Friday, February 02, 2007

Of Broken Hearts and Broccoli


Hello, friends!

First, please let me humbly thank you all for your precious prayers on my behalf, as well as my family, and the families of those who have recently lost loved ones. I have felt a strengthening that is unususual for me in these situations, and I am confident that the ear of the Lord has been bent for me during this time. He listens, dear ones, and while He may not change our course, He most certainly carries us through, though the wind whips around us in a frenzy.

So, thank you, for reading, listening, and meeting with Him on my behalf. I treasure you.

Now, let's laugh, shall we?

Wonderfully enough, I have two funnies to share with you today!

Wednesday evening, as our ninety minute drive home turned into two and a half hours due to an accident on the freeway, and a time-consuming yet nutritionally necessary visit to Taco Bell, Kevin and I began to discuss which hymns we would like sung at our funerals. (I know, but it's where we are right now!) The boys were listening to "Adventures in Odyssey" in the back of the van, so we did not know they could hear us.

Kevin said, "It doesn't matter which hymns you want sung at your funeral because I'm going to go first, anyway."

"You are not!" I shot back.

Corban piped up from the back seat, "Maybe I should tell you my favorite hymns so you'll know what to sing at my funeral!"

I was quiet for a moment, then answered, "Cor, I REALLY don't want to think about that!"

He asked why, and I said, "I'm not strong enough - I don't think I could handle it."

"Mama?" Micah gently offered. "What about your veggies? They'll make you strong enough!"

If only, darling. If broccoli could prevent a broken heart, I would begin feasting on it right now. Fortunately for me, it can't. 'Cause broccoli is icky. (But don't tell my kids!)

And tonight, as I prepared dinner, I put the apron on Eliana that her daddy bought her before she could even sit up. It's a precious little denim and gingham design, and still big enough that I looped the neck-strap around her twice, and folded the waist up before I tied it. (Can I just say that my most favorite thing is the way the belt ties so that it makes her little dress puff out over her bottom as if she's wearing a bustle? And so she is - it's called a diaper!)

Anyway, Corban came in from outside, and when he saw her, he dropped to his knees in front of her, put his hands on her shoulders, and said, "Oh, my dear, how beautiful you look!"

Melt, melt, drip, drip.

Have a wonderful weekend!

21 fellow travelers shared:

Anonymous said...

Simply endearing.....

Anonymous said...

What sweet, dear children you have, Elise! And you describe them so beautifully to us! :)

I am so glad to hear that God was answering prayers and strengthening you! YAY!

Blessings to you,
~Stacy
www.homeschoolblogger.com/reformingmama

wendybirde said...

Hello Elise, I really love how you said "while He may not change our course, He most certainly carries us through". And I am so glad that He is carrying you through.

Your children sound absolutely precious : )

Blessed Week : ) Wendy

Beverly said...

Thank you for these "funnies." I can just imagine how yor children are gladdening your heart at this time. It makes me impatient for the day when Selena can talk. Still praying for you!

Christine said...

I love those stories! They give me a picture of your wonderful family. Jason insists he's going to go before me, too. His preference is to drive over a cliff on a harley before anyone puts him in a nursing home! :)

Anonymous said...

And I HAVE been praying for you, Elise. It is a privilege to do so.

You keep holding on, yes? He WILL carry you, He will pull you through - give your husband the strength that he needs.

(My dh has a funeral today, too. January is a hard, hard month it seems - not just this year, but many years.) But God is faithful, I've observed Him as such time and time and time again!
Love to you!

Randi said...

Corban falling to his knees in front of your little gal is heart-melting! What an awesome little man you are raising!

Wendy said...

So sweet! It sounds like they are helping lift you up, as He carries you through.

Beka said...

Oh, how precious!
What a blessing your sweet children are!

You're still in my prayers... may the Everlasting Arms continue to bear you up and be your refuge.

Kendra said...

Shame on you for not liking your broccoli! Have you tried it with lots of butter and cheese?
It sounds like your Corban is going to be a wonderful man someday, and I love that you little Eliana must feel so treasured by her big brother. It is such a lovely thing to watch how our children grow to adore each other.

rcsnickers said...

What a beautiful family you are leading and along the right path. May God continue to heal and strengthen you through this time.

Continue to pray for you!

Letisha

P.s. So what songs would you pick?

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

Okay, Letisha - you asked for it! :)

Love Divine
On Zion's Glorious Summit (written about in my archives)
The Lord's My Shepherd
Lord, We Come Before Thee Now (sung at our wedding!)

Voices lifted in worship, the focus being drawn to our Saviour - this is what I want that day to be like.

Andrea said...

Elise--
Sounds like your young man heard your husband say that a time or two....
Double blessed!

Hows your family doing?

Anna said...

When I was growing up I never saw my siblings as treasures....now I definitely do and I try to instill that in my children. Wonderful post.

bluemountainmama said...

what a wonderful post to begin the weekend with.....

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

(Tell Corban that my favorite hymns and order of service for my funeral is typed out and in the front pocket of my Bible cover ~weak smile~. I entirely understand. I want sheaves of wheat... 'unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground'... that we may each die to ourselves so the Kingdom may have an abundant harvest. Like you and yours are doing every day in your community, for hurting, mourning people. Keep pouring it out, Elise... the harvest will be full.)

All is grace,
Ann

Laura said...

I've had the "songs at my funeral" discussion too-my husband just thinks I'm strange whenever I bring it up.
Love the apron story-how sweet!

Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

I literally felt my heart fall on the floor in a huge puddle! How beautiful and sweet! You and your husband are definitely doing "something" right! =)

Melissa said...

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETNESS...

that is all there is to it - complete sweetness...

rcsnickers said...

"Voices lifted in worship, the focus being drawn to our Saviour - this is what I want that day to be like."

I totally agree! I have not been to very many funerals. But for my Dad's service we sang his favorite songs. Nothing like an over crowded roomat the funeral home and hearing "Oh Victory in Jesus" or "At Calvary" being sang loud and clear.

I have not heard of "Lord, We Come Before Thee Now" so I will have to have to go look it up and play it.

Thanks for sharing,
Letisha

Katherine@Raising Five said...

Oh, there is nothing quite as endearing as a genuine compliment from...a big brother! Kids in aprons are irresistible. Too sweet!

Add my prayers to all those heading your way.

And BTW, I want Great is Thy Faithfulness sung at my funeral.

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