Just Between You and Me

Good vs. Evil

2011-11-07T16:28:00.001-06:00

Today I was brought nearly to tears three times. This is a pretty big feat for me. I don't tend to be very emotional. What caused this surge in my touchy-feely side? My kids, of course.

The first time tears welled up, it was because I was so frustrated. The kids were arguing. Constant bickering all morning. It was driving me crazy. Why couldn't they just get along? And goodness, if they couldn't get along, couldn't they just stay away from each other?

I decided to get out of the house with them. A change of scenery is always good, right? They really needed to burn off some energy, so we hit the new indoor playland at McDonalds. After eating, it was like they were different kids. Kind. Respectful. Considerate. Okay. Weird. They ran off to play while I flipped through a magazine.

About fifteen minutes later, a mommy with three little ones came up to me and told me how wonderful my kids were. They were helping her kiddos up and down. They were playing with them and encouraging them. She said she usually cringes when older kids show up because they are so inconsiderate. Okay. So, that warms a mommy's heart. I told her I remembered my days as a mom of little ones as rather difficult. Her three were infant, twoish, threeish. I shared how mine were nineteen months apart and fifteen months apart. Know what she said? "Wow, it's hard now, but it's great to know mine can turn out just as wonderful as yours." Really? Yeah, almost tears.

Then next stop was Target. Chloe needed jeans. Of course, I was dreading it, because there was trying on to be done. I didn't think the boys would be very patient. Chloe went to try on a few pairs. They boys ran off to the bathroom. Chloe needed a new size, so I went off to find it. When I got back to the fitting room, the boys were back. They were sitting quietly on chairs, playing tic tac toe with each other. The fitting room lady comment on what well behaved children I had. And for the third time, almost tears.

So, what is the moral to this story? I'm not sure. But, it made me think a lot about perception and absolutes. Sometimes we need an outside source to help us put our day in perspective. My kids aren't always bad. Nor are they always good. Please keep reminding me of this. K? Because they're starting to fight again.

And after all that....this is what I want to know: Why is it called a pair of jeans? I understand why it's called a pair of shoes or a pair of socks. But, pants are not a pair. They are singular. And I don't think it's because it has two legs. Shirts have two sleeves, and they aren't called a pair. Ideas?

More Happy Hilbert Car Ride Conversation

2011-09-30T12:24:00.001-05:00

Josh: What country do you think has the most technology?

Nate: California.

Chloe: California is a state.

Josh: Like Illinois. (pronounce Illi Noise)

Me: Josh, it’s Illinois. It rhymes with annoy.

Josh: Oh. Really? Well, good thing it’s not a country. It’s small. Someone would take us over. What is the biggest country?

Me: I’m not sure.

Josh: Is Russia pretty big?

Nate: They call it Russia because they rush around because it's so big.

Josh: We own England, don’t we?

Me: Uh. No. Why do you think that?

Josh: Isn’t that what General Washington was fighting for?

Nate: Wait. California is a state?

Nate: I want to be an actor. In movies.

Josh: I want to be in the army. They get to use guns.

Chloe: Really, Josh?

Josh: It fulfills my dream of blowing things up. They’ve got to do a lot of pushups. And they don’t get good food. Nevermind. I don't want to do that.

Just a Typical Happy Hilbert Car Ride

2011-09-13T15:26:00.000-05:00

(Heard inside the Happy Hilbert Minivan during one twenty minute drive home from church.)

Josh: Chloe, what do you want to be when you grow up?

Chloe: I’m not sure.

Nate: I want to be a male model.

Josh: Hey! That’s what I want to be.

Josh: Sheesh. Everywhere we go, everyone knows me.

Nate: Me, too.

Josh: They say that my mom talks about me all the time or they know my mom or something.

Chloe: That’s because mom is a social butterfly.

Josh: Yeah, she’ll talk to anyone.

Me: I used to be shy when I was your age. I didn’t talk very much.

Josh: That can’t be right.

Nate: Are we on the internet?

Chloe: Sometimes mom blogs.

Josh: And, of course, we’re famous on Facebook.

Josh: I hate flies. What do flies do?

Me: Uh, fly?

Josh: No, what are they good for?

Me: Frogs eat them.

Nate: What are frogs good for?

Me: Birds eat them.

Josh: What are birds good for?

Me: They spread around seeds.

Nate: Oh. That’s what flies are good for.

Me: Any chance you guys could settle down and be quiet for a few minutes?

Josh: But, what should we do?

Me: Anything that’s not loud. How about quietly pray?

Josh: Mom, you’re so funny.

Taco Bell drive thru guy: Why aren’t you kids in school?

Me: We homeschool.

TBG: You’re not at home.

Me: Well, we’ve got to eat.

TBG: You should have home ec and cook.

Me: Uh. Good idea. We’ll do that tomorrow. Today, we’re having Taco Bell.

TBG: (to Chloe) Quick! What’s ten times ten?

Chloe: um. A hundred.

TBG: See. Now you learned something today.

Nice try

2011-08-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

After my umteenth frustrating encounter with Nathan, my reluctant homeschooler, I went upstairs, grabbed my bible and tried to gain some perspective. I went to the book of wisdom and since today is the 30th, I read Proverbs 30.

Ah Ha! Wisdom granted. I found exactly what I needed. I went downstairs to quote scripture to my young son.

Me: "Alright, listen up. I'm going to read you something.

"Proverbs 30, verse 17 'The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.'"

Nate: "What does that mean?"

Me: "It means you'd better obey or your eye is going to get plucked out and eaten."

Nate: "That's not true."

Me: "It's in the bible. Of course, it's true."

Nate: "It can't be. I disobey lots of times...and I still have my eye."

Me: "sigh."

Happy Hilbert Hospitality

2011-08-05T01:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Happy Hilbert House. Knock and come on in. In just a minute the little dog will settle down. Or she won’t. Don’t trip on the big, fat dog. Fair warning…you will leave with Golden Retriever fur all over you.

We are largely a self-serve establishment. I will point to the kitchen and the bathroom. You are pretty much on your own after that. If I have had some warning you were coming I MAY have cleaned the bathroom. Otherwise, um...sorry, we are a house largely populated by boys.

If you need a drink, in the kitchen you will see the cups in a shoe holder on the wall. Don’t ask. The ice maker doesn’t dispense so you have to actually open the door. Use caution. Frozen meat may fall on your toes.

We have plenty of snacks. Open the pantry or refrigerator and grab whatever you want. Again, use caution, things are balanced precariously.

I’m usually hanging out in the Living Room. Join me. Lay on the couch. Recline in a recliner. Grab a blanket or a dog if you’re cold, both are likely in arm’s reach.

Don’t look at my ceiling. One of these days, I will get it done. But, maybe not.

I may get up mid-conversation to switch the laundry. You can come with….or make your own fun ‘til I get back.

If you are confused by any of this, grab a Hilbert child. Literally. They’re probably running by playing some sort of crazy game. We encourage them to be wild at home. You really don’t want them getting their energy out in public. Trust me. Try to get coherent information out of them. (Aim for the girl if you want something that makes sense.)

Stop by anytime. Glad to have you. And oddly enough, I’ll bet you’ll be glad you came.

The Nude Normal

2011-02-23T02:25:00.001-06:00

Yeah. You read it right. While it always is a distinct possibility that I have heard something wrong and continue to repeat it incorrectly, that is a very intentional title.

I hear the actual phrase “new normal” a lot. I hear it usually from someone who is adjusting to life that is a bit different after something. Usually something bad. “I’m getting used to our new normal.” I’ve even said it.

But, you know what?? My old normal was never really quite normal. So I say let’s get normal naked. Let’s strip it down. What is it? Does it indeed exist? If so, what does nude normal look like?

Is it a fairy tale life? Uh…hello? Have y’all read a fairy tale lately? Not really happy-go-lucky, smooth sailing plots. Maybe a happy ending. But consider that ending is just one moment in time. Sure the prince and Cinderella get married, but what is life like for her after a few years of telling Princey to puh-leez put the toilet seat down and throw his underwear in the hamper? After a couple kids that don’t behave like the kingdom’s best parenting books say they will if she follows steps a-k?? When she has to care for her ailing, aging wicked stepmother?

Oh we have an idea of what normal looks like. It looks like someone else’s life, usually. And guess what? It ain’t there either.

We think the bad stuff interrupts “normal life”. Dudes… that IS normal life. Unpredictable. Scary. Fun. Boring. It’s bad choices. It’s good choices. It’s pain. It’s joy. It is what it is.

So, I say, let’s stop looking back at our so called normal lives, and embrace the fact that life isn’t so normal, after all. That’s the nude normal.

This is a naked mole rat. It has nothing to do with the post. But he is naked.

God Rocks (part two)

2010-03-25T23:46:00.007-05:00

Alrighty…if you haven’t read part one already, you’d better do that first. Click here to read now. If you’ve already read it, let’s pick up where we left off…

We've moved on from the annoying sand, troublesome rocks, and bothersome stones. Now we’re going to talk about the big rocks in life. My back aches just a bit remembering speaking to the moms & more mommies.

[Note: The following is pretty much word for word what I said. It’s also the part where I was carrying around a HUGE honking rock while I was speaking. Heavy!!]

Let’s say, I just got handed a big rock. A really big rock. I’m not sure what to do with it. It’s a part of my life now. I need to keep it with me. I’m not allowed to put it down.

I’d like not going to think about the rock. How can I get it out of sight? It’s too big for my pocket. It’s too big for my purse. If I put it in a backpack, I’d eventually need to make a chiropractor trip.

It’s kind of distracting trying to live life with this rock in my hands. It’s hard to pour a bowl of cereal. Or vacuum. Or drive a car. I’m not sure what to do.

All I can think about is the rock. It’s heavy. It’s pointy and hurting my hands. I wish I could get rid of it. Ah yes, life would be so much better without the rock. I’m going to solve the problem myself. I’m going to have a friend help me hold my rock. (Good sport Janet comes up to help me hold the rock.)

This is good. It’s a little lighter. But, that friend has her own quarry to tend to. And I’m left with a rock that seems heavier than it was before. (Janet is relieved to go sit back down.)

Finally I asked what I should do with my huge rock. I got an excellent Sunday School answer from the girls. Give it to Jesus! Fabulous. My problem was solved. I laid it at the cross. Totally gave it up. Sigh of relief. Cool beans. I could fly away, free as a bird and finally sleep well.

But, is that the way it works? When morning comes…wait…the rock is still there. I don’t remember taking it back from Jesus. Why do I have it? Because my physical situation has not changed. I still have to live daily with everything the rock has to offer. Am I not doing it right?

[This is the point that I finally set the rock down. That was about five minutes of holding a rough and extremely heavy lava rock. I HAD to set it down. I weighed it when I got home. 40.6 pounds. Am I a ~~stupid~~ dedicated teacher, or what? Somewhat winded, I continued.]

So, what do we do when we have a problem as big as that rock? Or bigger? How do we practically lay the issue down at the cross and let Jesus deal with it. The circumstance probably won’t change overnight. If it’s God’s Will, he could “zap” take it away right then. Sometimes He does. Most times He doesn’t. I don’t have any actual percentages on that…I’m just going by what I’ve observed over the years.

God didn’t create us to be His master and for Him to instantly fix all our problems with a rub of the magic lamp. We aren’t supposed to say, “Lord take it away!” and expect “poof” for it to be gone.

Isn’t that how we pray? Lord, take away my pain. Lord, change my husband’s heart. Lord, heal my sick child. Lord, I’m not ready for them to go yet.

This is what God says…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8

Present your requests to God. He is saying, “Tell me what you want.” Well, I’m going to tell Him. From my perspective this is what I want. This is the best choice.

But, we also have this…

This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10

Your will be done. So maybe praying what we want isn’t the best plan. That’s our will. That may or may not be God’s plan. We don’t have all the info.

So, it’s all about His will. But, it’s also about our good. Nothing is wasted.

Oh, and don’t we all love this one??

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Now, look what we see when we go a few verses back...

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27

See, we’re outnumbered. Three to one. Jesus asks us to pray thy will be done. The Spirit intercedes in accordance with God’s will. And God’s gonna do what God’s gonna do.

So here we are. Most likely still stuck in our situation. Our prayers may not be getting answered as we would like. How do we get out from under it?

We’re going to stand on THE ROCK.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-35

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD,
is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

I’m reminded of a cartoon I saw years ago. (I scoured the web trying to find it, to no avail.) It was a picture of a rowboat quickly on its way towards a waterfall. “Should we paddle or pray?” The answer is “YES!!” Both. Absolutely.

I think we should first pray and then move as God directs. In my experience, the more you ask for God’s will to be done, the more he reveals what you should do. And the more okay you are with what He is working on. It’s all about Trust. He won’t show you the whole journey, but He will direct your next step.

So pray. Ask for what you think you want. Do it humbly. Without pretense. Without ulterior motives. Talk to God. Tell Him how you feel. What you think about the situation. Tell Him you are ticked at Him for allowing it into your life. He can handle it. Then tell him you have no idea what’s best for you and ask Him to show you the next step.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This is my verse for right now. God is with me. Therefore, I will not be terrified. I will not be discouraged. I will be strong. I will be courageous.

Trust in your BIG GOD. He has stuff in store for you that you can’t even dream of.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

God Rocks (part one)

2010-03-18T20:56:00.009-05:00

Brenda was out of town this week, so I had the wonderful blessing of speaking to the mommies in Moms & More. My blog mission originally was to take eight pages of speaking notes and condense them into something blog worthy. Somewhere about halfway through, I decided it needed to be split into two parts. Also, it’s quite a challenge to put down in written words what I try to communicate in person because I’m such a big fan of visual aids. (Yep. I’m a total visual learner and therefore a total visual teacher.) I’ll try to get some pictures in here so all you readers can have as close to the on site experience as possible. Here we go with part one....

Do you like the beach? Well, duh, is there anyone who doesn’t like the beach? It’s a pretty universal good thing. You get to feel warm sand between your toes, and enjoy a soft breeze as you let the sun bake you. Imagine the gorgeous sunset. Are you getting that beautiful, relaxing mental picture?

But, here’s the thing. You know how a lot of that sand comes home with you? Ugh. The wonderful, warm sand that you wiggled your toes in won’t come out. It’s starting to scratch. Does anyone enjoy it when the sand somehow gets in your swimming suit and wedges in your butt crack? And then when you have to go to the bathroom, the toilet paper becomes sand paper? The beach has turned on you.

I’m wondering if you thought that motherhood was going to be a day at the beach. Maybe you thought you’d have two kids…one boy, one girl. You figured it would be fun. You’d do all this great stuff together. You know, quality family time. And you thought if you were firm and consistent, the children would be wonderful, well behaved little darlings.

That was your plan. Maybe that’s your life. I’d be very surprised though. Not many of us can make it from infancy to independence without a good amount of frustration along the way. So, how is your day at the beach coming along?

I’ve found that the sandy bothersome things of motherhood can become incredibly irritating after a while. It’s the little stuff that can drive you bonkers. I've heard it said that raising children is like being pecked to death by chickens...

- Another diaper.

- Another feeding.

-Another no sleeping nap.

-Another tantrum.

-Mom, can you explain this homework to me…?

-Mom, I need seven dollars for the field trip…and the form filled out….

-Mom, will you pick up red pens at the store for tomorrow…?
-Mom, can I have Susie sleep over…?
-Mom, have you seen my shoes…?
-(& my all time fave) Mom, I’m bored!

You’re trying to do your best at the mom thing and you’re still trying to juggle everything else. We do have a life outside of our children, don’t we? I know sometimes it doesn’t seem like it. But, Mommy just isn’t the only job we have. Some of you work outside the home full time or part time. Most of us have the not-so-small WIFE job. And of course, there is the runner of the home. This often includes, chef, taxi driver, teacher, accountant, maid….etc. (you get the picture.)When there is one little thing on top of another little thing, life can get overwhelming. One grain of sand is irritating if it gets in your eye. But, if you’re out in a sandstorm (Which, generally, I don’t think we worry too much about in central Illinois.) It’s going to hurt. And become frustrating. Can you imagine juggling sand?

Think about that beach again. Did you ever stand at the water’s edge and let the waves keep washing sand over your feet? When they get buried deep enough, it’s hard to move. Sometimes it’s just too much. Maybe you’ve let someone bury you in the sand. It gets heavy after a while. (Pssst...that's my Joshie on the left goofing around after a good sand burial. And that's my Alex on the right letting his mother take crazy pictures.)

Maybe your problems are bigger than sand. You’re stuck in gravel. I’ve been spinning my wheels in gravel before. For me these are the times of never ending sickness in our house. Another case of strep. An ear infection. Middle of the night vomiting. My kids pass this stuff back and forth all winter long. Sometimes they even share with me.

Or maybe you’re standing on sharp rocks. Someone in your house needs surgery. Your finances aren’t what you’d like them to be. There may be tension and stress in your home. Those rocks are definitely bigger than sand and gravel.

I actually hesitated to even give examples for these. Everyone has their own problems and everyone is equipped differently to deal with them. We each have our own unique personalities and coping mechanisms. We’re different. I wouldn’t want to judge a person by the size that I think their rocks are.

A friend posted the following story on Facebook recently. Since I was stirring around ideas about being buried under burdens, I read it at just the right time! Just imagine sand and gravel and rocks in place of the dirt in this tall tale.

The Donkey and the Well

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well.

The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly.

Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS...

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up.

Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone.

We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up!

Shake it off and take a step up.

The Lord showed me these fabulous verses.

Let Him lift you up today.

(And...stay tuned for part two!)

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:1-2

What I want to be when I grow up

2010-02-19T19:08:00.001-06:00

I remember the terrible dread of having to give a speech in Mr. Anfinson's 5th grade class. I was a pretty shy girl. (Believe it or not.) I remember the days leading up to it. I remember sitting in the class waiting for my turn. I actually remember standing in front of the class for those awful three minutes. I do not remember, however, what my speech was on. Not that it really matters.

Chloe (my fourth grader) just participated in the patriotic program at school. She was a bundle of nerves all week and I totally sympathized with her. I remember the freaking out feeling of having to talk to a group of people. She pushed through it and did a fabulous job as Clara Barton. I was and am so proud of her.

Now the funny thing is...I also had a speaking gig this week. I got to talk to around a hundred mommies about marriage. It was a blast! No dread. No fear. Just the comfort of knowing myself and what I am capable of and knowing my God and knowing He has equipped me to do just this. If you could've shown the forty one year old me to the ten year old me, I don't think she would've believed it.

This was the first time I've spoken to a group outside of my home church. I've been in front of smaller groups and larger groups, but always with people I know in the audience. So, my only reservation was that it would be somehow different...that I wouldn't be quite myself.

Well, no worries. I was 100% me...no compromises. I do have to say, it was a fabulous group of women. They were warm and welcoming. And (thankfully!) they laughed at my jokes. I love how motherhood creates this fabulous universal bond. We don't all live the same lives, but we have amazingly similar experiences. I was comfortable. The mommies were comfortable. And I have to say...a good time was had by all.

I think this is what I want to be when I grow up.

Writing or speaking - I want to be:

Beth Hilbert - Mommy Encourager!

Welcome to Holland

2010-02-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

This was sent to me by one of my bestest friends...as boat reading material. (see previous blog entry)
It's tres fabulosa!

"Welcome to Holland"

By Emily Perl Kingsley, 1987. All rights reserved.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

I'm on a Boat

2010-02-10T14:25:00.000-06:00

I'm on a Boat has been running though my head since Sunday (sans bad words). I looked all over the internet for a clean version of the song, but no dice. Even the beeped out versions didn't beep enough in my opinion...so I won't set up a link. There was a chipmunk version, but that was just slightly less offensive to my ears than the profanity.

Okay...I'm reeling it back in for my point...

Our Sermon on Sunday (by Pastor Ben J.) was on Mark 4:35-41. Hold on...I'll look it up and pop it in here for you...

Jesus Calms the Storm - Mark 4:35-41

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

These are the three points in our notes:
1. Storms come even when we are with Jesus.
2. Fear comes when we lack faith in Jesus.
3. Reverential fear comes when we realize the authority of Jesus.

Okay, so, it was one of those times when I was sure God told Ben to do this sermon especially for me. Ever been there? You know, when you know you have an appointment to hear something that God needs you to remember.

Here's the deal. I'm on the boat. I can picture myself there. In my version the boat is yellow. I don't know why. I am drenched. The waves are far above my head. I didn't ask for this. Okay, yes, I got on the boat, but I expected it to be a gentle ride. I'm seasick. I'm confused. And I sure can't paddle myself to safety.

But, I notice Jesus is with me. I'd forgotten. How do I forget my Savior is with me? Don't know. But, I do...on a regular basis.Well, here's an idea...I can ask Him for help. Goodness, He's waiting for me to ask. I'm sort of ticked off that I have to go through this storm so I ask kind of snotty..."Don't you care?"

Okay, I know that God is definately above this...but, I always picture the Holy Eye Roll. "Seriously, child!" How do I know He cares? Um...it's written like a thousand times in my bible.

So, in the real life Bible version, He stops the storm. Eeeert! (that was the sound of car brakes) Calm. Even the wind and the waves obey Him. He can stop my storm at any time. My God is bigger than anything life can throw at me.

There is the comfort. Big God. He's got it all planned out. He's got my back. Will my storm calm? I don't know. But, He knows. And no matter what, it's all for my good.

This scripture is one that I've memorized recently. Ben also used it on Sunday.

But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

Maybe He won't calm the storm. But, He's there with me through it. And He's working something in me!

Cold is a relative thing

2010-02-06T10:02:00.000-06:00

This is by no means original. In fact, you've probably received it as an email. I got it from my friend Stacey this morning and I just felt like I had to share! Hope you get a good chuckle!

Cold is a relative thing

65 ABOVE ZERO:

Floridians turn on the heat.

People in Illinois plant gardens.

60 ABOVE ZERO:
Californians shiver uncontrollably….
People in Illinois sunbathe.

50 ABOVE ZERO:
Italian & English cars won’t start.
People in Illinois drive with the windows down.

40 ABOVE ZERO:

Georgians do coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats.

People in Illinois throw on a flannel shirt.

35 ABOVE ZERO:

New York landlords finally turn up the heat.

People in Illinois have the last cookout before it gets cold.

20 ABOVE ZERO:

People in Miami all die.

People in Illinois close the windows.

ZERO:
Californians fly away to Mexico .
People in Illinois get out their winter coats.

10 BELOW ZERO:
Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Illinois are selling cookies door to door.

20 BELOW ZERO:

Washington DC runs out of hot air.

People in Illinois let the dogs sleep indoors.

30 BELOW ZERO:
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Folks in Illinois get upset because they can’t start the snow-mobile.

40 BELOW ZERO:

ALL atomic motion stops.

People in Illinois start saying: “Cold enough for ya?”

50 BELOW ZERO:
Hell freezes over.
Illinois public schools will open 2 hours late.

Word of the day: Frustration

2010-02-02T09:19:00.000-06:00

Frustration. That could seriously be the word of just about every day around here. Husband. Wife. Four kids. Dog. There's a lot of room for crazy here at the Happy Hilbert House.

Today it is the word of the day because of child number three. Well, not because of him, exactly...but, because his brain is wired a little differently. Josh has Sensory Processing Disorder. He was diagnosed two years ago and we have been on a wild ride ever since.

Let's just assume my brain is wired correctly. (Yes, I know this may be a big leap, but humor me, okay?) I'm sitting in the kitchen at the computer. If I focus and listen hard I can hear the clock ticking, the computer keys, the furnace, the ringing phone, my breathing. If I concentrate on my sense of touch I can feel the keys as I press them, the phone in my hand, my soft shirt, my dry skin on my legs, my sore throat, my wet hair, and my sore neck muscles. I taste my tea, know it's hot, and smell its wonderful smell. I can smell the dog, too. That smell isn't so great. Because my brain is wired correctly, I have "volume" control on all these things. That's a good thing. Can you imagine what it would be like to try to think and act and behave with everything you see, touch, hear, smell, and experience shouting at you at the same level?

Well, that's my Josh. He processes different. He is overwhelmed by just experiencing life. Once he's hyper-stimulated, that's when the crazy behavior starts. Also, if he doesn't get enough movement and motion and working of his muscles, that need manifests in aggression. We are in the middle of a very difficult season with him right now. All we have done and are doing no longer seems to help.

We've taken Josh to therapy. We've gone to Occupational Therapy with him. We've read many books. We've talked to other parents. We've joined yahoo groups. We've read internet sites. We've taken a class at Easter Seals. We've worked with Josh. We've worked with his teachers. I think really we've exhausted our resources.

So. I am frustrated. I'm frustrated by the way this changes my life and his life. I am frustrated by the way things pop up out of the blue and put my plans and dreams on hold. I am frustrated that I'm not the one in the driver's seat. But, I am also ever so in love with the little guy and I have no doubt that God has big plans for him.

What I am coming to terms with is that Josh isn't a problem to be solved. He is a person to be loved. I can't cure him. I can help him learn to cope with his surroundings a bit better. He will continue to "outgrow" some of his issues. He will become more adept at managing his symptoms. But, we will continue to take steps forward and slides back for many more years. And I'm in for the duration.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

And So It Begins...

2010-02-01T04:38:00.000-06:00

I've had some close calls with blogging in the past. I've always managed to come away unharmed and unhooked. But, I could avoid the call no longer.

Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? That was my thought. The phrase not used in it's traditional sense...but, why put my writing out there for everyone to read? Who will ever buy a book when all they have to do is google me? Well, after talking to a few people in the know, I've found that that isn't really the case. So...here I am.

I have really no idea what I'm doing. But, fear not...I'll figure it out.