Notes From Home

~Every time I sit down to write a post, I can't seem to put the words together. I know what I want to say, but I'm a bit at a loss for how to say it. And most of all, I'm not even sure I need to be saying any of it. Maybe every blogger has those times when you think you should pack up your stuff and go. You've said enough.

But this is my family blog, too. It's where I capture those memories that I love looking back on later. That seems to be the hardest thing to walk away from. I'm not sure I'd have the discipline to scrapbook my life like I do on my blog.

Time isn't an issue. My priorities are in order. My Beloved isn't telling me to quit. My Ink Slinger would tell me not to quit. So, I'll keep thinking on this one. If you have insight, I'd love to hear it. :)

~I can't wait to share with you about God's provision for me during my jury duty. It's not that I didn't want to serve, but being pregnant and having my Crohn's active presented quite a challenge. I'm so thankful for a merciful God who never forgets us even when we forget He hasn't forgotten us.

~Cap'n had his first haircut today. After battling a metal chair and losing (see bruise on forehead), he wasn't pleased to be told he was losing hair, too. He's such a serious little guy, and now he looks like a serious little man.

~I've made some yummy recipes lately and hope to post those, too: Homemade applesauce, a brown sugar chicken rub, five cheese toast, raspberry chipotle sauce cream cheese dip, cakey brownies, and and honey-garlic pork chops. Emma has been in the kitchen, too, and made some delicious homemade tomato soup yesterday. Mountain Man, who has been home sick all week, found it most comforting.

~Cap'n has his moments when he prefers Jake (Little Big Man) over me. Can you believe it? Ink, with great wisdom, tells me "it's time to start letting go." HA!

~I've used a baby doppler since I was pregnant with Miss Ella. They're worth every penny of the rental fee, and I'm in awe every time I hear that precious, precious heartbeat! Tomorrow I see my perinatologist for the first time during this pregnancy. I'll spend an hour hearing about the many risks of being pregnant at my age, and then I'll get to see this wee one on the big screen. :) Hopefully, I'll have an amazing picture to share with you.

~I've just finished George Grant's The Micah Mandate, and I loved it! I'm reading John Flavel's The Mystery of Providence with tissues in hand , and the margins are already full of "Amen" and "Yes!".

~I'm tackling Jonathan Edwards Charity and Its Fruits with the sad realization that I think I know almost nothing about Christian love.

~And it's official. I'm old. How do I know this? I don't like some of the music my oldest sons like. I never thought I'd see the day. :)

Much love,
Trisha

The Training of a Book Lover's Bodyguard

Weird things go on in our home, sometimes without my knowledge. I recently learned of attempts to turn Cap'n, who's still a baby, into a bodyguard. Not just any bodyguard. Perhaps the most important kind of all. A Book Lover's Bodyguard.

Meet Cap'n. (He looks a bit delighted to be in training, don't you think?) His assignment is to sit on the back of the couch while his older brother reads. If a Little decides to read in the same room, out loud, Cap'n gets the signal to "attack."

Here's the adorable Little who was Cap'n's first victim. Notice how cool, calm, and collected she remains through the training session, even though she now knows what to expect from behind her.

Here they are receiving instructions from the unnamed brother. Boy, he has them wrapped around his finger.

Cap'n starts to make his move when Clairesy reads aloud.

I'm comin' after you, sweet sister.

Am I supposed to take this seriously, little brother?

 Notice how Clairesy keeps hold of her book the entire time.

She even manages to smile, smile, smile. Such a good sport she is.

"You cannot read out loud in her when your big brother is reading a book. If you do, I will attack from behind and attempt a choke hold while falling all over you. I will laugh the entire time, but you will fear me. I am a Book Lover's Bodyguard."

"Hmm. I'm not afraid of you Mr. Book Lover's Bodyguard. Don't you know I'm bigger than you are, and you're supposed to protect your sisters? Anyway, all I need to do is show you the pictures in the book, and you'll forget you're supposed to attack and instead sit down and read with me."

Recognizing he has been the victim of his Big Brother's manipulative tactics, Cap'n shares a kiss of forgiveness with Clairesy, forcing Big Brother to craft more desperate methods to protect his reading time. Stay tuned for future tales of bibliomania.

One Little Did

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

Layin' in the sun,

Talkin' 'bout the things

They woulda coulda shoulda done...

But all those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

All ran away and hid 

From one little Did.

~ Shel Silverstein

The Taste It Leaves in My Heart

No book of evidence can be compared with that internal evidence which he obtains who daily uses the Word in the right way...The book satisfies and feeds his soul. A poor Christian woman once said to an infidel, "I am no scholar. I cannot argue like you. But I know that honey is honey, because it leaves a sweet taste in my mouth. And I know the Bible to be God's book, because of the taste it leaves in my heart."
~J.C. Ryle
Practical Religion

17 Things You're So Glad to Know About Me

My son did a fun post, "11 Things You Didn't Want to Know About Me." Here's my spin on that. Of course you want to know these things...because you can only feel better about yourself after reading them (or at least confirm your suspicions that I really am odd but you'd still love to have a cup of tea with me and sample chocolate together).

 ~I don't like talking on the phone, and I repeatedly fail to answer e-mails in a timely manner. I love writing letters, and I treasure one-on-one heartfelt, God-focused conversations with close friends.

~I'm the world's pickiest eater. Dinner invitations make me very nervous. I don't want to be rude and not eat what you've set before me. I know that's selfish. But I also don't want to vomit at the dinner table, and I truly might do that if you ask me to eat broccoli casserole. My close friends graciously accept my pickiness and stick with foods they know I'll eat or suggest we share in making the meal or that we eat out. They don't watch my plate or take my refusal to eat what they've made as commentary on their cooking. Oh, how I love those friends!

~When I was little, my Dad used to make me sit at the dinner table until I finished my food. It would be 9:00, and I'd still be sitting there. His tacos, though, and fried flounder were the best, and he never had to make me finish those.

~I was born with club feet and had to wear corrective bars on my legs when I was little. I would lie in my crib and just bang my feet against the wood over and over, screaming. My siblings couldn't stand to hear it and wanted my Mom to take the bars off. I'm glad she didn't, though! (There's a great parenting lesson here.)

~I love to cook. I know. I love making my family new foods, even though I won't eat those foods much of the time. And I do make my children try new things because I don't want them to be like I am.

~I'm an introvert. Social gatherings are not my thing. I don't enjoy church potlucks or large parties. I'm often perceived as standoffish or rude when really I'm just uncomfortable and awkward. That said, I fight constantly against this tendency (and fail over and over), recognizing how self-centered instead of others-centered it can be.

~If you correct my grammar while I'm speaking to you or use an incredulous tone in response to a question I've asked you, we probably won't have many deep conversations in the future. (unless you're my child. :))

~I talk to people when I'm driving. I know they can't hear me, but I still say things like, "Why would you pull out in front of me when I'm driving 60 mph, and you're only going 30? Are you crazy!?" I'm working on this. I really am.

~I struggle with laziness, and I'm the queen of good intentions. I wish I had more to show for the years I've been alive (as Sara Groves puts it). I often make great plans but have very poor follow-through.

~If I could change some things about me, I'd have pretty feet, a willingness to try new foods, brains and wisdom like Cindy at Dominion Family or Persis at Tried With Fire, and a heart that loves as unselfishly as my Pastor's. (Thankfully, by God's grace, there's still hope for the last one.)

~I am terrified of mice. Terrified.

~I hated school and dreaded going almost every day. I suffered with severe test anxiety, was beat up, and endured endless mocking. When I was graduated, I felt like a bird released from its cage. There's no doubt in my mind I would be a very different person today if I had been homeschooled.

~I take a nap almost every day. That's because I stay up late with my older boys and get up early with my Beloved.

~I'm not on Facebook, and I'm annoyed by the assumption that everyone is..."Did you see so and so's post on FB?" "Oh, that's right. You're not on FB." I'm thinking I'll be on FB the day I become an extrovert.

~I love salty french fries dipped in a Wendy's Frosty.

~I have some book sense but not a lot of common sense.

~I'm the last person I would have picked to be a Mom, and I LOVE being a Mom. Every day I'm in awe of God's mercy in giving us children because there are so many things I don't get right. I am proof that God's grace is what you need most as a parent.

All of that said, I love the truth that nothing is impossible with God, and that what's true about me today might not be tomorrow.

And I'm not counting this one because I hope it's something you already know about me. I'm continuously amazed at your gracious words. I'm deeply thankful for every one of you! You show me God's grace every time I post. Thank you for sharpening me, praying for me, laughing and crying with me, and encouraging me.

With love,
Trisha

Froot Loop Cupcakes

***Warning: This is a potentially hazardous post containing reference to sugary cereal loops and the encouragement to consume them. Proceed with caution, understanding that admitting you have allowed your children to eat these might win you the Bad Mother of the Year Award and cause you to be the focus of much gossip among mothers who have, as one said, "never let a froot loop cross my children's lips." You've been duly warned.

Now on to the fun. We made these for Claire's birthday yesterday, and they were a hit. Even my Beloved, who is missing a sweet tooth, liked them. The lemon and orange zest add such a nice touch to the ordinary vanilla cupcake. I doubled the recipe and used whole milk.

Froot Loop Cupcakes
from Crepes of Wrath
who adapted them from Gastronomy Blog

1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk 
Zest from 1 orange and 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups Froot Loops
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and/or line 12 muffin cups.
2. Using a mixer, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugar and continue to cream for 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. mixing in well.
3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix into the butter mixture alternating with the milk in 3 batches (flour, milk, flour, milk, flour). Add orange and lemon zest to batter.
4. Scoop 1/4 cup of the batter into each muffin cup of the prepared pan, and sprinkle the tops with a generous amount of cereal.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cupcakes are puffed and firm in the center and light golden brown on the edges. When ready, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the muffin tins for about 10 minutes. Remove from the tins and allow them to cool completely before sprinkling with powdered sugar. Makes 12 cupcakes.

Of course, if someone tries to take your cupcake, you might have to give them THIS look, like Cap'n did, to let them know not to mess with you and your froot loops.

Happy Baking!

With love,
Trisha

Three

 Today marks three years with Claire Jubilee. She's our miracle baby. Her name means "rejoicing in the light of Christ's salvation."

Claire is Latin for "bright" or "illustrious." "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

Jubilee is Hebrew for "one who rejoices." "But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD because He hath dealt bountifully with me."
(Psalm 13:5,6)

You can read her story here (short posts):The Story and the Name~Part 1
The Story and the Name~Part 2

Too often as time passes, the magnitude of God's mercies dims in our memories. Even now as I read back over her story I'm surprised by the details I've forgotten, a reminder of the importance of recording our Ebenezers as they happen.

When she stumbles out of her bedroom, I'll see those blue eyes and that blonde bed-head. She'll ask for tea and want me to hold her. She'll be so excited that today is her birthday, and she'll want her presents NOW.

She'll say, "I luh you so much, Mommy."

And I'll watch those fingerprints on the wall get a bit higher as I praise God for the joy and privilege of being her Mama.

Happy Birthday, Claire! May you always shine brightly for the LORD and rejoice in the light of His salvation!

A Brief Note from Blahsville

Ok. I'm still here, everyone! But the past several days have been a bit rough. I battled food poisoning, and I lost. Showing up early Sunday morning, this demon rudely interrupted my plans for an early Valentine's celebration set for Sunday evening. Those hours of gripping porcelain forced me to abandon dreams of heart-shaped chicken parmesan and instead pray I could just get up from the floor. My Beloved didn't wake up to sweet calls of "rise and shine", but rather "God, please have mercy on me!"

God did, but I just can't seem to shake off the exhausting effects of this one. I'm a temporary resident of Blahsville, and here is proof positive.

~I haven't eaten chocolate for five days. That's a record, I think.
~I haven't cooked a homemade meal for my family since Saturday (except the raspberry crumble I managed to make last night...there had to be something for them on Valentine's Day.)
~I've watched too much HGTV and Food Network (which are NOT family friendly by the way). It seems to be the only time the tv comes on...when I'm sick and so tired of just lying in bed. This is when I wish I knew how to crochet or knit or something.
~I'm washing my husbands clothes on an as needed basis, "Need some socks tomorrow? A pair of dress pants?"
~I haven't gotten up and made his breakfast or lunch at all this week.

As usual, God's mercies abound! I'm deeply grateful for children with wonderful imaginations that keep them occupied for hours and banish even the thought of boredom. I'm thankful for convenience foods. I'm thankful for children who love how I make Valentine's Day special, but who graciously understand that it just wasn't happening on time this year.

I'm thankful for a kind husband who has patiently endured my slow recovery. I'm thankful for AAA, the road-side company who rescued him Monday night and for the generous guys at Pep Boys who patched the flat-tire at no charge. I'm thankful for Pizza Barn take-out pizza that made last night seem like at least a bit of a celebration.

I'm thankful for 10 weeks and 2 days TODAY and for hearing Sweet Baby's heartbeat yesterday! Yes, I've been worried! It's amazing to me how God protects babies in the womb. Simply amazing. This little one's heart was beating 181 beats strong. Thank you, LORD!

 I'm thankful, too, for the beautiful snow God gave us last night.

And finally (because I don't want to make this a LONG post. :)), I'm thankful for those who have already been praying for me and Sweet Baby. I just know I'll be leaving Blahsville very soon.

Much love,
Trisha

Always Say This Out Loud

"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."

 ~Gladys Berthe Stern 

After my Dad died last summer, I came home sick. I was tired and emotionally overwhelmed, and I was profoundly aware of the least kindnesses shown to me.

One of those was my doctor calling in a prescription for me instead of making me wait a week to see him. I was so grateful and wrote him a note letting him know that one decision had made my burden lighter. He in turn called to thank me for the thank you. I don't think doctors get too many of those.

Last week I sent a note to a dear friend who shared with me a yummy cream cheese pound cake recipe years ago. I think of her every time I make that cake, and I wanted her to know how much I appreciated her.

And then there are all those thanks I never sent out, I never said, except in my head. I've mentioned before that for at least a couple of months before my Dad died, I meant to send him a thank you for the Matthew Henry commentaries he gave me years before. But, as someone observed, we always think those we love will live forever.

And what about our children? Are they more aware of what they get right than what they do wrong? Don't assume they know you're proud of them or see the many ways they're growing in grace or the little victories that happen every day. Our husbands? How many sacrifices do they daily make that we take for granted?

Think about what a difference it makes when someone shows you gratitude. Last night, feeling run-down and knowing my Beloved wasn't going to be home until after 10, I offered my children an amazing gourmet meal...canned chicken noodle soup. I know. It was lame, but it was what I could muster up. Instead of complaints, I hear, "Thank you for this wonderful dinner, Mommy." 

Yep. That's enough to make you cry.

If a cashier has been unusually pleasant to deal with at the grocery store checkout, stop by to tell the manager what a delight you've found his employee to be, and how thankful you are for her attitude. He'll be glad to pass along the compliment, and she'll go home encouraged and freshly motivated about her work.

If a neighbor's flowerbed catches your eye every time you pull into the driveway, walk over and tell her how thankful you are for the hard work she puts into tending her yard and how it just seems to get more beautiful year after year.

And, of course, when you're captivated by a glorious sunset, or comforted in sorrow, or uplifted by some sweet reminder of the hope God gives in the midst of life's many problems and challenges, make your praise ring not only in your head but on your tongue.

If your pastor's messages encourage your heart and deepen your walk with God, don't assume he just automatically knows this or gets tired of hearing how his ministry is impacting people's lives. Look him in the eye and thank him for his faithfulness to bring you the Word, or jot him a note with a few specifics of how something he said really ministered to you.

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Choosing Gratitude


May we have eyes wide open to see the many opportunities around us to say "thanks" and hearts and mouths and pens ever ready to do so.


With love,
Trisha

Thankful Thursday~Beautiful Souls

I'm thankful for a husband who says, upon seeing his littlest girl in her Sunday burgundy velvet dress, "You're going to grow up to look just like your Mama. And that's going to mean trouble."

(That's a compliment, in case you're wondering. :))

He didn't say, "You'll look like your Mama when she was younger and thinner and prettier. She's really gone downhill now." He's speaking of NOW, and that's amazing to me.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Too often we women worry about the lines and the pounds and the effects of gravity (I do!). We measure ourselves by airbrushed images instead of by the Word of God, which already tells us that physical beauty is vain and fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

Christ in us makes us more beautiful than botox or laser surgery or a million dollars worth of face creams. What a treasure it is to have husbands who know this and see this and tell us!

"Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of wife by it. But the fear of God, reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever."

~Matthew Henry

With love,

Trisha

What I'd Tell My Daughter if She Wanted to be a Blogger

1) Have a purpose. Write out your reasons for blogging and review them often to make sure your posts reflect your purpose. This also helps you determine when it's time to let go of your blog and invest your time elsewhere or whether you're starting to compromise in your writings.

2) Be gracious to your visitors and followers. You belong to Jesus, and that truth should flow out of your responses and your treatment of those who read your blog. I've felt many a cold shoulder from other Christian women bloggers who were theologically precise but a bit lacking in the love department. Don't let this be said of you. When a new visitor leaves a comment on your blog, always take the time to visit hers and leave encouragement.

3) Comments aren't an indication of the quality of a post. We all want affirmation of what we're saying. I've seen over 80 comments on a post about getting an AARP card in the mail and have noticed only a few comments on brilliant posts that sharpen and challenge. The truth is most readers find it easier to comment on insignificant and everyday things than to weigh in on deeper matters. (And some bloggers just have LOTS of friends. :)) While feedback is encouraging and spurs us on, it shouldn't become the focus.

4) Be sincere. If you say you're going to pray for someone, do it right then, or write down the name and be faithful to pray. Don't follow other blogs just to get them to follow you (this flies in the face of marketing logic, I know, but this goes back to knowing your purpose). Comment sincerely, avoiding flattery.

5) Be generous in promoting other bloggers and encouraging others to read their work: Jealousy often abounds on Blogger and Wordpress, but as Christians we blog differently. Promote the blogs of other Christians, and encourage them with good words.

6) Keep your blogging in perspective: Consider your other God-given responsibilities and make sure you're not neglecting your priorities and getting caught up in reading endless blogs and checking for comments.

7) Remember your words are there for a long, long time. Would you want your future children to read them? Would they make your future husband proud? At the core, do they honor the LORD? Don't be afraid to pull a post when you've erred, but also remember that your hitting the delete button doesn't mean your words aren't still floating around somewhere.

8) Small and true is very good. You'll quickly discover the temptation to have lots of followers. But there's nothing like having a faithful few around, those who really love you and pray for you and encourage you and set you straight when they need to.

9) Beware of internet disagreements battled out in the comments section. Yikes! I've witnessed some ugly ones, and I'm sure there have been times I should have just kept my mouth shut, too. Suddenly, we strip away the charity and humility we're supposed to be clothed in, and anything goes.

10) Watch out for people-pleasing, fame-desiring tendencies that cause you to compromise the Truth: When I first started blogging, I frequently read the blog of a young woman who was passionate about many things, especially honoring God in all areas of her life. She spoke hard words and received much criticism. She gradually threw off the unpopular posts for tamer topics that didn't stir much controversy. You want to speak the truth IN LOVE, but guard against a concern for offending people (because the truth of the gospel IS offensive) that leaves you spineless at the keyboard.

11) Don't leave backhanded comments: Like one I recently read, "I don't like your blog, but this was a good post." Why not, as a Christian, just say, "Great post." To add the former is simply a way to get a dig in at someone, and that's not Christ-like at all.

12) Some people just won't like you and many will often misunderstand you: They might not like you because you're a Christian or because you have blue eyes or because you have four children instead of two or because you use exclamation points in your posts. Get over it, and remember your purpose. Also, we all read posts with our own set of prejudices. That means we'll sometimes misunderstand what a blogger is saying or want to add in all the exceptions to the blogger's post, etc. Clarify yourself if necessary, but don't get caught up in trying to explain every detail of every post.

13) There might just be one: You just never know who you might encourage that day. What if your words helped one Mama love her calling a bit more or speak to her children more kindly or keep pressing on in teaching her children? What if your firm admonition reminded her to re-focus her priorities and your transparency renewed her wonder of God's grace?

14) Be authentic: Not as in a blogging exhibitionist, but rather, are you the same women at home that you are on your blog? Do you tell young ladies to respect their parents while you dishonor yours? Do you counsel other women to make their families a priority while you neglect your children to get blog posts done? Be consistent. Be authentic. Ask your family. They'll answer honestly.

15) Above all, honor God: Remind all who read of Christ crucified, the good news of the Gospel. Speak of His grace and mercy. Be thankful. Encourage. Edify. Say the hard but true things. Don't let your blog become an idol. Be ready to let it go when it's time. Fear God and not man.

With love,
Trisha

Five Clues Your Children Read Really OLD Books

1) Their vocabulary is larger than yours. They often hear you say, "What does that word mean?" (because you didn't grow up reading really old books). They correct your pronunciation of big words, too.

2) Shakespeare's language is "normal" to them, and they don't bat an eye if you say "thee" and "thou." They love to say the ordinary in an extraordinary way, quoting lines such as, "Go to your room, daughter, until this madness is purged from your veins."

3) They write well even though you've never formally taught them writing.

4) They amuse you with their carefree use of words like "gay" (happy) and "molest" (bother). You make a note that you must explain the modern day usage of these words soon, but not too soon.

5) When they must look up a word, they have to turn to Webster's 1828 dictionary instead of Google.

:)

With love,
Trisha

Valentine's Day Without a Valentine

My Mom will spend her first Valentine's Day in over 50 years without my Dad. Not only will the day be hard for what it is (and yes, we make a big deal about Valentine's Day!), but that day will also be the 8 month anniversary of my Dad's death.

Double whammy.

I do up Valentine's Day BIG around our home, and as I've been gathering my surprises, I've thought much about my loved ones who will know something different this year. My dear cousin, Michele, who died on October, was just like I am. She loved making the ordinary special for her family, and I know they'll be missing those special touches this year.

To them I'll be sending a box that includes some items that bring good memories of times with Michele, including a movie that we watched together in Salt Lake City that she declared "a keeper."

The point is letting them know I remember. I remember that it still hurts. I remember there's an empty space, in their hearts and at their table.

Valentine's Day isn't hard only for those who have known the death of a loved one. It can be the perfect time to encourage others, too...

~anyone who's just lost her spouse/girlfriend/close friend/daughter/son, etc.
~the friend who's divorced or separated
~the neighbor who lives alone
~someone who longs to be married but is still single
~the friend who's caring for ill parents
~anyone who's hurting

What to give or do or say?

~a card just saying, "I know this day will be hard for you. Please know I love you, and I'm praying for you."
~a gift card
~an item that your loved one always received from his/her spouse (you be the judge...I know that might not be good for some, though others would find it comforting.)
~flowers
~take the person out to lunch or dinner
~a box of chocolates
~meals for the freezer, especially for someone who lives alone
~a jar full of slips of paper, each naming something you love about that person OR what you loved about the one who's died OR what you loved about them together
~a special photo or cd or movie
~a list of Scriptures about love
~a book about the love of God

I know the objections to Valentine's Day, just like those to Mother's Day or Father's Day. "We should be showing our appreciation every day." Yes, we should. But, the truth is, our culture is saturated by the observance of these holidays, and grief and loneliness are often intensified on such days. Why not do a little something to make that burden lighter?

Much love,
Trisha

Learn Again to Lament

Because it's in the midst of our trials and singing our own lamentations that we learn best how to comfort other hurting hearts, to show our children that true Christianity requires many sessions in the school of affliction, and to clothe ourselves in compassion and mercy to minister to those who don't know Jesus.

"...let us learn once again to lament. Read the Psalms over and over until you have the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax necessary to lay your heart before God in lamentation. If you do this, you will have the resources to cope with your own times of suffering, despair and heartbreak, and to keep worshipping and trusting through even the blackest of days; you will also develop a greater understanding of fellow Christians whose agonies of, say, bereavement, depression, or despair , sometimes make it difficult for them to prance around in ecstasy singing 'Jesus wants me for a sunbeam' on a Sunday morning; and you will have more credible things to say to those shattered and broken individuals--be they burned-out bank managers or down-and-out-junkies--to whom you may be called to be a witness of God's unconditional mercy and grace to the unloved and the unlovely. For such, as the Bible might put it, were some of you..."
~Carl Trueman, The Wages of Spin
"What Can Miserable Christians Sing"

Of Moleskines, Memories, and Mailboxes

"What do you do?  You're just a housewife and slave, aren't you?  A nursemaid to a bunch of kids?

No, I have a fantastic job, a terrific career.  I am a curator

 in a museum--a museum of memories!  I am collecting 

memories for our family museum."

~Edith Schaeffer, What is a Family?

Some of my favorite childhood memories are the little notes my Mom would leave me.  Her "I'm praying for you!" reminders got me through tough days at school and greatly relieved my test anxiety.  This introvert hated school, and my Mom's encouraging words and reminders that God was with me were a lifeline for me.

When she was hospitalized once for a week, she left me notes ahead of time.  Each envelope was labeled with the day it was to be opened, and inside there would be stickers or a dollar or little Scripture cards.

What memories these notes made for me! Now, I'm a note writer, too.  I love to leave my children hugs in words.  Their memory boxes are full of pieces of paper from me.  Love notes.

But these papers are too easily lost, so I came up with a more lasting way to leave them good words.  I decided to use the moleskines (and isn't the moleskine good for almost everything?) and some similar type notebooks.

Each child has his own mailbox and his own moleskine (or other notebook).  I write notes in their books and slip them in the mailboxes, sometimes along with a little treat.  I found these mailboxes years ago at Target, and I haven't seen any as nice since.  But, I'm still looking.

Sometimes the children write notes back to me, and that is very precious, too.  It's a gift of grace to find encouraging words waiting for me, especially after days when I've been discouraged or felt defeated.

Here's an example of something I might write....

"Dear __

My precious daughter, you had such a great first reading lesson today!  I can't wait to hear you read from God's wonderful Word.  I'm so thankful to have the blessing of teaching you many great things.

Love, 

Mommy

XO"

"Dear ___

I'm so proud of you for participating in the discussion at ____.  I pray you would always see the foolishness of a life not lived by faith.  May it always be said of you, my beloved child, that you always did what was right in the sight of the LORD and that you lived by faith, trusting your Savior wholeheartedly.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

XO"

Why and how?

***who doesn't love to get mail?  From oldest to youngest, our children delight at seeing the flag on their mailbox up, knowing encouraging words and perhaps a small gift are waiting for them

***sometimes it's easier to write some things than say them, and these words are a lasting reminder to our children of moments that time too easily dims

***this forces me to slow down, look thoughtfully at the work God is doing in EACH child's life, and make a note of it.  As I write, I'm thanking God at the same time for His many mercies He daily gives to our family.  I'm praising Him for the work He does in spite of me and my failings.

***I never know if I'll have tomorrow.  Life can slip away in an instant, and I want my children to have those words to encourage them and remind them of my love, God's love, and His goodness to them.

***I want my children to be encouragers, to use their words to bless instead of curse, to be intentional about giving others the gift of good words

***I LOVE being a memory-maker, the curator, as Mrs. Schaeffer puts it, of our family museum

This is not a costly tradition to start, but the dividends are endless.  What a gift God has given us to impress memories on the hearts of our children that reflect His glory and speak of His constant goodness and mercy.

This time of year is a perfect one to be on the lookout for mailboxes! :)

Much love,

Trisha

***originally posted at my A Multitude of Mercies blog in Feb. 2011

What's On My Nightstand

Because, God willing, we'll need a name in September!

Thank you in advance for your prayers. This first month has seen a few sleepless nights as my soul has refused to be comforted while bound with fear, much opportunity for prayer, and overflowing gratitude for each moment this baby is with us.

I'm simply humbled by God's mercy.

With love,
Trisha

***To my dear friends whose hearts are still longing for a baby...I don't have words. Please know I pray for you, one by one, even those who have never left a comment, but who I know are struggling with infertility. Thank you for your continuing encouragement to my heart in the midst of your heartache.