I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth... I promise. It's just you see, my walls are calling me. Now before you think I've lost my mind, let me me explain. We went away recently and while we were gone we had our hardwood floors refinished. Great, right?
Really great, except everything, including the inside of my kitchen cupboards are covered in a fine, gritty layer of wood-chip dust. That was last week's project. Now to this week's project. With everything removed from the family room and kitchen area (crammed, piled, and stacked in my living room and dining room - oh yes, this was not immune to the dusting too!), my husband and I noticed how dingy and nasty looking the walls had become.
So, what to do? Paint them. Now my family room isn't just any family room. When we built this welcome addition 10 years ago we had the great idea of installing lots of big windows and a vaulted ceiling. Pretty for sure but, it's a bugger to clean and paint! Well, lets just say I'm in over my head, especially since I'm hosting a Pampered Chef party this Friday night - yikes!
Anyhow, let me give you an inkling of my morning this Monday.
Wake up 6:30am to the lingering smell of polyurethane (from the hardwood floors). Tiptoe downstairs and read my Bible (I'm finishing up in the book of John). My teenager staggers down the steps 15 minutes later, tripping over the vacuum cord (I left the vacuum out from cleaning up constant spackling dust - oh yes, we have to patch and spackle those little "dings" in the walls). My teen, the responsible dude that he is begins to make his own breakfast. Suddenly I hear a loud "pop" in the kitchen.
"Uh, Mom, my eggs exploded."
I peeked into the microwave at the nuclear waste disaster and the plastic microwave dish especially made for cooking eggs. Not only was the smell of eggs permeating the room, it mixed with the nauseating smell of freshly finished hardwood floors. Time was ticking so I told my son to eat some breakfast and make his lunch and I'd clean the mess.
That was phase one. Now for phase two. My seven-year-old (yes, he's now seven since last week) decided he did not want to wake up for school. After much pleading and prompting, he flopped onto the extra bed comforter in the middle of the family room that is substituting for a couch until we paint the room and return the furniture.
"Come eat breakfast at the table, hon."
My youngest son, flipped from one side to the other and buried his head like an ostrich into the bedspread on the floor. "I'm not hungry," came the muffled response.
"Well, you still need to eat. Mommy poured the milk into the cereal and I even made your favorite - cinnamon toast."
"I'm not hungry."
"Sit on this chair now and at least take a couple of bites."
My first-grader shuffled over to the chair, his arms dragging like a gorilla. He climbed into the chair and leaned his elbows on the table.
"Eat."
"I don't want to."
"You can't go to school without food in your tummy. You'll feel weak and won't be able to think straight."
No response.
Finally, I pulled out the stops and called for my husband who was busy getting ready for work upstairs. After daddy gave our son a mini-lecture on how food is fuel for your body like gas for a car, I looked at the clock.
"We have to leave now or we're going to be late."
I opened the drawer for the car keys.
"Where are the keys?" I said out loud. "Who drove the car home from church last night?" (See how demented I had become all ready this morning? I couldn't even remember who had the keys last. There were three possible culprits: myself, my husband or my missing teenager all ready on his way to school.)
"You did," my husband replied.
"Where could I have put them? I always, well, usually put them in the drawer."
"Did you check inside the door locks? On top of the washer and dryer? On the kitchen counter under the painting supplies?"
"No, wait. I drove home from church in the morning. You drove home when we came home from evening service. Where did you put them?"
"Check my coat pocket. No, the rain jacket."
After five minutes of frantic searching my son called me into the kitchen. "Mommy? Are these your keys."
"I checked the drawer. How did I miss them? Thank you honey!"
I looked at the clock.
"Oh no. It's four minutes until school starts and it's a ten minute drive. We are going to be late for the second time this year!"
Okay, I thought to myself on the ride over. What am I going to list on the tardy slip for the reason we're late this time? Lost keys? Egg explosion? Dismantled house?
After dropping my little guy at school, I breathed a sigh of relief. When all the craziness of the morning settled, I thought about a Bible verse. This verse has come back to me time and time again. I guess I need to learn it in a hundred different ways (or more.)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
You know, when I was reading in the book of John this morning, Jesus' disciples had a problem with being a bit thick headed, like me. After Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, Peter and John ran to the empty tomb. The Bible says in John 20:9, "For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead."
Now what does that mean? Jesus had told them many times that He was going to the cross and after the third day He would rise again from the dead. Why didn't they "know" the Scripture? Why didn't they listen?
Reading God's Word and obeying God's Word is so important. The Holy Spirit will bring to our memory those things which we have learned. And that my friends gives me hope. All is not lost - time spent in the Word is so well, life-changing - at least that's the Spirit's goal!
Be anxious for nothing like Philippians 4:6 says... now that's a lesson I need to revisit, eggs, keys, and all! Now if you'll excuse me, my walls are calling!
Live the adventure,
Susan
Living the Adventure
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Family Tradition
We've been celebrating lately...
Both my sons were born in September - six days apart by date but ten apart by years. Praise God for His goodness!
There's a little birthday song we sing in our family. After singing the traditional Happy Birthday song, we sing this:
I'm not sure how or where this song originated, I'll have to ask my parents about his one. But it was a Zweitzig family tradition (Zweitzig was my maiden name) as long as I can remember! It sure gets some interesting looks when we sing it at a restaurant - and my kids make sure we sing both songs!
Both my sons were born in September - six days apart by date but ten apart by years. Praise God for His goodness!
There's a little birthday song we sing in our family. After singing the traditional Happy Birthday song, we sing this:
A Happy Birthday to you,
A Happy Birthday to you,
May you feel Jesus near,
Every day of the year.
A Happy Birthday to you,
A Happy Birthday to you,
And the best year you've ever had!
Hey!
I'm not sure how or where this song originated, I'll have to ask my parents about his one. But it was a Zweitzig family tradition (Zweitzig was my maiden name) as long as I can remember! It sure gets some interesting looks when we sing it at a restaurant - and my kids make sure we sing both songs!
Oh, I forgot to mention that other family September birthdays include 2 nephews, 1 niece, 1 sister, 1 brother-in-law, and my dear grandfather who turned 89!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Call of the Writer
by Susan Kelly Skitt
Could I become what I am not?
Should that be my prayer?
Will my words be true to Your heart –
Words of love and care?
What words do You want me to write, dear Lord?
What words do You want me to say?
Will my words speak comfort and peace to all
Who happen to come my way?
Empty me of self, dear Jesus, I pray
And make my heart ever new –
True to Your Word, Your truth, Your life,
A reflection dear Lord of You.
by Susan Kelly Skitt
Could I become what I am not?
Should that be my prayer?
Will my words be true to Your heart –
Words of love and care?
What words do You want me to write, dear Lord?
What words do You want me to say?
Will my words speak comfort and peace to all
Who happen to come my way?
Empty me of self, dear Jesus, I pray
And make my heart ever new –
True to Your Word, Your truth, Your life,
A reflection dear Lord of You.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Of Lasting Value
I shivered in the cold but it had nothing to do with the temperature on this December night. It was a few days before Christmas and my husband and I had just returned from a quiet evening with friends from church.
“Hon, did you leave the door open?” I was referring to the side door of our house.
“No,” my husband said, alarm ringing in his voice. “I didn’t. You stay right here.”
“Be careful... please!”
Pin-pricks tingled down my spine. What happened while we were gone? Soon all the lights were shining in our ranch-style home. After several seconds that felt more like hours, I called to my husband. “Are you all right?” I watched my husband return from the back bedrooms. His face looked like ash.
“Someone broke into our home. We’ve been robbed.”
I stepped into our kitchen and my jaw dropped. The cabinets were flung wide open and drawers were pulled out and dumped. Kitchenware was strewn haphazardly across the floor. I took a few steps further into our living room. Our very first Christmas tree sparkled in the picture window, its tiny white lights glistening in stark contrast to the empty space under the tree.
“They stole our presents.” My voice sounded flat. “I can’t believe they stole our presents.” As newlyweds this was the first year we had been able to buy special presents for our parents, grandparents, and sisters and brothers. We had worked hard to do this and I was so excited that I had wrapped each gift in advance and placed them under our tree.
I followed my husband into our bedroom and my stomach tightened. I felt like I was going to be sick.
“Be careful,” my husband said. “They broke through our bedroom window. There’s glass all over the place.”
I looked at our bedroom, the place where we slept safe and sound every night for the last four months. Clothes drawers had been pulled out and tossed onto the floor. I felt violated. I wanted to cry but I was too angry.
I stared at my empty jewelry box. “They took my opal ring. They even took my class ring.” Both rings were special to me. The opal was my “steady ring” from my husband while we were dating. And my parents had sacrificed to buy me my high school class ring while living on a limited budget raising four children.
We found out later from the police that some young guys had broken into our home to steal items to sell for drug money. I am thankful that we were not home when the thieves broke in.
I learned a vivid lesson that first Christmas in my new home. What we have here on earth is temporal - it does not last forever. Only what Jesus gives is eternal. Jesus says in John 10:10 that, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
The life that Jesus offers us has value - eternal value. For those who trust Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, He gives life that does not measure its value with money or earthly treasures. He gives us refuge in His everlasting arms and the promise of an eternal home in Heaven where thieves will never break through and steal.
Shelia Walsh says in the Women of Faith Devotional Bible, “Jesus gives purpose and meaning to every single day.” I agree with that statement with all my heart. Jesus is our life and our eternal hope of glory. Are you living in His abundance?
May you experience God’s richest blessings,
Susan
“He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.” Proverbs 11:28
Note: I am reading in the book of John right now and when I read John 10:10 today, it brought these thoughts to mind. I began reading through the Bible in January of 2007 and this is where I am in my daily readings.
Don't forget to take a look at my post below. I've written twice today, but probably won't post for at least another week :) For those of you from America, have a great Labor Day holiday today!
“Hon, did you leave the door open?” I was referring to the side door of our house.
“No,” my husband said, alarm ringing in his voice. “I didn’t. You stay right here.”
“Be careful... please!”
Pin-pricks tingled down my spine. What happened while we were gone? Soon all the lights were shining in our ranch-style home. After several seconds that felt more like hours, I called to my husband. “Are you all right?” I watched my husband return from the back bedrooms. His face looked like ash.
“Someone broke into our home. We’ve been robbed.”
I stepped into our kitchen and my jaw dropped. The cabinets were flung wide open and drawers were pulled out and dumped. Kitchenware was strewn haphazardly across the floor. I took a few steps further into our living room. Our very first Christmas tree sparkled in the picture window, its tiny white lights glistening in stark contrast to the empty space under the tree.
“They stole our presents.” My voice sounded flat. “I can’t believe they stole our presents.” As newlyweds this was the first year we had been able to buy special presents for our parents, grandparents, and sisters and brothers. We had worked hard to do this and I was so excited that I had wrapped each gift in advance and placed them under our tree.
I followed my husband into our bedroom and my stomach tightened. I felt like I was going to be sick.
“Be careful,” my husband said. “They broke through our bedroom window. There’s glass all over the place.”
I looked at our bedroom, the place where we slept safe and sound every night for the last four months. Clothes drawers had been pulled out and tossed onto the floor. I felt violated. I wanted to cry but I was too angry.
I stared at my empty jewelry box. “They took my opal ring. They even took my class ring.” Both rings were special to me. The opal was my “steady ring” from my husband while we were dating. And my parents had sacrificed to buy me my high school class ring while living on a limited budget raising four children.
We found out later from the police that some young guys had broken into our home to steal items to sell for drug money. I am thankful that we were not home when the thieves broke in.
I learned a vivid lesson that first Christmas in my new home. What we have here on earth is temporal - it does not last forever. Only what Jesus gives is eternal. Jesus says in John 10:10 that, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
The life that Jesus offers us has value - eternal value. For those who trust Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, He gives life that does not measure its value with money or earthly treasures. He gives us refuge in His everlasting arms and the promise of an eternal home in Heaven where thieves will never break through and steal.
Shelia Walsh says in the Women of Faith Devotional Bible, “Jesus gives purpose and meaning to every single day.” I agree with that statement with all my heart. Jesus is our life and our eternal hope of glory. Are you living in His abundance?
May you experience God’s richest blessings,
Susan
“He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.” Proverbs 11:28
Note: I am reading in the book of John right now and when I read John 10:10 today, it brought these thoughts to mind. I began reading through the Bible in January of 2007 and this is where I am in my daily readings.
Don't forget to take a look at my post below. I've written twice today, but probably won't post for at least another week :) For those of you from America, have a great Labor Day holiday today!
6 Random Facts (With A Twist)
My dear blog friend Angela at Refresh My Soul blog has tagged me for a 6 Random Facts MeMe. Angela has posted the rules on her blog if you would like to check them out. I’d encourage you to take a visit to Refresh My Soul. I know my soul is always refreshed while visiting. Angela has such a lovely, tender heart toward the Lord Jesus Christ and a joy that is bubbling over!
Since I’ve written more than enough about myself in other MeMe’s, (click here for my 100 Things MeMe), and I have participated in two other Random Facts MeMe’s before (click here if you’re interested), I decided to do a twist for this MeMe.
I will post 6 Random Things that I see around my home, either on the floor or on my desk, or on the kitchen table, (well, you get the idea). My hopes are that you might catch a glimpse of my life from a different angle. I call this The 6 Random Facts MeMe with a Twist!
Here’s what I see when I look around my home:
1 – TNTC (too numerous to count) Orange foam Nerf darts
2 – A ball that explodes into a parachute when you throw it in the air
3 – My Women of Faith Devotional Bible
4 – Pop-up play tent
5 – Nylabone dog bone
6 – Weber “Go Anywhere Grill” instructions
I don’t know, it seems fairly consistent with my life. What do you think? Anybody want to do this little twist on the 6 Random Facts MeMe? Please feel free to join in the fun and let me know you’ve posted so others can check it out!
Live the adventure,
Susan
“Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.” Psalm 5:11
Since I’ve written more than enough about myself in other MeMe’s, (click here for my 100 Things MeMe), and I have participated in two other Random Facts MeMe’s before (click here if you’re interested), I decided to do a twist for this MeMe.
I will post 6 Random Things that I see around my home, either on the floor or on my desk, or on the kitchen table, (well, you get the idea). My hopes are that you might catch a glimpse of my life from a different angle. I call this The 6 Random Facts MeMe with a Twist!
Here’s what I see when I look around my home:
1 – TNTC (too numerous to count) Orange foam Nerf darts
2 – A ball that explodes into a parachute when you throw it in the air
3 – My Women of Faith Devotional Bible
4 – Pop-up play tent
5 – Nylabone dog bone
6 – Weber “Go Anywhere Grill” instructions
I don’t know, it seems fairly consistent with my life. What do you think? Anybody want to do this little twist on the 6 Random Facts MeMe? Please feel free to join in the fun and let me know you’ve posted so others can check it out!
Live the adventure,
Susan
“Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.” Psalm 5:11
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