Things that I love:
1. Conversations between friends.
2. Sisters
3. Laughter
4. Warm weather and soft green grass.
5. Muddy bare feet
6. Blue eyes
7. Daffodils
8. Fathers and their sons
9. Mothers and their daughters
10. Contained anger
11. Random blessings
12. Listening to classical music
13. Open windows
14. Anticipation
15. Scenic routes
16. Ellie's chubby-ness
17. Receiving letters
18. Incredible imagination
19. Smiling Faces
20. And last but not least on the list, the very thing that makes all these blessings possible. The free grace of God, which we have received through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Mother Knows Best
Tonight me and my mother went for a drive. Such a pleasant thing, it was. Until the subject of my speed came up.
First we talked about how bad my car sounds, like an angry motor boat in the middle of a ravine! "That's terrible. I want you to go straight home and don't drive this car till your dad can look at it." said she. This made me sad immediately. I love my car, probably more than I should! Father knows it's not for materialistic reasons, it's a little old Malibu with several scrapes and bruises, its loud and occasionally it doesn't start, but the near death experience we had together brought us close together! I talk to my car like I would a friend. His name is Alan, by the way. Like Alan Rickman. So I was saddened by the fact that I wouldn't get to drive him to Holden tonight, or drive him to Lee's Summit in the morning. "Abigail, that sounds serious, if your tire blows on you, you'd had better have both your hands on that steering wheel!"
Then came the subject of my speed. Confession: I was going 55 down 7 hwy. "You know the speed limit along here is 45. and it has been since you got on this road.". I slowed to 50. "Your still speeding." my hard headed reply was this, "If they pull me over for going 5 over, they're just looking for something to do.". "oh so you think your above the law?" mom teased. I retaliated. and thus went our conversation, arguing about the speed limit, relating it to my Christian walk and convictions and everything.
I don't remember the rest of what went on. You see my mom and I are so much alike we tend to argue some. but we love each other to the moon and back! But for some reason when she approaches me about something like that, my thinking is "she's just trying to convict me." and my heart goes like a cold stone in a cave spring, which nothing can penetrate. Except the Holy Spirit!
Then after dropping her off at Wallie-Martie, where she was supposed to meet my dad, I took of down the road (still going 5 over, mind you.) and right about the place where Adams Dairy goes from being really nice to really ruddy, was were conviction hit me. As I listened to my Harry Potter soundtrack and watched the pale green grass in my perifials, loving the way the trees drape over the road making a tunnel over the road, I felt convicted.
Ultimately it was not the speed limit I was convicted about. It was my hard heart and my hard head towards my mother. I wondered why she had been so worried about my car, it was because she loves me, and wants me to be safe. She want's me safe and smart about vehicles.
I thought about how many other times I've hardened my head or heart to the things she says, I pass them off as "mothers advice", not realizing that her advice will probably be some of the best advice I'll ever get! My heart turned soft toward her and I immediately wanted to apologize for retaliating so much!
I love my mom soooo much, and I respect her! I pray that the conviction the Holy Spirit placed in me tonight would carry out it's work in me, so that next time my mom tries to convict me. I'll listen :)
God is good and His faithfulness endures forever!
First we talked about how bad my car sounds, like an angry motor boat in the middle of a ravine! "That's terrible. I want you to go straight home and don't drive this car till your dad can look at it." said she. This made me sad immediately. I love my car, probably more than I should! Father knows it's not for materialistic reasons, it's a little old Malibu with several scrapes and bruises, its loud and occasionally it doesn't start, but the near death experience we had together brought us close together! I talk to my car like I would a friend. His name is Alan, by the way. Like Alan Rickman. So I was saddened by the fact that I wouldn't get to drive him to Holden tonight, or drive him to Lee's Summit in the morning. "Abigail, that sounds serious, if your tire blows on you, you'd had better have both your hands on that steering wheel!"
Then came the subject of my speed. Confession: I was going 55 down 7 hwy. "You know the speed limit along here is 45. and it has been since you got on this road.". I slowed to 50. "Your still speeding." my hard headed reply was this, "If they pull me over for going 5 over, they're just looking for something to do.". "oh so you think your above the law?" mom teased. I retaliated. and thus went our conversation, arguing about the speed limit, relating it to my Christian walk and convictions and everything.
I don't remember the rest of what went on. You see my mom and I are so much alike we tend to argue some. but we love each other to the moon and back! But for some reason when she approaches me about something like that, my thinking is "she's just trying to convict me." and my heart goes like a cold stone in a cave spring, which nothing can penetrate. Except the Holy Spirit!
Then after dropping her off at Wallie-Martie, where she was supposed to meet my dad, I took of down the road (still going 5 over, mind you.) and right about the place where Adams Dairy goes from being really nice to really ruddy, was were conviction hit me. As I listened to my Harry Potter soundtrack and watched the pale green grass in my perifials, loving the way the trees drape over the road making a tunnel over the road, I felt convicted.
Ultimately it was not the speed limit I was convicted about. It was my hard heart and my hard head towards my mother. I wondered why she had been so worried about my car, it was because she loves me, and wants me to be safe. She want's me safe and smart about vehicles.
I thought about how many other times I've hardened my head or heart to the things she says, I pass them off as "mothers advice", not realizing that her advice will probably be some of the best advice I'll ever get! My heart turned soft toward her and I immediately wanted to apologize for retaliating so much!
I love my mom soooo much, and I respect her! I pray that the conviction the Holy Spirit placed in me tonight would carry out it's work in me, so that next time my mom tries to convict me. I'll listen :)
God is good and His faithfulness endures forever!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Boy Who Wrinkled His Nose . . .
Yesterday I watched Landon. He's one of the cutest babies ever! He has blue eyes and a little bit of blond hair, and he doesn't crawl, he rolls. You can set him down, on one end of the room and within seconds he'll be on the other side of the room! Recently he has been making this face, he wrinkles his nose, and opens his mouth wide revealing the one little tooth he has on the bottom of his mouth! It is so cute!
Today I did a bad thing. I pulled the screen off my bedroom window and climbed out on the roof! And there I sat and watched the sun set. In the woods to the west of our house, there resides a bog. So as soon as I cranked open my window the chirping of frogs filled my room. The roof was hot and felt good, matched with the subtle wind that was blowing. It was so peaceful! I sat so high above the ground, nearly level with the trees. It was so peaceful I am so blessed to have seen that sight today!
Do you ever wonder why children cry so much when they are tired? I have a memory to share with you. When I was younger my grandparents owned a lake house! My parents used to load all us kids up in the van and we'd go spend a few days down there! Now, I remember late one night, driving home, -I don't remember why we were coming home so late- but it also seems like the air conditioning was broken, that's a little beside the point. I sat in my car seat in the dark van, the windows were all open and the wind was blowing loudly. I remember crying my head off! I was so tired and being unable to sleep and I was so confused, I remember not knowing why it was so loud and dark, I just remember not knowing what was going on, everyone else was probably asleep, and I remember crying out to my mother in pure exhaustion. I remember being angry about everything that was going on. Then, I must have fallen asleep because I don't remember the rest of what happened.
Today I went on a walk through the woods. I traveled to Indian Mound, and the Old Shooting Range, and all those wonderful places that I call home! and whilst walking across the flat land by the creek, I spotted green! Green sprouts on a wild gooseberry bush! At least I thought that's what kind of bush it was. . . And it made me so happy. You wait a ruddy January and a balmy February for spring! and finally, its here!
Happy last week of winter!
Today I did a bad thing. I pulled the screen off my bedroom window and climbed out on the roof! And there I sat and watched the sun set. In the woods to the west of our house, there resides a bog. So as soon as I cranked open my window the chirping of frogs filled my room. The roof was hot and felt good, matched with the subtle wind that was blowing. It was so peaceful! I sat so high above the ground, nearly level with the trees. It was so peaceful I am so blessed to have seen that sight today!
Do you ever wonder why children cry so much when they are tired? I have a memory to share with you. When I was younger my grandparents owned a lake house! My parents used to load all us kids up in the van and we'd go spend a few days down there! Now, I remember late one night, driving home, -I don't remember why we were coming home so late- but it also seems like the air conditioning was broken, that's a little beside the point. I sat in my car seat in the dark van, the windows were all open and the wind was blowing loudly. I remember crying my head off! I was so tired and being unable to sleep and I was so confused, I remember not knowing why it was so loud and dark, I just remember not knowing what was going on, everyone else was probably asleep, and I remember crying out to my mother in pure exhaustion. I remember being angry about everything that was going on. Then, I must have fallen asleep because I don't remember the rest of what happened.
Today I went on a walk through the woods. I traveled to Indian Mound, and the Old Shooting Range, and all those wonderful places that I call home! and whilst walking across the flat land by the creek, I spotted green! Green sprouts on a wild gooseberry bush! At least I thought that's what kind of bush it was. . . And it made me so happy. You wait a ruddy January and a balmy February for spring! and finally, its here!
Happy last week of winter!
Friday, March 11, 2011
A Song For My Brothers!
What kind of man will always love you, from before you were born till the day you will die? What kind of man will always be protective, will always be teasing, will always be encouraging? What man will say fearlessly "Your so beautiful."? What sort of man will talk you through the hard times and laugh with you through the fun? Well, I'll tell you what sort of man. A brother!
"Brothers aren't really like that." you may protest. But alas, don't try me, I have six of them.
Jeremiah is the oldest, He is the most protective, the most caring, and the best leader! My whole life he has showered me with fluffy hugs and tales of "when I was your age!". He is big and intimidating on the outside, but really he's just a lug of love! Jeremiah has always taken care of us and he will always be there for encouragement, rebuking, and loving. I love Jeremiah so much and respect him!
Josiah is the second to oldest, my rebel brother who taught me almost everything I know. He taught me to tie my shoelaces, jump on the couch, to mosh, to sing "the little girl blues.", He taught me to punch, and how to play "Roads" on the guitar. Josiah has the biggest heart I have ever known. He loves everyone and expresses his love perfectly! I respect who Josiah is and love who he is as well!
Ben comes next. He's a wonderful brother! Me and him have a love/tease relationship- he calls me turkey, I call him turd! We are always really sarcastic with each other, but the thing I love about Ben is that one minute we can be teasing one another and the next we'll be encouraging each other. We can always be honest with each other and tell the truth in an open manner, no joke needed! I love Ben and respect him sooo much!
Then there's Caleb, my twin. I loooove Caleb sooo much. Caleb is more like my best friend then my brother, we always go to each other about cloths, boy/girl issues, spiritual things, and much, much more! Caleb's a worker, he's strong in perseverance, trust, and honesty. He's very much in love with the Lord. I love and respect him a whole lot!
Matthew Isaiah is the next Bricker boy! He is encouraging, loving, and the most generous soul you'll ever meet! Matthew has always been there for me, and always made it clear that he valued my opinion, even if it was harsh sometimes. We have been through a lot together, and come out the stronger for it. He is soon to be married which kind of makes me super duper excited. I'm just sad we won't be living together anymore and I won't get to see the Lord working in him daily! I love and respect Matthew Bricker!
Then. . . Last but not least, comes the one and only Simeon! My wild one. Sim has always been supportive and honest, if you have a dream, Sim will be the first to tell you the pro's and con's of it, but also the first to say "go for it!". We have been on several road trips together! We love to car dance together and quote movies! We're dorks by nature, it's just who we are! I'm so thankful we can be like that together! I respect Simeon, as well as love him sooo much!
For some reason I feel a need to write Michael a paragraph, I mean come on he's practically my brother too! Growing up Michael was always around. He was always kind, loving, and encouraging. Even when real brothers would tease and say "Go away kid." Michael was always nice, and respectful towards the little sister! He used to laugh at all my jokes, and put up with all my teasing as well! I love and respect Michael for so many reasons.
My brothers are all wonderful men! They have had many mistakes for me to learn from, and now they are brilliant, God-fearing men. I can look to each one when I need advice, encouragement or a big hug! I admire my brothers so much, but I know I wouldn't admire them at all if it wasn't for Christ inside them! They are all passionate about God's Word. I see them working hard to conform to the likeness of Christ, working hard to memorize and spread the gospel, and working hard to become the men who God calls them to be!
I love my brothers so much! And thank God for putting them in my life.
God be praised!
The end.
"Brothers aren't really like that." you may protest. But alas, don't try me, I have six of them.
Jeremiah is the oldest, He is the most protective, the most caring, and the best leader! My whole life he has showered me with fluffy hugs and tales of "when I was your age!". He is big and intimidating on the outside, but really he's just a lug of love! Jeremiah has always taken care of us and he will always be there for encouragement, rebuking, and loving. I love Jeremiah so much and respect him!
Josiah is the second to oldest, my rebel brother who taught me almost everything I know. He taught me to tie my shoelaces, jump on the couch, to mosh, to sing "the little girl blues.", He taught me to punch, and how to play "Roads" on the guitar. Josiah has the biggest heart I have ever known. He loves everyone and expresses his love perfectly! I respect who Josiah is and love who he is as well!
Ben comes next. He's a wonderful brother! Me and him have a love/tease relationship- he calls me turkey, I call him turd! We are always really sarcastic with each other, but the thing I love about Ben is that one minute we can be teasing one another and the next we'll be encouraging each other. We can always be honest with each other and tell the truth in an open manner, no joke needed! I love Ben and respect him sooo much!
Then there's Caleb, my twin. I loooove Caleb sooo much. Caleb is more like my best friend then my brother, we always go to each other about cloths, boy/girl issues, spiritual things, and much, much more! Caleb's a worker, he's strong in perseverance, trust, and honesty. He's very much in love with the Lord. I love and respect him a whole lot!
Matthew Isaiah is the next Bricker boy! He is encouraging, loving, and the most generous soul you'll ever meet! Matthew has always been there for me, and always made it clear that he valued my opinion, even if it was harsh sometimes. We have been through a lot together, and come out the stronger for it. He is soon to be married which kind of makes me super duper excited. I'm just sad we won't be living together anymore and I won't get to see the Lord working in him daily! I love and respect Matthew Bricker!
Then. . . Last but not least, comes the one and only Simeon! My wild one. Sim has always been supportive and honest, if you have a dream, Sim will be the first to tell you the pro's and con's of it, but also the first to say "go for it!". We have been on several road trips together! We love to car dance together and quote movies! We're dorks by nature, it's just who we are! I'm so thankful we can be like that together! I respect Simeon, as well as love him sooo much!
For some reason I feel a need to write Michael a paragraph, I mean come on he's practically my brother too! Growing up Michael was always around. He was always kind, loving, and encouraging. Even when real brothers would tease and say "Go away kid." Michael was always nice, and respectful towards the little sister! He used to laugh at all my jokes, and put up with all my teasing as well! I love and respect Michael for so many reasons.
My brothers are all wonderful men! They have had many mistakes for me to learn from, and now they are brilliant, God-fearing men. I can look to each one when I need advice, encouragement or a big hug! I admire my brothers so much, but I know I wouldn't admire them at all if it wasn't for Christ inside them! They are all passionate about God's Word. I see them working hard to conform to the likeness of Christ, working hard to memorize and spread the gospel, and working hard to become the men who God calls them to be!
I love my brothers so much! And thank God for putting them in my life.
God be praised!
The end.
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