While Daddy's Away...

While Daddy's Away...
The kiddies will play.
And mama will, too.
He won't have a clue
the fun that they've had
while missing their dad.

They will rush through their school,
then do something "cool"
like books and play dough,
table games, tic tac toe.
There will be ice cream and sweets,
tasty treats can't be beat.

All these distractions will work for a while
but then it will turn into a fading smile
Extra hugs and kisses from mama just can't compare,
with having their sweet daddy there.

So at the end of a tiring, fun, and busy day
their thoughts turn to daddy and they wish they could say:
"I love you bunches!" to this wonderful man
a father who is dearly missed by his little clan.

Corny?...oh yes! But all true.
Daddy's away this week doing the work that the Lord has given him. Preaching a week of camp to 12-14 year olds in Buenos Aires. 600 miles away. A long overnight bus trip away.

Things just don't feel quite right when daddy's not home. Everything seems just a bit off-kilter somehow. I guess it's a good reminder of how much we take for granted. Of how often I take him for granted. His calming presence. Makes me feel safe. Makes me feel loved. Makes me feel content and at peace. Someone to share life's burdens and joys. I realize that ultimately all of those things come from my Lord. But they come from my hubby, too. Most definitely. I think that's partly why God has given him to me. To show me how all those things feel in a very real and present way. How I need to cherish the time we have together! How I need to remember that it's the "little things" in our life and marriage that really count. How I need to love and submit to him and show it.

God has given me a precious gift. A Godly and loving husband who is about His Father's business. A wonderful, hardworking man. A kind and caring father to our children.

I am truly blessed to call him mine.

This lil' poem of mine...

Here's a little poem I wrote recently and sent to my parents and in-laws, they sure seemed to enjoy it so I thought I would share it with you, too. ;)

We couldn’t stand it any longer

We just had to share with you

There’s something wonderful in the works

And it’s almost too good to be true.

You see, we’re bringing you a present,

It’s a surprise for you someday,

You will have to wait a little while,

But it’s already on the way…

It only comes in 2 colors,

It might be PINK, or maybe BLUE,

Only God knows and decides

Hopefully soon He’ll give us a clue.

So when we come to see you next,

We’ll come as a family of 5, not 4,

We’ll be so proud to show you

Your new grandchild to love and adore.

♥ Our growing family ♥

Matt, Heather, Clara, Ethan and tiny tot #3

Bet you didn't see that one comin', huh?! 

I do my best to be sneaky and creative, even from afar.

We are looking forward to welcoming our punkin around 

April 11, 2012.  

We so appreciate your prayers for a smooth pregnancy and delivery and most of a all, a healthy baby.

{Of course, if it were up to Clara & I, we would love for it to be a "girl baby"}

 

1 and a half

**Author Unknown**

My Baby-Man--he sure is in a hurry to leave the baby part behind. 

♥ him and ♥ every moment I have with him. 

Thank you, Lord,

for my precious little boy!

You are so good to me.

Undeserving, but grateful, 

The Difference

This poem was given to me many years ago on a little bookmark by a sweet, godly lady in my home church. I remember how these words bore into my heart back then, and again today as it came to my memory and I had to find it. Isn't this all too often how I approach my day, my life?! What a shame and disgrace. I am without excuse and can only say that I must, I MUST, do better.

{ You may have to click on each pic. to get a larger view ;) }

{by Grace L. Naessens}

The pictures behind these convicting words are of Mendoza, Argentina. Our God-appointed destiny. How can I have any hope of being useful and effective, if I don't take the time to get a hold of God?!? I so need His power and strength to make it through each day. Yet, so often I forget to simply go to Him and ask Him for His divine help.

Lord,

May I learn to lean more upon you with each passing day.

May I stop letting them slip away from me

without pausing to make sure you are the most integral part of each one.

Thank you for loving me enough to put up with me--

even though you know me better than I know myself.

You chose to love me when you died on Calvary 

and you love me still even when I am a disobedient child 

that often ignores you. 

I thank you for the grace that you bestow on me everyday

I am so undeserving

Forgive me, Father, and help me to do things that will please You--

starting with having a better relationship with You.

Your little child,

He's Still Holding my Hand

My heart is full and heavy, 

but I have naught to fear,

I know my Lord is faithful,

that He is ever near.

So when the clouds are gray,

and I don't want to face the day,

I just look up and say,

"Lord, you're still here to stay?"

He's still holding my hand

walking close beside me

carrying me through

when I cannot see

He's still holding my hand

I am not forsaken

no matter how I feel

though my whole world has been shaken

It's still in HIS Control....

and He's still holding my hand.