I had written in my old journal about Keely's challenging preteen years: "Don't try to change her, rather pray for her to be used properly." Meaning God gave her this particular personality whether I appreciate that or not. Eph 4:32
I see the fruit in that statement now and must apply this to Noah's preteen years.
I had also made a large note with a box drawn around it: SIBLINGS LOVE EACH OTHER - Be Strict About This!
As well, You Only have ONE Season to Raise Your Children.
Every relationship you have - daughter/mother, son/mother, husband/wife, will soon be over. Be there Every Day. Listen and Obey the Lord.
Another intriguing thing about reading my old journal, is at this particular season of my life, the Lord seemed to be clearly outlining some direction for me. While I don't hold a huge amount of stock in personality or spiritual gift tests, because the Lord had me take three in the same month (at work, at a woman's retreat and again, in one of my undergraduate classes), I think He was trying to make a few things clear.
My strengths at the time were:
- Firm control when others are losing theirs
- Cut of decision for foggy minds
- Grip of leadership to head us to the good
- Willingness to take a chance in a doubtful situation
- Confidence to hold true in the face of ridicule
- Independence to stand alone and be counted
- Urge to 'take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them"
- Depth to see into the heart and soul of life
- Artistic nature to appreciate the beauty of the world
- Talent to create a masterpiece where nothing existed before
- Ability to analyze and arrive at the proper solution
- Eye for detail while others do shaddy work (My father always told me, "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.")
My weaknesses via this month of testing included:
- Inability to relax
- Must be in control
- Easily depressed
- Gets hurt easily
- Procrastinate because I would rather not start a project without everything in place than to take a chance it will not turn out perfectly
- Impose high standards on others
- Spend too much time planning
- Good intentions - little follow through
- Exaggerate facts
- Bored easily
- Trouble remembering names & dates
My husband however is a peaceful phlegmatic. In effort to get along better with him I need to realize he needs direct motivation, and I need to help him set goals and reward him for his accomplishments. I should not expect enthusiasm from him or force him to make decisions. I need to encourage him to take responsibility and don't let him take the blame.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
5K
I just realized today there was an Underground Railroad Run at Westfield High School. How cool would that have been! We'll have to watch for that next year.
I've also just discovered the DINO trail run series: 5K or 15K Distance run or walk. They have several runs that look fabulous.
April 2cd - Anderson: Mounds State Park
June 4th - Nashville: Brown County State Park
August 27th - Indianapolis: Town Run Trail Park
October 8th - Indianapolis: Southwestway Park
November 12th - Indianapolis: Ft Harrison State Park
There is also a STooPiD Run, "Unleash your inner idiot for a few miles," on Saturday July 2, 2011 at 8am in North Vernon at Muscatatuck Cty Pk. This looks FABULOUS and I can't wait to do it!! Mike is on vacation too.
The Tecumseh Trail Marathon is on Saturday, December 3rd in Bloomington at the Yellowwood State Forest.
I would REALLY like to do each of these with Keely and Noah.
As well, the D.IN.O (Do INdiana Off-road) offers a multi-sport MISSION Adventure Race which is an 18-Hour event for teams and solo racers with cycling (on & off road), running/trekking, padding, ropes, special challenges, and navigation along entire course. They also have a MISSION Lite Beginner which is only 4-hours, both on Saturday May 7th in Nashville at the Lutheran Hills Camp. I am sure the kids would LOVE this.
The XTERRA DINO Triathlons is Saturday July 23rd at Versailles State Park and August 13th at France Park.
We haven't done the Race for the Cure before, but I think I'll sign Noah and Keely up with me this year.
The Best Buddies Friendship Run/Walk is April 17th at the White River State Park.
A good deal of information can be found at the IndyRunners.org site. A very extensive race calendar is available, as well as club and training information.
I've purchased a few apps for my iPhone and iPod and will up-date those later after some good use.
I should mention that NOAH FOUND HIS RUNNING SHOES in his closet of all places!
I've also just discovered the DINO trail run series: 5K or 15K Distance run or walk. They have several runs that look fabulous.
April 2cd - Anderson: Mounds State Park
June 4th - Nashville: Brown County State Park
August 27th - Indianapolis: Town Run Trail Park
October 8th - Indianapolis: Southwestway Park
November 12th - Indianapolis: Ft Harrison State Park
There is also a STooPiD Run, "Unleash your inner idiot for a few miles," on Saturday July 2, 2011 at 8am in North Vernon at Muscatatuck Cty Pk. This looks FABULOUS and I can't wait to do it!! Mike is on vacation too.
The Tecumseh Trail Marathon is on Saturday, December 3rd in Bloomington at the Yellowwood State Forest.
I would REALLY like to do each of these with Keely and Noah.
As well, the D.IN.O (Do INdiana Off-road) offers a multi-sport MISSION Adventure Race which is an 18-Hour event for teams and solo racers with cycling (on & off road), running/trekking, padding, ropes, special challenges, and navigation along entire course. They also have a MISSION Lite Beginner which is only 4-hours, both on Saturday May 7th in Nashville at the Lutheran Hills Camp. I am sure the kids would LOVE this.
The XTERRA DINO Triathlons is Saturday July 23rd at Versailles State Park and August 13th at France Park.
We haven't done the Race for the Cure before, but I think I'll sign Noah and Keely up with me this year.
The Best Buddies Friendship Run/Walk is April 17th at the White River State Park.
A good deal of information can be found at the IndyRunners.org site. A very extensive race calendar is available, as well as club and training information.
I've purchased a few apps for my iPhone and iPod and will up-date those later after some good use.
I should mention that NOAH FOUND HIS RUNNING SHOES in his closet of all places!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Legislation
I've always had an interest in legislation, to the point of initiating law school and questioning if in fact my future might bring campaigning for a county seat. However, midwifery has always been my primary passion and more and more, I am finding my place as the more periphery interests fall into place. These past few weeks, Holly and I have discovered some inconsistencies within the law and unfortunately, they had a great deal of impact on our future practice, risking our immediate closure. Several meetings later and consultations with several attorneys and we have found confidence to keep our doors open, and a great deal of guidance in how to create legislative change without rustling too many feathers.
In the midst of our meetings, oddly enough, Representative Thompson called me to meet for breakfast. I had twenty-four hours to prepare, and Holly gathered a binder of resources for me to share, but overall I think the meeting went quite well. I am not sure what his interest was as he said his motivation came from hearing my name throughout the community. He had no awareness of midwifery or home birth and wanted to hear my thoughts. Those seeds need to cultivate a bit.
Attending the town meeting - legislative breakfast - was also very interesting and definitely something I should do more often, and take the older children to. I wish I had gone before.
"Obama Care" was discussed quite a bit, not favorably. Our representatives were in support of HSAs for routine and problem visits, but the government would cover catastrophic healthcare costs. Representative Thompson was also in favor of families retaining any additional cash in their HSAs that went unspent. My concern with this plan is that without routine care or preventive medicine, morbidity will increase and therefore, catastrophic events.
Liability was discussed as well, although their points weren't entirely clear. The leaders mentioned the states having decreased their liability, but providers haven't. I am not certain what this means. Indiana has a large malpractice compensation fund, so whatever I might be quoted from a malpractice insurance provider, I would have to equally pay into this fund. This means at least $40,000 a year in malpractice for our tiny maternity practice. Malpractice in general hasn't proven to improve healthcare outcomes and I think our practice is evidence of that. We don't practice fear-based medicine. We provide care as it is supported in evidence and our statistics are phenomenal. However, we have educated clients.
An argument made often by midwives is to compare our country's healthcare system with that of Canada or Great Brittan. They have much better outcomes and significantly decreased cost, and midwives are a common primary provider. Our representatives felt these programs demonstrated government care meant limited care. I suspect this is true based what you value with respect to your healthcare. Do you want a script for any common complaint at a moment's notice, or would you prefer your healthcare provider sit down with you and offer suggestions for improving your overall healthcare and make you accountable to those actions?
Anyway, I wish I could journal here all the political wisdom I've gained in the last few weeks, but at the top of the list is = you have fewer allies than what you previously assumed! We have much work ahead of us, but just as much optimism at this point.
In the midst of our meetings, oddly enough, Representative Thompson called me to meet for breakfast. I had twenty-four hours to prepare, and Holly gathered a binder of resources for me to share, but overall I think the meeting went quite well. I am not sure what his interest was as he said his motivation came from hearing my name throughout the community. He had no awareness of midwifery or home birth and wanted to hear my thoughts. Those seeds need to cultivate a bit.
Attending the town meeting - legislative breakfast - was also very interesting and definitely something I should do more often, and take the older children to. I wish I had gone before.
"Obama Care" was discussed quite a bit, not favorably. Our representatives were in support of HSAs for routine and problem visits, but the government would cover catastrophic healthcare costs. Representative Thompson was also in favor of families retaining any additional cash in their HSAs that went unspent. My concern with this plan is that without routine care or preventive medicine, morbidity will increase and therefore, catastrophic events.
Liability was discussed as well, although their points weren't entirely clear. The leaders mentioned the states having decreased their liability, but providers haven't. I am not certain what this means. Indiana has a large malpractice compensation fund, so whatever I might be quoted from a malpractice insurance provider, I would have to equally pay into this fund. This means at least $40,000 a year in malpractice for our tiny maternity practice. Malpractice in general hasn't proven to improve healthcare outcomes and I think our practice is evidence of that. We don't practice fear-based medicine. We provide care as it is supported in evidence and our statistics are phenomenal. However, we have educated clients.
An argument made often by midwives is to compare our country's healthcare system with that of Canada or Great Brittan. They have much better outcomes and significantly decreased cost, and midwives are a common primary provider. Our representatives felt these programs demonstrated government care meant limited care. I suspect this is true based what you value with respect to your healthcare. Do you want a script for any common complaint at a moment's notice, or would you prefer your healthcare provider sit down with you and offer suggestions for improving your overall healthcare and make you accountable to those actions?
Anyway, I wish I could journal here all the political wisdom I've gained in the last few weeks, but at the top of the list is = you have fewer allies than what you previously assumed! We have much work ahead of us, but just as much optimism at this point.
She does him good. (Prov. 31:12)
I pray that Mike safeguards his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex and I thank the Lord for not having this be a challenge in our relationship thus far. I pray that his heart will remain pure and undivided in his commitment to me.
(Prov 6:23-24, 26; Rom 13:14)
(Prov 6:23-24, 26; Rom 13:14)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Noah's Flier
Noah wrote this the first year we moved to Thorntown. I've saved it because he is just too cute. His intent was to print these and hang them around town.
I am 10 years old. I have a little brother and he is almost 2. I am in 4th grade and I am home schooled. My mom is a midwife, so I see little babies a lot. I am very careful with them.
Address- Thorntown
Phone 765-yaddie-yadda
My cell- 336-9316
Babysitting Job
I am 10 years old. I have a little brother and he is almost 2. I am in 4th grade and I am home schooled. My mom is a midwife, so I see little babies a lot. I am very careful with them.
Address- Thorntown
Phone 765-yaddie-yadda
My cell- 336-9316
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Hold Up Your Lantern
Another post from my old journal:
How far can you see?
A young boy was told by his father late one night to run to the barn to assist the animals. It was very dark and the boy was afraid. His father said, "Well, hold up your lantern." The boy replied, "I still can't see the barn."
"Well, how far can you see?"
They boys says, "Only to the apple tree."
His father says, "Well, go out to the apple tree." The boys walks, "...Now how far can you see?"
"The large tractor," the son answers.
"Go to the tractor and then hold up your lantern... and so on... now do you see the barn?"
"Yes, Father."
His father, our father, got him there safely. Step by step. Even though he couldn't see it initially. This is living by faith. Believing. Trusting. Hold up your lantern.
How far can you see?
A young boy was told by his father late one night to run to the barn to assist the animals. It was very dark and the boy was afraid. His father said, "Well, hold up your lantern." The boy replied, "I still can't see the barn."
"Well, how far can you see?"
They boys says, "Only to the apple tree."
His father says, "Well, go out to the apple tree." The boys walks, "...Now how far can you see?"
"The large tractor," the son answers.
"Go to the tractor and then hold up your lantern... and so on... now do you see the barn?"
"Yes, Father."
His father, our father, got him there safely. Step by step. Even though he couldn't see it initially. This is living by faith. Believing. Trusting. Hold up your lantern.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Drama
As I nursed the baby to sleep this afternoon, I grabbed an old journal off the shelf to read. Entry was from June 10th, 2002....
Something drastic has to happen to get any attention. David said this during yesterday's sermon explaining how some are brought to the Lord. The statement reminded me of most all situations I seem to find myself.
His analogy was of a man calling the police because someone was robbing his shed - 911 - 'sorry, we don't have any cars in your area.'
Thirty seconds later the man called back and said, 'Everything is fine now. I shot them.'
Police immediately arrive and arrest the men, then start asking questions. 'I thought you said you shot these men!'
His witty reply, 'I thought you said help wasn't available?'
Growing up and even still, the small things don't seem to motivate change. I sympathize with the suicidal, the criminals, the young, the mouthy, the belligerent... were they taught their simple presence, requests, needs were not good enough? Do they have to create a drastic situation to find help? Do I do this?
Do I then not call on the Lord until it is drastic? Do I earnestly seek him daily... in silence and solitude? Do I instead seek him for repairs - damage control?
Do I require drastic attitudes from my children? Do I show them the importance of their needs, wants, desires, presence, thoughts and love?
Lord... please help me to be faithful in my dependence on you for my daily bread. Help me to show my children they are precious in our sight.
Something drastic has to happen to get any attention. David said this during yesterday's sermon explaining how some are brought to the Lord. The statement reminded me of most all situations I seem to find myself.
His analogy was of a man calling the police because someone was robbing his shed - 911 - 'sorry, we don't have any cars in your area.'
Thirty seconds later the man called back and said, 'Everything is fine now. I shot them.'
Police immediately arrive and arrest the men, then start asking questions. 'I thought you said you shot these men!'
His witty reply, 'I thought you said help wasn't available?'
Growing up and even still, the small things don't seem to motivate change. I sympathize with the suicidal, the criminals, the young, the mouthy, the belligerent... were they taught their simple presence, requests, needs were not good enough? Do they have to create a drastic situation to find help? Do I do this?
Do I then not call on the Lord until it is drastic? Do I earnestly seek him daily... in silence and solitude? Do I instead seek him for repairs - damage control?
Do I require drastic attitudes from my children? Do I show them the importance of their needs, wants, desires, presence, thoughts and love?
Lord... please help me to be faithful in my dependence on you for my daily bread. Help me to show my children they are precious in our sight.
She does him good. (Prov. 31:12)
Lord, I pray that my husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of our culture. I pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear and strong stand against evil (Prov 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor 10:12-13).
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
She does him good. (Prov. 31:12)
Lord, I pray that my husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. I pray that he will have a desire to cultivate our relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to me, his wife, and as a picture of Christ's love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Breakfast: Cinnamon chip pancakes
Lunch: tortellini with tuna and peas, with bread (alternative Alfredo sauce)
Dinner: chicken stew in the crock with grilled cheese
I try to clean out the refrigerator each Sunday, as I make our weekly schedule. The kids have been sick nearly this entire year (January & February), so I've gotten behind on many things. As I create this menu, I am grieving the loss of a huge container of hamburger soup that was pushed to the back of the refrigerator and a pound of hamburger lost in the chaos. We have molded breads and mysterious containers, now scraps for the birds. It genuinely makes me nauseous and for no other reason than that I remember those times when we hadn't much money and we had to be creative in finding scrapes to create our next meal. I thought we had really hit bottom when I couldn't afford ketchup. Now thanks to our own gardening efforts, I have several jars in the basement.
Tuesday
Breakfast: egg and toast (homemade raisin bread) Lunch: lunch on a stick: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in 1-in squares with grapes and bananas on a skewer
Dinner: turkey spaghetti pie with Caesar salad
Wednesday
Breakfast: oatmeal Lunch: lunch on a stick: hotdog sliced with cheese and pickle skewed, with ketchup for dipping
Dinner: Baked Ziti with bread and fruit salad
Thursday
Breakfast: fruit and granola Lunch: lunch on a stick: thread bread, lettuce, cheese, and a ribbon of ham on a skewer, then cheese and bread, hold in place with a grape or grape tomato on each end.
Dinner: Beef stew and bread sticks
Friday
Breakfast: cinnamon pancakes Lunch: munch on left-overs and prepare for dinner
Family Game Night: dried beef cheese ball & crackers, mozzarella marinara, Parmesan chicken wings
Saturday
Breakfast: fruit and granola Lunch: lunch on a stick: alternately thread cheese and tortellini on a skewer, add grape tomatoes
Dinner: potatoes and chops in crock with spinach salad
Sunday
Breakfast: eggs, bacon and toastLunch: fend for yourselves!!
Dinner: lasagna rolls and spinach mashed potatoes
Thursday, March 3, 2011
She does him good. (Prov. 31:12)
Lord, I pray that my husband will grow in leadership skills within our relationship - protecting and providing for his wife. I pray that he leads me wisely and loves me sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in our relationships. Lord, I pray that you prepare Keely's future husband for the same. Amen.
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