Thankful Thursday...

Today, I am thankful...

1) For my other blogging friends who have picked up on the "Thankful Thursday" tradition! I love reading your gratitude lists (and if it weren't for your blogs, I would have forgotten to post this on my blog today! Ooh! This week has gone by so quickly!)
2) For Aaron's relationship with my dad. My dad is in commercial real estate and has a pretty flexible schedule. He took Aaron fishing for about 5 hours the other day, and they caught 70 fish! WOW! They are going again tomorrow, and Aaron is so excited! One of my favorite memories as a little girl was fishing with my grandpa and grandma, so it's fun to see how excited Aaron is about all of this!
3) Again, for the Lakin's and their generosity! Myrtle Beach was such an amazing getaway for us!
4) For safe travels on the way home. We saw a horrible accident and were just grateful to know that God was looking out for us.
5) For a prayer group that I just started attending (I may have mentioned this one before....) We met last night, and the ladies, along with God's work, AMAZE ME!!!

Just a few little things....

Today, I have experienced two little things that make me feel a whole lot better about where I am at in this journey called life. First, you simply must check out Beth Moore's blog today (May 31st entry). Wow, it's so reassuring to know that even beloved Beth sometimes has "one of those days" (even with HER beloved Keith!)

Secondly, I saw this video..... I'm thankful that I've never done this at the Miss Universe pageant. Yep, I'm feeling a whole lot better about myself today! HA!


By the way, how in THE WORLD did she not cry?!!! I think I would have fallen apart! Yikes!

This will make you laugh....

I saw this video on another blog and loved it.... enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Scott!

(This picture was taken inside a fish tank at the Ripley's Aquarium last week!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

On our way home....

We stopped in Nashville to see Scott's sister, brother-in-law, and niece (Lainy!) It was SO fun to see our kiddos with their littlest cousin! And, oh my, she is a DOLL!!! She is at that super-fun stage where she is forming sentences (20 months).... love her, love her, love her!!!


We were attempting to get a good group shot here.... needless to say, Isaac did not like being in the box and wanted to make sure that we knew it! Isn't this the sweetest little mad face that you've ever seen?!! This was the best picture of the bunch; ha!

Buddy Bryce

Aaron and Bryce became such good pals on this trip. Of course, with a 3-year old and 4-year old, we had to run interference a couple of times.... but for the most part, they were awesome together! So fun to see them have a blast!

Isaac and his new little buddy, Caleb!

Our little beach bums!

Yep, BOTH our boys loved the ocean!!! Aaron talked all week about "riding the perfect wave" (you Backyardigans fans will recognize that line!)

We love Myrtle Beach!

We had a wonderful time in Myrtle Beach! So much fun to enjoy the gorgeous weather and the wonderful company! Our friends, Ryan and Tina Lakin, moved to New Jersey 2 1/2 years ago (boo-hiss) but have been so wonderful at keeping connected.... and we feel SO BLESSED that they invited us to join them for a week in Myrtle Beach. Everything was wonderful!!!! The older boys had a blast together and are now great buddies! I'll post more pictures later but here are a few.....

Isaac LOVED the beach! Ahh, what a fun mess!

What a kid!

This morning as I was scrolling down on my page, I realized that I haven't posted any pictures of my kids in a couple of weeks! Shame on me! Actually, that just means that I hadn't taken the time to download photos off our camera in a few weeks! So.... here it goes.... a short installment of photo fun with the Greene kids! Enjoy!

Oh, those eyes....

Isaac is totally into his sippy cup and feeding himself these days. How do they get SO independent SO quickly?!! He wants nothing to do with baby food now!

Muddy Madness!

These are a few of our neighbor kids and their friends.... with their little buddy, Aaron, of course!

Well, it's official.... Aaron has a new favorite thing to do after it rains.... go on a bike ride! He LOVES the mud! He LOVES everything about being dirty (except, perhaps, the bath afterwards!) I LOVE everything about the joy on his face when he is having this kind of fun (I actually DO love it.... everything about it.... except, perhaps, the laundry! Notice the back of Aaron's shirt!)

ANYWAY

This is from one of my favorite books called A Simple Path. It is about Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity. May this be a good reminder today for you... it's a good reminder for me every time I read it....

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
LOVE THEM ANYWAY
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies,
SUCCEED ANYWAY
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight,
BUILD ANYWAY
People really need help but may attack you if you help them,
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth,
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY.
(From a sign on the wall of Shishu Bhavan, the children's home in Calcutta).

May OUR thinking be transformed today!!! May OUR actions be more like the actions of Christ!!! May OUR hearts be molded in this day!!!

Just a note: I will be MIA for a bit from the blogging world. We leave on Monday morning for Myrtle Beach; YAHOO!!! Also, to those of you from this area, please go to Ritter's tomorrow between 11-5.... 40% of ALL proceeds go towards our church's camp scholarship fund! YEA! AND.... it will be fun to see Scott and Evan attempting to serve "frozen custard" as well!!!

Love to all!

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful....

1) For my little sister, Deb! I totally appreciate her involvement in our kids' lives, too (they LOVE Aunt Debby!) She kept our kids for us TWICE this week.... amazing, amazing, amazing!
2) For the generosity of others in our lives. Next week, we are going to South Carolina.... Ryan and Tina Lakin (our precious friends who live in New Jersey) invited us to join them in Myrtle Beach.... and the condo is free for us because of their kindness. We could never do the vacationing that we do without the kindness and generosity of others (my parents, the Lakin's, my grandparents, Tim Early in Florida, etc., etc., etc.!)
3) For Fazoli's breadsticks... yum!
4) For Beth Moore's work and heart for God.... I am reading her latest book, "Get Out of the Pit" and it is amazing!
5) For Candy Land. Okay, to be quite honest, that one is a stretch for me.... I about go crazy playing it, but it is always such a fun time to connect with Aaron because he loves it. So.... maybe I'm not thankful for Candy Land itself; rather, I am thankful for the FUN that I have WITH Aaron because of it!

This is so important....

TICK WARNING!

I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally...but this one is real, and it's important. So please pass this warning along....

If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid.




** GOTCHA!!! HA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, my friend, Holly, sent this to me, and I had a serious laugh-attack going on. Maybe I was just in the right frame of mind for a good chuckle, but I hope that it gave you a case of the giggles as well! I realized that my last couple of posts have been a little more serious, so I thought it was time for a good laugh! Love you!

"Imagine What the World COULD Be...."

Wow. Wow. Wow.

I love watching a video that makes you FEEL something..... and it's even better when it makes you FEEL something that can make a difference in this world.

What can I do today to make a difference in my world? Maybe God is not calling me to start a political movement today (or maybe He is!).... but maybe He is calling me to send an email.... or give a hug.... or send a support check to a missionary.... or be a missionary myself. What would happen if we truly loved God and served God in THIS day?

Trust me when I say that I am not comparing myself to Nelson Mandela or any of the other amazing people in this video.... but I learned a lesson last week that I want to share. I was at the library with my kiddos, watching a movie. Another mom walked in with her sons.... another mom who is barely an acquaintance of mine (no, I don't even know her name), but because of Scott's friendship with her hubby, I knew that they were going through a very, very difficult time. So.... a simple act of obedience.... I gave her a hug and spoke with her for less than a minute. However, a funny thing happened.... three days later, her husband called Scott to tell him how much it meant to her. That she had mentioned it every day since.

Huh.... a SIMPLE act of obedience that made a huge difference in the life of someone else. I think that God is up to something in my life, teaching me to listen to the small promptings that can do GREAT things for the Kingdom and for the lives of others. I'll share more later about another one of those that has been going on in my life.... but.... how about you....

What can you do today to make a difference in your world?

Lots o' Laundry

Ug! It's been quite a week when it comes to laundry at our house. I don't know what the deal is....

To be quite honest, I usually don't mind doing laundry when it comes to "household chores" (as previously mentioned, just DON'T make me mop!) However, that has certainly not been the case this week.... just when I have thought that I have finally caught up, there's one more thing to wash. I'm sure that it's largely due to the fact that Isaac has had 3 blow-outs this week, AND Aaron has had three accidents this week, too (yes, yes.... he just gets too busy playing and then comes running, doing his "poopy dance" just a little too late.... it's great fun, I tell ya!) I don't know how you're wired, but I do sincerely dislike doing a "load" of laundry if the washer isn't full.... and to wash one pair of underwear and shorts just seems like a waste.... but is a necessity because, TRUST ME, it's a wise decision to wash these things alone in these cases!

Well, I ramble on.... please forgive me....

I simply could not think of anything profound or meaningful to post today.... so.... the laundry saga has now been mentioned. I am sure that you can relate and have been in the same boat as well. Now, American Idol is calling me......

Changes....

Well, dear blog readers.... I have a big news report from the Greene household! Scott is changing positions AT Warsaw Community Church. It's been quite a year for us as a family, and Scott and I have known that God was up to something in our lives (and in our hearts!) for the past year. We didn't know where God was leading us through this time of turmoil, but now, I can finally report.....

Scott is stepping out of the position of Director of Student Ministries and will be starting as the Communications Manager at WCC. For those of you who attend WCC, I just want to put your mind at ease that Scott was not asked to leave student ministries; rather, he had an amazing opportunity to "dream" about a "perfect position" for him at the church and worked with Denny and Scott Turskey to develop this brand new job at the church. He is totally excited as this position will allow him to use his giftedness in a great way and will allow him to be super-creative in a way that will touch many, if not all, of the ministries of WCC. It's a pretty cool opportunity that we feel like God has "prepared in advance for [him] to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

God is so cool. I just love the fact that He doesn't forget ANY of the details of our lives! While He was stirring in Scott about this possible transition, He was also stirring in someone else to replace Scott in his current position. Mo Grimm has been a part of WCC for about a year in our programming/worship department. However, his background has been in Student Ministries, and he has missed working with kids. So.... the job transition will be official on July 21st.... Scott will be the Communications Manager, and Mo will be the new Director of Student Ministries. I love how God orchestrated the entire process.

Please pray for us during this time.... that things would go smoothly and above all else, that God would be honored. It's going to be an interesting time for us as a couple.... we've NEVER known each other without student ministry! (Scott was a youth pastor when we got married; then, we served at a Student Ministries camp, and then, WCC.....) Also, if you think of it... please pray for me as I need wisdom about my future with student ministry. I have served as a high school small group leader for the past two years and am leaning towards continuing; there is just a lot involved with that decision, and I certainly want to do what God wants me to do.... I don't want it to be my decision; I want it to be HIS!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my grandmas, and to all of my wonderful blog readers who enjoy the title of, "Mom, Mommy, Momma, Grandma, Granny, Grammy, and Nana."

I'm so thankful to be among the amazing women of the world who ALL turn when they hear the word, "MOM!" in the middle of the grocery store! As I sat in church this morning and Mother's Day was mentioned, I felt so grateful to have the privilege of being a mommy. On some days, of course, I feel like I am just in survival mode.... but sometimes, we have some good reminders. Mother's Day is one of those days, I believe. How awesome to have a day to celebrate US!!! It was sweet to wake up to cards and kisses this morning....

Also, last night, I had another cool reminder.... Scott and I were able to enjoy a date night thanks to my sister, Deb (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!) It was wonderful.... we actually went to dinner and then to the "Tree of Life" bookstore to browse. I came across a wonderful little gift book called, "The Miracle Within" and was able to enjoy some great quotes. Here's one that was such a good reminder to me:

"It will be gone before you know it. The fingerprints on the wall appear higher and higher. Then suddenly they disappear." (Dorothy Evslin)

I know, it's not that profound.... but what a good reminder for me on the days when I'm wishing the preschool days away out of my own selfishness (and fatigue!) Today, may I just treasure the miracle of being a mommy!

* Also, I would be remiss to not mention.... my heart goes out to the women who are hurting today, too.... because they've either lost their own mom or because they are longing to be a mom, and God's timing doesn't seem to be measuring up (if you are in the latter group and are reading this, know that I can honestly say that I do understand that feeling and am specifically praying for you today). Know that you DO matter.... and you ARE making a difference in this world! Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart." God IS faithful.... whether or not He answers according to our plan or not. I am living proof of God's faithfulness in one person's life.... and He DOES follow thru on His promises. This verse has been so true in my own life.... I HAVE found Him as I have sought Him out, during the great times and the not so great times as well. May YOU see His faithfulness in your life today as well! Love you!

Thankful Thursday....

Today, I am thankful....

1) For Isaac's little, blue bath seat! We have started a new routine at our house.... I try to get a shower in the morning before the boys are up or before Scott leaves for work. Then, I pop both the boys in the tub together and am able to do my makeup and hair in the bathroom while they bathe. It is working out great.... I love it, and they LOVE it!
2) For fun surprises. Scott and I spontaneously met for lunch and ice cream today. It was great to see him, and of course, the boys loved it, too!!!
3) For my friend, Katie. She is always so good at being intentional about scheduling times to get together! We met at the library this morning, and it was great to see her.... and I'm also thankful for her because she is always SO helpful with my kids, too! I'm not thankful for the fact that she is moving to Fort Wayne in a few weeks though! :(
4) For Snapfish. I bought a huge bundle of pictures awhile back for 9 cents a print. It's so nice to go online and print pictures, and they are already paid for! I think that their quality is great, too (I love that they will do matte finish!)
5) For the opportunity to provide counseling at our church. My "job" is really a perfect fit for me.... it's SO awesome that I can do as little or as much as I like, and all of my co-workers are amazing, too. Such a HUGE blessing! I even have three sessions tonight!

Wordless Wednesday...

Spic and Span!

YAHOO!!! My friend, Tina, sent me this wonderful article from the BabyCenter website. What great news for the not-so-perfectly-tidy mommies out there (like me!) Enjoy reading this bit of encouragement!

A little dirt does a baby good, study finds

TUESDAY, May 2 (HealthDay News) — A bit of a dust and dirt in the house may be a good thing for your children, suggests a University of Cincinnati study in the May issue of the journal Allergy.The study of 574 infants considered to be at high risk for future allergies concluded that early exposure to indoor microbes may help children develop stronger immune systems and reduce their risk of developing allergies, The Ottawa Citizen reported.Children exposed to high levels of "fungal glucans" and "bacterial endotoxins" were about three times less likely to wheeze than those in more sanitized settings."If you keep your house too clean, you don't provide the microbial components to stimulate the immune system," said study lead author Yulia Iossifova.She noted that this kind of immune system boost only occurs early in life, The Citizen reported."Whether you'll be susceptible to allergies later in life depends on immune development during pregnancy and then in the first three to four years of life," Iossifova said. "If people haven't been exposed to microbial components as little children, being exposed to them as adults makes them develop allergies very easily." -- HealthDay News

Whew.... what a relief to know that I'm providing PLENTY of "indoor microbes" for my boys' immune systems! :)

Check this out....

Okay, you simply MUST check out the pictures at the "Blue Candy" blog! This comes straight from a professional photographer (I think she's in Indy?!) and outside of the photos that Leslie Wildman took for us of our boys when Isaac was 1-month old, these are the best kiddo pictures that I've ever seen, I think! Enjoy!!!

Walking By Faith

Last week, I received my latest, "Today's Christian Woman" magazine in the mail. I love the encouragement that I always receive from this magazine, and this edition was no exception. One of my favorite articles was an interview with Jennifer Rothschild. She has quite a story as she started to go blind at the age of 15, and now, in her mid-40s is completely blind. I read this article and heard her interviewed on WBCL the next day, and I was SO touched by her candid discussion about pain and suffering.

I have continued to think about the discussion for the last week, so I thought I would share a little of it with you. The issue of suffering is never one that has easy answers, whether I am struggling in my own life or walking alongside of someone else who is hurting. However, Jennifer passed along a quote that I think adds some crucial perspective on the matter. She quotes Joni Eareckson Tada:

"Sometimes God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves."

Whew.... did ya get that?!! "Sometimes God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves." As I think about my own life, I would never, never, never want to relive some of the times of suffering. However, am I thankful that my life looks a little more Christlike because God helped me to persevere through those times? Definitely.... and truly, I wouldn't want to give up that growth for anything either. I know that God loves that growth in me, too. May God give us His perspective.... even in the not-so-fun times.

I love this passage from Paul in 2 Corinthians 1 and really enjoyed reading it in The Message today:

"We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally-- not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And HE did it...."

To my precious blog reader: I don't know if you're in the midst of glorious, joyful times, or if you are walking in the midst of pain and shattered dreams. If you are in the midst of a time full of struggle, know that God is right there with you, and He has not forgotten you. As Psalm 91 promises, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge..."

Sending a hug to you today!

"Tagged"!

Okay, I'm new to this part of blogging, but I thought it might be fun! So, my friend, Liza (who now lives in Iowa) "tagged" me at my blog, and here is the explanation that she gave:

"Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!"

So, here goes nothing....

1- I have lived in 6 places in my life…. 1 year on Glad Street in Warsaw, 17 years on State Road 25 in Mentone, 3 years on Second West Olson at Taylor University, 1 year in Briarwood Appt. in Upland, 3 ½ years at Camp Adventure, and 5 ½ years on Evergreen Drive!

2- I met Scott at Camp Adventure during the summer of 1994, and he proposed to me there during the summer of 1996 (right by the rock where we were standing when we first met!)

3- When I was in elementary school, I really wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up, and my parents even considered letting me go to “Space Camp” in Alabama (no…. I didn’t go, and no, I’m not an astronaut!)

4- In 1994, I graduated from Tippecanoe Valley High School. In 1998, I graduated from Taylor University with my BA in Christian Education/minor in psychology/specializing in Youth Ministry. In 2002, I graduated with my MA in Counseling from Grace College!

5- When I was little, one of my favorite things to do was to play with baby kittens in the “big barn” with my sisters. We had a hog farm with lots and lots of pigs until my parents decided to sell all of them when I was in early elementary school. On a side note, as an adult, I’m now a “dog person” and NOT a “cat person.” Quite funny. Most cats are now a bit too arrogant for my liking!

6- When I was in 5th grade, I was one of the tallest students in my class at 5’2”. Well, I haven’t grown since!!!

7- My least favorite household chore in mopping.

Now, it's your turn.... I'm tagging:

Lisa
Melanie
Jessica
Cathy
Christi
Krista
Anne

A good reminder...

I'm up "early" this morning.... in our house, that translates to: earlier than any of my boys and the house is quiet! I came downstairs to check the weather (Scott is performing the wedding ceremony for a very good friend this afternoon, and it's an outdoor wedding at Epworth Forest.... for those of you who are checking this from seasons of our past.... Shane Hartman is getting married today!!!) Anyway, as I was saying.... as it so often goes, I got sidetracked on the computer and ended up reading a great, online newsletter from Hearts at Home. Here is a blip from the reminder that I received this morning:

"Of course, there is nothing wrong with remembering the fun stages and dreaming about future stages. That's not the point. The point is that no matter what age, stage or season our children are currently in, we need to remember they will not be that way forever. They will change. They will learn. They will grow up. The point is not to spend so much of our time and energy in the present wishing for the past or longing for the future that we miss the season we are in. Cherish the times now that you have with your children. Find the fun in this season. Carpe diem. Seize the day, this day. Because this day, this stage with this particular child, will never come again." (Becky Wiese)

Today, my plan is to soak in the moments with Aaron and Isaac, to embrace the fact that this stage will not come again and be grateful for the present.

Blessings to you this weekend! Have a great day! Carpe diem!!!

The ZOO!

We love the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo! We're thrilled to have a family pass again this year so that we can go as often as we like! On Wednesday, we spent the day there with Krista, Seth, and Kate Layman. We had a great time.... the boys had a great time running.... the babies had a great time riding.... and the mommies had a great time chatting (outside of disciplining the boys for running beyond where we could see them! Boys, boys, boys....)

Thankful Thursday (a little late...)

Today, I am thankful...

1) For my friend, Krista Layman. We hadn't seen each other for over a year and were able to go to the park and McD's together on Wednesday (with our 4 little ones, of course!) I appreciate Krista's sweet spirit and her heart for God, even during hard times. AND.... I am also thankful that she has started a blog!
2) That Scott and I are finally getting over our mutual cold and cough! It felt SO good to wake up this morning and realize that we are finally getting better! Thank you, Lord, for our working immune systems!
3) For Aaron's adventurous spirit. I must confess.... sometimes, I have to REMIND MYSELF to be thankful for this one.... but when it gets down to it, I truly am. God has wired him in such a unique and wonderful way.... and I am grateful. His latest adventure: riding a self-created RAMP in the driveway on his bike! Scary for mommy, but BIG THRILLS for him!
4) For two walks and a bike ride with all of my precious boys last night.... what a joy!
5) And on a lighter note.... for nutrigrain bars. Aaron loves the things, and it sure makes breakfast easier around here!

Blessings to you today! Have a wonderful weekend!

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, REJOICE!"

Happy Birthday, Isaac!

I can't believe it's already been a year.... a year FULL of blessings! One year ago, we picked the name, Isaac, for this sweet little bundle because it means "LAUGHTER".... when I think about all of the joy that Isaac Scott Greene has brought to our lives over the past year, I am certain that he has already lived up to his name! He is such a huge blessing in our lives, and Scott and I are truly grateful to have the privilege to raise this sweet child. I have already been busy crying my share of tears today.... tears of sadness that we've already leaped through the baby stage with this sweetheart (how in the world does the time go by so quickly?!).... but tears of gratitude as well, and just so thankful that God gave us this precious miracle. Happy Birthday, sweet one!