How to Live With a Disability

This is my friend Krista, who spoke at a conference recently, called The Works of God, and shared these profound and beautiful words:


HT: Justin Taylor

Our Advent Chain

So, per my last post, December was always full of anticipation and delight for us growing up.

With Victor's arrival, I feel new zeal to try to make the Christmas season intentional and meaningful ... but frankly, coming up with 25 things to do just makes me feel tired.

So we've decided to try a modified version of the chain.

Each day of the week will have a certain "theme," unless something special is already planned:

Sunday: Advent Bible reading
Monday: Christmas carol
Tuesday: Guests for dinner
Wednesday: Gift or surprise
Thursday: Read a Christmas story
Friday: Bake or eat Christmas treat
Saturday: Special activity


I'm not sure if the construction paper will be cut, written on, and taped in time for December 1, and I don't know if Victor will absorb the full import of the days' events, but I'm eager to see how God will show us Himself this season.

(Will try to keep you posted on how things unfold.)

The Christmas Chain

Growing up, December was Christmas.

The evening of November 30 whet our appetites, when we would cut the construction paper into little strips.

Then, that first wonderful morning of December, we would run into the kitchen, and sure enough, draped over the doorway was our beloved chain--one link for each day until Christmas, in alternating colors (red, green, yellow, and white).

My mom was no dummy, so she folded the slips of paper twice, so there would be no cheating or peeking.  But each morning, the appropriate sister would cut a link as we all waited with bated breath to see what it would say.  We each had our color (mine was green), and it was unthinkable that any of us would dare to cut another's link in the Christmas chain. 

Decorate the Christmas tree.

Look in your stockings.

Go caroling.

Eat dinner in reverse.

Write a Christmas card.

Set out the Nativity.


[Every year, December 25 read the same: Read Luke 2.]

Oh, how we loved those special instructions!  Each day brought a new activity or treat, sometimes part of decorating for Christmas, sometimes sharing the season with others, sometimes just something delightful and unusual.

I look back and consider the monumental task my mother set for herself, managing her home with husband and four daughters and filling the already-busy Christmas season with even more labors of love.  We had no idea the coordination required to ensure that there would indeed be a thrilling bulge in our Christmas stockings on the morning we were to look there or guests lined up to go caroling on the date revealed.

But her effort was amazingly meaningful.  What a gift to us, to build into the season such anticipation, such joy, such good reminders about what an awesome gift God gave us when He sent His Son.

I have my own child now, and I hope to instill some of that hope and meaning and delight into his Christmas seasons too.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.--Isaiah 9:6

Thanksgiving in Iowa

Ben, Victor, and I headed to Iowa last Wednesday for Part 2 of our Thanksgiving celebration.

The ride down was a little painful for Victor (kinda off-kilter from his nap schedule, and l o o o n g), but once we got there, things brightened right up.

We had a fun Thanksgiving morning brunch with the immediate family (featuring homemade donuts, Lori's special coffee cake [made extra special by my own unique preparation i.e. not reading the recipe], sausage, eggs, and possibly something of a fruit or veggie nature, but I don't remember).

The little boys played really well together!  At one point, they were sitting back to back in a little alcove, and I wish I had gotten a picture.  The sad, tragic part was that Hudson's mild cold turned into fever, diarrhea, coughing, and generally yuckiness, so they didn't get to play together much after that first morning.

We helped Mom put up the Christmas tree and decorate a little, and then everybody dispersed for naps.  In the afternoon, Lori, Mom, and I had a lovely walk (it was 62 degrees!).  And we got to skype with Krista and the Laser kids in the afternoon.

Friday we did a little shopping (but not crazy-people-camping-in-the-parking-lot kind of shopping).

Saturday was the Vaupel side Thanksgiving.  On our way to the farm, we stopped to see Grandma Anderson.

Thanksgiving dinner with the Vaupels is always a feast.  Smoked turkey, stuffing, strawberry pretzel salad, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli salad, dinner rolls, and 4 kinds of pie.  Delicious.

 This is such a terrible photo, but I love Grandma's face!  So Grandma!

 Mom with her sisters Shirley and Sue

Uncle Arlan made his granddaughter (sitting here) Malea an amazing set of handcarved blocks.  Victor loved them!

Tisha, Lori, me, and Heidi

It was fun showing Victor around a place that has always been special to me--where Grandpa (i.e. Albert, whom he is named after) invested so much heart.  Now Uncle Arlan and Aunt Sue live there, and it is still abuzz with activity.

Saturday night Ben skyped with his mom and heard the exciting news about her next assignmnet: Burkina Faso!

Sunday we got to go to church as a family, which was lovely.  (We didn't plan the matching outfits.)

All in all, it was a delightful trip and full of things to thank God for.

You Should See the Other Guy

Today when we were walking in the parking lot to our van after church, Victor saw a man swipe the purse from an elderly lady.

He took off after him, and grabbed him around the ankles.  It was quite a tussle, but Victor finally wrestled the purse away and returned it to its rightful owner.

In the process, he did come away with quite a puffy lower lip.  But it was worth it.

Showing off those new upper teeth!

 

Relaxing a little after a busy day

(Well, maybe it was more that he tried to stand up holding onto the glider, slipped, and split his lip something terrible.  But regardless, he seems to be convalescing, and he bears the war wound well.)

Thanksgiving Dinner Part 1

Today we got to have the Nathan Kattersons down for a little prelude to Thanksgiving.  

I was SO determined I was going to take pictures of everybody at the table(s) before we ate, as my mother so faithfully does every year.  

And (no surprise) I totally forgot and didn't pull my camera out the whole time until they were packing up to leave.  And then I took one picture, and my camera died.

Sigh.

This is why most of my life is undocumented since I moved away from home, where the natural photographers live.

But regardless, we had a great time together ... 7 reasons to thank the Lord right here!  (Photo compliments of Facebook. :) )

And my one brilliant photo to commemorate the time:

Fabulous

Consider and act accordingly.

To Hell with the Devil and His Destructive Lies

John Piper:

But the hard truth is that most Christians don’t pray very much. They pray at meals—unless they’re still stuck in the adolescent stage of calling good habits legalism. They whisper prayers before tough meetings. They say something brief as they crawl into bed. But very few set aside set times to pray alone—and fewer still think it is worth it to meet with others to pray. And we wonder why our faith is weak. And our hope is feeble. And our passion for Christ is small.

The Duty of Prayer

And meanwhile the devil is whispering all over this room: “The pastor is getting legalistic now. He’s starting to use guilt now. He’s getting out the law now.” To which I say, “To hell with the devil and all of his destructive lies. Be free!” Is it true that intentional, regular, disciplined, earnest, Christ-dependent, God-glorifying, joyful prayer is a duty? Do I go to pray with many of you on Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., and Wednesday at 5:45 p.m., and Friday at 6:30 a.m., and Saturday at 4:45 p.m., and Sunday at 8:15 a.m. out of duty? Is it a discipline?
You can call it that. It’s a duty the way it’s the duty of a scuba diver to put on his air tank before he goes underwater. It’s a duty the way pilots listen to air traffic controllers. It’s a duty the way soldiers in combat clean their rifles and load their guns. It’s a duty the way hungry people eat food. It’s a duty the way thirsty people drink water. It’s a duty the way a deaf man puts in his hearing aid. It’s a duty the way a diabetic takes his insulin. It’s a duty the way Pooh Bear looks for honey. It’s a duty the way pirates look for gold.

Means of Grace: Gift of God

I hate the devil, and the way he is killing some of you by persuading you it is legalistic to be as regular in your prayers as you are in your eating and sleeping and Internet use. Do you not see what a sucker he his making out of you? He is laughing up his sleeve at how easy it is to deceive Christians about the importance of prayer.
God has given us means of grace. If we do not use them to their fullest advantage, our complaints against him will not stick. If we don’t eat, we starve. If we don’t drink, we get dehydrated. If we don’t exercise a muscle, it atrophies. If we don’t breathe, we suffocate. And just as there are physical means of life, there are spiritual means of grace.

HT: Justin Taylor

Box Game

Whatever you do, don't let anything remain in an sitting in an orderly fashion on top of the box...

Moterboat

Emotional Rollarcoaster

We're happy.

We're so, so happy.

We're ecstatic.

We're sad.

We're happy.




Oh, the ups and downs of life...

Unexpected Outing

This afternoon when Victor got up from his nap (after changing the poopy diaper), I was taking a video of him being precious, and Ben got home from teaching science.

"It smells like gas in here."

"Oh, should I take Victor outside?"

"Yes, I think you'd better."

Happily, it was a sunny, mild November day (not raining, not below zero, not in the middle of V's nap...).

And after calling 9-1-1, speaking with the first police officer, admiring 3 impressive fire trucks (and a jeep) and the efficient and expeditious assistance of the firefighters, from across the street, answering inquiries from the neighbors driving by, and wishing I had grabbed Victor's coat on the way out, we learned that a burner had been on (probably bumped it when I cleaned the stovetop this morning).

So, we're extra thankful tonight for a lovely normal day.  And will be more careful with the burner knobs.


(And the video I was taking before the aforementioned adventure...)

He was cracking me up with the tag on his shirt.  (And looking mighty cute in his little overalls.)

Why isn't this funny piece of paper falling off when I shake it?

And then we moved into a spontaneous game of peekaboo... which is maybe the first time he ever did it all himself. 

Grandad, Gi-Gi, and Aunt Jan

Dear Victor,

These are some very special people.

They love you and pray for you, and they have made a legacy of trusting and following Jesus that is very precious.

I pray you will grow to be like them!

Biblical Health and Wellness

This is a very helpful message (from one of the elders at our church) about how to think about the myriad questions, concerns, and ideas about caring for the health of your family.

Thankful

Dear Victor,

Yesterday was a sweet day.

You are always wailing by the time I get you in the morning (since you must wait until 6am), and I must confess to the immediate gratification of those two outstretched arms and big, sad eyes reaching for me.  We have a little nibble before facing the day.  I love how you cuddle in my arms to nurse, stopping to look up at me and grin every now and then, so glad now that you're not alone in the dark anymore.

Then we turn off the fan and tip-toe out to find Daddy.  You get a big smile on your face, peering to see around the corner to spot him.  Yesterday he had gone back to burrow under a pile of blankets in bed, so we all snuggled in for a while, Daddy and me chatting while you explored the buttons on his shirt and traced the zipper on my sweatshirt with one chubby little forefinger.

You pulled out some blocks while I stirred up rice cereal with chicken and apples (yum) for breakfast.  I fed you, and Daddy and I talked about some thoughts from our Bible time.

During your first nap, I finally got a couple Christmas presents wrapped (they have been staring at me from the big blue chair for over a week) and planned for a few more.

It was a chilly, wet morning, but Dad still took you out for a run, and I got dinner in the crockpot and a headstart on five more to wait in the freezer.  You mostly only eat cereal, baby food, Cheerios, and milk right now, but I imagine the day you'll start eating us out of house and home is not too far away.

You took such a long second nap that I even got to snuggle in with Daddy for a little snooze myself!  And when we all got up, the sun was out, the day had grown warm, and we headed over to Lebanon Hills to walk the trail around the lake.

I love carrying you on my back, and you like it too, for a while.  When you started to get restless, Daddy took you out and carried you in his big arms.  You loved holding a dry leaf, turning it left and right to look at all the sides. 

How you shouted with glee when I would get ahead, and then Daddy would run up to hand you off to me, and I'd swing you in a big circle.  Then we'd walk a little further and do it again, like baby leapfrog.

We all ate dinner (and Dad did an admirable job dealing with your post-dinner blowout, though I think he was a bit shocked that it was possible to get poop that far up your back), and then you splashed in the bath while we talked and laughed at your antics.

I fed you before bed, and then you wrapped your arms around my neck and snuggled your head on my shoulder, and I swayed and kissed your silky head and thanked God for you.

God has been very rich in mercy toward us, little button.  How we thank Him for undeserved grace.

All I Want For Christmas...

Used to be, all Victor wanted for Christmas was his two front teeth.

But now he's got those, so he's open to other options...

Hunger and Thirst

I read these in Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martyn Lloyd-Jones:

I suggest that if we are truly hungering and thirsting after righteousness we shall not only avoid things that we know to be bad and harmful, we shall even avoid things that tend to dull or take the edge off our spiritual appetites. There are so many things like that, things that are quite harmless in themselves and which are perfectly legitimate. Yet if you find that you are spending much of your time with them, and that you desire the things of God less, you must avoid them. ... There are so many things that I cannot condemn in and of themselves. But if I find I spend too much of my time with them, and that somehow I want God and spiritual things less and less, then, if I am hungering and thirsting after righteousness, I shall avoid them. (76).

A searching question. What makes me a bit less interested in things of God, or what seems a bit more compelling, satisfying, or enjoyable than seeking Him?

Blocks

Oh Button, how we love you.

Victor Meets King Albert

It is uncertain who likes puppets more, Victor or Daddy.

Day After Election Day

Dear Victor,

Yesterday was election day.  You came along for the ride to the nursing home and charmed all the folks while Momma and Daddy voted.

You're a citizen of the United States of America.  That's a blessing, and it carries responsibility with it.

God tells us, "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God" (Rom. 13:1).

Also, "Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people; love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the king" (1 Pet. 2:16-17).

This morning before I saw the results of the vote, I was reading in Ezekiel.  Over and over, the theme was:

“for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations” (20:9),

“I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations” (20:14),

“I … acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations” (20:22),

“you will know that I am the LORD when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake” (20:44). 

God acts to preserve the glory of His name among the nations.  Huge epic events, like the overthrow of Jerusalem and exile of the Jews, the conquest of Babylon, the favor shown to Israel's king--these things are not mere human actions and decisions.  Through them, God is unfolding His purposes. 

“’As I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you.’ … ‘Then you will know that I am the LORD when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel,’ declares the Lord GOD” (20: 33, 44).

Our human government is important, and I am convicted to be more fervent and more faithful in prayer for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

But our human government is not decisive.

While I was washing dishes in the kitchen this morning (feeling kind of bummed about the outcome of the election) and you were bouncing in your exersaucer, the song from Auntie Betsy and Uncle Brian's wedding came to mind:


Tonight, when we were leaving the guys in the garage for the South Men's Fellowship, they were singing the same song.  Almost got choked up, feeling how deeply I long to hold on to these truths and give them to you to hold onto as well.

Oh Victor, human leaders will come and go.  None will be perfect.  None will be as bad as they could be, without God's common grace.  And never will those human leaders provide us with security, hope, everything we need.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 1:13).

Hold to Jesus, little button.  He will never leave you and never let you go. 

Y is For You

This is a favorite book, with textures and pictures and rhyming.

But the best part is letter Y (for you, go on take a look), with a mirror!

10 Months!

10 months!

9 months

 
8 months

7 months

6 months

5 months old

4 months old

3 months old

2 months old

1 month old

2 weeks old

Dear Victor Albert,

You are such a delight to us these days!

This month held many new adventures:

* You give the BEST snuggles.  How it melts Momma's heart when you crawl over, reach up, and wrap those sweet little arms around my neck and lean your head on my neck.  And I love your slobber kisses (though it's about a 50/50 chance if it'll turn into a bite).

* You are finally wearing socks regularly, after going barefoot most of your life.  Pulling them off is a fun game, and it's uncertain how many socks now lurk somewhere under your seat in the van.

* Eating continues to be a favorite activity.  You have got the classic Anderson trigger gag reflex, so it has taken a l o o n g time to expand your repertoire of solids.  But just this week you began eating your Gerber puffs whole (not broken into 5 teeny tiny pieces, as before)!  And your cereal may have a little bit of texture ... but if it's too much, you're still liable to gag and puke it up again.

* Momma is thrilled to note that you have appeared unaffected by her eating a little bit of cheese lately.  I haven't ventured too far into dairy experiments, but I am hopeful that your tummy may be growing more able to handle the wonderful world of dairy.

* You are an excellent drinker of water now.  It cracks us up to see you gulp away at your sippy cup and then throw it over the side of your chair with a flourish.

* This has been the Month of the Horrid Cold.  You've only had 2 colds in your life thus far, but this one has been a doozy.  You're mostly over it now, but still that nagging cough lingers and gives your Momma a real fight for keeping a peaceful heart.

* You're an ever-growing boy.  Our wonderful Grammy made some new sleep sacks so you can stay snuggly and still stretch out all the way in your crib.  I was looking at some baby clothes a couple days ago and just couldn't believe how big your sleepers are now, compared to those little bitty ones you used to wear, not so long ago.

* It is such a treat to see your little mind at work.  Every morning now after your early-morning nibble, I whisper, "Let's go find Daddy," and you start smiling as we tip-toe into the living room to sneak up on Dad.  And when he grabs you up, you give such a giggle!  You still love peekaboo, pulling books off of shelves, and wrestling with Dad.

* And you're a real gregarious fellow, making friends in the grocery store, the voting booth, the neighborhood, the office, and church.

We love you, little buddy.  You give such joy and such a motivation to pray, as we feel our great inadequacy to point you faithfully in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Never outgrow those snuggles, little button.

Love,
Momma