mercredi, novembre 23, 2005

November Update

And so begins another letter…
We have been learning much- all four of us; forever students in the school of life.
Benjamin has been learning to pick up little pieces of cereal between his tiny little fingers. He has been learning to sit up and pull himself up and not spit up (as much). He has been “Mama-ma-ing” and “Dada-da-ing” and pondering the essentials of the English vocabulary. He’s growing taller, and losing some of the chubs he had accumulated since his birth. In fact, he’s out-grown his infant car-seat/carrier quickly and is requiring us to hunt for a bigger automobile laz-e-boy to accommodate his safety need. Ben’s third tooth is finally coming through his top gums and is soon to be displayed in his ever-lasting grin.

Zachariah is learning his alphabet and can count to twenty! He is studying his child’s catechisms (yes, really), and carries around his little black Bible diligently. Along with burning his energy up (if that is at all possible) at the playground, Zach is very good at pulling piles of books off the shelf and hunting down every picture of a train or clown that he can possible find within. Zachariah, in spite of all his energy and “wild-ness”, has an extremely compassionate and caring heart. If he ever sees another child crying, he is eager to put a loving arm around them and gently ask “Boy crying? Boy have owies? It’s okay, Zachy here.” Just this past week on a day when I was having an emotional moment, Zach came bounding in and saw my tears. He stopped, an expression of concern on his face, and came over to stroke my face. He spoke to me sweetly: “Mommy okay? Mommy need Zachy’s nigh-nigh?” (that is his little blanket that comforts him)
Zachariah is also beginning a stage in his life where he realizes fear. He has picked up a fear of owls, bad men and the dark. His mischievous, and curious (as well as his sinful) nature seem to be constantly at odds with the instruction and discipline of mommy, daddy and any other authority. DGR! (Daily Grace Required) Other than this, there have been no major (or nearly so) mishaps to report this month!! PTL!

Subsequently, I am learning patience- through having to practice such. I have been learning self-control in moments when rage seems the most immediate emotion!! I have been encouraged through many on-line and Mp3 sermons accessible to us varying from topics such as marriage, child-rearing, Bible study/theology, to the pursuit of Joy! (Ask me for some references if you need such a resource in any one of these topics!)
I have also, if you’ve noticed from our BLOG, taken on the morning day care of a little 2 year old girl: Bridgette Jolly. My hands are indeed full, and I get plenty of stares and comments from passers-by as I push two toddlers in a double stroller, with an infant strapped to my back, down the sidewalk- let alone when I have every remaining nook and cranny of the stroller piled high with groceries and diaper bags!! I do, however, truly enjoy having Bridgette with us, and in some way she actually assists my busy mornings by giving Zach a playmate to distract him from my ankles! (grin)
In my moments of “me-time”, the all-too brief happenings when Zach and Ben’s naps coincide, I’ll be found either at the computer (I am currently working on a Core Paper for my counseling class, as a prerequisite to the Advanced Class I am applying for), on the volleyball court (play-offs begin next week), or in my little craft closet. I am in the process of making most of our Christmas gifts for this year. (For secrecy sake, I am unwilling to divulge any further information on this topic at this time.)

Jeremy is learning a lot, upon deep reflection, about our journey over these last few years; the many moves (perhaps a bit of "felt lead" poisoning), the changes in plans/goals, the motivations, the “mistakes” made, the grace of our good God in his sovereignty, our own understanding of God, and the definition (and out-working) of “passion” throughout this pilgrimage thus far and yet to come. On a slightly less thought-provoking note, work on the construction site continues to be a challenge, both relationally and physically. Most days Jer opts to sit in a quiet corner of the building with Gordon Smith (author of “Courage and Calling”) or John Piper (author of “When You Don’t Desire God- Fighting for Joy”) as company, rather than endure yet another gruesome lunch hour “babble of extreme pagans” at the break room. (I feel justified in calling them as such because these men themselves boast about how pagan and debauched they can be… “their glory is in their shame.”)

Both Jer and I are working together, brainstorming on what kinds of traditions we want to establish for our family, regarding Advent, Christmas, and year ‘round routines. One habit we are trying to form is to go over the children’s catechisms with Zach and Ben after dinner each night, as well as memorizing the books of the Bible. As for advent, I have designed and sewn a “calendar”, of sorts, from which we will draw pieces of the nativity scene to position on our mantle.
We’d love to hear from any of you who have had, or are working on building, traditions with your families. We love exploring new ideas, and will continue to tweak ours as we trial-and-error our way through this role as parents.
We have also registered for a parenting course at our little church, based on Larry Fowlers book “Rock-Solid Kids”. This will officially begin in the new year, with a couple of pre-program family activity nights before then- such as the advent wreath-making night we enjoyed last weekend, and a birthday party for Jesus coming up in December.

Hmm, I’m glancing back over this update letter and realizing that this month has been pretty “mundane”- nothing out of the ordinary. We have had no big ordeals, such as I have “reported” in previous mail-outs. I’ve noted, however, that there is most definitely a grace required for the mundane of life as well. As much as there is a necessary clinging required for fear of losing hope in trying times, there is a necessary resting and dwelling compulsory for avoiding the loss of joy and hope in the monotony of life. Each of these verbs is obviously directed towards Christ and found in relationship with Him, but can truly only be realized through the constant disciplines of prayer, meditation, and the study of His Word to us. How challenging these, my own words, are to me.

“God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper

“This is what the LORD says:
‘Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.’”
Jeremiah 6:16
Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 5:32 p.m. :: 3 comments

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