I am on my own with the boys this weekend as Brandon is speaking at a retreat in Michigan. Dinner time is always a little crazy when I'm outnumbered. Owen and I were negotiating how much food he had to eat before he earned a special treat. Feeling generous I offered 3 bites. A few mintues later, I asked Owen if he'd had his 3 bites yet. He said he had. After a thorough investigation of his plate it was obvious that no bites had been taken. Time out!
Owen took the walk of shame to his time out corner with minimal resistance. I set the timer and got busy clearing the table. I didn't think much of it, but I could hear Owen talking. Eventually, I stopped to listen to his monologue . . . help me to not lock the door, help me not be afraid because you are right beside me, help me be brave. The timer interrupted this fascinating exchange and Owen returned to the kitchen.
When I asked the little guy what he had been saying he let me know he had been praying to God. When asked what he prayed about he said he wanted to be brave and strong like Samson . . . and kill a lot of Philistines. I gave that boy a bear hug, some encouragement to continue talking to God and a quick lesson on the evils of murder. All in a day's work!
Seriously though, it is so cool for me to already see the influence of the Holy Spirit in this 4 year old's life. I see a change! Although there are still plenty of tantrums and time outs, God is doing a work in this little boy's heart. What a great reminder that the same God working in Owen's life is also at work in each of us. He can change us if we are willing . . . even in the midst of a time out!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy Birthday Owen!
No, Owen is not turning 5 yet. Actually, he is not even 1 day old! Today, I had the privilege of praying with my little guy as he decided to ask Jesus to live in his heart. Happy Spiritual Birthday my sweetheart!
01/30/09 Just wanted to add how this all came about, more for myself and Owen to be able to look back and remember this special day. Over the past few months, Owen would randomly make a comment or ask a question about God or heaven. Many conversations started out as the one below, but when asked if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart the response was usually no, not right now, or a total change in topic. On this particular day, I was in the kitchen with the boys. Owen was sitting in his seat and although I don't remember the exact words, this was the gist of it . . .
Owen: I think we're gonna see Jesus tonight.
Me: Where will we see Jesus
Owen: In heaven
Me: Cool! You know, Jesus is in my heart so he is with me all the time. Isn't that neat!
Owen: Is Jesus in my heart?
Me: Remember we said that mommy and daddy can't decide if Jesus comes into your heart. That is a decision that you have to make. Are you ready to make that decision?
Owen: Yes
Me: Are you deciding that you want Jesus to come and live in your heart?
Owen: Yes
Me: That is so awesome Owen! Let's pray. You can say what I say and you can tell Jesus that you are sorry for the bad things you do and that you believe in him and want him to live in your heart. Do you want to do that?
Owen: (Nods head yes)
Me and Owen: Dear Jesus, I love you and want you to come into my heart. I am sorry for the bad things I do. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I believe in you and I want you to live in my heart. I love you! Amen.
Me: Wow Owen! This is so awesome! Jesus lives in your heart now! We need to party. Did you know that the angels in heaven are having a party right now! Let's call your daddy, he will be so happy!
01/30/09 Just wanted to add how this all came about, more for myself and Owen to be able to look back and remember this special day. Over the past few months, Owen would randomly make a comment or ask a question about God or heaven. Many conversations started out as the one below, but when asked if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart the response was usually no, not right now, or a total change in topic. On this particular day, I was in the kitchen with the boys. Owen was sitting in his seat and although I don't remember the exact words, this was the gist of it . . .
Owen: I think we're gonna see Jesus tonight.
Me: Where will we see Jesus
Owen: In heaven
Me: Cool! You know, Jesus is in my heart so he is with me all the time. Isn't that neat!
Owen: Is Jesus in my heart?
Me: Remember we said that mommy and daddy can't decide if Jesus comes into your heart. That is a decision that you have to make. Are you ready to make that decision?
Owen: Yes
Me: Are you deciding that you want Jesus to come and live in your heart?
Owen: Yes
Me: That is so awesome Owen! Let's pray. You can say what I say and you can tell Jesus that you are sorry for the bad things you do and that you believe in him and want him to live in your heart. Do you want to do that?
Owen: (Nods head yes)
Me and Owen: Dear Jesus, I love you and want you to come into my heart. I am sorry for the bad things I do. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I believe in you and I want you to live in my heart. I love you! Amen.
Me: Wow Owen! This is so awesome! Jesus lives in your heart now! We need to party. Did you know that the angels in heaven are having a party right now! Let's call your daddy, he will be so happy!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Great Expectations
A faithful blog reader (my mom) recently brought it to my attention that I have never told the story of how my blog recieved it's name. There is a story and it all began about a year ago . . .
A few posts ago, I talked about coordinating the annual women's retreat at our church. As much as I enjoy this ministry, it has left me a bit "unretreated." My mind is so focused on the details of the retreat, that I am not able to wholly focus on seeking God during that time. A few months before last year's retreat, I began to pray for some time away, a personal retreat of sorts. I didn’t really know what that would look like, but I persisted in my prayers. God eventually led me to Colorado Springs for a Women’s Ministry Conference and Beth Moore Event. You have probably noticed that I like to plan and organize, but as this trip began coming together, I felt very at peace about allowing God to take care of the details. In the end, I went on the trip alone. I left on a Wednesday morning and returned late Saturday night. While in Colorado Springs, I sat under many great speakers, learned so much about women’s ministry and was fed like crazy from the word! Everything I learned was amazing and God is using many of the things I learned in my life, but when I look back on this trip, I think the biggest thing I learned is what can happen when I come to God with "Great Expectations."
From the moment I booked the plane and reserved the hotel room, I began to dream of what God would do. An entire weekend, just Him and I. What would I learn, who would I meet, how would I be changed? While sitting at OHare airport waiting to board my plane, I got out a small spiral notebook. I turned to the back page and wrote: "Cool Things God Did." Before my journey even got off the ground, I was expecting God to work and move in a mighty way. From that moment on, it was one thing after another. I praised God for an entire row of seats on the airplane all to myself, a great time of fellowship with my cousin Ashleigh and her family, the opportunity to talk with Beth Moore and even a ride home from the airport on the "party" bus! I filled that entire page easily. What if I entered each new day, each new hour, each new minute with such "Great Expectations."
Great Expectations
by Stephen Curtis Chapman
The morning finds me here at heavens door
A place I've been so many times before
Familiar thoughts and phrases start to flow
And carry me to places that I know so well
But dare I go where I don't understand
And do I dare remember where I am
I stand before the great eternal throne
The one that God himself is seated on
And I I've been invited as a son
Oh I I've been invited to come and
Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond my wildest imagination
Lord I come with great expectations
So wake the hope that slumbers in my soul
Stir the fire inside and make it glow
I'm trusting in a love that has no end
The savior of this world has called me friend
And I I've been invited with the son
Oh I I've been invited to come and
Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond our wildest imagination
Lord we come with great expectations
A few posts ago, I talked about coordinating the annual women's retreat at our church. As much as I enjoy this ministry, it has left me a bit "unretreated." My mind is so focused on the details of the retreat, that I am not able to wholly focus on seeking God during that time. A few months before last year's retreat, I began to pray for some time away, a personal retreat of sorts. I didn’t really know what that would look like, but I persisted in my prayers. God eventually led me to Colorado Springs for a Women’s Ministry Conference and Beth Moore Event. You have probably noticed that I like to plan and organize, but as this trip began coming together, I felt very at peace about allowing God to take care of the details. In the end, I went on the trip alone. I left on a Wednesday morning and returned late Saturday night. While in Colorado Springs, I sat under many great speakers, learned so much about women’s ministry and was fed like crazy from the word! Everything I learned was amazing and God is using many of the things I learned in my life, but when I look back on this trip, I think the biggest thing I learned is what can happen when I come to God with "Great Expectations."
From the moment I booked the plane and reserved the hotel room, I began to dream of what God would do. An entire weekend, just Him and I. What would I learn, who would I meet, how would I be changed? While sitting at OHare airport waiting to board my plane, I got out a small spiral notebook. I turned to the back page and wrote: "Cool Things God Did." Before my journey even got off the ground, I was expecting God to work and move in a mighty way. From that moment on, it was one thing after another. I praised God for an entire row of seats on the airplane all to myself, a great time of fellowship with my cousin Ashleigh and her family, the opportunity to talk with Beth Moore and even a ride home from the airport on the "party" bus! I filled that entire page easily. What if I entered each new day, each new hour, each new minute with such "Great Expectations."
Great Expectations
by Stephen Curtis Chapman
The morning finds me here at heavens door
A place I've been so many times before
Familiar thoughts and phrases start to flow
And carry me to places that I know so well
But dare I go where I don't understand
And do I dare remember where I am
I stand before the great eternal throne
The one that God himself is seated on
And I I've been invited as a son
Oh I I've been invited to come and
Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond my wildest imagination
Lord I come with great expectations
So wake the hope that slumbers in my soul
Stir the fire inside and make it glow
I'm trusting in a love that has no end
The savior of this world has called me friend
And I I've been invited with the son
Oh I I've been invited to come and
Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond our wildest imagination
Lord we come with great expectations
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Birthday Wishes from Owen
Owen: Happy Birthday Mom! You get to go whereever you want to eat for your birthday . . . like Chuck E. Cheese . . . or someplace that has pizza! Chuck E. Cheese has pizza. I just like pizza mommy.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Kissing the Boo-Boos Away
Lately, Owen is all about kissing the boo-boos away. With all the crazy weather patterns swirling around, my head has been hurting. I mentioned to Owen that I had a headache. He wanted to know where it hurt. Not thinking much of his question, I pointed to a spot near the front of my head. He walked over to me, cupped my face in his hands, and planted a big kiss right on that spot.
The very next day, I was letting it be known that I was sore. I played a little soccer the other night and am now being reminded that my body is not what it used to be. Here is the conversation between Owen and myself . . .
Me: My body hurts!
Owen: Where?
Me: All over!
Owen: I can't kiss that many!
Deep down, below the growling, stomping and yelling, my little Owen has a very tender, sweet and compassionate heart. I thank God for him and the blessing he is in my life!
The very next day, I was letting it be known that I was sore. I played a little soccer the other night and am now being reminded that my body is not what it used to be. Here is the conversation between Owen and myself . . .
Me: My body hurts!
Owen: Where?
Me: All over!
Owen: I can't kiss that many!
Deep down, below the growling, stomping and yelling, my little Owen has a very tender, sweet and compassionate heart. I thank God for him and the blessing he is in my life!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Women's Retreat 2009
Some women scrapbook, some women knit, some women bake . . . I plan and organize! My current project is the annual women's retreat at our church. I love the entire process from dreaming up ideas to leading retreat meetings to meeting new women. The theme for this year's retreat is IGNITE! and the verse is:
Jeremiah 20:9 And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!
I love this verse! It gets me so "fired-up" everytime I read it! I love researching our theme and the topic of fire has been fascinating. It should come as no surprise that everything in our world can teach us about the author of life! This should be a great weekend as we learn about lighting the fire, fanning the flame and fueling the future!
Jeremiah 20:9 And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!
I love this verse! It gets me so "fired-up" everytime I read it! I love researching our theme and the topic of fire has been fascinating. It should come as no surprise that everything in our world can teach us about the author of life! This should be a great weekend as we learn about lighting the fire, fanning the flame and fueling the future!
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