Quote of the Day

John Calvin, a theologian during the Protestant Reformation, said, "God's blessings are always accompanied by some inconveniences so that the souls of the devout will not be spoiled by too much pleasure."

Welcoming Baby Wilder

He's here! Harrison Wilder, 7 pounds 6 ounces. I don't know his length. Four boys, wow!

Waiting...

This morning, in about ten minutes, Laurel will give birth to baby Wilder. As I'm sitting here praying, worrying, and trying to keep myself from losing control, I wrote this in my journal.

Laurel

You, first child of my heart and your daddy's love, now wait to give over the fruit of nine long months-

months of ripening, ice-chomping, sleepless nights,

wonderings, and fears mixed with anticipation.

The other day when we were talking about people with strong personalities,

you said, "I don't think I have one."

That got me thinking about your life up until now. Out of five, you were my most stubborn and

strong-willed child. I think that over time, you've learned to have self-control and the wisdom to keep silent. Don't mistake that for weakness.

When I think about what you're going through at this early morning hour-

the self-sacrifice necessary to bring forth a child by unnatural means as

you have three times before-it takes my breath away. I hope someday to have your

courage and selflessness.

Until then, I'll stand back and observe you in your little world with three small sons

clinging, colliding, and jumping around you, their center, while you stand firm and tall-

new son in your arms, with bright brown eyes looking straight ahead to the future.

Suspended Between Times

Journal Entry-Thursday, August 6, 7:25 a.m.

I love the quiet of an early morning house before anyone else is up. I sit on the couch facing the dining room watching the morning sun make dappled leaf patterns on the curtains and rug. The tick tock of the mantel clock sounds in my left ear. My journal waits on my lap to receive thoughts hovering between dreams half remembered and the day's to-do list.

More on Simplifying

I'm loving this book by Janice Elsheimer called The Creative Call. Chapter 8 is on Simplifying. I've been thinking about and doing 'simplifying my life' for over twenty years.

At first I thought that if we moved to the country and grew our own food, hung out my clothes to dry, chopped our firewood, and homeschooled the children, then we would have a simple life. Ha!

Here are some quotes from this book that says it better than I can.

"Self-sufficiency and simplifying one's life are not synonymous." That's the truth! It only gives you more to do. Of course, if that's what you want to spend your time doing (and I do) then that's fine. Just know that your life won't be simpler when you take on more things to do.

Greek philosopher Democritus wrote, "Let your occupations be few if you would lead a tranquil life." Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Antonius wrote, "Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as on what you have already. Remember this--that very little is needed to make a happy life."

In her article "Simplifying Life," Susan Pilgrim writes, "Fundamentally, 'simplifying' is determining what's really important to you."

So to find out what's important to us, Elsheimer gives us an exercise to write down ten things that are important to us and then to prioritize the list. Here's mine:

1. My faith-God

2. Family

3. Home

4. Homeschooling-Education

5. Creativity

6. Church

7. Being a Titus 2 Women

8. Friends

9. Community

10. Travel

This is a great book for everyone, not just artists. I believe everyone is an artist; some have just repressed it. More on this book later.

Self Knowledge

I'm reading this book The Creative Call and had a lightbulb moment just now. The chapter is entitled Making Time. The exercise was to list three things to which you wish you could just say no.

As I was thinking about why I don't have enough time to do art, I couldn't think of anything to say no to. I've dropped all superfluous things from my life. So why do I feel like things are crowding in on me and I have such limited time? Ding, ding....I realize that the problem is me! I can't say no to myself.

I want to fix everything and everybody and make the world a perfect place. I do this mainly with my own children. If they have a need, instead of just telling them how to fix it, I jump right in and say, "I'll do that for you." I need to show them how (if they want my help) and leave them to do it.

Gosh, that's hard for me! I think it's all bound up in my need for verbal affirmation, which is my primary love language. I want them to gush and say, "Wow Mom. What would I do without you. I couldn't have done that myself. You're the greatest!" I need help.

What I need to do is to resist the urge to 'fix things'. Then I'll have time to develop the gifts and abilities God has given me. I'll pray for discernment between real needs and MY need to have things as good as possible for my children. I need some 'tough love' for myself!

Wind in my hair and bugs in my teeth

I bought a Schwinn Retro Coaster Bike at Target last week. When I saw it, I knew we were made for each other.

I've been cruising down the dirt roads with a goofy grin on my face feeling the wind on my face and in my hair, and I'm taken back forty+ years. I had a Schwinn then too. I still have it, only it needs a major overhaul. I may fix it up for Darcie if it's not a major money pit!

When I go to the bike shop to look at carriers for my car, I'll ask how much it'll cost to restore my old one. In the meantime, I'm having a ball!