A short note to my little sis

Dear Nissy -

I can't believe you are about to be a Mommy. I am about to go crazy because every time my phone rings now, I think it could be you or someone calling to tell me you are in labor. I know you want little Landon to hold off another week or so, but I just don't know how much longer I can take it. It seems just like yesterday that you sat across my dining table and announced you were pregnant. I will never forget that special moment and am so glad it worked where you could tell me in person. Then you guys found out you were having a boy and I got to see pictures and the video of my sweet little nephew. I have enjoyed watching Dylan and Jaydon talk about having a boy cousin. Dylan says there are no girls allowed in the cousins room in CO. And Jaydon is looking forward for Baby Landon to escape from the cave. I am sad that I haven't been closer to watch him grow and been able to go with you to register for your stuff or be at your baby showers, but I am thankful for Ichats and pictures and phone calls. I am sad that I won't be in the waiting room when he arrives and one of the first to hold him, but I will be there as soon as I can.

I just want you know that I think you are going to be a fantastic mom. It is going to be fun watching you and Blake begin the journey of parenthood. You are blessed to have God as the center of your little family and as long as He remains there everything will be good, not always fun or easy or even perfect, but it will be good. God has entrusted you with little Landon because He knows you guys need Landon and Landon needs you. Try to relax and enjoy the parenthood ride. It continuously has its ups and downs, and I am learning that it never stops, but it is also something you wouldn't trade for the world.

I'm looking forward to the phone call. I can't wait to board a plane headed for TX to meet Landon when he arrives. Thank you so much for making me an aunt!! I can't wait to jump into that role.

You are dearly loved and I am blessed to have you as my little sister. Can you believe the next time I see you - you will be a MOMMY!!! I am so thankful we will now get to share that Motherhood bond. Sweet times, sweet times.

I love you!!

Lynita

Have you ever felt...

STAGNANT

That has been the word of the day lately for me. I feel like my life is at a standstill. Actually, I am very busy right now. I am busy raising boys, keeping a household, organizing the logistics of life for the next few months. But, I feel like I am at a standstill. What is the deal?

What am I doing with my life? Am I using my time and efforts wisely? Am I available for God to use me? Do I feel God is using me? Why do I go day after day and feel absolutely no sense of reward or accomplishment?

Well this Sunday a children's choir from Uganda sang a couple of songs during the worship service. You know, I have heard better choirs, but it was just beautiful to see those kiddos singing about and to Jesus in their native tongue. Someone told those kids about Jesus. They sang with joy and feeling and smiles on their faces. It was very touching for me and I had to sit there and hold back my tears. Ridiculous I must say.

The choir finished up and and I remember telling the Lord - "I want to be used by You. I don't have to go to another country or do anything BIG on the spiritual spectrum. I will, if you want me to, but I really just want to be used to fulfill Your ultimate plan." About the time I finished those thoughts the worship leader asked us to stand to continue our worship and as I stood the world STAGNANT rang loud and clear in my head again.

Instantly the music began and the song "Living Rain" came back to haunt me. I began singing and as I listened to the words I was singing the tears began to flow. What the heck?? Control yourself Lynita. You and all your friends are sandwiched on this row like the old Youth Group days. FINALLY, the song ended. None to soon either.

I have been reading my Bible and praying and really trying to press in and seek after the Lord. But after all my efforts, I still feel like nothing is happening. Like, surely the Lord placed me on this earth for more that this. I've come to the realization that it is very much like running on a treadmill or a stationary bike. I get on the bike everyday. I work hard. I sweat. I hurt. I ride till I'm out of breath and my legs don't feel like they will move anymore. But, I don't go anywhere. After 30 minutes I'm still sitting in my living room. I do this though, so that when the time comes and I get on my trike and have the opportunity to ride I will be able to ride, to go the distance, achieve my goals without growing weary.

I will continue to pursue God even while I feel stagnant. Hopefully this is like a training period. Prayerfully, this is an opportunity for me to become strong in Him, get my armor on for what may come, wait before Him for the right opportunity. Be prepared and be ready so that when He does call upon me with my special mission, He will know He has the right woman for the job.

Dear God, Rain on me. Rain on my life. Thank you that you are the living rain, life changing rain. During this time of stagnation in my life, keep me focused on you. Prepare me to fulfill my destiny in You. Most of all - take as long as you need. I know you have plans for my life, but it is all in your perfect timing. Thanks God!!! Amen

Living Rain

We sang this song at church on Sunday. I love the words especially the chorus. I pray these words speak to you also and you will make them your prayer.

Living Rain

by Parachute Band

We Your people come

In desperate need to You we run

Called by Your great name

With humble hearts we seek Your ways

We believe in faith

Your promises will never break

Turn from wicked ways

To live as Christ for all our days

Oh God high up in heaven

Won't You heal our land

Chorus:

Living rain, fall again

Over my life over my land

Living rain wash my heart again

Open wide, heaven skies

Over my street oh Spirit reside

Living rain flood my life again

Come back, back to your first love

Back to your first love

Back to the Cross

Come back, back to your first love

Back to your first love

At the foot of the Cross

Its Great to be Eight!!!

Or at least we are about to find out!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY DYLAN!!!

Eight years ago today, I was supposed to be heading to my baby shower. Instead, my water broke early in the morning and off to the hospital we went. We arrived at about 9:30 am and at 10:25 am our little 5 lb. 5.6 oz baby boy was born. He was almost 3 weeks early, but perfect. Dylan Walker Aldrich entered the world and totally transformed us from Garth and Lynita to Dad and Mom. He made us parents and for that we are thankful. We love watching him grow and mature. He is all "BOY" and constantly on the move. He is loving and a pleaser. He is tenderhearted, but everything extreme. He loves me, but absolutely adores his dad. He is a

Daddy's boy 100%. God knew we needed him and he needed us. We wouldn't be complete without him. We are so blessed to call him our son.

Dylan age 4

We celebrated his birthday with a few buddies from school on Friday night. Dylan had a Star Wars party complete with pizza, cupcakes, a pinata, and glow sticks. He had a great time having his friends over and hanging out. Garth was a trooper and played football with the kids and at dusk took them out for the glow stick fun.

Today he gets to share some Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches with his class and then gets out a bit early for an exciting........ wait for it........ well-check appointment and flu shot. Yes, I rock as a mom. We're playing it up that he gets out of school early and then off for some ice cream or something special when we are done.

Random thoughts

I don't have anything to report today. Just letting you in on some random thoughts.....

1. I am reading my Bible - in case anyone was wondering. I try to read it daily and have probably missed about 5 days since I started. I am currently caught up with my daily reading. I find myself wanting to read the Bible now. I do have a problem though with wanting to remember the things that speak to me. I think I need a journal or something to collect those passages and then the disciple to note it.

2. The most recent verse that spoke to me was Proverbs 4:9. The chapter is talking about wisdom and how it is supreme and the benefits of it. Well, I long to live this life and deal with issues in a way that exemplify grace. I feel that most of the time, I just trudge through and hope for the best not always handling myself appropriately. So I read Prov. 4:9 and it says "She will set a garland of grace on your head, and present you with a crown of splendor." BAM!!! Hit me like a ton of bricks. By gaining wisdom through reading the living word of God, I receive my garland of grace!!! Bring it on! So I will continue to read, learn and grow.

3. Today, I'm thinking parenting isn't that great. Why don't I want to play with my 3 year old every minute of the day?? Or, help my 2nd grader with his homework when he wants to do anything but homework?? Why does "I want to paint mommy" from Jaydon really mean I want you to sit here and I will tell you how and what to paint? Could I please get just a little bit excited about planning a Star Wars 8 year old birthday party?? Seriously!!! Most of all, could someone please tell me how many more years I have to endure this wonderful brotherly bickering? GEEZZ!!!

4. I'm sad that we missed another year at the State Fair of Texas with the family. We'll be back one day Big Tex...

5. I miss my little pregnant sister. Landon is growing so much and I experience it through pictures and iChat. As Napoleon Dynomite's brother Kip said, "I love technology." We are just about one month away from our nephew's arrival. I can't wait to meet him.

6. I am in anticipation of what God is doing the the LAW family. I am not in the heat or front lines of any of it, but watching the puzzle pieces come together is so exciting. It is great to see the Lord working in my parents' lives. About the time you would think they would start slowing down a bit, God had something else in store. I anticipate lots of wonderful stories developing the the future.

7. Our little family is thinking about things and dealing with situations I never thought we would encounter. We are praying for perfect timing, direction, and protection.

8. I am loving this fall weather that finally arrived in Southern California.

9. Last but not least on the list of randomness - What is for dinner???