…because everyone needs to behold the cutest three month old ever…
“Every day with Jesus…”
OK, in my inaugural post, I promised that I would not use this as a personal diary, but for the next few minutes, it will become a soapbox…
We all know that Stay At Home Moms do nothing but sit around, watch soaps, and eat bon bons (right, Jana? hehehe)… So yesterday, I was watching Dr. Phil (because, of course, there are no soaps on at 3:00 p.m.–HA!). I will admit that I was suckered into watching Dr. Phil initially because I naively assumed that he is an evangelical Christian since his wife’s book is sold in Christian bookstores. Honestly, I don’t know what he truly believes, but today’s show just rubbed me the wrong way…
If you are a living, breathing American, you have likely heard of and read Mitch Albom’s book Tuesdays with Morrie, which according to Dr. Phil is the best selling memoire of all time. During my senior year in college, many of my friends were ranting and raving about this book and how it changed their lives, and I really enjoy reading a good book, so I bought it and read it. Once I’d read this book, I realized that many of my dearest friends (believers and non-believers alike) had found such hope and promise in this book. I thought that something was wrong with me and that perhaps I was void of emotions or a HEART because the book left me, needless to say, unchanged. If you haven’t read the book, here is a brief synopsis…(I pulled this from a book review website because I was afraid that if I wrote my own summary, it might be tainted with hints of sarcasm and doubt…)
“A true story of the meaning of life put into 192 pages might seem unimaginable, but Mitch Albom does it all. Telling his story about a teacher who changed his life by showing him the true reasons we were put here, and the things we should cherish. Albom starts as an average journalist to find that his favorite college professor is dying. He travels many miles and meets with his old teacher every Tuesday, and Morrie, his old professor teaches him new things about life, and what we should really look for. Mitch realizes how much better his life is with all the help from Morrie, and becomes a better person. Its a heart warming, book that gives us all a lesson in the end.”
Each chapter is a different Tuesday that Albom meets with Morrie and covers various aspects of life (religion, family, money, death, regrets, etc…). Here are some random quotes from the book to give you an idea of Morrie’s “profound” wisdom about life…
- Do I wither up and disappear, or do i make the best of my time left?
- Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too – even when you’re in the dark. Even when you’re falling.
- Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?
- Don’t let go too soon, but don’t hang on too long. (Could someone please help me understand that one?)
Yesterday on the Dr. Phil show he invited different couples with various significant struggles that I can completely understand and identify with to come on the show, tell their stories, and then Mitch Albom would offer advice about “What Would Morrie Say?” I kept checking Mitch and Dr. Phil’s wrists for bracelets with the acronym WWMS? Literally, after every couple shared their concerns, Dr. Phil would turn to Albom and say, “Mitch, what would Morrie have to say about this?” Then, Albom would share some anecdotal story about something Morrie said pertaining to their situations. My favorite one was when Albom said that Morrie had told him to pretend that there was a little birdie (seriously, this is verbatim what he said…) on his shoulder and to pretend that the birdie is asking him if he is ready for today to be the day that he dies. If he is ready to die, then he is living his life right, and if he is not ready to die, then he needs to make some changes. Isn’t it dove season? I think my husband may have hit my little birdie, and we had him for dinner last night.
I can understand how these ideas may sound profound to someone who doesn’t know the Author of Life and the Perfecter of Truth. The cover of the book praises it as the book that changed millions of people’s lives. Don’t get me wrong…I don’t think that Jesus would disagree with some of the things that Morrie said. But I kept waiting for this epiphany experience that would change my life while I was reading “the greatest memoire of all time.” I suppose I never had that experience while reading this book because the moment that changed my life happened 17 1/2 years ago when I chose to spend every day, not just Tuesdays, with Jesus Christ. He is the Author and Perfecter of the greatest experience that is my abundant life. While I was watching this Dr. Phil episode and listening to Albom describe how anxiously he would wait for the next Tuesday when he would get to go spend time with Morrie again, the words of a traditional and applicable hymn kept playing through my mind:
“Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Every day with Jesus I love Him more and more. Jesus saves and keeps me, and He’s the one I’m living for. Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.”
How about this for something profound and life-changing? Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
The greatest “memoire” of all time is a book that describes the life of a sinless man who came to seek and to save that which was lost. He died a death that He did not deserve to die so that I could live a life that I don’t deserve to live. The greatest “memoire” of all time is about a man who didn’t die from ALS but died because of my sin. Most significantly though, the greatest “memoire” of all time is about a man who cannot be conquered by disease or death because He was victorious over the grave and now lives in me, my family, my friends, and so many others whose lives have truly been changed.
Thank you for reading this dissertation. I hope that I still have friends now. 🙂 I’ve got to go because Dr. Phil is about to come on and I need to go restock my bowl of bon bons…
Three Months Old October 11, 2007
My Sweet Grace,
I cannot believe that you are three months old today! That’s a quarter of a year! It seems like just yesterday that I was going back and forth to the doctor hoping that we were dilated and ready to have you, and yet you were a slowpoke and needed some extra help coming to meet us!
You have changed so much during this short time. You smile and squeal and are not afraid to express your emotions! I love when you play on your playmat and kick the jungle animals because you get so excited that you shriek in a tone that only dogs (and mommy) can hear. Even though it frustrates me, I think it’s kinda cute how you try to wiggle out of your new diaper when I’m changing you. You have outgrown your bassinett, but Mommy still isn’t quite ready to put you upstairs yet. Your smile lights up a room and lights up my heart. I love how you squirm and fuss in your bed in the morning until I turn on the lamp and you see my face and then everything is better.
You are getting so big. I can’t believe I’m saying that because I have worried so much and lost so much sleep over your weight gain and spitting up, but your new medicines seem to be doing the trick. I don’t mind doing all of the laundry that accompanies your having reflux. I am so glad that we didn’t have to give up nursing because there is nothing more rewarding and intimate than that time with you.
You have taught me how to love more selflessly. Your mommy and daddy love you immeasurably. Your arrival has even taught your mommy and daddy to love each other more.
I am so excited to be your mommy and watch you roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, eat table food, and do many other wonderful things this first year. I can’t wait for us to practice saying “mama” while daddy is at work. 😉 Eagerly though, I wait for the day when you choose to fall in love with Jesus and make Him your Savior.
Your tiny body has brought so much joy and hope into your mommy’s life. Thank you for offering me the greatest job I’ve ever held…staying home with you to love you and watch you grow and change.
I love you, Mommy
My Prince October 2, 2007
The Game of Tag about your MAN
1. Who is your man? James Stephen Wilcox
2. How long have you been together? We met and fell in love two years ago and were married almost 15 months ago.
3. How long did you date? We dated for 6 months and were engaged for 6 months–I don’t recommend much longer than that!
4. How old is your man? 25 (I’m almost four months older-hehehe)
5. Who eats more? Err…this is a no-brainer. He does; however, I put up a good fight while I was pregnant.
6. Who said “I love you” first? He did-in Holly Benner’s parent’s driveway a few days before their wedding. We had only been dating a few weeks, but when you know, you know.
7. Who is taller? He is a few inches taller than me, but for some reason, I’m always trying to tell him that I’m taller than he is, especially whenever I wear heels.
8. Who sings better? Uh, me, but don’t let him fool you-he can sing!
9. Who is smarter? Hmmm…in math, life, finances, practical information about life-he is. grammatically, I am.
10. Whose temper is worse? OMGosh! Mine! He was in the corps…he’s pretty stoic! Fortunately for me, he’s also very forgiving!
11. Who does the laundry? That would be me, but he is very good about helping me fold it. He would probably do it if I let him, but I’m worried about my clothes shrinking.
12. Who takes out the garbage? That would be Stephen.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does. If you’re laying in the bed, he’s on the right, and I’m on the left.
14. Who pays the bills? Stephen does. He’s very organized and on top of that kind of stuff (please refer to #9).
15. Who is better with the computer? He is, definitely. I’m probably better at wasting time on them though.
16. Who mows the lawn? That would be Stephen. I don’t even know how to start our lawnmower. I told him I would help if he got a riding mower, but I don’t think that our small yards warrant that kind of investment.
17. Who cooks dinner? ME! 🙂 And I love it! However, sometimes he grills or makes little pizzas, his specialty, You know, the ones with the English muffin, marinara sauce, and cheese? Those are pretty good in a pinch.
18. Who drives when you are together? Him…I’m worried he’ll critique my driving skills, or lack thereof.
19. Who pays when you go out? Him.
20. Who is most stubborn? Me, I’m always the last to compromise when we have to make a decision. (I’m also the last to admit when I’m wrong–how does he put up with me??)
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Ooops–see above. I answered that before I saw this question. How ironic…
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine because we live a lot closer to them and go to the same church
23. Who kissed who first? Well, he definitely initiated the kiss, but I reciprocated!
24. Who asked who out? He asked me to be his date to a wedding…we know it’s not your typical first date. But we were set up by friends and kinda by his grandma.
25. Who proposed? He proposed to me on my 24th birthday!
26. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me, but he has definitely become a softy since Grace was born.
27. Who has more friends? He would probably say me, but he has all of his Corps friends who would do ANYTHING for each other. They’re like the brothers he never had.
28. Who has more siblings? He has two little sisters, and I have one.
29. Who wears the pants in the family? He does…I’m learning that it’s always better if I don’t challenge his authority because God has given him discernment and wisdom about what is best for our family. He looks really good in his new Old Navy jeans too (but I bought them for him)!
Things That Benefit My Mental Health
(These are in no particular order…)
1. being a stay-at-home mom to the Gracer. When I first decided to stay at home, I thought that I would be bored and feel purposeless and like I was wasting my days. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! I know that I have no greater purpose right now because this is what God has called me to do for this time in my life and obedience towards Him is the greatest purpose of all.
2. seeing the smile that takes up Grace’s entire face when I go in to pick her up after she wakes up in the morning or after a nap. I know that she knows me and recognizes me and that in her sweet, pure, almost three-month-old way, she loves me the only way she knows how.
3. listening to the new sounds that Grace makes every day. She squeals with excitement, grunts with frustration, and laughs at random times.
4. watching and listening to my hubby interact with his baby girl. I especially enjoy listening while she is serenaded by the tunes of Johnny Cash and George Strait.
5. knowing that my husband’s greatest priority is to do what is best for his family regardless of the cost.
6. experiencing Stephen’s love for me and our family. I have never experienced unconditional love other than through Christ, but I think that the love that Stephen extends to me comes pretty darn close!! He loves me in spite of my literal and figurative pimples, wart, stretch marks, scars, etc.
7. watching how much joy Grace brings to my Nan’s life. When my Pop died in March, I felt such a huge void in my life, but I know that it was nothing compared to how my grandmother felt. It was my prayer that Grace would be able to add, not replace, a new joy in Nan’s life that would make her smile and enjoy life again.
8. Pepperoni’s Buffalo Chicken Speciality Pizza–although this does not benefit my physical health, thanks to our dear friends Omar and Vicki, this wonderfully delicious and tasty pizza often gives me an excuse not to cook. Oh yeah, but it’s not quite the same when the delivery boy forgets the ranch dressing for dipping purposes, and we don’t typically keep ranch in our fridge.
9. watching Grace “sing” with her daddy while he plays the guitar for her. I came home from Bible study to this site last night (not the first time, though), and Grace was cooing and squealing while Stephen played and sang for her on the guitar. She LOVES music, probably because Stephen played the guitar for her a lot while she was in my belly. I hope she grows to love it as much as her mommy and daddy do.
10. my friends at church. I love spending time with our friends from church, especially when it involves eating. I love how they love Grace and have accepted her as part of our church family. I appreciate how our friends are a few steps ahead of us in life and can offer us priceless advice and encouragement as we are still, in my opinion, newlyweds and new parents.
11. restoration…
12. HEB!!! Can I please get an “AMEN” from any of you who get to shop at the HEB on the Grand Parkway and South Fry Road on a regular basis? I love the samples (and no, I don’t count them on my CR for First Place), the people (they’re so friendly), and the endless assortment of choices of food. It takes me about an hour to fulfill a shopping list with only 5 items on it. I think Stephen gets more nervous about me going to the grocery stores than he does about me going to the mall.
13. HOLIDAYS! My favorite times of the year is the time between Halloween and New Years Eve. I am super-excited to experience Thanksgiving and Christmas this year with my sweet baby girl. Guess what this means everybody?? Yes, there will be two Christmas trees in the Wilcox household this year! Praise the Lord! How can Stephen argue with the precious face of his sweet daughter? And more importantly, how can he argue with the 50% off sales on Christmas ornaments at Hobby Lobby?
14. car shopping–Let me preface this by saying that I am so happy that my husband (or his dog) were not injured in their accident on Friday afternoon), but I am kinda excited that this means that we will be able to look for a new car, specifically one that he can carry around Grace in too since she couldn’t ride in his S10.
This list is not all-conclusive, but at the present time, my daughter is squealing with excitement while we watch last night’s episode of “Dancing With the Stars,” and I’d rather play with her right now. I should probably take her over to watch it with her Nan (refer to #3 & 7).
Maybe I’ll add more to the list later…
Modest Mumblings of a Modern Mommy 