Wednesday, March 1, 2017
New blog
If you still read this blog and still have interest in following me go to my new blog, thompson-house.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 30, 2016
I don't want to forget vol. 2
Jonathan has a naturally sweet disposition. Last week the nursery workers told me that when kids are upset in nursery Jonathan walks around to each of them, looks them in the eye and says "why you cryin'? it's ok" They also told me he is great at song time, he dances and claps and knows all the words.
He is also stubborn. Kyle likes to say that when he's the best, he's the very best. When he's the worst he's horrid. He knows what he wants and will fight for it. I hope to channel that into good things as he grows.
He loves the movie cars. We haven't really done a lot of tv or movies, so it's kind of fun watching him have a show he loves. He also has a thing for the ladies. He gets a little "star struck" when he see's someone he thinks is pretty and then flirts. It's pretty adorable, and also something I'm going to have to train as he gets older! haha.
His daddy is his best friend. It's pretty common for his first words in the morning to be " Let's go see dada." It is my great joy to watch them play together.
He likes to spin and get dizzy. No, he loves to spin and get dizzy. It terrifies me. What if he falls into the corner of a counter or something? He also enjoys swimming and is pretty good in the pool. He knows his abc's, he can count to 10 pretty well and is memorizing his first verses. He turns 2 1/2 in August and I just want to freeze time.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
The Changing Times
I had tea today, with a lady near and dear to my heart. She is old enough to be my grandmother and has wisdom even beyond her years. She has experienced much in her lifetime and seen much and today she said "we are living in changing, tumultuous times." This coming from a lady who was a child during WWII and grew up in the aftermath. She lived through the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War. Yes, those were changing times. Those were influential times. They made their way into the history books. Yet, today, she said we were living in changing, tumultuous times.
I have felt that way lately. I have felt that I am living on the cusp of a "new time". I have often wondered at what it will be like to raise my son in a world that is so different from the one I grew up in and, in truth, feel more at ease in. I feel a sense of expectancy. I wonder what is around the bend. I feel that I can actually see the change happening around me, but I don't quite know where it's leading. I feel a sense of loss. I can't remember the last time I was alone. I can't remember the last time I was unreachable and there was no worry or thought about it. It takes great effort to simply be still. I grew up in Montana. In the blessed state of Montana there are more animals than people. It is not hard to find yourself alone with your thoughts. It was also safe enough that if you happened upon a stranger during a walk alone, you could find yourself in easy conversation and even perhaps find a new friend. I knew all of my neighbors. Some were close friends, some were acquaintances, but I knew them all, and we looked out for one another. I had no cell phone when I was growing up. No one did. If you wanted to have a private conversation on the phone you needed to stretch the phone cord just as far as it could go and try to sit in another room away from your sisters prying curiosity. We all felt a huge sense of freedom when cordless phones came out. If we were lucky our reception might be good enough to even talk to a friend while sitting on the patio.
You couldn't flake on people during childhood. If you didn't show up when and where you said that you would you couldn't send a quick text message telling them you wouldn't be there, or that you were late. People's memories were better because you had to remember a phone number or birthday. Facebook didn't remind you. You had to know how to read a map or remember directions because Siri wasn't there to guide you.
I can think back and be sad that my son will grow up in a world where people don't know how to look one another in the eye. Where it is hard to find a place to roam wild and free and if you do, you need to be careful because things just don't seem as safe as they once were. My son will type up all of his school papers instead of writing them. He will ready many books on ipads instead of holding them (except at home, I will always have books) He will virtually experience what I had to imagine. But, I must remember that this is the time that God has given us. This is the season that we live in. We must make the most of it! And, how exciting that we live in a time where my son will take classes about things that didn't even exist when I was in school. I may not want to lose the old ways, but I can pass those on. Isn't that what is so great about traditions?
It is true that my son may face difficulties and hardships ahead as we can't see around the bend. But I can raise him to stand firm in conviction, to think, and to be ready. I can look at the future with excitement at what the Lord has in store. He does not withhold good. The only thing unchanging about life is that things change. I want to be ready, but not fearful, because change is coming and always will.
I have felt that way lately. I have felt that I am living on the cusp of a "new time". I have often wondered at what it will be like to raise my son in a world that is so different from the one I grew up in and, in truth, feel more at ease in. I feel a sense of expectancy. I wonder what is around the bend. I feel that I can actually see the change happening around me, but I don't quite know where it's leading. I feel a sense of loss. I can't remember the last time I was alone. I can't remember the last time I was unreachable and there was no worry or thought about it. It takes great effort to simply be still. I grew up in Montana. In the blessed state of Montana there are more animals than people. It is not hard to find yourself alone with your thoughts. It was also safe enough that if you happened upon a stranger during a walk alone, you could find yourself in easy conversation and even perhaps find a new friend. I knew all of my neighbors. Some were close friends, some were acquaintances, but I knew them all, and we looked out for one another. I had no cell phone when I was growing up. No one did. If you wanted to have a private conversation on the phone you needed to stretch the phone cord just as far as it could go and try to sit in another room away from your sisters prying curiosity. We all felt a huge sense of freedom when cordless phones came out. If we were lucky our reception might be good enough to even talk to a friend while sitting on the patio.
You couldn't flake on people during childhood. If you didn't show up when and where you said that you would you couldn't send a quick text message telling them you wouldn't be there, or that you were late. People's memories were better because you had to remember a phone number or birthday. Facebook didn't remind you. You had to know how to read a map or remember directions because Siri wasn't there to guide you.
I can think back and be sad that my son will grow up in a world where people don't know how to look one another in the eye. Where it is hard to find a place to roam wild and free and if you do, you need to be careful because things just don't seem as safe as they once were. My son will type up all of his school papers instead of writing them. He will ready many books on ipads instead of holding them (except at home, I will always have books) He will virtually experience what I had to imagine. But, I must remember that this is the time that God has given us. This is the season that we live in. We must make the most of it! And, how exciting that we live in a time where my son will take classes about things that didn't even exist when I was in school. I may not want to lose the old ways, but I can pass those on. Isn't that what is so great about traditions?
It is true that my son may face difficulties and hardships ahead as we can't see around the bend. But I can raise him to stand firm in conviction, to think, and to be ready. I can look at the future with excitement at what the Lord has in store. He does not withhold good. The only thing unchanging about life is that things change. I want to be ready, but not fearful, because change is coming and always will.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Humble Pie
A lady who has been a great influence in my life and also a mentor asked on her website the other day "How does your husband know that you love him, without you saying the actual words." (Side note, if you are anything like me "How does she know you love her" from Enchanted will be playing in your head over and over and over at this point)
Well, I asked Kyle. His response wasn't quite as immediate as I would have wished. He said that he knew that I loved him, and he was so thankful for me... BUT, if he was being completely honest we show love in different ways, and I show it in my words more than actions.
Kyle and I are complete opposites when it comes to love languages. I want to be cuddled and to receive little notes left for me, and "just because I love you" gifts. Kyle feels love through acts of service.
For example: Making him a lunch.
Sure I make him lunch..... some of the time. I mean he's a grown man, can't he make his own lunch if he wants to eat? ;-) He also likes it when I get everything on his grocery/ home supply list. Actually, he'd really like it if I just used a list at all so that I wouldn't forget things. But who needs lists? I mean is it REALLY that frustrating to have no paper towels, or laundry softener, or hot sauce. These aren't the essentials of life. Sure they are nice, but not NEEDED....
I think you get the point. In the last year I can see areas where I've really stopped being Kyle's helpmate. I'd could give you plenty of reasons why, and some of them seem like really "good" ones from the outside. But is there any good reason to not keep your priorities in order?
Well it hasn't been easy, but I have really relied on the Holy Spirit to be my strength and have worked to make my husband and home my priority. It has been such a joy! Isn't that how it always is when we are doing what we are called to?
It's been quite humbling. Any wife would want to hear the answer to her question be, "You are the best wife and I know you love me in every way, in your words and actions." In reality Kyle tells me all the time how thankful he is for me. Please don't think of him as some tyrant that needs perfection. Indeed I am thankful I am married to such a supportive, sweet man who is willing to tell me where I am weak. Not so I can serve him better, but so I can be the best wife and mother that the Lord has called me to be.
It would be so much more comfortable to not point out areas of weakness in each other; but what growth has ever come from comfort?
Well, I asked Kyle. His response wasn't quite as immediate as I would have wished. He said that he knew that I loved him, and he was so thankful for me... BUT, if he was being completely honest we show love in different ways, and I show it in my words more than actions.
Kyle and I are complete opposites when it comes to love languages. I want to be cuddled and to receive little notes left for me, and "just because I love you" gifts. Kyle feels love through acts of service.
For example: Making him a lunch.
Sure I make him lunch..... some of the time. I mean he's a grown man, can't he make his own lunch if he wants to eat? ;-) He also likes it when I get everything on his grocery/ home supply list. Actually, he'd really like it if I just used a list at all so that I wouldn't forget things. But who needs lists? I mean is it REALLY that frustrating to have no paper towels, or laundry softener, or hot sauce. These aren't the essentials of life. Sure they are nice, but not NEEDED....
I think you get the point. In the last year I can see areas where I've really stopped being Kyle's helpmate. I'd could give you plenty of reasons why, and some of them seem like really "good" ones from the outside. But is there any good reason to not keep your priorities in order?
Well it hasn't been easy, but I have really relied on the Holy Spirit to be my strength and have worked to make my husband and home my priority. It has been such a joy! Isn't that how it always is when we are doing what we are called to?
It's been quite humbling. Any wife would want to hear the answer to her question be, "You are the best wife and I know you love me in every way, in your words and actions." In reality Kyle tells me all the time how thankful he is for me. Please don't think of him as some tyrant that needs perfection. Indeed I am thankful I am married to such a supportive, sweet man who is willing to tell me where I am weak. Not so I can serve him better, but so I can be the best wife and mother that the Lord has called me to be.
It would be so much more comfortable to not point out areas of weakness in each other; but what growth has ever come from comfort?
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Servant? or status seeker?
While listening to a sermon by Allistair Begg today he said something that stood out to me. "You should be about serving, not status." Read it again, "You should be about serving, not status."
Couldn't we unpack that statement for awhile? As a stay at home mom this could be my mantra. As a wife this could be my mantra. But as a believer shouldn't it be so intimately written on my heart I live this way without thought? Shouldn't it be my desire to live like my Lord who came to be a servant among men?
I think that statement by Begg stood out to me because it seems to be something brought up in different circles lately. It is observed by those in the generation ahead of me that those in my generation want status, demand status, and serve for the sake of status.
When I think of the qualifications and role of an elder, those of "highest status" in a church, they are the most humble men of character. Isn't that why they were asked to be elders? No elder goes to a church and asks to be put in that position. The church goes to the qualified man and asks him to serve. And serve they do. They pray for the congregation, plan for the congregation, hold fast to the teaching of the Word of God for the congregation, they invest in our lives, give counsel, and do it all that they may serve us and the Lord. They don't do it for status.
Think about people in the Bible who are honored; Joseph, Daniel, David. They lived lives in quiet submission to the Lord, and after a lifetime of faithfulness the Lord blessed them greatly.
I hope I don't serve for status, and if I am blind to areas where I do, I hope the Lord strips me of it.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Marriage Retreat
Our church does a great job of promoting and supporting marriage. Every year they do an event for couples, or a retreat. This year they did a retreat in San Diego and Kyle and I were able to attend.
It was a great little get away. The speaker was one of our favorite pastors and his wife was able to join him on the trip. She is a real gem and I loved spending time with her.
We were able to explore San Diego a bit. Hang out with friends. Enjoy a couple nights sleep without our little one to wake us up ( My sister and brother in law kindly watched him so we could get away) And hear really encouraging sermons on marriage.
Here are a couple of things that were said at the retreat that really stuck out to Kyle and I. (They may not seem to be related to marriage, but they were)
- Less of you, More of Christ.
- Never be ok with making excuses
- "You are strongest together when you are strongest in the Lord alone."
- "Sin will keep you from this book, or this book will keep you from sin."
- Dignity= knowing how to behave in every situation.
It was a great little get away. The speaker was one of our favorite pastors and his wife was able to join him on the trip. She is a real gem and I loved spending time with her.
We were able to explore San Diego a bit. Hang out with friends. Enjoy a couple nights sleep without our little one to wake us up ( My sister and brother in law kindly watched him so we could get away) And hear really encouraging sermons on marriage.
Here are a couple of things that were said at the retreat that really stuck out to Kyle and I. (They may not seem to be related to marriage, but they were)
- Less of you, More of Christ.
- Never be ok with making excuses
- "You are strongest together when you are strongest in the Lord alone."
- "Sin will keep you from this book, or this book will keep you from sin."
- Dignity= knowing how to behave in every situation.
Jonathan turned 1
Yep, my baby is one years old! Well he turned one on February 8th. I can't really believe how quickly it went by. I know parents always say "enjoy it, because in no time he'll be graduating high school." Well if the rest of his life goes this quickly It'll seem like his graduation is at the end of the week.
Somehow, at the very same time it seems like the longest year ever. Probably because I am just so tired. I don't remember what consistent sleep was like. Really, I don't remember.
His first birthday was just the sweetest. We wanted to keep it small. I invited about 8 families, and didn't think that all of them would come. But they all came, and brought their entire families and about 30-40 people ended up being at his party. Really it was just a celebration that Kyle and I had kept him alive for a year, and then we handed Jonathan a cupcake, which he wasn't interested in eating.
We are SO blessed by our community of friends at church. They have truly become like family. They have loved us so much and supported, come along side, and did I mention loved us? Of course our actual family came down for the birthday and some close friends from LA. J has no idea how loved he is, and it brings me to tears to think about the community he already has at the age of 1.
We celebrated a bit early since Kyle and I were gone the weekend of his birthday for a marriage retreat. We picked him up Sunday afternoon (His actual birthday) took him to Kyle's parents house and had a small celebration.
This time he LOVED his cake and couldn't get enough.
Somehow, at the very same time it seems like the longest year ever. Probably because I am just so tired. I don't remember what consistent sleep was like. Really, I don't remember.
His first birthday was just the sweetest. We wanted to keep it small. I invited about 8 families, and didn't think that all of them would come. But they all came, and brought their entire families and about 30-40 people ended up being at his party. Really it was just a celebration that Kyle and I had kept him alive for a year, and then we handed Jonathan a cupcake, which he wasn't interested in eating.
We are SO blessed by our community of friends at church. They have truly become like family. They have loved us so much and supported, come along side, and did I mention loved us? Of course our actual family came down for the birthday and some close friends from LA. J has no idea how loved he is, and it brings me to tears to think about the community he already has at the age of 1.
We celebrated a bit early since Kyle and I were gone the weekend of his birthday for a marriage retreat. We picked him up Sunday afternoon (His actual birthday) took him to Kyle's parents house and had a small celebration.
This time he LOVED his cake and couldn't get enough.
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