My Mom's Fun Idea!

Down here during winter and early spring, we live in the land of oranges and strawberries.  When you buy or are given strawberries from local farms they come in little green plastic baskets.  My mom saved those little green baskets and did the cutest thing with them.  At our family Easter lunch yesterday after church, she had turned them into mini Easter baskets that also served the purpose of place cards.  They were just darling and I thought it was such a fun idea!

Fun ideas are worth sharing!  Have you had any good ones lately? If so, let us know!  Let's inspire each other!

Sunday Letters

Dear Madi,

You looked so beautiful today.  In your white dress and blue bow you were a little angel.  You were so excited about your fun Easter treats, and by tonight had half of them on, including your stick on earrings, pearl necklace and bracelet, new flip-flops, and Vera Bradley purse from your Grammie!  But what made my heart sing is something you told me on the way home from church today in the car.  You sat in the worship service this morning, and it was a glorious celebration of our Risen Savior with powerful music and videos and testimonies. On the way home you said in a timid voice, "Mommy, I wanted to cry in all those videos today.  Especially the last one.  Actually, I wanted to cry the whole time, during the songs and while Daddy and Paw Paw talked.  That's why I was rubbing my eyes because they kept filling with tears.  I didn't want anyone to know because I felt embarrassed."

I explained to you that you never have to feel embarrassed about tears because they show you have a sensitive heart for the Lord.  I told you how sometimes Mommy cries because I love Jesus so much. In fact, I remember being close to your age when I got saved - on April 18th, 1985 actually - and after I prayed with Paw Paw I wanted to cry so, so badly but I felt embarrassed.  I didn't know then that God loves a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  I didn't know then about the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

But now I know.  And I want you to know it is okay to cry out of love for Jesus, out of sorrow for your sins, out of hurt for your or others pain, or out of sheer joy.  It is beautiful even. Your sweet tears are precious to Him.

And they are precious to me.

Lovingly,

Momma

Dear Trev,

Well, you knocked my socks off today, Handsome.  You were something else sportin' those white pants and that cool vest and tie.  Evidently you knocked some other people's socks off because after church you gestured at your outift and declared, "Everyone wiked me today, Momma."

Well that's good to know. :)

You're such a little confident buddy, and so happy.  I loved watching you climb into your new friend Miss Ruth's lap at the retirement home, comfortable to chat with her and talk to her and let her be a part of your day.  You spread so much joy, there is just something about you!

And you are quite the charmer.  Like how lately when I get on to you, you stop and tell me, "You're so cute."  The other day you even said those words then whispered to me with a twinkle in your eye, "I tell you that when you get mad."  Now what am I supposed to do with that??!!

I'll tell you what I do. I laugh and smile because you are just plain hilarious, and continue to pray every day that you will love God personally and serve Him all of the days of your life.  That you will have an authentic relationship with Him and make a difference in the world for His glory.   That one day this little charmer with a twinkle in his eye and an outpouring of love and joy to spread will grow to be a mighty man of God who uses that inner confidence and joy to serve Him.

Know that my prayers are with you and Madi daily.  I have prayed for you since the moment I knew you were growing inside of me.  You certainly keep me on my toes, but you also keep me on my knees.  And I promise to stay there for you.

Thanks for making us all laugh.  Thank you for praying over our special family lunch today, and thanking God in your words that at church, "everybody singed and I watched."  Happy Easter, Trevor.  He is risen!

He is risen, indeed.

Momma


Dear Friends and Readers,

Happy Easter!  I hope you had the happiest of days!  But most of all I hope you know the risen Savior personally.  He makes all things new.  And He loves you so very much.

In His Love,

Jennifer

I Wike This Pwace...

We have a friend, Miss Lisa, who is the type of person that just sort of oozes with love for people.  She has a lovely smile and is always encouraging.  For the past year or two she has been an activities director for a large local retirement home, and she is wonderful with the residents there.  Thursday Trevor and I had the privilege of sharing in an Easter party that she coordinated with the residents.  Trev was a bit shy upon entering the room, but it didn't take him long to warm up and before long he said, "I change my mind, I wike this pwace."  And no wonder!  He got to hear some Easter stories read by a former teacher....

And do all sorts of fun activities like decorating cookies, dyeing eggs, making a craft, going on an egg hunt, and eating a picnic lunch outside on a beautiful day.

He and the other little ones were delightful, and spread some Easter cheer to the residents simply by their presence, life, and enthusiastic energy.

He even made a new friend!

Miss Ruth, the lovely lady in blue, and Trev took to each other right away.  She described him as so lovable.  And I would have to agree.  It's amazing what joy the old receive from the young.  They feed off of their energy and welcome their smiles and hugs.  On Veteran's Day I sang and my dad led prayer at a small service at this same center.  I had settled my kids in the back and told them to be quiet and respectful.  When I looked back to check on them as I was singing, I saw Trev sitting on a woman's lap in a wheelchair, happy as a clam.  After that particular service one of the men who had fired the guns in the salute was showing some things to Trevor, and my little buddy spontaneously reached out and gave him a hug.  I saw the man's eyes fill immediately with tears.  I pondered that it is possible this man had not been hugged in a long time. You never do know.

I am thankful for the things my kids are learning by sharing a little piece of their lives with some seniors.  It is valuable. A special thanks to Miss Lisa for allowing us to join in the fun every once in awhile - and for being a bright spot in the lives of so many in that home!

Was It A Morning Like This

When I came out of the bedroom this morning, this is what I saw...

A Daddy and a Butterfly playing Rummikub. It was still quite early, with Trev still asleep.  We had gone swimming last night and went to bed worn out and freshly bathed, and I think we all slept soundly.  I put a Breakfast In Bed coffee pod in my Keurig and stepped outside to see what the weather was like.  And oh my goodness...

The morning was pristine.  The air was so fresh and the breeze was coming strong off of the lake.  The sky was blue with only a few clouds and the sun was bright.  Though the day would get warm, it was probably not quite 70 degrees outside.  It was the kind of morning that takes your breath away, where you want to close your eyes and soak it all in, letting the breeze invigorate you and the sunshine keep you warm.

So that's what I did.  I set a chair on our front stoop and brought out my coffee, ice water, Bible, Paul Bible study, a biography, and the latest issue of Southern Living magazine (which I observed is a combination that could sum me up pretty well).  I had a few moments of quiet, and my mind kept going to the Resurrection, as we are celebrating it tomorrow on Easter Sunday.

As the cool breeze blew and the warm sun shone, I imagined what it would have been like to be one of the women at the empty tomb.  I pondered those powerful words, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?"  I read through I Corinthians 15 and Luke 24.  I tried to contemplate the tension that must have been present during those three days before Jesus arose as the battle between God and Satan, life and death was fought.  I thought of the power that must have ripped through the earth as the grave was overwhelmed and Christ conquered sin and death.  Song lyrics from an old Sandi Patti song, Was It A Morning Like This, came to mind...

What is a morning like this, When Mary walked down from Jerusalem? 

And two angels stood at the tomb, Bearers of news she would hear soon. 

Did the grass sing? Did the earth rejoice To feel you again? 

Over and over like a Trumpet underground, Did the earth seem to pound: “He is risen” 

Over and over in a never ending round “He is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!”

I wondered if that morning that the tomb was found empty and the stone was rolled away, was it a morning as clear and glorious and perfect as the one that found me sitting on my porch surrounded by books, sipping coffee as the breeze blew my hair?  Where the birds chirped and the sun shone and the earth seemed at peace? In my imagination, it was.  Of course, I don't know for sure what it felt like that day.  But I do know this...He is risen! He is risen, indeed.  

Of course my moments of solitude and contemplation were short-lived.  It seems wherever Mommy is, the rest of the family soon follows!  One by one everyone came in and out to join me on the stoop.  It turned into a sidewalk chalk and pinwheel morning, followed by a dig in the dirt, back porch sunshine early afternoon.  

Later in the afternoon Jimmy took the kids swimming again while I ran errands, and the rest of the evening has been a blur of cooking and baths and laying out everyone's Sunday best and preparing Easter baskets. Tomorrow is sure to be a glorious worship celebration and wonderful day of family.

All because on a morning like this, an empty tomb revealed that Jesus conquered the grave.  He is mighty to save.

Blessings this Easter,

Jennifer

Cookin' Makes You Good Lookin'!

Let me just tell you, with the craziness of the past week I have not done nearly enough cooking for my family.  And I was feeling sort of bad about it!  Even if they are simple meals, I prefer to serve my family homemade food.  Yesterday I was finally able to squeeze in a couple of hours to do a little catching up in the kitchen!  I tied on a springy Vera Bradley apron that my friend Cindy gave me for Christmas and got to work.

I had some bunny shaped pasta on hand (thanks to a kindergarten fundraiser) so I thought I would make a spring pasta salad.  I added some sea salt, low fat mayo, and ranch dressing seasoning.  Oh, and some fresh carrots and tomatoes...from Mr. McGregor's garden of course!

I made a huge bowl of fresh salsa, which was overdue.  It had been too long since I had made a batch!  Then I fried up some bacon to use this week. I figured since I have pasta salad, chips and salsa, and fresh fruit in the fridge, I can make sandwiches some nights this week.  Tonight I'm going to use the bacon for some good ol' BLT's.  

And speaking of bacon, can we just pause for a moment of silence and reflect on the amazing aroma that fills a home when bacon is frying in the pan?  As it was sizzling away, Trev ran in from the other room and asked if I was making waffles and bacon (one of his favorite combos).  That scent is just irresistible!  He and I may or may not have had a few pieces of crispy goodness hot out of the pan...

I also used a mix to whip up some blueberry muffins, which was a huge hit with a certain two little people around here.  They love when Mommy makes muffins and breads, and have been gobbling these up!

I have a Paula Deen mug in my kitchen with the old country saying, "Cookin' Makes You Good Lookin'!"

I don't know about that y'all, but I do know it feels good to serve my family something homemade or fresh out of the oven!  Tastes good too! Happy to spend some time catching up in the kitchen!

Devotion

Today was my parent's 38th wedding anniversary.

I realize that very few marriages are enduring anymore.  I am grateful to have been raised in a family where my parents lived out their vows.  I do not take this for granted.  My husband and I have learned so much from them and the way they have served God and their family with grace and consistency for so long.

Some words that come to mind when I think of my parents and their marriage are...

Sacrifice.  Celebration.  Perseverance.  Enjoyment.  Relationship.  Time.  Humility.  Commitment.  Understanding.  Deference.  Love.  Loyalty.  Devotion.

My mom's favorite flowers are hydrangeas.  When I used hydrangeas as one of the primary flowers in my wedding, I learned that they are often used as symbol for devotion.  I was thrilled to come across some absolutely stunning hydrangeas at Publix today.  I knew I had found the perfect anniversary present for them!  I left them in their house with a card so that they could come home to them after their journey back from Arizona.

Their vibrant beauty is a reflection of the beauty found in devotion to a spouse, in keeping covenant and respecting vows, in creating stability, love, and pleasure for a family.  In serving God together faithfully. In making a house a home.  In valuing people and relationships over things.  They are a reflection of the value of all the beautiful things I learned from two simple people who have made an extraordinary impact on my life.

Happy 38th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!  I pray you will have many more years together.  

May it only grow more beautiful.

Juggling

I have had one of those weeks where a lot of my roles kept colliding.

It's been a good week, but a busy one where I had to work extra hard to juggle everything.  In addition to my usual roles as wife, mom, youth pastor's wife, piano teacher, mentor, musician, etc. I have been helping care for my grandma and staying with her as my parents have been out of town to visit my brother and his family.  I was glad to do it, especially because my parents help us out all the time with our kids during ministry events, date nights, and the occasional overnight trip...but it was admittedly interesting to juggle it all!

Monday my husband had two tickets to a youth pastors' event at Hollywood Studios and he really wanted me to come.  It was a 2 hour music event including artists Meredith Andrews, Christ August, and Toby Mac.  Madi was in school, and our friends kept Trevor so I was able to join Jimmy for the event.  I was so glad it worked out because it ended up being a fantastic few hours.

Not only was the music great - it was scaled down, often acoustic, and intimate - but the artists were very encouraging.  They all spoke words of encouragement into our lives as people who are also passionate about pursuing and reaching youth culture for Jesus.  And Toby Mac shared his testimony of how his life was changed when he accepted Christ as his Savior at camp with a volunteer youth pastor who had invited him to go.  We laughed as he told us how he really thought he was going to a basketball camp, and how at first he and his buddies were a little confused as to why they kept listening to preaching in between basketball and the other activities!

He told of how the messages this youth pastor had shared just wouldn't get out of his head during that week of camp, and how he woke the pastor up in the night because he wanted to settle things right then and there.  He talked about how now he and the other musicians in his band get to come in for a concert and leave, but how youth pastors and youth leaders are in the trenches week after week.  It was a very uplifting testimony, and I appreciated it so.  Sometimes those of us in student ministry need a little pouring into, and that is what we were blessed to experience.  It was particularly timely because recently we have been getting our flyers and info out for this summer's upcoming camp, and probably most in the room are doing so as well.  That youth pastor who led Toby Mac to Christ probably had no idea the enormous influence that teenager would have for Christ through music over many years to come.  He was just faithful to reach out to a student, faithful to do the tasks God had placed before him, faithful to share Christ with a bunch of teenagers who at first didn't even know what to think about the whole Jesus thing.  He was faithful, and in perfect God style, God multiplied the simple faithfulness of a common man into something far reaching for His kingdom.

I am amazed at the God we serve.

Not only were we encouraged at the event, but Jimmy was excited because one of his old Chicago friends plays in Toby Mac's Diverse City Band, and he had arranged to meet up with him after the show.  They ended up making dinner plans, and Jimmy wanted me to come along.  I wasn't sure if it would happen because not only would I have to find someone to watch the kids for the evening, I would have to find someone to take my grandma out for the evening!  I had promised her I would get her out for dinner and to the grocery store that night!

Thanks to a few good friends who willingly jumped in to help when asked, I was able spend the evening visiting with Jimmy and his old friend.  After going home to get the kids settled in and my grandma ready, we went back out for the evening to meet up with his friend. It's always neat to meet people from your husband's past.  After a nice visit we headed home and I got the kids settled in bed, then went back to my parent's to help my grandma with her nighttime routine.

The juggling was all worth it though.  Though exhausted, I really did go to bed that night with an encouraged heart, thankful for the music and testimonies we heard that day, and for the help of a few good friends who allowed me to experience it all with the husband I love.

So wherever you sit, if an uplifting opportunity (or maybe just even a chance to spend some quality time with your husband) awaits that may require some juggling to get there...do it.  It will be so worth it.