Monday, September 24, 2007

The poor & needy among us

Today in church our pastor was teaching on a verse from Proverbs that says "... whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Now, Pastor D. was talking mostly about the disadvantaged in our society; however, I started thinking about my children. I have to admit, sometimes I am so exhausted by my children's neediness. As I said to my mom the other day, sometimes it feels like everyone wants or needs a piece of me, and by the end of the day there are no pieces left. I feel emptied out. Drained. I don't know, maybe I'm getting old. But the danger for me personally is that I tend to get resentful. Then I am easily angered by another request for juice, help, attention, bottom-wiping, etc. -- all normal parts of a mommy's day. I find myself snapping, having an attitude, and not serving with gladness!

A wise friend spoke recently of looking at your children as "the least of these" - and remembering that Jesus says "whatever you have done for the least of these, you've done it unto Me." When I truly embrace this thought, I find myself having so much more patience with my kids. NOT resenting another request for help. NOT losing my temper over my daughter's snotty attitude. NOT feeling sorry for myself about all the lost sleep. ENJOYING playing another game of Bingo/Chutes & Ladders/Go Fish. HAPPY to listen to another never-ending story (and my girl has LOTS of those!!)

So Lord, help me to remember that you have entrusted some "poor & needy" to me in my own home. And help me to be "kind to the needy" so that I honor You today.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Birthday Girl

I can't believe our "little girl" is already 4 years old. Here are some pictures of her celebrations!


Celebrating with family on Labor Day



Enjoying pizza and laughs with her friend Emma at Chuck E. Cheese
(on her "real" birthday)

Audrey is becoming quite a little lady. Here is a picture of her first day of preschool this year. She loves school. She thinks it's funny that one of her teachers is named "Amy" like Mommy.
(sorry that the picture is sideways, new to this blogging thing and still can't figure out how to flip it!)