First things first... I will post about her reaction in the coming days, but she says THANK YOU!
Also, know that you may still submit a letter via comments or email (motherletter@gmail.com). Although the deadline has passed for receiving a copy of the original MLP, I would still love to present your letter to Amber.
A FORUM
Now that many of you have received your copies of the letters, I am opening up this post as a forum for your comments--not to me, but to the other mothers. Did another letter touch your heart? Did another mother speak a timely word for you?
The pages are numbered. Give a reference and discuss!
Enjoy, and...
Merry Christmas, 2009?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A PLUG FOR WEARETHATFAMILY
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family created it and donated the "difference" to a small African village. I collected a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. You may still submit a letter via email HERE, or COMMENT HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for more details.
A SITE WORTH READING
Today, I am directing you to a post from a story-sharer. Perhaps my initial draw to this post was the fact that it hits so close to home-the similarities THATfamily and OURfamily are uncanny. Perhaps it was because she was unafraid to be transparent. Perhaps I was drawn to it because I suspect many mothers and fathers are harboring dishonor and lies. In the end, isn't freedom better than the alternative?
I love the stories people share. Even those that require some reading between the lines.
Please visit weareTHATfamily. Drop her a line.
A SITE WORTH READING
Today, I am directing you to a post from a story-sharer. Perhaps my initial draw to this post was the fact that it hits so close to home-the similarities THATfamily and OURfamily are uncanny. Perhaps it was because she was unafraid to be transparent. Perhaps I was drawn to it because I suspect many mothers and fathers are harboring dishonor and lies. In the end, isn't freedom better than the alternative?
I love the stories people share. Even those that require some reading between the lines.
Please visit weareTHATfamily. Drop her a line.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
a gleaning
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT. By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family created it and donated the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I collected a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. You may still submit a letter via email HERE, or COMMENT HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
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Another thank you is in such order here, friends. This is Amber, the Mama who is married to the Daddy of The Mother Letters. We do call him "Daddy" around here, even though his email and twitter name is "Mother."
Another thank you is in such order here, friends. This is Amber, the Mama who is married to the Daddy of The Mother Letters. We do call him "Daddy" around here, even though his email and twitter name is "Mother." I've been gleaning and gleaning in these letters. Have you? I can't stop thinking about the blessing they'll be even years from now as we enter new stages and take on different perspectives.
It's been slow-going. I haven't read very many of them because I can only be touched so deeply in one day. I'm telling you, I think my heart might turn inside-out sometimes.
How would you feel if I shared a bit of what is really getting me about these letters as I read them - if I share with you what I'm gleaning? I want to talk about them as I read, and since you wrote them, I was wondering if we could talk.
Here are only a few segments I've loved from the first two sections (I have read more than that, by the way). I've had to go back again and again for them:
"When I smell your chocolate chip cookies, I smile and take a deep breath in and smell the goodness of being home" - Anita S, p. 3
"Strip yourself of what you want them to be and look deeply into what God has made them, who they dream of being. [...] Enjoy every opportunity where little hands seek yours and find contentment there. Revel in the snuggles after dark that provide the chance to hear the softly spoken thoughts from the bottoms of their souls. Breathe them in deeply. [...] The handprints of our children will be captured on our hearts forever and will shape our hearts into a work of art that only a child can create." - Kari Clark, p. 8
"When I was a little girl, my mother would tuck me into bed and in a low hum, sing sweet melodies to ease me to sleep. [...] I wanted to curl up inside her vibrations; her warm tones covered me like a blanket. Her voice was pure love and I was safe and secure. Once I was sleepy, she would quietly exit my room and go next door to my sister's room. I would roll toward the side of the bed, press my ear against the wall, and listen [...]" - Leah, p. 32
"Slow down." - Ann Kroeker, p. 36
"I've been afraid, and fear creates perfectionism, and perfectionism kills grace, and gracelessness kills everything. Death is not a place where the love that grew a child belongs." - Angela, p. 46
"So a mother kneels. So a mother gets up and works and prays, prays and works. Because the prayers we weave into the matching of socks, the stirring of oatmeal, the reading of stories, they survive fire." - Ann Voskamp, p. 41
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Whoa! Isn't it so much to think about? Has anything in The Mother Letters really grabbed you, encouraged you, or humbled you? Please share.
Thank you for confirming Motherhood as a real, tender, uneasy grace. It makes me want to reverse time a little, catch the sand with my hands and shove it back into the glass.
Relishing more,
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Brief Intermission
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT. By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family created it and donated the "difference" to a small African village. To that end, I collected a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. You may still submit a letter via email HERE, or COMMENT HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.
Mothers, I am taking a brief intermission from this project. As you can imagine, this project was quite a difficult endeavor. So, I am breathing a bit now days. Will I be back soon to discuss ideas for '09? You bet. Follow me on Twitter under the screen name motherletter. Or click in the side bar to follow me. I'll let you know when I'm running posts again.
And keep submitting your letters via comment or email. Amber and I will still read them.
See you soon.
Mothers, I am taking a brief intermission from this project. As you can imagine, this project was quite a difficult endeavor. So, I am breathing a bit now days. Will I be back soon to discuss ideas for '09? You bet. Follow me on Twitter under the screen name motherletter. Or click in the side bar to follow me. I'll let you know when I'm running posts again.
And keep submitting your letters via comment or email. Amber and I will still read them.
See you soon.
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Post For a Friend-NEW UPDATE REQUEST
By now you know the story, see the FAQs for more explanation.
A POST FOR A FRIEND
We know these people. They are the kind of people I want to be when I grow up. And right now, they are engaged in a battle for their son's life. A blogger summed up his struggle almost 2 weeks ago. She said:
Monday morning, I received an email regarding young Robbie Shackelford. His struggle has become much worse. He is enduring full body spasms and the medication is not working. The doctors are at a loss for answers. The parents, Ken and Tanja, are struggling through sleepless nights in prayer for their son. Will you join them today?
Please use the comment section below to tell the Shackelford's that you are praying for them (after all, this is a blog devoted to parents). In fact, if you would like to write a short prayer for Robbie, use the comments below. I will see that they are delivered. Moreover, if you do not have a post ready for today, please feel free to cut and copy this post. This is not about recognition, it's about reconciliation. Please do some small part today.
A POST FOR A FRIEND
We know these people. They are the kind of people I want to be when I grow up. And right now, they are engaged in a battle for their son's life. A blogger summed up his struggle almost 2 weeks ago. She said:
As we spend our day today at the hospital with our nurse friends and family, we will be thinking about our young friend from church Robbie Shackelford and his family. He is here in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and has been diagnosed with Encelphalitis. Here’s the latest report we have on him. “Robbie still has a lot of pain from his neurologically induced cramps and spasms which are now going up into his hips and back as well has his legs and feet. He has thrush in his mouth which is annoying him. His mind is as sharp as ever. He has built one Bionicle and is in the middle of his legos when his pain secedes long enough. Sometimes, he lacks the strength to snap some of them and gets a little impatient with his dad’s slowness in figuring out what to put where.... Please join us in lifting Robbie up, praying for healing for his body, wisdom for his caregivers, and peace and comfort for his family during this Christmas away from home.
Monday morning, I received an email regarding young Robbie Shackelford. His struggle has become much worse. He is enduring full body spasms and the medication is not working. The doctors are at a loss for answers. The parents, Ken and Tanja, are struggling through sleepless nights in prayer for their son. Will you join them today?
Please use the comment section below to tell the Shackelford's that you are praying for them (after all, this is a blog devoted to parents). In fact, if you would like to write a short prayer for Robbie, use the comments below. I will see that they are delivered. Moreover, if you do not have a post ready for today, please feel free to cut and copy this post. This is not about recognition, it's about reconciliation. Please do some small part today.
See the update below, and keep praying.
NEW UPDATED PRAYER REQUEST (to read previous update, click here)
In an email today, Robbie's father said it was a "relatively decent day" and that Robbie was able to sleep through most of the night. However, Robbie has had a full day of muscle spasms that have caused him severe discomfort. Ken reports that the Robbie's attitude is amazing and he is trying to be a blessing to all, even in the worst of his pain.
Although there has been some progress, please pray for Robbie on Wednesday. He is having surgery to put a food tube in place. Robbie will be under general anesthesia for the surgery. In an email, Ken stated that "the next day or two will be tough... so we ask for your prayers for strength."
Please continue offering your prayers and thoughts for this family.
Friday, January 9, 2009
THE LITTLE VILLAGE THAT DOES
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family created it and donated the "difference" to a small African village. I collected a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. You may still submit a letter via email HERE, or COMMENT HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for more details.
DONATE NOW!
I had hoped to have online donation available for the little African village on Christmas morning. Alas, it did not happen. But now, they're good to go! Please go the Kujilana website and check out their recent post. Then donate a buck or two (if the Spirit so moves). If you want tax credit for the donation, contact the blog writers and ask where you can send your donation. If you just want to give a buck or two, regardless of tax implications, donate through Paypal on the site. If you donate a little "difference" let us know in the comments. You may do it anonymously, and you don't have to say how much you gave.
I would really love some help here, ladies (or gents). After all, it was Christmas!
DONATE NOW!
I had hoped to have online donation available for the little African village on Christmas morning. Alas, it did not happen. But now, they're good to go! Please go the Kujilana website and check out their recent post. Then donate a buck or two (if the Spirit so moves). If you want tax credit for the donation, contact the blog writers and ask where you can send your donation. If you just want to give a buck or two, regardless of tax implications, donate through Paypal on the site. If you donate a little "difference" let us know in the comments. You may do it anonymously, and you don't have to say how much you gave.
I would really love some help here, ladies (or gents). After all, it was Christmas!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
WHAT DID AMBER GIVE?
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family created it and donated the "difference" to a small African village. I collected a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife's Christmas present. You may still submit a letter via email HERE, or COMMENT HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for more details.
UPDATE
"DEAR SETH, WHAT DID AMBER GIVE YOU FOR CHRISTMAS?"
That, my friends, is the single most asked question of MLP readers. Directly following said question, many of you have asked me to explain the parameters for "creating Christmas." In others words, if you want to attempt the task this year, how much are you allowed to spend?
I hope to answer those questions in a single post. Bear with me.
Explaining Amber's gift to me will, I hope, clarify the later question. Amber gave me a book titled, What I want to do With You in 2009: a Year-Long to do List For Seth And Amber. The to-do list, normally a dreaded foe of husbands from here to the most remote reaches of Tristan da Cunha, has taken on new meaning. Each to-do item Amber listed coincides with some deeply rooted passion of mine. Some of the to-do items are as follows: January-start memorizing scripture from the New English Bible and journal the verses; March-get a sitter and go for a long Arkansas drive, looking for photo opportunities; June-fly fishing together; September-plant a fall garden together; November-accept a cooking challenge from one another; December-be working hard to bring our Abri (the Ethiopian child we hope to adopt) home.
I could not ask for a better gift! By her gift, she intentioned to make 2009 our year; she has purposed to engage in my love language. What a gift!
You will recognize that several of the items will require us to spend a bit of money. After all, gas for a multi-mile drive is not free. However, she came well within our parameters. First, she did not spend font-end money on my Christmas presents. In addition, if you added up the coming "to do list" expenditures, she still spent considerably less on this gift than in the previous years. And what of the money she would have blown on the once-a-year-buzzing-sparkly-totally-forgettable gadget purchase? It's going to Mozambique.
So, what did Amber give me? She gave me intentionality in our marriage-a gift that will reap benefits for us and our children. She also gave the Yao another row to hoe and another seed to sow. That is a great Christmas, if you ask me. And you did.
This coming year, think about how you can spend less money (or none) and give more intentionally. Give more relationally. Isn't that what Christmas is about?
Start thinking now. After all, is it ever too early to consider Advent?
I covet your thoughts on this one.
UPDATE
"DEAR SETH, WHAT DID AMBER GIVE YOU FOR CHRISTMAS?"
That, my friends, is the single most asked question of MLP readers. Directly following said question, many of you have asked me to explain the parameters for "creating Christmas." In others words, if you want to attempt the task this year, how much are you allowed to spend?
I hope to answer those questions in a single post. Bear with me.
Explaining Amber's gift to me will, I hope, clarify the later question. Amber gave me a book titled, What I want to do With You in 2009: a Year-Long to do List For Seth And Amber. The to-do list, normally a dreaded foe of husbands from here to the most remote reaches of Tristan da Cunha, has taken on new meaning. Each to-do item Amber listed coincides with some deeply rooted passion of mine. Some of the to-do items are as follows: January-start memorizing scripture from the New English Bible and journal the verses; March-get a sitter and go for a long Arkansas drive, looking for photo opportunities; June-fly fishing together; September-plant a fall garden together; November-accept a cooking challenge from one another; December-be working hard to bring our Abri (the Ethiopian child we hope to adopt) home.
I could not ask for a better gift! By her gift, she intentioned to make 2009 our year; she has purposed to engage in my love language. What a gift!
You will recognize that several of the items will require us to spend a bit of money. After all, gas for a multi-mile drive is not free. However, she came well within our parameters. First, she did not spend font-end money on my Christmas presents. In addition, if you added up the coming "to do list" expenditures, she still spent considerably less on this gift than in the previous years. And what of the money she would have blown on the once-a-year-buzzing-sparkly-totally-forgettable gadget purchase? It's going to Mozambique.
So, what did Amber give me? She gave me intentionality in our marriage-a gift that will reap benefits for us and our children. She also gave the Yao another row to hoe and another seed to sow. That is a great Christmas, if you ask me. And you did.
This coming year, think about how you can spend less money (or none) and give more intentionally. Give more relationally. Isn't that what Christmas is about?
Start thinking now. After all, is it ever too early to consider Advent?
I covet your thoughts on this one.
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