The last couple of years I have tried to start our own family traditions since neither of our families did much....and I am determined that ours will be different :) So far the biggest tradition we have managed to start has involved buckets and throw-up for the entire vacation time :@ oh dear! I need to rethink this plan a bit! Anyway we survived another sick Christmas and the new year rolled in sometime during bouts of fever for me....oh what fun! ;)
On a happier note, my mom was able to come from NS to spend some time with us this Christmas and we had some family get-togethers with my aunts and grandmother and another one with my big brother and his family. I LOVE FAMILY TOGETHERNESS! Someday I look forward to all my girls coming home with families of their own if God wills it...oh what fun! but that is getting ahead of myself a wee bit right now ;)
2011....another year, and with every year I like to try to start something new in my heart and in my life.....this year will be bringing a few changes....another move shortly....and we are praying about sending the kids to a Christian school here in the city.My heart has been sad and discouraged...mostly because of personal failure and regret. I borrowed some books from the church library and was immediately encouraged by this verse which I have claimed for the new year..Psalm 3:3 "but Thou, O Lord art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." I have had those days when it seems like I can't even lift up my own head.....all the burdens of each day rest heavy on my shoulders...the responsibilities of raising 6 girls seem overwhelming and way beyond me...and I often fall and can't get up again. Have you ever read something before over and over maybe and then suddenly one day a little word just seems to jump off the page and smack you in the nose and shout "HELLooooo!!"??? Well this happened to me just yesterday afternoon after I started reading this devotional for women...the Lord is the lifter up of my head!!!! not just the word but the whole phrase jumped off the page and smacked me over the head!!!!! HEEELLLLLLOOOOO!!!????
What a gentle and loving rebuke that was...and yet how not just my mind but my heart seemed to soak it in and want to be lifted up. This folks is my new year....sorry if maybe it seems to be discouraging...but this is me right now...my garden is being cleaned out..the weeds are getting pulled...hoes and rakes are chopping at roots and hauling away debris.....the ground is being turned over...someday hopefully it will bring forth beautiful flowers, but first the ground must be prepared. No more pretending...no more hypocrisy...I am struggling to find "me" and though it's not a pretty sight and certainly not easy or fun :@ it is necessary and will be worth it all. I have tried to plant so many things in amongst the weeds and garbage and we all know nothing that is going to last or grow into something beautiful and useful can be planted in a garden that has not been properly prepared.....HELLO!
How's your garden growing?! any advice? please feel free...I would welcome your thoughts :)
These are my girls!
You have six beautiful children and I think you are an amazing woman to accomplish all you do in the run of a day. I'm very sure God sees you in the same way! Start those family traditions and your children will carry them on as your legacy There will be a special place in Heaven for you one day as you are certainly cultivating a beautiful garden here on earth for yourself and your family. We all have to clean out the clutter from time to time and grow anew. It is the way of this world. Good luck to you Heidi as your start your new growth for 2011. Never be discourage as we all go through the same things in different ways. Continue to be your strong self and you will be fulfilled!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see you back!!! I was beginning to be concerned about you. I am so sorry to hear that you have all been under the weather. I really enjoy your updates. Love you Mrs. Brown
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