Weekend Update

Friday we worked two shifts at the MOPS Pumpkin Patch fundraiser. In coordination with our own apathy toward selling pumpkins, it seems there was a community-wide phase of indifference concerning autumnal gourds. Due to gusty winds and brisk temperatures, we looked over the patch from the cramped warmth of the Suburban. We sold a total of two pumpkins after 6 hours of effort, and decided that in order to redeem the day, Daddy would have to take us to CiCi's pizza before heading home. He obliged. All was well.

The Fall Festival in the church parking lot brought our weekend to a conclusion. Landen dressed as a hunter, while Luke painted a "P" on his shirt & blackened his eye...you'll get it in a minute. Ardyn wore 27 yards of wired ribbon and 2 pounds of silk florals, and became the beautiful garden fairy that she's always been in her heart. Ashli was a lady bug, and Mari Alice wore a "Got Milk?" shirt and allowed me to paint a white "milk-mustache" on her upper lip. We enjoyed frito pie with friends, listened to good music, frequented the "jumpy-things", and gathered too much candy for anyone's good.

Today we started a fresh, new job chart. The previous one had run its course and had become predictable and mundane. There is excitement in the air. People seem to be pleased with their division of duties. I know very well, they'll be grouchin' and gripin' by this afternoon. We sorted "arts and crafts" this weekend, straightened school books/supplies, and organized the videos and games. If only I would accomplish my goal of replacing current wardrobes with "the Fall 2006 line -- uhr, tub" sometime this week, then the only dream I could still cling to would be for "little bit" to sleep through the night. Yes, well.... speaking of the smallest Johnson, the brunch bell rings!

Remind me later to share about God's good and perfect gifts.

Checkin' In and Checkin' Out

Mari Alice had a 2-month check-up today. She's growing beautifully and needed 4 preventive shots. The older kids worked on schoolwork in the waiting room while Ashli made her "supportive big sister" debut. When the doctor entered the room, she whispered some type of experiential warning concerning this man in scrubs and his tools of torment. She reported to the doctor that Mari cries a lot. He asked "about what?". Ashli replied, "Mainly 'bout my mom...like when she's starvin' or when she's suckin her nose and stuff." Ashli continued in her role of comforter/informant with great skill. She held Mari's hand during the inoculations and spoke softly in a high pitched, melodic tone: "OOH, Baby Girl, it's alright...sister's here...it's almost over...you're ok." Then in a surprising change of tone, she addressed the nurse and admitted smugly, "Mari Alice is not a very tough-girl, huh?"

A rainstorm followed us home. The effectiveness of my single cup of coffee this morning has now expired. I wish for a nap. I long for a nap. I'd give $20 cash for a nap! Do you think the next time the baby sleeps, I could get 4 kids to go to separate rooms and stay quiet for $5 bucks each?

Sniffles and All Things Sinful

Mari Alice has a cold. I sheltered her the best I could, but with 4 siblings, an uncle, a dad and a bunch of friends, it was inevitable, I suppose. So, like I did with her older brothers and sisters, I have begun to use the (dun-dun-dun)NOSE SUCKER! It is now my goal in life to keep her sinus cavity free of mucus. A cold is one thing, but a secondary ear infection is quite another. So, to this preventive end, I arm myself with the light blue suction bulb, and boldly go where no mom likes to go....snot-sucking.

I learned with Landen that no good comes from dragging out the process. It's not going to be fun. You can gingerly approach the nostrils and attempt to remain gentle and pain-free, but this technique is not only time-consuming, it is ultimately ineffective in the overall removal of drainage. Instead, it is wise to hold the child down, close the opposite nostril, then quickly and steadily suction the unwanted mucus out of each passage. This approach is not for the faint of heart. You can fully expect the child to kick, flail, scream, cuss, and try to hold her breath until you leave her be. But this, too, shall pass. When the eternal 90 seconds of procedure has concluded, you can comfort her with an embrace then whisper words of restoration into an ear that will hopefully stay well.

Is there a life lesson to be learned from snot suckage?
#1 Unhealthy things in our lives must be removed.
#2 Ridding our lives of such "yuck" can be uncomfortable and potentially painful.
#3 The benefit of clean living is the hope of sustained health.

After a day of worship and Bible study, I am conscious of sin that has taken up "snotty" residence in my life. (I imagine it like that Musinex commercial where the animated, green blob unpacks his things) I know if I confess it, God will forgive me. But some habits have to be "sucked out" in order to avoid continued sin or secondary "infections". I honestly do not look forward to the process of God "cleansing" me....according to scripture, God uses a refiner's fire instead of a blue bulb. Some of my sinful ways are REALLY comfortable and kind of fun. But to keep an eternal perspective, the peace of righteous living and the hope of sustained holiness far outweigh the momentary discomfort or pain of "expulsion". So I will surrender to the One who loves me enough to deal with the "nasty junk" in my life....the One who doesn't promise to keep me comfortable, but comforted.

Evidence --or lack there of

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." -Philippians 4: 4-5

It goes on to say WAY more than I can deal with today.

I'm living here in these 2 verses until otherwise notified.

Rejoice how often?
I didn't hear you, please say it again, I'm s'posed to what?
How often?

What is to be evident?
To how many people?

Efficiency doesn't count?
Productivity?
Survival?

Gentleness, you say...Just to strangers, guests, close friends?

Do I have any excuses?
Oh, You're near?

Watching,
waiting,
convicting,
forgiving,
empowering,
making & molding?

Good to hear.

Gotta go do!

Enjoyable day

Today has been filled with good company and fine merriment. (Last night Philip and I watched "Sense and Sensibility", so I'll be speaking in fine fashion for a day or so.) The overnight hours with Mari Alice were utterly dreadful. I place my unwavering faith in the hope that sooner than not she shall slumber deeply --not wanting for any comfort or companionship I could afford her. Despite the weariness brought about by lack of rest, we enjoyed fine fellowship with friends breaking journey from Denton. Their bountiful offspring adjoined unto our own made for a frolicking display in the yard.

This "Jane Austen" verbiage should wear off by the morrow. Perhaps we shall view a portion of "Larry the Cable Guy" this night so as to bring about balance and restore propriety.

Until then
CDJ

My Thoughtful Place

I just cleaned out my garage and found a box of journals. Some were full of thoughts and prayers, while other books of good intentions still remain unfinished. I've always seemed to find comfort in getting my thoughts out on paper. Sometimes folks read my musings, othertimes, the writings remain quite private. I decided that since it is 2006, and typing is faster than penmanship, I'll post my thoughts here.

My brother, James suggested the title be an accrostic for my initials. He's tricky like that. I rest in the hope that I will certainly discover joy in the days God gives me to live for His Glory.

More Later , CDJ