Winter is upon us in Missouri my friends. Today is terribly cold and the beautiful white snow that fell last week has turned to brown slush.
I have to admit I love a good snow day. Kids turn their pj's inside out and put spoons behind their pillow waiting to see if school will be called off. And I love hearing the cheers when they find out that they can stay up late and sleep in tomorrow.
Do you remember that as a child? Do you remember how it felt to not have school, and waking up to the promises of having an entire day of NOTHING to do? I still enjoy it as an adult. Although being the planner that I am, I usually have a craft ready and waiting for a snow day, hot chocolate bought and usually a chore that I want to get done (that I have been putting off) on my snow day.
This past week was interesting. One snow day turned into two, and then four and finally five. I saw moms go from pleasant cheerful women who enjoyed having a snow day, to updating their Facebook statuses to things like "I can't take it anymore", "The kids WILL have school tomorrow", "My kids don't enjoy each other".
By the way, I'm not judging you if you did say that, think that or yell that. I want to pose a question to you...10 or 15 years from now won't you wish you would have had more time with them? Yes, I know they get on your nerves, they get on each others nerves, they fight, and they eat ALL the food but isn't that what they are supposed to do? They ARE children.
Having extra snow days wasn't great on our schedule either but I just tried to relish in the fact that I had them home for a few more days. Next month I will have a teenager in the house, a blossoming 11 year old young woman and Delaney Grace who turned 8 years old today. My baby...8 years old..my oldest a teenager. How can that be because I am so eh hem young?
The minute I had Emmitt Jeff and I started counting backwards. We have 18 years (give or take) to help him be the person God has created him to be. 18 years to make childhood memories that will last him his entire life, 18 years to go on vacations and yes even 18 years of winter with a few snow days thrown in there. The years go down as they get older and I know nothing happens when they turn 18 other than they are older, but with each passing year we cut the strings a little, let them go a little and watch them grow a little.
Forgive me, I may be sounding a little sentimental but today marks a milestone for our family. With Delaney turning 8 we no longer have a child in a booster seat/car seat. Ya'll we have had that for the last 13 years. I'm not sad about it, however it marks a new season in the Hasty family. We now have older children. They usually are more happy when they are home to be in their own rooms doing their thing, not watching Disney movies with mom and pop.
In around 10 years they will be grown, off to college and dare I say possibly married? Then it will be Jeff and I staring at each other no longer counting backwards. And I can't help but think we will question did we do enough? Were they happy enough? Did we teach them enough? I'm sure there will be regrets but hopefully, just maybe we were able to cherish each year, each snow day, each birthday, each laughter, each smile, each tear, and each milestone. For too quickly they will be gone.
Much love to you all and Happy Birthday to my sweet charismatic Delaney.
Marsha
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
TBH?
"Carleigh, what are you doing?", "I'm sorry momma, she keeps texting me wanting me to do TBH."
I guess that the thing right now. Kids leave a TBH (To Be Honest) to their friends. What I have found though is that it's usually a child that needs to know what others think about them. This particular girl for instance has a very low self esteem and is constantly need attention, and asking "Do I look pretty?"
Oh for the days that I actually worried what other people thought about me. Do you think that comes with age? Do we eventually get old enough to not really care what others think about us? I mean I care a little, but TBH (ha) I don't think I really WANT to know.
Why? Not because I think I have it all together. But because I really care what those closest to me think. My desire is that those who know me the best respect me the most. (A line from the book I'm reading called The Circle Maker).
One of life's biggest goals for me is that everything I do be to the best of my ability. In my marriage, parenting, being a friend, when doing ministry, in school, as a sister, family member, daughter, etc. Sometimes I have to put blinders on and not look to the left or right to see how other people are doing things. I have to be secure with myself. I have to come to place with God where we say "God, I can't do anything without you, and I'm asking you to help me today." That's when I'm secure. That's when I feel loved. That's when I feel validated. Knowing that as long as God and I have things in order, everything else is easy peasy.
So I encourage you today....don't look to the right or left. Look up for your security.
O Lord, You have looked through me and have known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You understand my thoughts from far away. You look over my path and my lying down. You know all my ways very well. Even before I speak a word, O Lord, You know it all. You have closed me in from behind and in front. And You have laid Your hand upon me. All You know is too great for me. It is too much for me to understand. Psalm 139:1-6
If the creator of the entire universe knows your every movement and cares about you, why worry what others think. Keep on seeking him today.
TBH...I think you all are fabulous for taking time out of your day to read my blog. I know I'm very random with it, but I really want to post things that God puts on my heart. I'm not that interesting ya'll! Have a great day!
Marsha
I guess that the thing right now. Kids leave a TBH (To Be Honest) to their friends. What I have found though is that it's usually a child that needs to know what others think about them. This particular girl for instance has a very low self esteem and is constantly need attention, and asking "Do I look pretty?"
Oh for the days that I actually worried what other people thought about me. Do you think that comes with age? Do we eventually get old enough to not really care what others think about us? I mean I care a little, but TBH (ha) I don't think I really WANT to know.
Why? Not because I think I have it all together. But because I really care what those closest to me think. My desire is that those who know me the best respect me the most. (A line from the book I'm reading called The Circle Maker).
One of life's biggest goals for me is that everything I do be to the best of my ability. In my marriage, parenting, being a friend, when doing ministry, in school, as a sister, family member, daughter, etc. Sometimes I have to put blinders on and not look to the left or right to see how other people are doing things. I have to be secure with myself. I have to come to place with God where we say "God, I can't do anything without you, and I'm asking you to help me today." That's when I'm secure. That's when I feel loved. That's when I feel validated. Knowing that as long as God and I have things in order, everything else is easy peasy.
So I encourage you today....don't look to the right or left. Look up for your security.
O Lord, You have looked through me and have known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You understand my thoughts from far away. You look over my path and my lying down. You know all my ways very well. Even before I speak a word, O Lord, You know it all. You have closed me in from behind and in front. And You have laid Your hand upon me. All You know is too great for me. It is too much for me to understand. Psalm 139:1-6
If the creator of the entire universe knows your every movement and cares about you, why worry what others think. Keep on seeking him today.
TBH...I think you all are fabulous for taking time out of your day to read my blog. I know I'm very random with it, but I really want to post things that God puts on my heart. I'm not that interesting ya'll! Have a great day!
Marsha
Friday, November 22, 2013
A Not So Fun Subject
I've been MIA from the blog for a few months. I apologize. If I'm honest I would say that I don't find myself interesting enough to blog a lot. Or I could say that I've been so busy (which I have) but honestly the first reason is the main reason.
My heart breaks this morning as I learned that the family member of a friend I've known for years now found out that they miscarried a baby. It brings to surface where I was at a few years back and those feelings aren't fun.
Last Sunday Jeff and I did a Cardboard Testimony at our church. If you've never seen on there are several on Youtube. We represented how God turned Loss and Grief into Hope and Peace. To say I cried a little is an understatement. I cried so much my head hurt for the rest of they day. As much as we love to get up and talk about how we have HOPE in Jesus that we will see our babies again one day, it never takes away the fact that we would just rather have them here with us to watch them grow. We have had huge loss three times. Each time we never thought we would make it through, but we did.
As time goes on we find more and more opportunities to help others that are experiencing the same kind of loss. A loss that's hard for a person to talk about, taboo at times, but oh so real. You see when a couple finds out they are pregnant they immediately start having hopes and dreams for that baby. And when they find out that baby has passed away all of their hope and dreams pass away right along with the baby.
Just because you cannot see the baby inside of them doesn't mean that they loved them any less than if they carried a baby to full term. (Read that again, that's powerful).
I was reminded on Monday of a friend who's son went to be with Jesus 7 years ago. You would never know the hurt she was experiencing that day, the process she was going through. She was just wonderful, sweet, encouraging Barbara that day.
To the one just experiencing the grief process and hurt from losing a precious child, I'm SO sorry. I wish we never have to experience things like this. Do whatever you need to to heal. You get a hall pass on this, take as much time as you need. You will make it! I promise. If I can so can you.
To the one who has a loved one who has experienced the loss of a baby or child can I give you some advice? Please be patient with them. Their hurt and loss is real, even if you never saw the baby yourself. Love on them, try not to tell them what to be thankful for (trust me, they don't want to hear it) and just be there for them. Nothing you say really makes it better anyway. It's something they have to go through.
I apologize for the not so fun subject. As I leave you today my heart is thankful that even though I too have experienced holding my sweet babies and then letting them go, that I can be used by God to help others.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember all that you have to be thankful for!
Much love,
Marsha
My heart breaks this morning as I learned that the family member of a friend I've known for years now found out that they miscarried a baby. It brings to surface where I was at a few years back and those feelings aren't fun.
Last Sunday Jeff and I did a Cardboard Testimony at our church. If you've never seen on there are several on Youtube. We represented how God turned Loss and Grief into Hope and Peace. To say I cried a little is an understatement. I cried so much my head hurt for the rest of they day. As much as we love to get up and talk about how we have HOPE in Jesus that we will see our babies again one day, it never takes away the fact that we would just rather have them here with us to watch them grow. We have had huge loss three times. Each time we never thought we would make it through, but we did.
As time goes on we find more and more opportunities to help others that are experiencing the same kind of loss. A loss that's hard for a person to talk about, taboo at times, but oh so real. You see when a couple finds out they are pregnant they immediately start having hopes and dreams for that baby. And when they find out that baby has passed away all of their hope and dreams pass away right along with the baby.
Just because you cannot see the baby inside of them doesn't mean that they loved them any less than if they carried a baby to full term. (Read that again, that's powerful).
I was reminded on Monday of a friend who's son went to be with Jesus 7 years ago. You would never know the hurt she was experiencing that day, the process she was going through. She was just wonderful, sweet, encouraging Barbara that day.
To the one just experiencing the grief process and hurt from losing a precious child, I'm SO sorry. I wish we never have to experience things like this. Do whatever you need to to heal. You get a hall pass on this, take as much time as you need. You will make it! I promise. If I can so can you.
To the one who has a loved one who has experienced the loss of a baby or child can I give you some advice? Please be patient with them. Their hurt and loss is real, even if you never saw the baby yourself. Love on them, try not to tell them what to be thankful for (trust me, they don't want to hear it) and just be there for them. Nothing you say really makes it better anyway. It's something they have to go through.
I apologize for the not so fun subject. As I leave you today my heart is thankful that even though I too have experienced holding my sweet babies and then letting them go, that I can be used by God to help others.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember all that you have to be thankful for!
Much love,
Marsha
Sunday, September 22, 2013
The Evolution Of A Mom
Do you make lists? To do list, goals, honey do's, work to complete, New Years Resolutions?
I used to think my Nana was crazy when I was little because she had notes everywhere, in bread boxes, in her purse, on her kitchen table. Now that I'm a little older I completely understand why. My memory isn't what it used to be.
With yet another birthday quickly approaching (blah), I started making a list in my head of what has happened between my 36th and almost 37th year of life. It was pretty astounding. I have changed a lot in the last year. One can never know what will happen from one year to the next, however this year had expectational turns and twists.
My youngest turned 7, my middle child 10 and my oldest 12. We celebrated my PawPaw's 87th birthday, and a milestone birthday of 40 for my husband. We also spent another year celebrating the birth of our angel babies, Mia and Elijah with great sadness and great joy.
In November our newest family member arrived, Buddy the Elf. I spent many nights from Thanksgiving until Christmas trying to make Buddy more funny and more clever than the night before. It was great fun and oh so much pressure.
Christmas was pretty much a blur however we tried to slow down as much a possible and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
There were snow storms (too many to count), rainy days, happy days, busy days, work days, sad days, birthday parties, family celebrations, and many more fun days that I have probably already forgotten about.
There was a milestone for our family in May when Jeff graduated from his most favorite school, Mizzou. It was a family event as we all had to sacrifice time with dad in order for him to reach his goals and dreams. Although he undoubtedly did all of the work. Our oldest graduated from 6th grade as well which wasn't nearly as big of deal for him than it was for his mom and dad.
May also brought about another change as we said goodbye to my PawPaw after two years of being ill. He was the sweetest grandpa to me and I am forever changed the day he went to be with Jesus. I miss him more than I ever thought he could and just yesterday was brought to tears remembering him. I have feelings of joy because I was SO BLESSED to have him as long as I did, and I know I will meet him again one day. I learned that I could stand up and talk at his funeral and make him proud. Me being the emotional person that I am never thought that day would come. But I did it. And I'm not so certain that I could have done that just a year before.
There was mounds of laundry, tons of laughs, endless days of cleaning, tears, prayers, and thankfully more exercise than the year before.
This year I have watched my dad's health decline. He was diagnosed with Neuropathy in his feet and legs. Which has caused him to lose over 40 pounds and be in excruciating pain a times. More than he can bare and more than I or our family could stand to watch. He went from being independent and working to now not being able to work and needing a cane, or walker at times. Talking about learning to lean on Jesus.....well that is what my entire family is doing concerning his health at the moment.
I learned a few more things in the last year as well. Like I really really like Edamame and Hummus. I have always said that I don't like sweets, however the older I get the more I'm finding that something sweet after a meal is wonderful every now and again. (However, I still don't eat adult sized portions of sweets).
I became someone that speaks her mind. ME. I can't even believe it myself. I'm usually the person that likes to sweep things under the rug and act like conflict doesn't exist. I learned that it's okay if I don't agree with someone and my opinion is valid. Am I rude about it? No. I disagree agreeably. Chances are after all I'm never going to change a persons mind anyway.
I learned to say NO. Not normally a big deal for most, however I am a "YES" person you see. I don't like to let people down so I would usually just say yes to everything. But I learn to prioritize what's important and what isn't important in this season of my life.
Just recently I sat with my very sick sister in the hospital for almost a week and realized how much I didn't ever want to be without her. I was more scared to lose her than I have ever been in my life. Not fun in the least bit, but yet part of life.
I also learned that it's alright for mom to have dreams and goals of her own. That it may mean sacrifice for a time for our family but if it betters our family it is worth every sacrifice.
I was also reminded this year that no matter how much I think I have things under control I have to realize that God is the author of my life. End of story.
Everything that I mentioned may not seem like such a big deal for you, but for me it's HUGE. Growth. Evolution.
I'm not writing this to brag on myself and act like I have everything figured out because I am far from that. Growth is a beautiful albeit painful thing. I am letting you know because if I can evolve YOU can to.
I may start 37 with a few more grey hairs and wrinkles, but I wouldn't change what I learned this year for anything!
Have a wonderful week friends. Embrace the evolution.
Much Love,
Marsha
I used to think my Nana was crazy when I was little because she had notes everywhere, in bread boxes, in her purse, on her kitchen table. Now that I'm a little older I completely understand why. My memory isn't what it used to be.
With yet another birthday quickly approaching (blah), I started making a list in my head of what has happened between my 36th and almost 37th year of life. It was pretty astounding. I have changed a lot in the last year. One can never know what will happen from one year to the next, however this year had expectational turns and twists.
My youngest turned 7, my middle child 10 and my oldest 12. We celebrated my PawPaw's 87th birthday, and a milestone birthday of 40 for my husband. We also spent another year celebrating the birth of our angel babies, Mia and Elijah with great sadness and great joy.
In November our newest family member arrived, Buddy the Elf. I spent many nights from Thanksgiving until Christmas trying to make Buddy more funny and more clever than the night before. It was great fun and oh so much pressure.
Christmas was pretty much a blur however we tried to slow down as much a possible and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
There were snow storms (too many to count), rainy days, happy days, busy days, work days, sad days, birthday parties, family celebrations, and many more fun days that I have probably already forgotten about.
There was a milestone for our family in May when Jeff graduated from his most favorite school, Mizzou. It was a family event as we all had to sacrifice time with dad in order for him to reach his goals and dreams. Although he undoubtedly did all of the work. Our oldest graduated from 6th grade as well which wasn't nearly as big of deal for him than it was for his mom and dad.
May also brought about another change as we said goodbye to my PawPaw after two years of being ill. He was the sweetest grandpa to me and I am forever changed the day he went to be with Jesus. I miss him more than I ever thought he could and just yesterday was brought to tears remembering him. I have feelings of joy because I was SO BLESSED to have him as long as I did, and I know I will meet him again one day. I learned that I could stand up and talk at his funeral and make him proud. Me being the emotional person that I am never thought that day would come. But I did it. And I'm not so certain that I could have done that just a year before.
There was mounds of laundry, tons of laughs, endless days of cleaning, tears, prayers, and thankfully more exercise than the year before.
This year I have watched my dad's health decline. He was diagnosed with Neuropathy in his feet and legs. Which has caused him to lose over 40 pounds and be in excruciating pain a times. More than he can bare and more than I or our family could stand to watch. He went from being independent and working to now not being able to work and needing a cane, or walker at times. Talking about learning to lean on Jesus.....well that is what my entire family is doing concerning his health at the moment.
I learned a few more things in the last year as well. Like I really really like Edamame and Hummus. I have always said that I don't like sweets, however the older I get the more I'm finding that something sweet after a meal is wonderful every now and again. (However, I still don't eat adult sized portions of sweets).
I became someone that speaks her mind. ME. I can't even believe it myself. I'm usually the person that likes to sweep things under the rug and act like conflict doesn't exist. I learned that it's okay if I don't agree with someone and my opinion is valid. Am I rude about it? No. I disagree agreeably. Chances are after all I'm never going to change a persons mind anyway.
I learned to say NO. Not normally a big deal for most, however I am a "YES" person you see. I don't like to let people down so I would usually just say yes to everything. But I learn to prioritize what's important and what isn't important in this season of my life.
Just recently I sat with my very sick sister in the hospital for almost a week and realized how much I didn't ever want to be without her. I was more scared to lose her than I have ever been in my life. Not fun in the least bit, but yet part of life.
I also learned that it's alright for mom to have dreams and goals of her own. That it may mean sacrifice for a time for our family but if it betters our family it is worth every sacrifice.
I was also reminded this year that no matter how much I think I have things under control I have to realize that God is the author of my life. End of story.
Everything that I mentioned may not seem like such a big deal for you, but for me it's HUGE. Growth. Evolution.
I'm not writing this to brag on myself and act like I have everything figured out because I am far from that. Growth is a beautiful albeit painful thing. I am letting you know because if I can evolve YOU can to.
I may start 37 with a few more grey hairs and wrinkles, but I wouldn't change what I learned this year for anything!
Have a wonderful week friends. Embrace the evolution.
Much Love,
Marsha
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
When I grow up?
When I was little I wanted to be a Teacher, a Beautician, a Veterinarian or a Marine Biologist.
As I became older and started thinking about college I decided that I didn't want to be a beautician because I didn't want to work nights and Saturdays. I didn't want to be a veterinarian because I would never want to put an animal down. I couldn't be a marine biologist because there are no oceans in Missouri where my family was.
In 1994 at the age of 17, a senior in High School I started college. I was going to become a teacher. I made it through several classes with flying colors. Until I had to take a math class in which I had to teach math (my least favorite subject) to elementary children. Ummmmm, what? I struggled with math, how in the world was I going to teach a first grader math? Fear and doubt crept in. I felt dumb and like I totally missed the mark on becoming a teacher.
So I changed majors, graduated with a Business Management/Computer degree. (Which ironically I had to take numerous accounting and math classes to earn this degree).
Guess what my jobs where after I graduated? A bank, a mortgage company, and a large church in which I helped in the accounting department. I used math all day every day. The very thing that detoured me from becoming a teacher.
I always felt in my heart that I still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grow up.
Until Emmitt Michael Hasty graced us with his presence in 2001. One look at his sweet chubby face and I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grow up.....a mommy and wife. That was my calling. I didn't have one ounce of doubt or fear. I was going to be the best mommy possible to him. I was going to be with him for every step, every first tooth, every first word and every just plain ordinary day I could.
Can I tell you something about my God? My God made a way for me to be home full time with Emmitt, Carleigh and Delaney for 11 years. Over a decade. I didn't miss a thing and have NO regrets.
But something happened, they grew up. Last year we put them in public school after two years of homeschooling and several years of being in a Christian school. They were gone all day, and I was by myself in a quiet and clean house. It was a healing process for me because had I not lost Jordan, Mia or Elijah I would have still had children at home. I had to come to terms with the fact that I have to move on now. (As I type with tears streaming).
I have done a lot of soul searching. I have learned that I really do not have control over much (I'm such a control freak). My life is in God's hands and I must seek his will for my life, even when it hurts deeper than I ever thought it could.
With much anticipation, anxiety, and encouragement from my husband I started back to college last night. To pursue a dream. To not be average. To do things that matter. I'm considering becoming a teacher again and this time I will not listen to lies that I'm not smart enough. If I continue down this path I will become a teacher at almost 40 years old.(3 years from now). 20+ years after I set out to become one. However, this time around I will be able to pour out the knowledge and love that I have learned from being a stay at home mom all those years. But I still don't feel grown yet?
I want to encourage you today. Do not listen to self-doubt, lies and haters. Go for your dreams. You are guaranteed to miss 100% of the chances you don't take!
As I became older and started thinking about college I decided that I didn't want to be a beautician because I didn't want to work nights and Saturdays. I didn't want to be a veterinarian because I would never want to put an animal down. I couldn't be a marine biologist because there are no oceans in Missouri where my family was.
In 1994 at the age of 17, a senior in High School I started college. I was going to become a teacher. I made it through several classes with flying colors. Until I had to take a math class in which I had to teach math (my least favorite subject) to elementary children. Ummmmm, what? I struggled with math, how in the world was I going to teach a first grader math? Fear and doubt crept in. I felt dumb and like I totally missed the mark on becoming a teacher.
So I changed majors, graduated with a Business Management/Computer degree. (Which ironically I had to take numerous accounting and math classes to earn this degree).
Guess what my jobs where after I graduated? A bank, a mortgage company, and a large church in which I helped in the accounting department. I used math all day every day. The very thing that detoured me from becoming a teacher.
I always felt in my heart that I still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grow up.
Until Emmitt Michael Hasty graced us with his presence in 2001. One look at his sweet chubby face and I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grow up.....a mommy and wife. That was my calling. I didn't have one ounce of doubt or fear. I was going to be the best mommy possible to him. I was going to be with him for every step, every first tooth, every first word and every just plain ordinary day I could.
Can I tell you something about my God? My God made a way for me to be home full time with Emmitt, Carleigh and Delaney for 11 years. Over a decade. I didn't miss a thing and have NO regrets.
But something happened, they grew up. Last year we put them in public school after two years of homeschooling and several years of being in a Christian school. They were gone all day, and I was by myself in a quiet and clean house. It was a healing process for me because had I not lost Jordan, Mia or Elijah I would have still had children at home. I had to come to terms with the fact that I have to move on now. (As I type with tears streaming).
I have done a lot of soul searching. I have learned that I really do not have control over much (I'm such a control freak). My life is in God's hands and I must seek his will for my life, even when it hurts deeper than I ever thought it could.
With much anticipation, anxiety, and encouragement from my husband I started back to college last night. To pursue a dream. To not be average. To do things that matter. I'm considering becoming a teacher again and this time I will not listen to lies that I'm not smart enough. If I continue down this path I will become a teacher at almost 40 years old.(3 years from now). 20+ years after I set out to become one. However, this time around I will be able to pour out the knowledge and love that I have learned from being a stay at home mom all those years. But I still don't feel grown yet?
I want to encourage you today. Do not listen to self-doubt, lies and haters. Go for your dreams. You are guaranteed to miss 100% of the chances you don't take!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
He's kind of a big deal!
I have been on a journey as of late. A good but painful journey. You all may remember from past posts that change is very hard for me. But thankfully as I get older it gets a little easier. (I'm totally lying in hopes that one day it will).
Summer of 2013 has brought several changes for our little family. Up until two weeks ago my oldest (Emmitt) starting middle school was not a big deal.
I will always remember standing in line with my 12 year old (who is almost taller than me) at Pleasant Lea Middle School signing him up for 7th grade. I thought several things.....Wasn't he just starting kindergarten? ....Man I feel OLD!.....Why do all of these 7th grade girls look like 16 year olds?
That day it dawned on me, my little boy is approaching adolescene. At the very door step of it in fact.
Yet another change for all of us. As hard as it is on his momma, I welcome it. Emmitt's First Grade teacher, Mrs. Casey (we love you) taught me to enjoy every season in his life. Not to look at him getting older as a bad thing, but to enjoy the opportunities that will come his way and watching him grow into the man that God has created him to be. We get a front row seat. (How lucky are we?)
I'm not going to lie and say that there hasn't been tears shed this week. There has been a lot of them. But not with sadness like I used to feel in these situations. With a feeling of an old season passing and a new season for us quickly approaching. Ready or not, hear it comes.
So many times as a parent we have to say little goodbyes to our children's childhood. Like when they start school or spend the night at a friends house and you realize they don't need you as much as you thought. How about when they go off to camp and don't even miss you? Yes, all parts of growing up but not just for the child, for the parents as well.
But thankfully with the faith that Jeff and I share, and the trust that we have in Jesus Christ, we know that they are in good hands. They are just on loan to us as parents. It's all God's anyway isn't it?
The word TRUST comes to mind. We have to TRUST the process. We have to TRUST God's word. We have to TRUST that we have raised Emmitt well and that he will make good choices when we are not in his ear telling them what to do.
Hebrews 10:23 says: Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be Trusted to keep his promise.
Did you get that? Maybe you have been let down by others lately. (I know I have). Maybe you have lost your trust in others. I want you to understand that God can be TRUSTed with his promises. He doesn't waiver. We have hope.
We can TRUST him even when it comes to our children (which sometimes we feel like belong to us more than Him). We can trust him with our life. I can TRUST Him with Emmitt's life.
Since I have your attention can I take a minute to tell you about my boy? He's extremely smart and his vocabulary is outstanding. (He gets that from his father). Just yesterday we took him to an aquarium and his sentence started with "Mom, did you know that in greek mythology the seahorse is named Hippocampus which means crooked horse.?" He retains much of what he reads which amazes me every time. (Again, gets that from his dad). He reads on average a novel a week if not more. He's usually pretty quiet and reserved. He's been known to be loud with is friends but only on a special occasion. He doesn't mind giving hugs or saying he loves us. At the age of one he was taking things apart so he could figure out how they worked and how they go back together. He's had one girlfriend (by girlfriend I mean they texted each other) in which he declared "Girls are a lot of work, they always want to talk about their feelings." I told him it only go worse. He's kind of a big deal. (I'm his mom, let me brag).
So tomorrow morning I will send him on his way...TRUSTing that he will be okay. I cannot guarantee that I will not shed more tears, but I can guarantee that I will TRUST God no matter how I feel.
Love you Emmitt Michael Hasty!
Summer of 2013 has brought several changes for our little family. Up until two weeks ago my oldest (Emmitt) starting middle school was not a big deal.
I will always remember standing in line with my 12 year old (who is almost taller than me) at Pleasant Lea Middle School signing him up for 7th grade. I thought several things.....Wasn't he just starting kindergarten? ....Man I feel OLD!.....Why do all of these 7th grade girls look like 16 year olds?
That day it dawned on me, my little boy is approaching adolescene. At the very door step of it in fact.
Yet another change for all of us. As hard as it is on his momma, I welcome it. Emmitt's First Grade teacher, Mrs. Casey (we love you) taught me to enjoy every season in his life. Not to look at him getting older as a bad thing, but to enjoy the opportunities that will come his way and watching him grow into the man that God has created him to be. We get a front row seat. (How lucky are we?)
I'm not going to lie and say that there hasn't been tears shed this week. There has been a lot of them. But not with sadness like I used to feel in these situations. With a feeling of an old season passing and a new season for us quickly approaching. Ready or not, hear it comes.
So many times as a parent we have to say little goodbyes to our children's childhood. Like when they start school or spend the night at a friends house and you realize they don't need you as much as you thought. How about when they go off to camp and don't even miss you? Yes, all parts of growing up but not just for the child, for the parents as well.
But thankfully with the faith that Jeff and I share, and the trust that we have in Jesus Christ, we know that they are in good hands. They are just on loan to us as parents. It's all God's anyway isn't it?
The word TRUST comes to mind. We have to TRUST the process. We have to TRUST God's word. We have to TRUST that we have raised Emmitt well and that he will make good choices when we are not in his ear telling them what to do.
Hebrews 10:23 says: Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be Trusted to keep his promise.
Did you get that? Maybe you have been let down by others lately. (I know I have). Maybe you have lost your trust in others. I want you to understand that God can be TRUSTed with his promises. He doesn't waiver. We have hope.
We can TRUST him even when it comes to our children (which sometimes we feel like belong to us more than Him). We can trust him with our life. I can TRUST Him with Emmitt's life.
Since I have your attention can I take a minute to tell you about my boy? He's extremely smart and his vocabulary is outstanding. (He gets that from his father). Just yesterday we took him to an aquarium and his sentence started with "Mom, did you know that in greek mythology the seahorse is named Hippocampus which means crooked horse.?" He retains much of what he reads which amazes me every time. (Again, gets that from his dad). He reads on average a novel a week if not more. He's usually pretty quiet and reserved. He's been known to be loud with is friends but only on a special occasion. He doesn't mind giving hugs or saying he loves us. At the age of one he was taking things apart so he could figure out how they worked and how they go back together. He's had one girlfriend (by girlfriend I mean they texted each other) in which he declared "Girls are a lot of work, they always want to talk about their feelings." I told him it only go worse. He's kind of a big deal. (I'm his mom, let me brag).
So tomorrow morning I will send him on his way...TRUSTing that he will be okay. I cannot guarantee that I will not shed more tears, but I can guarantee that I will TRUST God no matter how I feel.
Love you Emmitt Michael Hasty!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Until Death Do Us Part.
The Hasty household has been a buzz with playdates, sleepovers, camps, Vacation Bible Schools, pool time, and family time. It's been a fun whirlwind of a summer and we are loving every minute of it.
About this time every year I get a little sappy. Why you ask? In July the love of my life has a birthday and we also celebrate our wedding anniversary.
I don't really know why we planned it this way (young and in love) but in July of 1997 Jeff turned 24, he graduated from Radiology School and we were married within a few weeks of each other. We were so ready to be married we didn't care about the crazy time of year that it was for us. I was 20 years old, working for an attorney (Jeff's fabulous cousin Jackie), and a full time student.
Thinking back to those times 16 years ago brings warm fuzzy feelings to my heart. We had a lot to learn about life, each other, and being adults, but it was the BEST time together. We loved spending our first Thanksgiving and Christmas as man and wife, decorating out house together, cooking for him when he got off of work and just hanging out watching TV together (that was life before kids ;).
I knew he was a great guy then, but as we have grown older together my feelings of love and infatuation for him turned more to love and endearment and feeling like he is a part of me I never want to be without. The best part of me is him.
I think that in the past 16 years of being together my definition of love has changed.When you are young you might think showing love is getting a nice gift for your significant other. Or maybe telling them you love them a gazillion times per day. You try to make everything perfect for them so they think everything is perfect.
- Putting my (and our children's) needs before his.
- Cleaning the house for me so I can have a break.
- Holding me in life's darkest hours and telling me we are going to make it.
- Telling me the truth even though he knows it's going to hurt me but doing it in love.
- Driving an old car instead of having the nice truck that he's always wanted so I could stay home full time and raise our young children.
- Seeing me with a few extra pounds after being pregnant and never once making me feel like I was anything less than a beauty queen.
- Feeling his hand on me in the middle of the night knowing that he is praying for me.
- Speaking well of me to others even though he has many reasons to say otherwise.
- Letting me scream, cry and be depressed when I was mad at God for letting my babies die and reminding me to trust God instead.
We have been through better and much worse, great sickness and health, and times of plenty and times of want.
I'm not nieve enough to think that we will not have more hardships. I'm smart enough to know that we can make it through those hardships together, putting God first always.
Jeff,
Thank you for showing me unconditional love and support, mercy, grace when I didn't deserve it, and for making me laugh for the past 20 years. You are my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. I'm so blessed to have you to share this life with. You know me better than I know myself. Thank you for 16 wonderful years as my husband. I look forward to 50+ more. Until death do us part.......
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to let me talk about my husband. I promise next time to not be so sappy.
Have a great day my friends.
Marsha
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