Birthdays and other slippery slopes

You know, birthdays can be tricky things. My birthday was last week, and though I was blessed by the warm thoughts and actions of many people, I was still tempted to feel sorry for myself. Daniel had his annual allergy appointment that day, so we had to get up early, pack the car, and make the two hour trip to see our allergist. Then, we had to sit in a doctor’s office for several hours, while Daniel was examined and had blood drawn. It was wearing. It was stressful. It wasn’t what I wanted for my birthday. Several other circumstances added up to make that day and actually, that entire week difficult. During church yesterday morning, I just wanted to hang my head and cry.

What did I want for my birthday? Well, I wanted to feel special. I wanted to be pampered. I wanted to be free of responsibilities. I didn’t just want these things…I felt entitled to them. It was my one day of the year! Was it too much to ask? I brought these things before the Lord, and He did provide comfort, though not exactly in the way I expected. After reading my Bible and praying, this was the message I felt God was showing me.

I must have absolute confidence in His loving care. God loves me. He knows my heart’s desires. He can be trusted to meet my needs. At church my hymnal fell open to the song, God Will Take Care of You. If I believe that God will take care of me, then I am freed from the need to be selfish…to demand that my needs be met…to grasp for rest or fulfillment or whatever. If I believe He will take care of me, I am able to roll with the punches. I am able to take my eyes off myself, and place them on Jesus and His interests in others.

The other thing God pressed upon my heart was to praise Him. Praise is the fastest way into God’s presence. It reminds us of how awesome He is, how faithful He has been, and how much we have been given. It restores the right perspective to our hearts.

Earlier I mentioned that I felt “entitled” to special treatment because it was my birthday. I have found that you are on a slippery slope whenever you feel entitled to anything. All too often feelings of entitlement lead to feelings of disappointment or resentment. It helps me to remember that Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. One of his last acts before the crucifixion was to wash the disciples’ feet. My Savior and King washed dirty, stinking feet. That kind of throws my “entitlements” out the window!

In truth, my birthday had many joyous things about it. I am so thankful for the caring family and friends that God has placed around me. I love you all!

Nothing is safe!

It's Snowing!

I always want the first snow of the year to fall on my birthday. I can't ever recall it happening, but this year it certainly got close. I hope some of this snow will be around tomorrow for my actual birthday! Look at the view from our front door this morning.
Daniel was so amazed by all the snow. I bundled him up good and we went out to play! At first he was a little disconcerted by the snow hitting his face. Then, he picked up a handful and took a bite. He really liked eating it for awhile (we steered clear of dirty snow), but then he found out it was fun to roll around in. He would run a little ways, then purposely fall down. It was a hoot to watch!
I thought these mums looked so pretty covered in snow.
Although I love the snow, I am dreading being cooped up in the house this winter. Daniel loves being outside so much! We might have to invest in some more farm toys. Those seem to be the one thing that truly keeps him occupied indoors. These photos below show him playing with Uncle Jonathan's farm toys at Grandpa and Grandma's house.
This child never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of farm machinery. At the age of 18 months he could correctly identify a tractor, baler, sprayer, and combine (something I couldn't do until I was probably 20 years old). This fall we have ridden with my dad in the combine several times. Daniel has obviously paid close attention on these trips, because he set up the toys below all by himself. This is exactly how the real equipment is arranged out in the field.
Daniel says, "Beans, beans," and points to the auger, where the soybeans pour out. He's going to know more about the whole process than I do in about five minutes. Luckily, his daddy, grandpa, and uncle can quite capably take over his farming education.

Halloween photos

Daniel's favorite movie is Finding Nemo, so it seemed natural for him to be Nemo for Halloween. After unsuccessfully bidding on several Nemo costumes, I finally won one on eBay. (Don't you love how they call it "winning" when, in actuality, it just means you were willing to pay more than anyone else?) I was very thankful that the costume fit well and that he was willing to wear it! And, of course, we thought he looked absolutely adorable. I hope everyone had a happy Halloween!

My favorite time of year!

Those gorgeous fall days that I so dearly love have been few and far between this October. Instead rain and cold weather very reminiscent of late November have taken their place. However, earlier this week we did have a beautiful afternoon or two. Daniel and I made the most of it and spent lots of time outdoors. I snapped these photos as he played!

One hundredth post!

I started this blog exactly two years ago this October. I originally created it to help us keep connected with our family members and friends. It has become something of an online scrapbook, documenting Daniel as he grows and changes. It is also a place for me to post things God shows me, things happening around our home, and just any random thing that seems interesting to me! I usually have five or six blog posts floating around in my mind, but only a few actually make it out of my head and onto the computer.
In addition to this being the two year birthday of the blog, this is also my one hundredth post! Here is a photo journey through these past two years (and hundred posts) of our life.

This is me very pregnant with Daniel. Well, not very pregnant,
since I still had almost two more months to go.
December 2007

Daniel, only a few days old. I hardly remember him being so small!
February 2008

Daniel at 7 months and already a John Deere fan.
September 2008

His first Halloween. Moo!
October 2008

His first Christmas.
December 2008

Daniel's first birthday. See how he is holding up one finger!
February 2009

First trip to the pool!
July 2009

Daniel, at 20 months, taken yesterday.
October 2009

I've said it many times, but I'll say it again...time flies! How did my baby grow so fast? I am looking forward to see what the next hundred posts brings!

Happy birthday, brother!

Twenty-two years ago today, I became a big sister! Happy birthday, Jonathan.

You are a blessing to me and to many, many others. I pray for you much joy today and in the coming year. We love you!