Today is the birthday of my youngest son, Shane. He is now officially a teenager, all 88.6 lbs. of him. I know his exact weight because he wrestles for the Junior High, and is really pretty good. My dream is that one day he will make the WWF and his name will be something like Shotgun Shane or even Nakie Boy (see Brandon's Blog). And if by chance you do go to his brother's blog, there are a few corrections that need to be made. First, we "planned" on Shane being born at our home, we didn't just decide that night because it was icy and second, we usually didn't let Shane go a whole week between Showers. The part about his hair really stinking was true though.
I am surprised that Shane has survived. He was dropped many times. One day when he was only 6 months old his sister, Micah and brother, Brandon were fighting over who would carry him downstairs and somehow in the scuffle they both just let go....and Shane went rolling down an oak staircase. I remember him crying a little....not much really, considering his flight. His brother and sister ended up crying a lot more than he did.
Being the youngest, he has been shoved, pulled, stretched, experimented on and tickled more than any person should ever have to endure. Maybe that is why he is such a good wrestler. What is a head lock compared to being on the bottom of the dogpile with three siblings on top of you?
He really is a wonderful kid that brings us laughter and works hard at everything he does. It is hard for me that he is now a teenager, because it means he really isn't a little boy anymore. But I know that is the way it is supposed to be and I will enjoy this time as well. I am truly blessed to have him as my Son....and to think we didn't even have to bring him home from the hospital! He laid in our arms in our own bed that first night.....and pretty much has always always done that since, always plopping down between us for a few minutes before he goes to his own bed. And those few minutes are golden. Happy Birthday, Shane! We love you.
And now I will rub your stinky feet since you have stuck them both up in my face. Remember to take a shower, even if it is your birthday.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
Desert blindness
I have been reading in the book of Numbers lately, since it comes directly after Leviticus and Exodus. I have to admit that I get a little bored with the details, especially in Leviticus, but at just the point where I am ready to fall asleep the author throws in a short narrative that rousts me out of my stupor. And usually, the narrative recounts how the children of Israel keep screwing up, with dire consequences. So you suddenly get fire from heaven consuming prideful (or stupid) priests, snake bites, a tsunami of quail (wouldn't Cheney have fun with that!), the earth swallowing up people, plagues and other stuff that would make an exciting television drama....Think "40 years" in "24" format.
I struggle with the stories sometimes. I believe that Moses, who probably recorded all these events, was preparing the Israelites to enter the promised land by reminding them of their history. Honestly, it is hard to comprehend how they can appear to be so faithless throughout the story. They are always whining, pining away for Egypt, rebelling against Moses and Aaron or generally just acting like God was either absent or deaf, blind and senile. All they ever had to do was look up and there he was-either in the cloud or fire. So Moses doesn't clean up the story, he tells it like it was, and warns them what will happen if they do it again. He reminds them that Adam and Eve lost their home because of disobedience, that God wiped the earth clean in Noah's day and that the land they are about to conquer is given to them as a gift but is also a judgment on the current inhabitants.
It was a very unique time. God's presence was undeniably among them. He led them. He fed them. He brought them to water. He conquered their enemies. He worked behind the scenes to protect them when their enemies tried to curse them. Every thing God said he would do he did in their lifetime. At any time they could see his presence in the cloud by day and fire by night. When it was time to move, it was absolutely clear-the presence of God lifted and led the way. How much faith did it take in those days? The problem wasn't whether they believed God existed or not, it was whether or not they could trust him who was always visibly and deliberately among them. Their questions were never how can we be sure there is a God, but rather Can we really trust you to take care of us? And they questioned God under the shade of a cloud that shielded them from the sun and a fire by night to light their way. And each day they were fed from heaven and when they were thirsty God watered them.
I struggle with how they could so easily ignore what seemed so obvious. But honestly, I do the same things. The Exodus teaches me that even if God was visibly present in an undeniable way outside my window every day and night, I would still, when times got tough, doubt whether he was really for me or not. I would question his motives. I would ponder his ability to deliver on his promises. I would eventually not even notice his presence. The miraculous would become mundane.
I do that now. Times are tough. The landscape looks a lot like the Mojave. And I find myself ignoring the obvious examples of God's love and provision and whining about what I do not have....And then, of all things, be tempted to blame Him for it! How pitiful is that?
The miracle is God's patience. The cloud that relieves me from the heat is his rich, abundant mercy. The fire that defeats my darkness is unfailing love. The manna that sustains me is his faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. The refreshing water that relieves my parched tongue is his Spirit. The angel that leads the way is His Word, which disciplines and comforts me.
Lord, please protect me from the desert blindness that blinds me to the obvious.
I struggle with the stories sometimes. I believe that Moses, who probably recorded all these events, was preparing the Israelites to enter the promised land by reminding them of their history. Honestly, it is hard to comprehend how they can appear to be so faithless throughout the story. They are always whining, pining away for Egypt, rebelling against Moses and Aaron or generally just acting like God was either absent or deaf, blind and senile. All they ever had to do was look up and there he was-either in the cloud or fire. So Moses doesn't clean up the story, he tells it like it was, and warns them what will happen if they do it again. He reminds them that Adam and Eve lost their home because of disobedience, that God wiped the earth clean in Noah's day and that the land they are about to conquer is given to them as a gift but is also a judgment on the current inhabitants.
It was a very unique time. God's presence was undeniably among them. He led them. He fed them. He brought them to water. He conquered their enemies. He worked behind the scenes to protect them when their enemies tried to curse them. Every thing God said he would do he did in their lifetime. At any time they could see his presence in the cloud by day and fire by night. When it was time to move, it was absolutely clear-the presence of God lifted and led the way. How much faith did it take in those days? The problem wasn't whether they believed God existed or not, it was whether or not they could trust him who was always visibly and deliberately among them. Their questions were never how can we be sure there is a God, but rather Can we really trust you to take care of us? And they questioned God under the shade of a cloud that shielded them from the sun and a fire by night to light their way. And each day they were fed from heaven and when they were thirsty God watered them.
I struggle with how they could so easily ignore what seemed so obvious. But honestly, I do the same things. The Exodus teaches me that even if God was visibly present in an undeniable way outside my window every day and night, I would still, when times got tough, doubt whether he was really for me or not. I would question his motives. I would ponder his ability to deliver on his promises. I would eventually not even notice his presence. The miraculous would become mundane.
I do that now. Times are tough. The landscape looks a lot like the Mojave. And I find myself ignoring the obvious examples of God's love and provision and whining about what I do not have....And then, of all things, be tempted to blame Him for it! How pitiful is that?
The miracle is God's patience. The cloud that relieves me from the heat is his rich, abundant mercy. The fire that defeats my darkness is unfailing love. The manna that sustains me is his faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. The refreshing water that relieves my parched tongue is his Spirit. The angel that leads the way is His Word, which disciplines and comforts me.
Lord, please protect me from the desert blindness that blinds me to the obvious.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Happy Birthday, Carden
Today my son Carden turns 17. The only thing he really wants for his birthday is catfish for supper and the abandoning of the completely lame "curfew" philosophy. I know for sure we will be having catfish tonight.....
Why do I feel older every time one of my kids have a birthday?
There is so much I want to say to each of them, so many stories and warnings and adventures and.....
They really aren't that interested right now, and I understand. I wasn't either at their age. After all, every day is an adventure for them. They disguise it as hopeless boredom, but their hearts are really racing and their minds are at warp speed.
I worry that I have really done them more harm than good. But generally, they still like me and I know I love them like crazy. I want to equip them for everything life will throw at them and then tag along everywhere they go just to make sure they will be ok.
They would prefer me not to do that.
Each child has a special memory corner in my heart. And since today is Carden's day, well, here are some I hope I can share without him suing me later for damages.
He was a beautiful child...for Halloween one year we dressed him up as a little girl....and everyone thought "she" was very pretty.
One day when he was in first grade the bus driver brought him back to our door. When she arrived at the bus stop on the corner she found him hanging upside down from a tree he had climbed. He had slipped and his ankle wedged in a crook of the trunk. He was fine, she just thought we should know....
When he was three he snuck out of the house and tried to follow his older brother and sister to the store, across a busy highway. Someone stopped traffic and brought him home.
He took a ride once in a highway patrol car. His older brother convinced him they should ride their bikes out to where I was working...and since the interstate was the quickest way....
His first athletic physical....The nurse handed him the "cup" and an alcohol towellette, telling him to clean the "area" and use the cup. Afterward he asked me why he had to clean the bathroom if he didn't miss the cup, so he just wiped down the toilet and floor a little bit......
Baptizing him into Jesus.
His rendition of "Lord of the Dance" at the King of Hearts banquet....
This sweet kid is now the biggest primate in our house. He is at least 6'2" tall and I have skied on smaller skis than the size of his shoes. On a good day, with help, I couldn't get a dress on him again.
He is a great son, and I love him dearly and am very proud to be his Dad. Happy Birthday, Carden.
One day I hope to grow up and be like my kids.
Why do I feel older every time one of my kids have a birthday?
There is so much I want to say to each of them, so many stories and warnings and adventures and.....
They really aren't that interested right now, and I understand. I wasn't either at their age. After all, every day is an adventure for them. They disguise it as hopeless boredom, but their hearts are really racing and their minds are at warp speed.
I worry that I have really done them more harm than good. But generally, they still like me and I know I love them like crazy. I want to equip them for everything life will throw at them and then tag along everywhere they go just to make sure they will be ok.
They would prefer me not to do that.
Each child has a special memory corner in my heart. And since today is Carden's day, well, here are some I hope I can share without him suing me later for damages.
He was a beautiful child...for Halloween one year we dressed him up as a little girl....and everyone thought "she" was very pretty.
One day when he was in first grade the bus driver brought him back to our door. When she arrived at the bus stop on the corner she found him hanging upside down from a tree he had climbed. He had slipped and his ankle wedged in a crook of the trunk. He was fine, she just thought we should know....
When he was three he snuck out of the house and tried to follow his older brother and sister to the store, across a busy highway. Someone stopped traffic and brought him home.
He took a ride once in a highway patrol car. His older brother convinced him they should ride their bikes out to where I was working...and since the interstate was the quickest way....
His first athletic physical....The nurse handed him the "cup" and an alcohol towellette, telling him to clean the "area" and use the cup. Afterward he asked me why he had to clean the bathroom if he didn't miss the cup, so he just wiped down the toilet and floor a little bit......
Baptizing him into Jesus.
His rendition of "Lord of the Dance" at the King of Hearts banquet....
This sweet kid is now the biggest primate in our house. He is at least 6'2" tall and I have skied on smaller skis than the size of his shoes. On a good day, with help, I couldn't get a dress on him again.
He is a great son, and I love him dearly and am very proud to be his Dad. Happy Birthday, Carden.
One day I hope to grow up and be like my kids.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Days
Some days come to us like strangers
for no apparent reason,
bringing in with them the
cold and rain
they become for us a season.
Other days we greet like friends
precious guests we've longed to see,
but as the day
turns into hours
they are not as we hoped would be.
Yet some days are so kind to us
they bring all we are longing for,
and when they say goodbye
too soon
we can only pray for more.
So I greet each day as a messenger
of ancient trouble and mercy new,
and in the wisdom of our God
I must live
between the two.
for no apparent reason,
bringing in with them the
cold and rain
they become for us a season.
Other days we greet like friends
precious guests we've longed to see,
but as the day
turns into hours
they are not as we hoped would be.
Yet some days are so kind to us
they bring all we are longing for,
and when they say goodbye
too soon
we can only pray for more.
So I greet each day as a messenger
of ancient trouble and mercy new,
and in the wisdom of our God
I must live
between the two.
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