Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Witnessing accomplishments

Out of the blue on Monday, Daniel started clapping.  Grandma Pearl was over to help me get some pre-move out cleaning done.  Daniel is especially enamored with Grandma Pearl so when she started clapping he grinned and copied her.  She was thrilled that she was the first to witness his new accomplishment and he was thrilled to show off his new accomplishment again and again.

It is pretty cute. Oh, these boys bring me so much joy.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Three Boys in a Tub....

I know I must be crazy to put all three of these boys in the tub at the same time but trust me when I tell you I had my reasons.  Not the least of them was the pure glee they each had.  I am certain I will be greeted with eye rolls and "Mom!" someday when they see this picture but seriously, how could I not take one (okay, two pictures).

The one in the middle, the cute, squishy one, he made the biggest, wettest mess of all of them.  That boy loves to splash!  I came out of the bathroom looking like I had "an accident".  The other two giggled themselves right into bed and fell asleep from exhaustion.  If you know anything about their giggles you know Mom was giggling along with them, even when I had to ask the squirrely one five times to put on his jammies (he just couldn't do it, mostly because he took them off inside out or inside in, if you ask him).  The responsible one (who listened & looked at the camera) made sure they all actually used soap which was good since Mom was trying to hide tears and find three clean towels.

There is something about the joy in each of these dear boys' faces that makes me a little teary, even now.  I pray they remain so fond of each other; that their bond as brothers and Andersons will not be broken. I pray they keep each other accountable, out of most trouble, and that they walk through life together, learning and growing about the Great God we serve.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Attitude Adjustment

When I was a kid Mom would offer attitude adjustments by way of twisting my big toe.  It hurt but usually resulted in a squeal or scream and a few laughs.

God offers attitude adjustments with pain as well.

I have been blessed to be able to attend the Thursday morning Bible study at our church.  This is my first crack at it and I love it.  The mixture of ages and view points and insights is amazing.  The study is amazing but difficult.  Who wants to learn that their complaining is a slap in the face of their Provider?  Who wants to know that to covet is to tell the Sustainer, "You are not enough."?  Who wishes to hear that their critical tongue cuts off their fellowship with their Father?

I do.

Frankly, I need an attitude adjustment and can see that God has had me in the midst of one for over a year.  Breaking free from the negative environment of work has really opened my eyes to how much of a whiner I was while teaching.  It makes me almost sick to think of the mar that put on my witness to my co-workers.  Apartment living revealed a deep seeded coveting and worldly desire for material things.

And now this week.... criticizing.  I call it being analytical but God isn't fooled by my clever cover up.  I have a feeling this week will bring about the biggest attitude adjustment yet.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3: 9-12