a range of emotions October 29, 2007

This week has been interesting. In the midst of my daily routine which consists of all things baby, and laundry, house cleaning, buying food, cooking food, cleaning up food, hage creative administrating, conversations with family on the phone, and support for my parents non-prof, GRIP- in one day I am inspired, discouraged, burdened, joyful, and surprised.

I begin the day either well-rested, or not-well rested…I should be used to that by now. Through my morning routine, I am excited to accomplish whatever is scheduled for the day. Then ezra might decide to cry unnecessarily through nap time. I am disgruntled easily. I get through two things on my two do list- I am pleased. I look at all the opportunities I have to serve (through church, ministries, corey’s business, global work) and in one instant I am both inspired and exhausted just thinking about all there is to do for the Kingdom of God.

Today I am saddened but hopeful. A friend of mine’s husband is going in for neurosurgery today to remove a [hopefully benign] brain tumor. they only found out about it a few days ago. They have 2 young children. God- what is your master plan?

Yesterday I was inspired by the story of a woman in our church who is over 70. She travels to Africa and teaches music. She is a life long learner. She was moved by the music of a tribal people in Tanzania and went to visit them. She felt God’s call to connect our church and that village of 10,000. A conversation has begun about what it would look like to support them. There are many children in need…Children are a great link. I love children. I want to be apart of this Kingdom work!

I meet with a group of moms each week. We read the bible, pray, talk about parenting issues, share our stories. When someone is in need, there are always 10 sets of hands reaching out to help. I am moved and challenged to be a good host and care for others in self-sacrificing ways.

I burnt the toast this morning and melted a plastic bag. I’m out of eggs and milk. Argh. What a day, and it’s not even noon. But I’m listening to Frank Sinatra, drinking a cup of coffee, listening to the sound of the washing machine, and tiptoe-ing for my sleeping baby. I am thankful. I must be thankful.

a miracle baby October 20, 2007

Living in the northwest, weather is mostly mild. yesterday I was sitting on the couch, watching the wind rip the beautiful fall colored leaves off all the trees, the rain pour down from the sky watering our brown plants and grass, and then thunder and hail filled the air for a few minutes. Then all was calm again. It was the most exciting part of my day! And then I get on the internet this morning and see extreme weather conditions across the country, and watch this video clip, and I am amazed.

God was brilliant when he created the earth, there is no doubt. But sometimes I wonder why our ecological system does what it does. From hurricane Katrina, the 2004 tsunami, to a simple tornado in the midwest- what is the state of our world that these horrific weather events beat down on innocent people? God what is it that you want us to learn from events like these? The lessons are endless of that i’m sure. Beauty from ashes, despair to hope, what was lost can now be found, strength, perseverance, and on and on. which lessons will stick? what will we learn that will help us to be thankful; to show compassion; to treat the earth with care and consciousness that my every day decisions effect more than me, myself, and I. without having been through a storm of such great power, I can only imagine and speculate…

Just like the family who lost everything in the storm, yet gained everything of importance- I want to be someone who can discern what is important in life, what is to be valued and cared for, and what is just my selfish ego seeking instant gratification. because there may come a day when all I covet, collect, and value is whisked away in a storm and what remains?

1 Cor 13:12-13, Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Now that I have a son, the mother bear protective side is increasing. I want all things good for him. I want him safe. I want him forever protected and content. But God help me surrender all that I love, and in return I know you will provide faith, hope, and love, as an anchor to my family’s life. We will strive to live life through a lens that puts all things in God’s perspective. big ambitions for a young mother. am I so naive? or is it a thread of hope i hang on to in a world that seems to be unraveling so quickly?

we love grandparents! October 9, 2007

Ezra has wonderful grandparents, great-grandparents, and even a great-great grandma, and great-great aunt! These are the people who have taught the generations about family, love, and committedness- through hugs, prayers, birthday cards, and memorable visits. I am so thankful for their legacy.

Zjiddo George & Tata Mieke

Papa Mike & Nana Kathy

great, great Aunt Marie!

Great Grandma Opal Nedelisky

and Great Grandma Char Finke & Great, Great Grandma Selma Cook! (this is a 5 generation pic)

(great- grandma) Oma Emma Van Hoek

(great grandpa) Opa Kes Van Hoek

We love you all so much!!!

happy half birthday ezra October 2, 2007

Happy Half Birthday to my darling son. Even though you don’t take long naps during the day and you cry alot at night- I still love you more than anything!!!!

5months:

- two teeth arrived

- sitting up w/ the help of our friend “boppy”

- eating lots of solid foods (dinner time)

- rolling over one way

- cruising in the walker

- jumping in the jumper

now/6 months

- cutting top two teeth as we speak

- sitting up alone

- eating 2 solid food meals a day

- singing, cruising, jumping, laughing

- wants to crawl but can’t figure out how