Archive for April, 2010

Posted on April 9, 2010 - by Estate Manager

G.G. visits Hearthstone House

Hearthstone House was honored to have special visitors this past week from Ohio. The girls Great Grandma, or G.G. as we affectionately call her, drove down with Papa Johnny and Grandma Nancy. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed an action packed weekend of celebrating Easter and Meebs’ Birthday.

While G.G. was here, she kindly helped me work in the garden, stain the patio set and taught me her secret spaghetti sauce recipe. We worked hard, laughed hard and slept hard while she was visiting. And the memories we shared are visible all over Hearthstone House. I am so glad that my Grandma came to stay and was able to see my home and family in our environment, and experience a day in the life of The Estate Manager. Love you G.G.!

Posted on April 9, 2010 - by Estate Manager

Meebs & Markers and Me & God

Isaiah 43:1-5

Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior;… Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, … Do not be afraid, for I am with you.

There are certainly days where I feel like I am drowning in my life as a mom. Bobbing around with no direction just trying to hold on for dear life as my kids steer the ship. But, like most moms I tend to look at my faults and short comings and not at the progress that I am making as a child of God, wife and mother. I am too hard on myself and don’t see the life I have as a blessing. That each spilt cup of milk I clean up, every poo-pie diaper I change, every lunch I pack, every nose I wipe, is all challenging me as a person and shaping my very character. I can honestly say that a year ago or even two years ago, I really thought I can’t handle this. It is too much! But every so often I will have a day or a moment that catches me off guard. I see myself being patient, responding in love, holding my tongue, or praying instead of crying, complaining or yelling.

Meebs gave me two great lessons this past week. Repeatedly when things were chaotic, she began to chant Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! And God used her to bring my focus to Him instead of the anxiety of the situation. And also this week I caught myself laughing instead of yelling,  as she pretended that markers were make-up. Now that’s real progress.

When I am afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed, I will remember that I am loved, precious and not alone. I won’t be swept way, consumed, burned or drowned. God is with me.