Yellow Balloons

Danny Struble is my cousin. He is home with the Lord now after passing away this past Thursday. Here's to yellow balloons, traffic lights, the Cleveland Indians and calculators. Dan was a great cousin who's endearing personality, and often wacky antics, left me always feeling good. I'm so glad God placed him in our family. I'll look forward to meeting him again in Heaven someday. Miss you Dan!

All the Basics

It really is amazing how much a toddler learns each and every day. God created our brains to observe, learn and remember so much during the first few years. "All the basics" can be learned by about four years of age. It's really quite spectacular. Sophia astounds Jamie and me with her ability to pick up on things we haven't even focused on teaching her. She can recognize and say "blue," she recognizes and says A, D, and T. With a little coaxing she can recognize a few others also. At the seminary there is a lovely and tastefully done statue of Jesus. During a walk the other day she saw it for the first time, and without any coaching called out "Jesus!" Today, while at the Chinese Bible study we attend, she looked out of the 3rd story window to the backside view of the Jesus statue - at least 200 yards away - and again pointed and cried out, "Jesus!" It warms my heart.

Sophia knows sign language, so now that she is learning to speak, we often have to remind her to "say it with her mouth," and not to sign. Every now and again when she is really wanting a treat she will sign please over and over like crazy. Jamie or I will tell her to "say it with your mouth Sophia," and instead of her response being a verbal "please," she will look up at us and open her mouth as wide as possible, just like a little bird. It is so cute and always makes us laugh!

She is very into babies right now. A few weeks ago it seemed to click in her head that she was no longer the smallest or the youngest, and in fact there were these delightful little creatures that go by the name of baby. Josh, her buddy, has a little baby brother, Sam, and Sophia never forgets him when asking for Josh. It is always, "Jah and bebe." She loves to kiss and hug Sam and for the most part exibits a great amount of gentleness. I can't wait for her to be a big sister. The same time she really noticed Sam and the other baby, Nevaeh, at our church, her dolls switched from being called "Dolly" to being called "Baby."

Well, my mommy hood is being slipped off for a few hours as Sophia settles into bed and I get to cleaning up the house. I shall keep it close at hand though, because I never know when it might need to be donned again in a hurry! :)

Procrastination

Most of us have struggled with procrastination. Some of us may even be pros at the art of procrastinating. I blame my dear Daddy! I think I inherited it from him. :) It is such a part of our culture and everyone knows about the concept of it - right?? Much to my shame, no! Tonight at our Bible Study we asked the Chinese students if they knew this word. They didn't! They did not even really get the concept of it and questioned why anyone would put off till tomorrow what can be done today. I found this new tidbit of information quite intriguing. So, if you are a repeat offender of procrastination... repeat after me, "Why put off till tomorrow what can be done today?!" Ack, maybe I'll get around to it tomorrow. ;)

Cashing In

I was thinking tonight as I was writing an email to one of my Amy-friends (I happen to have three great friends all named Amy) how wealthy we'd be if we got paid for all the roles we fill. For myself it's mommy, wife, church-planter's wife (same husband as the plain wife category :) ), friend, daughter, sister, mentor, etc... and all the tasks and duties those roles require. I'm sure you're currently thinking of all the roles you fill as a woman. I say we'd be just about bazillionaires! :) So, then I thought, well, actually we are. It's just our bank account happens to be in heaven and we won't be "cashing in" till we've "cashed out!" hehe Forgive me, I'm tired and giddy and that silly joke just couldn't be stopped.

p.s. I had to share that with all my blog readers Amy M. :)

Musings

Hmmm... usually I have a clear idea of what I want to write about when I begin a post. Tonight I don't really know where my words will lead, so let us begin this adventure together! Authentice Chinese Food - now there is something! Effie and Gloria, two of our Taiwanese friends, had us over for dinner last night. They prepared a feast for us, and it was yummy! There were a few items that I couldn't quite get down, mainly due to the spice content! Praying our friendships with them will help bring them to the Lord. (some fun factoids - in the Chinese culture, soup is served last, not first. ovens practically don't exist due to energy supplies - therefore pretty much all the food is steamed, fried or boiled. due to over population and lack of farm animals - due to space contraints - human manure is often used to fertilize, therefore raw veggies are rarely consumed.)

The trick of the Outlet Mall. Another thing to ponder... Why is 75% or even more, of the merchandise at these so-called "outlets" not even sale price??? I go envisioning amazing finds, deals and sales. I usually leave with merchandise - but not much left in my pocket. It's a sham I tell you, a sham!

Discipleship/mentoring/accountability... words that should mean a lot to you if you are saved. Do we put them into practice? Are they a part of our lives? I have never been formally mentored, though I wish for it. There are a few women who have definitely been a huge influence on me though and have been informal mentors. The Lord has impressed upon me the importance of mentoring young women and has blessed me with Val. She is a gem and such an encouragement. I've also been given the chance to meet with two other mommies once a week to go through a book about being mentors to our children. God is good. He so often provides for our needs before we've even realized we have the need! Thank you Jesus.

If you are saved and are not mentoring another women and have no accountability group or someone mentoring you - pray that the Lord would provide opportunities for you to be involved in such things. The time spent will be so fruitful and the growth potential is amazing! I know you will be blessed!

Well, I think I could write on and on and on, but housework calls me, yes, it calls even at 10:13pm! ~

For one I cherish

"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:1-7

Burdens are meant to be shared.

All my love ~

Tiny Dancer

Here is my sweetie with the son of a family friend, Jayden. This was at a wedding back in June, and I just recently got it scanned into my computer. Isn't it a sweet image? I pray that Sophia can have innocent moments like this as she grows, and when she's a young women, I pray some special man will sweep her off her feet for a life-time of dances, like Jamie has done for me. Some of my most precious memories of my hubby are of times like this; silly little dances with no music or fanfare, somewhere plain, like the laundry room. This image speaks of Sophia's current innocence and of the hope for true love some day. At least, that is what I see.

Water Baby

Much to my delight my sweet girl loves the water. It doesn't matter if it's a cup of water, the sink, a puddle, the bathtub, or, as you'll see depicted in the pictures here, a pool or a whole waterpark! These pictures were taken on our family vacation up at Lake Erie back in July. The pool was where we were staying, and the other two were taken at a waterpark, Soak City, by Cedar Point. I thought you might like to see them, enjoy! :)