I’m a girl who spent a large chunk of tonight re-soaking and re-washing pots that I’ve been ignoring for an embarrassing chunk of time.
I’m a girl who has a desk surrounded by 10 (I just counted) trucks/fire trucks/garbage trucks and police type vehicles. I’m a girl who has a pile of books on her desk and a note on her white board that says, “This year I will read more than I watch TV.”
I’m a girl whose daughter has a wretched diaper rash and so has felt like she has a puppy on the loose this weekend what with the naked toddler tushie and the resulting accidents all over the place.
I’m a girl who writes left over thoughts from the day late, late at night when the boys have been tucked into bed for the hundredth millionth time and who’s probably watched an episode of “Up All Night” or “Once Upon a Time” before she breaks open the keyboard.
I’m a girl who wishes she were better at putting a wardrobe together, loves her books like they were old friends and battles bout of homesickness from way down south.
I’m a girl who talks too much and is usually learning to be a better listener. I’m a girl who writes down everything she would otherwise say and sends it out into the dark way past her bedtime and sometimes wonders if there’s anyone listening or if it’s all just chasing after the wind.
I’m a girl who loves girlfriends more than most things.
So when you all – when you left me these messages? When you introduced yourselves and your stories and your hometowns? This girl? This girl felt like her love tank filled up, up, up all the way to overflowing!
I’m a girl who wishes she could have you all over for tea.
I’m a girl who feels like this weekend she got to look through this screen and just see so many of you and it was the most wonderful sight.
You all are so generous with your words and so lavish with your encouragement. You all are a joy and a delight and a chuckle and a comfort.
You all are so much the reason I sit at this old Ikea desk that we finally hammered back together after the 4th move and losing all the ridiculous parts – with my feet up and my laptop propped in front of me and my heart fuller than the boys’ bin of toy soldiers.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Doing life together – it’s what makes us part of the body no matter how many miles and seasons separate us.
As we say in Afrikaans – Baie Dankie. Pronounced – Buy a Donkey. And yes, I’m serious.
And I mean it.
And thank you!
~Lisa-Jo
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Hey Girl! I wasn’t on this weekend so I couldn’t engage in any delurking…but I’m here!
…And I drop by for many reasons. One might be that I also spend large chunks of time resoaking/rewashing dishes that have been sitting for periods of time that would horrify my mother. and most of my friends, ha! Another would be how I enjoy both your heart and your style :) And it doesn’t hurt that you tend to make me stop and think about a variety of things.
I’m praying for you on this very early Monday morning…
Would love to come over for tea sometimes! Maybe someday they will invent something you can beam yourself star-trek-like to wherever you are and won’t that be a glorious day :-)!
You are in no way chasing the wind, you are one of those people in Romans 10.15:
“Hoe wonderlik klink die voetstappe van dié wat die goeie boodskap bring.” Not wind. Wonderlik voetstappe.
OK, off to buy a donkey now… :-D
Oh hearing that verse in Afrikaans this morning? Made my day! Thank you Sandra!
Buy a donkey to you too, sweet girl. Love your blog :)
If you ever come to Spain, please come to my house for tea. I would love to meet you. Maybe God will allow our paths to cross someday and you can tell me more about South Africa. It’s on my long list of places I would like to explore. Baie Dankie. Muchicimas gracias :)
Spain? Oh my, sounds dreamy and yes!
I am SO all of those things too!!! Thank you for writing these things down! The details…the trucks, the books, the wanting to read more, the pots that have been sitting…I was JUST staring around my office this morning thinking, “really Lisa, how are you EVER going to accomplish anything when you can’t even clean up your office…” Healthy thought, right?!!!
It’s why we all so desperately need Jesus…
wonderful post…I’m going to share the link with my momma friends!!! and also add the link to the bottom of my blog post today…ties into my crazy thoughts exactly!!!
Isn’t it nice to know we aren’t alone – not by a long shot :)
so sweet, lisa jo. i was running a party on saturday so i didn’t get to come say hello…but you are a delight, my dear. so much fun to read and to get to know a little about. blessings to you!
so much of this made me laugh. i wrote a piece one time that described my living room at that precise moment. my kids were smaller then. it is hilarious, really. and i think i could actually write a book if i didn’t watch so much tv….as for de-lurking….i am a commenter. i remember the first time i ever commented ona blog, too! i love this blog world.
Your commets are always a delicious dose of encouragement!
And thank you for sharing your journey with us!
And you are a girl I will enjoy getting to know :) (from a fellow South African)
Hi Lisa-Jo!
I’m a fellow South African married to an American. We live in Centurion SA though. I honestly thought he was the only one saying “buy a donkey”. Got to tell you, once I saw the title of your post today, I just had to see if yours carried the same meaning (laughs)!!
Unlike your sincere “baie dankie”, his is normally said in jest!
Heh – my husband loves to throw it around too. And we’re from Pretoria so know Centurian well. Eat some biltong for me!
Hey Lisa-Jo! I totally missed de-lurking day. That’s so me, a day late and a dollar short. :) I wanted to tell you what an incredible blessing you are. I love that you always keep it real. You words make me feel like you’re an old friend. The kind of friend that steps over the toys in the floor, fixes her own cup of coffee, pushes aside the unfolded laundry piled on the couch, sits down and laughs as your kids pees on the floor for the ump-teenth time.
Comment that made me laugh the hardest award winner!! :) Love this! And yes, I aim to be that kind of friend, I sure do.
Baie Dankie… Buy a Donkey. Will never forget this!
You are a girl whose words always warm my heart. You are a girl I am delighted to have in my circle. You are a girl who is delightful! Thank you!
I was being “quiet” on that day (and besides I am always lurking here!), but I wanted to tell you again how much I love your heart and your words. You bless, encourage and make me smile really big. Love you Lisa-Jo!
You encourage me big, Linda. Thank you.
Hi Lisa-Jo,
I too was being relatively quiet this weekend and couldn’t de-lurk… But I wanted you to know that I come to you from PA, and I read you daily to find nourishment and encouragement for my young, just starting out, new wife heart, who so desperately wants to fit in to where God has me now. I am a lover of words and began sharing mine a couple years ago, with mostly responses/comments from my parents, my husband, and maybe a few close friends. And it is hard at times not to be discouraged, but when I come to your site, encouragement floods my way and I pray that I learn to be half as gracious and transparent as you choose to be. So thank you for being an example, for being a mentor, even though we have never met… And tea would be wonderful, if we ever had the opportunity ;).
Lynnea
Hey there Lynnea – my space started out just like that and want to know a secret? It’s still the comments from family and friends that have known me for years that mean the most and when my husband ever leaves a comment? Forgetaboutit Heart races and it’s the best of the best. Savor the responses from the people who know you the best – they’re worth their weight in gold -truly.
I adored this list.
Because so much of it was so familiar. :)
And I laughed out loud that the pronunciation! Brilliant!
Hi Lisa-Jo
Thank you for stringing words together although it’s way past your bedtime and then sharing it with us. Sometimes I wear them like a necklace – these beautiful real gems that change the way I look.
Sometimes they are a comforting quilt I wrap myself in. Here and there are patches that I recognise – the ache to see elephants silhouetted against the red, red sky; the hugs of family and friends. Other bits are fun and colourful and I smile as they lift my spirit, but all of it enfolds me like a hug of acceptance.
The words you write late at night are opened here first thing in the morning and more often than not shared with friends and family to become a group hug!
Baie dankie!
Magdel
Dat jy ‘n comment vir my los? Dis ‘n geskenk. Dankie, my vriendin. Ek waarduur jou.
What a blessing it is to get to stop by and read your words!
Oh how I remember those days. Cars and trucks galore. Diapers to change and rashes to bear. Cleaning up messes that are not mine, wishing someone would come from behind and do so. The dishes, oh heavens we won’t go there, some things never change. It is a wonderful blessing to see the chatter of encouraging words. Words spoken and one may never know how it touches ones heart. Girlfriends, friends all around, tis so sweet to be blessed by God’s people. Life is real, humorous at times, yet it can get us down. Lift thy head dear one, you are oh so precious. You are right where God has put you, caring for those precious in His sight. Bare bottoms and all the like, precious. Don’t worry so about the pots and pans that have piled so high, nor the mountain of “stuff” accumilated on thy desk. That poor desk has seen better days and yet it continues to serve it purpose….the childrens toys and papers you know not what to do with anymore. But this one thing I say, cherish, cherish these little ones, for tomorrow if the Lord chooses to tarry, they will be out the door and on their own, as it should be. Dishes, laundry, clutter, messes of many sorts will always be there, but thy child one day will no long be small, grown and indepentant, a mothers heart will tear and be full of joy all at once. How could this be? Love! The love you have given to them. The love Christ has revealed to you as you taught them. Enjoy! Keep doing what you are doing. You may want to throw yur hands in the air,then stop, run get yur child(ren) grab them roll on the floor and make noises as they push their cars over your body, for moms raised knees and belllies makes great mountians ya know. Then go and buy a donkey. Blessing to you! :)
Will be following this wise advice to the T! Thank you Candy.
I’m a girl who enjoys reading your heartfelt thoughts and like you, loves girlfriends! I wish I could share a cup of tea with you as well. And, well, as for that donkey? Sometimes I’m a girl who already feels like she lives in a zoo, what with three teens a tween, and a dog and cat, so…you’re welcome (and no thanks).
Bwahahaha – nice – the zoo indeed. Will always be thinking that now too when I say it next time :)
I love what you have written today, because it is so true for many of us, and you have said it so well! I’d love to come and have tea with you one day (long way from Australia). Wish we could just hit the “beam me up Scottie” button!
You are a girl whose words are heard!
As we say in the deep south, “Love Ya, Susta!
More! Ek het comment day ook gemis, jammer~
Ek is baie dankbaar vir jou. Baie dankie vir alles! xx
I am always amazed at how pertinent your posts are to what God is teaching me in the moment. It leaves me feeling like you are a sister and I am in awe of how that happens. So, thank you for your words, your faithfulness in writing, your love for Jesus, your sweet honesty, for being you!
I’m not really a lurker here anyway…
but yeah, missed the de-lurking party. My laptop rarely gets opened on weekends…too full up with hiking & ping-pong & Legos & sledding & bathtime & home made pizza…all that ‘mommy’ stuff!
Your blog is always such a joy & encouragement. Like a smiling, deep-breath, sigh of contentment.
Ahhhhhh….
(I’ve got a new email address, so will be canceling, & resubscribing with the new address!)
I just recently found your blog and I really enjoy it!!! I can relate to the desk full of my stuff and stuff children have placed or lost there I often find lego guys and cars on my desk too :)….love to hear your children have to be returned to bed a million times too….around here we laugh about ours being boomerangs…..its just a season a precious one!
ahhhh wish I knew you in person!! i’m sure we’d have lots of homesickness battles to share about :) i’m loving your country…even though its taken 2 1/2 years!!! ;)
We are awesome here in Sunny South Africa! Glad you’re liking it (Presuming you’re here).
Hey! Buy-a-donkey backatcha! Dis nou lekker om met u te gesels! My Afrikaans is horrendous!