Popcorn & hot carrots

Just wanted to share a quick story with youJ.

A long while back I read something somewhere about an idea that I really liked & we’ve used it ever since…for probably 2 years now. Every month on the date of the kids’ birthdays, they get a “special day”. For example, Benjamin’s birthday is on Nov. 12…so on the 12^th of every month is his special day. The idea was to do something special with just Mommy & Daddy without the other kids. Often it has taken the form of staying up later than the other 2 & playing a game. Anyways…recently we decided we wanted to be able to do things one on one with the kids, not just with both of us. I wanted to be able to do girl things with Manda & for the boys to do boy things with Ben. So this month we’ve changed up the routine a bit. Ben & I are going to switch each month doing one on one days for the kids’ special days. The month of May is mine, so I’m doing one on one “dates” with each of the kids. In June Ben will do the same.

Last weekend, I took Benjamin with me to take family pictures. He loves taking pictures too & posing people so I thought he’d enjoy it. Unfortunately the actual picture part was a little to scattered & quick for him to really help me, but we did have fun going to DQ for supper afterwards & he thoroughly enjoyed being able to pick whatever he wanted off the menu: hot dog, fries, watermelon slushy, & dilly bar. We were hoping to wash the van afterwards, but the car wash was closed.

Tonight was Amanda’s night. I’d really been looking forward to this because we very rarely do “girly” things together. When we watch movies as a family it’s neutral ones that everyone will enjoy. Ben took the boys for a drive so we could have the house to ourselves. We had decided to watch a girl movie (I had surprised her & gotten Tinkerbell.), paint our nails, & eat popcorn. Once the boys had left I asked her what she wanted for a snack. We had talked about popcorn previously, but I wanted her to have the chance to change if she wanted. “Do you want popcorn?” “No, let me look.” (She looked in the fridge & pantry.) “OK, popcorn.” As we started getting out the popcorn & popper, Manda suddenly got really excited. “I KNOW!!! Popcorn & hot carrots!!”

I have to admit we don’t eat a lot of cooked carrots around here because neither Ben nor I like them, but my Mom has made sure the kids have had them as they’ve grown up. Manda has always struggled with really hard crunchy foods, so she (& Kirby too) just loves them now. Often when I get carrot sticks out at lunch time she’ll ask me to make her “hot carrots”. Anyways, I can’t say I’ve ever thought of cooked carrots as a movie snack before…but who am I to turn down the 5 year old of her favorite food on her special day!?

Thank you Lord for work

So, Ben & I have been talking about how last year, we had so much work that we started to just take it for granted that there would be work the next day, week, month. Right now it’s easy to be thankful for each job because we’re just hanging on financially, but what if in a month or 2 or 3 we have tons of work again…or maybe not tons, but steady work…will we be as thankful for that phone call? We want to make sure we acknowledge & give God the praise for work…now & when work speeds up. With that said, this is my first installment of “Thank you Lord for work”. Don’t get worried…I’m not going to post every time we get a job & bore you with that…but I want to make a point in the next months, year…to remember what this was like to not have work & give God the glory for the work we have.

Some of you know that last weekend we were waiting to hear back about a possible job. We were supposed to hear on Friday, then on Sunday…Monday we still hadn’t heard. Neither Ben or I had our hopes up for that job, but that was the only possible job we had so we kept praying. On Sunday someone at our church talked to Ben about helping him out with a basement. At the time we understood that he just wanted a hand for a few hours…a couple of days maybe. Although we wouldn’t complain about any work, ideally we wanted to do a basement. Anyways…Ben met with him on Wednesday to help set up to dig & founds out that actually we have the contract for the job! Ben got home to tell me that & within a few hours we had gotten a call about the other job too…we didn’t get it. I’m so thankful for this new job that “came out of the woodwork”. I’m also thankful that God allowed us to find out about that one first before we found out we didn’t get the other one. I was so down last week & really didn’t want to go there again. Thank you Jesus for showing us once again that You will take care of us!

Cheri

OK, so I gave you tiny peek into the surprise I received last week & promised more info…so here it isJ

Last Tuesday, April 7 I was having a bad day. We had just found out that the job Ben’s had for the winter was coming to an end very quickly. Anyways…I won’t write all those details…go back & read my entry “Struggling” if you haven’t already to get a feel for what my mood was like that day. I posted that entry just after noon, did some school with Benjamin, fed the kids lunch & sent them off for quiet times. Somewhere in there I also started a topic on a Facebook group I’m in…looking for encouragement of how to have faith. I decided I had to do something to turn around my mood & “regroup” so I grabbed my Bible & sat down on the couch. I had barely sat down when Manda came in to grab a book. She looked out the door as she walked to the bookshelf & said “Mommy, somebody’s here”. I did a quick mental check & couldn’t think of anyone who was supposed to be stopping by. I leaned over & could see someone at the gate, but couldn’t tell who it was, so I got up & went to the door.

The first thought that went through my head was “Man, that looks a lot like Cheri……no it can’t be, she’s in Norway”. This thought was immediately followed with “Who on earth is that? I recognize them & should know their name…I’m going to embarrass myself by not knowing their name”. Once each of these thoughts had gone through my head with no answers, I opened the door. “Man, that looks a lot like Cheri……no it can’t be, she’s in Norway”… “Who on earth is that? I recognize them & should know their name…I’m going to embarrass myself by not knowing their name”. At this point I think I started to look like a jerky robot. Each time “Man, that looks a lot like Cheri……no it can’t be, she’s in Norway” went through my head I would step forward wanting to run & give her a big hug…but as soon as I thought “Who on earth is that? I recognize them & should know their name…I’m going to embarrass myself by not knowing their name” I would stop short, not wanting to run into a strangers armsJ. So that’s how it went…opened the door…did the robot…stepped outside…did the robot…walked to the edge of the deck…did the robot…went down the steps…did the robot. I must have looked pretty goofy (only Cheri really knowsJ…unless my neighbors were watchingJ). Each time those same thoughts was going through my head…as fast as I’d think it was Cheri, I’d tell myself it couldn’t be & try to figure out who this was. Looking back it’s really quite hilarious because I felt like it all happened in slow motion. Anyways…it was shortly after I went down the steps that I finally believed that it actually was Cheri. First I made some comment like “what on earth!?!”…then I was just speechless while she laughed…then I started crying…

It was just all so overwhelming. I went from feeling the most down I’ve felt in a long time to very suddenly feeling exceedingly happy & excited…bursting at the seams reallyJ. A cuddle with my nephew who we haven’t seen for 5 ½ months, a visit, & a long walk later I was pondering my afternoon. My mood was completely different. So really, what had done it? Yes, of course I was excited to see Cheri…but it was more than that. It was a God thing…I knew that much…but I just couldn’t put a finger on it…until I went back on Facebook & checked that topic I started.

Here’s what our pastor had written to me: I have a saying that I quote when times look tough or bleak. Here it is.
"Never question in the Dark what God showed you in the Light."
Think of how, when times were good, you felt that God was blessing you. How you feel so certain that He is going to use you for great things.
Well, when times are tough, that promise made by God has not changed. What God reveals to you will not change in tough or good times.
Want to know something else really cool - God looks after his children. Read through scripture and you will find example after example of God taking care of those who are faithful to Him. He still loves you and cares for you. He will take care of your needs.
Your job - be faithful to Him.
F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God)

Was any of this new to me? No! Is it hard to remember these truths in the middle of a tough time? Sure is for me…not sure what that says about my faith, but I’ll keep plugging away. Every bit of what Pastor Kent said was an encouragement to me that day…but guess which part stuck out to me? “He still loves you & cares for you.” Having a surprise visit from Cheri didn’t get us a job for tomorrow, it didn’t pay the bills, it didn’t even get any work lined up for the future, yet it completely changed my whole day & outlook on life. It hit me that GOD LOVES ME. You’d think after growing up in a Christian home & learning more about Him my whole life, I would have that figured outJ. If you’ve been following my blog since the fall, you know how much I struggled when Cheri (Ben’s sister) & then Sheri (missionary to Mexico) left. But now here & I am…and God gave me this wonderful surprise visit from Cheri…to remind me that He still loves me! He loves me enough to give me a sister-in-law who went to a lot of trouble to make her visit special to all of us. He loves me enough to give me a sister-in-law who understands how much surprises mean to me. He loves me enough to give me a sister-in-law who is sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading & listens…she came when I needed it most, instead of waiting a few days like she’d planned. God doesn’t change. If God loves me enough for all that, then He still loves me enough to take care of me in this tough time.

It may not look like we expect, it may not happen on our timing, but He WILL take care of us. He is allowing us to go through this time because He has a purpose. I pray that my eyes are open to see what He is trying to teach me. I pray that I can consider it all joy when I face these trials & that this testing of my faith develops perseverance & that perseverance will finish its work so that I may be perfect & complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4) Here’s the part that stuck out to me when Ben & I read this the other night: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, & it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown & tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” (James 1:5-8, emphasis mine) We sure need wisdom right now…so how do I make sure I’m asking without any doubt? Lord I want to be a rock in the sea, not the wave that is blown & tossed by the wind.

One thing I want to clarify as I’ve shared more of my heart in these tough times for us…I don’t write about my struggles to try & get people to feel sorry for me or to send me money. I truly believe that I need to be open & honest about what’s going on in my heart…not hide it & make it seem like everything is OK. I trust that makes senseJ.

OK, so some of you are dying to know why James, Cheri & Max are home & for how long. Well, when they left in October their paperwork hadn’t gone through yet, but they were able to move as temporary residents (I’m sure that’s not the right word, but the idea is that you’re allowed to stay temporarily for a while). So they moved, expecting their paperwork to go through shortly. Well, they’ve been there for 5 ½ months & still no paperwork. After 6 months they would get kicked out of the country, so the company that James works for flew them home so they can get the paperwork figured out. They plan to be home for a month. It was wonderful to have Easter together with the whole family & I look forward to being able to spend more time with them in the next 3 weeks. Thank you Jesus for sister, surprises, & most of all for Your love!

Mondays with Heidi

Well, it might not be Monday by the time I click the button to post this, but it’ll have to doJ

I'm thankful for…Cheri & Sheri!!! The full story will be in another blog, but long story short…Cheri (Ben’s sister) surprised the pants off me (not literally, although I felt about that silly at the timeJ), by showing up at my door on Tuesday…when I fully believed she was still in Norway! Plus I got to talk to Sheri (missionary friend in Mexico) on Wednesday on Skype for the first time since they’re in Mexico (3 months)…so although we still don’t have work, I feel very encouraged that God DOES care…about work…about being able to see my friends…and He will continue to care & take care of us. I’m also extremely thankful that my family is homeJ…they’ve been gone for over a week & when I’m used to seeing them every couple days, it feels like a really long time!

I'm listening to…hum of the computer, Ben playing video game.

What's for supper tonight…ground beef & bean chili…lots of beans…black, lima, kidney, garbonzo…great way to fill out a meal for cheap…but I might regret it tonightJ

Highlights from last week…Checked my parents house a couple times while they were gone…Wednesday night supper with the Kid Connection leaders…delicious supper…no kids…thanks ladies! Had a meeting about Kid Connection & what to do next year…now we research & pray…kids have played outside tons in the last week…it’s been wonderful! Saturday I took pictures for Brandy’s family…took Benjamin along for a “date”…we had fun taking pictures & then going out to DQ for supper. Manda & Kirby stayed home with Ben while he worked on the truck…they played outside for over 4 hours & had an absolute blastJ Yesterday we had a wonderful Easter dinner at Ben’s parents with the whole family there!!! It was so nice to be all together…first time since Thanksgiving when James & Cheri leftJ Manda found her first ladybugs of the season & is elated…she has about 10 of them already…afraid they might not last long though, because we don’t have any leaves with aphids to give themL Today the kids played & let Ben & I sleep in…then we spent most of the day cleaning out the truck & van…inside & out…a long overdue job…getting ready for all the work that we’re praying is coming!
What I'm looking forward to…the day when I can fully trust God & finally kick my humanness out the door & quit worrying! Oh for the day when I will be “perfect & complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-12)! Lord help me to “count it all joy” when we encounter trials.

What's happening this week…The beginning of the week is pretty slow…but Thursday, Friday, Saturday will be crazyJ…Thursday I’m going to sit in on a kid’s group at another church to try & get ideas & learn from how they make it work. Friday I’m babysitting some friends of ours for a few hours…Saturday is our nephew’s birthday party…and Saturday night is a couples night at the church!

I am missing…Lane & Sheri, Alexis, Jemma, & Noah…with the weather nicer & the kids playing outside I’m reminded of all the times last year that we popped in on each other & how the kids loved to play together so much…and I miss our talks…been thinking about that a lot in the last few weeks…was so nice to catch up a bit this week & “see” them on Skype…but I still miss them like crazy…

Struggling...

I’m struggling not to worry & would appreciate your prayers…

I just found out that the hourly work that Ben has had this winter is coming to an end. We knew this work wouldn’t last forever & have been truly blessed to have it. We’re at a point now where we have less than a week of work left & nothing else lined up. To make it through this winter paying business bills we have exhausted virtually all of our back up. I have come to the conclusion that in this time of economic uncertainty, being self employed is not fun. Not only can we not claim EI to at least get a little income, but we have all the business bills on top of regular personal bills. So what do we do? Drop the business & get a desk job? Ben is trained in construction, not office work…& the whole construction industry is taking a hit. We have no choice but to trust…but that doesn’t make it any easier! It takes an extra measure of faith, that right now I don’t feel like I have.

What’s your plan now Lord? Please help me to trust you. Help me not to forget like the Israelites did, what you’ve done for us in the past & how you’ve provided for us in the past. I am reminded of the night last year that Ben left work in Your hands…praying that we would wake up in the morning & have work. It was so fun to get that phone call at 8:00 the next morning with work to start that day! I know you CAN do that Lord…but the human in me doubts & worries “what if You don’t this time”…yet I know that even if You choose not to work in that way this time, You will still take care of us. Please Jesus, take away my unbelief & replace it with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Guide us in knowing what steps to take. Unite us as a couple and as a family. I pray that you would bring us closer together through this. Most of all help us to honor you & give all the glory to You as You provide for us each & every day.