You're The One

Auroral*
Originally uploaded by imapix.

Each day is a new horizan of hope--it's a day with no blemishes, a new beginning. With each day, I want to "...bless God with every chance I get; my lungs expand with His praise." (Psalm 34:1)

Last night was just one of those wonderful moments where a praise was swelling deep within me that I just had to testify. We were singing, "You're the One who brings my heart gladness; You're the One who takes away my pain; You're the One whose fresh and new each morning; my Joy in everday!' It's as if I was reminded that regardless of what situation I may face, God is there to give me joy, happiness, and peace. I was definelty laying down my cares and running to the Almighty One, the One who is splendid. For this same chapter of Psalms goes on to state: "Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all His goodness." Each day I am learning to trust God more and more. With each situation I face, I am learning to lay it down at the Master's feet, and simply trust Him to meet the need. For regardless of the report, we are able to overcome the obstacle--we are victorious! God is good all the time!!

Two Plus Three Equals Arturo, Jonathon and Sheldon

When we were still evangelizing, I use to wonder what it would be like to have children over for a night or even an afternoon. Now that wonder has become a reality. Sheldon has just experienced his first night with friends staying over his house! I can honestly say this experience has been enjoyable.

For dinner it was pizza, desert was homemade chocolate chip cookies, and bedtime was not until 12:00 midnight! They had fun just playing with toys and games. Finally, we read a book, said our goodnight prayer, and everyone settled down for the evening.

This morning, I awoke to the sound of kids talking and a toy gun popping, but it was great! Before I headed downstairs, I looked into his room and noticed toys everywhere, but this priceless mess is okay, because it's a reminder me that their evening was a fun-filled event.

Presently, they are playing in the yard, and I guess I should prepare breakfast which we all agreed would be pancakes with chocolate chips! I believe Mark and I will forego the chocolate chips and smother our pancakes with good old fashioned peanut butter and syrup. (Don't wrinkle your nose too quickly, peanut butter on pancakes is quite delicious.)

Our afternoon plan will consist of playing baseball and going to the park. Here, they will run off all their abounding energy until they are so tired and ready for an early bedtime. (I wonder about the early bedtime, but I can hope.)

Here's the conclusion of our day. We had a great game of baseball, ate McDonald's hamburgers, and swang on the tire swing. The boys were hilarious to watch as they spun around and around on the tire swing. They met some friends and enjoyed a playful gun fight, but most importantly they spent time with each other and had a fun day!

P.S. Jana, this summer I believe I'll be ready to have Blake stay the night. Maybe I can coax Bryn into staying the weekend with me.

Dinner With The Roseberrys

We just enjoyed dinner with Marcela and her three children. I am glad that someone came up with the idea of "Sloppy Joe's." Here's to another quick and easy meal. Around my house you always have to have some sort of veggie. Thankfully, all of the kids like broccoli. (Imagine that!)

Now, as I sit here I no longer hear the heartfelt laughter of the boys, the firing of make believe guns or stomping steps happily running up the stairs. They are the cutest rascals you will ever want to meet. Oh, and you cannot forget little Naomi. She is just too adorable. Keeping her entertained is quite comical. We just let her have free reign over the dishwasher, and she was one happy camper! Who needs toys from Toys-R-Us when you have pots, spoons, and a dishwasher.

Oh, I must run, I just heard the coffee maker beep letting me know that the coffee is ready. Drinking a cup of java is just one of those simple pleasures that I truly enjoy. I believe it would be more enjoyable with my wonderful husband, but since he is away for a short while, I guess it is coffee and piano practice for me! Wishing you, my reader, a lovely, relaxing evening.

Mayonnaise Jar And Two Cups of Coffee

I am sure that title caught your attention. Well, I just read this e-mail from my wonderful mother-in-law and had to post it. So, here it is:

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend." (And I say amen to that!)