Joy of My Desiring

I like to believe I live a reasonably contented life. There are very few things "I want". But one exception comes to mind.

There is a nativity set that I have seen in stores for years. It is absolutely lovely. A new character is created and introduced to the collection each season and they never go on sale. Every time I see it, I stop and worship for a moment. Then I walk away - grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty again. I love it and want it so badly, but when it is on display, my attention and monies are usually already allocated. No time to splurge...

Two weeks ago, a large, mysterious package arrived at my front door. I opened it and began to weep. The UPS box contained dozens of smaller cardboard boxes. Every available piece of my longed-for nativity set! I continued to cry. The kids asked me what was wrong. "I've wanted this forever!" I sobbed. "I could never afford to buy this. It's so beautiful. I love it." Luke said with bewilderment, "Momma, I've never seen you cry happy." Over the next half hour, the kids helped me unpack each figurine. They carefully displayed them in the stable while placing the stars and angels in "just the right spot".

As I stared in adoration at the cast of nativity characters, the extravagance of the gift overwhelmed my heart with gratitude and joy. When I called the mystery sender, she was careful to explain, "This is not because of any of the wonderful things you do. It's not because you're such a very fun girl. It's just because I love you and you are special to me."

From now on - until my grandchildren come gather around this nativity scene and worship the King - I will have this precious memory of lavished love in my soul. The clarity of strong desire. Knowing for certain what would bring me joy, but not being able to meet that need on my own. Knowing the sadness of living without, then surprised and humbled to receive the gift that I could never repay. And from now on I will remember those priceless words on the telephone.

The Christmas message that comes straight from the Father's heart: "This gift - the life of my own Son -is not because of anything you do, not based on whether you're bad or good. It is just because I love you and you are special to me."

*originally posted Christmas 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook: 10.7.13

FOR TODAY Monday, October 7, 2013...

Outside my window...
Bright sunny skies and cool crisp air.

I am remembering...
how often I've fallen short, and how patient God continues to be.

I am thankful for...
voices and instruments and folks who praise Him in my midst.

I am creating...

Daybook 8.1.13

FOR TODAY Thursday, August 1, 2013...

Outside my window...
A steamy summer shower is thundering through the neighborhood forcing skies to darken and grass to glow bright green.

I am remembering...
the summer I stayed a week at my Grandma's. Croquet, fireflies, and rhubarb pie.

I am thankful for...
faithful friends who speak lovingly, pray boldly, and laugh easily.

I am creating...

Simple Woman's Daybook 10.5.12

FOR TODAY Friday, October 5, 2012...

Outside my window...
Sunshine and shadows share the grassy ground.

I am remembering...
my dad. I spend my days with four of his granddaughters who will wait a lifetime to meet him. They see glimpses of his influence through my life, but I'd love for them to personally know his warm humor and happy wit.

I am thankful for...
Skyward: an online calendar & grading report for MISD students. VERY informative and helpful.

I am creating...

Lessons from the Loo

 
(From the archives: originally posted in 2008. Revisited for CR.)

Last night we were in some friends' home, when Mari needed to use the facilities. I followed her down the hallway and into their bathroom. Around another corner was a small alcove which housed the toilet.

As I helped her up, I noticed something surprising for a bath motif. Just beside the toilet, in the corner, stood a tall, bright torch lamp. "A lamp in a potty?" I was mesmerized by the notion.

I glanced down at the tile. Spotless. I scanned the baseboards. Pristine. Two primary thoughts were competing for attention in my mind.

 #1 Wow! There's no question that this bathroom is clean.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Thursday, June 28, 2012...

Outside my window...
Crickets and frogs chirp in the humid darkness, cleverly hiding in a clean cut yard.

I am remembering...
White Water in the 80's. White-nosed lifeguards, locker keys on coiled bracelets, and the same 10 songs played over and over and over. Dear Men At Work, you have scarred me for life. "Last night I had the strangest dream, I sailed away to China in a little rowboat to find you, And you said you had to get your laundry cleaned. Didn't want no one to hold you, what does that mean? You said -" (sing it with me, now!) "Ain't nothing gonna breaka my stride, ain't nothing gonna hold me down. oh no, I've got to keep on movin!"

I am thankful for...
Philip. Earlier this week, after he had saved the day, yet again, I told someone, "100 years ago -even if he weren't my husband- I'd have wanted him in my village ... he's just really great to have around!"

I am creating...

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Wednesday, March 7, 2012...

Outside my window...
White flowery onion sprouts have burst out in patches.  Strong winds bring tree limbs to life - dancing and swaying to sunshine's song.

I am remembering...
When the boys played tee-ball.  Size 4 gray baseball pants - I dare you to think of something cuter!

I am thankful for...
Friends who invite my kids over.  One or two being away for a while shifts our dynamics in a delightfully intriguing way.

I am creating...

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Thursday, October 27, 2011...

Outside my window...
A cold front sneaks across the muggy morning...darkening and chilling everything in its path.

I am remembering...
The first time we took Landen up to Uncle Don's farm for the Fall Family Reunion.  His toddler senses had been overwhelmed all day with sights and sounds and smells of autumn.  In the middle of the night, he spoke out in his sleep - a word he had never uttered in consciousness.  He tossed and turned and dreamed a sleep smile, then he stretched out his arms and charmed, "Punkin:)".

I am thankful for...
sweet friends who agree to meet with me before the day fully begins - such a safe, inspiring part of my week.

I am creating...

Simple Woman's Flashback

FOR TODAY, September 22, 2008


Outside My Window...Darkness, which woudn't be frightening, except that Philip is watching "The Village" behind me, and the music is creeping my brain out. Plus, in the driveway, James' car is the "bad color". I'm not kidding - there are woods at the back of our property, and "the ones we do not speak of" live just beyond the pines. "Do your very best not to scream...do not be frightened, it is only farce."

I am thinking...that we got so much accomplished today by unplugging the phones and turning off the computer. But I'm also thinking that I have several voice mail and e-mail messages to respond to.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Friday, September 16, 2011...

Outside my window...
The sun sweetly sets, as a lazy day musters its strength to roll over into evening.

I am remembering...
So many women have spoken truth and encouragement into my life...and sometimes without uttering a word.

I am thankful for...
My kids.  With the boys, a tiny bit of absence has made the heart grow fonder.  With the girls, more opportunities for quality time has produced sweeter kinship.

I am creating...

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, August 22, 2011...

Outside my window...
a bright sunshiny day filled with promise and possibility:)

I am remembering...
so many of those pivotal moments in life...where an interaction or a conversation changed my perspective...where a challenge or a failure strengthened my resolve...where a blessing or an achievement bolstered my confidence.

I am thankful for...
my weekend away.  Philip arranged for the "perfect getaway" and then facilitated 3 straight days of fun and frolic for the kids.  I returned to a happy family and a clean home.  I'm also thankful for Kathy.  She is simply the best.  She and Philip were equally committed to my overall comfort and good throughout the weekend.  I couldn't hope for more.

I am creating...

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2011...

Outside my window...The cool calm dark that follows a steamy turbulent storm.

I am remembering...White Water in the summer. Mom would take us every week. The wave pool. Ahhhh, can I get a witness? Doritos just taste better when you get them out of an individual bag with chlorine-shriveled fingers.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Sunday, June 12, 2011...

Outside my window...H.O.T.

I am remembering...my mom and dad and I would harmonize on long road trips. We'd pick a hymn and I'd lean up from the middle row of seats. Mom would sing melody, and Dad would let me have first pick of a harmonizing note. He'd throw in a third and we'd go as long as we could remember the lyrics. Good times!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, May 23, 2011...

Outside my window...humid breezes fill the darkness

I am remembering...how much fun we had in Georgetown over the weekend.

I am thankful for...crushed ice from the refrigerator.

I am creating...a plan for caMP3 - our first summer music camp for grade-schoolers. So excited! (tiny bit frightened, but it's a good frightened)

I am going...to watch Landen's first game of the season tomorrow night.

I am reading..."Parenting is Your Highest Calling' and 8 Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt" by Leslie Leyland Fields.

I am hoping...this sore throat is better by morning.

On my mind...how cute I think my husband is. How funny I think my kids are. How good God is.

From the learning rooms...We've gone "back to the basics" on several fronts as we conclude this year. Filling in the gaps & checking off the lists.

Noticing that...I haven't walked in several days. I feel sluggish and bleck.

Pondering these words..."Be quick to listen and slow to speak."

From the kitchen...Leftover grilled burgers and baked beans. Yummo.

Around the house...Mom is resting in her Queen Suite here at Johnson & Johnson hotel. The kiddos are asleep and Philip and I are clocking our daily electronic electives:)

One of my favorite things...is how Elizabeth answers, "Oh, ok." to so many things. Cutie.

From my picture album...Mari Alice's patio art.



To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Saturday, April 16, 2011...

Outside my window...the bold bright beauty of a warm spring day

I am remembering...Monday's surprise visit from my Gramma Billie and Aunt Charlsie - two lovely sisters in their eighties, driving from state to state, giggling and bickering and chattering with the most committed devotion imaginable.

I am thankful for...my home. It's not too big that there's too much to clean, not too small that we're right on top of each other.

It's not so fashionable that it constantly needs updating, but not so plain that it lacks charm.

It's not too close to the city, and not too far from the country.

It's tidy enough to indicate people care, but just dusty enough to indicate that we care about other stuff too.

I am creating...oh, I'm in a definite slump. One morning this week I did have the notion to set out the Christmas stocking project, but I thought it best to wait for a lighter week...should one ever make its way into my life:)

I am going... to care for the kids of "Sacrifice" cast members tonight at the church house. Then worship x2, Dance Recital, and Sacrifice again tomorrow.

I am reading..."Made to Crave" and March magazines. (same as 6 weeks ago, but I have finished "1000 Gifts" in the meantime)

I am hoping...that the friends and family heavy on my mind today will feel a Divine outpouring of love and mercy as they face their particular trials .

On my mind...how daunting parenthood is. Minute-by-minute challenges and blessings shaping hearts for eternity. oh my.

From the learning rooms...Everyone fell behind at some time or another this year. So we're in various forms of "almost done".

Noticing that...an iris has bloomed in my flower "can" with purple ruffled petals that flirtatiously flutter like skirts in the breeze.

Pondering these words... "Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died..."

From the kitchen...whole wheat pumpkin pancakes with homemade caramel-pecan syrup for breakfast,

talapia with pasta and asparagus for lunch,

subs are ready to grab before we leave tonight.

White beans are soaking for Chicken chili tomorrow, and

Arydn made a big bowl of tuna salad for another meal tomorrow.

Around the house... Liz is napping, boys are working on schoolwork, girls are watching Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, and Oscar can't decide whether he would prefer to be indoors or out.

One of my favorite things...harmonizing. I have decided that if the chick from Casting Crowns ever comes down with the flu or something, I could have a B.L.A.S.T rolling keyboard chords while belting lyrics in harmony.

From my picture album... Mari Alice proving raw milk is good to the last drop.


To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Thursday, March 3, 2011...

Outside my window...teen boys talk trash while a basketball thumps against the ground and pops off the backboard then swings through the net, little girls giggle and scream as they chase each other around the yard, and the poor, sensory-overloaded dog barks his hairy head off.

I am remembering...how hasty and elusive East Texas winters seem.

I am thankful for...friends who call and say those special three words, "Let's have lunch!"

I am creating...notta lot. sniff, sigh.

I am going...walk around the block "one mo time agin now".

I am reading..."Made to Crave" and March magazines

I am hoping...that the MP3 concert goes well Sunday night and that all who attend receive a blessing.

On my mind...Easter dresses for 4 girls. ok, not really the dresses, but all the possible paraphanalia...shoes with or without hosiery, bows, slips, etc. (random)

From the learning rooms...we have had a great week. good effort + good grades + good attitudes = good stuff.

Noticing that...fewer Johnsons are coughing now than at any point this year. Clearing up the respitory system just in time for seasonal allergies. yay!

Pondering these words... "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable --if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Phil 4:8 (AND on Glory Revealed II which makes it FAR easier to ponder:)

From the kitchen...need. groceries. soon.

Around the house...clutter in every room gives testimony to the fact that I have been in and out all day. Everyone seems to be enjoying the last few warm moments of daylight, so I'll postpone "Operation: Clean Sweep" for another hour or so.

One of my favorite things...is Casting Crowns music. Speaks to me:)

To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Wednesday, February 9, 2011...

Outside my window...C.O.L.D.

I am remembering...my summer stays with my Gramma Iona in Iowa. Avon bubble baths and bedtime back rubs. Cribbage, Croquet, and Chinese Checkers. Fruit juice served in tiny pastel Tupperware. Fireflies and rhubarb pies. Good times:)

I am thankful for...electricity. I take it for granted on many levels. Father, forgive me...and THANK You!

I am creating...lyrics. Sporadically.

I am going...to watch "Leverage" with the hunkster in a sec.

I am reading..."Made to Crave" and I just finished "Radical" last night. Almost ready to begin it again.

I am hoping...that my brothers and mom have safe travels as they return from Gramma's memorial service.

On my mind...How spoiled rotten we are as a culture. I fear we may be missing the "real deal".

From the learning rooms...Mari knows "o'clock" plus "thirty" on her clock. She is reading and writing better every day. Huge fun! Ashlin is battling through the 2nd grade "sloppy-speedy" work phase. Ardyn is trudging along on her remedial schedule....she should be creating valentines but she is sadly still weaving Thanksgiving place mats. Luke is on fire in History, but still challenged by his love/hate relationship with Language. Landen is hip deep in linear equations and a bunch of other stuff that pales in comparison to the torment of y-intercepts and slopes.

Noticing that...The outside temps are trying to sneak indoors.

Pondering these words... "Is the distinction between living for Christ and dying for Him, after all, so great? Is not the second the logical conclusion of the first? To live for God IS to die daily. It is to lose everything that we may gain Christ." - Elisabeth Elliot

From the kitchen...With ice in the forecast, I made sure we had some cooked beans and boiled eggs to choke down in case the power went out. But as the impending "winter weather event" fizzled down to a damp chill shortly after all church activities had been cancelled, Ardyn stepped up and offered to order pizza for our unexpected family night. PLUS!

Around the house...Girls are in beds. Boys are in their room. Philip is previewing the D-Now dvd's and I am blogging while Oscar snoozes in front of the crackling fire.

One of my favorite things...clothespins. seriously. Chips, stacks of tax forms, frozen veggies, skirts on hangers, sheets for tents, book marks, hooking a dishtowel behind a toddler's neck as a makeshift bib. I could go on. (When I graduated high school, my Papa Hank monogrammed an entire package of clothes pins with a sharpie for me to take to college.) There are still a few floating around here:)

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, January 17, 2011...

Outside my window...cold, damp, and dreary.

I am remembering...all the hours Philip and I were able to spend together over the last SEVERAL days --celebrating & dating.

I am thankful for...the toaster oven and coffee pot. Not sure my mornings would be as welcoming without them.

I am creating...a room swap on paper. Each girl wants a chance to sleep in her own room. We'll set the purple room up as a guest room, slash movie room, slash reading & writing & play room. The pink one will have 3 beds and all non-choking hazard toys. (Though Elizabeth will not be able to sleep alone, she will be able to play alone.) One princess at a time can enjoy the guest bed in solitude...not counting the ever-anticipated Friday Movie Night Partays!

I am going...to DFW this weekend to hang out with my dearie, and attend a Children's Worship Conference. I am SO excited. (That was an understatement.)

I am reading...Made to Crave by Lysa T. and I just started the Jonah Bible Study by Priscilla Shirer.

I am hoping...we are able to find the last library book on our list to return tomorrow. Not sure where it could be. (The search was the catalyst for the room swap...somebody help me.)

On my mind...how much better my emotions are THIS January without a nursing infant. ReeeeCalibrated, people:)

From the learning rooms...Lessons have been postponed until evening. Philip will be working late and so we'll need something to keep us occupied.

Noticing that...my toes are cold.

Pondering these words... "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come!"

From the kitchen...sad, unimaginative meals that indicate a strong need for a grocery run.

Around the house...Liz & Oscar-dog are napping in their respective nests while the other 5 monkeys are "looking for that library book".

One of my favorite things...is how Elizabeth sings with me.

To participate or simply enjoy more day books, visit The Simple Woman.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Thursday, December 30, 2010...

Outside my window...warm & muggy weather. Really??

I am remembering...last new year's weekend.

I am thankful for...my kiddos. They are not perfect...they're not even manageable at times, but I love them dearly, and I am so happy to be able to spend my days with them: learning and growing and --for the most part -- having a pretty fun time.

I am creating...two more stockings for my brother's ever-growing family. I'm behind, and I am excited about sewing. Barring any late spring "announcements" from their family, I should be able to meet the November deadline with ease.

I am going...to try to find a new purse this month. My REALLY cool, big, purple one from two Christmases ago is aged and ready to retire. sniff.

I am reading...the Hobbit with Ardyn and a wonderful Bible story book that was a Christmas gift from Washington.

I am hoping...to establish a theme for the women's newsletters this year. I feel aimless and theme-less. Ideas?

On my mind...how brief and full 2010 seems from this vantage.

From the learning rooms... Mari Alice wrote her friend's name and her own on a card for a birthday party today. She really did. I watched her do it as I put on my make-up. It was beautiful work. But instead of sibling celebration for such a motor skill break-through, she was met with disbelief and skepticism from every side. No one would believe her, so she finally just said, "YALL! I really did this. I'll do it again right now...A.B.B.Y. (see??) M.A.R.I. (see, that's a good R, huh?) A.L.I.C.E. There! And now for the balloon with a 4 on it because Abby turned 4 just like me only this is December and January is next and we keep going until August and I will turn 5 WAY before Abby does. OK? OK!"

Noticing that...I am very sleepy.

Pondering these words... "Apart from Me, you can do nothing."

From the kitchen...wild boar that was inadvertently cooked with the bullet in it. Awaiting the poison verdict. Tons of stuff for cool toaster sandwiches tomorrow...ammunition-free:)

Around the house...girls are having a "sleep-over" in one room, fellas are bonding in the living room, I am happily alone.

One of my favorite things... the homemade LaraBars I made over the holidays. Dates and nuts in a processor for 3 minutes = little chunks of heaven.


To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Sunday, December 12, 2010...

Outside my window...quiet frigid darkness.

I am remembering...my Papa Hank.

I am thankful for...excellent choral music.

I am creating...lists and calendars.

I am going...to Branson soon:)

I am reading...November/December magazines.

I am hoping...Johnsons stay well.

On my mind...time marches on.

From the learning rooms...one more week.

Noticing that...I need washcloths.

Pondering these words... "God with us."

From the kitchen...lots of leftovers.

Around the house...who really knows?

One of my favorite things...God's World News

From my picture journal...maybe another time:)

To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.