Once there was a little boy eating his supper. On his green plate were three grapes. A mommy grape, a daddy grape, and a baby grape. The mommy and daddy grapes were quite cooperative and hopped into the little boy's mouth, where they made their way to the little boy's tummy.
The baby grape however, was not ready to do what his mommy and daddy did, so he rolled across the table. Then he jumped, jumped, jumped, and "pound-pound, saw-saw"-ed on the table. Finally, that little grape leaped off the table and rolled across the dining room rug. The little boy dove after him, and in the process bonked his head on the neighboring chair. He ran to his mommy for a hug and a kiss, and together they looked for that naughty baby grape. When they found him, the little boy popped the impertinent produce into his mouth and squooshed him up. He felt a little sorry for the baby grape who was all alone, so he ate some raisins to keep him company. Then the little boy, put his plate in the sink and ran off to play with his toys, rather than clean them up as asked.
And so, the old adage that we are what we eat is true. The little boy became the naughty grape that he had eaten.
(as mostly related by Isaac to his Mommy)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Going to the "Big Guy"
It's been a rough few weeks here. Life has had to have a "new kind of normal." Isaac has done really well with many of the changes he's had to put up with, but it's his prayer life that is most captivating to me.
We've made a point over the last year (at least since he started using "words") to include him in his bedtime prayers. We ask him each night what he wants to thank Jesus for. This is often an entertaining list of trucks, individual friends, trains, family members, boats, kitty cats, school buses (the kid likes things that move!). Lately though he's started to include some new elements.
For instance, a few weeks ago, when we were praying for the little girl that he will one day marry, he covered my mouth with his little hand, and interrupted, "No Mommy, is Meena." (She is one of his buddies.) Another night, when asking him what he wanted to thank Jesus for, he named one of his Puggle teachers (whom he hadn't seen in several weeks). Then last week, he had his first prayer "for" something. He asked Jesus to make Daddy's "big owies" better (Note: we were in a car accident several weeks ago, and that has been a source of stress in ALL of our lives).
But nothing tops last night's petition:
"Jesus, please Meena come play."
Apparently Mommy had not done well enough at managing a certain two year old's social calendar, because he felt that he needed to ask Jesus to intercede on Mommy's behalf.
I LOVE THIS!!!
My little boy has learned that God is intimately involved and interested in the minute details of his life that his mommy might be overwhelmed and unable to fix or deal with. So, he takes his petitions straight to God. He prays simply and specifically for his "needs." And he trusts with his child-like faith that God will respond and answer his prayers. Oh, for a faith like that!
I did however call Meena's mommy last night. We're working on scheduling. But they will play, because God does answer the littlest prayers too.
We've made a point over the last year (at least since he started using "words") to include him in his bedtime prayers. We ask him each night what he wants to thank Jesus for. This is often an entertaining list of trucks, individual friends, trains, family members, boats, kitty cats, school buses (the kid likes things that move!). Lately though he's started to include some new elements.
For instance, a few weeks ago, when we were praying for the little girl that he will one day marry, he covered my mouth with his little hand, and interrupted, "No Mommy, is Meena." (She is one of his buddies.) Another night, when asking him what he wanted to thank Jesus for, he named one of his Puggle teachers (whom he hadn't seen in several weeks). Then last week, he had his first prayer "for" something. He asked Jesus to make Daddy's "big owies" better (Note: we were in a car accident several weeks ago, and that has been a source of stress in ALL of our lives).
But nothing tops last night's petition:
"Jesus, please Meena come play."
Apparently Mommy had not done well enough at managing a certain two year old's social calendar, because he felt that he needed to ask Jesus to intercede on Mommy's behalf.
I LOVE THIS!!!
My little boy has learned that God is intimately involved and interested in the minute details of his life that his mommy might be overwhelmed and unable to fix or deal with. So, he takes his petitions straight to God. He prays simply and specifically for his "needs." And he trusts with his child-like faith that God will respond and answer his prayers. Oh, for a faith like that!
I did however call Meena's mommy last night. We're working on scheduling. But they will play, because God does answer the littlest prayers too.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Craving Authenticity
There has been a really big push in advertising and ministry circles over the last few years: this buzzword "authentic" and its variations. An "authentic experience" or "authentic cuisine" or "authentic relationships." It's the last one that has me really thinking lately.
So many people say that they want to have "authentic relationships." However, what they really mean is, "I want people to just leave me alone and accept me for being me without wanting me to change." However, we rarely want to give the same freedom to anybody else. We say we "crave authenticity," but what we really crave is someone being what we want them to be to us, without taking responsibility for what we bring to the relationship.
Relationships are a two-way street. I have my foibles. I'm quite aware of them. Some I've introduced myself to, others have been dragged into my presence with great kicking and screaming. Still others I've given birth to through my desires and experiences. They make me, well "me."
My question and challenge to myself today is, can I let you be the authentic person that God designed you to be, and in doing so, celebrate His creation in you? The murkier question (which I cannot answer) is whether you are willing to do the same for me?
So many people say that they want to have "authentic relationships." However, what they really mean is, "I want people to just leave me alone and accept me for being me without wanting me to change." However, we rarely want to give the same freedom to anybody else. We say we "crave authenticity," but what we really crave is someone being what we want them to be to us, without taking responsibility for what we bring to the relationship.
Relationships are a two-way street. I have my foibles. I'm quite aware of them. Some I've introduced myself to, others have been dragged into my presence with great kicking and screaming. Still others I've given birth to through my desires and experiences. They make me, well "me."
My question and challenge to myself today is, can I let you be the authentic person that God designed you to be, and in doing so, celebrate His creation in you? The murkier question (which I cannot answer) is whether you are willing to do the same for me?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Putting Jesus in Time Out
Once again, Jesus paid for sin. This time, it was in his plastic infant form; the form that Isaac plays with in his Fisher Price Nativity set. Having been told that he needed to pick up his toys before lunch and nap time (we have a busy afternoon and evening), he kept dawdling. Finally after 45 minutes, I set the timer for seven minutes (now mind you I had been helping a little), and said, "when the timer goes 'Ding!' any toys Mommy sees out and has to put away are going in time out."
Well, the alphabet blocks got cleaned up. Three books got cleaned up. A ball went where it belonged. Baby Jesus was left out.
It's a fitting reminder to how we ignore Christ until we need him. We put him in a time-out that he willingly goes to because he loves us enough to give us free will (two year olds are excellent reminders of the cost of loving someone else when they don't always seem to love us back!). And then, he takes out punishment (even in the wrath of a mama who is tired of picking up too many toys every day).
God loves meenough to take my time-out and the other punishment that I deserve. He loves you too.
Baby Jesus is still going to sit in time-out today though. Mommy keeps her promises, just like God. But Resurrection Day will happen tomorrow.
Well, the alphabet blocks got cleaned up. Three books got cleaned up. A ball went where it belonged. Baby Jesus was left out.
It's a fitting reminder to how we ignore Christ until we need him. We put him in a time-out that he willingly goes to because he loves us enough to give us free will (two year olds are excellent reminders of the cost of loving someone else when they don't always seem to love us back!). And then, he takes out punishment (even in the wrath of a mama who is tired of picking up too many toys every day).
God loves meenough to take my time-out and the other punishment that I deserve. He loves you too.
Baby Jesus is still going to sit in time-out today though. Mommy keeps her promises, just like God. But Resurrection Day will happen tomorrow.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Two Today!
Happy Birthday Little Guy!
Today you are two. You run, you hop, you say so much. You love to climb and laugh. You always have a smile (even when you are in trouble), and you give the best hugs and kisses (when you want to). You have wonderful manners (most of the time), and go so far as to tell your toys "I sowwy" when you drop them on the floor.
You love to count and find the capital letters in your books (which we read over, and over, and over again). You love to color and are learning to write your name (you know all of the letters in the right order, you just don't have the motor coordination yet to do it yourself). You love to squoosh play dough, especially with the star and kitty cat cookie cutters; then tell us you are all done and want another color to play with.
You've just learned that running around in the backyard and getting "rained on" by the sprinkler is a good time, and you love to run next door into Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Pat's yard (and driveway), and point out all of the flowers and clouds as you stall on going back to your yard.
You love identifying big trucks, trains, big cars, and now, motorcycles. You are getting to be a lot of fun in the car as you see letters, numbers, and colors everywhere, and want to share them with Mommy and Daddy. You still don't like driving through the middle of nowhere with nothing to look at, but that's okay, because Mommy doesn't either.
You love pizza, hot doggies, cheese sticks, purple applesauce, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, wraps, and pea-buttah (peanut butter sandwiches).
You think that watching TV is a lot of fun, but Noggin and Sesame Street have spoiled you; you think that Mommy and Daddy shouldn't have to fast-forward to find the next part of a show.
Mommy and Daddy love to hear you say your "Thank You God's;" we never know what you are going to thank Jesus for on any given night. Your thanks ranges from people, places, foods, things, to transportation. Mommy and Daddy pray that you never lose your thankful spirit.
You got a train table for your birthday (with lots of trains and track pieces). You have come and thanked Mommy and Daddy for them three times in the first twenty minutes you were awake this morning. You have such a sweet heart, spirit, and voice.
Mommy and Daddy love you lots little monster. We prayed for you to be here, happy, and healthy for a very long time. You are all three of those things. We continue to pray that you will grow up to love Jesus, more than anybody or anything else; that you will make good choices and be a good influence on everyone around you. We pray for your friends, that they will grow up to love Jesus, and to be a good influence on you, making good choices. We pray for the little girl that you will marry someday. We pray that she will grow up to love God, to love you, and to make good choices along the way. We pray for her parents, that they will love her in such a way to make everything we're praying for easier.
We love you Isaac Zachariah. We named you that on purpose. God has remembered us with you, and you continuously bring us laughter as you laugh with us and grow.
Happy Birthday Little Man! You are a precious gift, and we can't wait to see what plans God has in store for you!
Today you are two. You run, you hop, you say so much. You love to climb and laugh. You always have a smile (even when you are in trouble), and you give the best hugs and kisses (when you want to). You have wonderful manners (most of the time), and go so far as to tell your toys "I sowwy" when you drop them on the floor.
You love to count and find the capital letters in your books (which we read over, and over, and over again). You love to color and are learning to write your name (you know all of the letters in the right order, you just don't have the motor coordination yet to do it yourself). You love to squoosh play dough, especially with the star and kitty cat cookie cutters; then tell us you are all done and want another color to play with.
You've just learned that running around in the backyard and getting "rained on" by the sprinkler is a good time, and you love to run next door into Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Pat's yard (and driveway), and point out all of the flowers and clouds as you stall on going back to your yard.
You love identifying big trucks, trains, big cars, and now, motorcycles. You are getting to be a lot of fun in the car as you see letters, numbers, and colors everywhere, and want to share them with Mommy and Daddy. You still don't like driving through the middle of nowhere with nothing to look at, but that's okay, because Mommy doesn't either.
You love pizza, hot doggies, cheese sticks, purple applesauce, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, wraps, and pea-buttah (peanut butter sandwiches).
You think that watching TV is a lot of fun, but Noggin and Sesame Street have spoiled you; you think that Mommy and Daddy shouldn't have to fast-forward to find the next part of a show.
Mommy and Daddy love to hear you say your "Thank You God's;" we never know what you are going to thank Jesus for on any given night. Your thanks ranges from people, places, foods, things, to transportation. Mommy and Daddy pray that you never lose your thankful spirit.
You got a train table for your birthday (with lots of trains and track pieces). You have come and thanked Mommy and Daddy for them three times in the first twenty minutes you were awake this morning. You have such a sweet heart, spirit, and voice.
Mommy and Daddy love you lots little monster. We prayed for you to be here, happy, and healthy for a very long time. You are all three of those things. We continue to pray that you will grow up to love Jesus, more than anybody or anything else; that you will make good choices and be a good influence on everyone around you. We pray for your friends, that they will grow up to love Jesus, and to be a good influence on you, making good choices. We pray for the little girl that you will marry someday. We pray that she will grow up to love God, to love you, and to make good choices along the way. We pray for her parents, that they will love her in such a way to make everything we're praying for easier.
We love you Isaac Zachariah. We named you that on purpose. God has remembered us with you, and you continuously bring us laughter as you laugh with us and grow.
Happy Birthday Little Man! You are a precious gift, and we can't wait to see what plans God has in store for you!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Anem!
A couple of things about me (if you haven't figured out already!). First, I don't keep up with this nearly as much as I should. Second, I have a really sweet, very perceptive little guy. If he keeps this up, he will make some girl very happy someday. Seriously. Tonight, case in point...
The usual bedtime routine the last week or so is that Daddy gives a little man his bath, Daddy gets him his clean diaper and jammies, Daddy snuggles a little man who drinks his milk and says his prayers and "Ni-Ni Jesus." Notice the common thread? Daddy is the preferred parental operator in the equation. Not for lack of trying. I try to sneak into Isaac's room to join in the fun (as has been our custom for most of the little tyke's life), and am met with "NO!" Obviously, this is a time for Daddy's and little boys. It can't be shyness, as his favorite thing to do is run through the house stark naked after his bath. But, this is Daddy-time, and I'll take my "Ni-Ni's" and blown kisses from the door and leave them to their fun. Until tonight.
Tonight I was allowed back into the inner sanctum of bedtime preparations. I got a hug (well, one-armed since the other was firmly clenched around the bedtime sippy cup) and a "Mama!" "Ni-Ni Dadda." Finally, back into snuggling my little guy who hasn't wanted Mommy at bedtime unless there is no Daddy. We settle into drink the rest of the milk and say our prayers.
Our usual form is to thank Jesus for some of the specific fun things and people we encountered during our day, then move onto our "Please God's" (sleep until 7:30...etc.). I got past fun trips to Wal-Mart and Kroger and a little hand reaches up, covers my mouth and says, "Thank you cars! Thank you Bye-Bye! Thank you Juice!" The hand goes back down the sippy cup goes back into the mouth, and he waits for Mommy to finish for his usual favorite part.
"Anem!"
Anem indeed my sweet little boy who loves his "big cars" (which includes semis, motorcycles, and the forklift at Lowe's), his "bye-bye's," and his juice.
Anem thankful little boy. If only we would take the time to thank God for the things that are most important to us. I wonder if that would impact the way we live our lives one bit.
Anem.
The usual bedtime routine the last week or so is that Daddy gives a little man his bath, Daddy gets him his clean diaper and jammies, Daddy snuggles a little man who drinks his milk and says his prayers and "Ni-Ni Jesus." Notice the common thread? Daddy is the preferred parental operator in the equation. Not for lack of trying. I try to sneak into Isaac's room to join in the fun (as has been our custom for most of the little tyke's life), and am met with "NO!" Obviously, this is a time for Daddy's and little boys. It can't be shyness, as his favorite thing to do is run through the house stark naked after his bath. But, this is Daddy-time, and I'll take my "Ni-Ni's" and blown kisses from the door and leave them to their fun. Until tonight.
Tonight I was allowed back into the inner sanctum of bedtime preparations. I got a hug (well, one-armed since the other was firmly clenched around the bedtime sippy cup) and a "Mama!" "Ni-Ni Dadda." Finally, back into snuggling my little guy who hasn't wanted Mommy at bedtime unless there is no Daddy. We settle into drink the rest of the milk and say our prayers.
Our usual form is to thank Jesus for some of the specific fun things and people we encountered during our day, then move onto our "Please God's" (sleep until 7:30...etc.). I got past fun trips to Wal-Mart and Kroger and a little hand reaches up, covers my mouth and says, "Thank you cars! Thank you Bye-Bye! Thank you Juice!" The hand goes back down the sippy cup goes back into the mouth, and he waits for Mommy to finish for his usual favorite part.
"Anem!"
Anem indeed my sweet little boy who loves his "big cars" (which includes semis, motorcycles, and the forklift at Lowe's), his "bye-bye's," and his juice.
Anem thankful little boy. If only we would take the time to thank God for the things that are most important to us. I wonder if that would impact the way we live our lives one bit.
Anem.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Real Life Conversations
Once upon a time, I used to be able to carry on intelligent, and sometimes even technical conversations. I could discuss for hours the impact of the various stages of human development, theological implications of seemingly trivial decisions, or explain to a mechanic the noise the car was making (when I do this, it goes (fill in the blank)). And then I had Isaac.
Today's four minute dialogue was:
Isaac: Oooh Car (actually, mail truck)
Me: I see the TRUCK. Can you say "truck?"
I: Car
M: Trruuuccckkk.
I: Car
M: Trrrruuuuuccckkkk.
I: CAR!
(repeat 82 times)
Alas, all of my friends who thought I would put my argumentative nature to good use as a lawyer are disappointed. I now spend my days arguing with a toddler.
I would have had better luck as a lawyer.
Today's four minute dialogue was:
Isaac: Oooh Car (actually, mail truck)
Me: I see the TRUCK. Can you say "truck?"
I: Car
M: Trruuuccckkk.
I: Car
M: Trrrruuuuuccckkkk.
I: CAR!
(repeat 82 times)
Alas, all of my friends who thought I would put my argumentative nature to good use as a lawyer are disappointed. I now spend my days arguing with a toddler.
I would have had better luck as a lawyer.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Be careful little...
It's been awhile since I posted anything. It's not for lack of material, but rather time to process through some things that have been going on here. I promise, there will be some belated Christmas thoughts, but for now...
Isaac has definitely turned into the little mimic. If someone else is doing something, he wants to do it too. He comes up with his own original sin on his own, but he's more than willing to follow others down the evil path. My 5/6 kids (10-12 year olds) noticed this last night when he went and did what one of the big kids was doing (a child of all of three years old). They were amazed that he could copy someone else, and were shocked that what the three year old was scolded for, Isaac had to do too. He thinks he's "big stuff" (he marches around the house chanting it over and over). I wasn't surprised one bit. I know what he does at home.
Chris got a new watch from me and a new wallet from Isaac for Christmas. After switching over all of his essential man-wallet paraphernalia, he let Isaac have his old wallet. Isaac marches around the house carrying it as a prized possession. He grabs Chris' old watch out of the basket and puts it on. He's spent the last two days marching around the house wearing one of my shoes. And, every chance he gets, he gets into our closet and pulls out one of his daddy's ballcaps and wears it in all manners, grinning as he goes. He wants to be big.
So, the point my friends, is be careful what you do. Others are watching your spending habits, dress, and behavior. They are mimicing it too. What you do does have consequences for others. You are the little rock in the big pond, making far-reaching ripples.
Be careful little feet where you go...
Isaac has definitely turned into the little mimic. If someone else is doing something, he wants to do it too. He comes up with his own original sin on his own, but he's more than willing to follow others down the evil path. My 5/6 kids (10-12 year olds) noticed this last night when he went and did what one of the big kids was doing (a child of all of three years old). They were amazed that he could copy someone else, and were shocked that what the three year old was scolded for, Isaac had to do too. He thinks he's "big stuff" (he marches around the house chanting it over and over). I wasn't surprised one bit. I know what he does at home.
Chris got a new watch from me and a new wallet from Isaac for Christmas. After switching over all of his essential man-wallet paraphernalia, he let Isaac have his old wallet. Isaac marches around the house carrying it as a prized possession. He grabs Chris' old watch out of the basket and puts it on. He's spent the last two days marching around the house wearing one of my shoes. And, every chance he gets, he gets into our closet and pulls out one of his daddy's ballcaps and wears it in all manners, grinning as he goes. He wants to be big.
So, the point my friends, is be careful what you do. Others are watching your spending habits, dress, and behavior. They are mimicing it too. What you do does have consequences for others. You are the little rock in the big pond, making far-reaching ripples.
Be careful little feet where you go...
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