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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Never Judge A Book By Its Cover ...

As I sit at my desk filling out MORE papers for Joseph's school for next year, so that he can receive all the services that he needs and realizing that Maggie will also need speech help, I have to giggle ...  WHEN DOES IT EVER SLOW DOWN !!!  Tomorrow I will get Jeremiah, Elijah, Emily, and Maggie up at 6 and out the door to school at 6:50 proceeded by getting Daisy up (who is NOT a morning person) ready for MDO at 9am, along w/ Joseph's bag packed for his school at 12:30 ... Now before Joseph goes to school we might have time for a quick 45 minute trip to the YMCA (my sanity time) and then off to pick up Emily, Maggie, and Elijah (who have 1/2 day tomorrow) ... We will go somewhere quick for lunch so that we can get Joseph to school on-time and then RUSH OVER to Daisy's MDO for her Mother's Day event at school ... I am sure I will scarf down some punch and cookies, so that we can then SCOOT back on over to FRA where Scott and I will tag team parent/teacher conferences ... Once the teachers have told us about how amazing our children are (hee hee) then we will JUMP right back in the Silver Bullet (that is my pet name for my van) and DART back over to pick up Daisy.  Once we are home we will wait patiently for the school bus to drop off Joseph and grab a snack AND THE FIRST BREATH of the day ...

I would love to say that this is NOT a typical day, but it is ... RUNNING, DARTING, JUMPING, AND RUSHING from one place to the next - schools, dr. appts, adoption meetings, house hold errands, or 147 work.   Scott and I have done our very best to NOT over commit ourselves or put the children in lots of programs or activities.  Jeremiah and Elijah are the only ones that play a sport.  They play on the same basketball team that Scott coaches, so that is definitely a family affair ... The girls haven't asked to do anything yet, so we are not pushing it or rushing it ... Just our daily lives seem cram packed, yet I know this time is but a VAPOR and I want to enjoy the CHAOS and feel blessed to be able to RUN, DART, JUMP, AND RUSH with and for my family ...

I am not going to say it isn't draining because that wouldn't be a REAL picture of my life ... Keeping up with the laundry alone is enough to put me under some days ... But the phrase that always rings in my head is - I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY ...  So if you see me and I look tired, mad, or scattered just know that it is the same heart beating as when I look showered, peppy, joyful, and refreshed ... I often think that when others see me, they are immediately assessing WHETHER MY LIFE IS WORTH IT based on that exact moment they see me in.   That would be a HUGE mistake !!! I am in the middle of the most joyful time of my life ... I adore my husband, love my children, and feel so secure in my purpose here on earth for the kingdom, but that doesn't mean that my life doesn't go sideways on a daily basis ...

I guess I am just hoping that when people are on the fence about joining the orphan crisis or deciding whether they should or shouldn't adopt that they don't look at those of us who have and catch us on a bad day and think I DON'T WANT THAT ... Cause we can all gain wisdom from each other and get lots of information, but it is the journey on the inside of our hearts that is the true test of our faith and commitment to the LORD ...

So look and wonder, but never judge or assume ... Do always listen to the STILL QUIET WHISPER OF THE LORD ... That is where JOY is found ...


This is my painting I had made in Uganda ... It is my most prized possession ... FEET ready to serve, walk, and go for Jesus !!! 


I hope that all made sense ... blessings BLOG FAMILY  !!! thanks for loving us ...


18 kind words.:

Ann Marie said...

Beautiful Gwen...and SO true!

Tracy said...

Yes, it does make sense! :)
Thank you for sharing!

Christy. said...

I needed that today... THANKS!!!

Unknown said...

just wanted to tell you that i've been reading your blog for a few months now and have been deeply encouraged. i always thought my dreams were kinda crazy, even as i see the Lord bringing them to fruition. but it is a blessing to see others who are already 'down the road' in opening hearts and homes to orphans. i am old-fashioned so i just discovered blogs... so glad God brought me to yours :-) blessings to you each and every crazy day!
haley in florida
www.hisplanourjoy.blogspot.com

Renee said...

BEAUTIFUL~

Kim said...

I LOVE THE PAINTING..
and total sense..
Love ya

Kim said...

I loved this!! Thank you so much for sharing what is on your heart!

Karen Phillips said...

gwen...it made perfect sense:) love you and LOVE the painting!! kp

Kim said...

AMEN!
Love those feet.
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

Deb said...

To the contrary, I see your life and WANT it! Good and bad. I hear you....
And that painting... ah.... I need more details on how you got that!
Praise Him. :)

Just Julia said...

Just one more post that allows Jesus to shine through you -love how real you are -

Susan said...

Gwen, you are an AMAZING woman and your faith truly inspires me! God bless you and your precious family!
Blessings,
Susan

Tisra said...

This MAKES SO MUCH SENSE! Often, it's how I feel, so I am glad someone else put it on paper better than I could have! :-) blessings!

Tisra

Connie J said...

I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY ... So if you see me and I look tired, mad, or scattered just know that it is the same heart beating as when I look showered, peppy, joyful, and refreshed ...

I love this, Gwen! And I wouldn't trade my Krazy life for anything! God is so very good!

Blessed Mom of Four AND More said...

Oh, Gwen, I'm so tired, fund raising for two adoptions, fund-raising for our mission trip to South Africa.....teaching...dr's appts....

But, I could not sit still and be happy.

I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I LOVE the painting~!

Polly said...

The painting is amazing as are you! You are an inspiration to many and a wonderful role model!
Blessings,

Anonymous said...

Good stuff. Can so relate.

I love reading blogs like yours and others with lots of blessings and lots of appointments … makes me feel more *normal*. :))) Leslie

Kathy Jennette Griffith said...

I am so blessed by your words and your heart for God.....thank you

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