Road Trip !

A couple of weeks ago we took a spontaneous road trip to Lancaster. Just a day trip - so please no angry comments from my Lancaster friends as to why I didn't call, drop in, etc. We were literally there a total of 5 hours. (I promise to spend a full weekend down with you all soon!) We saw the Amish, learned how to make pretzels at Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz, PA and ate at a smorgasbord. I was very saddened because both Plain & Fancy and Good & Plenty (my go-to places for quick fixes of PA Dutch food) were CLOSED!! We wound up going to Shady Maple Smorgasbord which was an experience in and of itself. The place is MASSIVE! The food is unending and the choices are mind-blowing. The lines were long, but thankfully the wait wasn't too bad. It is definitely something to experience once in your life.

Everyone agreed that the trip to the pretzel factory was the hit of the day. I had been there before, but it was everyone else's first time. What made it more special was that the great-granddaughter of the founder was our tour guide. Talk about getting personal perspective. Here are some photos of Chris outside the store.

Winding Road

The road I take to my weekly bible study is incredibly winding. There are a ton of twists and turns. It's definitely a "back road" - a road I never, ever would have found had my GPS not insisted that it would be the fastest route to my destination. As you can imagine, when my GPS first told me to take that road, I was very cautious. I drove the speed limit, careful at ever turn, every hill, etc. because you just never knew what was going to be around that next turn. I made sure to read each road sign - Yield, Stop, Single Lane ahead, Merge, etc.

Now that I have driven on those roads for over a year, they are quite familiar to me. I am comfortable with it - I don't have to wonder what is beyond that curve or hill - because I know what awaits me. That doesn't mean I speed through it - I still need to be cautious - but because I've traveled this way successfully before, I am more confident and sure that I will be able to handle the curves and turns again and again.

I was thinking how much our walk with the Lord is a walk on winding, twisting, unfamiliar roads at times. We're not sure what is waiting for us at every turn -- every decision. We know he is with us, but we cautiously handle situations. Give it thought and prayer --- follow the road signs in the Bible. God helps us through unfamiliar times and territory so the next time we are faced with decisions or choices or road blocks that seem too hard to handle we can trust in Him. Even when the road is winding and uphill and seemingly confusing - he is with us and guiding us. Trusting God is always the right road to take - NO STOPPING OR STANDING! As we trust Him more and more, and we learn that He is faithful, the roads may not get much straighter, but we can handle them with more ease knowing our faithful Saviour not only awaits us on the other side of that mountain, but is walking (or sometimes carrying us) there.

Listen closely to the Lord today and, as you spend time in His word, may your heart be sensitive to Him to hear some of the "road signs" he may be trying to impart on your journey.

Slap In the Face

It's hard enough to lose weight. I was very grateful for those little 100 calorie snack packs that are now in our grocery stores. I particularly love the Mr. Salty pretzels with chocolate - YUMMY!

You can only imagine the horror of going to reach for one of those little packets and finding that, even before opening it, that there was a problem in the packaging of the item. Something happened at the plant and honest to God, I could only feel 3 little pretzels in there. It felt like I was going to open up a bag of air. 3 LITTLE PRETZELS -- Now having had this snack before, I knew that there should be at least 10 or 12 of those little darlings in there -- but a lousy 3. Maybe that's the idea --- give the consumers air instead of the pretzels and I will lose weight -- Ahhh.. the light bulb went on. So, I did what any normal person would do (after having my hubby call the company to complains)... I had 2 bags...

Good Advice

Read this in my daily devotions today...

Five Biblical Rules for a Happy Marriage

• Never bring up mistakes of the past.

• Neglect the whole world rather than each other.

• Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.

• At least once a day, try to say something complimentary to your spouse.

• Never meet without an affectionate welcome.

What Are You Counting?

I learned in life that you can either count your blessings or you can recount your disappointments. Every day we have the choice. Somedays it may seem that there are more disappointments than blessings that come to mind. I know most of 2009 looked like a big heap of disappointments to me.... between my father-in-law's stroke, several of our own health issues, a major cut in pay and a very personal crisis which up to now I have not shared publicly. A few months ago, I blogged about a major stomach bug that I had caught. I was sick for over a week and it really was affecting me. Then one my bloggers hinted to me that perhaps it was something else... and she was right. The next day I took a pregnancy test and it was faint, but it was positive! We were shocked...and I have to admit, I was terrified. For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you know that pregnancy for me was not recommended because of my blood disorder.


With this news in hand, we went the next day to my OB/GYN who confirmed that it was a faint positive... and that we would have to monitor my hormone levels to make sure that things were progressing nicely. We knew the due date and were on my way. She reassured me that given the right medication I would have a high-risk, but not an impossible pregnancy.


Of course the prayers went up immediately. I could feel things happening in my body. I knew I was pregnant. My second trip to the doctor did not bring good news... my hormone levels were going down, not up. A "viable" pregnancy was not going to happen. She predicted that I would miscarry sometime around Thanksgiving... while I was in Florida. We were devestated. I was alone with the doctor when she gave me the news. She asked me if I was ok. I told her: "I am a Christian and I have no doubt that God has my life in His hands. If I have the baby I will praise Him and if he sees fit for this baby to go to heaven first, I will still praise Him. I trust Him with my life and he has a purpose for all things." I was weeping as I was telling her this and it just amazed me how it turned into an opportunity to witness to my doctor.


I don't know what is worse...a spontaneous miscarriage or knowing that it was coming. I praised God the entire time I had that baby inside me. We thanked Him for those precious 8 weeks. One day we will get to meet that little one. This miscarriage did come shortly after Thanksgiving. It took my body many weeks to recover. Emotionally and physically it was exhausting. I have a very loving and supportive family that was by my side and for that I am eternally grateful.


I share all this to get back to my original thought.... you can either count your blessings or recount your disappointments. While the miscarriage was a major disappointment, being able to be pregnant for just that short while was a blessing and an opportunity to witness. I don't know why this happened, nor do I question God over it. I give God all the glory for the tremendous blessings AND for seeing me through all the disappointments of last year. I have faith... I have hope... I have a future through Christ. Who knows... maybe I'll be able to help someone else.

Dark Nights

"God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine." David Nicholas

Friendship

I'm so thankful for my friends!! Thought I'd share this great quote from Suzanne Dale Ezell:

"Friends are like a quilt with lots of different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns of fabric. But the end result brings you warmth and comfort in a support system that makes your life richer and fuller."

Favorite Things

It's been a long time since I posted one of these... today's posting is extra special because I'm talking about something that I have been a long time fan of -- MARY KAY! I've been using these products for over 20 years and for all of you who tell me that I look just like I did in college ... this is my secret... this is the reason. My absolute favorite product is the Time Wise Firming Eye Cream.

For those of you who are Facebook friends, you already know that I decided to launch my own Mary Kay business. I have played with the idea for a long time and always had an excuse: too busy, thought I didn't have the right personality, etc. Well, I already made my first sale and have a team member -- and I don't even have my business cards yet! God is so good and I'm just thankful for this opportunity to make some extra money and still be home for my little boy. You can check out my website at http://www.marykay.com/bmalave

A New Name Written In Glory

On Saturday a wonderful thing happened.... my little boy asked Jesus into his heart. I've prayed about this day for years and I was so excited to be there to see it happen. I just never expected it to result from a conversation I had with him about STAR WARS... Yes, you read that right.. STAR WARS. As in the movie.. and also his very favorite Wii game - Lego Star Wars.

The game was his introduction to "bad guys" as he calls them. He has to shoot these little lego guys in order to move on to the next level. He has no problem attacking them, killing them and mastering this game... but it also had him thinking... deeply. So, on Saturday, after playing the game for a while, he asked me about bad guys. "Mom...what happens to bad guys? What if I was hit by a bad guy and was killed? Where would I go? What would happen?"

So, I explained to him about heaven and hell and then presented the salvation story and opportunity to him. Right there in his grandfather's living room in South Jersey. He listened intently and asked some more questions and when I asked if he knew where he wanted to spend eternity, he said yes... in heaven. So, I led him in prayer and at that moment, he made me feel like the proudest mom in the world.

I guess it just goes to show you that even in simple, every day activities there is always an opportunity to share the love of God and to use it as a teaching point.

A Very Special Psalm

I hope you can all read that.... it says "Laughter is more powerful than a scream. Psalm 1:18"

My son presented me with this piece of paper on Saturday. I read it and then had to reread it because it COULD sound like a psalm, but didn't REALLY sound like something I had read before. Here's how the conversations played out:

Me: "Christopher, did you write this all by yourself?"

C: "Yes, I did."

Me: "Did you copy it from Mommy's Bible?"

C: "No, I copied it from my Monster's Inc. (a Disney movie) surprise ink notebook."

Me: "Wow... you did an awesome job copying the words.... what about the bottom part.. the part with the Psalm?"

C: "I thought it should have a psalm on it... just like the bible verses we read each morning for devotions."

Me: "So, you just made one up?"

C: "Yep.. Psalm 1:18"

There you have it... and just in case you were wondering, there really is NO Psalm 1:18 in the Bible... we checked it out. I think the funniest part of the whole thing is that he wrote it on a little notepad I have by our phone which has the scripture verse, "With God All Things Are Possible".

Too cute!!

Growing Up ...(sigh)

I called Chris in for lunch yesterday and during our casual conversation he turned to me and said, "Mom, please don't call me Chris... my name is Christopher". My mouth almost dropped to the floor... he's asserting himself... finding his own way in the world... developing preferences. Last week he chastised me for calling him my "baby"... "No, Mommy... I'm a big boy now." He's 6 now... I'm not ready for this... now a name change. Not that I always call him Chris, but knowing that he prefers Christopher, well, that's just part of him growing up and developing his own personality.

Not Looking Back

Sometimes it's hard not to look back... to look at your past... where you once were. Today I'm sharing a song by Israel Houghton titled, "Moving Forward." I love the message that I'm not going back to my past and the life I once lived... but I'm moving ahead with Christ. My past is over and Christ has made all things new! Hope the encourages you and blesses you. Lyrics are below:



What a moment You have brought me to.
Such a freedom I have found in You.
You're the healer who makes all things new.
Yeah, yeah, yeah!

I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead.
I'm here to declare to you my past is over.
In You all things are made new.
Surrendered My Life to Christ.
I'm Moving, Moving Forward.

oh oh oh....You have risen with all power in Your hand.
You have given me a second chance.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead.
I'm here to declare to you my past is over.
In You all things are made new. Surrendered My Life to Christ.
I'm Moving, Moving Forward. ( 2x )

You make all Things new.
Yes, you make all things new and I will Follow You forward. (4x)
I will follow you forward.....

Oops...

I like to think of myself as an organized person. I keep tons of lists, I use my label maker and try to generally stay on top of the chaos. Well, today was not one of those super organized days. I forgot that today was Wednesday.... Show And Tell day in Chris' kindergarten class. Somehow I never got around to placing that on my new 2010 calendar. I didn't realize it naturally until late this afternoon, many hours after Chris returned from school. At first I thought maybe he forgot about it too... maybe, with any luck, they didn't even have show and tell. I didn't want to bring it up because honestly, I wasn't sure how his reaction was going to be. If he had a total meltdown in school over it, I certainly didn't want to rehash it... at least not at that moment so I kept quiet.

Not long ago, Chris asked me to read a story to him. About halfway through the book, I thought to myself, this would be a great book for him to bring to Show And Tell next week, but didn't say anything. About a minute later, he stopped me from reading and said, "Mom... today was Show and Tell and I didn't have anything to share." Of course my heart sunk and I told him that it was my fault and that I forgot and I was very, very sorry. I asked him to forgive me and he said he did. Then he told me he wanted to bring the book I was reading to share next week. We exchanged big hugs and that was that. He said that he did not get upset about it in school, for which I was very grateful and relieved.

When all was said and done, I dashed downstairs and put Show and Tell in bold letters on my calendar for each Wednesday for the rest of the school year. Here's hoping there's nothing else missing from my calendar.

Overheard At My House Today....

"Mom... it's cold here in NJ. Can we go back to Florida and rent our old house?"

It's going to be a LONG winter....

What's the Most Valuable Thing In Your House?

When we lived in Florida, we became friends with an older couple who lived in a very beautiful home. At the time, Chris was a young toddler and, as you can imagine, going to someone's lavish home with many delicate items was always a cause for alarm. One of us always had an eye out to make sure Chris didn't bump into something, accidentally bump, push or spit up on items, etc.

On our very first visit to this lovely couple's home, the wife pulled me aside and she must have seen the look of concern that I had. She turned to me and said, "Beth... there is NOTHING here in this home that is as valuable as your son. Do not fret or worry about anything while you are here visiting. I want you to enjoy yourself and let your son be a boy. He is the most precious thing in this house and he can not be replaced." I was so taken aback by her statement and she put my mind at ease. From then on out, I didn't worry about anything... we always enjoyed our visits there. Thankfully, we were also blessed with a boy who is good mannered.

I always strive to follow her motto and thought I'd share with all of you... I'm sure you are all wonderful hosts and hostesses as well.

I'd Like An Order of Trans-Fat on the Side, Please

It's that time of the year again.... those 3 wonderful words.... Girl Scout Cookies. I used to LOVE Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) and I did my part by buying boxes and boxes of them each year. A few years ago, however, my love affair with GSC ended. I had purchased my usual Tagalongs and, much to my dismay, they made me sick to my stomach. At first I try to blame my sour stomach on something else I ate. But the next day, I had 2 more cookies, and again, my stomach was a mess. I didn't want to admit it, but the cookie was making me sick. It never did that before. I wondered what was different. After some research, I learned that they took the trans-fat out of the cookie to make it healthier. Well, apparently my stomach doesn't like the healthier version of this cookie. It revolts against it as a matter of fact. So, ever since, I have no longer purchased GSC... it makes me sad, but unless they bring back the trans-fat, they won't be getting my support. Kind of sad and twisted, don't you think!?

Have You Missed Me?

Sorry I have been off the computer for a few days. I've been trying to recover from this nasty bronchitis/sinus infection. Thankfully, I am starting to feel better. I was so happy at dinner tonight to finally be able to taste my food again. Do you know how awful it is to cook meal after meal for people and to not be able to taste or smell anything!? Is it too salty? Can't tell you. Should I add more pepper? Well, no one complained so I guess the food couldn't have been that bad.

We are bracing ourselves for some more snow. It's only January and I'm wishing winter was over already. I know, I know.. I should be used to this... I did grow up in the northeast. I'm not sure why this winter is so much harder for me than last winter. Don't say I'm getting old.. I am painfully aware that the dreaded "40" is lurking around the corner. I still feel 25 so I guess that's the good news.

Stay warm everyone!

A Taste of Your Own Medicine

Today Chris returned to school after his winter break...otherwise known as the week that he had scarlet fever and spent every day, all day inside our house. He is feeling better except for a lingering cough. His precious cough lingered around my own face a little too much last week and I have been pretty sick myself...thus I finally made an appointment to see the doctor. The only appointment open was in the afternoon, meaning I would have to take Chris with me.

When he got home from school, I announced the plan of action: lunch, a little playtime, potty and then into the van to head to the doctor for mommy's appointment. The look of sheer joy on his face as he realized that the appointment was for ME and not HIM was priceless. "So, you are going to be the patient?" "Yes, Mommy will be the patient". I could see that this intrigued him. I packed a bag of books, little toys and other things to amuse him. I was just hoping he would sit still long enough in the doctor's office without touching things so the doctor could actually fully examine me. On the way out the door, he told me in his cutest 6-year old voice, " Mommy, if you are REAL brave, I will give you a sticker when you get home". (Love it when he throws my own words back at me!)

We got there no problem and had no wait which was great! We headed into the room and Chris took his chair... didn't remove his coat .. he just sat there.. waiting. The nurse came in and soon started filling out my chart. She then took my temperature which looked weird to Chris since he usually gets it taken under his armpit and I had it under my tongue.. He thought that was so cool. Then she took out the equipment to do my blood pressure. And then I saw it... He broke out into the big, sly smile. He was truly enjoying seeing his mother having to endure the same procedures he usually is subjected to. He didn't want a book, a toy, a candy... No, all he wanted was to see mom getting a taste of her own medicine.

When the doctor came in, she checked my ears, my lungs, my heart, etc. He could barely contain himself. He just sat there smiling and I'm sure thinking, "That's right... give it all to her". The best part was at the end... the doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis and a sinus infection (that wasn't the good part), but as she was getting ready to walk out the door, he said to her, "Wait.. isn't she going to get a vaccination?" That little stinker wanted to see me get a shot! Too funny. I had a great laugh. We told him I was too sick to get a flu vaccination this time, but next time he could come back to witness it.

Nice.....

Will It Be Remembered?

I'm sure my mom had better things to do with her time than to host a Vacation Bible School class in our home that one summer. She invited all the kids from the block and for at least 1 -2 hours a day, she would teach a lesson, do a craft, sing songs and pour out the love of Jesus into these kids. No one made her do it.. she felt like it was something she needed to do. These kids needed to hear about Jesus and if she couldn't bring them to church, she would just open up her home. Somewhere I have a picture of us all setting on my parents couch... there must have been 7 or 8 kids there each day. I'm sure there was a sticker chart for memory verse memorization too. She had an old flannel board and probably used material from her sunday school class. So simple in theory. I'm sure she wondered if she was getting through to these kids... would it make a difference... would it even be remembered... She wasn't doing it for herself that's for sure.

Many years have passed since that special VBS week in my home and the most unexpected thing happened just a day ago. I reconnected with a guy on Facebook who used to live on our block. He had not heard that my mom passed away and he said the most amazing thing to me " Beth.. your mom was an amazing woman and I'll never forget the week that she had VBS in your home. I have such happy memories from that week."

I just thought that was the neatest thing I've ever heard. I think Mom would smile knowing that this man remembers the VBS lessons she shared over 30 years ago. Thanks Mom for reaching out when you didn't have to... it IS remembered and made a difference!

It really is challenging me to reach out to the kids in my own neighborhood this year too.

Starting 2010 On the Right Foot

Instead of a new year's resolution, I'm picking a scripture that I hope to closely follow as I live out my day-to-day life. It's found in I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV):

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Sounds like it has all the makings of a happy life -- to give praise, to pray constantly and to give thanks for everything... so "simple" in theory but hard to act out when life throws you some curve balls. Maybe you'll join me in posting this verse somewhere around your house to serve as a reminder of what God's will for us is... this is how he wants us to live the lives he has blessed us with.

"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden." Corrie ten Boom

Happy 2010 everyone! So glad you're on this journey with me.