Coffee CubBuster

Like most words, the verb form of "challenge" helps explain the noun form a little better. Merriam Webster defines the transitive verb form : to demand as due or deserved;  to order to halt and prove identity;  to dispute especially as being unjust;  to question formally;  to confront or defy boldly   Levi's challenges (noun) don't challenge (verb) me quite as perfectly defined as Silas' challenges challenge me. The four-year old "appears" to have more control over his challenges as he purposely challenges my authority with sweet perceived innocence. Yet, Levi's two-year old physical challenges aren't as emotionally frustrating because they are certainly outside of his little control. HOWEVER, what I have humbly come to realize it that I need to embrace my eldest buddy's challenges and have gratitude for them as I do with my middle baby because they are also outside of his control. Just as I try to help Levi embrace and use hi...

Ten minute massage? Good cup of coffee? Absolute quiet and stillness? There are many quick ways of relieving stress if you only have a few minutes, but in actuality, stress, anxiety and pressure are man-made, completely avoidable phenomenons. Now of course among many of Jesus' promises of love, security and joy, there was also the promise that we will have hardship in this world. Illness, yes. Sadness, of course. Anger and frustration, without a doubt. These are all products of a broken world. But anxiety or stress- no, I don't believe He ever meant for us to feel such things. If you are feeling those emotions, something has gone wrong. Either you are unable to hear God's voice, you are  taking on God's job for yourself, or you are ignoring personal conviction. Do I ever feel stressed or anxious? Absolutely! My world may be full of coffee, an occasional ten-minute massage and forced stillness, but that doesn't mean I remember to abide (or remain) in God's perfe...

Every good and perfect gift is from above. -- James 1:17 Silas, you are a gift. No doubt about it. Your joy exudes through your tippy toes; your welcoming and loving personality opens a plethora of opportunities to make everyone a friendly face; your strict and stubborn routines make for both challenging show downs, as well as perfect helping hands; you are a wise teacher, an amazing big brother, and a sweet son of God. We love you more than words can express. I cannot believe you are four! It was Oh, a happy happy day when God gifted us with your life. Thank you for your forgiveness as we learn to be your parents, and thank you for your love each and every day. You promised that even when your sixteen you will still hug and kiss mommy. You want to be a typer, a daddy and a train conductor when you get big. The biggest thing in the world to you is the number 100. You too me yesterday that God is the biggest because He is 100 years old. And your constant Curious George inquisiti...

White cotton makes for a perfect wreath against a black door. It also makes for a perfectly soft nest for baby eggs. Recently, I heard a bird singing so loudly that I assumed it was in our attic. Come to find out, the bird had chosen our cotton wreath to knit together the most intricate grass nest. No eggs had been left, yet, but I feared for her future children getting banged by the opening and closing mechanism, so I disposed of the nest ever so sweetly. Exactly twenty-four hours later, another perfect grass nest was located in the exact same location on our front door. The mama bird was not deterred in the slightest. This time my own baby boy asked if we could please leave it there so that we could see her eggs. I assured him that it was not a fitting location for a nest, regardless of how soft and perfect it might appear. We did marvel at the nest's solidity and strength for a while before setting it down gently in the yard, hoping mama herself didn't come peck at ...