the decision is made

I was so horribly bummed when we did not get our first choice for preschool for Seth next year. Crazy how we even have to think and decide on these things in January and February! However, this week I was able to reserve an afternoon spot at our current ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) location (which is where we ultimately wanted to be, just in the mornings). I am excited to have something nailed down. The program is great because I get to be a part of the learning process! Sometimes when God closes a door, He opens a window.

Labor of Love: Part 2

Where were we? Oh, transitions.

I stood next to the bed and leaned on Jason while the contractions racked my body. I was also rocking those hips my momma gave me like no tomorrow and breathing out heavy deep breaths right in my husbands face. I remember asking him at one point if I needed a breath mint and he laughed.

While standing and rocking my water broke. Now that is something to experience. It was like this burst and then yuck running down my legs. I do not like to have anything running down my legs - who does?! Then with every contraction more gushing. I was like, "Wipe that off!" Thus Jason's new job was to support me and clean me. Poor guy did great though. It didn't last long.

Penny, my midwife arrived at 3 am as my water was breaking. She was a bit surprised how far things were getting and made sure to get into position. She had the nurse remove all the baby monitor stuff and had me work my way into bed. It was so uncomfortable at that point but there was this realization that I was really getting there which kept me breathing and holding my own. Penny checked me and the next thing I know she wants me to start pushing.

I was like, "Wow, already?" She got her hand back down there and with the first push there was head coming out. She was telling me to breath and I am sure I growled out, "I can't!" She was trying to grab what she needed from the cart next to her and then turned to catch as our little on came out in the next two pushes. Fast - that is the only way I can describe it. Well, painful and fast might be a better description. I mean seriously we got there at 2 am and our little one arrived at 3:30 am!

I was so shocked to have that little bundle on my chest. Jason peeked right away and was the one to announce "It's A Boy!" which shocked us both. (We now are the proud parents of two of the only three boys in our families! We figured the odds were on a girl.) As they rubbed him down the first cries emerged. It was such a beautiful sound to my ears.

What followed was an amazing time. We got to hold our little one and just relax in the quiet. The midwife declared that the baby had left only a small tear that would mend better without her help so she cleaned up the placenta and let us be. The nurse cleaned up around us and then let us be as well. The lights were mellow and we started discussing names. An hour passed before we started to wonder if we had anything else to do. (This was SO different from having Seth.) The nurse came back to check our vitals and I then she took the tiny man to check him out. He was the model of health!

This baby boy was healthy and able to stay with his mom and dad the whole time - what a joy!

We discussed and decided on a name: Eli Richard Johnson. We went back and forth between Elijah and Eli and realized that we would call him Eli anyway so why not just make that his official name?! The Richard part was a bit easier. We wanted a Johnson family name as our boys will be the only ones to carry on that name for generations to come. Richard was Jason's grandfather's name who passed away in 2005. He was a most special, God-fearing man and certainly one whom we always want to have remembered in our home.

Around 4:45 am or so the nurse came back and offered to get me in the bathtub to soak and clean up. They wanted to get Eli warmed so he could get his first bath around 5:30 am, at two hours of life. I gladly accepted and enjoyed some time getting relaxed. When I came out clean and in another gorgeous little "breastfeeding" gown I was deliriously happy and exhausted. Then I watched as Jason gave Eli his first bath and then we held and loved on him until the morning light started to stream into our room.

A blessing I will never forget was our family physician showing up at 7 am to care for Eli. God just happened to have her on rounds this week which is exactly what happened when Seth was born too. It was such a gift to have my regular Dr. and friend meet Eli and care for him right down to his circumcision before we left for home. I knew he was in good hands and that was such a great feeling! God is good!

I mentioned before that this birth was so different from our experience with Seth. I can't even begin to tell you all the ways but if I had to choose a plan of delivery so to speak, it was the way to go. Fast and furious but over and done.

Some of my favorite differences:

1. The calm environment with only the nurse and then the midwife while with Seth we had an entire collection of the NICU staff and extra nurses on hand.

2. No IV's or blood draws as opposed to six stabs before getting an IV started and then being woken up so often to have a blood draw just to prove that yes I was iron deficient but still alive.

3. The midwife just sat on the bed next to me while I delivered instead of taking apart the bed and using those horrible stirrups.

4. Getting to bathe right away and plenty often as opposed to finally asking if I could wash up somehow because I felt so yucky.

There were many small miracles that we enjoyed throughout our stay at the hospital though short lived. Due to the construction project and number of babes being born we were moved out of our room the evening of the day Eli was born. Our smaller room left us ready for our own beds and the comfort of home, but they awarded us with some perks for our inconvenience.

I was also blessed to have some great visitors in my short stay. My girlfriends arrived with lunch and gifts for Eli and big brother on Wednesday. It was so fun to talk with them and share Eli with them. They helped me feel so rejuvenated while in such an utter state of exhaustion.

Speaking of visitors, the Big Brother Seth won the award for the most excited to meet Eli. He ran into the room and didn't even have his mittens off before trying to get Eli in his grip. He held his little brother like a champ and continues to care for him with love.

Handing Seth baby Eli for the first time was so crazy. Just yesterday I gave birth to Seth - how can this be?! My Seth sure seems so much older now that baby Eli has arrived in our home! Oh Lord slow down the time!

So this is running on without purpose. I guess that exhaustion is kicking in again too. Time to go rest with my precious little bundle and best Christmas present ever...

Welcome to our Family!

I am sure to give many more details in the days to come but I wanted to let you meet the newest member of our family...

Eli Richard Johnson
Born: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 (38 weeks to the day)
Time: 3:30 AM (We arrived at the hospital at 2 AM at 8 cm!)
Weighed: 6 lbs. 7 oz. (only five oz. more than Seth)
Length: 19 1/2 in.

Mom meeting Eli for the first time. I was so shocked to here the word, "BOY!"

The proud father of two sons!

Eli resting and warming up after his first bath - Daddy did great!

Our precious little angel with his Daddy and Brother's chin.

Seth ran into the hospital room and couldn't hold Eli fast enough. He is so thrilled to have a little brother and is taking this responsibility pretty seriously. I am in awe of how well Seth is doing with such a huge change!

We're so excited to finally meet this precious little gift from God. He is beautiful and healthy and both mom and son are doing well. We came home Wednesday afternoon and are recovering with the help of my family. We ask that you pray for continued health for us all. We were all so sick in the weeks prior to Eli's arrival and the germs are lingering in our home still.

You'll have to hang on for the birth story as I have yet to sleep more than rare snippets and the computer seems the last priority if you can imagine...

A New Month to Learn and Grow

December has arrived. It's time for a new unit in our home preschool. Here's the details for those who are interested:

Dec. 1 to Dec. 11 - Snow and Winter
I realize that snow does not necessarily arrive at this time, but it certainly can. The reality is this unit is easy to have a lot of fun with and use it to decorate our home for the long winter. Some projects on the docket: Homemade Snow Dough (recipe coming soon), making Snow Flakes to cover the windows, Cupcakes with coconut on top for a baking project and of course more depending on the timing.

Dec. 14 to Dec. 30 - The Story of Christmas
We live in a home where we believe that Christ was born on Christmas and that HE is the Savior of the world. We make sure to teach the true meaning of Christmas in our home: It's not about what we get, it is about what we give to others. In fact, the goal of this unit is to come up with a gift we can each give personally to Jesus for His birthday.
If you have never read the account of the birth of Christ pick up a New Testament or Bible and check out Luke 2 for the truth!

Emotional: Patience and Waiting for Others

Social/Moral: Time with Family

Spiritual: Giving to Jesus and Others

Month's Verse: "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." James 1: 17

Some other seasonal items that happen in our home outside of day care include a Nativity Calendar. Each day we read a bit more of the story of Christ's birth and add a character to our scene. It is so fun to look forward to each night at supper time.

This year I also am trying a new tradition, or adding to an old one, depending on how you look at it. Each year before we open gifts on Christmas the first gift we open is the Bible. My husband wraps it in advance and it is the first gift to be passed out and then read. So this year, I had my mother help me and we have wrapped 24 Christmas books. That means each night before bed Seth will open a book (some new and some old) to read with mom or dad before being tucked in. I think it just adds to the merriment of Christmas! Then on Christmas day we will open the most important gift of all God's Word telling us of how He sent His one and only son so that we might have life!

Let me know if you have any fun family traditions that others can join in too...

Oh, Five Point Harness...I Will Miss You!

I have been avoiding this day for months now: the day where I admit that Seth needs a Big Boy seat for the car. I have seen when I buckle him into his five point harness that the straps no longer go just at or slightly above his shoulders but dig down way behind. I know, as all mothers who read about car seat safety, that this is the sign for change.

I have not wanted the change!

I have been living in this world where my son stays small and safe in his five point harness until he is full grown. Full grown meaning off to college mind you. I like knowing that he is literally tied down to my car if there were to ever be an accident. Heaven forbid my husband is right: What keeps our son safe is how we drive. Is it really all on me?! What about those idiots who don't stop for the sign or pull out into highway traffic without looking?! Why do I have to constantly be driving safely for them too?! (Sorry, rabbit trail.)

So today was the day I bought a booster for my son. A HIGH back one of course so I can make sure that the seat belt strap correctly positions over his highly adorable and precious little body. What I wouldn't give for a tall and slender car seat with a five point harness for the lightweight but tall little boy I love with all of my heart. Oh Graco, oh Evenflo, oh Costco...you have failed me!

At least there is a little comfort in knowing that the one within my womb will be strapped into a five point harness at birth and snuggled safely in the center of our small car. Then again with our small car the center is the only place that little wonder will even fit.

They grow up so fast and I find it so hard to let go of each stage. Motherhood is a constant struggle between teaching your children to grow more independent and then wishing you could hold them tighter just a little longer. Keeping you kids safe in your own resolve...impossible. Thank you for a great God who loves them more than I can ever imagine who will protect them when I cannot!

The Bear Attacks of 2009, An All Too Personal Story: Part 2

Sleep did not come easily. With every movement of a tree limb or sound of the night my heart jumped from my chest and it took a good twenty minutes to get my breathing to return to normal. Seth crashed hard with the total exhaustion of the long day and the adrenaline rush. Jason also was alert to movement outside the tent so neither of us was the least bit surprised at just how fast he moved when we heard Keith say, "It's back!"

Shocked and dismayed at just after five in the morning, I crawled carefully out of the tent to see a bear once again under our food pack in the trees. Crazier still - it was a different bear! I put my head in Jason's shoulder and wept. Then the pregnant woman in me had to do what all pregnant women must do when they are scared out of their whits - I had to use the latrine.

That would be Harry the Bear (Seth named both of the bears Harry) under what remains of our food pack. We had strung it ten to twelve feet in the air between two trees. My husband said that he actually saw the bear stand and pull it down breaking tree limbs in the process so he could reach in and help himself to seconds. That brown bear was HUGE!

I pulled myself together and Crystal and I watched as our husbands once again created a barrier of safety between us and the bear. We are talking twenty to thirty feet for us and about fifteen for them. They would bang the pots and pans and make sure the bear knew that we were there. However, this bear had found the goods and was not interested in going anywhere. He thundered down to the lake a few steps away for a drink after getting a mouth full of Kool-Aid and various drink mixes that totally turned his tongue red and certainly burned his mouth. We actually had to laugh and the comic relief felt good.

The bear finished a few more bites of our wonderful, scrumptious, well-packed and prepared food and then lowered his enormous body to the ground and started to fall asleep. No kidding. We realized then that this bear was really NOT going to leave. It was time to, "fish or cut bait," as they say.

Our last family photo in the BWCA, for this trip anyway. Seth was sound asleep in the tent. (Yes, it was cold. I had on long johns and my snow hat! Oh, did I mention that we had NO food to eat. I was hungry!)

We packed up the tents, minus the one my beautiful brave child was still sound asleep in, and cleared camp to the point of the boats being ready to launch. Still the bear stayed put. Letting the bear sleep while keeping us from breakfast (our stomachs were growling at this point) didn't sit well with any of us, especially my husband. He charged the bear a few times hollering and banging pans only to have the bear "bluff" charge him back.

Friends a "bluff" charge is one scary move. You do not know that it is a bluff until the bear backs up. I saw that bear charge my husband and my uterus seized in a clear first contraction. NOT good at 19 weeks of pregnancy I might add. Crystal got me to sit down and drink some water which resolved the contraction issue, but there was still a mad bear in my camp site!

I was told later that my husband had charged the bear many other times when I was not able to see it happen and even pelted him with rocks in the middle of the night. (Now I know why we heard vicious growling!) It's a good thing that our baby is in the womb to stay for much longer given the enormity of the situation. I don't even want to think what would have happened if my husband or anyone else had been hurt. This pregnant lady can paddle but I cannot carry my husbands lifeless body down to a canoe. Crystal and I had to make plans of how we would make it back with Seth alone to get help two hours away. NOT fun thoughts my friends.

Our group photo with Seth still in the tent. Needless to say we decided NOT to invite Harry #2 to be in the photo. He was content to snore under the food bag he was now claiming and protecting as his own!

We woke Seth and left my friends. There was nothing more for us to do. The bear had been there with no intent to leave for about three hours. Close to two hours later, an hour of that paddling, we reached the Tofte Ranger Station and reported our incident. They were not surprised and told us then that there had already been three other bears in that area in the past week. (Might have been nice to know BEFORE we left!) They told us they would get a ranger in there to clean up the mess and if they found something salvageable they would send it our way.

We hope they find something as we lost $150 of food and a lot more money than that in camping gear. So much for our "bear" necessities!

Here is a quick video I took to give you a view of the camp site and the bear. This is our camp in the morning: after we moved our tents as far as water would allow from the bear in the night! I will never forget the sounds of his Darth Vader breathing, ever. It will be in my nightmares for weeks to come too...

The Bear Attacks of 2009, An All Too Personal Story: Part 1

"This is the year we are going to do the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as a family."

These words once spoken brought excitement and joy, now looking back it was one crazy adventure. I am not even sure where to start...maybe right at the beginning.

With our friends, Keith and Crystal, and family tucked tight in the suburban with gear for five days and two canoes loaded up top, we drove north to the beautiful land of the BWCA. The trip seemed to go quickly as we roared up to the Tofte Ranger Station and checked in. We learned there that the area we had chosen has bears and we all nodded our heads thinking, "they always say that." So we loaded up once again and headed into the wilderness excited and feeling well prepared for our greatest adventure of the summer.

Keith and Jason taking one last look at the map.

Seth running between the canoes and helping pack them up.

Our first family photo in the wilderness. (Seth was not interested in joining us so you can see him as the red speck in the background...he, he.)

Ready to take on whatever comes our way: Seth and J mom.

We paddled Kawishiwi Lake looking for a campsite. As it was late afternoon and we were hungry and tired for along day in the car we wanted an easy first day. With no sites on Kawishiwi available but no portgage necessary we headed into Square lake and saw a campsite available right away. In fact it was a great site. It had three tent areas which was just what we needed and a amazing view of the water and tree line.

We got camp set up and made our Hobo dinners which tasted delicious. Tiredness still a factore, we decided to make it an early night. As the sun set we pulled into our tents for the night. Seth in his own small tent, J mom and Dad in there tent and Keith and Crystal in their own tent slightly further into the woods. We were expecting to get a great night sleep and wake up ready to paddle further into the wilderness for our next camp site.

Little did we know...

Around 11 pm Jason was in Seth's tent (Seth was so overtired and restless he needed someone to be by him to help him keep getting back to sleep). I was in our tent and heard some loud rustling. Now I have been in a tent and heard mice, racoons, even deer but this sounded really BIG. Jason was also hearing this noise and popped out of Seth's tent and in the light of the moon headed toward the sound. Next thing I hear is, "A BEAR is in the food bag".

Within moments I was running from my tent to our son's, now yelling for mom, with my sleeping bag in tow. While comforting him, my husband is banging our pots and pans together and yelling in his deepest, darkest voice, "Get out of here, Bear!" It was either panic or pray. We chose to pray! Seeing the bear in our food and not being able to deter him Jason yelled for Keith to start a fire. Crystal, not wanting to stay alone one second, joined Seth and I in the tent.

May I stop to mention that we can hear this bear breathing and eating. He is a mere fifteen feet from our tent! My son is the bravest little boy ever and Crystal and I are great actors at being brave. Had Seth not been there I think we would have been freaking out or passed out on the ground!

The bear finally walked away about an hour and a half later with a very full belly. We all sat around the fire discussing possible plans and finally moved tents closer to the fire ring and each other for safety. Jason and I also joined Seth in a tent as we were not letting each other out of sight any time soon! The guys surveyed the damage and we assumed we were safe until morning. We decided to get a few hours of sleep and then decided what to do in the morning about our lack of food and newly developed fear of bears.

Oh how wrong we were...

To be continued...

NOT Associative Identity Disorder

I have been living a double life for about 13 weeks now. For example:

Instead of the my cheery self in the morning I am overtired and crabby.
I cry at commercials about diaper cream instead of the Hallmark ones.
I yell for seemingly no reason at all and only hurt other's feelings.
I get horribly ticked off at other drivers when usually I can turn the other cheek.
Sleep comes in spurts and leaves me wanting more, more, more.
My belly is hanging over my pants when I really am watching what I eat.
My walking shoes have holes in them even though I have only been exercising for a week.
I eat and instead of instant joy it is instant indigestion and bloatation.
I urinate for frequently than one can imagine possible.
My dreams haunt me and always include weird conversations/people I would rather forget.
Lower back pain and headaches are a part of daily life.
Zits seems to popping out in places they really should never be found.
What goes in is supposed to come back out, at least some of it...
These are just to name a few off the top of my head.

Do you have any idea what my symptoms could reflect? Am I going to survive? Will I ever feel like myself again? Please tell me that there is a light at the end of this tunnel!


Maybe this has something to do with it:

Our peanut was waving at me when I saw it for the first time - how sweet!

Yes that would be a 12 to 13 week ultrasound of the baby we are expecting January 5th, 2010. Before leaving town our midwife wanted to make sure all things were looking good - they are! We are thrilled to be pregnant, well to be having another child that is. The pregnancy itself has not been treating me so well.

Now don't get me wrong, all children are miracles, but this one is certainly an act of God. We were told over a year ago that without medical intervention we would more than likely NOT have more children. Then came April and my 30th birthday and I new something was up. A home pregnancy test confirmed my suspicions and a Dr shortly thereafter. We were glad that God worked in His timing and that we allowed for Him to work as well. It took patience and prayer that is for sure!

Of course there is tons more to this story and you will hear all of it, but for now just keep us all in your prayers as we travel for two weeks. It could be quite the adventure.

Tips for Tots or for Moms Rather

I had the wost day of motherhood on record yesterday! Seth and I both ended up in his bed last night with tears. Not good but one must pick themselves up and move on as parenting is a lifelong commitment with no turning back.

This morning I spent plenty of time with my Savior trying to gather strength for a new a better start. Praise the Lord for His mercies are new each morning! I received a book from a friend on Sunday that came at a perfect time as I needed it this morning for some encouragement and laughter. The book is called Motherhood is Not For Sissies by Evelyn Beilenson and is a collection of quotes on motherhood. I just have to share a few to help you moms on your way too...

Surrendering to motherhood means surrendering to interruption. Erica Long

Motherhood is a first aid kit for healing our hurts, worries and mishaps.

I figure if the kids are alive at the end of the day, I've done my job. Roseanne

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. Phyllis Diller

Insanity is hereditary; you get is from your children. Sam Levenson

When all else fails, pray.

Claiming 30 As The New 20

Public Announcement: J mom turned 30 on April, 27, 2009!

I love celebrating birthdays, but I have not been looking forward to turning 30 in the least. I feel like 30 is a reminder of all the things I have not achieved yet in my life. I have so many goals and dreams and time just keeps going by faster and faster. How is one to ever get it all done? I am struggling just to keep my "To Do" list in order, care for my home and family, and actually sit down and play with my son. How I am ever going to get my first book published, travel the countryside, be a well-know public speaker, reverse world hunger and well, I realize that one might be a bit much.

So here I am, 30 today and I am starting to realize that it will happen all in God's time. He has a plan for my life. He will give me the time if I truly allow Him to be King of my life!

. . .

The weekend was full of celebrating. My parents came down for the weekend to watch Seth so I could spend all day Saturday scrapbooking with friends; even had cake with lunch. Then we went out to Famous Dave's for supper. Sunday a friend had cake there for me whole Edge class (fifth and sixth grade Sunday School) to celebrate once again. We about set off the church's fire alarm with all the smoke from 30 trick candles! That afternoon was more celebrating with family. I was tuckered out!

Jason and Seth got me a new, much desired mandolin for using in the kitchen. I can't wait to cut up some fries and veggies! I was under the impression that we would go out to dinner as a family since we have a rule: I WILL NOT cook on my birthday! However, it started to become apparent that there was something else in the works...

I went to the back door to find three friends from church looking for me! They took me out for a night on the town to celebrate. Just the girls! I have not been "kidnapped" by girlfriends for a night out since college. I felt like a silly teenager! It was a huge blessing to me and I will never forget it. God has blessed me with some amazing women to help me keep it all in perspective. Who would have thought that my closest friends at this stage of life would be in their 40's and 50's while I was afraid to leave my 20's!?! The joy God brings those who love Him!

Thanks family and friends and thank you most of all to my Savior!

The Best Part of the Story is Yet to Come

It's Good Friday. A day when we mourn the suffering of Jesus on the cross. I think sometimes believers in Jesus get stuck on Friday when the most important thing happens on Sunday. On Sunday Jesus raises from the dead! The grave cannot hold him! He is ALIVE! As believers in Christ struggling in a not so heavenly world, we must live as though Christ is ALIVE and living among us. That is the only hope in this broken world I can count on!

Seth gets very into his craft time - look at that focus!

Today we tried to incorporate some of the fun traditions of Easter into our day care day. We hid tons of eggs around the house to find and it was such a success we did it over and over and over and over and over again. Then we made some crafts with bunny stickers and such. (I am saving the dying of eggs for just Seth on Saturday am due to the mess factor.) During out time I kept trying to reinforce the idea of New Life. Christ died on the cross to save us from our sins and rose from the dead that we ALL may have new life in Him!

Tiny Man Tate adding some stickers to his masterpiece.

Have you not heard the gospel of Grace? Check out this video that says it all in a very modern way...



The Bible tells us that those who call upon the name of the Lord will have eternal life. (Romans 10:13, 10:9-10) That's the best part of the story and it still yet to come...

Easter Eggs with A Message

Time to hard boil some eggs and get decorating for Easter! We picked up a cheap dye kit at Target but Seth is so excited to get into it. I am hoping that we can keep the mess to a minimum but have some fun too. Photos will be in your near future...

On Sunday we plan to hide dozens of plastic eggs outside this year, weather permitting of course. Inside the eggs I like to put little treasures. Candy of course is great. Small plastic animals were fun last year, like those kind you buy in a tube. I am thinking about doing my own Resurrection Eggs this year. With the help of the web site you can gather your own items around the house. No time? Quick pick up a set at your local Christian bookstore or order online. I think Seth is old enough to understand the basic concepts and then in the future we can continue to help him understand them more.

Easter is a special time of year in our lives and now it is time to help our son understand it's special meaning too...

One Healthy Three Year Old

My crazy three year old eating a 25 cent cone at McDonald's the week of his birthday. He loves to make silly faces!

Today I took Seth in for his three year old well check. He was as expected: healthy! For those of you who don't get to see him in person maybe this can give you a better picture of how he looks. Seth is three feet two inches tall and weighs about 32 lbs. He's actually looking pretty tall and slender to us which is funny after having such a chubby little baby that first year of his life. I figure that trend will continue as he grows to look more and more like himself and less and less like mom and dad. Isn't that a sad and happy thought all at once.

Seth did so well at the Dr I told him we would stop and pick up a treat afterwards. As our clinic is right by Byerly's we stopped there and headed to our favorite spot: the bakery. I really didn't want to spend a dime as it is the end of the month and the grocery money is long since spent but today was a special day so there we are looking at donuts, but all I can think is...89 cents for that?! Seth was about to show me what he wanted when a lady came out and offered him an M&M cookie. We were both sold. I said thanks and there we had it. A special treat and for FREE. Mom has no complaints!

Thank you Jesus for providing once again even the silly things!

The Mystery of Contentent

I am reading through the Bible in a year with the help of a student reading plan that we are working through with our Edge kids. Those are my fifth and sixth grade students on Sunday mornings at church. It is a very doable schedule and really focuses in on the main point of God's Word.
During the last week we have spent time in the book of Exodus where Moses is called to lead the Isrealites out of Egypt. It has really captured my attention! God did amazing miracles during the ten plagues to force Pharaoh to allow the people to leave. Can you imagine gnats and locusts covering your home and body?! Yet in all these God protected his people. He loved them and was working, however slow it seemed to Moses and the people, to save them.

Once out in the desert the grumbling starts. The Isrealites have actually witnessed God in the form of a cloud and been following him to freedom and they have the audacity to complain! I am always wishing God would appear in bright lights and lead me down the right path! They find water but it is bitter so low and behold God makes it sweet. They need food to God allows manna (bread) to fall from heaven each morning in just the amount each person needs. They get greedy and try to take more but in the morning it is filled with maggots and moldy. God provides this manna for 40 days so they will not go hungry and they wish they were back in slavery in Egypt becuase at least there they had meat. Reading this enraged me at first. Then I read it again trying to put myself into the story and try to gleen what God is teaching me...

Would I complain about eating the same thing for 40 days? Oh yes, I can barely stand left overs one night. Can you imagine bread for a month? (Don't just focus on the carbs here either.) I also find myself understanding how one could take more than they needed and try to prepare for the next day. I am constantly trying to be on top of things and buying gorceries on salem, even when I am not sure I have the resources, to prepare for the future.

I believe the manna became moldy and full of maggots to teach them a lesson. They must be content with what God has given them and even dare I say, thankful for God's provision?! There is nothing wrong with planning ahead but God's command was to take what you needed for one day. We must obey our Lord! He has the BIG picture in mind. He wants to share the BEST with us and we often will complain about it and reach for more and in turn be given maggot filled bread.

Here is where it really hits close to the heart: This week we are feeling the financial struggle as illness kept us from working and a few other expenses are starting to overwhelm. We received a refund check from the energy company for the work we had done on the house - energy savings or something they call it. Anyway, that check is a miracle and yet my first response was to grumble that it was not enough to pay the Visa bill. God sent manna from heaven and like the Isrealites, I complained instead of thanking Him for his amazing provision. What a jerk I was. I have since tried to be more thankful and remind myself that God will provide for all of my families needs in His time!

Reach for God's best by believing that HE will give you His best if you only put your trust in Him. There is my sermon for today....