Remember
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I remember those early days, both 18. He headed off to school at the end of the summer, on the coast, me staying in the state.
In the dark ages of the late ’80s and early ’90s, pre-cell-phone, texting, even e-mail for me. Expensive, rare calls and lots and lots and lots of mail.
Four-and-a-half of those before marriage, then that number again of early marriage. So quiet, not necessarily productive, just normal work, too much t.v., some travel.
Then, I remember feeling those somersaults of someone inside and nudging my husband to feel. The late night hiccups, just as I was falling asleep. Sometimes late night boxing matches, at least it felt like it.
Then I remember the day that first boy was born, two ounces shy of 11 pounds.
I remember the look on my husband’s face when he finally met someone he was related to.
I have much more to remember, but those early days with him seemed so long and short and I am looking forward to many more years.
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Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Ordinary

Ordinary. What is ordinary? I would imagine that everyone has their own, personal definition of ordinary. My definition has changed over the years, from childhood to college to married life to working to motherhood.

Now, an ordinary day includes being at home, all eight of us, working, homeschooling, living. Last year, there were seven of us at home 24/7. Now is definitely better, more ordinary.

2013 has brought some unordinary, unexpected health trials for some in our family. Yesterday, I was expecting to get ordinary test results back for one child, but they were very unordinary.
I mourned for the afternoon, the loss of one more ordinary, normal thing.

So I pray more and hope that these prayers will be answered in an ordinary way.
Maybe, just maybe God is trying to call me, trying to to pry me, out of ordinary.

For me, ordinary is safe. I like safe. I think I have been guilty of worshiping the ordinary and safe.

Stop.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

An ordinary winter day: The whole family playing in the nice “wet” snow on Tuesday..

Five Minute Friday: Afraid

1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my blog footer}
3. Go leave some comment props for the five minute artist who linked up before you {and if you love us, consider turning off word verification for the day to make it easier for folks to say howdy}

Afraid. Oh, the possibilities that word brings to mind. Children, diabetes, homeschooling, strong-wills, marriage, empty-nesting (one of the days in the long-off future), parents’ health, on and on and on.

Will I fight off those fears to try to be the mother I need to be to this older crew who wants to talk and think and depletes my brain so quickly?

First show, opening night of “The Hobbit” in December, with Daddy.

Will I fight off those fears and be a good mommy to this younger crew who wants to play and explore and create and be loud, so very loud?

Reading Curious George with Grandpa during Christmas break. (Could’ve used this last week for “Again”!)

Will I fight off those fears and be a good wife to this guy, this guy I married 21 years and a month ago? This guy I started dating just two months after I turned 18. The one who knows me better than any and STILL loves me. Amazing and terrifying.

Anniversary overnight, December 28.
Top: The new Sea Lion exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo.
Bottom: At the hotel.

So much to be afraid about, wasting so much time doing it.

I claimed Joshua 1:9 as my homeschooling verse midway through last year and I’m sticking with it:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” NIV.

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