Make it til Tomorrow...

God's Boys will be good boys!

The Christmas Frolic

God's Boys will be good boys!

I Got a Kiss from my eldest son this morning!

God's Boys will be good boys! I usually, don't even get a goodbye. Just a happy glance and the knowledge that you are not the vociferous type. I stuck my cheek out, from my seat, half expecting to be snubbed by my grown man senior son; when lo and behold, there it was. A real kiss was planted on my cheek. I am enjoying that special kiss, partly because of the rarity of them. The bus came and whisked you off to your final year of school and I am realizing and cherishing the moments of preadult life as they come. You are a helper to your dad and a guide to the littler fellows, but your relationship with the women in the house is a sore dilemma for you, at best. We are a difficult group of women to be in family relationship with, I know. I thank you for your patience as we interact in family dynamics. XO

Satan, Bite the Dust, on Halloween and everyday!

God's Boys will be good boys!

Thank you for being a helpful fellow

God's Boys will be good boys! I am grateful to see some of the glimpses of smiles, erupting from the darkness. God can carry us through the dark times. He is with us, when we cannot smile or laugh and he is with us when all is smiles and gaffaws. I can't wait to see God grow you into His man, who can laugh and cry with the same consistency and integrity. Love you. Sometimes the difficulty of slurred speech draws out a dependence on God to speak through you that can come in no other way. I am not sure that this is what Moses was praying when He gave his tongue to God, as a reason, he couldn't talk for himself. I do pray that your articulation and exposure to the abilities of speech will not puff you up to others whose tongues are not as articulate. I see you attempting not to use your strong man voice and scare us. I see you experimenting with projection and how much projection commands the attention of your brothers and sister. I see them look at you with that look of tremendous respect and fear that I had from my siblings. What a power that is. What a trust that God gives you when your parents and siblings look at you when you speak with expectation of something that makes sense. It should make you pray, not to be an embarrassment of that expectation. It should make you ask God for good direction to give them as they look at you like that. God will do that, Only as much as you take the baton from the elders before you. We think that because we can see the top of the mountain that we have vision. That vision is a trust. God intends for you to use it to His glory. There are pitfalls and triumphs and I pray for God to give you wisdom. Surely, there is much of the labor of your elders, in spirit and in culture that is noteworthy and much that is folly. It is the job of the Man of God to be discerning. To respectfully toss aside that part of the spiritual inheritance that is folly and to put to good use that which is for the glory of God. May God give you true wisdom and humility to see the true gold from the false, In Jesus' precious and faithful name. Amen.

Victory In Jesus, My Savior Forever!

God's Boys will be good boys! Sometimes we have to wait generations to see the fruit of answered prayer. I was very touched to know that Andy Murray was the first Scottish person to kiss the precious US Open Cup in 76 years. What a privilege. I know that my Grandpa would have remembered the last time. He probably was as good as many of the players on the "tour" in those days {if there was a tour}. It makes me think of heaven and running to my Savior to own His very presence forever. Never to see it diminished by my sin and by my inconsistent attention. What a day that will be. Thank God that it is not up to our performance that we would "Kiss the Son". All the glory for our receiving that eternal trophy will be the Savior's who made it possible for us to receive it. Though it takes many years to get there, let us remind one-another of its superior weight of importance, when we grow weary of remembering and other things shine bright in our mind's eye.

What, My son?

God's Boys will be good boys! Squeezing the last joys out of Senior year is a real and wonderful experience. All of a sudden you become aware of the beauty and the awesome nature of your experience. God has been with you through the earlier years, now your eyes seem open. Yesterday's procrastinations become today's opportunities. The things that stopped you from talking to that person and doing that strange thing are no longer an obstacle, when you won't be here next year. I think that it is a good thing that we generally categorize the High School years into grades and label them. It is a microcosm of life. Teaching us to number our days. To get a heart of wisdom and prioritize our follies, if one can prioritize their folly. All too soon, we awake as adults and responsibility is upon us. Leadership and character, hopefully replace the folly that was our childhood and we are ready to "carpe diem". Our day siezed for God or for our follies. If there is anything that I admire about the hippie generation is that they did just that, "carpe". No parental lasso could hold them, it seemed. I refuse to live a stoic, unintentional life of my parent's generation, they hollared. Many didn't live past their folly, for the confusion that errupted, but we learned that the teen years are nothing to sneeze at. We must be at helm, if we can't be in control. We must help them become who they will be, if we are going to be parents. Tears and missed opportunities are lamented and then we pick up and go on. Staring at the porthole of life through Senior year, makes it look do-able. I thought that I was just going from class to class and I look up and find that I have acquired skills and awareness of myself that I didn't have before. Each teacher and each class gives you a tool that you will take into your next tasks. The clock strikes 12 and it is graduation and adulthood and it is your turn at the helm of life. We applaud your sacrifices and strengths, win or lose. We applaud the opportunity of have been a spectator of your trivia and triumphs. What next? Freshman year at another task, of course. It may be college. It may be the simplicity of labor and toil and carving out a life for yourself, amidst that limitation that providence has dealt you. We are your launching pad. We have little, but a complete love for you and support for your accomplishments; that love and support is taut. Like a good net, it will catch a good many flailing efforts. You can lean on it and learn from it and if God blesses you to develop a support system akin to it, if you have nothing else in life, you will be supremely blessed. Keep your youthful enthusiasm and preserve truth for the people behind you.

First Day of Senior Year!

God's Boys will be good boys! Yesterday was the prestarter. Looking into the porthole into life is a breathtaking experience, isn't it. The counsellor says, what do you think you want to do? A piercing question, like the pain of pieced ears. I have thought about it, but there is no real solid penetration like a stranger asking the question. You are on record, it feels like. Is everything we say so recorded? I feel like I would like to preach. That may be. Well, here we go, jumping into the pool of preparation. Jumping into the porthole into real manhood. Childbirth for men, or as close to it as men will get. There is change, there is pain and then you are there, in manhood, responsible, taking care of yourself and others. Leading people to heaven? Giving of yourself? Follow your father, that is the real "legit". The legitimacy that my father was always dreaming of. The freedom to see your own father and put your foot into his shoeprint and walk. "Now, You do it!"

Being a man means representing God's strength in crisis

God's Boys will be good boys! It was a beautiful picture of God's strength to see the officers and officials representing order, amidst the chaos of tragic events. Womanhood has its place. There is comfort and strength in womanhood. The stalwart nature that God has invested to men is a trust. The line has been blurred, but the representation is still the same. The eyes pan the landscape for a representation of stability. The men that are around represent that, for God. God has deposited a little of Himself in the strength, large or small. Their eyes and their standing in times when the rest of us are collapsing. Tears may fall, or they may have the measure of strength to keep their tears when the world seems to be falling. God can use that. There is a place for the empathetic tear to fall and there is a place for the strength of place that calls everyone to order. Like my coach, Mr. T. whose pointer finger is indellibly in my minds eye when there is a task beyond to attend to. I can't, I said so many times. My knees are knocking together and I don't know how to keep it together amidst this. The whistle has blown and you will do what you have practiced. Sure enough, his strength was enough to stand on, when the whistle blew. Men are that for so many around that they do not know. I pray that God will strengthen you to be that for others as well.

Do the butterflies sense breaks? What, My Son?

God's Boys will be good boys! Yesterday, it was a moth that was banging its head on the window of our counseling meeting. When Elyse broke her arm, it was a butterfly banging on the window at Aunt Jackie's house. She seemed to want to tell me about the break of my child's arm. Jackie, I said, why would that butterfly want to come in the house so fiercely. She didn't humor my craze, then or now. Yesterday, it was a moth. What is broken, my son? Is it heart or head? I can hear my dear departed Dr. asking pain or pressure? It is amazing how in touch creation is to the people that are around them. I want to help in the healing of the break, but I am broken myself. When I was most sensorious of my brokenness a butterfly came and sat on my shirt while I was walking. I wonder if they smell it, like a flower? Are we more humble? Are we groaning inside and calling them?

Healthy Foods, Healthy mind

God's Boys will be good boys!

God is in Control?

God's Boys will be good boys!




When we are discouraged, disappointed, "disaffected" with life and providence, that is when our faith shines in the distance.  Who made you?  The catechism asks us.  Our reasoning, after many years of pondering this says, Yes,  God made me.  I didn't make myself.  The things that are out of my control,  ie. My mind,  my heart, my situation, my discouragements, etc. are not outside of my God's control.  "He is just and the justifier of those who come to God, in Christ Jesus." 
I am not at home yet.  I am not in His Holy presence, where all things will be put right.
He gives us His Word, His Worship,  His People as a kind of Mother's kiss on our cuts and scrapes and pains.  He takes our brokenness,  our broken hearts and bodies in His Holy Hands and cleanse them, using the means of grace and He stoops to kiss.  With a reminder that the distance between us is bridged, by His Holy Church and His Truth, until we see Him face to face.

The Rainbow Connection

God's Boys will be good boys!

Everybody was there in the room with us, in counselling

God's Boys will be good boys!

I learned so much about my boy, this week's session.  I have been a mother for over 25 years, but this week, it feels that I learned the most.  I felt like Ma and Gramps were with me in the room, observing the behavior of my son, in counselling.  We see improvement.  But the key word for me, was "shut up!".

Gramps said, do you see why I reproved you so sharply that day.  There, as plain as day was the same situation with Jo, magnified by 100.  I realized that my eldest boy is my 4th child.  He talked like Jo and moved like Tone.  I bit my lip and watched this unique combination.   Gramps and I had dealt with this personality conflict of mine.  The one and only time that he yelled at me.  I like directness.  I like clarity and all of this talk around and around was not a smoke screen, as I had earlier thought, but and uncovering.  4th children have to cover themselves with communication for the older people in their lives.  Ma pinched me on the lip and Gramps held me up, as we learned the lesson together of communication and love.  Let Him Talk!  I have probably stifled this delicate personality, with my abrasivity.   He would do better with a combination of Aunt Gloria {light} and Grandpa {carefree}.  I am sure that I will have a hard time lightening my grip.

The Boy seems to be perking up?

God's Boys will be good boys! Holy Basil 3x's a day. More protein, less stress, there is some improvement. Observation. Ceramic--- building the pipes in the bloodstream is {ceramic} The things that cling to ceramic in the cold, seem to cling to the veins and arteries in the medium heat of the body. I love the film on the cups from the fruit smoothies. It is a thin film, it clings and builds, but doesn't clog with gunk, like the fatty film of the meats and sauces. A yogurty, nonfat gravy, may be able to hold the flavor of the meat and the veggies, without clogging the arteries??

Increased the Holy Basil dosage

God's Boys will be good boys! second dosage today increased from 1/8th dropper to 1/4th dropper. Still seeing lethargy and decreased motivation. Improving from the initial observation, but attempting to increase the dosage to observe the quantity change. Will decrease again, if there is a marked change in behavior.

Meeting with the Ms. Landon

God's Boys will be good boys! We got to the school at a little after 7am. Ms. Landon was very easy to talk to and we laid out our dilemma to her. Our dear boy is laying down and we are not sure what the problem is. There are emotional challenges. There are certainly physical problems that we are investigating and we are now pursuing the academic. We were directed to pursue further medical assistance. We were directed to compile our findings and challenges and submit them to the Principal to see if there is a possibility of an academic incomplete for the year, as opposed to an FF. We are still sorely sad that we cannot find the answers. Thank God for Ms. Landon and the concern of the school.

Holy Basil

God's Boys will be good boys! dosage change from half a dropper full, before bed to 1/8 of a dropper after meals. The change seemed more progressive. Still sleepy and sullen, still suffering from stomach and gas. Ate a little more at dinner, without as much cajoling. Talked a little more and contributed information, not directly requested. Still lying on the grass for times. Showed signs of reading and looking around.

Holy Basil Leaves for stress relief?

God's Boys will be good boys! Yesterday, we went to the health food store. The woman dissuaded us from the St. John's Wort, in lew of Holy Basil. We gave one dropper full, as directed, in 2 cups of Orange Juice and saw some relaxation occur. I think it was too much though, because he went to bed and slept until 7 and has been somewhat groggy through the day. This is not much of a change from the earlier behavior. I would try half tonight before bed and we have an appointment with the Psychologist tomorrow. We are praying before each move. Asked the Northlake Church to pray for our endeavors on his behalf. PS. Got good direct advice about online school prospects through Sister Sheryl. Halleluia, to Jesus!

hitchin'? Don't give antihistamines...

God's Boys will be good boys! This is the umpteenth day of the observations. Aloe vera worked on the inside but not the disposition. I gave antihistamines and at dinner the whole thing unravelled. This is going to be a long emotional battle. Sitting in the car and listening or talking seemed some relief and then off to the school struggle again this morning. Next thing to try is St. John's Wart?

Aloe Vera, did wonders!

God's Boys will be good boys! All day, all night, tummy ache. All day, all night, tummy ache. Aloe vera helped. You hopped up and went to school as though nothing was wrong. Two cups of a mixture of Aloe Vera and Orange Juice and you seemed good as, maybe not new. But, just as grumpy as ever. Thank God and aloe.

Day 2

God's Boys will be good boys!

Slept well,
No extra words,

Cream of Wheat Breakfast, Forgot to push water.

Slight improvement.

Good report card, no encouragement from this.

Possible St. John's Wort?

Potatoes, not prozac!

God's Boys will be good boys!

Breakfast menu:
scrambled eggs,
plantain,
hash browns, including onions and celery and dill seasoning- no tumerick
chicken pizza,
a cup of tea

I am watching you. I want to see if you are able to be uplifted in spirit, by eating a hearty breakfast. Day 1

On the topic of the smooch?

God's Boys will be good boys!

Men are the leaders, I believe, especially in the ways of romance. Women have far fewer reserves and are more easily duped and so the man should always be the initiator. It is clearly in your nature to be the leader.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread!" My daddy used to repeat into "adnauseatum". This platitude is no more relevant, than in the beginning of a romantical relationship. My advice is, stay friends as long as you can. Invite her to take each step of courtship with you, {if you can help it}. "Do you trust me?" said Aladdin. That is the magic carpet ride you are inviting your intendent on, when diving into the arena of romance. You are now carrying another soul with you, one way or another. Her conscience and yours are tangled in that kiss for life, if not after. Should your kiss go further or not, this is one of the stories to remember in the story of your life and hers. Think twice. Think three times and don't fall in love, walk circumspectly into loving commitment.
Just a little motherly advice.

How can a young man keep his way pure?

THis is the movie! The Big Wheel with Mickey Rooney!

God's Boys will be good boys!

This is the movie where Mickey Rooney plays a young man who loves his mother, so much. I loved watching his interaction with that older actress. When I watched the scene the first time, I was bereft and so longing a son, that it touched me very deeply, since then, I have taken for granted that God has been so good to give me three doting sons in my quiver. I don't remember the ending of the movie, but I hope you enjoy watching it. Know that I am thanking God for you!

Happy Valentines Day, Walkin Man!

God's Boys will be good boys!