Excuse Me...Did You Lose Something?

Last night, as Heather and I were finishing kitchen cleanup and making our way to bed after another long day, we had the first opportunity to really talk. Not just be in the same car or the same room like we did most of the day, but give each other our undivided attention. As Heather continued to talk and share her heart, I realized that it was snowballing into more than either of us planned. God gave me a great opportunity to appreciate my wife and what REALLY lies in her heart. Our time ended with tears and much needed prayers. I know how my wife goes way beyond the call of duty (often to her detriment). In the middle of the whole process, I again realized the weights my wife carries (or ones that are pushed on her) and this verse popped into my head:

"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." Matthew 5:41

So, how'd we get there, you ask? I guess it all started when I heard that someone said to Heather, "So, it looks like things are going pretty great for you guys." At first glance, this seems like a pretty benign statement. And you know what? Things are not just pretty great, they are really great compared to many other people in this world. We have a marriage relationship that gets better the more we are together (seriously, it's crazy), we have our kids who we can hug and kiss (not enough), we are experiencing physical health in a whole new dimension with Sy, we have a roof and beds to sleep in, I have a job that pays (most of) the bills, we have cars that run, we have a great community around us, and we have a Father that continues to call us out to a life of abundance. The list goes on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea.

But there's the other side of things that people don't necessarily see. The fact that our marriage has taken the biggest beating ever over the last several years... That although it's so worth it, this therapy doesn't stop and it's more work than the two of us can handle... That our kids are actively seeking God, asking questions, and are ready to be led, but there's often times no one is available for this meaningful conversation... That there are still serious concerns about Heather and her physcial health, lack of sleep, and emotional load... That our world is really financially crumbling even though I know without a doubt that God has led me where I am professionally... That we recently received news that radically affects our household and the future of our family as we know it (another blog post to come)...

And all this just underscores my point.

My wife has numerous reasons to complain, whine, fall on the floor, kick, scream, walk away, bail out, flip the bird, etc. But that's not who she really is. I know it. I get to see and experience her heart in a way that other's don't. Even though she's left at home with four little rascals, she ultimately chooses JOY. Even though homeschooling with two babies is not really possible, she chooses JOY. Even though a juicing/nutritional therapy is way too much for our family, she chooses JOY. Even though she doesn't get a break and has been begging me to find an "Alice" (like from the Brady Bunch), she still chooses JOY. Even though her husband has constant bad breath and leaves messes, she still chooses JOY. Even though she is often buried beneath huge amounts of verbal vomit, a hand sticks out and waves a JOY flag. Even when everything around her is screaming at her to let go of her joy, SHE WON'T LET GO.

So why does is appear "like things are going pretty great for you guys?" Because our God who is Great shines His Spirit through my wife in ways I only wish I could. When Heather speaks to others, she is intentional and focuses on them more than herself. When she fields complaints and deals with "life-drainers," she continues to do everything she can to be a "life-giver."

I'm often embarrassed by how differently I would handle the conversations she has with people. Since I love to drag out and drop the huge axe of sarcasm, I've told her to start telling people that complain that "...I am so bored every day. We really wish we had something to fill our time. Our family just sits around with blank stares on their faces."

I know for a fact that I married the right person. Thank you, God, for making my wife unlike any other!

If you see this lady, will you please give her our number?

"Time Of My Life"

So you know those times when you just sit and and enjoy the moments?! A few minutes ago, Jordan started humming "The Glory Of Love..." I was sitting on the couch thoughtfully planning out next week's homeschooling schedule while blankly staring at my batch of cloth diapers on the drying rack that needed to be put away and I absolutely cracked up! Who even remembered that song existed?! Rewind back to 1986 and Peter Cetera. The next thing I knew, we were ready for a karaoke duet battle. Then we typed 'ol Pete (don't judge) into Pandora... Hilarious! The sad part is that we knew every song by heart and this isn't even the genre of music we grew up liking. If only I could remember scripture or something actually useful near as well... (Right now I'm singing "I Don't Have the Heart" by James Ingram and still know every word 20 something years later.)

Anyway, I just have to soak in these moments... Us laughing... All of my babies in bed asleep... The roaring of the juicer in the next room and ... Oh snap, now it's Hungry Eyes!! Anyway, God just reminded of these simple treasures in life and to savor each and every moment. I think we're going to make it a new tradition to pick out the most random artists and find their stations on Pandora a couple of times of week just to get some chuckles and be crazily amazed at the brain's ability to remember song lyrics! It might end up being a "Hard Habit To Break!" Lol!! (Ooooh, now it's I Can't Fight This Feeling by Reo Speedwagon... Yes, I know. I'm a slow blogger.)

Update: I just had "The Time Of My Life" and now "Heaven Is A Place On Earth." This is hysterical! Maybe our next station will be Eddie Money!!! :)

Caught in the Monster's Grasp!

This past weekend, we were hosted by the great folks at the Monster Challenge mud obstacle race. It was so much fun to come see a bunch of crazy runners doing some messy stuff.

As a blessing to our family, they invited Sy to be a guest of honor and helped raise funds to support his therapy. Sy had a great day and we were blown away by everyone's generosity. Here's a few pictures from all the fun!

Go team!

Check out this sweet trophy...

Sy even made friends with a Nordic warrior (and got to keep the axe!)

This is our friend and neighbor, Mr. Moses, making light work of the "Tarantula Traverse."

Smiles all day!

Our family just wants to thank all the people at Monster Challenges for allowing us to be a part of such a great event. We would also like to thank all the folks at Roe Family Chiropractic (especially Renee) for helping us continue Sy on a path to total healing!

Thanks again everyone! Sy had such a blast.

A Visit From The First Lady...

...of health, that is!

We had a very special treat last week and we will forever be grateful. Charlotte Gerson and her family made a trip to Florida all the way from California. They took time out of their visit and schedule to come speak to a group of us who were eager to hear more about the rich history behind all of her father's work. It was so amazing to see this passionate 91 year-old speak so eloquently. This lady is sharp as a tack and has so much knowledge! We can all learn something from her vibrant lifestyle.

It was also so amazing to watch as Sy and Charlotte shared some special time together. One year ago, our family was just embarking on world of the Gerson Therapy and we were so desperate for a change in his health. As you can read in past posts, we have watched as Sy's body has made miraculous changes for the better!

So, this is just a short post to say thank you to Charlotte, the Gerson Institute, and all those who desire to see complete and total health in our community.

We are also excited to watch as God now begins to touch the other lives around us who desperately are in need. We will get there together! This has been the only way our family could be where we are today. We hope to spread the blessing as far as we can!