"Error ... please reboot ... "

What a difference a week makes! The second week of school was much better than the first. The kids have settled into a routine with practices, games, homework ... "the parents" like the routine! 

This year is different for us. The school provided Mac Books to each student in middle school and high school. This changes the dynamic in our home. The kids sit on the sofa, noses pressed to the screens of their laptops, furiously facebooking or i-chatting with their friends. They take these "precious communication devices" everywhere with them. It's their social connection to the world. They rush through meals, inhaling the wonderful meal their Dad has prepared just to get back to the laptop.

It's not just about the kids, oddly enough. While they are "Mac-booking," their dad or I are usually on our laptop, tablet or Android phones "doing OUR thing ... emailing, fantasy football, etc." I picture what it would look like if someone walked in and saw us all sitting in the same room, not speaking or interacting with each other ... how silly we must look. Even I will admit, it has changed the style of communication and drawn attention away from things that are more important.

While technology has made our lives easier (we use the cell phones for shopping lists, GPS, texting the children), in some respects, it has made them more difficult. It has changed the way our children write and speak to others. They feel like they cannot function without the internet and now, they NEED their laptops to accomplish their classwork at school and their homework.

Many things have come along through the years that have affected the way we worship and interact with the Lord. These new technologies and types of worship have almost become a distraction. My own cell phone rang during church a few weeks ago ... I was embarrassed.

People now attend church and expect to be entertained ... they tweet during the service! You can find a tab on church websites called "media" and download a podcast of the sermon. I really miss the days when going to church was all about Jesus and not about being entertained and/or how much technology you can incorporate into your worship service (or our home).

Have these technologies become idols? Most definitely ... what do we sacrifice to these new idols? Time, family, communication, money, respect ... the list is endless.

My stepdaughter asked her classmates which they would rather give up ... a foot or the internet? The concensus was each student at her lunch table would rather lose a foot. Now, really, no one is going to sacrifice a limb, but perhaps this is a good "wake up call." We need to go back to what's really important and focus on what real sacrifice really is ... ouch! ... not a foot or the internet, but laying ourselves on the altar and making God the center of our homes once again ... not the Mac Book.

1 John 5:21
... guard yourselves from idols.

"That's My Jen!"

There is no other way to say it, being a step mom is tough. There is nothing easy about it. I knew going in, it would be an interesting ride. The kids never cease to remind me that I am are not the "real mom" (not overtly, but it's just there). When Paul and I were married, the children and I said vows to each other that went something like this ...

"Jennifer, do you promise to be a faithful wife to Paul, a spiritual leader of your home and also a patient, loving mother to Joe, Olivia and Sam, caring for them and providing for them as your own? Do you promise to be their strength and their emotional support, loving them with all your heart and making Christ the center of your home?

And now, Joe, Olivia and Sam, do you promise to love and respect Jennifer? Do you promise to support this marriage and your family? Do you promise to accept the responsibility of being their children, and to encourage them and support them in your new life together?"

We all said, "I do." But did we really? When I re-read those vows, I have to admit, that's a pretty tall order from every angle. "Patient, loving mother? Love and respect?!"

Following a relaxing, family summer vacation on the beach at the end of July, we faced the first day of school on August 15. It was, in a word, CHAOS. I had been looking forward to the beginning of school. We would all get back on some sort of schedule. But, when it hit, it was like "the perfect storm." We were controlled by "the schedule" and the children all felt their "stuff" was most important. There were demands, disrespect and yes ... many tears. As the step mom, my heart was breaking. I thought I was handling everything so well ... breathe in, breathe out ... breathe in, breathe out ... I even went to work early for some quiet time. What happened to that "patient, loving mother" and the vows of "love and respect?"

Much like a marriage and even our relationship with God, sometimes, we let the chaos of our lives consume us and the love and respect part? It goes right out the window. The good news is that God is still in control and loves us beyond measure, even when life, and everyone around us seem completely out of control.

As for being a step mom? It's week 2 of school and the kids come home from the "real mom's" house today. I'll let you how it goes. Even with all that happened last week, I have to admit that being a step mom is still a "pretty cool gig." And, when we reach new heights of crazy, as the vows said, I still "love them with all my heart." The benefits outweigh the craziness ... smiles, hugs, high fives, knuckles, cuddles and laughter.

Sam still can't remember the word "step mom," so he introduces me and says, "that's My Jen." I think he believes everyone has a "My Jen" (he's only 5)!  So, I'll be content to be "My Jen," and continue to pray every day that we will all be respectful and mindful of each other in our home. I know that when life is running amok, "My God" reigns and sits on His throne ... and smiles when, much like when He calmed the stormy seas, He calms "My Jen's" chaotic world.

Love Like "the Wind ... "

We are discussing "loving one another" in Sunday School ... agreeably one of the most important, yet difficult commandments. Even the Pastor admits it's not his "best" subject.

Recently, I had a "theological discussion" with my brother -in-law about the Holy Spirit. I reminded him that the Holy Spirit is like the wind ... you can't see the wind ... but you can see the affects of the wind. You cannot see the Holy Spirit, but you can see the affects of the Holy Spirit.

It just struck me yesterday. This is exactly how to best illustrate God's love. Scripture tells us that we cannot see God. However, we can see God, His love and the affects of His love in His Children ... much like the wind. The only way some people will ever see God is through us.

If we are not showing His love, how will those who are  lost ever really "see" God?

Stop Talking! Stop Talking? What Does That Look Like?

Another episode of "Father Knows Best...But Sam Thinks He Does..."  Paul was trying to fix Sam's video game and Sam has a habit of spitting out as many words as he can in a short period of time without breathing...he is 5 afterall. The non-stop chatter was starting to grate. As Paul was fixing the game, Sam was "helping!"

Paul finally stopped and looked at him and said, "this would be a lot easier if you would stop talking." Sam looked at him with a puzzled look and responded, "Stop talking...stop talking? How does that work? I can't just STOP talking!"

Contrary to we earthly parents, our Heavenly Father does not weary of conversations with His children. He does not want us to stop talking. He wants us to tell him everything ... our struggles and our praises. He knows and understands every tear and heartbreak and every moment of rejoicing. There are times when we don't feel worthy to bring our petitions to Him, but He "is" grace and mercy.

As parents, there are times when we glaze over and stop listening. God never stops listening and He is in control of every situation...even when the 5 year old won't stop talking. Ah, that God, what a kidder!!!

Shhh....Don't Tell the Children!

Just between us ... my husband and I are secretly keeping a list of all of the things we are going to do when the children are grown and we are invited to THEIR homes. Most people make 'bucket lists' ... we're making "payback" lists. With three children, this should keep us busy well into our retirement years.

You totally know what I am talking about ... things like:

• door slamming
• emptying the ice cube tray and putting it back in the freezer ... EMPTY!
• chocolate pudding splattered all over the counter/walls
• gum wrappers and other various items in the toilet
• empty cereal boxes put back in the cupboard
• cereal and/or candy wrappers on the back of the sofa (and generally strewn about the living room)
• lounging around while everyone is working and complaining how bored "we" are
• instead of helping get dinner ON the table ... constantly ask when it will be ready
• pee on the toilet seat (leaving the seat up at all times ... just in case of an emergency)
• chocolate pudding smeared across the coffee table
• yelling from across the house or the yard and expecting an answer
• texting while others are are trying to talk
• silverware in the garbage can
• constantly saying "we" should do this or that when they really mean "you" should do it
• ... don't forget this one ... "I am too busy ... the universal excuse to get out of anything
• acting like we have rocks in our heads

You get the idea ... I am guessing if you are a parent, your list would resemble ours quite closely.  Let's put it this way ... the list is becoming quite extensive. "Is he repeatedly falling down up there or constantly re-arranging the furniture?! Does he really need to honk his annoying, little bicycle horn at everyone and everything? (we'll put that one on the payback list for Grandpa Bob and Grandma Sharon)!"

Okay, we haven't actually made an Excel spreadsheet or hunted down a smartphone app for it. Paul and I just look at each other and say, "we're adding it to the list!"

We had the "Lord's Supper" last Sunday. I was praying silently ... "getting things right" with the Lord ... asking forgiveness for "MY LIST."  Oh boy!  What a long list that is!  I am so thankful I can ask for forgiveness and God let's me start anew with a clean "slate." Thankfully, He has "a shorter memory" than we earthly parents. 

While we are sometimes serious about making that list as earthly parents ... in the next moment as godly parents, we remember how much we love and miss them when they are not with us. We are concerned for their well-being. We hurt when they hurt and we rejoice in their happiness.

Isn't that just so reflective of our heavenly Father in His love for us?

I am so glad God isn't into making payback lists for His children. Amen ...

Which One Is My Left?

I have been away from my blog for awhile. Life gets busy with a husband and three children who are out of school.

I posted on my Facebook page a conversation between Paul and our 5-year old, Sam. He told his dad he would retrieve the dishwasher detergent from the pantry and asked if it was on the right or left. His dad responded that it was on the left.  Sam then inquired, "Dad, which one is my left?" 

We were discussing finding treasures in Sunday school last week. There are so many treasures in God's Word. I miss my devotion time. Life has gotten so busy that my Bible reading is pretty much non-existent. Now, I do realize that it is no one's fault but my own and that "God is a busy guy" too.

As I was having this discussion about time and finding time to immerse myself in God's Word, the old saying came to mind ... "Give God what's right, not what's left."

I have been finding ways to make it part of my busy day through online devotions and online Bible websites that I can read on my "smart" phone. God has given us the tools to read His Word no matter where we are or how busy we become. We just have to use them (and keep them out of the spam filter).

I am so thankful for a church family that encourages me and lets me know that I am not the only one struggling to find time with God. And, that we can share tools and resources that help each other grow closer to Him. As you go through your week ... don't give God "what's left."

Rapture Practice Anyone?

I don't know if you have heard, but the world is supposed to come to an end this Saturday at 5 p.m. central time. Hmm.

I struggle with this because ... yes, if Jesus were to return on Saturday, what a glorious day!  On the other hand, I don't want my friends and/or family to be "left behind" and look to me with tears in their eyes and say, "why didn't you tell me?" 

Jesus clearly states, in the New Testament that we won't ever know the day or time of His return. Since I firmly believe that no one can "out guess" the Lord, I am confident of the fact that I still have work to do and time in which to do it.

I joked with a friend that until His return, I would be out on the front lawn, jumping up and down having rapture practice. But practice for the rapture should really be in the form of sharing Jesus with others before it's too late. Let's all get busy!!!