Tears





How can I smiling fly
Into eyes shattered
And keep my heart dry,
Where your tears
Should nestle here
And find rest from fear?

How can I, singing, sight
Your waning heartlight
Yet glide on like a careless kite
When my shoulders
Bowed beneath your boulder,
Should be your upholder?

How can I curiously touch
The mournful diamonds on your face
And shake them off with no such
Tenderness as treasures them in God’s vase?

When comes the dawn
Like blushing bride
Of time un-terrified
Sorrow will be gone

But until night is washed away
From day’s own shore
Awake, my heart…this throbbing, aching fray,
Your brother’s pain; take as yours…

The Nose Stroke and Other Infant Drowsiness Techniques

Sometimes it’s easy to get a baby to sleep. Sometimes it’s not. Once I cared for a 3 month old who had vaccinations and started teething all in one week. He wasn’t a happy camper.

After a day or two of this, I settled on a routine that seems to settle every baby I’ve cared for. The Nose Stroke is a particularly magical technique, and is widely known and followed by baby care professionals and mommies.

The First Ideal of Baby Sleepiness is rapid responsiveness to cries. In some cases, letting the baby cry is a necessary part of sleep training, but for young infants 0-8 months, catching them early de-escalates what could otherwise turn into a prolonged wailing session. When baby’s eyebrows pinch together and its face turns into a little red prune, jump into action and practice the Diaper, Hunger, Gas, Contact routine. If baby is dry, fed, deflated, and cuddled, catch its attention with a rattle, mobile, or wiggling fingers. Keep doing this every time it starts to cry. Encourage it with soft phrases whenever it’s quiet, even for an instant.

The Second Ideal of Baby Sleepiness is comfort and warmth. Most babies with a milky tummy will get drowsy if someone holds them close in their favorite position, ideally in a very warm, dark room. Once I see a yawn or two and drooping eyes, I quickly transition them to their sleeping location.

The Third Ideal of Baby Sleepiness is to lay baby down correctly. Dumping a fussy baby in a crib with a blanket usually won’t cut it. For young babies, skillful swaddling provides security and lessens startling. Mats with built in pillows cradle the baby’s head and add stability. Stability mats can be replaced with a rolled blanket placed on one side of the baby (usually an infant has a specific side it rolls onto most). Another rolled blanket beneath its legs will provide more support if it tends to kick a lot. Bouncy seats with a vibrate feature are really wonderful too.  After getting baby to sleep in one of those seats, a super adept baby handler can usually transfer the infant to a cradle or crib.

The Fourth Ideal of Baby Sleepiness is white noise. This needs to be a somewhat harsh, medium volume sound so that it mimics the noise a baby hears in the womb. A loud gurgling ocean or wind sound is pretty effective. For less technologically advanced situations, singing also works.

The Fifth Ideal of Baby Sleepiness is my favorite. Rub some baby powder on your pointer finger to reduce friction and gently stroke between the baby’s eyebrows. Let your fingers pass over its eyes without touching them. At first, some babies don’t like this, but gradually their eyes will close and eventually stay closed. Often a baby will transition directly from complete alertness to a deep sleep within two minutes when I play my cards correctly! Even when the baby is crying and its brows are crammed together; rubbing that spot will calm the baby by releasing a lot of tension.

There you have it. An expanded statement of my favorite sleepiness techniques. Did it put you to sleep?

Got some favorite tips and techniques to add? Please drop me a line. I can use all the help I can get!

Agere Vitam!

Life is an amazing miracle, isn’t it? Sometimes, I forget that no matter how hard some days can be, God gave this life to me as a gift. Lately, I’ve been learning that every complaint I make about something that frustrated me or a person that’s reeeaaally been trying my patience, is a slap in God’s face. Right now I’m thinking about all the blessings that are a part of my life.

I have a family. Ok, that sounds corny and obvious, but so many people and children around the world either have no living relatives or no supportive nuclear family. In my family, I find support and encouragement, and learn things that will make me a better person. I don’t need to travel far to find opportunities to serve either. Many chances are right here, existing in the people that have known me since my first cry. If I can’t effectively serve and support my parents and sister, how can I expect to be a great wife, mother, or servant of God?

Friends have been such a blessing. Especially one young lady whom I have known for over 5 years. Last year, I got to help with her lovely wedding to a great guy, and this year, I’m will soon get to meet her very first little girl! She’s been supportive and encouraging, and has exhorted me to grow in Christ. We’ve cried together, laughed together, and worked through some conflicts too. Our enduring friendship gives me hope!

This morning, at about 6:30 a.m., I went out to say hi to my puppy, Kirby. We’ve relocated her from the porch into a large enclosed run, so she’s been missing me. You should have seen her face! She stood up on her hind legs, tail and bottom wiggling frantically, and her front paws were reaching for me. What a blessing to have a sweet little dog with boundless energy!

Even though I haven’t found a way to do college yet, God has supplied many learning opportunities and chances to serve. So maybe I’ll never get my B.A. in early childhood development or Accounting, but through life experience, God is building me for a purpose. Though, I do feel envious sometimes that so many my age are getting the knowledge and job opportunities that go with college, this is one of those areas where I’m just going to do my best and let God decide the outcome. This chance to trust and submit myself to His will is a blessing in disguise.

I get to teach at a preschool. Everyday I hold a newborn baby or read the Bible with another 4 year old, I thank God for the gift of life, which every day is growing and being shaped in the hearts and minds of these kids.

Thank you so much for reading this post. It probably wasn't amazingly informative, but writing about my blessings really helps me keep my eyes peeled for more!

HSLDA | Newborn Seized in Hospital by Police, Social Worker

Picture this.

You are about to become a new mom. The nursery is decorated; the bottles, burp cloths, and strollers are ready for action. Then, you go into labor and bring your baby into the world in an ambulance en route to the hospital.

Guess what comes next. Coos, snapshots, and deciding which parent the baby most resembles? Nope. That's too old fashioned. Are you ready to watch child protective services invade your hospital room and snatch your child from your arms. Prepared to undergo accusations and interrogation?

This picture became reality for Scott and Jodi Ferris. Read their story here. HSLDA | Newborn Seized in Hospital by Police, Social Worker


The U.S. government continues to turn from its family centered roots. For those with a heart for a Godly home, there is perhaps no greater priority at present than to make our voices heard on situations such as the one told of in this article. 


Remember, all it takes for evil to triumph is for 'good men' to do nothing.

Across the World: A House Divided

Only one year ago this July, South Sudan declared independence from Sudan, ending a 22 year long civil war. Now, the drums of war are returning to the infant nation. According to BBC News, Sudan's President, Omar al-Bashir described the Sudan People's Liberation Movement as "'Insects' that need to be eliminated."  This despite South Sudan's President Kiir's pleas to sidestep another war. President Kiir told Franklin Graham in recent talks that South Sudan does not want conflict. That he does not want Sudan's young men, including his own sons, thrust into a bloody conflict. According to Graham, innumerable innocents will suffer if President al-Bashir has his way.

Conditions are especially grim in the Nuba mountains where The New York Times say civilians are being targeted by the Sudanese Air Force and ground forces who attack poorly defended villages with Antonov bombers and tanks. Because Sudan’s government has forbidden aid workers and journalists from entering the country, South Sudan has essentially been severed from help. Many are dying, and even more are suffering.

“What can be done to help?”
 

Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse encourages Christians to make their voice heard. “I urge you to add your voice to mine by contacting the White House, your senators, and your representatives.” Graham said. “Express your outrage over what is happening in the Sudan. Tell them to at to halt President Bashir’s campaign of violence, and to establish a humanitarian corridor in the Nuba Mountains.”

Those interested can call the White House at 202-456-1414 or email them at www.whitehouse.gov/contact

U.S Senate: www.senate.gov

The U.S. House of Representatives: www.house.gov

The Wind Harp

“Any fool can be happy. It takes a man with real heart to make beauty out of the stuff that makes us weep.” 

-Clive Barker

Imagine feeling like a little kid again. Like when you'd wake up on Saturday morning and the sunshine would be flowing through the windows like a hug? Everything had a deeper meaning back then, and that meaning was beautiful.

I want that for me. I want that for you.

Some people say that life will really take it out of you. "It" being zest, passion, or joy. Flip that statement around and I think we have a more factual presentation of disillusionment. What if people take all the joy out of life?

God created life, and He called it good. Sure, sin has really messed things up, but we can't let sin obscure the poetry resident in life, put there by God. Consider that Jesus Christ valued life so greatly, that he died to supply it to us.

Do you want to relish life and create habits of joy and gratitude? If yes, I invite you to join me and my readers in a 30 day effort.

I've decided to call it the Wind Harp Challenge. The wind harp is a Celtic legend about a few mortals with hearts sensitive enough to hear music even in the wind. They're the ones who will suddenly stop and lift their head to the sky as though they can hear something that no one else can.

Their attendance to God’s still small voice is so keen that it keeps them going, even past the point when hope has withered and pressing on seems impossible. Many of us have lost this ability by paying too much heed to anxiety, fear, or pain. I don't think disillusionment is the issue. Illusions about the pointlessness of life numb our hearts.
 

What is your wind harp? Draw a picture in your mind of a favorite haunt, a precious memory, or a snatch of music. Call it to mind whenever numbness starts taking control.
 

My favorite wind harp is Scripture. God’s word is a two-edged sword, slicing away the cobwebs that inhibit joy. Choose a verse that never fails to recall you to life and keep it firmly installed in your heart and mind.
 

One picture I call to mind is the loveliest domestic scene. A sunlit, green field on a summery late afternoon, just as thoughts turn to evening. The trees are still and the day has that shimmery feel that sends a shiver through me. I’m running barefoot, the breeze kissing my hair, and all around me are children. Their happy, happy voices must bring a smile to God himself. We’re all going home to our little white cottage to have supper while sunbeams and the smell of lilacs waft through the open windows.
 

God meant us to take joy in the wonder of life. Life is a good thing. Will you join me in my effort and spread the word?

Comment Clear Up

A few people have informed me that the comment feature on this blog hasn't been working. Thanks to them, I dare to think I might have cleared up the issue. So, if you're interested please give it a whirl.
~Thnk :)

A Dressed-Up Dog

“Whaaaa-Wheeee-Ahhhhh-ah-ah-ah-ah.”

“No, Kirby.”

“Squeeeee-Ahhhhh-Grrrroowll-Bufffff.”

“Noooooo, Kirby.”

It is 12:30 a.m., dark as, well, midnight, and I want to be asleep. Kirby, my puppy, kenneled right beside my bed disagrees. She thinks this is the time when all good dogs wake up and ensure that their unfortunate owners, not to mention the neighbors, need a strong dose of Tylenol by morning.

To do her justice, she got spayed yesterday, and to do myself justice, I’m being a worry wart. “Gasp! What’s that sound! (On flicks the flashlight) “No, Kirby. No lickie! Your incision will heal just great without your help.”

Incidentally, the vet didn’t send a cone of shame home with her, so in its stead, she is sporting a very fashionable t-shirt, nicely accessorized with duck tape. (Reference pic below)

Struggling out of bed, it’s into my boots and off into the great, icy outdoors, where the wind chill is keeping the mercury comfortably below -229 L. (Just kidding) Thanks to the extra clothing, Kirby feels great, thank you. Just as I resign myself to a fate as a Smithsonian ice cube display, she decides it’s a great time to practice her guard dog skills. Have you ever been outside at night, in a rural area, trying not to remember all the stories about lurking coyotes and rabid mountain lions? Then your dog starts peering off into the blackness, her hackles rising. A threatening growl bubbles forth and finally a deep, somber, “Buffffff, bufffff.” at some invisible terror.

We were back inside in a military minute, and I checked the deadbolt more than once. Finally, we pad back to bed, her looking like a baggy-shirted gangster minus the reversed cap., me looking about as dopey as herself.

I pull up the covers and snuggle in. Mmmmm. G’night.

An hour later, I’m dreaming about jumping off stair wells six flights up in a spy chase, when a small dog fitting Kirby’s description starts nipping at my heels.

“Awaaaahhh-eeeeeh”

I jolt awake. There is a dog nipping at my toes. This time, the culprit is Okey, our male dog, who also got neutered. He’s sleeping on a towel outside his kennel tonight, and it would seem he wants cognizant company in his misery.

Alas for sleep.

Intentional Resolutions

Welcome to a new year! I'm not the kind of person that makes a lot of new year's resolutions. In fact, my last resolution was to make no more. ;) Still, the beginning of a year is a good time for me to look back, cry over all my mistakes, and take stock of how to grow spiritually and improve my walk with God.

There are a few intentions I am working towards this year. The most important of these is my desire to attend carefully to the leading of the Holy Spirit. If I'm talking and suddenly sense that for some reason my words are not God-honoring, I want to immediately obey by shutting my mouth. I want to be as easily moved by God as a feather in the wind, yet remain steadfast against any other impetus.

Secondly, I want to be as easy to please as a small child, delighting in the tiniest joy that showers from God's hands. This will carry me through when my desires and hopes seem to pass unseen and my life appears as barren as rain on a lonely grey cliff.

I've got other pseudo-resolutions budding in my soul, but that's all I've got time for right now.

May I ask, what are your aims for this year. How do you plan to get there?