all this, but I do.  I hate feeling the way I feel, but I will always feel it, and I hate Diabetes but it won’t go away.  I wish Diabetes were swept of the face of the Earth!!!    

I have no words.

Okay, I do have words.  I haven’t finished what I want to say – hang in there with me.  For six, almost seven days next week, Philip will be just like everyone else while he’s at camp.  He’s still going to check his blood sugar (probably more times than he does at home).  He’s still going to get those 28 shots.  He’s still going to have to gulp down juice when his blood sugar goes too low.  But for the first time since he has been diagnosed, he’s going to be doing it with 100+ people just like him.  I can’t imagine how that will feel for him, but I think it will be pretty good.

So.  Here’s what I want to ask from you, our dear friends and family.  Please pray for the junior high youth of Northview Christian Life as they travel to Memphis to do mission work with SOS (Service Over Self) next week.  Pray for safety.  Pray for servant’s hearts.  Pray for situations and more importantly, lives to be changed.  Please pray specifically for Nathanael and Wayland – that God would bring them back home safely and that He would be glorified in their lives in all they do and say.  Also, pray for Philip.  For the camp – their staff, and the extra staff American Diabetes Association and Riley hospital will bring in.  Pray that Philip will have a blast, be healthy and safe, and not be homesick  (I’ll be sick enough for both of us, I’m sure!).  Okay, pray for me and my two little bundles of joy next week as well.  We’re packing our calendar as full as we possibly can, so hopefully there is little time for worry or anxiety attacks. 

If worse comes to worse and one of our playdates is canceled, I’m just going to give Anna E. and Luke the camera and let them go wild.  Look at the fun they had today when the camera went missing…

        

One more prayer request…Lawrence, my father-in-law, is having surgery on his knee Friday.  Please pray for his health and quick recovery.  Thanks!!!