Making a bed for Jesus...

Learning life lessons from Henry.  =)

Sweet Henry Thomas, 4 years old

I grew up in church.  I was raised with, and by, a church family.  All of my grandparents were Christians.  I've been to all different denominations, worshipped God in lots of different ways.  I realized early in my teen years that I was blessed to be surrounded by such Godly people.  I've felt the power of prayer and seen Jesus move in my life and my family's life.  Yet somehow, my 4 year old, Henry, is teaching me all kinds of things about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God. 

A child's prayer is always touching and sincere.  And I'm often moved by my boys bedtime prayers. Their love for Jesus is so pure and their faith so sincere.  A couple of months ago, Henry started asking some questions about Jesus.  "Now, Mom, how is there 3?  Jesus, a Holy Spirit, and his dad??"  I've laughed more than once at how he words his questions and what funny things he comes up with.  He was with me at work one day and was bragging on him for being such a good boy.  He just grinned and said, "Mom - that's just the Holy Spirit in me...making me be good."  Talk about a proud Momma! 

Just two nights ago, after we'd said our prayers, Henry started with the questions.  "Mom, does Jesus have feet in Heaven?"  I told him I was sure he did.  "Well, does he have a bed?" he asked. 
"I don't know, I guess he does.  Why?" I asked him.  "Cause, if he had one, I was going to make it for him,"  he told me, like I should've already known.  Okay.  Jeez. 

What have I done for Jesus lately?  Seems like I expect an awful lot.  Seems like I sure do ask Him for things all the time.  I expect Him to take care of my family and listen when I pray...pretty sure I could be doing some things for Him in return.  I really gotta work on that. 

Thanks, Henry, for putting your momma in check. 

Hillbilly Happenings

The things we do for our children!!

I hate crowds.  I really hate crowds that smell bad.  I am terrified of ferris wheels.  TERRIFIED.  So how did I find myself in the middle of the smelliest, crowdedest (pretty sure that's not really a word) place in Pike Co??  My dang kids. 

First things first - I know that Hillbilly Days is a fundraising event for the Shriner's Hospital.  For that I am glad to support this craziness.  Shriners is a wonderful place that has helped so many children, several that I know personally.  So for that, and that alone, I try to embrace the madness that is Hillbilly Days.  I know this is making memories with my boys that they'll look back one day and appreciate.  Seriously, they'd better.  =)

My oldest, Jay, LOVES the carnival.  Loves it.  I, on the other hand, felt like I needed a tetnus shot by the time we left.  When he was just three years old he would say, "Mommy, the carnivale is coming!"  I had to break it to him gently, "Baby, this is Hillbilly Days.  It's not that fancy, it's just called a carnival."  I still laugh everytime I think about my super-excited little boy wanting to go to the carnivale!  This is how I ended up on a ferris wheel.  Lord, help me. 

I am terrified of heights.  I instantly have vertigo and see myself falling through the air.  My heart races and I start sweating.  However, I love roller coasters.  As long as I'm moving, I'm fine.  Ferris wheels terrify me.  Terrify.  Literally, I was shaking.  But I thought, time to face some fears for the sake of a little boy that will only be little once.  While we were waiting in line, the big, old rusty ride started to make some awful noises.  I was ready to bolt.  Jay just laughed.  The carnie even laughed at me.  Crap.  I'm getting laughed at by a seven year old and a carnie.  So, against my better judgement, I got on this death trap.  As we started moving upward, I was a little relieved.  It wasn't so bad.  The breeze felt nice.  Jay was smiling.  And we slowed down.  Then stopped.  Oh my word. 

The air quit moving.  And wouldn't you know it, Jay started coughing.  I screamed at him, "Stop coughing, don't move!  Don't breathe!!  Hang on!"  He just looked at me like I was crazy.  I'm holding on to the sides of the cart for dear life.  He wants to laugh, but knows better.  I was so relieved when that thing started moving again.  Jay finally started laughing and somehow that made this whole ordeal worth it. 

We paid $2 to look at some snakes, $18 for two corndogs and some fries, $5 for a snow cone that Henry promptly dropped on the ground, and $50 for carnival rides.  By the time we made it home, we were sunburned, filthy and tired.  Henry looked down at his legs and said, "Mom, I got all kinds of boo-boo's!"  No, honey.  That's just the $5 snow cone that splashed all up your leg.  =) 

All that said, we will probably go back next year.  I keep telling myself it's for the children.  Both mine and the Shriner's.