That's Our Girl!

Silly. Funny. A Hoot! These are all words used on a regular basis to describe our Ruby. She is a beautiful, sweet, ball of fun, and tonight, I’m a ball of mush as I anticipate dropping her off for her first day of Kindergarten in the morning.

For five years she has ridden my hip and played at my feet through all sorts of life changes and the completion of big projects. She’s used up reams of paper in my office to write messages and draw pictures, but I didn’t stop her because it kept her busy (and the notes were pretty cute).

I’m going to miss being distracted by the sound of My Little Pony on loop while I’m working. The boys are going to wonder why, suddenly, their room stays clean while they’re away at school. Daddy is going to miss having a Starbucks date with Tinker Bell on Monday mornings.

Tonight, at bedtime, I tried to remind her of all the good things she can do to help her teacher. We went over some of the rude things we don’t do now that we're a big girl. 

When I took her to see her brand new classroom today she became uncharacteristically quiet. I could tell she was overwhelmed by the size of the new room and the lack of familiar pre school toys. Pretty soon she just started walking around each table. I realized what she was doing after she yelled out “R U B Y! That’s me!” I think the room became smaller to her once she found her place. Give Ruby a spot with her name on it and she knows what to do!

Truly, I am thankful for the wonderful school our kids get to attend in the morning and for their bright-eyed teachers we met today. So, if you see me parked at Sonic tomorrow morning crying it out in my car, just know that at least one-third of the tears are tears of joy. The rest are all because of Ruby.

Catching The Wind

Chad and I both love to be out on the water. Spending time out on lake Ray Hubbard in Dallas was where we went on a lot of dates in the early stages of our relationship. Also, my mind tends to run constantly, even in my sleep, but when I’m on the water I can truly relax. Chad loves to sail and so do I, but I also enjoy kayaking.

Recently Chad and I were discussing which sport was actually more fun. When we lived in Amarillo Chad worked a trade to get an 18 foot Catamaran. While it is a simpler contraption than the big sailboat it still requires a lot of rigging. Sometimes it can take hours to set the mast, rig the sail and unfurl the jib. Since having time off for recreation is so rare and precious, I like the simplicity of setting out on the water with a kayak and paddle.

Last year Chad kind of gained the upper hand on our ongoing discussion after a float trip down the Illinois River. Some friends in the ministry graciously invited us along with some of our youth on their float trip. I was excited because it was the first real trip where I was going to get to paddle to my heart’s content. About half way down the river, with the sun on our backs it occurred to me, “the only way I’m going to get all the way down this river – and back, is to paddle, paddle, paddle.”

I paddled up next to Chad and could tell by the look on his face exactly what he was thinking, so I asked, “Where’s the wind, Captain?”

When we go out on the lake, after all the rigging is in place on the Cat and we’ve shoved off from shore the next step is to find the direction of the wind. When the wind hits our sails and we find a place to go on a run everything in the world feels right. It’s time to hang on and enjoy the ride.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in the ministry is that doing good works out of my own strength leads to burn-out and frustration. When I humble myself and follow Jesus, He leads me into the good works prepared beforehand for me to do and it is in this work where joy and endurance can be found.

In John 16 Jesus was leaving a charge for His disciples. He said,

5 “But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

Jesus was charging these men with the continuation of His life and legacy on earth. And what does He promise them? He will send a Helper! This Helper is no less than the Holy Spirit, the breath of God! He didn’t say, “Get out your paddles boys! It’s all up to you!” Jesus knew that the wind of God would fill the hearts of these ordinary men and send them on the ride of their life!

When it comes to watersports, I still enjoy both sailing and paddling; however, there is no better way to serve God in the ministry than to learn to hear His voice, set out on the water in obedience then move with the power of His wind!

Clement Bros. Savings and Loan

It all started three weeks ago when Chad and I discussed giving the boys an allowance. We’re trying to teach them responsibility and give an incentive for getting their chores done before school each morning. At breakfast we explained to the boys they would be paid one dollar for each school day that they are dressed with chores done by 8:15.

Friday came, the first “pay day”, and Chad sat down with the boys at his desk to give them each the money they had earned. Then he talked to them about tithing and saving.

David quickly pulled Sean aside into their room and tried to sell him on the benefits of “brothering up” as they call it. Basically, consolidating their assets by just putting all their money in a big pile; then deciding how to use it together.

The next Wednesday one of the neighbor boys was over playing video games with David. All three boys decided to go out and ride bikes. When they came back Sean was crying. It seems that the neighbor boy was kicking him. I went to find out what was going on when David reassured me he had handled it.

The way David “handled it” was to make “arrangements” with the neighbor. I found out later that David told Sean that “S” had agreed to quit kicking Sean for a dollar, so under David’s direction Sean gave “S” one of his dollars and “S” took it!

Upon finding out about this scheme I was very upset. We restricted the time that this friend would be at the house and David would be responsible for returning Sean’s money. David went to school the next day and told his friend he’d have to give the dollar back, which he did. David put the dollar in his pocket.

Later, as I was pulling clothes out of the dryer, I found Sean’s dollar that had fallen out of David’s pocket.

So, in two weeks and with only eight dollars, our 8 year old and 6 year old sons started an organized crime ring that involves illegal incorporation, racketeering and money laundering. They’ve even made me an accessory to their crimes.

On the up side - after dinner this evening, Chad took the boys to go shopping with their money. He said it took them forever because they were very concerned about what things cost since it was their own money being spent. Sean had his heart set on an earthworm farm, but needed one more dollar. David decided to give Sean a dollar and save the rest of his money for a new Lego game. So, now to add to all the excitement, we are the proud owners of an earthworm farm! 

Observing the boys behavior over the last few weeks really brought to my attention how much we need Jesus to be Lord over every area of our lives, especially our finances. If we allow pride and selfishness to be our guide, loss and destruction will be the only fruit left of what God desires to be a blessing. I pray God will help us as we teach our children to use thier time and money wisely, and more importantly, that we will set Godly examples for them. 

I'd love to hear from other parents about how you are teaching the principles of stewardship in your home. 

Monday’s Comin’: The Resurrection and Real Life

It was so much fun getting ready for church Sunday morning. This is the first spring since we’ve lived in Oklahoma that I was able to dress the kids for the Easter service at Quail. After church, we had a beautiful lunch at Mimi and Papa’s house; then began preparations for Truth. 

Sunday before last, we had to cancel picking up the kids because the weather was so bad, and we couldn’t meet outside. This Sunday, Chad and I were thanking the Lord for the beautiful weather and worked in expectation of a great Sunday night service. 

It doesn’t seem to matter how prepared I am or how great things are going, there is always a feeling of discouragement that comes over me after “big Sundays”. I think it must come with the territory of ministry, but it is a very real feeling. The scripture says we are not warring against flesh and blood, but against an unseen enemy. Sometimes I wish I could see the enemy and give him “the boot”. Since that isn’t possible the only way I’ve found to overcome this feeling of discouragement is to take refuge in the Lord through honest prayer and try hard to keep my mouth shut so as not to share my bad attitude.

We came home from Truth, fed the kids and watched the Bible on the History channel. The last scene of this week’s episode (I guess you’d call it) where Jesus was on the top of the mountain sending out his followers, stirred my heart. After the kids went to bed I told Chad about how we had 25 kids at church tonight and when I asked what were some of the miracles they would’ve witnessed had they walked with Jesus on earth, many of them raised their hands and were able to give detailed accounts of miracles from the gospels; a few children even noted that Jesus forgave the sins of those He healed. My heart was lifted by the realization that we are continuing the work Jesus began that day on the mountain before He ascended into Heaven. This little ray of hope was enough to help me sleep through the night. 

Then Monday morning came. Ruby climbed into bed with me at 6:15 feeling feverish. She laid her cheek on my cheek and coughed a wet croupy cough right on to my face. I guess she partied too hard all weekend and it caught up with her in the form of a cold. 

About 30 minutes later, David nudged me awake and announced the following with a great sense of urgency, “Today is the day I need my clown nose!” He is one of four children with a speaking part in the Second Grade program and he’s to deliver it dressed as a clown; however, as far as I knew, he did not need his costume until next Monday. “No!” he insisted, “I’m supposed to have it today!” 

It’s Monday and everyone’s pretty clothes are on the top of a mountain of laundry. 

It’s Monday and there are candy wrappers under my feet and plastic grass between my toes. 

It’s Monday and the words of the critics are crowding my thoughts. 

It’s Monday and I’m overwhelmed. 

Where is the VICTORY? 

As I’m brushing my teeth and trying to remember if we have any Tylenol left for Ruby, and constructing a clown nose out of an plastic egg in my mind for David, I hear the familiar sound of my Savior say, “Anna, remember I am with you always, where ever you go, whatever you’re going through, even to the end of the age!” 

If Jesus were not alive He couldn’t have lifted up my head with the promise of His presence yesterday. If Jesus were not alive, my life would have no purpose. If Jesus were not alive there would be no hope for this mother, this wife or the worst parts of our city. Everyday, faith is the Victory! 

So, yes!  Monday’s coming!  And Jesus is still alive on His throne and living in my heart. Do you know Him? 

Did Someone Order a Wake-up Call?

As a college student I would often complain about the intrusive nature of my alarm clock. Now that I’m a mom it isn’t necessary to set an alarm. The little brains of our children are hard wired to turn on at 6:30 every morning, even on Saturdays. This morning Sean climbed in on my side of the bed, snuggled up to me and asked, “Mom, why did white people treat black people so bad in the old days?” Talk about a wake up call!

My eyes were still closed, but now my brain was wide awake. I didn’t have the eloquence to answer Sean’s question with anything but the truth. Because of the sin in their hearts one color of people thought they were better than another color of people and refused to treat them as humans, so they gave them different water fountains and different bathrooms and refused to serve them at restaurants. “This is why we need Jesus, Sean because without His love in our hearts we hurt others.”

I then became very convicted. God has been working on my attitude towards others this week. Why is it so easy for me to devalue people who aren’t just like me? I want God to keep working in my heart until I can see what He sees in every person I meet. Who am I to devalue someone for whom He has paid such an extravagant price to save?

Satan knows that all he has to do is counterfeit the love and acceptance the children of God possess. When we withhold the love of Christ from others they turn to the nearest group of fellow human beings who share their need for acceptance. Then, instead of finding salvation and a new identity in Jesus Christ they instead identify with a culture, a habit or a lifestyle. Instead of growing the body of Christ, I become just another member of another exclusive group with sin sick world at the end of my ten-foot pole.

I love how Jesus broke things down. I do the same thing with my kids. Make the directions unavoidably easy to understand and follow. For instance if I say, “Clean your room.” They respond, “I can’t! It’s too hard!” However, if I instruct them to first pick up the trash put it in the trash can and put the clothes in their hamper, they may complain but it’s not because they don’t understand.

Jesus said, “Love me with everything you’ve got and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” (that’s a paraphrase) This command is what the world is waiting on followers of Christ to do. We have to fall in love with Jesus first, that means letting Him in to every part of our life. That means letting Him see my selfish desire to devalue and ignore those who I perceive as “less” than me; Then in the midst of my “undone” moment I’m reminded of my desperate need for a redeemer. Jesus replaces that attitude with His love, making my life acceptable to a holy God. 

In my mind it comes down to this. Every soul has value, worth and purpose through Jesus. If I have the opportunity to influence the life of another person and I neglect to help them see their value, worth and purpose then I am not living up to the call of a follower of Jesus. 

Sometimes we just need a wake up call. 

When Love Don't Come Easy

On Monday while David and I were walking to the car after school he was telling me all about how his teacher had them draw names from students in his class. For the person whose name he drew, he would have to write a special Valentine’s note. “But I drew Jordan’s name! It’s gonna be pretty hard to say something nice. He gets on my nerves the MOST!”

Apparently, Jordan invented a game the kids play at lunchtime called, “Cheese Touch”. David explained the game and why he hates it so much. When Jordan yells “Cheese Touch!” everyone is supposed to touch the cheese on their plate then touch the person sitting next to them. “It seems like every day there is cheese in our lunch! I just ignore him. I don’t play Cheese Touch when he yells it; then he laughs at me.”

All the way home David struggled with what to write in Jordan’s Valentine. He said, “I could tell him that he’s good at making up games . . .but that would just encourage him!”

Well, last night at dinner David made an important announcement. “I finally found something nice to say in Jordan’s Valentine note! I wrote, ‘Dear Jordan, you are very creative. Happy Valentine’s Day’.”

Not everyone in our life is easy to love. There might even be people who are down right annoying! Just remember that Romans 5:8 says “God demonstrated His great love for us; in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” He didn’t cast us out, He doesn’t just tolerate us or try to make us feel better about ourselves; He made us loveable. Jesus put the love in our heart . . . give some of His Love away today. 

Maui Time

Chad and me in New Orleans

Tomorrow Chad and I will celebrate the 10^th anniversary of our engagement. Ten years ago, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning to drive from Amarillo to Dallas to meet him for a surprise Valentine’s date he had planned for us. When I arrived, he took me to the airport where we flew to New Orleans. A limo picked us up in New Orleans and drove us to a beautiful dinner aboard the Creole Queen. After dinner he proposed, and I said, “YES!”

When it came to planning our honeymoon Chad spent months planning a trip to Maui, Hawaii. Having spent three years on Oahu as a Marine, he had made a trip to Maui to explore the island before and he couldn’t wait to show me around. We arrived in Maui after dark, and drove off in a rented convertible. The moon was shining on the water as we drove around the mountain to the guesthouse where we’d be staying the next few days. I thought I was living in the middle of a dream.

We spent the first two days, swimming in the ocean and driving around the island. We even took the helicopter tour across beautiful pineapple fields and waterfalls that can only be seen from the air.

On the next to last day of our trip we planned to drive the road to Hana. The Hana Highway is a 50 mile long stretch of road. Even though it is only 50 miles it takes an entire day to navigate the 600 hair pin turns. Parts of this twisty turning road narrows to one lane and there is no shoulder to speak of, just sheer cliffs off the side of the most lush and beautiful mountains in the world. The drive is the experience. The road leads to a small village with one gas station, maybe two restaurants and some lodging.

We were so excited to take the drive. To get the full experience we popped in the CD with all the historical information narrated by the soothing native woman’s voice. Chad and I laughed as the woman’s dramatic greeting came through the speakers. “Welcome to the beautiful journey!” she went on to name all of the flora we were seeing and smelling. Our hair, or my hair, was blowing in the wind. Everything was absolutely beautiful.

 

Just before we jumped out to climb into the waterfall, our tour guide stopped to remind us to enjoy every moment, “Just remember,” she soothed “you are now on Maui time.”  The pace of Maui time is just before a full stop. It’s not just going at one’s own pace, it’s relaxing, breathing, taking in the moment with all five senses.

We finally made it to the town of Hana, enjoyed a relaxing meal; then began our journey back around the mountain. About two miles into the drive a guy swung into our lane head on. We were on the outside lane hugging the edge of a mountain. When Chad swerved to the side of the road to avoid a head on collision, we heard a big “CLUNK” and realized we had hit the rocky edge of the road.

Chad pulled the car over to the side of the road to inspect the tires only to realize both tires on the passenger side of the car were blown out. To make things worse we didn’t have the rental car insurance. When we called the rental company they said we’d have to arrange for a tow. We found that the companies who were willing to tow a car on the Hana highway wanted a hefty price.

Chad hung up the phone with the tow company and came to sit in the driver’s seat of the rental car. He turned the key to start the A/C while we thought about our options. On came the pre-recorded tour guide with her silky smooth voice reminding us to take in the beauty all around us because, as she had reminded us all along the way, “You are now on Maui time”.

It turns out that having two blow outs on your car is just as stressful in Maui as it is anywhere, and while there is never a good time or place, the next to last day of your honeymoon and on a treacherous road is not ideal. We went from having the best time to working through a whole series of difficult decisions.

Our fun in Maui was cut short since our minds were now preoccupied with the damages to the car. Our circumstances changed, but Maui stayed the same.

God has a plan, and while He may involve us in one part of this plan for a season, His plan is much more grand and beautiful than what I can see right in front of me. No matter what my circumstances dictate, God stays the same.  He is still on His throne and it serves me well to come back often to the realization of being on “God’s time”. Everyday, I can either choose to trust and obey, or frustrate myself by living short-sighted.

If I could choose today, I’d take the road to Hana again, blowouts and all - just to be in Maui with Chad living on “Maui time”.