Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Here I Raise My Ebenezer

No, I'm not talking about Ebenezer Scrooge.

I read somewhere that someone was picking a single word to be "their" word for the upcoming year. I love words; when I first read that, I thought, the prospect of picking one word for an entire year seemed impossible. I wondered, too, if at the end of the year, could that individual say they had chosen appropriately, and really "lived" that word? Well, this girl loves a challenge, so in the face of something that seems impossible, I am choosing one word for my upcoming year. My word for 2011? Ebenezer.

So what does Ebenezer have to do with anything? In the Bible (I Samuel 7:12), Samuel took a stone and named it, Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."  An Ebenezer, or "stone of help" is anything or anyone that is a reminder of God's presence, love and assistance.

Many of you have been Ebenezers to me over the past year. It's no secret that the whole twin thing was overwhelming to me (still is some days). I've done an abysmal job of keeping up with thank you cards. I'm sure more than one person failed to receive an official "thank you" from me. If you held me up in prayer, made my family a meal, came over to visit and/or hold a baby, encouraged me with words, offered opportunities for me to sleep, showered our babies with gifts, gave me the opportunity to shower, listened to me worry, helped me take the girls to the doctor, offered wisdom and guidance---you are an Ebenezer to me. Through each of those acts, whether I know you or not, you showed me the face of God.

This blog is my Ebenezer, a physical sign of God's presence, love and assistance to me, with the help of all of you, throughout this past year. When I think about it I am overwhelmed and (hand on chest) faklempt. Talk amongst yourselves--I'll give you a topic. Chickpea is neither a chick nor a pea--discuss.

Sorry, I was starting to cry, and needed to laugh. In all seriousness, I am so blessed--my cup runneth over. I pray that you each meet God with many Ebenezers in 2011.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a mom to 4 children. 2 singles and a set of twin boys born in 2002. It is such an exciting experience to watch all of them grow and learn. However, the multiple factor of having identical twins is an ever greater experience. Watching them bond and try to assert their own personalities. I love how they still hold hands to comfort each other and watch out for each other. They are their own best friends. Goodluck on your journey and enjoy the experience. It is truly a unique one.

Laura @ lauralou2@yahoo.com

Janette @ The Johanson Journey said...

Hey there Julia, Thanks for commenting on my blog. Amazing that you have 2 babes at the same time! I can't imagine but admire mom's who have twins or more! I like your word for the year. I had a word my husband said once that stuck to me like glue and now I can't stop saying it! I get annoyed with myself for it... and its such a silly word but so fitting for the many things in my life: RIDICULOUS.

I have no good reason for saying it like your word which has way more meaning... but anyway- love your blog!

Take care!

Amy said...

WOW! I am a mom of twins- born April 2010 and found your blog in looking for my "word of the year" I will be coming back often.

liz barber said...

I can relate! My first year with my boys was very emotional and overwhelming and Yes (like you) I still have days like that. I love how you are calling your blog an "Ebenezer" that's awesome. Blogs can be such great tools that God can use.
I hope God continues to pour out His strength,encouragement and love to you as a mom this new year and as His daughter.
Blessings to you!
-Liz

JuliaVP said...

Your comment on my blog today just about made me cry! Thanks for the encouragement!
Ebenezer has always been one of my favorite words! I would love to name a boy that, but the association with Scrooge may be a stumbling block there. What a wonderful word to pick for your year! May God bless you!

JulzVP said...

Your comment on my blog today just about made me cry! Thanks for the encouragement!
Ebenezer has always been one of my favorite words! I would love to name a boy that, but the association with Scrooge may be a stumbling block there. What a wonderful word to pick for your year! May God bless you!

Johanson Family said...

Hey there Julia, Thanks for commenting on my blog. Amazing that you have 2 babes at the same time! I can't imagine but admire mom's who have twins or more! I like your word for the year. I had a word my husband said once that stuck to me like glue and now I can't stop saying it! I get annoyed with myself for it... and its such a silly word but so fitting for the many things in my life: RIDICULOUS.

I have no good reason for saying it like your word which has way more meaning... but anyway- love your blog!

Take care!