I now understand the moanings of those who have gone before me when they entered the new season of their lives called retirement...i used to think, "how can you possibly not want your dear husband of many years not to be around you, etc., etc."
Not that i'm in that season; but today, I had my first taste of what might be awaiting me...Keith had surgery on his shoulder yesterday and that resulted in a sleepless night for us both. He finally fell asleep about 6 a.m. on the couch, and i not to long thereafter.
About 10 a.m., mr. mockingbird's relentless singing awoke me my from a deep sleep. Soon after, Keith began stirring, so I put on a pot of coffee. That was the last thing I did by myself without being told...the rest of the day, Keith followed me around reminding what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Keep in mind, he is SUPPOSED to be resting--being still. When he wasn't following me around, he was getting into everything else--all things that were against the rules for him to be doing...!
And this is Day One--we have six more weeks of this!!! I need to research how many women commit crimes against their husbands in these types of cases, because i've already threatened him countless times throughout the day! Not to mention how many times i've had to yell at him to go sit down and be still because I have turned around with him right behind me, banging the wounded side (nearly sending him back to the operating table!)
I finally became so aggravated that I yelled at him--"Look...i've been fully capable of taking care of this house without you here since Day 1...i don't need you telling me what to do...!"
To which, this dear sweet man replied, "I know...i guess i'm just trying to make myself useful."
This man, my husband, so used to being the provider, the one taking care of everything, never limited in any way by anything, never having had to accept that there was something he could NOT do...was feeling defeated--by his own body...and was grasping at a way to maintain some sort of control over something!
In that moment, I found a blessing wrapped in a small package...the gift of a partnership that supersedes all things "natural," created in a covenant promising "in sickness and in health" and fulfilled in the intimacy established from nearly 25 years of love...that's what makes my cup runneth over...!
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Clean Slates and Empty Pages
It's a new year, a clean slate with 365 days of blank pages to fill with our passions, our purpose and our dreams! The new year rings with nostalgia from resolutions of years past and yet, offers promises of better days ahead...
I have been challenged to commit to writing DAILY--which is something i've longed to do forever...so i'm rising to the occasion. Today, however, I will cheat by sharing with you our family Christmas letter (that counts for at least three days' writing!!)
The view from my window is white with falling snow–the wind its only evidence of chilling temperatures–welcoming Christmastime with its beauty.
How strange that the weather is one of the headliners of an otherwise uninteresting year that started with a mild drawn-out spring but turned to disaster when the worst flood in 500 years hit Nashville and was followed by a summer boasting of cooler temperatures that continued into the fall.
With winter right around the corner, we are privileged with a sneak peak of what is in store. Snow has been falling all day...i’m always in awe of that first blanket of white that tucks us in our little corner of the world!
I just had a random thought of John Boy Walton and his voiceover reading the story of their lives...!
Though we began 2009 celebrating the births of our two newest granddaughters, we were saddened to end the year with the loss of my last grandparent, my grandmother–Ella B. Milliken Stewart. The B. in her name didn’t stand for anything...she was just Ella B., and she slipped quietly from this world, with my mom by her side, on December 23 taking with her 96 years of memories–but not before sharing many years of them with us. There are certain people in the world who help define who you are, and she was one of mine. I am grateful for the memories.
Our story this year, otherwise, has been rather routine and predictable. Though the road is long from here to Kennesaw, GA, Jessica has been awesome about making sure we see one another about once a month! The time in between, Elizabeth seems to grow in some new way, and it is only through pictures that we get to watch her enter those new stages. It was through one such picture that they announced the expectation of a new addition to their family in May! In the meantime, Jessica still pours herself out as a Psychology teacher at Pope High School while Bert’s job at UCB Pharmaceuticals involves a lot of traveling.
While Bert & Jessica prepare for a new baby, Jay and Melanie prepare to purchase a new home. Much like us, they desire some property and have found some potential prospects that they hope will create more space for Allie (Jay’s niece), Alexis, Aleaha, Alivia, and Alaina.
Now that the girls are growing older, Melanie is ready to return to school to pursue a nursing degree. She has already put in her application and is waiting to take her next steps.
Despite the miles that separate Memphis from Nashville and keep us from seeing them regularly, we were finally able to gather everyone together at our home for Thanksgiving! Together with Bert, Jessica and Elizabeth, our home was full of the sounds of kids and family–our only wish is that we’d had more time with them all. But just like us, they have places to go, things to do and people to see, so we are grateful for the time we had with them.
It was also great to be able to fit all the kids in the bonus room, too! Yes! It is finished with only minor details to tend to...the girls have already made grand use of it and it is their second favorite place to hangout!
It’s a good thing she had a great summer vacation because this year has been anything but a vacation for her...the I.B. programme has lived up to its reputation; and for someone who has never had to study, Hannah is gaining a new connotation of the word. She has applied such concepts as discipline, perserverance, determination, passion and diligence to her studies...it has most definitely been an uphill battle! But give credit where credit is due–I don’t know how I’d fare taking 4 AP/IB classes, 1 AP class and 1 honors class.
She still managed to make time for the fall play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as an “oompa loompa” and ventured out to perform in her first “open mic” show and to sing in 2 pre-performance shows. She plays the guitar as well as the piano and has found “the greatest music teachers in the world.”
She also managed to find time for a certain young man...Tim...the curve ball in her life from way out in left field! We were so sure she would graduate not having time for a relationship...ha! Though they are young, their relationship is one of the most mature I have seen.
Rebeka, on the other hand, sees the work that’s required to make a relationship work and has decided that, at 16, it’s not worth it. She’s content with having her driver’s license and access to the truck...! Her second year in I.B., Rebeka is earning all A’s except for 1 B. With 1 IB, 1 AP and 4 honors classes, that is quite a feat! She has set some high standards for herself and sticks with it–despite the stress! To de-stress, she took up track and cross country and has found new loves to compete with her violin...she lives with passion and joy.
Moving into her own room filled her with more than joy. We just finished painting her furniture, and now both girls are ready to pick out paint for their walls. They have two completely different tastes in decorating, so it should be interesting to watch their personalities extend into their spaces. These days they don’t get together like they once did with their activities taking them into two directions. So I haved love it when they get together with their instruments playing and working on Christmas songs...I also love it when they work together to clean up the kitchen!
The biggest thing we’ve been doing together is college previews...what a change since Jessica was in school. Both girls are most impressed with Belmont so far, but with its expensive price tag, they’ll need to secure some serious scholarships...so we keep looking.
They did finally make a decision on a church home–Fellowship Bible...it’s quite a bit larger than I would prefer, but the girls like the youth group and are already plugged in, so we will be calling it home...
Keith’s schedule limits his ability to become involved in too much of anything, but he can be found skiing or playing racquetball after work with his buddies who share the same work schedules. When he’s not at FedEx, he spends most of his time working to fix up the house. Though FedEx has cut his hours, we feel blessed that he has a job...so many around us have lost jobs, and we realize the times are still fragile.
I have found myself feeling that fragility in my own life and have spent more time and energy reinforcing my spiritual footings as I reevaluate all that is mine. It’s not easy to let go of those things God wants to prune from my life, but already I see the budding of fruit it will bear.
I am left wondering where and how I spent the remainder of my time and energy, but I am reminded that my investment into the lives of my family, though often unseen, will be multiplied for generations to come...and that is enough for me. One of my mentors used to say that parenting is not for wimps...and, indeed, it is the hardest job i’ve ever held, but it is also the most rewarding of all.
Reading through all the prior years’ Christmas letters, we’ve reminisced about what each year has brought and what we have loved about each season of our lives...each one offering its own magnificence and each one presenting its own growing pains. Hannah asked us which age we have enjoyed the most, and we honestly could not choose one...We have loved, yes LOVED, every year for its uniqueness and the joy it brought to our lives...and yet, to think back upon it all brings feelings of bittersweet to realize that those times are gone forever and remain only as memories to cherish and hold close in our hearts. So, as 2010 comes to a close, we remember the seasons of our lives that we have spent together with you, and it is those memories that we will carry with us always.
And like the snow that welcomes the beauty of Christmas, we pray that you will welcome the love of Christ into your hearts this season.
The final pages of 2010 are filled...and as we turn the page to a new year, I am looking forward to seeing the empty pages filled with how my cup runneth over in 2011
I have been challenged to commit to writing DAILY--which is something i've longed to do forever...so i'm rising to the occasion. Today, however, I will cheat by sharing with you our family Christmas letter (that counts for at least three days' writing!!)
The view from my window is white with falling snow–the wind its only evidence of chilling temperatures–welcoming Christmastime with its beauty.
How strange that the weather is one of the headliners of an otherwise uninteresting year that started with a mild drawn-out spring but turned to disaster when the worst flood in 500 years hit Nashville and was followed by a summer boasting of cooler temperatures that continued into the fall.
With winter right around the corner, we are privileged with a sneak peak of what is in store. Snow has been falling all day...i’m always in awe of that first blanket of white that tucks us in our little corner of the world!
I just had a random thought of John Boy Walton and his voiceover reading the story of their lives...!
Though we began 2009 celebrating the births of our two newest granddaughters, we were saddened to end the year with the loss of my last grandparent, my grandmother–Ella B. Milliken Stewart. The B. in her name didn’t stand for anything...she was just Ella B., and she slipped quietly from this world, with my mom by her side, on December 23 taking with her 96 years of memories–but not before sharing many years of them with us. There are certain people in the world who help define who you are, and she was one of mine. I am grateful for the memories.
Our story this year, otherwise, has been rather routine and predictable. Though the road is long from here to Kennesaw, GA, Jessica has been awesome about making sure we see one another about once a month! The time in between, Elizabeth seems to grow in some new way, and it is only through pictures that we get to watch her enter those new stages. It was through one such picture that they announced the expectation of a new addition to their family in May! In the meantime, Jessica still pours herself out as a Psychology teacher at Pope High School while Bert’s job at UCB Pharmaceuticals involves a lot of traveling.
While Bert & Jessica prepare for a new baby, Jay and Melanie prepare to purchase a new home. Much like us, they desire some property and have found some potential prospects that they hope will create more space for Allie (Jay’s niece), Alexis, Aleaha, Alivia, and Alaina.
Now that the girls are growing older, Melanie is ready to return to school to pursue a nursing degree. She has already put in her application and is waiting to take her next steps.
Despite the miles that separate Memphis from Nashville and keep us from seeing them regularly, we were finally able to gather everyone together at our home for Thanksgiving! Together with Bert, Jessica and Elizabeth, our home was full of the sounds of kids and family–our only wish is that we’d had more time with them all. But just like us, they have places to go, things to do and people to see, so we are grateful for the time we had with them.
It was also great to be able to fit all the kids in the bonus room, too! Yes! It is finished with only minor details to tend to...the girls have already made grand use of it and it is their second favorite place to hangout!Hannah’s first favorite place to hangout is her room! At 17, she finally moved into her own room–we spent a weekend refinishing the old bedroom suite and surprised her with it when she returned from their summer vacation with Bert & Jessica!
It’s a good thing she had a great summer vacation because this year has been anything but a vacation for her...the I.B. programme has lived up to its reputation; and for someone who has never had to study, Hannah is gaining a new connotation of the word. She has applied such concepts as discipline, perserverance, determination, passion and diligence to her studies...it has most definitely been an uphill battle! But give credit where credit is due–I don’t know how I’d fare taking 4 AP/IB classes, 1 AP class and 1 honors class.
She still managed to make time for the fall play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as an “oompa loompa” and ventured out to perform in her first “open mic” show and to sing in 2 pre-performance shows. She plays the guitar as well as the piano and has found “the greatest music teachers in the world.”
She also managed to find time for a certain young man...Tim...the curve ball in her life from way out in left field! We were so sure she would graduate not having time for a relationship...ha! Though they are young, their relationship is one of the most mature I have seen.
Rebeka, on the other hand, sees the work that’s required to make a relationship work and has decided that, at 16, it’s not worth it. She’s content with having her driver’s license and access to the truck...! Her second year in I.B., Rebeka is earning all A’s except for 1 B. With 1 IB, 1 AP and 4 honors classes, that is quite a feat! She has set some high standards for herself and sticks with it–despite the stress! To de-stress, she took up track and cross country and has found new loves to compete with her violin...she lives with passion and joy.
Moving into her own room filled her with more than joy. We just finished painting her furniture, and now both girls are ready to pick out paint for their walls. They have two completely different tastes in decorating, so it should be interesting to watch their personalities extend into their spaces. These days they don’t get together like they once did with their activities taking them into two directions. So I haved love it when they get together with their instruments playing and working on Christmas songs...I also love it when they work together to clean up the kitchen!
The biggest thing we’ve been doing together is college previews...what a change since Jessica was in school. Both girls are most impressed with Belmont so far, but with its expensive price tag, they’ll need to secure some serious scholarships...so we keep looking.
They did finally make a decision on a church home–Fellowship Bible...it’s quite a bit larger than I would prefer, but the girls like the youth group and are already plugged in, so we will be calling it home...
Keith’s schedule limits his ability to become involved in too much of anything, but he can be found skiing or playing racquetball after work with his buddies who share the same work schedules. When he’s not at FedEx, he spends most of his time working to fix up the house. Though FedEx has cut his hours, we feel blessed that he has a job...so many around us have lost jobs, and we realize the times are still fragile.
I have found myself feeling that fragility in my own life and have spent more time and energy reinforcing my spiritual footings as I reevaluate all that is mine. It’s not easy to let go of those things God wants to prune from my life, but already I see the budding of fruit it will bear.
I am left wondering where and how I spent the remainder of my time and energy, but I am reminded that my investment into the lives of my family, though often unseen, will be multiplied for generations to come...and that is enough for me. One of my mentors used to say that parenting is not for wimps...and, indeed, it is the hardest job i’ve ever held, but it is also the most rewarding of all.
Reading through all the prior years’ Christmas letters, we’ve reminisced about what each year has brought and what we have loved about each season of our lives...each one offering its own magnificence and each one presenting its own growing pains. Hannah asked us which age we have enjoyed the most, and we honestly could not choose one...We have loved, yes LOVED, every year for its uniqueness and the joy it brought to our lives...and yet, to think back upon it all brings feelings of bittersweet to realize that those times are gone forever and remain only as memories to cherish and hold close in our hearts. So, as 2010 comes to a close, we remember the seasons of our lives that we have spent together with you, and it is those memories that we will carry with us always.
And like the snow that welcomes the beauty of Christmas, we pray that you will welcome the love of Christ into your hearts this season.
The final pages of 2010 are filled...and as we turn the page to a new year, I am looking forward to seeing the empty pages filled with how my cup runneth over in 2011
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sixteen Years Ago Today...
October 30, 2010
Sixteen years ago, my life was turned upside down...again (for the upteenth time)!
My belly was 10 times its normal size, and the rest of my body...well, it followed suit as well...I was pregnant not due to give birth until November 25. yeah. right.
Just finding out I was pregnant sent me topsy turvy! I went for my 6-month follow-up from Hannah's birth to find out i was nearly 3 months pregnant! My poor doctor had to pick me up off the floor! After all the years we tried to get pregnant with Hannah...???? Gave a whole new connotation to the phrase "it only takes one time..."
So, here it was a Sunday morning. I spent most of Saturday with what the doc thought were Braxton Hicks...so i counted minutes all that day. They finally disappeared late into Saturday night. But they woke me up with a vengeance Sunday morning. Funny thing, though. I felt fine as long as i was walking around, but i'd sit down and i was in pain! My friend, Vanessa, came over and confirmed my thoughts that I ought to go ahead and go in. My doctor was in the process of moving to another part of the state but promised to deliver my baby before he moved on...unfortunately, he chose that weekend to visit his new home.
So i'm in the emergency room, and I tell the doctor on call that I want MY doctor. He tells me that MY doctor is unavailable and HE is the one available. One of the things I had been very particular about was making sure that there would be only one doctor involved in my pregnancies, and Dr. Wells gave me his word that he would be the one. So while the doc-on-call and I are having a knock-down-drag-out about who would attend to me, it just so happened one of Dr. Wells nurses was also on call and when she found out I was one of his patients, she paged him...and as promised, he told her he was on his way. That lovely little angel came in and took over and let me know MY doctor was indeed on his way. Mr.-High-And-Mighty-Doctor got bent out of shape and left me with the nurse. During the next 45 minutes or so, my angel nurse and MY doctor are on the phone--she'd already got my chart file and they were exchanging information because though Hannah was delivered by C-section the September before (one month before her due date), I had chosen to deliver this baby vaginally.
So my wonderful doctor walks in and cracks a joke about my impatience in carrying children full-term, and then proceeds to start pressing around my belly. When he discovers that my pain is low and at the same place my former C-section was, he looks at me and says--very calmy "I know you really wanted to have this baby vaginally, but we need to do a C-section and we need to do it now" (emphasis on the "now"). Something inside of me knew I didn't need to waste any time following instructions.
I am terrified of epiderals...but it must've worked like a dream, cuz that's what it felt like for a long time...even when they handed her to me before whisking her away. I don't remember much after that, but according to my dear husband, he had a blast watching the doctor throwing my insides around.
To make a long story short, one of the medications I was taking had thinned the scar tissue area of the previous C-section, and when Rebeka turned downward, she pressed right into that scar...slowly tearing it...so what I thought were contractions were not...apparently she ripped right through there causing me a lot of internal bleeding. Her embryonic sac never broke which was a good thing, because we found out later that she would have drowned from the internal bleeding--or something like that.
So, sixteen years ago today, our second miracle baby was born that we, without a doubt, know God has great plans for that He would go through such great lengths to bring into our life!
Sixteen years later, she has come into her own and grown into a lovely young lady. She is my wild child full of life, full of passion, full of laughter...headstrong and strong willed, she has willed her life to become a woman of God. She is bright and funny, a lover and a nurturer. Confident and bold, she walks unafraid of life and basks in all its glory. Never one to sit still, she has grown her way through violin lessons, ballet, soccer, basketball, track and cross country.
Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we also celebrate God's providence in all things which allows my cup to runneth over!
Sixteen years ago, my life was turned upside down...again (for the upteenth time)!
My belly was 10 times its normal size, and the rest of my body...well, it followed suit as well...I was pregnant not due to give birth until November 25. yeah. right.
Just finding out I was pregnant sent me topsy turvy! I went for my 6-month follow-up from Hannah's birth to find out i was nearly 3 months pregnant! My poor doctor had to pick me up off the floor! After all the years we tried to get pregnant with Hannah...???? Gave a whole new connotation to the phrase "it only takes one time..."
So, here it was a Sunday morning. I spent most of Saturday with what the doc thought were Braxton Hicks...so i counted minutes all that day. They finally disappeared late into Saturday night. But they woke me up with a vengeance Sunday morning. Funny thing, though. I felt fine as long as i was walking around, but i'd sit down and i was in pain! My friend, Vanessa, came over and confirmed my thoughts that I ought to go ahead and go in. My doctor was in the process of moving to another part of the state but promised to deliver my baby before he moved on...unfortunately, he chose that weekend to visit his new home.
So i'm in the emergency room, and I tell the doctor on call that I want MY doctor. He tells me that MY doctor is unavailable and HE is the one available. One of the things I had been very particular about was making sure that there would be only one doctor involved in my pregnancies, and Dr. Wells gave me his word that he would be the one. So while the doc-on-call and I are having a knock-down-drag-out about who would attend to me, it just so happened one of Dr. Wells nurses was also on call and when she found out I was one of his patients, she paged him...and as promised, he told her he was on his way. That lovely little angel came in and took over and let me know MY doctor was indeed on his way. Mr.-High-And-Mighty-Doctor got bent out of shape and left me with the nurse. During the next 45 minutes or so, my angel nurse and MY doctor are on the phone--she'd already got my chart file and they were exchanging information because though Hannah was delivered by C-section the September before (one month before her due date), I had chosen to deliver this baby vaginally.
So my wonderful doctor walks in and cracks a joke about my impatience in carrying children full-term, and then proceeds to start pressing around my belly. When he discovers that my pain is low and at the same place my former C-section was, he looks at me and says--very calmy "I know you really wanted to have this baby vaginally, but we need to do a C-section and we need to do it now" (emphasis on the "now"). Something inside of me knew I didn't need to waste any time following instructions.
I am terrified of epiderals...but it must've worked like a dream, cuz that's what it felt like for a long time...even when they handed her to me before whisking her away. I don't remember much after that, but according to my dear husband, he had a blast watching the doctor throwing my insides around.
To make a long story short, one of the medications I was taking had thinned the scar tissue area of the previous C-section, and when Rebeka turned downward, she pressed right into that scar...slowly tearing it...so what I thought were contractions were not...apparently she ripped right through there causing me a lot of internal bleeding. Her embryonic sac never broke which was a good thing, because we found out later that she would have drowned from the internal bleeding--or something like that.
So, sixteen years ago today, our second miracle baby was born that we, without a doubt, know God has great plans for that He would go through such great lengths to bring into our life!
Sixteen years later, she has come into her own and grown into a lovely young lady. She is my wild child full of life, full of passion, full of laughter...headstrong and strong willed, she has willed her life to become a woman of God. She is bright and funny, a lover and a nurturer. Confident and bold, she walks unafraid of life and basks in all its glory. Never one to sit still, she has grown her way through violin lessons, ballet, soccer, basketball, track and cross country.
Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we also celebrate God's providence in all things which allows my cup to runneth over!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
college preview days and other recruiting strategies
The last time we were visiting potential colleges, they were called college visits. That in 1997 when Jessica was browsing. Now it's called "College Preview Days," and the day is jam packed with all kinds of sessions and food and speeches and food and tours and food. Did i mention food? Up until this last weekend, my focus has been on the cafeteria--my first question has been "What are the cafeteria hours?" (Well, except for one visit where i asked about married housing...but that's a whole 'nother blog topic.) Anywhoaways--Man, some of these colleges serve some great grub and are open 24/7!!! And up until last weekend, my vote was for Sewanee despite it's $46,000-a-year price tag. They have the market on wining and dining--that's for sure!
But this week, we visited Belmont...breakfast was continental--thank goodness they did serve coffee. Lunch was a boxed lunch. Wedidn't even get to tour the cafeteria! I'd already crossed the school off my mental list of "for real" choices.
But then, something happened--not exactly sure what. Well, okay, i do know what--the Holy Spirit came barging in--not that He wasn't welcome because there's been an open invitation throughout this whole process (so here come's the serious part)...
So we listen to the President's speech, watch a video and, WHAM! Wow, this is a school that seems to center on the whole person, not just academic excellence (which they did spend quite a bit of time reinforcing) but personal excellence as well! Then the girls had to choose a potential major. They chose--get this--School of Religion! Where di dthat come from? (okay, we've already established that answer!) Though Hannah's logic was that the other areas of interest would have tons of kids and there would be less oppportunity for questions, etc., we agreed it was Providence. During that next hour and a half, they discovered areas God might be calling them to pursue, and they fell in love with this School. They were excited to find out about the academic challenges in the different areas for majors, but they were also excited to find out these folks would take the time to help discover their gifts, talents, interests, and strengths and use that knowledge to guide them in choosing their live's careers.
They fell in love the the opportunities available to serve and to grow in their faith. Did you hear that--EXCITED?! They were ECSTATIC! And because they are pursuing an IB degree, they could potentially earn 24 credits upon entrance, or one full year knocked off--that's a savings of $33,000...!!! Needless to say, Belmont is in the running and has moved to 1st place so far. So, with 4 colleges down and 4 more visits in the works, this is becoming quite an interesting journey--watching my daughters process, evaluate, compare and pray over their future possibilities.
Some say a mother's job as parent is nearly finished at this point, but i've found that quite the opposite is true!!! I'm stepping up my prayer life BIG TIME! So many things have been added to my prayer "list"--not just generalizations like wisdom, discernment and maturity, but specifics such as which school will build them up into the women God has planned and will lead to their life abundant and what degree pursuit will lead them there...? and which cafeteria will offer the healthiest food with the most available hours?!!!!! You think i'm kidding? That really isn't as humorous as it sounds! A parent thinks about those things at this point--especially when their eating habits are already on the brink of catastrophe before they've graduated high school!
But when all is said and done, I am excited for them and this time...because it is one more reason why my cup runneth over!
But this week, we visited Belmont...breakfast was continental--thank goodness they did serve coffee. Lunch was a boxed lunch. Wedidn't even get to tour the cafeteria! I'd already crossed the school off my mental list of "for real" choices.
But then, something happened--not exactly sure what. Well, okay, i do know what--the Holy Spirit came barging in--not that He wasn't welcome because there's been an open invitation throughout this whole process (so here come's the serious part)...
So we listen to the President's speech, watch a video and, WHAM! Wow, this is a school that seems to center on the whole person, not just academic excellence (which they did spend quite a bit of time reinforcing) but personal excellence as well! Then the girls had to choose a potential major. They chose--get this--School of Religion! Where di dthat come from? (okay, we've already established that answer!) Though Hannah's logic was that the other areas of interest would have tons of kids and there would be less oppportunity for questions, etc., we agreed it was Providence. During that next hour and a half, they discovered areas God might be calling them to pursue, and they fell in love with this School. They were excited to find out about the academic challenges in the different areas for majors, but they were also excited to find out these folks would take the time to help discover their gifts, talents, interests, and strengths and use that knowledge to guide them in choosing their live's careers.
They fell in love the the opportunities available to serve and to grow in their faith. Did you hear that--EXCITED?! They were ECSTATIC! And because they are pursuing an IB degree, they could potentially earn 24 credits upon entrance, or one full year knocked off--that's a savings of $33,000...!!! Needless to say, Belmont is in the running and has moved to 1st place so far. So, with 4 colleges down and 4 more visits in the works, this is becoming quite an interesting journey--watching my daughters process, evaluate, compare and pray over their future possibilities.
Some say a mother's job as parent is nearly finished at this point, but i've found that quite the opposite is true!!! I'm stepping up my prayer life BIG TIME! So many things have been added to my prayer "list"--not just generalizations like wisdom, discernment and maturity, but specifics such as which school will build them up into the women God has planned and will lead to their life abundant and what degree pursuit will lead them there...? and which cafeteria will offer the healthiest food with the most available hours?!!!!! You think i'm kidding? That really isn't as humorous as it sounds! A parent thinks about those things at this point--especially when their eating habits are already on the brink of catastrophe before they've graduated high school!
But when all is said and done, I am excited for them and this time...because it is one more reason why my cup runneth over!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Carole King and other Artistry
"Mom, it's a Carole King kind of day!" Hannah exclaimed as she grabbed the cd on our way out the door headed for Goodlettsville, an hour's drive from our home.
Indeed, today was pure pefection! The artistry with which God had painted this day was vibrant and amazingly alive--nothing short of brilliant. What a day to be driving...so much to soak up and bask in!
As we headed out of the subdivision, we rolled down the windows and turned the music up...she was right...it was a Carole King kind of day.
It's amazing how Carole King transcends all time...every song that plays takes me back to another place, another time. I can remember being something like 8 years old and singing such tunes as "Hi-Di-Ho" and "Wasn't Born to Follow." Songs like "Jazzman" will always fill my memory with warm California breezes and my first year in high school. "Nightingale" will forever remain a reminder of the changes moving from California to Tennessee brought about. OH! and the "Tapestry" album--"I Feel the Earth Move," "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," "Where You Lead," "You've Got a Friend," "Natural Woman," and of course, "Tapestry." I still remember the portable stereo I carried EVERYWHERE with me...I warped that album playing it over and over. But that album followed me to college, and there I found much solace when it eluded me everywhere else.
Even later, I brought those songs into my daily life...Keith and I fell in love by such songs as "Up On the Roof," I rocked my babies to sleep singing "Child of Mine" and "Way Over Yonder," and when the grumpies hit the kids, I have been known to break out with "Beautiful" or "Sweet Seasons!"
So here we are, traveling down the road; and at 16 and 17 years old, both my girls are joining me in singing at the top of our lungs--and they know all the words to all the songs!...songs that cross two generations and turned this gorgeous Fall day into an extraordinary memory!
As I catch glimpses of Hannah and Rebeka, hair flying, mouths wide open in full smiles, bodies moving to the rhythm, I know my cup runneth over!
Indeed, today was pure pefection! The artistry with which God had painted this day was vibrant and amazingly alive--nothing short of brilliant. What a day to be driving...so much to soak up and bask in!
As we headed out of the subdivision, we rolled down the windows and turned the music up...she was right...it was a Carole King kind of day.
It's amazing how Carole King transcends all time...every song that plays takes me back to another place, another time. I can remember being something like 8 years old and singing such tunes as "Hi-Di-Ho" and "Wasn't Born to Follow." Songs like "Jazzman" will always fill my memory with warm California breezes and my first year in high school. "Nightingale" will forever remain a reminder of the changes moving from California to Tennessee brought about. OH! and the "Tapestry" album--"I Feel the Earth Move," "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," "Where You Lead," "You've Got a Friend," "Natural Woman," and of course, "Tapestry." I still remember the portable stereo I carried EVERYWHERE with me...I warped that album playing it over and over. But that album followed me to college, and there I found much solace when it eluded me everywhere else.
Even later, I brought those songs into my daily life...Keith and I fell in love by such songs as "Up On the Roof," I rocked my babies to sleep singing "Child of Mine" and "Way Over Yonder," and when the grumpies hit the kids, I have been known to break out with "Beautiful" or "Sweet Seasons!"
So here we are, traveling down the road; and at 16 and 17 years old, both my girls are joining me in singing at the top of our lungs--and they know all the words to all the songs!...songs that cross two generations and turned this gorgeous Fall day into an extraordinary memory!
As I catch glimpses of Hannah and Rebeka, hair flying, mouths wide open in full smiles, bodies moving to the rhythm, I know my cup runneth over!
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