When I read this a while back on New Kind of Normal, it really struck me. I am sorry I haven't blogged anything original in a while. But this was so great I had to share. I have been wanting to blog a lot lately but have had sick kids which makes a tired mom.
Written by Jessica of New Kind of Normal:
Yes the holidays are coming up, yes we all have our traditions. Yes we are all busy.
While we are driving to choir practice, Christmas shopping, being annoyed at our healthy kids, someone is watching their child fight to live today, a mom is so tired she simply cant focus on the enormous task in caring for her child. Families are separated for endless days. Do you understand what I'm saying here? A mom is watching her baby die right now, a mom is watching her baby fight to take a breath. Where are you? Do you know someone in the hospital? Go to them. People can sit in church and talk about love, then go home and wrap themselves up in their own lives.
God didn't mean go to church, fake smile, and talk about love, He meant go out and love. Be burdened by those who are suffering, not by your to do list. Be burdened for the sick, not by your Christmas solo, be burdened for the weak, not by your next shopping trip or Christmas party.
Start a new tradition this year, and reach out to someone who is hurting. Who is dying. Who is helplessly watching their child suffer, and there is nothing they can do but watch.
Meet somebody at their rock bottom today. Take the sting out of this.
If you know someone who has a sick or special needs child don't tip toe around them. Reach out, make yourself available, even just to talk.
If you know someone who is in the hospital with their child don't avoid them, I guarantee you they would like a visit.
If you know someone who has a special needs child make it a point to love on their child (with clean hands of course).
If you know someone with a sick or special needs child don't just say I'm praying for you and never call, write or visit.
If you know someone with a special needs or sick child don't slip out of their lives because you weren't sure what to do or say.
If you know someone who has seen too much, watched one too many procedures, waited for one too many surgery's, waited on one too many results, heard one too many bad diagnosis, reach out, be there. Yes it will take sacrifice of your time, you will probably be uncomfortable, it will take work, but you will bring someone out of their rock bottom when they don't have the strength to do it themselves.
Im so tired of people turning a blind eye because they dont know what to do, they are uncomfortable, and they are too busy, the truth is there isnt anything for you to do, but to just be there. BE THERE.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
My Heart Is Saddened
I came home from picking up the kids from school, and found policemen across the street. I knew that one of my neighbors were possible sick. Then to learn that he had passed away. I just feel terrible.
Here is a man, that his wife passed away in '79. Can you imagine living almost 30 years without your spouse? He has two sons as far as I know. I have only seen one of them come to see him. At the only yearly visit at Christmas time.
I knew this man. Jonathan would help find him someone if something went wrong in his house and we would talk out in the yard, but that was it. I never brought him any food. Never walked up to his door.
All of the fellow neighbors I know were worried about him. He had a pile of papers at the end of his driveway. He would always go out and get his newspaper. Then we thought he was okay because they papers were gone. And someone had rolled his trash can to the road. But fellow neighbors did both of those.
They think he has been dead for two days. I just feel awful.
I thought about doing something this year for the neighbors I knew on the street. I knew he was a diabetic and was looking up recipes for him to make for Christmas.
Our street, is just like that of any other small towns. Streets gridded off of the main streets. These homes are around 50 years old. Some people on this street have been here since their house was built. I like our street, it has old giant trees. Not a neighborhood that has been flatten, like they make now. It still has a charm even though the are not the richest houses in the world.
I have experienced 2 deaths of our neighbors. Our street is a mix of the old original families and new families that come in usually after someone has passed away. I like our mix of people.
There is lot to be said about a community that takes care of the young and old. I feel like I have failed my test. Ashamed that is is too late to form a real relationship.
I watched as the police and EMS were here. I watched as the coroner came. I watched as they took his body away. And hoped his family cared. I am sure they did. But you just feel bad that he was alone for two days.
Here is a man, that his wife passed away in '79. Can you imagine living almost 30 years without your spouse? He has two sons as far as I know. I have only seen one of them come to see him. At the only yearly visit at Christmas time.
I knew this man. Jonathan would help find him someone if something went wrong in his house and we would talk out in the yard, but that was it. I never brought him any food. Never walked up to his door.
All of the fellow neighbors I know were worried about him. He had a pile of papers at the end of his driveway. He would always go out and get his newspaper. Then we thought he was okay because they papers were gone. And someone had rolled his trash can to the road. But fellow neighbors did both of those.
They think he has been dead for two days. I just feel awful.
I thought about doing something this year for the neighbors I knew on the street. I knew he was a diabetic and was looking up recipes for him to make for Christmas.
Our street, is just like that of any other small towns. Streets gridded off of the main streets. These homes are around 50 years old. Some people on this street have been here since their house was built. I like our street, it has old giant trees. Not a neighborhood that has been flatten, like they make now. It still has a charm even though the are not the richest houses in the world.
I have experienced 2 deaths of our neighbors. Our street is a mix of the old original families and new families that come in usually after someone has passed away. I like our mix of people.
There is lot to be said about a community that takes care of the young and old. I feel like I have failed my test. Ashamed that is is too late to form a real relationship.
I watched as the police and EMS were here. I watched as the coroner came. I watched as they took his body away. And hoped his family cared. I am sure they did. But you just feel bad that he was alone for two days.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I can see how you can lose yourself!
I can see how you can lose yourself. My life is not dull, it is very busy with 4 kids. But I can see how a person can get so absorbed in the lives of their children that they could forget who they are.
I can not remember the last time I went out with friends. I haven't been out with my husband since Brian Harmon's wedding at the end of August. I only got to go to do the first 3 weeks out of 10 weeks of my Beth Moore bible study.
I am not writing this for people to feel sorry for me. Not to pity me. And I am not writing this for those people who say I had 4 children and this is your life. I know it is! I love my children and am very grateful for them. They are my responsibility and my joy, and I try to ask for help with them(aka from the Grandparents) as few times as possible. It is hard work, constant work, watching them all, and I don't want to burden anyone with that. Maybe burden is not that right word but you know what I mean.
I just feel like I haven't talked to close dear friends in forever. Few attempts have been made on either side. And am longing to confide in someone other then the Almighty God.
I can not remember the last time I went out with friends. I haven't been out with my husband since Brian Harmon's wedding at the end of August. I only got to go to do the first 3 weeks out of 10 weeks of my Beth Moore bible study.
I am not writing this for people to feel sorry for me. Not to pity me. And I am not writing this for those people who say I had 4 children and this is your life. I know it is! I love my children and am very grateful for them. They are my responsibility and my joy, and I try to ask for help with them(aka from the Grandparents) as few times as possible. It is hard work, constant work, watching them all, and I don't want to burden anyone with that. Maybe burden is not that right word but you know what I mean.
I just feel like I haven't talked to close dear friends in forever. Few attempts have been made on either side. And am longing to confide in someone other then the Almighty God.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving Pics
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch at Gran's House! Amy and Lee were gone on a mission trip to Belize, we missed them, but Rocky and Gracie were there. Then headed up to Landrum to se my side of the family! We had a great time! And were really worn out! I went to bed right after the kids at 8 pm. Woke up at 3:15 and was at Kohl's at 4am. I was finished shopping at 6:36am. I only went to 3 stores and avoided the mall.
Here are some pics at Gran's House:
the kids had fun painting bird houses before lunch
Here are some pics at Memas:
redneck pics on 4 wheelers!
I asked Jon to take a picture of me because I haven't had one of me this Thanksgiving, because I usually take all the pics. And he took this pic? Is it of my gut?
daredevil. backwards rider
I am a wuss when it comes to 4 Wheelers. I think they are dangerous and I always hear about bad accidents happening. But I finally rode one. I fussed the whole time, I hated not being in control and knowing what was coming. I should have loosened up and had a better time! But that's me! I have to warm up to some things.
Here are some pics at Gran's House:
the kids had fun painting bird houses before lunch
Here are some pics at Memas:
redneck pics on 4 wheelers!
I asked Jon to take a picture of me because I haven't had one of me this Thanksgiving, because I usually take all the pics. And he took this pic? Is it of my gut?
daredevil. backwards rider
I am a wuss when it comes to 4 Wheelers. I think they are dangerous and I always hear about bad accidents happening. But I finally rode one. I fussed the whole time, I hated not being in control and knowing what was coming. I should have loosened up and had a better time! But that's me! I have to warm up to some things.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thank You
I just wanted to write a quick Thank you to my parents, Roxann and Rick, and my in-laws, Gary and Suzanne.
Marley has strep throat again, and soon we will probably pass it around to all of the kids. And I have been dealing with an ovarian cyst again.
So Thank-You, Gran and Pop-Pop, for taking Carpenter to school and picking him up on Monday and Tuesday. Thank-You, mom and dad, for coming over last night and watching the kids and making supper, while I sat on the couch!
We are truly lucky to have wonderful parents so close. Sometimes, I don't know how I would do it without you all!
Marley has strep throat again, and soon we will probably pass it around to all of the kids. And I have been dealing with an ovarian cyst again.
So Thank-You, Gran and Pop-Pop, for taking Carpenter to school and picking him up on Monday and Tuesday. Thank-You, mom and dad, for coming over last night and watching the kids and making supper, while I sat on the couch!
We are truly lucky to have wonderful parents so close. Sometimes, I don't know how I would do it without you all!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Background Change
I know it is a little early for a Christmas background, but I needed to do it while I had the time. I wanted to find a background more Jesus and less Santa. But I haven't found one I liked yet!
I thought it would be okay to change it now! 3 of my neighbors put up there Christmas tree right after Halloween! Can you believe it? I mean I love Christmas as much as anyone but after Halloween?
I thought it would be okay to change it now! 3 of my neighbors put up there Christmas tree right after Halloween! Can you believe it? I mean I love Christmas as much as anyone but after Halloween?
Volleyball 08
This was the first year Marley played Volleyball! It was really alot of fun! I didn't have to worry about her, like I do in Softball, if she missed a catch and got knocked upside the head! Most of all, I think that Marley really enjoyed herslef and got so excited out on the court! We can't wait until next season!
Prude Note:
In the next level up in VB, these young girls wear these tight little black VB shorts. Marley will never wear them. She can play just as well in regular shorts or pants!
Marley got into the Championships! Team Korea(I guess you can't be the USA) won the first game and lost the second and third game! They got a medal for placing second. I can't get those pics right now! But will upload them as soon as possible!
Special Thank-You to the grandparents! Gran, Pop-Pop, Meme, and Papa we could have not survived the season without you! We are so very grateful for your help!!!
Pictures:
Prude Note:
In the next level up in VB, these young girls wear these tight little black VB shorts. Marley will never wear them. She can play just as well in regular shorts or pants!
Marley got into the Championships! Team Korea(I guess you can't be the USA) won the first game and lost the second and third game! They got a medal for placing second. I can't get those pics right now! But will upload them as soon as possible!
Special Thank-You to the grandparents! Gran, Pop-Pop, Meme, and Papa we could have not survived the season without you! We are so very grateful for your help!!!
Pictures:
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