Sweet Birthday Boy

I'm officially old.  I mean, not like "97 and ready for a nursing home" old, but... well, to the point in my life where I totally get that warning I was given just a few years ago:

Be careful!  The time just flies on by you without you even knowing it.

Wow.zers.  

My sweet baby boy just turned two a couple days ago.  Where did two years... of my life-- of his life-- just go?!

This kid cracks me right up...  He was so proud of his skills.

But God is good.  My Samuel is a precious visual reminder of the reward of trusting in the divine plan of a Loving God.  And these have been good years.  Two hard, life-changing, grace-filled, good years.

We had originally planned to go back to the hospital to give cupcakes to our God-given helpers.  However, one of my sweet ones had pink eye-- and my very wise hubby suggested that perhaps taking a pink-eyed child to the ICU wasn't the most thoughtful of gestures-- even if I had cupcakes. 

              
Sweet birthday boy in his sweet birthday shirt.  Loves that Monkey!

So, instead we decided to have a fantastic family day.  Our day started with a yummy breakfast-- pancakes are my Sweet Sweet's favorite, you know.  After that, we braved Target, allowing the two big ones to select the most perfect gift for the littlest-- a drum set and a car driving steering wheel.  Pretty sure there were a couple of new balls thrown in the shopping cart, too.  I mean, what's a trip to Target without purchasing at least 7 items you don't really need?!

We grabbed the most perfect cupcake cake for my ball-loving little man:

 

Being the very wise mama that I am, we saved it to share with all of his friends at church (you know, so mama didn't have 2 dozen cupcakes topped with 3 gallons of icing hanging around my house all day Saturday).  

       
Yah, he loved it.  And I let him eat an entire cupcake.  And frosting.

The day before his birthday was a bit of a celebration as mama and the two boys went on a field trip to The Virginia Living Museum.  So fantastic.  This sweet boy's eyes were so busy, watching and looking and learning.

   
Love those little fingers, touching and learning.

 
What kind of a mom be if we didn't get a treat?!

 
Sweet brother wanted to make sure to get some gifts for the pink-eye sister.

 But life is good.  No, God is good.  My sweet Samuel reminds me of this.  My sweet, snuggly, spoiled-rotten gift from God.  He is the one who God hears.   May I train him to listen to God.

With such things as you have

As most of you realize, I have three precious, wonderful, gifts from the Lord.  My Sweet Ones.  My babies.  The loves of my life.  I. Love. Them.  No, seriously.  There is so much love in my heart that I need a stronger word than simply "love" to describe and explain just how deeply, desperately I agape and phileo them.

 

They love each other.  They love being with each other.  

They love.  

That is who they are, 

and that is one of the things that just moves me to my very core, 

every. single. time I look at them-- 

or even have a thought of them throughout my day.

 

In case you couldn't tell, the big ones are extra in love with the littlest.

*sigh*

          

 

 But sometimes they drive me crazy.  I mean:  craaaaa.zzzzzzy.  [And I am usually a big fan of NOT using extra letters to make a point, but there was no other option in my attempt to get across just how massive that level of crazy can get.]

 

How I look on the inside.

Yah, this pretty much sums it up rather nicely.

I told you:  CRA.ZY.

Anywhoo....

I have been The Mama for about six and half glorious years to date.  And up until just very recently, my prayers for my children and my mothering has been something similar to this:

Dear Jesus,

Please help me to be the mama that I need to be for my children.  I just want them to be more like You.  I want my babies to love Jesus and do what is right- no matter what.  Lord, please help my sweet ones to listen and learn and become who you would have them to be.  Father, PLEASE change them-- and me.

However, the Lord has stopped my heart.  Right in its little tracks.

The Big Kids are both participating in soccer, so during practice I will frequently pass the time by pushing Littlest in his stroller-- more often than not rehearsing that little prayer over and over as I watch my Sweet One having the time of his life, but not really controlling his body as much as I would like. I would catch myself cringing so many times, trying to telepathically will my baby to behave as I had told and retold and reminded so many times. Shamefully, I spent most of this soccer season [they finish up in just a couple of week] focusing on and praying for my son to be someone else.  Someone that *I* thought he needed to be.

And theeeeeeeere's the track-stopping.

I was pushing the Littlest, and I literally stopped in my tracks and started to weep as I listened to the Holy Spirit convict me to my innermost part.

"Be content with such things as you have."

"I have learned in whatsoever state I am in: 

therewith to be content."

It was like the Spirit was saying to me: "Leah!  Be content with who your child is right now.  *I* will make him who he needs to be in *MY* timing, on *MY* terms."

And, immediately, I changed that familiar prayer.  Without even realizing it, I was, in essence, presenting to God Almighty the mold and requirements of exactly who and what my children needed to be.  You know, 'cause I'm so super smart and have it all together and all.

Instead, I looked at that lively child on the field and confidently prayed through my tears, "Lord, thank you for who that sweet boy is right now.  Please help me to be content with who he is right now."

Then, the most remarkable thing happened.  I started smiling as I watched.  And every time he would jump up and down like a chicken (no, seriously) or roll around on the ground after having "fallen", I would stop my critical spirit and say, "Lord, thank You for who my son is.  Please help me to be content with who is right now."  I would cheer loudly and proudly, and simply enjoy the moment for what it was.

So while I am still training my children in the admonition of the Lord.  And, obviously, there are consequences for unbiblical behaviors, but I am learning to just let them be.  I am learning to ask myself if I am cranky with the behavior because it is sinful or because it is silly.

And how I pray that I will continue to listen to that Still, Small Voice as God the Holy Spirit seeks to lead The Mama-- even more than she wants Him to lead the Sweet Ones.

 

And, come on.

How can you not love that face?! 

I am content with such things as I have.

Anticipation

I love to garden.  I love flowers.  I love veggies.  I love to watch things grow.

     

 My sweet ones love to help, too!

Yet, I will admit:  I am not a patient person by nature.  I am certainly  a product of my generation.  An instant gratification kind of gal.  I plant my garden and want to see those red tomatoes............ right now.  I expect to have those cucumbers in that vinegar making happy pickles....... yesterday. 

But there is something to be said of the anticipation that goes into.... well, most of life.  Checking those little plants each day.  Carefully tending the garden.  Waiting with expectant hope for new life to emerge, grow, and thrive.

So that's what I've been doing these past several weeks.  Carefully tending my garden, watching for signs of new life and growth.

And this is what I've seen...

 

.

 

 

Some of my plants offer the hope of a hearty harvest.  Some plants still have yet to blossom.  I even have one tiny, precious tomato plant that is just barely 3 inches tall!  

 This was a seed that my sweet ones planted, and we have watched sprout on our front porch.  I had great doubts as to if that thing had any life left in it at all-- but my babies believed!  Still holding my breath as to whether or not we will actually see any fruit from this plant.

And as I carefully tend my little garden, the Spirit whispers to my soul.

I am a plant in the garden of life, and my Savior is the Master Gardener.  He carefully nurtures, waters, and provides for each of us-- watching with expectant hope for our growth and production of that precious fruit.  Sometimes I am filled with blossoms, lifting my leaves up to heaven, soaking up the Light of the Son.  Other times there is no signs of any potential fruit, no blooms, only leaves.  Yet, my Faithful Gardener continues to water, feed, and nurture my soul.  With expectant hope.

Perhaps there are those who are even like that tiny seed that not many people thought would even sprout.  Yet, Someone believed enough to care for them.  To plant, to water, to nurture.  When others wrote off a seed, the Savior saw a soul.

This little tomato plant has convicted and challenged my heart.  The Spirit has nudged me, encouraging me to look with new eyes to those who might need that expectant hope.  The Light of a Savior.

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 

I Corinthians 3:6

Days 8-14... FAMILY WEEK!

Week Two... over and done!  This was quite the adventurous week for the Gibson Gang.

On Day 8, Samuel made a trip to the ENT to find out if tubes are in his future... 

THEY ARE. 

I'm a little panicked about my Sweet-Sweet having surgery, but I also know that the Lord will protect (my baby), guide (the doctor), and comfort (this mama).  And, quite honestly, the thought of him NOT having an ear infection EVERY. SINGLE. MONTH is more than a little enticing for me.

Days 9, 10, and 11... We had not one, not two, but two and a HALF "snow days" this week!  Wowzers...  So much fun for all.

 

Mama brought in some snow for Samuel to try... 

       

Here's proof my kiddos are angels! ;)

We also used our snow so wisely... to make SNOW CREAM!

          

 

 

Day 12 was an e-commute day for Mama, so I was able to take my sweet Elle-Belle to her school-- and Big Brother went, too! Daniel read to the friends and was a great example of what a kindergarten student is like. 

     

Day 13... My sweet Samuel turned NINE MONTHS OLD!  If you are new to our family, you may not quite appreciate the magnitude of this milestone.  (If you'd like to read about it, you can look here  and here.)  He is truly such a delight.  Even amidst all the ear infections, congestion, and misery I'm sure he feels, this sweet one continues to be so pleasant and joyful (um, yes.  I find that personally convicting...).

In case you're wondering, his shirt says, "Awesome runs in my family".  Um, yes.

 Day 14 was a blessing as we all were in the Lord's house.  I cannot begin to tell you how much I love that my kiddos love to go to God's house.  I pray that as their mother, I will NEVER allow for anything to come between them and their relationship with the Lord.  May I never set up idols for them-- you know, get them so involved in the things *I* want them to do, that *I* want them to pursue, that *I* think are "good" for them.  In fact, I have to share that I am convicted by their enthusiasm.  So I am thankful that they are mine.  Thankful for their hearts, their passion, and their burden for others.  

So I survived another week.  God is good to me!  Some days I spent more time in the Word than others, some days I exercised more than others, some days I shared my time in a way that honored the Lord and my family.  But I keep pressing on... and I keep my eyes forward and my heart upward.  I keep my hands open so that the Lord may take what is useless and fill what is priceless.

She's baaaaack...

Oh, how I have actually missed writing my "wealth" of information for all the world to see...  However, life has been SUUUUPER cray-cray these past few months. (If you've missed the major excitement, feel free to catch up here.  And I really need to add the other half of that adventure...)

However, I am determined.  DE.TER.MINED. to stick it out.

Not because I feel that I have so much to offer, 

but because I have so much to remind MYSELF.

So blessed.  So much.  

Even when I don't deserve it.

7-11-77

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me...

I have to secretly (ish, I know) confess that I don't really love that my birthday is on a Wednesday this year.

(Any other pastor wives out there who know where I'm going with this confession???)

Wednesdays are really hard in the Gibson house.  And I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is because today is the day set aside for our church's prayer meeting.  And what makes the Evil One tremble more than just about anything?  Believers storming the gates of heaven.

So, life gets pretty trying, tempted, and just plain terrible at times here in the dirty-rotten-sinner-filled-home known as "The Gibson Family".  *sigh*

And while I was tempted to complain (and continue to be-- don't get me wrong!), I decided that I would instead think of 35 things I am thankful for... since today marks the 35th anniversary of life given to me by a gracious Savior and a giving mother.  Ah!  Ah!  See?  I'm already starting to feel thankful!  So here goes...

35 Things to be thankful for in 35 Years:

1.  My birth date.  I love that thing.
2.  Burger King.  I was saved by grace through faith at the drive-thru of the Beckley BK.
3.  eHarmony.  Met my true love, soul mate, God-given match through that site.
4.  Suffolk, VA.  (For any of you who know me semi-super well should be shocked)  But I miraculously delivered not one, but TWO precious treasures from God Himself at a fabulous hospital there.
5.  No.  As I look back on my life at the many requests and concerns I brought before the Lord, I am so thankful for the (many!) times that He has lovingly said "No" to me.
6.  Yes.  I am equally grateful for the many "YES!" answers given so graciously by my Father-- from the "perfect" job to finding my lost keys.
7.  Appalachian Bible College.  The further I get from my graduation date (May 2000!), the more I realize how much I actually neglected my time and studies there.  And I am ashamed.  However, this is my "thankful list", so I want to give thanks for the dedication of the staff and faculty in their burden to train servants for this generation.
8.  Cream Cheese.  Not to brag, but there is nothing quite like my frosting made with real cream cheese.
9.  Laughter.  It truly is like medicine.
10. My home.  While even simply a thatched roof hut to keep me dry in the storm would be sufficient, the Lord has graciously allowed a WONderful parsonage for my family to reside.  Which brings me to...
11. My utility room.  I will (God willing!) never again live in a home that doesn't have an industrial sized sink.  Perfect for so many things, from bathing children to soaking laundry.
12. Having a gymnasium.  Connected to my house.  No, seriously.  I have a gymnasium.  CONNECTED to my HOUSE.  (Do I even really need to elaborate?!)
13. An enclosed "breezeway" connecting my house to said gymnasium.  It serves as cold storage in the winter and the perfect "rising" location for breads, rolls, etc. in the summer.
14. Dr. Pepper 10.  That stuff has saved lives. 
 15. Ashley Gibson.  Yes, I know I kinda already mentioned him.  But trust me.  He is worth mentioning more than once.  He loves me.  He loves.  Me.  And I have a whole lotta crazy goin' on up in here.
16. Psalm 103:14.  He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.
17. Jasmine Rice.  I'll be posting my favorite way to cook that divine deliciousness in the upcoming days.
18. Variety.  From food to weather to people-- my very wise Heavenly Father knew how ADD I would be!
19. Pedicures.  *sigh* Just saying that word makes my feet feel better.
20. Sisters.  My sisters are truly my best friends and confidants.  I know they love me and pray for me-- in ways that no one else is able.
21. Finished Revelation.  I am. SO. THANKFUL. that the Bible was already finished before I was even a twinkle in my father's eye.  How grateful I am that the world will not be reading and learning life lessons from my mistakes for all eternity.  God is kind! :)
22. Dandelions.  They grow practically year 'round.  And I love every one that my sweet babies pick for me.
23. A strong body.  Albeit, it's a little chubby.  But God has blessed me with strong legs, arms, and lungs.  I may have aches and pains and creaks and groans, but I can get up and run with my sweet ones.
24. Air conditioners. I do not know how I survived without it.
25. My EZ-pass.  I love cruising through toll booths.
26. Carbs.  I have said it before, I'll say it again:  there is nothing so comforting as a carb.
27. Music.  My mom used to have a picture in her room that said, "After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music."  I used to think that the quote was backwards, but the older I get, the more I get it. 
28. Naptime.  Please.  What mom isn't thankful for that?!
29. Korean food.  Oh, how I love that stuff.  I'll be chowing down on it in heaven for a good part of eternity.  Fo' sho'.
30. Ice.  I love cold beverages.
31. Hot tea.  I love hot beverages. (note #18)
32. Books.  I love to learn about new things and far off places.  And I am certainly a dreamer.
33. My brothers.  From my dear Joshua and Peter to my various brothers-in-law, I love seeing how God has molded and used them and continue to change them for Him.  Be strong in the Lord!
34. Chocolate.  I almost didn't list chocolate-- because, as a woman, it's kind of a gimme...
35. My parents.  If you've met them, you understand.  If you haven't met them, you should probably feel a little bit of jealousy (because you haven't met them).  They have trained me, loved me, disciplined me, and directed me.  They told me about God's love and showed me God's grace.  I am who I am because of their influence on my life.  I can not believe God loved me enough to give me to them.

Wow...  I can't believe how humbled and filled with peace I feel right now.  I often hum a song I learned many years ago, as it is filled with so much truth:

"It's amazing what praising can do.  Hallelujah, hallelujah!"

May God grant me another year to praise HIM!