Sitting here next to the window, I'm watching at one end of the table Michael fillet his first deer kill and at the other end, Melody using Madalynn's new Easy Bake Oven. She never got one and is more than happy to assist Madalynn in making "goodies" (although she's spent most of the time scooting her out of the way ;) Mike is sitting on the exercise ball downstairs playing Wii Football with Macklynn. Miranda is on her way home from work and Megan has been back in Georgia since the wee hours of Monday morning. Mom, Dad, and Maggie left for home before noon today. Now, I'm trying to make the transition, which I never do well, from full throttle to idle. I don't even want to fool with decoration removal. I don't want to go in another store. (Besides, we have or have had 1 of almost everything.) I don't want to wear make-up for a few days. I want to keep on the new Hound's Tooth robe the kids gave me and eat peanut M & Ms out of the pocket. (We always accumulate M & Ms as gifts; imagine that! ;)
I can't claim that I've had anything but fun over the last week. We've watched some good movies, had good food and lots of laughs. Mike, Michael, and McKala have been hunting 4 times on a friend's 300+ acres and as they were out again yesterday, Mom and I sat in the rocking chairs on the front porch shooting the breeze, while the towels blew in it and the little people played in it. I can't claim exhaustion because I get a lot of help. However, my mind needs to rest.
Last week I wrote a story as a status that didn't do it justice. Mike came out of the International dealer's shop talking with a kind of short, gray haired black man. They finally walked over to my window to show me the gash under his " 'boggin". He recounted the morning that he asked a 19 year old at the shelter, where he volunteers 4 nights a week in the winter months, to straighten his bed. Instead of making his bed, he unscrewed the handle off the plunger and beat him with it. When the gray haired man said he didn't want the elders of the church to know for fear of the program's demise, I started searching for his name behind whatever was in his shirt pocket ...Joe, a man who had been homeless himself for a while and was taken in there ...and the best I can tell, reformed. Of course, the church authorites had to find out because he required plenty of stitches. When he said they told him they would pray for him, but he demanded they pray for the young man who'd had no guidance, I knew by the look in his eyes that he meant it. I had my sunglasses on, so it was easy to cry and I did so much so that my neck was wet.
The next day Mike took me with him to get a Sam's membership. I wore the 10 pound raccoon fur coat he gave me for my 40th birthday. It was far too hot for it, but we made a pair - him and his PETA (People for the Eating of Tasty Animals) T-Shirt on. We got some good deals, but most importantly Mike put his personal touch on gift giving for the children. I had limited presents to stockings, but he wasn't here for any input on them. He gave serious thought to each child's likings and was frugal in doing so! That night Megan arrived and after the rounds of hugs, she came downstairs with her wrapping paper and gifts. I'm not sure if she went overboard because she thought I went underboard, but she not only bought the new Wii Just Dance for all, but also something special for each one. It began when she called me a month ago after she had an idea. It came to her that since McKala had lost 3 of her 4 calves that she wouldn't have the money she planned for to purchase things she needed for working at the summerlong camp this year. It sounds over the top, but the pair of sandals she needed for support and to avoid blisters are $100 Chacos. Megan got them for her. It far exceeded what she intended to spend, but she did what she thought was right. It makes me smile now thinking about it. Anyway, we wrapped together until almost 4 am. Times like those can't be planned.
Christmas Eve we ate for the first time all together at our new table and chairs. Christmas morning there was an abundance of presents just because of sheer numbers and the fact that the kids had drawn names and gave ultra consideration to getting the most bang for the buck. I was really impressed with the personalization. If anything is fun about shopping, it's coming up on a gift that you're sure the other person will endear. The kids, even ...or maybe especially the boys, have learned this art.
We were having such a big time with gifts and stories about finding them that we forgot the time and missed the opportunity to ready for church. We haven't been all together to church in forever, so I felt pretty bad about that. Instead, we made hot chocolate and put in "The Help", another thing Megan bought us. We thoroughly enjoyed all of it. Miranda made a big pot of our Cajon Summer Sausage and Beans. Upon finishing, we remembered that I'd told Mrs. Redmond, the 93 year old lady my pig likes to visit, that we'd come for a visit. We threw on presentable clothes and it's a good thing because much of her family was still there including her grandson, who as we found out later is a 30 year old single lawyer. The girls lined up, when we walked up on him standing with his grandmother,like a scene from "Pride and Prejudice". I couldn't control the grin that crept up, so I turned my head.
He came downstairs once more to bid her goodbye, asked names again, and told us his sister upstairs knew us. Turns out she was the head lifeguard at the pool where we spent our summers in the mountains. (She'd been so kind to McKala that McKala had bought her a gift.) Too, she's a coordinator for Operation Christmas Child's Shoebox Ministry, where the kids had been called back to work 3 days prior. The chances that we'd be standing in her grandmother's house together seem pretty slim. :)
I can't remember much of Monday, but Tuesday Mom, Dad, and my 4 year old niece, Maggie got here. I was concerned about the visit since my brother's choices have a become a sore spot between us. Mom and Dad persevered and were entirely pleasant, despite the contentious conversations we had on Monday. Oh yeah! That's what I did most of Monday.
They gave me a Sonic toothbrush, something the Periodontist said is mandatory. And that's what I told Mike while we were at Sam's and he abruptly told me I didn't need one. We nearly got in an argument over it ...but all is forgiven now. Night before last, I put toothpaste on to use it for the first time. I turned it on and it slung toothpaste all over the place, in my hair, on the floor. I was already giggling at how stupid I was, when I put it on the back of my teeth and laughed out loud. If you have one, you'll know what I mean. If you don't, you should get one. If you recall how as a child how it tickled to have the roof of your mouth brushed, you'll appreciate the feeling.
While they were here, Dad read the blog I wrote about him. I wasn't sure he approved. He said it was weird reading a story about himself, but that it was fair. The thing that he pulled out of it all is that, "I like him." That was all the approval I needed. They've gone back home today. They left the smoked turkey he cooked and brought, the can of coffee she always leaves, and new memories of hunting, cooking, and playing together. I'm just gonna ponder on all that for a time, while my engine cools off and I return to plain ole Michelle. I hope you have the time to do the same; pondering on being "Michelle" is pretty awesome right now ;) ...lol.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Love It or Hate It, Here I Am
It's awful for you guys when I have a span of silence and decide to write it all in one sitting. I recently posted on Facebook that "I'm bad". It set alarms off in people who care for me AND ones who don't think I should utter such things when I consider myself to be "a new creation". My perspective was that I had lay in bed that morning almost afraid to move because of all I had to "be" that day. I don't want to cause people doubt by my honesty. I want them to know that we are all tempted by the same things. Because I am a "believer" does not put me in a realm of unattainable status of living. Anyone can have it by receiving God's grace and can probably pull off "living" better than I do. Because I'm a stay at home mom and teacher of 7 children does not classify me as a guru of piety or virtue.
An example of my shortcomings is the blog I started last week (on paper but never transferred to the computer): "I'm standing in the window in an oversized shirt with mismatched pants, with one leg still unshaven, rough feet with aging polish on my nails, hair hanging lifelessly, and blemished skin. Out of place things are sprinkled all over the yard. Ordinarily, I'd fuss at the kids and send them out ...but 'the outdoors' is calling ME with its odd warm weather of December. I love winter - fancy gloves, fuzzy boots, flaming fires, and flannel sheets. With all the cover, it's easy to forget how my body is losing tone and kemptness."
I've gone back and forth as to the benefit of writing about my journey to physical health. To those who are fit, I must seem like an epic fail. To those who are in my shoes, I don't want to offer excuse, only recognition of the facts. I'd decided at some point to just be quiet until I made some progress. I'm learning that stability IS progress. Anytime we deviate from God's script, there is realistically a time to plateau/remain steadfast before a slow return to normal. After all I've learned, it's tempting to rely on natural remedies like coconut oil, cayenne pepper, and cider vinegar. While I'll continue incorporating these into daily recipes, I don't want to go the "magic ingredient route" and for one reason only. (I also refuse to remove the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil"/tempting food. Removing it means not dealing with it.) When I accomplish this (well overdue) task, I want to share that it was by discipline and the reliance of every meal, including the size of it, on my Father.
The dessert buffet Friday night did not lure me, proving that I'm not "thick" because I love junk. I could've filled my plate over and over with good old-fashioned food. Sugar is not a draw for me and I didn't refill my plate. That's why this morning I was surprised when I got on the scales to see an extra pound. I give and take at least 3 pounds for water retention, but this was above and beyond. Man, this "losing" thing is gonna be harder than I anticipated. The great thing is that "food" no longer "speaks" to me when I'm upset. So, this year has not been for null. Something has been changed ...my mind.
Now, to change the "minds" of the children. The reason I said in that "status" that I am "struggling with the same things" as I was this time last year is because I AM. I was admitting that it's ridiculous that I mire around in things that have already been conquered for me through the sacrifice of Christ. Some will default to the "Nobody's Perfect" stance, but I just can't resolve myself to that. Faith is about growing and becoming less self consumed. The more we stay bogged down - the more self absorbed we are and rendered USELESS to a desperate society. The adversary glories in our confusion and luke warmness. He glories in the TIME we waste and the RESOURCES we squander.
While I'm "at it", I'll squeeze in the "talking points" of another line of thoughts I've had since the "Halloween Has Its Last Hoorah". These "revolutionary" ideas are hardly mine to start with and they aren't even "new" to me. This almost quarter of century I've been married and parenting has brought to me plenty of conviction. I may have been at home, in the woods, and quiet ...but I was everlearning from the Creator himself and the people who have dared to be "different" by detailing their own convictions so that others didn't have to "go it alone".
You ask where in the Bible does it say NOT to observe this and that? I answer that I've been "dealt with" over the years and was "shown" that there are no "good" witches, so one of the earliest things I did was rid our home of entertainment that portrayed wizardry as anything but blasphemy. That means the "Wizard of Oz" did not survive but "Snow White" did. It also means that "horror" movies (which I never appreciated to begin with) get no favor. Not only should fear be reserved to God, but somewhere in the world at some point in time, the "horror" has played out, most likely to a child, and I can not and will not glorify it by spending into the industry.
"Luck", I just don't believe in it; St. Patrick's Day is drummed up these days for drunkenness anyway, so, no, I don't observe it. I've already stated my distain for the The Easter Bunny and the list continues. So much of what we do is mindless tradition. We don't even know why we do it. When we find out, we sugarcoat it with nonsense. If we stuck with tradition, slavery would still be in place, coliseum murder spectacles would still exist, women would be treated the way Muslims would have it, children might even still work in factories. "Tradition" in and of itself is a bogus reason for carrying on. Contradiction is prevalant, down to reading the easy versions of the Bible, yet stressing in school the articulation of Shakespeare's dialect. All I'm asking is that we search our hearts, and God's, for why we do what we do. So, when you tuck your sweeties into bed Christmas Eve, ask yourself if their thoughts are consumed with the miracle of a baby boy or are they barely contained by the idea of what the morning holds in gifts for the family. I don't think we're as good at letting things coexist as we claim.
Don't get me wrong. I love evergreens, I love lights, I love warmth and cinnamon floating in the air, I love songs, I love pretty paper, I LOVE snow, I love winter activities altogether. There IS a catch in that ...that we grow perilously close to worshipping the created and not the Creator, as we observe and engage the seasons.
Speaking of the seasons leads me back to my overview of the year as we enter a new one. I weigh the same and where that gets me is "not sexy". Advertising abounds for "be yourself, love yourself", but "overweight" means we've had "more than our share" and are putting a load on our frames that was never intended, so I will not resign myself to it. For those ladies and some girls (which I do not wish to be or to be called, a "girl") who would say, "He should love me anyway!" Well, he could have a comeback with not taking a shower for a week and say you should love HIM anyway. What makes the sense of sight less important than the sense of smell? You can't laugh that one away. "Fat" isn't sexy because it isn't "healthy"; it's that simple. AND I've noticed that when I lose control of my eating, I lose control of my mouth altogether. You know what I mean: grumpy and defensive ....a disobedient daughter.
I lost sight of the kids a few paragraphs back but I'm not much of a mother/leader/teacher/central commander when I'm making my own way, smothering in my own pettiness. That's the snag of sin: when we're hung up in our own, we lose perspective and confidence to lead the pack. Here the "pack" would be Harpers, who still haven't attained the personal accountability goal I've deemed paramount. Just now, I went to dress for a Christmas play and found wrapping paper strewn all over our bed. I admire the initiative that one had to wrap gifts for me, but why is it okay to leave a mess? One of them was told to pick stuff up all over the bathroom after the aquarium exchange, and it was barely touched. Things like this seem trivial; but to a mother who has to persistently remind, it rubs a sore, raw spot.
They have gained much humility. They make a rare complaint that it's eggs, peanut butter, or tuna again until I can buy groceries. They're okay with a couple pairs of jeans and shoes and a little something to wear in church settings. What do you "take away" from someone who only participates in wholesome activities? If the transgression is severe enough, of course, you don't let them go. Mike gets so frustrated that he says, "Don't take them anywhere until they get it right." In theory, he's got a point. In reality, being involved makes them who they are and will be AND punishes ones who aren't necessarily part of the problem.
The bickering and messiness is a result of what I've tolerated. In my juggling act, they get the last laugh. I am 100% convinced of the Bible's method of training and discipline. I thank the writings of Mike and Debbie Pearl for solidifying it over the years. So, not only must I make sure our teenagers are preparing for the battle of their futures, including the dull work of putting proper names to things they've had knowledge of for years, but also not overlooking the stages of our "wee" ones. It is terribly easy to get entangled in investments to the older ones, while dismissing the immediate issues of the little ones. BALANCE, Michelle, BALANCE. In times of flagrant, willful rebellion, spank the young ones so that they remember it for a long time. Work the older ones, 'til they can taste what they've done. Be ready with a smile, a sincere one, when it's all over.
For the household: Sleep matters. Mail should be sorted and put away immediately; same goes for laundry. Keeping the house and car clean, and I mean "all the way" down, has to be upheld. The Bible and exercise need their time every single day. ANYTHING is better that NOTHING. Does it sound impossible? I think not. In rhythm and harmony, it's attainable. Mike is right, that designated jobs "get in the way" of completion because a link is bound to fail somewhere. THAT is where personal accountability plays out; filling in the gaps; voluntarily replacing the missing link. We aren't there yet and their training won't ever be complete until we are.
It would be easy to look at the calendar for 2012 as a clean slate, but the squares are already dotted with a concert, The National Championship game ;), a local ski trip that was supposed to "be" Christmas, a couple of birthday celebrations, and basketball practices. There will be needs and sicknesses within the community and family, soooo I have to be "real" this year. I have to reinstate getting the basics done in spite of, and even because of, the windfall of activity. I'd call the following a resolution but that would be a disservice to the pledge of a constant, unwavering desire to warm the Spirit of God. Here it is:
I'll continue letting loose with TRUTH and holding fast to FAITH;
LOSING weight by TRUSTING my designer;
BREAKING the mold and REMAKING love in a 23 year marriage;
supporting a self employment COMEBACK from bad choices and near death;
reemphasizing the formation of kids who CAN and WILL reform America;
exploring the RICHNESS in everybody and everything I pass;
going "OLD SCHOOL" but digging past RELIGION and TRADITION to find GOD;
THANKING Him continuously, silently and from the rooftops,
for the CHRISTCHILD
who loves me, a restless mess.
If there is only one thing I've learned in my 40th year, it's that procrastination is no longer a viable option. It's do or die. God willing, I have half a year to get something phenomenol done before I'm 41. I need your agreement in prayer. Don't we all pull for a win in the corner of good versus evil? I just don't want to be the evil one. Some would say that's impossible if I'm saved. I say my will is still mine and very strong and if I don't strip my soul before the Lord, I may have an eternal home but ...I can't go on knowing I didn't return gratefulness to Him.
An example of my shortcomings is the blog I started last week (on paper but never transferred to the computer): "I'm standing in the window in an oversized shirt with mismatched pants, with one leg still unshaven, rough feet with aging polish on my nails, hair hanging lifelessly, and blemished skin. Out of place things are sprinkled all over the yard. Ordinarily, I'd fuss at the kids and send them out ...but 'the outdoors' is calling ME with its odd warm weather of December. I love winter - fancy gloves, fuzzy boots, flaming fires, and flannel sheets. With all the cover, it's easy to forget how my body is losing tone and kemptness."
I've gone back and forth as to the benefit of writing about my journey to physical health. To those who are fit, I must seem like an epic fail. To those who are in my shoes, I don't want to offer excuse, only recognition of the facts. I'd decided at some point to just be quiet until I made some progress. I'm learning that stability IS progress. Anytime we deviate from God's script, there is realistically a time to plateau/remain steadfast before a slow return to normal. After all I've learned, it's tempting to rely on natural remedies like coconut oil, cayenne pepper, and cider vinegar. While I'll continue incorporating these into daily recipes, I don't want to go the "magic ingredient route" and for one reason only. (I also refuse to remove the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil"/tempting food. Removing it means not dealing with it.) When I accomplish this (well overdue) task, I want to share that it was by discipline and the reliance of every meal, including the size of it, on my Father.
The dessert buffet Friday night did not lure me, proving that I'm not "thick" because I love junk. I could've filled my plate over and over with good old-fashioned food. Sugar is not a draw for me and I didn't refill my plate. That's why this morning I was surprised when I got on the scales to see an extra pound. I give and take at least 3 pounds for water retention, but this was above and beyond. Man, this "losing" thing is gonna be harder than I anticipated. The great thing is that "food" no longer "speaks" to me when I'm upset. So, this year has not been for null. Something has been changed ...my mind.
Now, to change the "minds" of the children. The reason I said in that "status" that I am "struggling with the same things" as I was this time last year is because I AM. I was admitting that it's ridiculous that I mire around in things that have already been conquered for me through the sacrifice of Christ. Some will default to the "Nobody's Perfect" stance, but I just can't resolve myself to that. Faith is about growing and becoming less self consumed. The more we stay bogged down - the more self absorbed we are and rendered USELESS to a desperate society. The adversary glories in our confusion and luke warmness. He glories in the TIME we waste and the RESOURCES we squander.
While I'm "at it", I'll squeeze in the "talking points" of another line of thoughts I've had since the "Halloween Has Its Last Hoorah". These "revolutionary" ideas are hardly mine to start with and they aren't even "new" to me. This almost quarter of century I've been married and parenting has brought to me plenty of conviction. I may have been at home, in the woods, and quiet ...but I was everlearning from the Creator himself and the people who have dared to be "different" by detailing their own convictions so that others didn't have to "go it alone".
You ask where in the Bible does it say NOT to observe this and that? I answer that I've been "dealt with" over the years and was "shown" that there are no "good" witches, so one of the earliest things I did was rid our home of entertainment that portrayed wizardry as anything but blasphemy. That means the "Wizard of Oz" did not survive but "Snow White" did. It also means that "horror" movies (which I never appreciated to begin with) get no favor. Not only should fear be reserved to God, but somewhere in the world at some point in time, the "horror" has played out, most likely to a child, and I can not and will not glorify it by spending into the industry.
"Luck", I just don't believe in it; St. Patrick's Day is drummed up these days for drunkenness anyway, so, no, I don't observe it. I've already stated my distain for the The Easter Bunny and the list continues. So much of what we do is mindless tradition. We don't even know why we do it. When we find out, we sugarcoat it with nonsense. If we stuck with tradition, slavery would still be in place, coliseum murder spectacles would still exist, women would be treated the way Muslims would have it, children might even still work in factories. "Tradition" in and of itself is a bogus reason for carrying on. Contradiction is prevalant, down to reading the easy versions of the Bible, yet stressing in school the articulation of Shakespeare's dialect. All I'm asking is that we search our hearts, and God's, for why we do what we do. So, when you tuck your sweeties into bed Christmas Eve, ask yourself if their thoughts are consumed with the miracle of a baby boy or are they barely contained by the idea of what the morning holds in gifts for the family. I don't think we're as good at letting things coexist as we claim.
Don't get me wrong. I love evergreens, I love lights, I love warmth and cinnamon floating in the air, I love songs, I love pretty paper, I LOVE snow, I love winter activities altogether. There IS a catch in that ...that we grow perilously close to worshipping the created and not the Creator, as we observe and engage the seasons.
Speaking of the seasons leads me back to my overview of the year as we enter a new one. I weigh the same and where that gets me is "not sexy". Advertising abounds for "be yourself, love yourself", but "overweight" means we've had "more than our share" and are putting a load on our frames that was never intended, so I will not resign myself to it. For those ladies and some girls (which I do not wish to be or to be called, a "girl") who would say, "He should love me anyway!" Well, he could have a comeback with not taking a shower for a week and say you should love HIM anyway. What makes the sense of sight less important than the sense of smell? You can't laugh that one away. "Fat" isn't sexy because it isn't "healthy"; it's that simple. AND I've noticed that when I lose control of my eating, I lose control of my mouth altogether. You know what I mean: grumpy and defensive ....a disobedient daughter.
I lost sight of the kids a few paragraphs back but I'm not much of a mother/leader/teacher/central commander when I'm making my own way, smothering in my own pettiness. That's the snag of sin: when we're hung up in our own, we lose perspective and confidence to lead the pack. Here the "pack" would be Harpers, who still haven't attained the personal accountability goal I've deemed paramount. Just now, I went to dress for a Christmas play and found wrapping paper strewn all over our bed. I admire the initiative that one had to wrap gifts for me, but why is it okay to leave a mess? One of them was told to pick stuff up all over the bathroom after the aquarium exchange, and it was barely touched. Things like this seem trivial; but to a mother who has to persistently remind, it rubs a sore, raw spot.
They have gained much humility. They make a rare complaint that it's eggs, peanut butter, or tuna again until I can buy groceries. They're okay with a couple pairs of jeans and shoes and a little something to wear in church settings. What do you "take away" from someone who only participates in wholesome activities? If the transgression is severe enough, of course, you don't let them go. Mike gets so frustrated that he says, "Don't take them anywhere until they get it right." In theory, he's got a point. In reality, being involved makes them who they are and will be AND punishes ones who aren't necessarily part of the problem.
The bickering and messiness is a result of what I've tolerated. In my juggling act, they get the last laugh. I am 100% convinced of the Bible's method of training and discipline. I thank the writings of Mike and Debbie Pearl for solidifying it over the years. So, not only must I make sure our teenagers are preparing for the battle of their futures, including the dull work of putting proper names to things they've had knowledge of for years, but also not overlooking the stages of our "wee" ones. It is terribly easy to get entangled in investments to the older ones, while dismissing the immediate issues of the little ones. BALANCE, Michelle, BALANCE. In times of flagrant, willful rebellion, spank the young ones so that they remember it for a long time. Work the older ones, 'til they can taste what they've done. Be ready with a smile, a sincere one, when it's all over.
For the household: Sleep matters. Mail should be sorted and put away immediately; same goes for laundry. Keeping the house and car clean, and I mean "all the way" down, has to be upheld. The Bible and exercise need their time every single day. ANYTHING is better that NOTHING. Does it sound impossible? I think not. In rhythm and harmony, it's attainable. Mike is right, that designated jobs "get in the way" of completion because a link is bound to fail somewhere. THAT is where personal accountability plays out; filling in the gaps; voluntarily replacing the missing link. We aren't there yet and their training won't ever be complete until we are.
It would be easy to look at the calendar for 2012 as a clean slate, but the squares are already dotted with a concert, The National Championship game ;), a local ski trip that was supposed to "be" Christmas, a couple of birthday celebrations, and basketball practices. There will be needs and sicknesses within the community and family, soooo I have to be "real" this year. I have to reinstate getting the basics done in spite of, and even because of, the windfall of activity. I'd call the following a resolution but that would be a disservice to the pledge of a constant, unwavering desire to warm the Spirit of God. Here it is:
I'll continue letting loose with TRUTH and holding fast to FAITH;
LOSING weight by TRUSTING my designer;
BREAKING the mold and REMAKING love in a 23 year marriage;
supporting a self employment COMEBACK from bad choices and near death;
reemphasizing the formation of kids who CAN and WILL reform America;
exploring the RICHNESS in everybody and everything I pass;
going "OLD SCHOOL" but digging past RELIGION and TRADITION to find GOD;
THANKING Him continuously, silently and from the rooftops,
for the CHRISTCHILD
who loves me, a restless mess.
If there is only one thing I've learned in my 40th year, it's that procrastination is no longer a viable option. It's do or die. God willing, I have half a year to get something phenomenol done before I'm 41. I need your agreement in prayer. Don't we all pull for a win in the corner of good versus evil? I just don't want to be the evil one. Some would say that's impossible if I'm saved. I say my will is still mine and very strong and if I don't strip my soul before the Lord, I may have an eternal home but ...I can't go on knowing I didn't return gratefulness to Him.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
High Purpose in The High Country
The real reason we made the climb was to get to Samaritan's Purse. Megan began our family's relationship with them some 7 years ago. The Operation Christmas Child boxes are plenty of fun to fill and they did (for preteen boys lately because they get fewer donations), but there are big boxes to put all those shoe boxes in. The original distribution center is in Boone, NC and there are more than enough volunteers from all over the eastern United States (so many that there was a small window of time to sign ours up in August), but the kids have gotten so big that their strong backs are in demand. For hours, they packed and moved.
There are apparently people who have been on site for disbursements to share unique and inspiring stories, like a boy who'd gotten a gown accidentally and sweetly gave it to his sister who didn't own a dress, and a boy who got a hammer and gave it to his Dad who desperately needed one. There was even a lady who lost her $10K ring in a box while packing at the center last year. Imagine the delight of that child! There are lots of other stories and pictures, but what hit closest was when they were told that the delivery of the boxes which they were handling had been halted because the central African country's American embassy was under physical threat and the missionaries were evacuated. The gravity of living in such instability suddenly made hard work seem easy, I'm sure.
The minimum age to help out is 14, so the younger ones and I set out shopping. I don't know how long it's been since Dad started divvying up money for the kids to purchase gifts, but it became especially important 4 years ago, when all hell broke loose with that 8 mm kidney stone of Mike's, and we were unable to pay them for their extra work. Speaking of health, today Mike had his yearly check of the aortic kevlar graft with his Vascular Surgeon at Wake Forest. Thank God, everything was clear. Dr. Geary (1 of top 10 nationwide) mentioned too that one of the dozens of residents, who witnessed the bypass, wrote an article in a medical journal about the circumstances. He said he'd try to get the names of it all and pass them on to us. Too bad it wasn't before the statute of limits was up for malpractice charges against the dishonest Urologist.
Or maybe not "too bad" because a lot of good has come to pass since. Even presently, the old friend I mentioned, with the deceased son, was looking for a job since he'd been laid off for months from the one he'd had for 15 years. Mike's been "looking" to make his way back up the ladder and so they decided to team drive. If all works out, they'll split and drive 2 trucks come spring. The other guy and his wife are expecting a baby then, so we'll see what's destined. The thing I like for Mike now is that it will relieve some of the loneliness that alienates him. Well, as Miranda said, assuming Mike doesn't forget him at a truck stop!
And back to Dad's money: he leaves it up to the kids how to disperse it. It's become particularly important (since we haven't made a church home to tithe to) that a big portion be devoted to someone other than family and friends. Christmas is sold as being about family blessings and togetherness and it is, but I've gotta believe that the delight of gifts to someone who truly needs them and the message they carry is better. We know that we'll hardly ever get to see that delight, even locally because of the anonymity of children in peril, but imagining is enough. So, the Asst. Director of the local children's home put together a list for our younger kids. While the big kids were working, we went to Big Lots in Watauga County. Although it doesn't look much different than any other, it's part of our old stomping ground and is an annual attraction to pick through the deals.
The first lists were likely compiled by "house" parents or foster parents. An "African" American doll was one of the requests of a 3 year old little girl. We didn't think we were going to find it (and were afraid it was because of the climate and population up there) until Melody (11) came across the beautiful Disney black princess, Tiana, soft-bodied baby doll. Then, she found the whole shebang, a matching dress up gown and shoes. And it was on; we found bath and spa treatments to accompany. The lovely thing about it all is that Melody always picked out black baby dolls for herself when she was little. She had a black friend of Strawberry Shortcake, a black Barbie, and a black Brat Doll, per request.
Madalynn (3), who'd help pick out things like a pillow pet for an 11 year old, might've seemed like she didn't comprehend what we were doing but the other day when Macklynn unknowingly was about to use pencils allotted for shoe boxes; with finger pointed, she scolded him and told him they were for kids who didn't have any! THAT is the ONLY reason I reveal any of this with a degree of comfort. BECAUSE it is never too early to instill charity. I implore you to seize the opportunity to show first hand the despair that's happening in our local and international communites. It's more than current events. Faces belong to them. Explore your resources, your talents, your strengths, your time and those of your CHILDREN! Through this early and natural process, I realized that the kids have come to EXPECT to do these things. I don't have to encourage in the least. These trips aren't about "us"; someone else is the EVENT. Too, there is a another program through Franklin Graham that makes it MORE than a festive event. We can purchase, throughout the year, farm animals and supplies to prosper their villages and to place in the arms of missionaries tools of hope.
For my own sanity and with a sleepy little girl, I fell for the idea of a movie, with the catch that they again pay their own ways. First, we came across the Pizza Hut buffet, which was an excellent deal until they finished a couple of pieces and complained that their stomachs were full of candy. I tried to make up the difference, I did ;) Adam Sandler's "Jack and Jill" was funny. I had a good time cuttin' up with my 3 little people. The 2 lt Mountain Dew we'd gotten with the pizza kept them alert and ready for our last stint, Kmart, trying to dust Wal-Mart from my shoulders.
Macklynn had some unfinished business. "His" 6 year old boy still needed a shirt, "adjustable waisted pants", and "Dr. Seuss books". He really searched through and found a jacket that was fleece lined with ultra soft material and was dead set that "he" would like it. We agreed, sped over to gather the rest of the troups, and listened to their stories all the way home, through the whiteness of the fog in the darkness, nearing midnight. I spent a miniscule amount of money for food. Gas is a necessary evil. We were out of toilet paper, Dove Soap, and milk; so we replenished. The children paid for their own candy and movie. The workers even earned shirts (and reportedly were more mannerly than some adults). So, we left with virtually no purchases for ourselves yet had an unforgettable/hopefully eternally memorable day of "getting it right". Now, we're back to algebra, dictation, recitation, and memorization ...and sweatin' the small stuff. But, believe you me, it won't get in the way of life as we're getting to know it.
(Though Mike is rarely home this time of year, he gets his hands on an "imperfect" tree now and then and finds someone who could use it. It's hardly a sacrifice for us, but the joy of the recipient is tenfold. That's what I'm talking about. We can find something that already abounds for us. We don't necessarily have to place hardship on tight budgets. Although ...as I was passing by a gift tree at the front of Wal-Mart and paused with the girls to read the tags, I spotted a charming list placed by an elderly woman ...soft spot I have. I picked it up and put it with my list, so I could pray, if it was something I should add to Mike's heavy load of financing us Harpers, while I was shopping. I was checking out and was surprised to find the necessary hanger ripped off the card. Weeellll, I took it as a sign. :) Donations of large sweat suits, stationary, stamps, and canned Cokes can be left at the door here! Otherwise, I can mark off a bottle of wine, my favorite olives, and some other things from my own "to get" lists. Most of us can and should. I don't mean to take away from the "tithe" but is your giving personal enough for you? Then, make it personal ...and find unexplicable meaning in doing so.)
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