Eli: What is this song about, Mommy? (His favorite question while in the car.)
Me: Its about the shepherds talking about Jesus' birthday.
(about 30 seconds later)
Eli: Mommy, who is Chelsea Day?
Me: Whaaa? I don't know, Bubbie. Where did you hear that?
Eli: The angels are saying to the shepherds 'Chelsea Day'.
Me: No, Bubbie. Thats 'Excelsis Deo'.
Sometimes lyrics just don't translate to toddler ears. God loves the worship even if the words aren't quite right... so gloria in "Chelsea Day" to you, Lord. Be praised in our actions and words... even when the words don't quite make sense.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Box Full of Hope
(This was a post, I meant to put up weeks ago- like before collection week for Operation Christmas Child- but, here it is anyway!)
This summer, we had an opportunity to visit Samaritan's Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina while on vacation. Their office is literally about a mile from my grandparents' house so we drove past it every time we left for the day. Robbie and I had toured the offices about five years ago, but that place has expanded and we were excited to see the new projects.
They offer two tours daily and so we were very fortunate to be so close by and have it work right into our schedule.
We visited Samaritan's Purse on the final day of our vacation. While Robbie and I were excited to be there, Eli was a bit over it all and not as thrilled!
In the photos below, you can kinda get the idea of just how large this place really is. Massive is an understatement. Here, they open each box and inspect the contents. This place is hopping during the OCC season and each table (and there were at least 100) is staffed with volunteers. Its a well-oiled machine.
I wish I could be here for packing even though I probably be a total emotional mess. Seeing people work together for a greater good + Christmas music + stories of how families are changed through receiving a simple box of gifts + being a part of it = Nicole having an emotional meltdown.
This is an amazing ministry. Operation Christmas Child is just one of the ministries of Samaritan's Purse. The entire organization is dedicated to giving aid to hurting people in the US and around the world and bringing hope through the name of Jesus.
One little box filled with $15 dollars worth of stuff and the story of Jesus can be life-changing to families. One little box filled with hope. Its not much, but it may be all it takes.
Its one of my favorite ministries. Its where our donations go each year. Heck, it would be where Robbie worked if they had an opening and we had a connection. (Anyone at Samaritan's Purse reading this?)
This summer, we had an opportunity to visit Samaritan's Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina while on vacation. Their office is literally about a mile from my grandparents' house so we drove past it every time we left for the day. Robbie and I had toured the offices about five years ago, but that place has expanded and we were excited to see the new projects.
They offer two tours daily and so we were very fortunate to be so close by and have it work right into our schedule.
The photo above is actually just one of the three offices they have at this location. They are a little constricted on space because of their proximity to neighborhoods, mountains and creeks, so they have three buildings: one office/administrative, one just for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and one that houses more offices, a cafeteria and meeting rooms. The offices are nicely decorated and modern, but take my word for it... the majority of the money they receive through donations is most definitely used for their ministries.
After a brief tour of the main offices, a short welcome video from Franklin Graham and a bag of OCC goodies and some books (they are extremely hospitable), we headed over to the Operation Christmas Child warehouse. It is a relatively new building and is used solely for OCC storage, staging and packing. Even though OCC boxes are collected around Christmas, they really do OCC stuff all year. It takes months for the boxes to get shipped sometimes. They are also receiving donations throughout the year. Operation Christmas Child is certainly not limited to Christmas!
The lobby (above) of the OCC warehouse has displays of many photos of their mission projects. Its amazing to see all the ways that OCC boxes get to the kids: helicopter, motorcycle, donkey, cargo planes and small fishing boats. They are taking the Gospel to the world via every mode of transportation!
I wish I could be here for packing even though I probably be a total emotional mess. Seeing people work together for a greater good + Christmas music + stories of how families are changed through receiving a simple box of gifts + being a part of it = Nicole having an emotional meltdown.
When the boxes are packed, they are loaded onto the semis to head to the airports for locations around the world. Most boxes will not even be delivered until many months later due to transportation needs (some areas are not easy to get to) and customs delays.
One little box filled with $15 dollars worth of stuff and the story of Jesus can be life-changing to families. One little box filled with hope. Its not much, but it may be all it takes.
Its one of my favorite ministries. Its where our donations go each year. Heck, it would be where Robbie worked if they had an opening and we had a connection. (Anyone at Samaritan's Purse reading this?)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Shadow Proves the Sunshine
On our way home from running errands and having a fun lunch with some friends, Eli noticed the sky and began asking questions.
- Eli: Look, Mommy. There are grey clouds. Is it going to rain?
- Me: Maybe, Bubbie. (Yes... he has the nickname of a little Jewish Grandmother. It was an evolution from "Buddy".) But, it may not. It may just be cloudy.
- Eli: Jesus made the blue sky. But where did the blue sky go, Mommy? Its gone.
- Me: No, its not gone. Its still there. Sometimes clouds come and cover the blue sky, but its right there behind the clouds. It'll show again.
And then, just like that, God did something. He took a preschool conversation and reminded me that even in these very cloudy and rainy days of our life that He did not remove his love, his grace and his blessings. He is still there. Yes, the clouds are thick and sometimes I wonder when the sun will shine again and show the blue sky, but God is there in the midst.
My spirit needed to hear that today. Thank you, Lord.
"The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" by Switchfoot
Sunshine, won't you be my mother Sunshine, come and help me sing My heart is darker than these oceans My heart is frozen underneath We are crooked souls trying to stay up straight, Dry eyes in the pouring rain The shadow proves the sunshine The shadow proves the sunshine Two scared little runaways Hold fast to the break of day light were The shadow proves the sunshine Oh Lord, why did you forsake me? Oh Lord, don't be far away away Storm clouds gathering beside me Please Lord, don't look the other way Crooked souls trying to stay up straight Dry eyes in the pouring rain The shadow proves the sunshine The shadow proves the sunshine Shine on me, Let my shadows prove the sunshine |
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Deck the Halls
My goal was to have the house decorated for Christmas by Thanksgiving. Well, that did not happen because of Daisy's passing on Monday and other life just happening throughout the week.
Robbie did manage to put up our modest string of lights on the outside of the house on Friday afternoon. At least, we figured, the neighbors would think we had our act together! However, the interior did get done, despite my retched head and chest cold, by Sunday night. We I don't do too much mainly because I have a small house, but with a three year old running around, it takes a while.
Now- let the Christmas music play 24/7!
Last year, I bought a new tree. I purposely bought one that wasn't pre-lit. I'd had some issues with my previous pre-lit tree loosing entire rows of lights. Even with adding my own, it just didn't look the same. So I opted to buy a plain ol' tree and add my own lights. I sometimes regret that choice.... especially as I complete the tree in hour one and then begin hour two by adding five strands of lights and ornaments.
We also don't have a designer tree. I grew up with a tree that was organized chaos. We had matching bows and sparkling ornaments on the tree, but after that it was anything goes. Robbie, on the other hand, grew up with a fancy tree. His mom was a florist and so she was used to design and construction (she still is). His homemade ornaments, while always appreciated and loved, didn't take front stage on his family's tree.
Not our tree. Its a beautifully organized mess. Eli's ornaments sprinkle the tree along with a collection of mismatching ornaments collected over the years.
Yes, he is rocking the Gator baseball jersey. Perhaps it will be a better season than what the football team just endured. Yikes!
We also took the time to introduce The Elf on the Shelf that night. We'd gotten it last year, but decided that he was a bit too young to understand it. On Saturday afternoon, we all watched the Elf on the Shelf movie and then I presented him with his own elf.
On Sunday, we decorated our gingerbread house. I bought one that was preassembled (GENIUS!!!) from Publix and Eli had a great time decorating it. Of course, he licked every piece of candy before it went on the house.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Farewell, My Friend
Yesterday was probably one of the toughest days I've ever had. Yesterday, I had to make the choice to say goodbye to my very best friend.
My sweet dog, Daisy, had a very long and mostly healthy almost 16 years of life. She entered my world on my sweet sixteen in 1996- a milestone birthday at which some kids get their first car- and happily filled my world until November 21st, 2011. She lasted way longer and brought me much more joy than a dumb car ever could. Good call, Mom and Dad.
She was a surprise gift imported from Alabama and given to me when she was only four months old. I have some really amazing photos from that day. I'll have to dig them out of storage some day and share. She was so tiny and squirmy and I was immediately in love.
Daisy was with me through every major life event: dating Robbie, high school and college graduation (she welcomed me back with loving paws when I came home for breaks from school and that one year I lived in an apartment in Clermont after graduation), my engagement, our wedding, the passing of my father in-law, the birth of Eli and through our infertility struggle. She was always such a comfort in tough times and mostly wanted nothing but to play and cuddle. She was a lap dog.
When Robbie married me, he inherited Daisy. I even jokingly started calling her Daisy May Paterniti Harper. She was a Paterniti after-all. If I held onto my maiden name legally, than she would too. Robbie loved that dog like she was his own. She was his dog. As long as he'd known me, he'd known her. We were a package deal. He was never too thrilled that she slept right between us, but he adjusted. Sorry, hun. A 16 year old girl with a new puppy doesn't think about how that may work out when she get married.
Daisy's life changed dramatically when Eli was born since she was no longer the center of our affection. I'll admit that she was neglected a bit. After-all, newborns can cause that. Suddenly my lap was taken with a small bundle and she often tried to sit on top of Eli while I was holding him. That had been her place for 13 years!
During that time, she also developed Atypical Cushings Disease which started with her wanting to eat all the time and finally made her incredibly restless all the time and not wanting to eat or drink at all. I can't go into all the painful details, but she was fine for many years with this disease and then in the last 6 months started to decline. Finally, in the last 2 weeks and then 3 days she went down fast.
Although I knew it was a possibility, I never really thought that on Monday morning when Robbie took her to the vet that this would be the last time I'd see her. That ignorance was a blessing in disguise. It kept me from being a total wreck in front of Eli and kept the morning running somewhat smoothly. We'd had a rough night of sleep (caused by Daisy's nonstop restlessness) and that morning was Eli's Thanksgiving Day feast and performance at school. I was voluntold- ya know when you are told that you are volunteering- to set up that morning so it was a mad rush to get ready to leave.
I received a call from our vet, Dr. Stephanie Bryson, at around 10. After much discussion, a decision was made. Daisy was just too far gone to have any peace here on earth. She needed to rest and as her owner and the one who knew her every quirk, I had to make that call. Those were the toughest words I ever uttered.
We managed to distract ourselves enough to enjoy Eli's program. Robbie decided to take the rest of the day off and my mother in-law offered to watch Eli for the night. At first, I thought that I'd go to the office and say my final goodbyes, but we decided that that may cause Daisy more worry and stress. I also don't think I could have held myself together enough to make that trip and say those words. Robbie made the phone call and arrangements. *That man is amazing.*
We opted to not return home, but instead spent the evening running errands and getting dinner. My parents drove from their home (and left work early, as well) to come to our rescue. They took care of Daisy, made sure that she was honored at a small grave in our yard and tried to hide the major items in the house that would be too tough to see upon our return home that night.
I know that I would have never made it without my amazing family. My hero, Robbie, swooped in to rescue me and tend to every need. My father, who was my knight in shining armor and loved Daisy as well, tended to the gruesome details. Mom left flowers for Daisy. She knew my heart was broken.
Our amazing veterinarian, Dr. Bryson, was a true champion for Daisy. She probably spent at least four hours on the phone with me in those three years. She didn't stop the research until she pin-pointed Daisy's disease. She answered texts on the nights and weekends prior to Daisy's passing. She cried with me. She is a gifted doctor with a heart for her patients and I have peace knowing that Dr. Bryson did everything she could to keep Daisy with us. She never gave up on her... or me!
Daisy was a huge comfort and a source of much happiness. She's been my longest friendship. She loved always, but not necessarily everyone! She was a protector- all 13 pounds of her. If her job on this earth was to love unconditionally, she accomplished that. I just hope she knew how much we loved her in return.
I have so many wonderful memories that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.
Farewell, my friend. Thank you. You were the best birthday gift ever.
My sweet dog, Daisy, had a very long and mostly healthy almost 16 years of life. She entered my world on my sweet sixteen in 1996- a milestone birthday at which some kids get their first car- and happily filled my world until November 21st, 2011. She lasted way longer and brought me much more joy than a dumb car ever could. Good call, Mom and Dad.
Daisy was with me through every major life event: dating Robbie, high school and college graduation (she welcomed me back with loving paws when I came home for breaks from school and that one year I lived in an apartment in Clermont after graduation), my engagement, our wedding, the passing of my father in-law, the birth of Eli and through our infertility struggle. She was always such a comfort in tough times and mostly wanted nothing but to play and cuddle. She was a lap dog.
When Robbie married me, he inherited Daisy. I even jokingly started calling her Daisy May Paterniti Harper. She was a Paterniti after-all. If I held onto my maiden name legally, than she would too. Robbie loved that dog like she was his own. She was his dog. As long as he'd known me, he'd known her. We were a package deal. He was never too thrilled that she slept right between us, but he adjusted. Sorry, hun. A 16 year old girl with a new puppy doesn't think about how that may work out when she get married.
Daisy's life changed dramatically when Eli was born since she was no longer the center of our affection. I'll admit that she was neglected a bit. After-all, newborns can cause that. Suddenly my lap was taken with a small bundle and she often tried to sit on top of Eli while I was holding him. That had been her place for 13 years!
 |
| Eli loved Daisy. He called her "Nay Nay" for the longest time. |
During that time, she also developed Atypical Cushings Disease which started with her wanting to eat all the time and finally made her incredibly restless all the time and not wanting to eat or drink at all. I can't go into all the painful details, but she was fine for many years with this disease and then in the last 6 months started to decline. Finally, in the last 2 weeks and then 3 days she went down fast.
Although I knew it was a possibility, I never really thought that on Monday morning when Robbie took her to the vet that this would be the last time I'd see her. That ignorance was a blessing in disguise. It kept me from being a total wreck in front of Eli and kept the morning running somewhat smoothly. We'd had a rough night of sleep (caused by Daisy's nonstop restlessness) and that morning was Eli's Thanksgiving Day feast and performance at school. I was voluntold- ya know when you are told that you are volunteering- to set up that morning so it was a mad rush to get ready to leave.
I received a call from our vet, Dr. Stephanie Bryson, at around 10. After much discussion, a decision was made. Daisy was just too far gone to have any peace here on earth. She needed to rest and as her owner and the one who knew her every quirk, I had to make that call. Those were the toughest words I ever uttered.
We managed to distract ourselves enough to enjoy Eli's program. Robbie decided to take the rest of the day off and my mother in-law offered to watch Eli for the night. At first, I thought that I'd go to the office and say my final goodbyes, but we decided that that may cause Daisy more worry and stress. I also don't think I could have held myself together enough to make that trip and say those words. Robbie made the phone call and arrangements. *That man is amazing.*
We opted to not return home, but instead spent the evening running errands and getting dinner. My parents drove from their home (and left work early, as well) to come to our rescue. They took care of Daisy, made sure that she was honored at a small grave in our yard and tried to hide the major items in the house that would be too tough to see upon our return home that night.
I know that I would have never made it without my amazing family. My hero, Robbie, swooped in to rescue me and tend to every need. My father, who was my knight in shining armor and loved Daisy as well, tended to the gruesome details. Mom left flowers for Daisy. She knew my heart was broken.
Our amazing veterinarian, Dr. Bryson, was a true champion for Daisy. She probably spent at least four hours on the phone with me in those three years. She didn't stop the research until she pin-pointed Daisy's disease. She answered texts on the nights and weekends prior to Daisy's passing. She cried with me. She is a gifted doctor with a heart for her patients and I have peace knowing that Dr. Bryson did everything she could to keep Daisy with us. She never gave up on her... or me!
Daisy was a huge comfort and a source of much happiness. She's been my longest friendship. She loved always, but not necessarily everyone! She was a protector- all 13 pounds of her. If her job on this earth was to love unconditionally, she accomplished that. I just hope she knew how much we loved her in return.
I have so many wonderful memories that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.
Friday, November 18, 2011
First Steps in a New Journey
Yesterday, Robbie and I took our first steps of a new, scary, worrisome, painful and trying journey. Our prayer is that all the time, money, heartache, hurt and sacrifice produce the life we desire. It'll all be worth it in the end.
Today, after 19 months of questions, tears, appointments, medicines, more medicines, ultrasounds, more appointments and intense discussions, we've finally come to the decision to try In-vitro Fertilization.
We tried for nine months on our own then added Clomid for five months. Then we met with our team at the fertility clinic and with thorough monitoring and Letrozole (an oral med) we tried three rounds of IUI (inter-uterine insemination- and yes, its about as fun as it sounds). This last month, we tried all of the above and added six days of Menopur, an injectable medication. Nothing.
Today, after 19 months of questions, tears, appointments, medicines, more medicines, ultrasounds, more appointments and intense discussions, we've finally come to the decision to try In-vitro Fertilization.
We tried for nine months on our own then added Clomid for five months. Then we met with our team at the fertility clinic and with thorough monitoring and Letrozole (an oral med) we tried three rounds of IUI (inter-uterine insemination- and yes, its about as fun as it sounds). This last month, we tried all of the above and added six days of Menopur, an injectable medication. Nothing.
We knew that we needed to try something new. We couldn't keep throwing good money (a lot of it) after bad. The doctors really don't advise more than six IUIs so we could still try two more times, but my poor body is just not cooperating. After meeting with our doctor Thursday, we've decided that IVF will be our path.
So with much prayer and discussion, we step out on a new journey in 2012. Who knows? Perhaps this will be the beginning of the yearning for change that's been stirring in our souls for over a year.
Good times await...
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Nicest People of All
Wednesday, I was hanging out in McDonald's (with my very, un-southern, un-sweet tea) killing some time before lunch with a friend.
They just came in and without being overbearing, made their presence known through friendliness.
I figured that the kind man was chatting me up to make a personal contact so he could give me his materials.
He asked me if he could have it back. I obliged, although it caught me off guard. I understand, the economy is tough on everyone. I guess you save paper and printing where you can, although I've never had a Jehovah's Witness ask for the materials back. They've never seemed to care during the years that they've left them shoved in my front door... but I digress.
He noticed me packing my bag during our conversation and getting ready to head out. I tried to assure him that I was on my way to a meeting and not blowing him off, but he quickly got up, excused himself and headed back to his table.
I'd have talked all day, friend. You were a nice man.
The place was as dark as a cave since, apparently, all McDonald's are being remodeled. Windows were boarded up- spray painted with the words "We are open and seats cordoned off to keep guests away from the construction. Honestly, it looked like they were prepping for a hurricane. It was a bit dreary... and crowded. People were meandering about looking for a seat. My concentration was cyberspace thanks to my dear buddy, Mac, and the free wi-fi when suddenly the nicest, senior adult man walked by me and casually asked about my computer.
"Is that a Mac book?"
"Uh, yes. It is. Love it."
He asked me a few more questions about the difference between the computers and about the iPads. It was casual and friendly. I'm not too afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger, so this exchange didn't catch me off guard at all.
He headed back to his table where his wife (I assume) and another couple were sitting with their meal.
And then it hit me... I'll bet anything that these folks were probably Jehovah's Witnesses out after a morning of door to door witnessing.
They just came in and without being overbearing, made their presence known through friendliness.
I figured that the kind man was chatting me up to make a personal contact so he could give me his materials.
Well... until that happened (assuming it would) I decided to return to the mindless reading of People.com (classy, I know!)
About 15 minutes later, the man slipped back into the chair across from me, magazine in hand.
Bingo.
"I wanted to give you this magazine. (opening up the Watchtower and thumbing through it.) It has some great articles about family in it, since you mentioned that you had a son. There is also an article in it about respect in marriages, which I bet your husband would enjoy."
"Uh... thanks. Nah. The respect is not an issue in our house. We've got a great relationship."
"Great! Can I give you this?"
"Okay, but I'm probably not going to read it. (as I take it and set it to the side) I'm a Christian. I'm all set. Thanks."
"Great! Can I give you this?"
"Okay, but I'm probably not going to read it. (as I take it and set it to the side) I'm a Christian. I'm all set. Thanks."
He asked me if he could have it back. I obliged, although it caught me off guard. I understand, the economy is tough on everyone. I guess you save paper and printing where you can, although I've never had a Jehovah's Witness ask for the materials back. They've never seemed to care during the years that they've left them shoved in my front door... but I digress.
I suppose a lot of people use the "I'm a Christian" tactic with them so he wasn't buying my reasons for not listening. I guess that's why he tried to engage me again.
We spoke a while more about God, heaven, earth and our place in it and eternity. It was a pleasant conversation although neither of us were buying what the other was selling.
He noticed me packing my bag during our conversation and getting ready to head out. I tried to assure him that I was on my way to a meeting and not blowing him off, but he quickly got up, excused himself and headed back to his table.
I'd have talked all day, friend. You were a nice man.
As I got back into my car to head to lunch, I thought about a few things.
First, why do I seem to attract Jehovah's Witnesses? I always seem to run into them. I worked for one. I was partnered with one. I've answered the door to them countless times. I've run into them while out running. I must have a "look". Do I look like a lost soul?
First, why do I seem to attract Jehovah's Witnesses? I always seem to run into them. I worked for one. I was partnered with one. I've answered the door to them countless times. I've run into them while out running. I must have a "look". Do I look like a lost soul?
Second, and more importantly, why is it that I can always I.D. them so quickly?
That one I can answer easier.
Its kinda obvious and they have a M.O. My group was dressed in their Sunday best. That doesn't usually happen in our town, in the morning, mid-week. Two, they were in pairs. That's how Jehovah's Witnesses roll when going door to door. Finally, and the biggest tell, they were super- friendly. I had already noticed that the ladies, who sat down while the men ordered, were chatting with the people around them. Nothing about religion... just the remodeling at the McDonald's, how cute someones kid was, etc.
They are some of the nicest people on earth. Friendly, convicted by their religion to witness but not generally not overly pushy, easy to talk to and genuinely interested in people. I think they have some errors in their beliefs, but they truly believe them and want others to as well. Other than the teams and nice clothing during seemingly random occasions, they're friendliness is a huge give away.
That convicted me.
Shouldn't people see me walk into a store, restaurant or through the mall and say "Hey. Look at that lady. She must be a Christian." They'd be able to tell just by my demeanor... even without saying a word. When I did speak (which for me would be about a millisecond after entering a room), the people around me should know that I am a Christian by the kind, nurturing and uplifting words that come out of my mouth.
Jesus said "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:35 NLT).
Does my love shine to others to show that God lives in and through me?
Friendliness shouldn't be reserved for Jehovah's Witnesses and proselytizing. Christ lives in me. That should be reason enough to sing His praises in every word. That should show through my actions and words. Those actions should speak volumes about my life and beliefs and make others curious about the change in me.
So... thank you, Mr. JW. Although you didn't convince me to adopt your beliefs, God did work through you to teach me.
That one I can answer easier.
Its kinda obvious and they have a M.O. My group was dressed in their Sunday best. That doesn't usually happen in our town, in the morning, mid-week. Two, they were in pairs. That's how Jehovah's Witnesses roll when going door to door. Finally, and the biggest tell, they were super- friendly. I had already noticed that the ladies, who sat down while the men ordered, were chatting with the people around them. Nothing about religion... just the remodeling at the McDonald's, how cute someones kid was, etc.
They are some of the nicest people on earth. Friendly, convicted by their religion to witness but not generally not overly pushy, easy to talk to and genuinely interested in people. I think they have some errors in their beliefs, but they truly believe them and want others to as well. Other than the teams and nice clothing during seemingly random occasions, they're friendliness is a huge give away.
That convicted me.
Shouldn't people see me walk into a store, restaurant or through the mall and say "Hey. Look at that lady. She must be a Christian." They'd be able to tell just by my demeanor... even without saying a word. When I did speak (which for me would be about a millisecond after entering a room), the people around me should know that I am a Christian by the kind, nurturing and uplifting words that come out of my mouth.
Jesus said "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:35 NLT).
Does my love shine to others to show that God lives in and through me?
Friendliness shouldn't be reserved for Jehovah's Witnesses and proselytizing. Christ lives in me. That should be reason enough to sing His praises in every word. That should show through my actions and words. Those actions should speak volumes about my life and beliefs and make others curious about the change in me.
So... thank you, Mr. JW. Although you didn't convince me to adopt your beliefs, God did work through you to teach me.
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