Writing Again
Months ago our family made some hard financial choices. Among them was cutting out internet. What a hard sacrifice this was for me. I had discovered fantastic Christian programming. I was enriched by the instruction and inspired by the music and the life stories. Our home was filled with an atmosphere of joy and praise as we tuned into children’s songs and stories. I found recipes for dinner, looked up spelling words, kept up with some political news, showed Andrew a YouTube clip about meerkats, etc., etc.
The internet was my outlet too. Through my blog I was able to encapsulate life experiences that whirled around me into meaningful packages, helping me see God’s hand in it all and continue forward in my calling as wife and mother.
Unfortunately, I haven’t written much in these last months. Life has been incredibly challenging as Andrew has turned a “terrific” two-year-old, and Nathan an almost-walking 10-month-old. Andrew is talking up a storm and counting to 10 all by himself. Nathan is crawling his way through our hearts, giving us many reasons to thank God for preserving his life. Several times a day he finds Mommy’s finger in his mouth scooping out the latest treasure he has secured. Seems he puts everything in his mouth. At that age Andrew would hand me his finds, with a sweet look that said, “Here, Mommy!” But all kids are different. Now, Andrew tests every new toy on Nathan’s head. As I lunge to rescue, often too late, I think he must measure its worth by if and how loud he cries.
My days are noisy and full. Last week we were all ill (except for Jerry). Even the boys’ doctor commented on their crying in harmony. I heard that all week long. Amazing how a little ibuprofen settled us all down. Didn’t realize until I got sick how uncomfortable they must have been.
Ministry continues to circle around me. Without an official designation at this stage in my life, God and I co-labor to maximize opportunities around us. Simple things thrill me:
- Praying with a Union College phone-a-thon student on the phone
- Giving website resources and offering prayer to the customer service rep at my phone company who is struggling with food intolerances
- Smiling and chatting with random grocery store customers who enjoy my babies
- Helping Andrew “share Jesus with Violet today” by singing to her in her residence
- Going to Moms’ group and Women In Touch with my neighbor friends.
Just this week a neighbor’s husband commented approvingly about how much she had changed [since participating in church activities]. She takes amazing initiative and has strong leadership skills. I invited her to one event; she and the Holy Spirit took it from there. When you know you have made an eternal difference in someone’s life, it’s incredibly satisfying.
This morning was my first chance with our resumed internet. Tears of joy flowed in my heart as I heard the praise songs of the children once again and I looked into the beaming faces of my boys enjoying them with me. It’s so worth it to have this resource once again. Jerry and I prayed together, dedicating its use to God’s glory. May it ever be so.
As I return to the blog, may you walk alongside me again. This journey is not easy, but it can be joyful. Meaning is not always apparent on the surface, but digging for the jewels under the gravel is worth the effort. Perhaps you will share insights or experiences to add to mine. We grow together. We learn from each other’s real experiences with God. My goal is to be as transparent as possible and yet remain appropriate to this setting. Please pray for me as I struggle with the balance. I wish to be of help here.
The internet is an awesome place to find God and grow spiritually.
It is a great place to raise Godly children.
Surprise you? Much more emphasis is placed on the dark side so prevalent with this tool. I want to show you what I’ve found to be indispensible here. I invite you to share sites, too, that you find to help your journey.
Here’s an inspiring clip for you. Watch it with gratitude to the Provider of every good thing!
Welcome back friends! I’m writing again!
