I finally caved and decided to give John and hair cut. It doesn't look great, but it's cut. He politely said he would go get another tomorrow and I can't help but feel I've won the battle. I didn't cut it poorly on purpose--In fact, it went exactly the way I thought it would go all along. That is why I have been insisting it's better to pay for one upfront than pay for my mistake, but the cheap-o in him prevailed, and I felt the need to prove myself.
This morning I was scheduled for nursery duty at the church...a new role for me as is the children's ministry in general. Thinking I had a day off from nanny duty since I have the toddler class for only about an hour, I plopped a sleepy child on my lap and pulled out the play-doe. Moments later, after the rest of the children had arrived, and everyone had their favorite color in hand, my helper and I discovered what seemed to be the first dirty diaper toddler her nursery duty career thus far. Flipping a coin flashed across my mind, but the poor dear was only in 6th grade and has her whole life ahead of her...the obligation was clearly mine. The events that followed are really a blur of what I believe to be me trying to reason with a 2 year old that his diaper was in dire need of changing. The child who was cuddling in my lap moments ago was now making a bee line for the door somehow managing to outsmart even the creators of One Step Ahead baby proofing. He made a dash for the sanctuary and I literally breathed a prayer that I would be able to catch him in time. I did, and from there the conversation went something like this:
Him: "No Diaper Change! Balls!
Me: "Trust me, this is critical and as soon as we're done, we will play with the balls."
Him: "Pants on! No!
Me: "Did you go poopy?"
Him: [Silent, then points to other little boy] "He did it!"
Amazingly, as I took the time to check, not wanting to be mistaken, child #1 took the liberty to dodge yet again, and hide under the table. Thankfully, child #2 was clean. Back on the chase for child #1, and yes we eventually prevailed.
Meanwhile, Child # 2 had his own very eventful five minutes. This job was not as lively as the later but followed with child # 3 confronting me [basically] with the fact that she felt she wasn't getting enough attention.
She: I need my diaper changed.
Me: You do? [sniff] Are you wet?
She: No
Me: Stinky?
She: No.
Me: Well then you don't need your diaper changed.
She: [Giggles]
Me: Did you just feel left out?
She: Yes, I did.
Needless to say, I was mistaken to believe that I would be off duty this morning as a child care provider, and yet somehow I didn't really mind ;-)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Rich Young Ruler
Reading through the Psalms, I've noticed that many of David's most beautiful songs come out of his uncertainty of what God is trying to teach Him. My dad always reminds me of this when I'm going through something and am processing a lot. I used to write songs all the time, but lately John and I have just been hit and miss..he'll write some lyrics and I'll write some music, and we always mean to put them together to finish our song, but somehow never get to it. As I was trying to get some inspiration for some lyrics that have been in the back of my head, I stumbled across a rough recording of the last song we wrote together. It really applied to life life lessons I'm learning right now and I wanted to share it with you.
.it's about ME.... and how i am learning to surrender...and how that's a process...and i compared myself to the rich young ruler that came to Jesus and asked what he could do to get to heaven...and Jesus told him to sell everything...and FOLLOW HIM. yikes!
oh! p.s. it's not the best recording...turn it down so the dogs next door don't bark! lol...
.it's about ME.... and how i am learning to surrender...and how that's a process...and i compared myself to the rich young ruler that came to Jesus and asked what he could do to get to heaven...and Jesus told him to sell everything...and FOLLOW HIM. yikes!
oh! p.s. it's not the best recording...turn it down so the dogs next door don't bark! lol...
Copyright Autumn R. Anderson (2011)
v1 --I came to you/ I came to see/ what you could do/ could do for me
tell me what can i do to be set free/ just wanted to reserve a seat
but i walked away/ i just couldn't take it/ it'd be easier to die
than to give away my life/
and i sang, "blessed are they that have nothing.
v2- i tend to be a Peter/ and here I go again/
i sing "take my life you can have it all"
but then i take it back again.
Pre-Ch. I'll fix it up/ I'll do it all/ Jesus I got your back
but maybe something's wrong with that picture/ I say let's rewind again.
Bridge--Maybe I'm not dead yet/ and maybe I'm not alone/
where should I just let go/ and follow
surrender was the sweetest thing/ follow
to lean my head back on the swing/ follow
trusting and hoping i'll follow
v3- In Christ alone my hope is found/ and I know who I am
but when it's said and done I'm a rich young ruler
and alone i cannot stand.
Pre-Ch. so pick me up and dust me off/ jesus i want your plan
'cause when it's said and done I am only human and
I'm not done growin' yet.
Copyright Autumn R. Anderson (2011)
v1 --I came to you/ I came to see/ what you could do/ could do for me
tell me what can i do to be set free/ just wanted to reserve a seat
but i walked away/ i just couldn't take it/ it'd be easier to die
than to give away my life/
and i sang, "blessed are they that have nothing.
v2- i tend to be a Peter/ and here I go again/
i sing "take my life you can have it all"
but then i take it back again.
Pre-Ch. I'll fix it up/ I'll do it all/ Jesus I got your back
but maybe something's wrong with that picture/ I say let's rewind again.
Bridge--Maybe I'm not dead yet/ and maybe I'm not alone/
where should I just let go/ and follow
surrender was the sweetest thing/ follow
to lean my head back on the swing/ follow
trusting and hoping i'll follow
v3- In Christ alone my hope is found/ and I know who I am
but when it's said and done I'm a rich young ruler
and alone i cannot stand.
Pre-Ch. so pick me up and dust me off/ jesus i want your plan
'cause when it's said and done I am only human and
I'm not done growin' yet.
Copyright Autumn R. Anderson (2011)
Psalm 13:6
Today I'm in a top five mood as I sit down to write on this lazy afternoon...
1. Last month, I took a job with a family in Sheboygan to be their full-time nanny and have been working part time while their other nanny transitions out of their lives. They are currently on vacation in Florida and when they get home I will transition into the role of full-time. This is something I certainly did not foresee when I began looking for jobs after college. However, through some humbling circumstances, the Lord has made clear that this is where I can best serve Him now and I pray that he will help me to bloom where I am planted in this season. The family is absolutely dear to my heart and very supportive/flexible with my plans to further my education, as well as my role within the church. The job consists of being the full time private day care provider for three beautiful girls ages 5, 3 and 1. It is a joy to serve them and their family and I pray that God fills me with his love each and every day so that I can impart it to them.
2. Spring fever has set in with brute force. The 2-for-1ski resort John booked for us last month threw in free access to their indoor water park. The experience of putting last summer’s bikini, tankini, or trunks on in the middle of February is likely to offer some unwanted perspective. Also, my late preference of sweats to jeans was another clue that it was time to pull out the ol' running tights and hit the streets! That said, John is on his usual spring detox diet with a new 17 day twist adapted from Pastor Fred and I have high hopes of running a half marathon this summer.
3. The light at the end of this cold winter tunnel came when an event that I felt most excited to be put behind me came as a refreshing surprise. A dear friend of ours who is now employed at our Alma Mater as the choir director contacted us last year to ask if KAC would be a host to the choir. I said "of course" without any hesitation, but as the event approached I became more aware of my responsibilities as the sole contact person for the choir. Setting up host homes, preparing dinner for 30 +, and the public communications of an event like this all had me worried that I would overlook the smallest of details. Yet just as He ALWAYS does, my dear Lord took complete control allowing me to simply rest in his strong arms as I soaked in the sweet, and dearly missed fellowship of these cherished friends. The amount of encouragement I received throughout the 24 hour period was incredible and I'm still thanking God for such a gift.
4. Following the choir's visit, I was blessed, yet again, with a short but sweet visit from my parents. They treated us so well that I kept thinking, “Lord, I don’t deserve this all at once! Save some blessing for next month!” They came in time to meet our KAC kids, play games, worship and take part in small groups with us. The kids loved meeting the infamous “Brule” that we find ourselves referring to constantly, and I, needless to say, felt so blessed to have them take a peek into our lives here.
5. As if these two visits didn’t bless me more than I can put into words, having this week off before my change in schedule was liberating. After seeing my parents off on Tuesday, John asked what I planned to do with my week off. I did something I need to do more often. I made a spontaneous choice to visit my grandparents in Door County. A half an hour after my parents left my bags were packed and I was headed for our family vacation spot and my grandparents home near the bay. The time, though short, was packed with memories I will treasure and take with me until my next trip. Even the 2 hour drive alone was a much needed time of reflection and since I was in no hurry I stopped along the way to enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan and revel in the magnificence of the Lord's handiwork.
Now back on my couch as I ponder my latest escapade, I’m reminded of how my Abba knows exactly what I need and exactly when I need it. I cannot stop rejoicing in God my savior for He has dealt bountifully with me! I implore you to do the same…(Psalm 13:6)
1. Last month, I took a job with a family in Sheboygan to be their full-time nanny and have been working part time while their other nanny transitions out of their lives. They are currently on vacation in Florida and when they get home I will transition into the role of full-time. This is something I certainly did not foresee when I began looking for jobs after college. However, through some humbling circumstances, the Lord has made clear that this is where I can best serve Him now and I pray that he will help me to bloom where I am planted in this season. The family is absolutely dear to my heart and very supportive/flexible with my plans to further my education, as well as my role within the church. The job consists of being the full time private day care provider for three beautiful girls ages 5, 3 and 1. It is a joy to serve them and their family and I pray that God fills me with his love each and every day so that I can impart it to them.
2. Spring fever has set in with brute force. The 2-for-1ski resort John booked for us last month threw in free access to their indoor water park. The experience of putting last summer’s bikini, tankini, or trunks on in the middle of February is likely to offer some unwanted perspective. Also, my late preference of sweats to jeans was another clue that it was time to pull out the ol' running tights and hit the streets! That said, John is on his usual spring detox diet with a new 17 day twist adapted from Pastor Fred and I have high hopes of running a half marathon this summer.
3. The light at the end of this cold winter tunnel came when an event that I felt most excited to be put behind me came as a refreshing surprise. A dear friend of ours who is now employed at our Alma Mater as the choir director contacted us last year to ask if KAC would be a host to the choir. I said "of course" without any hesitation, but as the event approached I became more aware of my responsibilities as the sole contact person for the choir. Setting up host homes, preparing dinner for 30 +, and the public communications of an event like this all had me worried that I would overlook the smallest of details. Yet just as He ALWAYS does, my dear Lord took complete control allowing me to simply rest in his strong arms as I soaked in the sweet, and dearly missed fellowship of these cherished friends. The amount of encouragement I received throughout the 24 hour period was incredible and I'm still thanking God for such a gift.
4. Following the choir's visit, I was blessed, yet again, with a short but sweet visit from my parents. They treated us so well that I kept thinking, “Lord, I don’t deserve this all at once! Save some blessing for next month!” They came in time to meet our KAC kids, play games, worship and take part in small groups with us. The kids loved meeting the infamous “Brule” that we find ourselves referring to constantly, and I, needless to say, felt so blessed to have them take a peek into our lives here.
5. As if these two visits didn’t bless me more than I can put into words, having this week off before my change in schedule was liberating. After seeing my parents off on Tuesday, John asked what I planned to do with my week off. I did something I need to do more often. I made a spontaneous choice to visit my grandparents in Door County. A half an hour after my parents left my bags were packed and I was headed for our family vacation spot and my grandparents home near the bay. The time, though short, was packed with memories I will treasure and take with me until my next trip. Even the 2 hour drive alone was a much needed time of reflection and since I was in no hurry I stopped along the way to enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan and revel in the magnificence of the Lord's handiwork.
Now back on my couch as I ponder my latest escapade, I’m reminded of how my Abba knows exactly what I need and exactly when I need it. I cannot stop rejoicing in God my savior for He has dealt bountifully with me! I implore you to do the same…(Psalm 13:6)
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