Seeing Anew: Four Thirty-Six thru Four Forty-Two

"This is why I speak to them in parables:

'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.' 

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 

'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; 

you will be every seeing but never  perceiving. 

For this people's heart has become calloused; 

they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. 

Otherwise they might see with their eyes, 

hear with their ears,

 understand with their hearts 

and turn, and I would heal them.' 

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear."

Matthew 13:13-17

Wednesday, September 14th

436) A new endeavor- Since our daughter has gotten a little bigger, I have struggled more with my role as a stay at home mom. Don't get me wrong. I am so thankful that I can stay home and I feel that is where I should be, if at all possible. However there is another part of me that wanted something more. Not a full time job, but something where I felt like I was contributing in another way, using gifts and talents that have only gotten rusty as a homemaker. A little over a week ago, I was approached by someone from our church about a part time job. The position was something I have some background with and a good foundation to help me as I learn the rest, and it was a fairly limited number of hours. For me, this position was an answer to my prayer and, from the sounds of it, the answer to other's as well. It offers me a chance to do something helpful outside the house, while still being home with our daughter during these formative years.


Thursday, September 15th

437) Two hands- It is incredible how easy it is to take things for granted when you've never known anything different. Tonight after burning four of my fingers while cooking (not smart on my part), I found out just how much I appreciate having two hands instead of just one.


Friday, September 16th

438) Moving companies- Packing for our move has begun, but unlike our last two moves, we have to do the packing on our own. For both of our PCS military moves, we have had the military handle our move which meant they contracted a moving company that came in and did everything- packing, loading, and later unloading. It really is something incredible to watch. They come in, get to work, and have a homey house packed and ready to move in a matter of hours. The moving company and employees have saved me a great deal of planning, stress, labor and worry.


Saturday, September 17th

439) Packing for yourself- Seems kind of ironic that I would list this as a blessing right after saying that moving companies are a blessing, but I have a reason. With a moving company, you have a general idea where items should be, but it seems like there was always one item that I needed and/or wanted from the very beginning that was always at the bottom of the very last box I unpacked. However when you pack for yourself, you know where everything is, making it much easier when it comes time to unpack. So really, both methods have their perks and are a blessing in their own way.


Sunday, September 18th

440) Always learning - You can hear something over and over again, but sometimes you just need to have the right teacher, the right mindset and an open ear all at the right time. I am thankful that learning need not end but can continue throughout this life because the more I learn about this world and its Creator, the better I become.


Monday, September 19th

441) Surrender- Recently I have been re-reading Crime and Punishment which deals at great length with the psychological toll a criminal act can have on an individual. Frequently in the story, the leading character, who committed murder, debates his desire to go straight to the police and confess. Then today I heard a song on the radio, "Here with Me" by Mercy Me


You're everywhere I go
I am not alone
You call me as your own
To know you and be known

You are holy
And I fall down on my knees

I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love

I surrender to your grace
I surrender to the one who took my place

I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love


We can surrender to the authorities; we can surrender to one's love; we can surrender to grace; we can surrender to the Lord and Creator of this world, and I am certain we can surrender to so much else. Generally though I don't think we, as humans, like to surrender to anything or anyone. In doing so, we are giving away some of our power or authority. Yet while each act of surrender takes courage and vulnerability, they also can give us great peace, joy and confidence. Surrendering some of my own rights and some of my independence has allowed me to have a better relationship with family members, a wonderful marriage to an amazing man and the humility to accept the love, grace and salvation of my Heavenly Father.


Tuesday, September 20th

442) The here and now- When I was in high school, I remember wishing that I had been born 100-200 years earlier. I used to dream of what it would be like to be a southern belle during the time of the plantations. I didn't agree with the use of slaves, but the rest of the lifestyle always seemed so romantic and genteel. I have also held highly romanticized views of the Elizabethan and Victorian ages and wondered what it would be like to be the daughter of a noble or even part of the court during those times. Then one day it hit me that if I had lived during any of those eras, I likely wouldn't have been a southern belle or a nobleman's daughter. Most people weren't and their lives were much less romantic and genteel. In addition, there is the reality that the lifestyle of anyone during those times included several hardships I can hardly imagine or fathom enduring: no running water or plumbing in the house, no heat but a fire that must be stoked throughout the night, inadequate and limited medical knowledge that led to earlier deaths- including many young children, the role of women, the same vices we face today. When I really take an honest look at those times- even in the finest of homes, I realize that while there is something romantic and alluring about the stories you read, I don't belong in that age. I was brought into this world at just the right time, and I am so thankful for God's providence and foresight regarding the matter.

To Everything It's Time: Four Twenty-Six thru Four Thirty-Five

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

 a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Sunday, September 4th

426) Shared experiences- I have made some wonderful friends since moving to New Mexico and I have been blessed to have family in the area as well. Both of these facts have made the difficulties of Army life more manageable. However up until just recently, I did not have much interaction with other military spouses. It was not for a lack of interest; circumstances had just hindered it. We have found some ways to work with and around those circumstances and I have had a chance to spend some time with a few Army wives from Drew's platoon. What a wonderful addition to my life! I have known this was missing and I am so grateful to have someone who understands because of their shared experiences.


Monday, September 5th

427) Rules and laws- Children need boundaries; likewise we all need rules and laws to follow. The rules and boundaries of a parent actively show us that we are loved and that our parents care about what happens to us. There is security and comfort in this knowledge- even if, as children, we think it ruins some of our fun. The same continues to remain true as adults. We may think it is in our best interest to have the freedom to do whatever we like and may feel that the phrase "to each his own" should reign supreme, but in the end, we do not find peace, joy and contentment in such an environment. We butt heads with other people following their own way and never seem satisfied. I am thankful for the boundaries and rules that my parents had for me as a child and I am eternally grateful for the loving boundaries and commandments of my Heavenly Father, who has placed me securely on a path of joy and peace despite all odds.


Tuesday, September 6th

428) A lesson on gossip- Numerous years ago when I was still in my young teens, I felt convicted that I was a gossip and that needed to change. So at that time, I did a study on what the Bible says about the tongue, it's dangers and the need for wholesome speech. After that study, I worked very hard to tame my tongue and discard any gossip or unnecessary comments from my speech. Since I am such a talker, my tongue can still cause me some trouble and so I still go back to my notes from that study to remind myself of how I am called to speak. That Bible study and all that I learned from it has been absolutely invaluable to me and I know that it has spared me from many disagreements, estranged friendships and strife.


Wednesday, September 7th

429) Being a friend- I have listed more than one friend type who have blessed me. Sometimes I feel as though my friends have blessed me far more than I have blessed them. I always hate that sense of incongruity because I want to return that blessing. There really is a blessing not only in having friends, but in being a friend- someone a person can turn to in times of celebration, uncertainty, trouble or sadness. I am always blessed when I have a chance to really be a friend.


Thursday, September 8th

430) New house- While we have been content in our current residence, we have recently come to the conclusion that moving could have several benefits that outweighed the work involved with the move. Over a week ago, we put in an application for another house which would definitely offer us those additional benefits without stressing our budget. Today we were given the approval. This is truly a blessing but I feel we will be able to do more- with friends, our church and within our unit- because of this new house.


Friday, September 9th

 431) My playground injuries- Today I came away from a play date a sore and wounded hand. Why? I was showing a four year old how the monkey bars worked. Before I even tried, I knew I was probably going to feel it later. However it was a wonderful portal back to my days at recess, and a little reminder of my time playing with some wonderful kids.


Saturday, September 10th

432) A truly penitent "I'm sorry"- Today our daughter and I ran out for a quick errand. It should have been in and out and back home. However during the trip, our daughter decided she would have none of it. She was disobedient in the store (which was addressed) and threw another tantrum as I tried to place her in her car seat. This tantrum was also addressed, after which we headed towards home. Everything seemed to be going just as they do with every other tantrum, except that when I went to get her out of the car, she looked at me and said, "I'm sorry." Those words truly are amazing. They erased from my memory all the disobedience problems we had had that day. I know we still have a long road ahead of us with our little girl, but this was a wonderful moment of encouragement.


Sunday, September 11th 

433) Remembering- I may not be old enough to remember the day Pearl Harbor was attacked or the day President Kennedy was assassinated, but I remember September 11, 2001- the day a few handfuls of terrorists attacked our country- flying planes into the World Trade Center towers, the pentagon and aiming for another point in Washington DC.


I remember watching previous footage of the smoke rising from a side of the Pentagon and the first tower's collapse.
I remember watching live as the second tower came crashing down and hearing of the downed plane in the fields of Pennsylvania, and I remember what I felt.
I remember feeling fear and terror- wondering could there be more attacks to come, and if so, where?
I remember the sadness as the death toll rose.

I also remember our response, on that day and in the days to follow:

I remember the countless heroes who did not have to enter the Towers but did just that in the hopes of saving as many as possible.
I remember the overwhelming stories of valor and sacrifice.
I remember those heroes who gave their very all before the day was out.
I remember the men and women of United Airlines Flight 93, who learned what was occurring and sabotaged the terrorists' plans for that plane- likely saving many, many lives.
I remember the subsequent unity of our country.
I remember people coming together in friendship and neighborliness, and I remember a renewed sense of charity and generosity.
I remember American flags flying high all across our nation.
I remember the signs across the country proclaiming God bless America, and I remember the overflowing church pews on Sunday mornings as people searched for peace, understanding, and comfort after the terrible event.


Our response has slowly faded back to the norm as the demands of everyday life have weighed upon us, but I remember. We do not need another national disaster or act of terror to bring out those amazing qualities that we, as a country, do possess. Those qualities are in us just waiting to come out and could become our norm.

I remember.

Monday, September 12th

434) A set of fuzzy, warm pajamas- Last Christmas, Drew gave me a set of fleecy pajamas (pants and a long sleeved top). He did so because he knew I often get cold before everyone else and therefore need warmer clothing on or a blanket. Well cool nights have returned to New Mexico and while Drew and our daughter sleep better with a slightly cooler house, I freeze, especially from about our daughter's bedtime until I myself slip under the covers. It sure was wonderful to slip into my warmer pajamas for those last few hours. They definitely were not a necessity but oh, what a blessing!


Tuesday, September 13th

435) Cuddles- The last few weeks with our little girl have been fairly rough. As her allergies are ones that she should eventually grow out of, we have tried a couple of those foods to see how she handles them. So far, none have been successful and it has left us with a cranky, demanding and tired little girl. On top of that, she was a little sick over the weekend and is cutting her last 2-year molar. The crankiness, tiredness and subsequent disobedience have persisted. Despite all of that, I am blessed. The most obvious reason is her; no matter her mood or level of exhaustion, she still blesses me. On top of that though, I can count on the fact that our little girl will cuddle with me at least for a little while each morning after she first awakes and again before she lays down at bedtime. She is a little cuddlebug and I cherish those moments with her.

I LOVE my family: Four Twelve thru Four Twenty-Five

"'Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 

How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?

Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?'

For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Romans 11:33-36

It has been quite a while since I last posted, and as I didn't want to overwhelm everyone with a really long post, I decided to separate the one post into two, more manageable posts. Here is part 1.


Sunday, August 21st

412) Fever reducing medicine- We battled our daughter's high fever for all of yesterday and by day's end, it was well over 103 and pushing 104. Scary! We had to do whatever we could to get that temp down- using cold wash cloths, ice and fever reducing medicine- or an ER visit was imminent. While the wash cloths and ice helped with initially cooling her down, it was the medicine that brought her some relief and eased our worries. I am ever so grateful for the creator and producers of such medicine.


Monday, August 22nd

413) Baking soda- What an incredible powder! Baking soda can be used for cooking, personal hygiene, a sport supplement, a cleaning agent, a cattle supplement, a variety of medical uses and more. We have found that it helps to heal severe diaper rash tied to allergic reactions that our daughter has had. When nothing else seems to take out the sting and clear the rash, baking soda in her bath water has proved to be effective every single time.


Tuesday, August 23rd

414) My exes- Today is my high school boyfriend's birthday. Perhaps that seems like an odd thing to recognize, but he was a really good guy and a wonderful first boyfriend for me. It made me stop a little and I realized I have been blessed in one way or another by all of my ex-boyfriends. For one, I was blessed to date some wonderful, good men- truly rare in the broader scope of teenage and young twenty-something men. I also learned something from each of those relationships. They didn't all end well, but along the way, I still learned a lot about myself, my priorities in a mate, and how I act in relationships. All of what I learned has helped me with my relationship with Drew.


Wednesday, August 24th

415) Drew's sleeping ability- I have often said that it seemed ironic that Drew would choose the military when he loves to sleep in so very much. It seems so inconsistent in that respect, yet today I saw just how his love and affinity for sleep and the Army work well together. Drew was home around 4pm and had to be back at his shop for a 24-36 hour shift at 7pm. He came home, said hello and went in to sleep some before he had to head back out. If it had been me, I would have struggled. I cannot fall asleep on command- at any time, in any situation, but Drew can. That ability serves him well.


Thursday, August 25th

416) Help despite all else- Tuesday, I was on a mission to clean; our daughter had other ideas though. Top that off with a migraine, and by the time Drew got home, I hadn't accomplished nearly as much as I had hoped. However, I was determined to finish my list, knowing it needed to be done and needed to be done then. I was blessed in that Drew helped me with cleaning, assisting in a variety of ways, so we could have some down time together before the night was out. He did all of this despite the fact that he knew he was headed into a busy couple of work days that could amount to a 36 hour shift. What an incredible man!


Friday, August 26th

417) Prioritizing- Life can get busy and the every day duties can seem to take over, so I am thankful when I remember to stop and make time for our little girl even when my to-do list seems unending. After all, the cleaning will always be there, but this time with our child will quickly pass away.


Saturday, August 27th

418) Walking through produce aisles- I don't know if I can completely explain this one. I just love walking through produce aisles or produce markets. It's invigorating; I love the smells, the colors and the possibilities.


Sunday, August 28th

419) Individuality- We all have our quirks and that is what makes each of us unique. I know with absolute certainty that many of my quirks can drive others crazy or even be misunderstood. I am thankful that my husband loves me- not in spite of those quirks but including those quirks. He just chuckles a little and tells me I am being very Danielle and that it is cute. What a lucky girl I am!


Monday, August 29th

420) Imagination- Imagination is such a wonderful quality because it can allow you to entertain yourself wherever you are, with very little, and it can be the beginning of creativity and invention.


Tuesday, August 30th

421) Obedience- This is a big issue in our house right now since our little girl is two and testing her boundaries and independence. We are very blessed that, overall, our girl is fairly obedient. She has her days, but when I look at the whole picture, I know that her times of obedience far outweigh those times of disobedience and tantrums. As I watch my daughter and consider how her obedience and disobedience affects our relationship and our day, it makes me consider my own obedience, both as my parents' child and as a child of God. Learning to obey my parents helped me as I considered my personal relationship with God, and my obedience in both situations has made my days easier, brighter and more enjoyable overall.


Wednesday, August 31st

422) Good brain- After some new, rather disconcerting side effects to my migraines and the continuing high prevalence of them, I have visited a neurologist just to make certain there wasn't some serious change that had caused everything. Today they did an EEG to check for seizure activity (due to my history of epilepsy) and the results showed that my brain is healthy. It may not have provided me with the answers to my questions regarding my migraines, but it helped settle some old concerns with my medical history.


Thursday, September 1st

423) Walking the Talk- When talking with someone about faith issues, I have found that one of the biggest and most common reasons someone has ruled out Christianity is because of the hypocrisy and discrepancies they see in the lives of Christians around them. This knowledge always deeply affects me since as Christians, we are called to have the exact opposite effect on people. We should be living in such a way that those outside the faith ask, "What does he/she have that is different from me? Because whatever it is, I want it." Of course we all make mistakes; it is part of our human nature. However those people who truly try to live what they say they believe- day in and day out whether in public or behind closed doors, are a blessing both for themselves and for others. They are personally blessed because they are living harmoniously and in accordance to God's will and they are a blessing to others as they show them that not all Christians are "hot air" or "hypocrites."


Friday, September 2nd

424) A family day- I love spending time with my little family. We have lots of time together throughout the weeks and months (generally speaking), but the duties and obligations of every day life often keep us hopping. So when we take a little time to get away from all that and just enjoy time together, I love it. There is very little that is better balm for my soul than some time just for Drew, our little girl and myself.


Saturday, September 3rd

425) My little family- I love them; I love them; I love them so very much, and that is all that needs to be said.