1. Pies
2. Licking the spoon from Chocolate Pie
3. Nana teaching the girls how to make pies.
4. Gum Drop Tree- A family tradition
5. Pies (specifically Chocolate)
6. Spending time with family
Did I mention pie?
Merry Christmas!!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
My Favorite Christmas Things
Christmas has always been such a special time for me. Just a few of my favorite things:
1. Pies
2. Licking the spoon from Chocolate Pie
3. Nana teaching the girls how to make pies.
4. Gum Drop Tree- A family tradition
5. Pies (specifically Chocolate)
6. Spending time with family
Did I mention pie?
Merry Christmas!!
1. Pies
2. Licking the spoon from Chocolate Pie
3. Nana teaching the girls how to make pies.
4. Gum Drop Tree- A family tradition
5. Pies (specifically Chocolate)
6. Spending time with family
Did I mention pie?
Merry Christmas!!
Sunday, December 21, 2014
The Best Gift of All
The Christmas season means many different things to people. For us we strive to keep Jesus the center of all our festivities. With the bombardment of retailers, this can be difficult at times. We made a not so popular and not so favorable decision at the beginning of 2014. No gifts for Christmas. We even decided to expand this "no gift giving" campaign to birthdays as well. So for the entire year we gave no purchased gifts for any birthdays and Christmas shopping was not a consideration.
I can hear the gasps. I can feel the bewilderment you may have. But you haven't seen how our kids have responded. Sure we have the moans and groans from time to time when they see the latest and greatest toy or gadget. But we have also seen each kid encourage and remind another when they ask for something.
Reminders of how blessed we are to have what we have.
Encouraged to remember how much more we have than others.
Reminded that we have the best things we could ever want.
So in between the bickering and arguing, the mounds of laundry, and sink of dishes, I hear and see that our message is sinking in. The message that we have more than what we need. That maybe what we want needs to be re-evaluated or adjusted. Thankful for what we have NOW and not worrying about what we can get. That we should be content with what we are given.
Isn't as Christians that is what we are supposed to do? Trust in the Lord that he will provide everything we need in HIS timing and not our own. Thankful for what we do have and not the things we don't. To live joyfully in our current situation instead of pining away for a different one.
So our crazy idea maybe isn't that crazy after all. Maybe just maybe we are teaching our kids a life lesson that can impact them for years.
So although we have no gifts under our tree, the gift of our Savior is the only gift we truly ever need Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
I can hear the gasps. I can feel the bewilderment you may have. But you haven't seen how our kids have responded. Sure we have the moans and groans from time to time when they see the latest and greatest toy or gadget. But we have also seen each kid encourage and remind another when they ask for something.
Reminders of how blessed we are to have what we have.
Encouraged to remember how much more we have than others.
Reminded that we have the best things we could ever want.
So in between the bickering and arguing, the mounds of laundry, and sink of dishes, I hear and see that our message is sinking in. The message that we have more than what we need. That maybe what we want needs to be re-evaluated or adjusted. Thankful for what we have NOW and not worrying about what we can get. That we should be content with what we are given.
Isn't as Christians that is what we are supposed to do? Trust in the Lord that he will provide everything we need in HIS timing and not our own. Thankful for what we do have and not the things we don't. To live joyfully in our current situation instead of pining away for a different one.
So our crazy idea maybe isn't that crazy after all. Maybe just maybe we are teaching our kids a life lesson that can impact them for years.
So although we have no gifts under our tree, the gift of our Savior is the only gift we truly ever need Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,
and his name shall be called[e]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,
and his name shall be called[e]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
I am back!
Well, you may not have even realized I was gone but I am back! Unfortunately we ended up with the flu in 6 of the 7 folks in the house. This momma had it the worst and of course I am the only one that didn't see a doctor for a prescription to end my suffering. Isn't it always like that for us moms? We do a great job caring for others but not so much for ourselves.
With the new year just around the corner, the fact that I always seem to be my last concern made me consider what I will try to do different this next year. Top of the list is to make time for my well-being. I don't mean Girls Night Out, pedicures, or massages. I mean doing the things to promote a general well being....exercise, balanced diet, and daily quite time.
Honestly some days I don't eat before noon and you can forget about getting in my daily allowance of water or even a drink of water before mid-day. Exercise is always pushed off for more pressing matters (at least here lately during this busy part of the year). I do manage to spend time in Scripture frequently but it always seems hurried or rushed.
So I am reclaiming my importance (not an overstated one) but one where I schedule time for the things that will ensure my well being. But as I contemplate what this will actually look like for our family of seven I am finding a few indulgences I am going to have to give up and few areas I will need to discipline myself!
1. Sleeping in after the Hunky Hubby heads off to work. Neither my husband or I are morning folks. If we could have a schedule where we slept until 8am we would both awaken with the energy of spring chickens but with a houseful of kids that is just not feasible. Or at least when we do then the entire day is chaotic! So no more rolling into his warm spot and enjoying a few extra moments of sweet dreams!
2. Meal planning. I do a great job planning meals for the kids but I am a finicky eater. I don't like oatmeal or cereal which are great options for the kiddos. They love it and can manage their morning meal independent of me. So to make sure I eat I am going to have to prep ahead of time and make a plan. Boooo!
3. Laundry! Ugh! A family of 7 can wear some clothes especially with our littles fashionista who layers every outfit and changes multiple times each day. I think it is time to purge clothes to avoid the mountain of clothes. I mean if you only have so many sets of clothes you will have to laundry, right?
4. Date night! I miss my husband! Since staying home, I have limited adult interaction and boy to I miss it. But more than that I miss my best friend. We used to be able to manage a date night but recently faced the challenge of getting away. Our autistic son had a period of time where he just wasn't dealing with the world and finding a sitter is near impossible. So we just buckled in and rode out the storm. I love our commitment to doing what is best for our family but I think we forget that our relationship needs the same commitment and attention. So I am committing to finding time for my husband every day! Yep I know that is a big goal. But it can be as simple as a few minutes to share about our day. Or a time to laugh together.
So wish me luck as I discipline myself in the months to come. And check back in to see what is happening Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
With the new year just around the corner, the fact that I always seem to be my last concern made me consider what I will try to do different this next year. Top of the list is to make time for my well-being. I don't mean Girls Night Out, pedicures, or massages. I mean doing the things to promote a general well being....exercise, balanced diet, and daily quite time.
Honestly some days I don't eat before noon and you can forget about getting in my daily allowance of water or even a drink of water before mid-day. Exercise is always pushed off for more pressing matters (at least here lately during this busy part of the year). I do manage to spend time in Scripture frequently but it always seems hurried or rushed.
So I am reclaiming my importance (not an overstated one) but one where I schedule time for the things that will ensure my well being. But as I contemplate what this will actually look like for our family of seven I am finding a few indulgences I am going to have to give up and few areas I will need to discipline myself!
1. Sleeping in after the Hunky Hubby heads off to work. Neither my husband or I are morning folks. If we could have a schedule where we slept until 8am we would both awaken with the energy of spring chickens but with a houseful of kids that is just not feasible. Or at least when we do then the entire day is chaotic! So no more rolling into his warm spot and enjoying a few extra moments of sweet dreams!
2. Meal planning. I do a great job planning meals for the kids but I am a finicky eater. I don't like oatmeal or cereal which are great options for the kiddos. They love it and can manage their morning meal independent of me. So to make sure I eat I am going to have to prep ahead of time and make a plan. Boooo!
3. Laundry! Ugh! A family of 7 can wear some clothes especially with our littles fashionista who layers every outfit and changes multiple times each day. I think it is time to purge clothes to avoid the mountain of clothes. I mean if you only have so many sets of clothes you will have to laundry, right?
4. Date night! I miss my husband! Since staying home, I have limited adult interaction and boy to I miss it. But more than that I miss my best friend. We used to be able to manage a date night but recently faced the challenge of getting away. Our autistic son had a period of time where he just wasn't dealing with the world and finding a sitter is near impossible. So we just buckled in and rode out the storm. I love our commitment to doing what is best for our family but I think we forget that our relationship needs the same commitment and attention. So I am committing to finding time for my husband every day! Yep I know that is a big goal. But it can be as simple as a few minutes to share about our day. Or a time to laugh together.
So wish me luck as I discipline myself in the months to come. And check back in to see what is happening Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
A Different Type of Gift Giving
This past week cold weather (per Texas standards) has moved into the area. My kids have dressed as if it is Texas Blizzard 2014. They have had on no less than 2 pair of pants + leggings, 2 pairs of socks, 2 tops, and even a ski suit was seen on one! Laundry has quadrupled this week for the Morris family.
And I must admit it has been a little chilly and the fact we live in an older house with a tad bit of draftiness adds to the chill factor and guess who didn't have the gas turned on for the first little cold snap! Yep that would be me! We managed and added on a few blankets to each bed. We survived I am happy to say and the gas is now on so we have heat!
I was reminded of how blessed we are even if my kids might disagree. Even though we didn't have heat we had plenty of clothes, blankets, and shelter to keep us warm through the little bit of cold weather we Texans faced. And the cooler temps (and the help of the early Christmas advertising) I am reminded the holidays are just around the corner!
This year we decided to celebrate the holidays a little different. I have shared before how we are trying to live simpler lives. Simple house. Simple school. Simple. Which translates to less. Less space. Less things. Less. In hopes we have more. More time. More life. More money (or at least not have to work as much). And see God more in our lives.
So we are carrying this simple strategy over into Christmas this year. Do we ever really need more stuff? I knew we really don't NEED anything but we have a long list of WANTS. So this year we are having a fiscal fast for Christmas. You might ask what exactly does that mean. Well....it means we are not purchasing Christmas gifts this year as a family. Now we will still participate with my extended family exchanges (no worries cousins, nephews, and nieces!). The kids will get a small item for Christmas morning and I am sure my mom is going to make up for it (as she usually does) with a great gift.
So you are thinking "NO SANTA?" Well let me go ahead and kill any fond thoughts you might have had about us. Santa doesn't visit Dublin Lane. In fact the kids, since being with us, only had Santa visit one year. We decided early on in our parenting adventure not to participate in the holiday tradition. Now we are not the Grinch family and we do not ruin it for others or teach the kids Santa is bad. Santa visits to the school when the kids attended public school were always worrisome. I could only imagine the Morris kids ruining Christmas for some sweet child but thankfully that was never the case.
Okay so you may be asking yourself why would you EVER do that to a child. Well we had a few reasons. But the main reason was we really wanted to celebration to be for Jesus' birth and not the shopping frenzy it has become. (And yes we know Jesus was not born in December!) Eliminating all the "other stuff" from Christmas allows it to be more focused.
Now this really isn't part of the reason but it is humorous.....I was devastated by Christmas. I can still remember the deep angst when I learned Santa was a lie. I remember thinking how could the entire world lie to small children. Ha! You would have to know I was a little adult walking around and never had much child wonderment. I was analytical and focused on understanding the why in EVERYTHING! Bless my parents hearts!
So back to the fiscal fast for this year. We wanted to kids to be able to have the opportunity to give up something for others. So instead of gifts for themselves we will use the money to purchase gifts/items for charity. We plan to give the kids the money and go shopping. I am still researching several different charity options. I wanted to find something that the kids could witness first hand and see the impact.
We made this decision last Christmas and have spent all year talking about the fiscal fast with the kids. Their excitement is waning as we approach the holidays. As the Christmas ads have started and the stores have the newest, greatest toys on display I can see the excitement to give to others taking a backseat to their own wishes and desires. We are not backing down so I am praying that these feelings will open up many opportunities to discuss what it truly means to give, serve, and be joyful in all circumstances.
We will not win Kids Choice Aware for Best Parents this year. Many will think it is just another whackadoodle idea from that weird Morris family. But my prayer is that this experience will bring the act of living for Christ to life for my kids!
And I must admit it has been a little chilly and the fact we live in an older house with a tad bit of draftiness adds to the chill factor and guess who didn't have the gas turned on for the first little cold snap! Yep that would be me! We managed and added on a few blankets to each bed. We survived I am happy to say and the gas is now on so we have heat!
I was reminded of how blessed we are even if my kids might disagree. Even though we didn't have heat we had plenty of clothes, blankets, and shelter to keep us warm through the little bit of cold weather we Texans faced. And the cooler temps (and the help of the early Christmas advertising) I am reminded the holidays are just around the corner!
This year we decided to celebrate the holidays a little different. I have shared before how we are trying to live simpler lives. Simple house. Simple school. Simple. Which translates to less. Less space. Less things. Less. In hopes we have more. More time. More life. More money (or at least not have to work as much). And see God more in our lives.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20
So we are carrying this simple strategy over into Christmas this year. Do we ever really need more stuff? I knew we really don't NEED anything but we have a long list of WANTS. So this year we are having a fiscal fast for Christmas. You might ask what exactly does that mean. Well....it means we are not purchasing Christmas gifts this year as a family. Now we will still participate with my extended family exchanges (no worries cousins, nephews, and nieces!). The kids will get a small item for Christmas morning and I am sure my mom is going to make up for it (as she usually does) with a great gift.
So you are thinking "NO SANTA?" Well let me go ahead and kill any fond thoughts you might have had about us. Santa doesn't visit Dublin Lane. In fact the kids, since being with us, only had Santa visit one year. We decided early on in our parenting adventure not to participate in the holiday tradition. Now we are not the Grinch family and we do not ruin it for others or teach the kids Santa is bad. Santa visits to the school when the kids attended public school were always worrisome. I could only imagine the Morris kids ruining Christmas for some sweet child but thankfully that was never the case.
Okay so you may be asking yourself why would you EVER do that to a child. Well we had a few reasons. But the main reason was we really wanted to celebration to be for Jesus' birth and not the shopping frenzy it has become. (And yes we know Jesus was not born in December!) Eliminating all the "other stuff" from Christmas allows it to be more focused.
Now this really isn't part of the reason but it is humorous.....I was devastated by Christmas. I can still remember the deep angst when I learned Santa was a lie. I remember thinking how could the entire world lie to small children. Ha! You would have to know I was a little adult walking around and never had much child wonderment. I was analytical and focused on understanding the why in EVERYTHING! Bless my parents hearts!
So back to the fiscal fast for this year. We wanted to kids to be able to have the opportunity to give up something for others. So instead of gifts for themselves we will use the money to purchase gifts/items for charity. We plan to give the kids the money and go shopping. I am still researching several different charity options. I wanted to find something that the kids could witness first hand and see the impact.
We made this decision last Christmas and have spent all year talking about the fiscal fast with the kids. Their excitement is waning as we approach the holidays. As the Christmas ads have started and the stores have the newest, greatest toys on display I can see the excitement to give to others taking a backseat to their own wishes and desires. We are not backing down so I am praying that these feelings will open up many opportunities to discuss what it truly means to give, serve, and be joyful in all circumstances.
We will not win Kids Choice Aware for Best Parents this year. Many will think it is just another whackadoodle idea from that weird Morris family. But my prayer is that this experience will bring the act of living for Christ to life for my kids!
"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:25
This is just one more thing we are learning Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
As I mentioned before we are praying and believing God will provide for a family mission trip in 2015. If you feel led to help support our mission, please visit http://www.givingbean.com/store/home.php?partner=3a5d0
As I mentioned before we are praying and believing God will provide for a family mission trip in 2015. If you feel led to help support our mission, please visit http://www.givingbean.com/store/home.php?partner=3a5d0
Thursday, November 6, 2014
PB&J, Cold Hands, and American Hoggers
Birthdays for our house are nontraditional to say the least. What do you do when you have half a dozen kids? I mean those great theme parties are great but by the time my own kids are accounted for and we factor in the cousins, we have no room to invite friends (well at least I couldn't afford it). Then trying to find the day to celebrate. Between my 7 and my sister's 5, we have several months with 3 kids having birthdays in the same month and who wants to share a party with someone else!! Add to it that we have so many "days" to celebrate. Do we celebrate the day the kids came to live with us, or their adoption day, or their birthday!?? To be honest I don't remember all the days for every kid. But before you think what a terrible mother I am, I do remember ALL their birthdays. I just might not match them up to the right kid to the date every time but I do eventually get it matched to the right kid! So we opt for celebrating their birthday in a personal, special way. It works for us and no one complains (except when they get invited to one of those over the top parties) and then we have a week's worth of discussions about it! Ha! But 99.9% of the time everyone is content.
This week we get to celebrate my wonderful hubby, John! He will be the big 4-2! But just like most men he doesn't age much at all. In fact if he loses his facial ruffage he could pass for being in his 20s!!!
John's birthday is Sunday 11/9 and 1 John 1:9 happens to be one of my favorite verses from the Bible and 11/9 happens to be one of my days of the year. Coincidence. I think not!
God brought John into my life when I was living a life completely and undeniably outside of God's commands.
I love that 1 John 1:9 was the verse that grabbed my attention. And that the cutie born on 11/9 grabbed my attention too! And my life is forever transformed!
So to honor John's birthday I am going to tell you 11 things the kids came up with that they love about John and 9 things you may not know about him!
1. He gives us money.
2. He lets us help him.
3. He works hard.
4. He protects us.
5. He loves us.
6. He loves God.
7. He is happy and smiling.
8. He buys things for us (and then tells us not to tell Momma).
9. He coaches us in football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer.
10. He lets us stay up late and watch Duck Dynasty, American Hoggers, and Mountain Men.
11. He let Momma stay home with us instead of her having to work all day. (I guess what I do now isn't work to them!)
1. He has a PB&J sandwich or cereal every night before bed no matter if he just had dinner.
2. If it can save him a dollar, he will learn any skill/trade and do it himself.
3. To go along with #2, he has learned electrical, plumbing, and how to build furniture by researching online, reading books, and watching YouTube videos.
4. He is better at fixing the girls hair than me! (But I am learning!!)
5. He never takes off his wedding ring. I can count maybe twice this has happened in 15 years of marriage and one of those times was for surgery.
6. He really doesn't like people. He is compassionate but if he had it his way he would live in the mountains away from civilization.
7. He has the coldest hands...always. I mean like blocks of ice. I frequently check his pulse to be sure there is not a medical issue.
8. Because of #7, the older generation adore him. When they grab his hands their hearts melt and they always say "Cold hands warm heart" & just smile.
9. He is a walking encyclopedia for useless sports facts. I cannot figure out how he keeps up with all those statistics but cannot seem to remember where the laundry hamper is in our room.
I am sure as the years go by I will learn many more things about John Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Happy Birthday John! We love you!
This week we get to celebrate my wonderful hubby, John! He will be the big 4-2! But just like most men he doesn't age much at all. In fact if he loses his facial ruffage he could pass for being in his 20s!!!
John's birthday is Sunday 11/9 and 1 John 1:9 happens to be one of my favorite verses from the Bible and 11/9 happens to be one of my days of the year. Coincidence. I think not!
God brought John into my life when I was living a life completely and undeniably outside of God's commands.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
I love that 1 John 1:9 was the verse that grabbed my attention. And that the cutie born on 11/9 grabbed my attention too! And my life is forever transformed!
So to honor John's birthday I am going to tell you 11 things the kids came up with that they love about John and 9 things you may not know about him!
11 Things We Love About Daddy (according to the kiddos)
1. He gives us money.
2. He lets us help him.
3. He works hard.
4. He protects us.
5. He loves us.
6. He loves God.
7. He is happy and smiling.
8. He buys things for us (and then tells us not to tell Momma).
9. He coaches us in football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer.
10. He lets us stay up late and watch Duck Dynasty, American Hoggers, and Mountain Men.
11. He let Momma stay home with us instead of her having to work all day. (I guess what I do now isn't work to them!)
9 Things You May Not Know
1. He has a PB&J sandwich or cereal every night before bed no matter if he just had dinner.
2. If it can save him a dollar, he will learn any skill/trade and do it himself.
3. To go along with #2, he has learned electrical, plumbing, and how to build furniture by researching online, reading books, and watching YouTube videos.
4. He is better at fixing the girls hair than me! (But I am learning!!)
5. He never takes off his wedding ring. I can count maybe twice this has happened in 15 years of marriage and one of those times was for surgery.
6. He really doesn't like people. He is compassionate but if he had it his way he would live in the mountains away from civilization.
7. He has the coldest hands...always. I mean like blocks of ice. I frequently check his pulse to be sure there is not a medical issue.
8. Because of #7, the older generation adore him. When they grab his hands their hearts melt and they always say "Cold hands warm heart" & just smile.
9. He is a walking encyclopedia for useless sports facts. I cannot figure out how he keeps up with all those statistics but cannot seem to remember where the laundry hamper is in our room.
I am sure as the years go by I will learn many more things about John Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Happy Birthday John! We love you!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Before I Knew You
Anyone that knows me knows what a special place adoption has in my life. We had a desire to parent and we were not becoming parents the traditional way. We had tried everything. We employed the "stop stressing about it and it will happen" method. We had prayed incessantly and attempted to figure out what we had done wrong or what we were doing wrong. We had been politely sat through the "apparently there is sin in your lives and God is not pleased with you" rants. We had undergone the regime of medications, temperatures, and logging everything. We had numerous tests and procedures. We had tried everything to start a family. But a quiet voice was whispering, "You haven't tried everything." but I just ignored that voice and I gave up. Gave up the idea of being a mother. Of a family. That was just not God's plan for my life. Besides I had several amazing nephews by this time and I was the favorite aunt! And I could send them back home to their Mommy!
But that quiet voice kept whispering but I kept turning down the volume. Then by chance we had two separate encounters with friends about adoption. We loved the thought of adoption but quickly discovered that the cost of adoption really meant this was not an option for us...at least not right now. So I continued on...being the world's best aunt! Then God revealed to us the idea of foster care and adoption. Less expensive but there was just one catch...Not all the children I would love could be mine forever.
STOP! Wait a minute! Hold the train!
You mean I would be expected to love a child unconditionally from the minute I meet them and pour all my time and energy into this child to have them leave and never return. To pour out kindness and gentleness to only have them potentially disappear. And God answered Yes! And we jumped in with both feet! We literally decided in less than a week and started our training in November. We finished in record time and were licensed in December.
Now most parents have 9 months to prepare and wrap their minds around the idea of a newborn. We were called on December 21st and asked to take in not 1 but 2 infants. We rushed to Target to get all those newborn essentials! And by 8pm THAT day we had our first baby! Whew it was the best pregnancy, labor, and delivery EVER!! We only ended up with one newborn...just 4 days old. An absolutely precious baby girl. What happened over the next 4 months was a whirlwind and honestly a blur. We went from 0 kids in the house to 6 all under the age of 6 years old in a matter of 4 months. (Each pregnancy, labor, and delivery was just as easy as the first one! Ha!)
It was crazy. It was hectic. It was hard ....much harder than I imagined but it felt right. When we took the step of faith to become foster parents, we felt as if we were home. You know the feeling you have when you return to your childhood home. The comfort. The security. The love. I felt all of that as I stepped into the uncertainty of foster care. How you might ask? Only because of Jesus. Only could my comfort, security, and overwhelming love for those we had not yet met or just met come from Jesus. I cannot take any credit this time. I know it sounds completely absurd but a peace was with us as we stepped onto that roller coaster.
If you look at our lives adoption should hold a special place in all Christians hearts. We have all been adopted by Christ. Brought into His family. We are now HIS children. Just let that sink in for a minute.
Broken. Empty. Hurting. Unable to accept His love completely. But God loved us...loves us.
We were not the cute bundle of joy that I received on December 21st. Yet he chose to adopt us. He chose us. He chose. This was not about us. You. Me. This is about God. His incomprehensible love for us.
God's perfect plan always included the adoption into his family. Not everyone is adopted into this royal family. Only those who believe in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice are adopted.
I adopted. I am adopted. Both possible through God's love. Both are for his glory not ours.
1. All we do is for God's glory! So before you step out there and think this is for you really consider what you are doing. This is not a phase you can outgrow. This is real life. Hard. Complicated. Real life. Once you adopt a child there is no going back. And honestly if you choose to foster you should have the same mind set. You can't simply "send them back" when it doesn't work out. But with the attitude that all we do his for God's glory your perspective and motivation changes.
2. The goal is not to receive praise for your actions. This goes along with everything is for God's glory. But is you are thinking you will get accolades and pats no the back. Think again. You will get stared at. Talked about. Ridiculed. People may even think you have lost your mind. When times get tough you may hear "well what did you expect adopting THOSE kids." But take heart, you do not perform for the world, you honor God with your life!
3. You can provide a tangible way for others to see mercy and grace in action. Over the years we have had struggles. We did our best to protect our children's personal struggles but when appropriate and with discretion we shared. We were able to express how we repaid those terrible actions of the kids with grace. How we extended forgiveness for the 100th time this week. So those around us heard a living story of mercy and grace. And even better than that, our children saw this every day. Do you know how awesome this is? To be able to love unconditionally. To be a real life example of love. To in some way help model Jesus in the lives of our kids.
4. Rely on God for sufficiency. Adoption is hard. It is full of heartaches and disappointments but when the decision is based on how will then glorify God. If our decision to adopt is rooted in bringing glory to God, he will provide for your every need. In the middle of madness he will be there every step of the way. He will cover your inadequacies, provide words when you are at loss, and a never ending supply of love, grace, and mercy will be made available to you.
So maybe you are just not ready to take that step. I want to urge each of you to prayerfully consider how you can support orphans and adoptive families you know.
1. Be sensitive. You will not know the entire story since families protect the children and their struggles. But God knows every detail so pray that God makes himself known and felt to the family and children.
2. Build bridges. Adoptive and foster parents can easily build a wall to separate them from the outside world. Some days it is easier to live behind the wall than face the world. Reach out. Call. Connect.
3. Love with open arms. One of my biggest fears when fostering and during initial days after adoption was "Will they love this child as I do?" I made a decision to love based on a command I heard from God but what about others who haven't heard this command? So one of the greatest comforts was when my children...my Family....our life was welcomed with open arms. Never made to feel odd or strange. We were us and that was okay! No need to hear of the details but willing to openly love our family.
4. Financial support. Many families who have a heart for adoption are seeking financial support to make this a reality. Organization across the country provide for both orphans here in the US and world wide. Give and give generously.
So after 7 years we had settled in with 6 kiddos and thought we were done...well at least for now. And then one more child was welcomed into our home. To complete our family of 9!! We adopted 7 blessing from the Lord. All who grew in my heart years before I knew they would be mine. All I loved before I knew 100% they would be adopted! I would love to tell you we live a storybook life but we don't. We have had our fair share of struggles but I have learned that life is not about me and my desires Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Please watch the video provided by Christian Alliance for Orphans. Comment below your experiences with foster or adoptive parents. Share your prayer requests if you are starting this journey! I would love to hear how others are impacting the world for God.
Orphan Sunday 2014 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.
But that quiet voice kept whispering but I kept turning down the volume. Then by chance we had two separate encounters with friends about adoption. We loved the thought of adoption but quickly discovered that the cost of adoption really meant this was not an option for us...at least not right now. So I continued on...being the world's best aunt! Then God revealed to us the idea of foster care and adoption. Less expensive but there was just one catch...Not all the children I would love could be mine forever.
STOP! Wait a minute! Hold the train!
You mean I would be expected to love a child unconditionally from the minute I meet them and pour all my time and energy into this child to have them leave and never return. To pour out kindness and gentleness to only have them potentially disappear. And God answered Yes! And we jumped in with both feet! We literally decided in less than a week and started our training in November. We finished in record time and were licensed in December.
Now most parents have 9 months to prepare and wrap their minds around the idea of a newborn. We were called on December 21st and asked to take in not 1 but 2 infants. We rushed to Target to get all those newborn essentials! And by 8pm THAT day we had our first baby! Whew it was the best pregnancy, labor, and delivery EVER!! We only ended up with one newborn...just 4 days old. An absolutely precious baby girl. What happened over the next 4 months was a whirlwind and honestly a blur. We went from 0 kids in the house to 6 all under the age of 6 years old in a matter of 4 months. (Each pregnancy, labor, and delivery was just as easy as the first one! Ha!)
It was crazy. It was hectic. It was hard ....much harder than I imagined but it felt right. When we took the step of faith to become foster parents, we felt as if we were home. You know the feeling you have when you return to your childhood home. The comfort. The security. The love. I felt all of that as I stepped into the uncertainty of foster care. How you might ask? Only because of Jesus. Only could my comfort, security, and overwhelming love for those we had not yet met or just met come from Jesus. I cannot take any credit this time. I know it sounds completely absurd but a peace was with us as we stepped onto that roller coaster.
If you look at our lives adoption should hold a special place in all Christians hearts. We have all been adopted by Christ. Brought into His family. We are now HIS children. Just let that sink in for a minute.
Broken. Empty. Hurting. Unable to accept His love completely. But God loved us...loves us.
While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. Romans 5:10
We were not the cute bundle of joy that I received on December 21st. Yet he chose to adopt us. He chose us. He chose. This was not about us. You. Me. This is about God. His incomprehensible love for us.
In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ,
according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace. Ephesians 1:4-6
God's perfect plan always included the adoption into his family. Not everyone is adopted into this royal family. Only those who believe in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice are adopted.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman,
born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we
might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5
I adopted. I am adopted. Both possible through God's love. Both are for his glory not ours.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you
have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom
we cry, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:15
With Orphan Sunday on November 2 I wanted to share with you the impact of adoption and foster care can have on our lives and those around us!1. All we do is for God's glory! So before you step out there and think this is for you really consider what you are doing. This is not a phase you can outgrow. This is real life. Hard. Complicated. Real life. Once you adopt a child there is no going back. And honestly if you choose to foster you should have the same mind set. You can't simply "send them back" when it doesn't work out. But with the attitude that all we do his for God's glory your perspective and motivation changes.
2. The goal is not to receive praise for your actions. This goes along with everything is for God's glory. But is you are thinking you will get accolades and pats no the back. Think again. You will get stared at. Talked about. Ridiculed. People may even think you have lost your mind. When times get tough you may hear "well what did you expect adopting THOSE kids." But take heart, you do not perform for the world, you honor God with your life!
3. You can provide a tangible way for others to see mercy and grace in action. Over the years we have had struggles. We did our best to protect our children's personal struggles but when appropriate and with discretion we shared. We were able to express how we repaid those terrible actions of the kids with grace. How we extended forgiveness for the 100th time this week. So those around us heard a living story of mercy and grace. And even better than that, our children saw this every day. Do you know how awesome this is? To be able to love unconditionally. To be a real life example of love. To in some way help model Jesus in the lives of our kids.
4. Rely on God for sufficiency. Adoption is hard. It is full of heartaches and disappointments but when the decision is based on how will then glorify God. If our decision to adopt is rooted in bringing glory to God, he will provide for your every need. In the middle of madness he will be there every step of the way. He will cover your inadequacies, provide words when you are at loss, and a never ending supply of love, grace, and mercy will be made available to you.
So maybe you are just not ready to take that step. I want to urge each of you to prayerfully consider how you can support orphans and adoptive families you know.
1. Be sensitive. You will not know the entire story since families protect the children and their struggles. But God knows every detail so pray that God makes himself known and felt to the family and children.
2. Build bridges. Adoptive and foster parents can easily build a wall to separate them from the outside world. Some days it is easier to live behind the wall than face the world. Reach out. Call. Connect.
3. Love with open arms. One of my biggest fears when fostering and during initial days after adoption was "Will they love this child as I do?" I made a decision to love based on a command I heard from God but what about others who haven't heard this command? So one of the greatest comforts was when my children...my Family....our life was welcomed with open arms. Never made to feel odd or strange. We were us and that was okay! No need to hear of the details but willing to openly love our family.
4. Financial support. Many families who have a heart for adoption are seeking financial support to make this a reality. Organization across the country provide for both orphans here in the US and world wide. Give and give generously.
So after 7 years we had settled in with 6 kiddos and thought we were done...well at least for now. And then one more child was welcomed into our home. To complete our family of 9!! We adopted 7 blessing from the Lord. All who grew in my heart years before I knew they would be mine. All I loved before I knew 100% they would be adopted! I would love to tell you we live a storybook life but we don't. We have had our fair share of struggles but I have learned that life is not about me and my desires Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Please watch the video provided by Christian Alliance for Orphans. Comment below your experiences with foster or adoptive parents. Share your prayer requests if you are starting this journey! I would love to hear how others are impacting the world for God.
Orphan Sunday 2014 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.
Friday, October 24, 2014
A Loss for Words
As I sat down this week to write, I was at a loss. I mean no words. I had a whirlwind of thoughts but nothing that seemed worthy to write about. It has been a tough week. I had lots of emotional ups and downs. No reason really for the emotional roller coaster. Just the usual happenings around this house. There is never a dull moment. Always something that we could complain about. I mean we are not independently wealthy. I don't have the fanciest cars or the newest fashion. My kids are not perfect and they challenge my patience daily. I struggle with figuring out how to live a life of worth. I worry what I am NOT doing that I should. But I have to tell the roller coaster to STOP and I have to get off the ride. And sit. Quietly. And think. When I sit down and think about my life I have many blessings and more than I deserve. So what gives!!!
I am human. Prone to influences of the world around me. Taken up in the drama of those around me. Caught up in my insecurities. Turning down the voice of God and listening to my own negative self-talk. So I get on the roller coaster from time to time.
So how do I get out of this rut. Focusing on gratitude. No matter how blah I feel. How down I get. I still have SOMETHING to be grateful for I can find.
So in honor of my roller coaster week and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I am going to give you my Top 5 Things I am Thankful.
1. The Love of Christ
I cannot even express in words adequately how thankful I am for Christ's sacrifice for me...for us. I mean how do you thank someone who sacrificed life so that you could live.
2. Amazing Husband
Hunky Hubby sees me at my worst and my best and it never seems to phase him....well almost never. I mean he really does. He still shuffles across the house as I repeatedly call him from the other room to bring me the remote that is on the TV stand. and just grins. He never gets tired of closing cabinet doors behind me even when he hits his head. He is always up for one of my crazy craft projects that requires his skills to help finish. God's character is evident in how he loves me and cherishes me.....and tolerates me.
3. Laundry, Dishes, & Vacuuming
Your probably going okay this one is a little over the top. But stop and think about it. If I didn't have a house, dishes, cups, utensils, food, clothes, little people running in and out....I wouldn't have laundry, dishes and vacuuming. So given the alternative I am thankful to wake up every day with a full day of cleaning and re-cleaning. Now I have down-sized and we don't have extra clutter to cut down on the hours spent cleaning.
4. Running
Okay those who really know me are likely laughing out loud right now. I hate to run. I am slow as molasses. Actually I saw a Tshirt once that said it better. "I run like a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter but I run." Yep that's me. BUT I am thankful I can run...however slow I do. I am physically able to move!
5. The Ability to Laugh & Cry
Life it tough but I have hope. I can see the joy in things around me. I can feel the pain of others. I can FEEL! In this digital age where we can play realistic games, create a network of friends we never actually speak to and could order everything we need online so we never literally have to leave our house, you can easily see how quickly we can become desensitized. Never having to feel true emotion. Simply stage the best photo op...create the best selfie....tweet or post about the fantastic life we create. I am thankful that I have real relationships....real struggles....real pain.....and real joy!
So even in those days when I feel that life isn't fair and I have had enough I can sit and remember all the blessings in my life while we are Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
If you feel led to help support our mission, please visit http://www.givingbean.com/store/home.php?partner=3a5d0
I am human. Prone to influences of the world around me. Taken up in the drama of those around me. Caught up in my insecurities. Turning down the voice of God and listening to my own negative self-talk. So I get on the roller coaster from time to time.
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1
So how do I get out of this rut. Focusing on gratitude. No matter how blah I feel. How down I get. I still have SOMETHING to be grateful for I can find.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
So in honor of my roller coaster week and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I am going to give you my Top 5 Things I am Thankful.
1. The Love of Christ
I cannot even express in words adequately how thankful I am for Christ's sacrifice for me...for us. I mean how do you thank someone who sacrificed life so that you could live.
2. Amazing Husband
Hunky Hubby sees me at my worst and my best and it never seems to phase him....well almost never. I mean he really does. He still shuffles across the house as I repeatedly call him from the other room to bring me the remote that is on the TV stand. and just grins. He never gets tired of closing cabinet doors behind me even when he hits his head. He is always up for one of my crazy craft projects that requires his skills to help finish. God's character is evident in how he loves me and cherishes me.....and tolerates me.
3. Laundry, Dishes, & Vacuuming
Your probably going okay this one is a little over the top. But stop and think about it. If I didn't have a house, dishes, cups, utensils, food, clothes, little people running in and out....I wouldn't have laundry, dishes and vacuuming. So given the alternative I am thankful to wake up every day with a full day of cleaning and re-cleaning. Now I have down-sized and we don't have extra clutter to cut down on the hours spent cleaning.
4. Running
Okay those who really know me are likely laughing out loud right now. I hate to run. I am slow as molasses. Actually I saw a Tshirt once that said it better. "I run like a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter but I run." Yep that's me. BUT I am thankful I can run...however slow I do. I am physically able to move!
5. The Ability to Laugh & Cry
Life it tough but I have hope. I can see the joy in things around me. I can feel the pain of others. I can FEEL! In this digital age where we can play realistic games, create a network of friends we never actually speak to and could order everything we need online so we never literally have to leave our house, you can easily see how quickly we can become desensitized. Never having to feel true emotion. Simply stage the best photo op...create the best selfie....tweet or post about the fantastic life we create. I am thankful that I have real relationships....real struggles....real pain.....and real joy!
This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
So even in those days when I feel that life isn't fair and I have had enough I can sit and remember all the blessings in my life while we are Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
If you feel led to help support our mission, please visit http://www.givingbean.com/store/home.php?partner=3a5d0
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Go!
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96:3
A passion of mine has always been missions. Before kids Hunky Hubby and I were able to take several trips mission trips. We loved being in the middle of a foreign land, with the locals, and working alongside missionaries and the local people on a project.
I was able to experience an amazing trip to Africa. This a step of faith for us. We had 3 kiddos at home and our newest addition was to be born just days before I left. Well that didn't go as planned so I boarded a plan to fly halfway across the world knowing that my daughter would enter the world just days later. One of the toughest decisions ever. The only one I could be there from the first breath. The only one that I could experience holding her and seeing her within minutes of being born. I still am not sure how I was able to get on that plane. But my strength is nothing compared to the idea of Hunky Hubby home with all the kiddos......managing a 12 year old, two 4 year olds, a 6 month old and a newborn!!! Now granted he doesn't remember much of that week but everyone survived!
As an immature believer, I found the idea of "doing" God's work in a foreign land exciting. Much more exciting than my boring work at home. It was as if I thought less of the place God had me than of those in foreign missions. I can still remember the exhilaration of the adventure and how I would return on fire for the Lord. You know that feeling. It is the same feeling you may have had after returning from youth camp. Only problem with that feeling is it usually is short-lived.
I was guilty of thinking "that place" was a better place. Oh look at what God is doing "over there". Man why can't I have THAT ministry.
I know what you are thinking. How UNGRATEFUL! And you know what you are right. I wasn't grateful. I didn't recognize the amazing "mission" God had given me. We were licensed foster parents. We were opening our homes to children in need of love. We were living in a community (not very different than every community in the world) that needed to see what love truly was. And I missed it. I didn't see it. I was too smitten with the idea of "doing God's work" that I missed out on DOING God's work.
How many times do we all get caught up in this thinking? Too busy admiring others around us that we fail to see God's plan for our lives. Too busy keeping up with the __________ (insert whoever!) we don't see how to impact our small part of the world. Too busy day dreaming of running a huge faith based initiative that we forget to take that first step out our door.
That was me! I felt such a yearning to do more. To be more. To do something. That I basically did nothing........ but dream. Stunted by the desire to be and do more that I did nothing.
As I searched for that "mission field" I so desperately wanted, I dived into scripture and tried to figure out what I was doing wrong. I mean it had to be me right. I mean why else would the God of the universe not be giving me what I wanted. I mean it was biblical wasn't it. I didn't want anything selfish....just the most amazing opportunity to satisfy me.
I am thankful for this time I spent yearning for more. I can look back now and see how God has used this desire to draw me in closer to him. My eyes were opened. My heart was opened. I was open.
So you already know, I don't have a world famous ministry. We haven't sold all our possessions and moved to a far away land. But God has given me a family of 7 that I am responsible to teach and show him the Lord's commandments. God has placed us in a community where we can spend time with youth to develop relationships and share about Christ. He gave me just what I needed to further HIS kingdom not my name....not my desires....not my wishes.....HIS KINGDOM!
Now I still love missions. By God's provision earlier this year, a mission trip was possible with two of my daughters. It was a wonderful opportunity to show the girls God's work in another part of the world. I didn't go with the stars in my eyes like before. I went humbled that God chose us to be a part of the bigger picture. I came home grateful for the experience but ready to settle back into my "mission field".
By God's provision we hope to be able to take another trip in 2015. Please say a prayer for us! We still cannot see where or how this trip will happen but one thing we do know is that God can and will provide a way if he so chooses. It isn't just about what I want is one more thing I am learning Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
If you feel led to help support our mission, please visit http://www.givingbean.com/store/home.php?partner=3a5d0
Thursday, October 9, 2014
School Days
Well we have officially been "schooling" for 6 weeks! Each day is a learning experience and I find myself learning more about myself and the kids every day.
With all 5 at home all day ...and I mean ALL day I find myself exhausted by mid-afternoon. Now don't get me wrong I love love love love love LOVE LOVE LOVE (just so we are clear LOVE) being home with the kids but I never quite appreciated the work involved in this endeavor. Don't get me wrong I have never been afraid of hard work and I easily spent 60+ hours a week at the office when I was a "working" mom not to mention the late evening phone calls to handle any crises that occurred. I juggled work and family and still managed to get the kids to various activities and keep a semi-clean house plus no everyone was feed. But this is different. And I realize I am different now.
I remember in my early days as a mom. I wasn't a parent but a foster parent. I was temporary. I only had a finite number of days with "my" kids. We didn't make plans for the future past THAT day. I mean dealing with the trauma they had faced all we could do was get through the day and hope they felt our love. To give them hope that life could be different. To show them unconditional love. To pray that their love for Jesus was greater than any love they had for me. As we began moving into parenthood with our adoptions, we shifted. I can see that now. We were caught up in the whirlwind of life.
Plans for the future.
Dreams.
Hopes.
But I think we lost focus along the way. I lost focus along the way.
Chip Ingram says it best
Schooling for us is not just about teaching arithmetic and reading. Creating a lesson plan and schedule and staying on "track". This is much more. We don't keep pushing through material to get to the goal set at the beginning of the day. We don't have daily task lists or to do lists. This is much different.
I cannot describe it better than a dear friend said this past week....I am in the business of discipleship.
No longer am I focusing on how successfully they master an academic skill or task.
No longer am I focusing on did they make the team for volleyball or basketball.
No longer am I focusing on college plans or career paths.
No longer am I trying to figure exactly how to ensure they are successful.
NOW I am focusing on so much more! (And to all my educator friends we do still learn reading and math and many other wonderful academic subjects!)
After the Israelites failed to understand God's power, the older generation would never enter Canaan and the new generation would be the first to take this land. In Deuteronomy, Moses teaches of God's faithfulness and redemption of Israel and provides a second reading of God's commandments. He commands the Israelites ito teach the younger generation God's commandments.
The Israelites spent EVERY day EVERY moment teaching the younger generations about the mighty power of God and his commandments. Are we that different? Are we past this now? In the modern age is this no longer applicable?
God has shown we are NOT that different. We are NOT past that. It is is still VERY much applicable to us today.
So there is NOT a moment that I am not teaching my kids SOMETHING. But not just ANYTHING. I am teaching them to be like Jesus....every opportunity I get (and even a few I create).
And that is how we are Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
With all 5 at home all day ...and I mean ALL day I find myself exhausted by mid-afternoon. Now don't get me wrong I love love love love love LOVE LOVE LOVE (just so we are clear LOVE) being home with the kids but I never quite appreciated the work involved in this endeavor. Don't get me wrong I have never been afraid of hard work and I easily spent 60+ hours a week at the office when I was a "working" mom not to mention the late evening phone calls to handle any crises that occurred. I juggled work and family and still managed to get the kids to various activities and keep a semi-clean house plus no everyone was feed. But this is different. And I realize I am different now.
I remember in my early days as a mom. I wasn't a parent but a foster parent. I was temporary. I only had a finite number of days with "my" kids. We didn't make plans for the future past THAT day. I mean dealing with the trauma they had faced all we could do was get through the day and hope they felt our love. To give them hope that life could be different. To show them unconditional love. To pray that their love for Jesus was greater than any love they had for me. As we began moving into parenthood with our adoptions, we shifted. I can see that now. We were caught up in the whirlwind of life.
Plans for the future.
Dreams.
Hopes.
But I think we lost focus along the way. I lost focus along the way.
Chip Ingram says it best
"Giving your children great opportunities is good; it is not, however, the goal of parenting. Christlikeness is. Above all, seek to raise children who look and act like Jesus."
Schooling for us is not just about teaching arithmetic and reading. Creating a lesson plan and schedule and staying on "track". This is much more. We don't keep pushing through material to get to the goal set at the beginning of the day. We don't have daily task lists or to do lists. This is much different.
I cannot describe it better than a dear friend said this past week....I am in the business of discipleship.
No longer am I focusing on how successfully they master an academic skill or task.
No longer am I focusing on did they make the team for volleyball or basketball.
No longer am I focusing on college plans or career paths.
No longer am I trying to figure exactly how to ensure they are successful.
NOW I am focusing on so much more! (And to all my educator friends we do still learn reading and math and many other wonderful academic subjects!)
After the Israelites failed to understand God's power, the older generation would never enter Canaan and the new generation would be the first to take this land. In Deuteronomy, Moses teaches of God's faithfulness and redemption of Israel and provides a second reading of God's commandments. He commands the Israelites ito teach the younger generation God's commandments.
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7
The Israelites spent EVERY day EVERY moment teaching the younger generations about the mighty power of God and his commandments. Are we that different? Are we past this now? In the modern age is this no longer applicable?
God has shown we are NOT that different. We are NOT past that. It is is still VERY much applicable to us today.
So there is NOT a moment that I am not teaching my kids SOMETHING. But not just ANYTHING. I am teaching them to be like Jesus....every opportunity I get (and even a few I create).
And that is how we are Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
131,487 Hours
This past week, Hunky Hubby (my affectionate name for him) and I celebrated 15 years of marriage! Wow! I must admit I am proud of this feat! 15 years is a long time.
180 months
783 weeks
5478 days
131, 487 hours
Whew! I am exhausted just thinking about!
And what exactly did we do over those 15 years!
15 years of finding Hunky Hubby's clothes tossed at the end of the bed even though the hamper is just 2 steps away.
15 years of football/basketball/golf games and endless discussions of the next week's game strategy.
15 years of hearing that this is the year for a Washington Redskin's comeback!
15 years of watching and re-watching his favorite movies Rudy and Red Dawn (the original NOT the remake).
15 years of listening to stories of Dublin Lane and the Dublin Lane gang.
15 years of Hunky Hubby helping reach those high places in the pantry.
15 years of leading the way through crowds so I am not trampled (Being short really is a hazard!)
15 years of knowing we were made for each other despite our flaws and weaknesses.
But most of all 15 years of placing God first in our lives.
15 years of placing ourselves second. To hang up our own selfishness and think of each other first. We chose to not follow our own desires and follow God's commands. To tune out the world with all its bells and whistles and turn to each other.
Well....maybe not every single one of the 131, 487 hours but at least enough that we survived the desert places in our life. You know those places when you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Times when although you know God is there you feel like He is not listening or acting on your behalf. Or maybe you don't feel His presence at all. Times when you question "Is this really the way life should be?"
We have had a few over the last 15 years. When we struggled with infertility for years. A pain that still hasn't gone away completely. When we opened our arms to children in foster care to be yelled at, hit, & spit on despite all the love we showed them. The pain of a child feeling worthless and unloved and seeing them attempt or consider to end their life repeatedly. The heartbreak of disciplining a child to only see them continue to run and eventually leave. The despair over losing a child and letting go of them. That moment when we finally realized that no matter how much love we give a child sometimes it is just NOT enough erase all their pain.
And in those desert places... those dark moments we can only look to God's word to give us the encouragement needed to keep pressing forward. Just a few of my favorite verses that have helped me along the way.
I know each one of those painful experiences. Times when I thought "WHY???" that God was shaping and molding me. Teaching and lovingly correcting me. Each situation looking back showed me a better way. More patience. More faith. More love. And just goes to show how I am Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
180 months
783 weeks
5478 days
131, 487 hours
Whew! I am exhausted just thinking about!
And what exactly did we do over those 15 years!
15 years of finding Hunky Hubby's clothes tossed at the end of the bed even though the hamper is just 2 steps away.
15 years of football/basketball/golf games and endless discussions of the next week's game strategy.
15 years of hearing that this is the year for a Washington Redskin's comeback!
15 years of watching and re-watching his favorite movies Rudy and Red Dawn (the original NOT the remake).
15 years of listening to stories of Dublin Lane and the Dublin Lane gang.
15 years of Hunky Hubby helping reach those high places in the pantry.
15 years of leading the way through crowds so I am not trampled (Being short really is a hazard!)
15 years of knowing we were made for each other despite our flaws and weaknesses.
But most of all 15 years of placing God first in our lives.
15 years of placing ourselves second. To hang up our own selfishness and think of each other first. We chose to not follow our own desires and follow God's commands. To tune out the world with all its bells and whistles and turn to each other.
Well....maybe not every single one of the 131, 487 hours but at least enough that we survived the desert places in our life. You know those places when you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Times when although you know God is there you feel like He is not listening or acting on your behalf. Or maybe you don't feel His presence at all. Times when you question "Is this really the way life should be?"
We have had a few over the last 15 years. When we struggled with infertility for years. A pain that still hasn't gone away completely. When we opened our arms to children in foster care to be yelled at, hit, & spit on despite all the love we showed them. The pain of a child feeling worthless and unloved and seeing them attempt or consider to end their life repeatedly. The heartbreak of disciplining a child to only see them continue to run and eventually leave. The despair over losing a child and letting go of them. That moment when we finally realized that no matter how much love we give a child sometimes it is just NOT enough erase all their pain.
And in those desert places... those dark moments we can only look to God's word to give us the encouragement needed to keep pressing forward. Just a few of my favorite verses that have helped me along the way.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. Psalm 147:5
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heaves are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thought than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I know each one of those painful experiences. Times when I thought "WHY???" that God was shaping and molding me. Teaching and lovingly correcting me. Each situation looking back showed me a better way. More patience. More faith. More love. And just goes to show how I am Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
What I Gave Up
When we decided we were ready to make the leap of faith and have me resign my job in the world to focus more energy and time with family, my husband and I made our list of things we would be giving up as we adjusted our budget. Here are a few we knew...
1. Dining out for meals. No I am not referring to the date night or occasional family night out would be eliminated. I am talking about the Morris schedule of eating out like 4 times a week & we usually had leftovers (from our dining out) a couple of other nights. Just to remind you there are only 7 days in the week. With my hectic work schedule and the kids activities, being home just wasn't an option so we were well known at local restaurants. So much so that our favorite waitstaff would ask how the kids were doing!
2. Wal-Mart shopping sprees. You giggle but you know what I am talking about. Those quick trips to the store for an item and walking out with a buggy-full of CRAP and a couple of hundred dollars gone.
3. Hobby Lobby. I LOVE this store. I would spend hours roaming the store, planning my next project, & purchasing all the necessary items. I ended up with some really great stuff. I mean I could make some totally Pinterest worthy projects. Just one small problem......MY stuff never made it to a finished project status.
I thought I was prepared for the transition. I mean we made our list, right? We thought through everything we needed to adjust, eliminate, or alter. I had this ALL figured out. I mean what else would I need to give up? But what happened I could not have planned. I began to give up a few more things...
Anxiety. No longer do I feel the pressure to perform or felt pushed to compete with others. Well on most days. I was able to lay my stress and worry before God.
Fear. I was not fearful of tomorrow. How would my life end up? Would we get that big house we always dreamed of? Would we have place in the country for the kids to run free? I am beginning to LIVE my life right where I am. A life pleasing & honoring to God.
Loneliness. Due to the position I held, I carried the weight of decisions and expectations on my shoulders. I created a wall to keep myself separate. And lonely. Never feeling transparent and REAL with others. I now enjoy friendships. True friendships. Able to freely share my own struggles and inadequacies. Able to ask for prayers and encouragement. God has brought wonderful friends into my life to support and encourage me with my walk with the Lord.
Now I don't want to paint the picture that all is well in the Morris Manor. I still forget laundry but dryer sheets do wonders! I do worry that I will be the single reason that my children will need counseling as adults. But I know that my God is bigger than anything I may face in this world.
1. Dining out for meals. No I am not referring to the date night or occasional family night out would be eliminated. I am talking about the Morris schedule of eating out like 4 times a week & we usually had leftovers (from our dining out) a couple of other nights. Just to remind you there are only 7 days in the week. With my hectic work schedule and the kids activities, being home just wasn't an option so we were well known at local restaurants. So much so that our favorite waitstaff would ask how the kids were doing!
2. Wal-Mart shopping sprees. You giggle but you know what I am talking about. Those quick trips to the store for an item and walking out with a buggy-full of CRAP and a couple of hundred dollars gone.
3. Hobby Lobby. I LOVE this store. I would spend hours roaming the store, planning my next project, & purchasing all the necessary items. I ended up with some really great stuff. I mean I could make some totally Pinterest worthy projects. Just one small problem......MY stuff never made it to a finished project status.
I thought I was prepared for the transition. I mean we made our list, right? We thought through everything we needed to adjust, eliminate, or alter. I had this ALL figured out. I mean what else would I need to give up? But what happened I could not have planned. I began to give up a few more things...
Anxiety. No longer do I feel the pressure to perform or felt pushed to compete with others. Well on most days. I was able to lay my stress and worry before God.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he care for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Fear. I was not fearful of tomorrow. How would my life end up? Would we get that big house we always dreamed of? Would we have place in the country for the kids to run free? I am beginning to LIVE my life right where I am. A life pleasing & honoring to God.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Loneliness. Due to the position I held, I carried the weight of decisions and expectations on my shoulders. I created a wall to keep myself separate. And lonely. Never feeling transparent and REAL with others. I now enjoy friendships. True friendships. Able to freely share my own struggles and inadequacies. Able to ask for prayers and encouragement. God has brought wonderful friends into my life to support and encourage me with my walk with the Lord.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28.20Inadequacy. Guilt. Shame. Juggling work, home, family, and church I never felt I had enough to give. To anyone. Always forgetting this event or that event. Forgetting the laundry resulting in picking out the "least dirty" items from the laundry to outfit the family in for the next day. I am able to BREATHE. Now my household is still a frenzy ...I mean we are still a family of 7 all living under one roof with everyone going all directions. BUT I now make quiet time with God and spending time studying the Bible a priority. This has made a huge difference in my life.
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24
Now I don't want to paint the picture that all is well in the Morris Manor. I still forget laundry but dryer sheets do wonders! I do worry that I will be the single reason that my children will need counseling as adults. But I know that my God is bigger than anything I may face in this world.
And greater is the One living inside of me Than he who is living in the world -Mercy Me "Greater"
And that is what Growing Up on Dublin Lane is all about.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Busy Minding Our Own Business
I had the idea to start this blog because our family is unique (to say the least) and so many folks kept encouraging the idea so I decided to make the jump. That was in January....and it is now September! Life got busy and I honestly couldn't decide on a name, what I would write about, blah blah blah. Well I decided to get serious and discussed it with John and jumped in with BOTH feet!!
Growing Up on Dublin Lane parallels my husband's childhood with ours as a family. I hope to intertwine all the wonderful stories of John growing up on Dublin Lane with my own lessons I learn as I "grow up" as a Christian, a wife, mom, sister, and friend. Dublin Lane also represents a shift in our lives. We decided to downsize our home, begin to live a simpler life and most recently for me to leave my career to be a stay at home mom. (To be honest I am still getting used to that idea!!) I am a much different person after the last 3 years on Dublin Lane and I pray that God continues to transform our lives to better serve him.
I mentioned how reluctant to get this blog started because I had a small voice in my head saying "What in the world are you going to find to write about week after week?" Well, seems as though my life really is full of blog-worthy happenings. This past week I was stranded on I-20 after running out of gas about 2 hours from home. Not to call out anyone but I am NOT usually the one that forgets to get gas....that would be my wonderful hubby. He has ran out of gas numerous times with one recent experience requiring him and the kids to walk 2 miles to the nearest store! But as I sat in the September Texas heat today waiting for our help to arrive, I realized I could learn something by this experience. Of course, you are thinking...Duh! Be sure to have a full tank of gas before you set out on your journey to Dallas...but I learned much more!
1. Although my situation could have caused a panic, I had peace in knowing that God would provide the help needed.
2. God provides just what we need when we need it! Even if we don't know what we need!!!
3. We don't have all the answers. EVER.
4. A reminder to not be caught up in the "busyness" of life and miss out on God's real purpose.
Growing Up on Dublin Lane parallels my husband's childhood with ours as a family. I hope to intertwine all the wonderful stories of John growing up on Dublin Lane with my own lessons I learn as I "grow up" as a Christian, a wife, mom, sister, and friend. Dublin Lane also represents a shift in our lives. We decided to downsize our home, begin to live a simpler life and most recently for me to leave my career to be a stay at home mom. (To be honest I am still getting used to that idea!!) I am a much different person after the last 3 years on Dublin Lane and I pray that God continues to transform our lives to better serve him.
I mentioned how reluctant to get this blog started because I had a small voice in my head saying "What in the world are you going to find to write about week after week?" Well, seems as though my life really is full of blog-worthy happenings. This past week I was stranded on I-20 after running out of gas about 2 hours from home. Not to call out anyone but I am NOT usually the one that forgets to get gas....that would be my wonderful hubby. He has ran out of gas numerous times with one recent experience requiring him and the kids to walk 2 miles to the nearest store! But as I sat in the September Texas heat today waiting for our help to arrive, I realized I could learn something by this experience. Of course, you are thinking...Duh! Be sure to have a full tank of gas before you set out on your journey to Dallas...but I learned much more!
1. Although my situation could have caused a panic, I had peace in knowing that God would provide the help needed.
My husband John, who I turn to most often, was an hour away and unable to help in this situation. My person wasn't there and I had to rest in the peace knowing God would provide the help I needed. And he did by way of a friend of a friend. A total stranger who would be willing to stop his day to help us.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
2. God provides just what we need when we need it! Even if we don't know what we need!!!
As I sat in the heat waiting for help to arrive, I was able to enjoy a nice breeze and a line of trees that offered shade. The boys had plenty of room to sword fight with their treasures they discovered in the small field. I was reminded that even in this moment I had several things to be thankful for and I am reminded that God is good all the time.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in
glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19
3. We don't have all the answers. EVER.
I thought my only option was to ask for help. Little did I know a service station was less than a quarter mile from us just out of our sight. I could have easily made the quick trek there and back and been on our merry way. If you know me, you know that I like to be informed of all options so that I can carefully plan my next steps. I felt like a failure for not only running out of gas but for sitting within walking distance of a store. Another confirmation that I don't have all the answers but I know who does!
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding
is beyond measure. Psalm 147:5
4. A reminder to not be caught up in the "busyness" of life and miss out on God's real purpose.
We were stranded on the roadway for about 45- 1 hour. For the first 45 minutes not a single car stopped, honked, waived, and as far as I could tell even noticed us. Busy to get to their destination or distracted by the world, our plight was overlooked and not a single person stopped to help.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about
many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.
Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be
taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
I love how every day is opportunity to learn but I hope my future lessons do not involve me being stranded. But there is never a dull moment.....Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Yep I did it!
I have threatened to do this for years. Promised myself that I would start. And finally I am committed to it! I am going to write a blog. I love sharing about our life with others. Not for selfish gain but just to be able to share how God transformed our lives and sustains us. How else can you explain a family of 9? Or better yet that we trusted Him fully never questioning accepting another child into our home?
Galatians 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Many moons ago when we stepped out on this journey, John and I had no idea what we were starting. Innocently enough we were opening our home to children who were in transition. We had room in our home and our hearts. That's how it all started!! But man did it begin to take many twists and turns over the years. So today we live in a modest home that John grew up in with his grandparents. He has many wonderful memories of "Dublin Lane". Just when I thought God couldn't possibly turn our world upside down again, I resigned my career of 12 years and became a stay at home, homeschooling mom to our youngest five children. I hope you you enjoy hearing how we are learning to be a family and enjoying life together. There never is a dull moment.....Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Come back next week to hear why I title the blog Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Come back next week to hear why I title the blog Growing Up on Dublin Lane.
Just 6 of our 7 kiddos.
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