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So my sister has officially moved far, far away. I will, most assuredly, be writing a sappy, gushy post about how much I love her and how difficult her leaving has been but it won't be tonight. It's late and I'm just a little too emotional if that makes any sense.
We've had a rough couple of weeks for various reasons, not just my sister's move. It seems as though we've turned a corner but our little family is still a little off kilter. Praying we'll be back in the swing of things again soon.
In the meantime, stop by 5 Minutes for Mom and enter for a chance to win this amazing tv from the generous folks at Best Buy. I'm thinking my day would be quite a bit brighter if I happened to win. And don't even get me started on the giddiness my husband would exude!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Gift of Music
Even better than the gift of music is the gift of FREE music! BooMama was a very generous spirit today as she posted this link to receive a free CD from Monk & Neagle. Their latest CD "The Twenty-First Time" is set to hit stores September 18th. I've been listening to some of the songs from the album and have been really happy with what I've heard. I'm looking forward to receiving the CD in the mail in the next few weeks. A big thank you to Provident Music for sharing great Christian music with those of us in Bloggityville!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
You'd Think I'd Have Learned By Now...
I mentioned here that my father had a difficult time parenting my sister and I when we were growing up. I don't have the ambition to type out my life story, but my father's alcohol addiction had countless consequences on the lives of my mother, my sister, and I. His behavior, and decisions, wrecked havoc on our home. My mother found the strength to walk away from her horrifically unheathly marriage when I was seventeen. Trying to define the relationship between my father and I, since their divorce, has been a huge struggle.
The trouble with defining the relationship is that their isn't one. I don't respect my father. I don't desire to be in his company. I truly don't have any desire to have any type of relationship with him at all. Of course, the problem with all this is that I am called by Christ to honor my parents. Even the parent who left destructive marks on the slate of who I am (that's a popular Dr. Phil phrase for any fans out there). He completely altered my childhood and influenced the adult I became in more negative ways than I can count.
Auntie Jo (my sister) is a very loving spirit. She suffered many of the same trials I did while growing up in our home, but she strives dilligently to foster whatever relationship she can with her father. If it weren't for her influence, and planning family events, I would not see my father at all. And we live in the same town.
Over the last two and a half years that Auntie Jo has lived in our town again, I have made an effort to see my father and converse with him in a somewhat dignified manner. We have had some relatively decent conversations and he has held my children. It's minimal at best but that's enough for me.
My father has been sentimental about Auntie Jo's upcoming move. He was weepy at her going-away party and really wanted to see her one more time before she left town. He came to her house one night last week while we were painting. We all shared in conversation and had a fairly decent time together. As he left, he was once again sad and sentimental about Auntie Jo's move.
Ironically enough, he is also moving out of our town but will be in the same state. He said he would be leaving the following Friday and I asked if he'd like to see my children one more time before he did so (Mind you, this is a HUGE thing for me. I couldn't care less if he never sees my children. I was trying so hard to be Christlike and do what Jesus would have done.) He looks uncertain and doesn't really say anything so I jump in again (Trying to be the good daughter) "We can come to you if you're busy." He looks at me and says, "Nah, I don't think so."
I was instantly sick to my stomach. I'd actually gotten sucked in again. This man who made my life a nightmare just crushed my spirit in an instant. He flat out rejected me, and my children, in front of my sister and her good friend. It was clear, he was crushed by my sister leaving but my family and I weren't really relevant.
What am I supposed to do? Do I really have to subject myself, and my children, to this time and time again? Do I have to be open to pain and rejection and honor this man who used to scream how much he hated me and how he wished I hadn't been born? I'm a wife and a mother now can't I choose to walk away? God's grace is sufficient but doesn't there just come a point when you stop sticking your hand on the burner?
The trouble with defining the relationship is that their isn't one. I don't respect my father. I don't desire to be in his company. I truly don't have any desire to have any type of relationship with him at all. Of course, the problem with all this is that I am called by Christ to honor my parents. Even the parent who left destructive marks on the slate of who I am (that's a popular Dr. Phil phrase for any fans out there). He completely altered my childhood and influenced the adult I became in more negative ways than I can count.
Auntie Jo (my sister) is a very loving spirit. She suffered many of the same trials I did while growing up in our home, but she strives dilligently to foster whatever relationship she can with her father. If it weren't for her influence, and planning family events, I would not see my father at all. And we live in the same town.
Over the last two and a half years that Auntie Jo has lived in our town again, I have made an effort to see my father and converse with him in a somewhat dignified manner. We have had some relatively decent conversations and he has held my children. It's minimal at best but that's enough for me.
My father has been sentimental about Auntie Jo's upcoming move. He was weepy at her going-away party and really wanted to see her one more time before she left town. He came to her house one night last week while we were painting. We all shared in conversation and had a fairly decent time together. As he left, he was once again sad and sentimental about Auntie Jo's move.
Ironically enough, he is also moving out of our town but will be in the same state. He said he would be leaving the following Friday and I asked if he'd like to see my children one more time before he did so (Mind you, this is a HUGE thing for me. I couldn't care less if he never sees my children. I was trying so hard to be Christlike and do what Jesus would have done.) He looks uncertain and doesn't really say anything so I jump in again (Trying to be the good daughter) "We can come to you if you're busy." He looks at me and says, "Nah, I don't think so."
I was instantly sick to my stomach. I'd actually gotten sucked in again. This man who made my life a nightmare just crushed my spirit in an instant. He flat out rejected me, and my children, in front of my sister and her good friend. It was clear, he was crushed by my sister leaving but my family and I weren't really relevant.
What am I supposed to do? Do I really have to subject myself, and my children, to this time and time again? Do I have to be open to pain and rejection and honor this man who used to scream how much he hated me and how he wished I hadn't been born? I'm a wife and a mother now can't I choose to walk away? God's grace is sufficient but doesn't there just come a point when you stop sticking your hand on the burner?
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Still Here...
I'm still here and my sister is too, but not for long. Auntie Jo is getting ready to leave this coming Sunday. I hosted a going-away party for her last week and am helping her pack this week. I have lots to say about this tearful time in our lives but for now I just want to fill up my Auntie Jo bank with lots of deposits so I can make many withdrawls of memories when she's gone.
In the meantime, here is a great read from one of my family members. He's had some very difficult situations in his life lately but has managed to hold tight to his faith in the midst of it all. Go read and be encouraged.
And the ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom are definitely helping to brighten a tearful week in my life. They are giving away TEN Neat Receipts Scanalizers. I'm telling you just the thought of this amazing contraption makes me giddy. My husband has his own business, in addition to his work in music ministry, and needs to keep careful records of all his spending. He's so not a paper-saving kinda guy and keeping up with the books is a challenge. He is, however, a techy guy and this is just the gadget to inspire him. I have all my fingers crossed that I may be one of the lucky ten. This would be such a blessing at any time, but especially this week when I'm emotionally drained. Be sure to check out the Neat Receipts website for all the uses of this great product.
In the meantime, here is a great read from one of my family members. He's had some very difficult situations in his life lately but has managed to hold tight to his faith in the midst of it all. Go read and be encouraged.
And the ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom are definitely helping to brighten a tearful week in my life. They are giving away TEN Neat Receipts Scanalizers. I'm telling you just the thought of this amazing contraption makes me giddy. My husband has his own business, in addition to his work in music ministry, and needs to keep careful records of all his spending. He's so not a paper-saving kinda guy and keeping up with the books is a challenge. He is, however, a techy guy and this is just the gadget to inspire him. I have all my fingers crossed that I may be one of the lucky ten. This would be such a blessing at any time, but especially this week when I'm emotionally drained. Be sure to check out the Neat Receipts website for all the uses of this great product.
Monday, July 2, 2007
July 4th Giveaway at 5 Minutes for Mom
The great women at 5 Minutes for Mom are at it again. They have twelve separate contests going on to celebrate Independence Day. Be sure to stop over and enter for a chance to win some amazing prizes such as a MetroWrap baby carrier and a weekend getaway to Carefree Resort and Villas.
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