Late one Saturday night eight years ago, my husband, Randy and I returned home from a weekend at Camp Yolijwa. We brought with us a very sleepy crew; Brandon 10 years, Nick 5 years, and Emily just 3 months old. We tucked the boys into bed and carried Emily up to our room. She actually slept in her bassinet beside our bed, instead of in our bed, that night.
I was extremely tired but couldn’t sleep. Ugh! An hour or so after everyone else was sleeping, I heard the neighbors screaming at each other. Although quite annoying, at that time, this was not that odd of an occurrence. I did what every good wife would do, I woke Randy up. I asked him if heard them, and told him I thought something was wrong. He said something like “Yeah, they were drinking too much again. Go back to sleep!” Back to sleep?!?!? I wasn’t sleeping in the first place. For those of you who are wondering, compassion is not one of Randy’s spiritual gifts.
A few minutes later, the screaming got louder and someone started banging on the shared wall between our duplex homes. As I rolled over to wake Randy up, I heard one of those words that no one ever wants to hear in the middle of the night – FIRE! It took about .04 seconds for this to register in my brain. Their house is on fire – that means MY house is on fire. I scooped Emily up and ran down to the boy’s room. I literally drug Nick down the stairs and outside, wearing only his underwear and a sweat shirt. The poor kid will be scarred forever. My neighbor greeted me on the porch. I thrust my new baby into his arms and ran to a get the phone to call 911. I gave the dispatcher my address and explained that we live in a duplex. But she demanded to know the neighbors house number and I couldn't remember if his was number was higher or lower than ours. Hello?!?!? Our houses are connected, if you find mine, you found his. By this time, just look for the smoke billowing out of the house.
Meanwhile, Randy and Brandon are upstairs arguing. Yes, you heard me correctly, arguing. Brandon is a little hard to wake up and not exactly pleasant when he gets woken up. The boy is 10, pick him up and get out of the house. Just a thought.
Eight years later, the siren that alerts the volunteers to come to the fire station, still wakes me up in an instant and leaves me with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. At 4:30 this morning, when the siren started, I was instantly awake and believe it or not, so was Brandon. I grabbed my coat and my car keys as he raced to grab his fire gear. As I drove him to the station, trying not to get run over by the ambulance rushing to the scene, I realized that the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach was not because I was remembering that night eight years ago, but because my baby was going out on his first fire call.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Letter To My Son, Nick
Dear Nick,
It occurred to me this morning that I have failed to teach you some pretty important lessons about life and living here in the state of Pennsylvania. So let me enlighten you. Seasons change. Different seasons mean different temperatures. Different temperatures mean different clothing. When I washed not one, not two or three, but four pairs of your shorts last week, I should have realized then that I have failed to teach you the importance of adapting to the changing seasons.
Now understand, you get this quite honestly; your momma has perfected the art of not adapting to seasons until God whacks her alongside the head. Being that you are bigger than me, I won’t whack you alongside your head but be fair warned… I do your laundry and if you continue to refuse to adapt to the season of winter and wearing jeans, I will not hesitate to destroy every pair of shorts that you own. Okay, so maybe I’ll just hide them from you but (hopefully!) you get the picture.
Being that I’m your momma, I understand that you may not want to take my word on this whole season thing. So how about taking God’s Word on it? Ecclesiastes 3 tells you and me that there is a time for everything. Check it out: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%203:1-8&version=NIV
So it doesn’t specifically say a time to wear shorts and a time to wear jeans but one could interpret verse 6 this way: "a time to wear shorts and a time for your momma to throw them away if you don’t stop wearing them."
I love you like crazy and I hope this little blog chat has helped you to understand the importance of embracing the changing seasons in life. In Middle School, it might just be the temperatures and overcoming the urge to wear your comfy shorts all winter long. But as you continue to grow on this journey called life, failing to get out of your comfort zone and embrace the changing seasons could hinder the amazing plan God has for your life!
Love,
Mommy
It occurred to me this morning that I have failed to teach you some pretty important lessons about life and living here in the state of Pennsylvania. So let me enlighten you. Seasons change. Different seasons mean different temperatures. Different temperatures mean different clothing. When I washed not one, not two or three, but four pairs of your shorts last week, I should have realized then that I have failed to teach you the importance of adapting to the changing seasons.
Now understand, you get this quite honestly; your momma has perfected the art of not adapting to seasons until God whacks her alongside the head. Being that you are bigger than me, I won’t whack you alongside your head but be fair warned… I do your laundry and if you continue to refuse to adapt to the season of winter and wearing jeans, I will not hesitate to destroy every pair of shorts that you own. Okay, so maybe I’ll just hide them from you but (hopefully!) you get the picture.
Being that I’m your momma, I understand that you may not want to take my word on this whole season thing. So how about taking God’s Word on it? Ecclesiastes 3 tells you and me that there is a time for everything. Check it out: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%203:1-8&version=NIV
So it doesn’t specifically say a time to wear shorts and a time to wear jeans but one could interpret verse 6 this way: "a time to wear shorts and a time for your momma to throw them away if you don’t stop wearing them."
I love you like crazy and I hope this little blog chat has helped you to understand the importance of embracing the changing seasons in life. In Middle School, it might just be the temperatures and overcoming the urge to wear your comfy shorts all winter long. But as you continue to grow on this journey called life, failing to get out of your comfort zone and embrace the changing seasons could hinder the amazing plan God has for your life!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Employee You Are Looking For
Over the last several weeks, four different people have contacted me about the possibility of working for or with them. The other night, as I put on my flannel PJ’s and curled up in bed with the stuffed monkey that I sleep with, I had to laugh. Do you people have any idea what you could be getting yourselves into??!?!
Do you understand that I’m not the grown-up my age would lead most to believe that I am? And that not only do I sleep with a stuffed animal but I only quit sleeping with a light on about 18 months ago?
I don’t know my left from right. And when I don’t know what the big word you just used means, I will not hesitate to ask you. I still tie my jacket around my waist and my favorite clothing stores continue to be Aero and Old Navy.
One thing is for sure; if I were to work for you, your work day would never again be boring. When it’s snowing and you are out making sure the parking lot has been cleared, please know that I will be inside convincing the rest of your staff that making egg omelets really is a better way to spend the morning. Not only will you not be mad at me for wasting time making breakfast but you will actually thank me.
When you send me for a week of training out of state, I will be terrified to drive there alone. I will not only convince you to drive me there; I will persuade you to sit in class with me the first day. When you tell me I need to go to New York for a meeting, I will, in your words, be afraid of the unknown. You will not only drive me there but you will spend the money on an additional hotel room so that I am not afraid.
If I trust you, I will unfortunately tell you when I don’t agree with you. At some point, you may regret the lesson you taught me about coming to you, not others, when I don’t agree with you. But please know, once I’ve told you what I think, as long as it’s not immoral or illegal, I’ll do what you tell me to do and support your decision to others.
Once or twice, I may even still be as childish as I was at 25 years old, and hang up the phone while you are talking to (lecturing!?) me. If I am, please know that you will quickly recognize that you pushed me a little too hard and will send me flowers to remind me that you really do appreciate me.
I am without a doubt a leader. I will not hesitate to recruit and lead a team on a journey to provide you with birthday surprises each year… dozens of mouse traps set in your office and golf balls hidden in places you won’t find until you retire. You will need to be very careful if you go out of town for any extended period of time. While you are away, I may decide to recruit your friends to help decorate your yard with candy canes, forks, junk, and perhaps even a toilet. I will not be above getting your children involved in helping to pull off this kind of thing. I certainly will not hesitate to ask your best friend to host a picnic, immediately following the previously mentioned dirty work. When you get home to see the mess that has been created, you will, for some ridiculous reason, thank me over and over again for “thinking of you.”
The good news is that I am an extremely quick learner, very organized, and loyal to a fault. When you give me a job to do; I will most often exceed your expectations. If you can help me find ways to use all the creative energy bottled up inside of me, I will likely be one of the best employees you've ever had.
So if you think that you can learn to appreciate the life that I would most definitely bring to your work day, then perhaps you have found the employee you are looking for.
Do you understand that I’m not the grown-up my age would lead most to believe that I am? And that not only do I sleep with a stuffed animal but I only quit sleeping with a light on about 18 months ago?
I don’t know my left from right. And when I don’t know what the big word you just used means, I will not hesitate to ask you. I still tie my jacket around my waist and my favorite clothing stores continue to be Aero and Old Navy.
One thing is for sure; if I were to work for you, your work day would never again be boring. When it’s snowing and you are out making sure the parking lot has been cleared, please know that I will be inside convincing the rest of your staff that making egg omelets really is a better way to spend the morning. Not only will you not be mad at me for wasting time making breakfast but you will actually thank me.
When you send me for a week of training out of state, I will be terrified to drive there alone. I will not only convince you to drive me there; I will persuade you to sit in class with me the first day. When you tell me I need to go to New York for a meeting, I will, in your words, be afraid of the unknown. You will not only drive me there but you will spend the money on an additional hotel room so that I am not afraid.
If I trust you, I will unfortunately tell you when I don’t agree with you. At some point, you may regret the lesson you taught me about coming to you, not others, when I don’t agree with you. But please know, once I’ve told you what I think, as long as it’s not immoral or illegal, I’ll do what you tell me to do and support your decision to others.
Once or twice, I may even still be as childish as I was at 25 years old, and hang up the phone while you are talking to (lecturing!?) me. If I am, please know that you will quickly recognize that you pushed me a little too hard and will send me flowers to remind me that you really do appreciate me.
I am without a doubt a leader. I will not hesitate to recruit and lead a team on a journey to provide you with birthday surprises each year… dozens of mouse traps set in your office and golf balls hidden in places you won’t find until you retire. You will need to be very careful if you go out of town for any extended period of time. While you are away, I may decide to recruit your friends to help decorate your yard with candy canes, forks, junk, and perhaps even a toilet. I will not be above getting your children involved in helping to pull off this kind of thing. I certainly will not hesitate to ask your best friend to host a picnic, immediately following the previously mentioned dirty work. When you get home to see the mess that has been created, you will, for some ridiculous reason, thank me over and over again for “thinking of you.”
The good news is that I am an extremely quick learner, very organized, and loyal to a fault. When you give me a job to do; I will most often exceed your expectations. If you can help me find ways to use all the creative energy bottled up inside of me, I will likely be one of the best employees you've ever had.
So if you think that you can learn to appreciate the life that I would most definitely bring to your work day, then perhaps you have found the employee you are looking for.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
"transformed! 2010" ladies life group
The pursuit of spiritual transformation may be something that excites you or perhaps even scares you a little. If either of those is the case and you desire to purse transformation with a group of Godly ladies; ladies that are striving to allow Christ to transform their lives, then I want to invite you to be a part of an exciting year in the “transformed 2010” ladies life group.
This year, we’ll build authentic relationships and grow together through the Word of God, intimate times of discussion, and prayer. Each participant will be challenged to grow in their character and in their walks with the Lord as they read through an assigned book, on their own, each month. Our first book is entitled “Who You Are When No One is Looking” by Bill Hybels.
Beginning on January 26th, “transformed 2010” will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 PM in Café Connections at Christian Life Assembly. Childcare is available and you do not need to be a regular attendee of Christian Life Assembly to be a part of this life changing ministry.
For new registration, registration confirmations, or questions, please contact me at skwebb@comcast.net. Even if you have already indicated that you are planning to attend transformed this year, please confirm your desired participation. With registration, please include your name, phone number, and ages of any child that will need childcare during our gatherings.
Be transformed in 2010!
Sherry
This year, we’ll build authentic relationships and grow together through the Word of God, intimate times of discussion, and prayer. Each participant will be challenged to grow in their character and in their walks with the Lord as they read through an assigned book, on their own, each month. Our first book is entitled “Who You Are When No One is Looking” by Bill Hybels.
Beginning on January 26th, “transformed 2010” will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 PM in Café Connections at Christian Life Assembly. Childcare is available and you do not need to be a regular attendee of Christian Life Assembly to be a part of this life changing ministry.
For new registration, registration confirmations, or questions, please contact me at skwebb@comcast.net. Even if you have already indicated that you are planning to attend transformed this year, please confirm your desired participation. With registration, please include your name, phone number, and ages of any child that will need childcare during our gatherings.
Be transformed in 2010!
Sherry
Friday, January 8, 2010
Noah's Ark
Each Christmas, I set out several kid-friendly decorations. Under the tree, you’ll find a basket of unbreakable Christmas balls and an elf that walks up and down a snowy hill. Around the house, I place several “stuffed” snowmen, and of course, the Fisher Price Nativity Set sits on the bottom shelf of the TV stand. This year, I decided to put our Little People’s Noah's Ark set out when I put the Nativity Set away.
As I rounded up the animals for Noah’s Ark, I noticed that two of the animals had lost their mates. Being the recovering perfectionist that I am, I explained to my three year old daughter, Mia, that I would put Noah and his ark out as soon as all the pieces were together. A minute later, as I looked a little closer at the two animals, I began to see some similarities. It was then that it occurred to me, that perhaps I was holding the male and female lions. I looked to my husband, Randy, for input. He just smiled and assured me that I was holding the set of lions. I’m sure he snickered as soon as I walked out of the room, but he’s been married to a sanguine for enough years to expect this kind of thing. I know God placed me in his life to make him laugh!
As funny as the whole Noah’s Ark mini-drama was, it also reminded me, a sometimes flighty and naïve wife, that my husband not only looks different than I do, but he thinks and acts differently too. Not just because he’s a guy, but also because his personality and giftings are so much different than mine.
For now, Noah's Ark sits in my living room as a daily reminder that we are different. And the next time Randy doesn't think or act quite like I do, hopefully I catch a glimse of those little lions and laugh instead of sighing. Hmm... I always thought God gave me to Randy to make Randy laugh, but now I'm starting to wonder if maybe it was to make Him laugh.
As I rounded up the animals for Noah’s Ark, I noticed that two of the animals had lost their mates. Being the recovering perfectionist that I am, I explained to my three year old daughter, Mia, that I would put Noah and his ark out as soon as all the pieces were together. A minute later, as I looked a little closer at the two animals, I began to see some similarities. It was then that it occurred to me, that perhaps I was holding the male and female lions. I looked to my husband, Randy, for input. He just smiled and assured me that I was holding the set of lions. I’m sure he snickered as soon as I walked out of the room, but he’s been married to a sanguine for enough years to expect this kind of thing. I know God placed me in his life to make him laugh!
As funny as the whole Noah’s Ark mini-drama was, it also reminded me, a sometimes flighty and naïve wife, that my husband not only looks different than I do, but he thinks and acts differently too. Not just because he’s a guy, but also because his personality and giftings are so much different than mine.
For now, Noah's Ark sits in my living room as a daily reminder that we are different. And the next time Randy doesn't think or act quite like I do, hopefully I catch a glimse of those little lions and laugh instead of sighing. Hmm... I always thought God gave me to Randy to make Randy laugh, but now I'm starting to wonder if maybe it was to make Him laugh.
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